bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary footprints of cold adaptation in arctic-alpine Cochlearia (Brassicaceae) – evidence from freezing experiments and electrolyte leakage
Authors: Koch Marcus
Published: August 2022

As global warming progresses, plants may be forced to adapt to
drastically changing environmental conditions. Arctic-alpine plants have
been among the first to experience the effects of climate change, as
regions at high latitudes and elevations are over-proportionally
affected by rising temperatures. As a result, cold acclimation and
freezing tolerance may become increasingly crucial for the survival of
many plants as winter warming events and earlier snowmelt will cause
increased exposure to occasional frost. Studying the evolution of cold
adaptation allows us to make assumptions about the future responses of
different species to climate change. The tribe Cochlearieae from the
mustard family (Brassicaceae) offers an instructive system for studying
cold adaptation in evolutionary terms, as the two sister genera
Ionopsidium and Cochlearia are distributed among different ecological
habitats throughout the European continent and the far north into
circumarctic regions. By applying an electrolyte leakage assay to
leaves, the freezing tolerance of different Ionopsidium and Cochlearia
species was assessed by experimentally estimating lethal freezing
temperature values (LT50 and LT100), thereby allowing for a comparison
of different accessions in their responses to cold. We hypothesized
that, owing to varying selection pressures, geographically distant
species would differ in freezing tolerance. Despite Ionopsidium being
adapted to hot and dry Mediterranean conditions and Cochlearia species
preferring cold habitats, all accessions exhibited similar cold
responses. Whether this phenomenon has resulted from an evolutionary
adaptation of a common ancestor of the two taxa or has evolved from
parallel evolution is yet to be investigated. The results presented in
this study may, however, indicate that adaptations to different
stressors, such as salinity and drought, may confer an additional
tolerance to cold; this is because all these stressors induce osmotic
challenges, as demonstrated via metabolomic analysis.
Peaking hydropower and fish assemblages: an example from the Tallapoosa River, AL
Authors: Lamb Elijah B. , DeVries Dennis R. , Wright Russell A.
Published: August 2022

Dams alter many aspects of riverine environments and can have broad
effects on aquatic organisms and habitats both upstream and downstream.
While dams and the associated reservoirs can provide many services to
people (hydropower, recreation, flood control, navigation, etc.), they
can negatively affect riverine ecosystems. In particular, hydropeaking
dams affect downstream fish habitats by increasing variability in
discharge and temperature. To assess the effects of Harris Dam on the
Tallapoosa River, AL, operating under an adaptive management plan
implemented in 2005, we sampled fish for community and diet analyses
from four sites on the river: three in the regulated region downstream
of the dam, and one unregulated site upstream. Fish were collected every
other month using boat/barge electrofishing. We used Shannon’s H,
nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), a multiresponse permutation
procedure (MRPP), and indicator species analysis to quantify patterns in
fish assemblage structure and determine how assemblages varied among
sites. NMDS and MRPP indicated significant fish assemblage differences
among sites with the tailrace fish assemblage being distinct from the
other downstream sites, and sites becoming more similar to the upstream,
unregulated site (relative to fish assemblages) with distance downstream
of the tailrace. The tailrace fish assemblage included higher
proportions of rheophilic species that may be better suited for variable
and/or high flows. Altered fish assemblages demonstrated continued
effects of Harris Dam on the downstream aquatic systems, particularly
close to the dam. These effects may indicate further mitigation should
be considered depending on conservation and management goals.
Recent developments in the immunopathology of COVID-19
Authors: Gao Ya-dong , Zhang Huan-ping , Sun Yuan-li , Wang Yan-fen , Yazici Duygu , Azkur Dilek , Ogulur Ismail , AZKUR Ahmet Kursat , Yang Zhaowei , Chen Xiao-xue , Hu Jia-qian , Liu Guanghui , Akdis Mübeccel , Akdis Cezmi , Zhang Ai-zhi
Published: August 2022

There has been an important change in the clinical characteristics and
immune profile of COVID-19 patients during the pandemic thanks to the
extensive vaccination programs. Here, we highlight recent studies on
COVID-19, from the clinical and immunological characteristics to the
protective and risk factors for severity and mortality of COVID-19. The
efficacy COVID-19 vaccines and potential allergic reactions after
administration are also discussed. The occurrence of new variants of
concerns such as Omicron BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5 and the global
administration of COVID-19 vaccines have changed the clinical scenario
of COVID-19. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has
been identified as an important cause of death of children with
COVID-19. Perturbations in immunity of T cells, B cells, and mast cells,
as well as autoantibodies and metabolic reprogramming may contribute to
the long-term symptoms of COVID-19. Atopic diseases, such as allergic
asthma and rhinitis, have been shown to be associated with a lower
susceptibility and better outcomes of COVID-19. At the beginning of
pandemic, EAACI developed guidelines that provided timely information
for the management of allergic diseases and preventive measures to
reduce transmission in the allergic clinics. The global distribution of
COVID-19 vaccines and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants with reduced
pathogenic potential dramatically decreased the morbidity, severity, and
mortality of COVID-19. Nevertheless, breakthrough infection remains a
challenge for disease control. Hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) to
COVID-19 vaccines are low compared to other vaccines, and these were
addressed in EAACI statements that provided indications for the
management of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis to COVID-19
vaccines. We have gained a depth knowledge and experience in the over 2
years since the start of the pandemic, and yet a full eradication of
SARS-CoV-2 is not on the horizon. Novel strategies are warranted to
prevent severe disease in high-risk groups, the development of MIS-C and
long COVID.
Risk of COVID-19 transmission estimated from PM 2.5 and weather conditions
Authors: Sharma Gulshan , Upadhyay Era , Kulkarni Akshay , Sagalgile Archna
Published: August 2022

COVID-19 infection affects respiratory system; thus, air pollution and
meteorological factors also contribute majorly to its transmission. This
study is aiming to estimate and comprehend the linkages between
contribution of PM 2.5 concentrations and meteorological parameters to
spreading coronavirus infection in Gurugram, a badly affected city of
India due to COVID-19 pandemic. We employed some statistical analysis on
daily average data of PM 2.5 concentrations and meteorological
constraints with daily COVID-19 cases during March 2020-February 2022.
Time series analysis was conducted to optimize PM 2.5 concentrations
associated with COVID-19 cases. The Pearson correlation test was applied
to investigate the correlations between PM 2.5 concentrations,
meteorological parameters, and COVID-19 cases. The PCA was applied to
reveal the most significant factor attributable to affect the rate of
COVID-19 transmission in Gurugram. The highest cases of COVID-19
(25,7375) were observed in the month of February when PM 2.5
concentration was 286.6µg/m 3, 12.64˚C temperature, 73.81% RH and
68.265 km/h wind speed; while minimum cases (3125) were found in the
month of March with the 18.18µg/m3 PM 2.5 concentration, 10.62˚C
temperature, 50.05% RH, and 83.295km/h wind speed. The principal
component analysis revealed that the daily COVID-19 cases were
significantly positively correlated with PM 2.5 concentrations, RH, and
temperature. However, daily COVID-19 cases were negatively or poorly
correlated with wind speed. COVID-19 pandemic is prominently affected by
PM 2.5 while RH and temperature were found as important meteorological
factors significantly affect its human-to-human transmission. This study
may provide the useful indications to regulatory bodies to modify the
environmental health policies.
The influence of microinjection parameters on cell survival and procedure efficiency
Authors: Hajduk Joanna , Szajna Konrad , Lisowski Bartosz , Rajfur Zenon
Published: August 2022

Microinjection is a method commonly used to deliver various substances
into cells. The procedure is performed on a widefield microscope stage
using fine glass needle to penetrate the cell membrane. Microinjection
can be carried out using a manual or semi-automatic mode. For
commercially available equipment currently reported microinjection
success rate and cell viability are relatively low (around 50% for both
indicators). Here, for the first time, we systematically show how the
microinjection effectiveness and cell viability are influenced by needle
diameter and chosen microinjection mode. We found that manual mode
entailed a higher injection rate, reducing cell viability at the same
time. The reduction in needle diameter caused a significant increase in
cell survival rate and a slight decrease in success rate for both modes.
Our findings will help optimize this method in the context of cell
biology research.
Neutral and adaptive loci reveal fine-scale population structure in Eleginops maclovinus from North Patagonia
Authors: Canales-Aguirre Cristian , Larson Wes , McKinney Garrett , Claure C. Eliza , Rocha J. Dellis , Ceballos Santiago , Cadiz Maria , Yanez Jose , Gomez-Uchida Daniel
Published: August 2022

Patagonia is an understudied area, especially when it comes to
population genomic studies with relevance to fishery management.
However, the dynamic and heterogeneous landscape in this area can harbor
important but cryptic genetic population structure. Once such
information is revealed, it can be integrated into the management of
infrequently investigated species. Eleginops maclovinus is a
protandrous hermaphrodite species with economic importance for local
communities that is currently managed as a single genetic unit. In this
study, we sampled five locations distributed across a salinity cline
from Northern Patagonia to investigate the genetic population structure
of E. maclovinus. We use Restriction-site Associated DNA
(RAD) sequencing and outlier tests to obtain 11,712 neutral, 338
adaptive loci, and 78 loci associated to environmental variables. We
identified a spatial pattern of structuration with gene flow and spatial
selection by environmental association. Neutral and adaptive loci showed
two and three genetic groups, respectively. The effective population
sizes estimated ranged from 572 to 14,454 and were influenced more by
locality than salinity cline. We found loci putatively associated with
salinity suggesting that salinity may act as a selective driver in
E. maclovinus populations. These results suggest a complex
interaction between genetic drift, geneflow, and natural selection in
this area. Our findings suggest that at least two to three genetic units
exist in this area, and the information should be integrated into the
management of this species. We discuss the significance of these results
for fishery management and suggest future directions to improve our
understanding of how E. maclovinus is adapted to the
dynamic waters of Northern Patagonia.
Density fluctuation as a measure of the tipping point in Ising-type ecosystems
Authors: Ge Zhenpeng , Liu Quan-Xing
Published: August 2022

A tipping point is a critical transition point where a system is
impending to collapse under a slight disturbance. Based on sequential
time-series data, such transition can be captured by early warning
signals like critical slowing down. However, sequential time-series data
is limited for most macro-ecosystems, which brings the challenge for
practical application. Here we report that density fluctuation, a purely
spatial metric, robustly indicates the tipping point of Ising-type
ecosystems. Ricker model and an agroecosystem, both of which have been
proved to fall in Ising universality class, are used as prototypes to
illustrate how density fluctuation captures the tipping point from
instantaneous spatial configurations. The agroecosystem demonstrates
experimental evidence that the existence of an Ising-type tipping point
depends on the dynamics properties of the system. In addition to
detecting tipping points, early warning signals were able to infer
ecological processes from spatial patterns of the agroecosystem. As
spatially high-resolution data are becoming increasingly available,
density fluctuation offers a novel perspective on anticipating tipping
points and identifying ecological processes from spatial patterns.
Simple prediction of COVID-19 convalescent plasma with high levels of neutralization antibodies
Authors: Jazbec Katerina , Jež Mojca , Žiberna Klemen , Mali Polonca , Ramšak Živa , Potokar Urška Rahne , Kvržić Zdravko , Černilec Maja , Gracar Melita , Šprohar Marjana , Jovanovič Petra , Vuletić Sonja , Rožman Primož
Published: August 2022

Background: Hyperimmune convalescent COVID-19 plasma (CCP) containing
anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) was proposed as a
therapeutic option for patients early in the new coronavirus disease
pandemic. The efficacy of this therapy depends on the quantity of
neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in the CCP units, with titers
> 1:160 being recommended. The standard neutralizing tests
(NTs) used for determining appropriate CCP donors are technically
demanding and expensive and take several days. We explored whether they
could be replaced by high-throughput serology tests and a set of
available clinical data. Methods: Our study included 1302 CCP donors
after PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection. To predict donors with high NAb
titers, we built four (4) multiple logistic regression models evaluating
the relationships of demographic data, COVID-19 symptoms, results of
various serological testing, the period between disease and donation,
and COVID-19 vaccination status. Results: The analysis of the four
models showed that the chemiluminescent microparticle assay (CMIA) for
the quantitative determination of IgG Abs to the RBD of the S1 subunit
of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was enough to predict the CCP units with
a high NAb titer. CCP donors with the respective results
>6000 AU/ml SARS-CoV-2 IgG had an 80% probability of
attaining high NAb titers. Including additional variables such as donor
demographics, clinical symptoms, or time of donation into a particular
predictive model did not significantly increase its sensitivity and
specificity. Conclusion: A simple quantitative serological determination
of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies alone is satisfactory for efficiently
predicting CCP donors with high titer NAbs.
MEC Architecture in Radio Access Network to Improve Cloud Security
Authors: Shehzadi Tabinda , Qadeer Mafia , Khan Muskan
Published: August 2022

Malware detection is one of the leading security issues in Network Security paradigm. There exist different malware families. All of the families of malware are even not completely discovered.. In case of an unknown malware family of attack detection is various challenging tasks. In the current trend of malware detection used some data mining technique such as classification and clustering. The process of classification improves the process of detection of malware. In this paper used graph based technique for malware classification and detection. The graph based technique used for a feature collection of different malware data. The proposed algorithm is very efficient in compression of pervious method.
THE EFFECT OF VIRTUAL REALITY ON WOMEN’S PERCEIVED PAIN, FEAR, ANXIETY, AND VIEWS ABOUT THE PROCEDURE DURING HYSTEROSALPINGOGRAPHY: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Sezer Neslihan Yılmaz , Aker Menekşe Nazlı , Gönenç İlknur , Topuz Şenay , Şükür Yavuz Emre
Published: August 2022

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of virtual
reality used during hysterosalpingography on perceived pain, anxiety,
fear, physiological parameters, and satisfaction in women. Design: A
randomized controlled trial design was used in the study. The CONSORT
statement was used to report the findings. Setting: Ankara University
Faculty of Medicine Hospital. Methods: The study was conducted between
April 26 and June 30, 2022. Patients were randomized into two groups
(the virtual reality=31, the control group=31). Main outcome measures:
Anxiety was evaluated using the State Anxiety Inventory; pain, fear,
satisfaction were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale; the
temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were followed
up. Results: The difference between the virtual reality group and the
control group in terms of their mean pain and fear scores during
hysterosalpingography and 15 minutes after hysterosalpingography was
statistically significant. The difference between the mean anxiety
scores of the groups was statistically insignificant. The difference
between the groups in terms of satisfaction with the
hysterosalpingography procedure was statistically significant. There was
no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of
their physiological parameters just before, immediately after, and 15
minutes after the hysterosalpingography procedure. Conclusions: In this
study, it was determined that the use of virtual reality during the
hysterosalpingography procedure reduced pain and fear, increased
satisfaction, but did not affect anxiety and vital signs. In addition,
women’s satisfaction with the use of virtual reality was high.
Differentiation Syndrome In Patients With Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Elamin Nusiba , Rashid Farah , Afana Mohammad Suhail , Cherif Honar , yassin mohamed
Published: August 2022

A 48-year-old male diagnosed with Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)
started on all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide, developed
typical symptoms of differentiation syndrome, and improved dramatically
on steroids. Hence, any APL patient started on chemotherapy, needs to be
monitored closely for developing differentiation syndrome and to start
steroid upon suspicion.
Glycemic Variability Patterns Strongly Correlate With Partial Remission Status in Children With Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Pollé Olivier G. , Delfosse Antoine , Martin Manon , Louis Jacques , Gies Inge , den Brinker Marieke , Seret Nicole , Lebrethon Marie-Christine , Mouraux Thierry , Gatto Laurent , Lysy Philippe A.
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether indexes of glycemic variability may overcome residual β-cell secretion estimates in the longitudinal evaluation of partial remission in a cohort of pediatric patients with new-onset type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Values of residual β-cell secretion estimates, clinical parameters (e.g., HbA1c or insulin daily dose), and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) from 78 pediatric patients with new-onset type 1 diabetes were longitudinally collected during 1 year and cross-sectionally compared. Circadian patterns of CGM metrics were characterized and correlated to remission status using an adjusted mixed-effects model. Patients were clustered based on 46 CGM metrics and clinical parameters and compared using nonparametric ANOVA.

RESULTS

Study participants had a mean (± SD) age of 10.4 (± 3.6) years at diabetes onset, and 65% underwent partial remission at 3 months. β-Cell residual secretion estimates demonstrated weak-to-moderate correlations with clinical parameters and CGM metrics (r2 = 0.05–0.25; P < 0.05). However, CGM metrics strongly correlated with clinical parameters (r2 >0.52; P < 0.05) and were sufficient to distinguish remitters from nonremitters. Also, CGM metrics from remitters displayed specific early morning circadian patterns characterized by increased glycemic stability across days (within 63–140 mg/dL range) and decreased rate of grade II hypoglycemia (P < 0.0001) compared with nonremitters. Thorough CGM analysis allowed the identification of four novel glucotypes (P < 0.001) that segregate patients into subgroups and mirror the evolution of remission after diabetes onset.

CONCLUSIONS

In our pediatric cohort, combination of CGM metrics and clinical parameters unraveled key clinical milestones of glucose homeostasis and remission status during the first year of type 1 diabetes.
Cymru a Shakespeare: datblygu'r ddrama ôl-drefedigaethol Gymreig trwy ymateb i Shakespeare
Authors:   , Mason Wyn
Published: August 2022

Er bod y traddodiad o lunio dramâu gwrthddisgwrs canonaidd (sef 'ysgrifennu nôl' i’r canon llenyddol o safbwynt ôl-drefedigaethol) yn gyffredin ledled y byd, ceir diffyg dramâu o'r fath o safbwynt Cymreig. Prin iawn ydynt. Amcan y ddoethuriaeth ysgrifennu creadigol hon yw unioni'r sefyllfa hon trwy gyflwyno dwy ddrama lwyfan sy'n herio safbwynt ideolegol imperialaidd Shakespeare (y prif lenor canonaidd Prydeinig) o bersbectif ôl-drefedigaethol Cymreig. Caiff y monoddrama, Gwlad yr Asyn, ei selio'n fras ar The Tempest. Defnyddir prif archdeipiau trefedigaethol y ddrama (Prospero, Miranda, Ariel a Caliban) i ystyried perthynas gymhleth Cymru ag imperialaeth. Defnyddia’r ail ddrama, Temptio Shakespeare, y prif gymeriadau Cymreig a ymddengys yn nramâu Shakespeare (Owen Glendower, Lady Mortimer, Captain Fluellen a Sir Hugh Evans) i ystyried agwedd gyffredinol Bardd Avon tuag at Gymru. Cyflwynir y dramâu bob yn ail â dwy ysgrif sy'n damcaniaethu am natur y ddrama ôl-drefedigaethol Gymreig yn gyffredinol. Bathir y term 'golwg deublyg' fel ffordd o grisialu perthynas ddeuol ac amwys Cymru â threfedigaethedd, sef etifeddiaeth genedlaethol sy'n tarddu o naill ochr y rhaniad imperialaidd a’r llall: gwlad sydd â hanes o gael ei gwladychu, yn ogystal ag un sydd wedi gwladychu gwledydd a phobloedd eraill. Dadleuir y dylai cyfleu'r 'golwg deublyg' hyn nodweddu a diffinio'r ddrama ôl-drefedigaethol Gymreig. Hefyd, gan fod y ddwy ddrama yn alegorïau cenedlaethol, damcaniaethir ynghylch sut y medrir addasu'r system bedwarplyg, ganoloesol o lunio a dehongli alegorïau at anghenion neilltuol y ddrama ôl-drefedigaethol Gymreig. Prif arwyddocâd yr ymchwil yw ychwanegu at ein dealltwriaeth am natur y ddrama ôl-drefedigaethol Gymreig, dealltwriaeth a all gyfrannu at ddatblygu hunaniaeth ôl-drefedigaethol Gymreig amlhaenog.
Interactive Methods in Teaching of the Elective Discipline “Fundamentals of Patent Law” as an Element of the Legal Education of Future Doctors
Authors: Bolotnikova Anastasiia , Pushkarova Yaroslava , Zaitseva Galina , Hozhdzinskyi Serhii
Published: August 2022

This article is devoted to the consideration of interactive tests and games in elective course of the discipline “Fundamentals of Patent Law”. This discipline is aimed at training specialists of the second (master's) level of higher education, field of knowledge – 22 “Health Care”, specialty – 222 “Medicine“. “Fundamentals of Patent Law” (FPL) is intended to develop in future professionals the skills of legal regulation of intellectual property, application of basic regulations in the field of intellectual property regulation, to study the role and significance of intellectual activity in modern society. Fundamentals of patent law, intellectual property and technology transfer determines peculiarities of intellectual property application in medicine, namely – copyright and related rights, patent law, the right to secret of production, the right to individualization of legal entities, goods, works and services, the right to use intellectual activities as part of a single technology, legislation on the protection of rights over the results of intellectual activity and individualization means; main ways of using intellectual activity as an additional source of financial resources for of economic entities, types of liability for violation of rights over the results of intellectual activity. In addition to involving in practice for the training of future doctors a professional-oriented methodology for teaching FPL and the development of an educational-methodical complex aimed at providing didactic support for all types of educational and cognitive activities teachers analyzed the modern system of interactive techniques and related methods. This article reveals some proven interactive techniques based on the Quizzes platforms.
Maximizing Performance with Safe Meat Production of Broiler by Feeding Enzyme Supplemented Antibiotic Free Diet
Authors: Beg Md. Anwarul H. , Begum Maksuda , Maniruzaman  , Rubel Md. Zahir U.
Published: August 2022

The present work aimed at studying growth performance, carcass traits, and health status in broiler chicken-fed enzyme over a period of 4 weeks. A total of 300 day-old Lohmann broilers were randomly assigned to five treatment groups, each with 3 replicates (20). T1, T2, and T3 were provided as 0.05 %, 0.1 %, and 0.15 % of the enzyme. Whereas T4 and T5 were antibiotic and control, respectively. The results revealed no significant (P<0.05) difference in feed intake (T4 - 2182.50bg and T2 - 2227.00 abg) and live weight (T5 - 1897.50a g and T1 - 1790.50b). The highest survivability percent was found in the enzyme supplemented group (T1, T2 &T3- 100 %). Highest hemoglobin (T2 - 9.0 gm/dl), RBC (T2-3.9mill/cum), WBC (T1-14475 mill/cum), lymphocytes (T1 - 38.50 %), Monocytes (T1 - 2.00 %) PCV (39.96 %), MCV (T1 - 88.58), MCH (T2 - 30.85 Pg) and MCHC (T2 - 32.80) were found highest in the enzyme-treated groups, which is an indication of good health. E. coli and salmonella spp. The count was significantly (P<0.05) lower in birds fed a 0.15 % enzyme supplemented diet and with a descending order of 0.1 % and 0.5 % enzyme level. Salmonella sp. and E Coli count was also significantly (p<0.05) higher in birds fed control and antibiotic. The results of the study demonstrate the beneficial effects of supplementing enzymes on body weight gain and dressed yield in the treated groups in broiler chicken. An enzyme is, therefore, suggested to be used as an alternative to antibiotics on broiler chicken rations for higher profitability.
Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation and Histopathological Studies of Fish Tissues from Ose River, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Olayinka-Olagunju Josephine Omowumi
Published: August 2022

The exposure of the aquatic ecosystem to heavy metal from both natural and anthropogenic activities are on the rise and have harmful health effects on all aquatic organisms and human. This study assessed the concentrations of heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Cd, Cr, As and Zn) in surface water, sediments and fish tissues of Ose River and examined the histopathological changes of the tissues of two fish species (Mormyrus rume and Clarias garienpinus). Surface water, sediments and fish samples were collected and procured from Ose River in Ondo State, Nigeria from February to April 2021. Heavy metal digestions were done in the laboratory using HNO3/HCl while the concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Histopathological alterations in the fish tissues were also assessed. Bioaccumulation factor (BAF), ecological risk index and potential ecological risk level were used to assess the investigated metal concentrations. In the surface water, the concentration of Cd (0.010–0.030 mg/l) and As (0.010–0.05 mg/l) exceeded the WHO limits of 0.01mg/l respectively while Fe, Pb, Cr and Zn were within the limits. In the sediments, all metals exceeded the limits except Pb and As. The concentrations of Pb (0.30±0.000–4.12±0.030 mg/l), Zn (9.970±0.010–30.77±0.023 mg/l), Cd (0.026±0.002–0.331±0.004 mg/l) and Cr (ND-0.331±0.004 mg/l) in the fish tissues were seen to be higher than the permissible limits of 0.5 mg/l, 5 mg/l, 0.005 mgl and 0.05-0.15 mg/l respectively. The BAF showed no probability. The alterations observed in the kidneys of the fish were cholestasis, necrosis, loss of glomeruli structure and tubular necrosis. While the gills showed congestion of the central veins and interlamellae hyperplasia caused by the presence of a monogenean parasite. The livers however revealed loss of hepatocytes nuclei, necrosis in hepatocytes and lymphocytic infiltrate. The study showed that the study site was polluted with heavy metals and may pose serious health issues to fishers, those using the water and people feeding on fish from the river. This study therefore suggests good indicators for bio-monitoring of heavy metals in Ose River. Seeing that the site was polluted with heavy metals hence, a more comprehensive assessment of the river is recommended.
The Centrality of Pragmatics in Ideological Representation of Muslim Religious Speeches
Authors: Kadhim Basim Jubair
Published: August 2022

Muslim preachers’ discourse seems highly politically corrected, eloquent and formal. However, the problem is that the more the preacher is eloquent the more the ideologies are hidden. This paper addresses this issue by investigating several Muslim utterances produced by influential preachers on heated topics to unmask the implied meaning as well as the hidden ideologies of the preachers. To that end, pragmatics, discourse analysis, and criticality as ideologically manifested are interconnected to yield a considerable analysis model for discourse in general. Certain conclusions are drawn. Chief among them is that pragmatics is a broad central strategy through which discourse, in general, can be critically analyzed and consequently be referred to as a method rather than a concept in this regard.
Appraisal of Low Vision Devices in South East Nigeria
Authors: Ndukuba Samuel O. , Amaechi Okechi U. , Azubuike Precious C.
Published: August 2022

With strategic interventions in vision rehabilitation, eye care professionals have a chance to reduce the implications of vision loss. This study appraised low vision devices in the low vision population of the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Clinical assessments including external examination, refraction, and ophthalmoscopy were carried out on 239 individuals with vision impairment seen in outreaches in 5 states of South-East Nigeria. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS (version 24.0). Statistical significance was based on p<0.05. Individuals with moderate and severe vision impairment were 53.1% and 23.0% respectively while blindness was 23.9% in the study population. More so, 64.4% of the population had never visited an eye care professional despite poor vision. Of the 32. 2% who had used a form of assistive device; magnifiers were most common. Ignorance (53.1%), distance (20.9%), cost (7.9%), and insufficient service (7.9%) were challenges faced by respondents. The relationship between the use of low vision devices and their helpfulness to daily living was significant (P=0.04); urban dwellers also had a statistically significant better access to eye care services than rural dwellers (P=0.04). A human capacity that gets drained by vision impairment will be recovered if there is a strategic low vision intervention as this leads to an upturn in the socio-economic fortunes of the region. Eye care professionals need to integrate the basic practice of low vision into their regular practice. There is also a need for public awareness of the possibilities of low vision rehabilitation to promote uptake.
Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Practice of Community Pharmacy in Kisumu County
Authors: Nyambega Nancy K. , Wambugu Esbon N. , Walekhwa Michael N. , Otieno Filex O.
Published: August 2022

Occurrence of pandemics affects every person in one way or another. The recent COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that even frontline healthcare providers are no exception. Pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists at the community pharmacy are often among the first healthcare provider’s patients visit during crises. They thus form a crucial team for supply of medicines, counselling, and controlling the spread of infections. There is either scanty or no data on how precisely the dispensation of community pharmacy was affected especially in Africa during the Covid 19 regime. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of community pharmacy in Kisumu County. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 subjects. Subjects were selected through convenient sampling method. Open ended questionnaires were used to collect data. The questionnaires were self-administered as google forms. Key informant interviews of sampled practitioners were also conducted. A total of 77 subjects responded to the shared questionnaire. A total of 89.6% were pharmaceutical technologists while 10.4% were pharmacists with majority being males (64.9%). Most (57.9%) had between 6 to 10 years of working experience but with no previous experiences (68.8%) on pandemics or national disasters. About 52.6% had received COVID-19 pandemic vaccination and most (70.1%) were trained on COVID-19 management and prevention. A total of 76.6% had been trained on vaccination but only 9.2% were in a position to carry out vaccination in their premises. Further, 58.4% agreed that the pandemic had negatively impacted their practice with most impact felt at socio-economic (97.4%) and psychological levels (75.3%). Moreover, all agreed the pandemic had affected supply chain especially in terms of drug costing (61%) and demand (62.3%). The demand of azithromycin (18.2%), face masks, sanitizers (10.4%) and dexamethasone were largely impacted. A total of 55.8% agreed that technology had impacted their practice during the pandemic in terms of online pharmacy services, especially through online prescription filling (97.7%). To adapt to changing times, practitioners had to increase client engagement (81.8%) and seek aid from financial institutions (55.8%) to stay in business. The pandemic had a slightly more negative than positive impact on the practice of community pharmacy in Kisumu County.
Abdominal Packing for Obstetric Surgical Uncontrollable Hemorrhage
Authors: Winata I Gde Sastra , Asmara Alit Darma
Published: August 2022

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), which makes up the bulk of the 14 million occurrences of obstetric hemorrhage that happen yearly, is the most prevalent type. Obstetric emergencies must be promptly identified and treated because most PPH-related deaths occur within four hours of delivery and even after hysterectomy. This literature study tries to elucidate abdominal packing in reducing obstetrical bleeding in greater detail. Pads or roller gauze (sterile pads bound by suture threads, wrapped in a sterile bag, or stacked gauze) and balloon pack (Foley catheter or Bakri balloon), and abdominal packs retrieved within 24-48 hours, are two categories of abdominal packing techniques for controlling bleeding after hysterectomy. Due to its ease of use, minimal risk of complications, and usefulness in environments with limited resources, abdominal packing continues to be a valuable technique in the arsenal of the modern obstetrician.
EU Unilateral Power to Regulate the Global Trade Markets: The Brussels Effect
Authors: Enwukwe N. Ejims , Karekezi Lisa
Published: August 2022

This paper examines the unprecedented and heavily underrated global power that the EU exerts through its legal institutions and standards, and how it successfully transports that influence to the rest of the world. It pays particular attention to Prof Anu Bradford’s examples and some of the relevant agreements and negotiations that has been used to achieve this feat.
Foreign Exchange Rate Volatility and Its Effect on International Trade in Kenya
Authors: Titus Onesmus Mbuko , Wagala Adolphus , Muriithi Dennis K.
Published: August 2022

Exchange rate volatility has received much attention in economic research especially with the advent of floating exchange regimes. The volatile nature of exchange rate is generally perceived as having negative affect on international trade. However, the theoretical and empirical perspective are mixed on the nature of the relationship. This study aimed at examining analyzing the moderating effect of foreign exchange reserves on the relationship between foreign exchange rate volatility and international trade in Kenya. The study used error correction model in the analysis of the time series data for the study period which spanned between 1966-2018. Results show that controlling for inflation rate, interest rate and gross domestic product, foreign exchange reserves had a positive and statistically significant moderating effect at 5% significant level on the relationship between foreign exchange rate volatility and international trade with R2 of 0.9557. The study recommends maintaining enough stock of foreign exchange reserves to cushion the economy from adverse effects of exchange rate volatility. The findings of the study will provide relevant information in the formulation of and implementation of an effective monetary policy that will promote exchange rate stability and improve the country’s performance in international trade.
Visual Data Collection in an Insecurity Environment: Blangoua, Cameroonian Window on Lake Chad
Authors: Layio Robi
Published: August 2022

Once an anthropologist sets out a fieldwork, he/she faces myriad of challenges. While it is obvious that access to the target community is related to the prevailing socio-political context, there are even more constraints when data collection is carried out using an audiovisual tool. The aim in the present article is to share the field collaboration experience with informants in the locality of Blangoua. It shows how the audiovisual tool was an actual catalysis in this process, both for knowledge creation and for the discovery of certain latent realities among the youth of Blangoua. This paper endeavors also to highlight the visual anthropologist researcher’s ambivalent position in his/her specific involvement out in research field. Thus, starting from the principle of shared anthropology (Rouch, 1968) which would like the researcher in visual anthropology to consult his informants and show them everything that is constructed as a message from their culture, we manage to detect “truths” that emerge consciously or unconsciously from the behavior of individuals.
Prevalence of African Horse Sickness in Donkeys in Three Northern Regions of Cameroon
Authors: Ndebé Mohamed M. F. , Mouiche Mohamed M. M. , Tangu Mildred N. , Moffo Frédéric , Poueme Rodrigue Simonet Namegni , Awah-Ndukum Julius
Published: August 2022

African Horse Sickness (AHS) is a non-contagious viral disease that is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa countries and poses an important production and health threats of equines. AHS can induce up to 95% mortality in horses and 10% in donkeys. However, there is dearth of information of its epidemiology in donkeys in Cameroon. This study was therefore carried out to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of AHS in donkey in three Northern regions of Cameroon. Donkey sera were subjected to the ELISA blocking test for the determination of antibodies against African Horse Sickness Virus (AHSV) and positive samples were subjected to Capture-ELISA to determine the presence of antigens. Spleen samples were collected from fifteen donkey carcasses, of unknown causes of death, were screened using capture ELISA and positive reactors confirmed using conventional PCR. Potential risk factors associated with AHS were assessed based on the information collected in the field. The Chi-Square test and the Odd ratio were used to test the association between prevalence and the different variables. Of the 266 sera obtained, 219 were positive for anti-AHS virus antibodies corresponding to a sero-prevalence of 82.33% [95%CI: 77.30 – 86.44] and no antigen detected from the corresponding whole blood. Locality (p<0.001, χ2= 22.96) and age (p<0.001, χ2= 24.31) significantly influenced sero-positivity of the donkeys. The sero-prevalence was higher (p<0.05) in the North (87.18% [95%CI: 81.03 – 91.55]) and Far North regions (84.81% [95%CI: 75.30 – 91.09]) than in the Adamawa region (51.61% [95%CI: 34.84 – 68.03]). Donkeys that were at least 3 years old (89.42% [95%CI: 84.22 – 93.05]) were at higher risk of AHS (p<0.0001, χ2 = 22.54, OR: 4.56 [95%CI: 2.36 – 8.82]) compared to young animals of less than 3 years old (32.14% [95%CI: 27.15-37.13, OR: 0.15]). The study highlights that AHS is highly endemic in all age groups and both sexes of donkey populations in Northern Cameroon and donkeys maybe playing important roles in the maintenance of the disease in equine populations in the country.
Christology in Contemporary African Christianity: Ontological or Functional?
Authors: Ogunlana Babatunde , Akano Benjamin I.
Published: August 2022

This article examines the practical nature of Christology in contemporary African Christianity. The writers argue that though the religious mindset of the African people does not allow a dichotomy between ontological and functional Christologies, existential challenges have made many Africans tilt towards the functional end. The method adopted in the article is a descriptive approach. Christology is central to the orthodox Christian faith. It permeates all the pages of the Bible. The Old Testament consistently predicts the coming of the Messiah. The New Testament writers focused on Him in the light of His work on earth and the office he came to occupy concerning the Messianic predictions of the Old Testament. In history, the focus of theology has always been on the person and work of Christ. Contemporary African Christianity is not an exception to this trend. Many controversies have emerged in the process of the discussion on Christology. These Christological controversies surround the Person, picture, and deeds of Christ. A tilt towards functional Christology may cause a down-playing of God’s sovereign will to focus on what works. This may lead to syncretic beliefs and practices as people look for what gives a solution. The conclusion is that African Christology should blend ontology and functionality. The Christology that is both contextually relevant and scripturally balanced should be presented to the African people. Therefore, African theologians should make efforts to prepare theology that reflect a balanced Christological presentation intentionally.
Buğday Deposu Tasarımı: Yapısal Tasarım-I
Authors: MAMAN Kürşat , KİBAR Hakan
Published: August 2022

Tahıl üretiminin her yıl artması, depolarda yatırım, bakım ve etkin yönetim ihtiyacını ortaya çıkarmaktadır. Depolama, daha iyi piyasa fiyatları için pazarlık olasılığını etkilediğinden önemli bir darboğazdır. Kârlılığın artması için tüketicinin ürün kalitesinin güvence altına alınması gerekmektedir. Dolayısıyla bu alandaki bilimsel araştırmaların ve üretim zincirinin standardizasyonuna ihtiyaç vardır. Bu çalışmada Iğdır ili, ilçe ve köylerindeki bitkisel ürün depoları ile ilgili anket çalışması yapılarak mevcut durumları ortaya konulmuştur. Mevcut durumda yapılmış olan depoların eksiklikleri göz önünde bulundurularak buğday tahılı için 1500 ton depolama kapasitesine sahip yatay bir betonarme deponun teknik verilere uygun şekilde planlanması amaçlanmıştır. Anket çalışmaları kapsamında bölgedeki bitkisel ürün depolarının çoğunun yıllar önce yapıldığı, buna bağlı olarak projelerinin bulunmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Aile tipi depoların ilkel yollarla yapıldığı, depolarda çatı eğim açılarının yetersiz (8-19°) olduğu ve tahıl için gerekli çevre koşullarının göz önünde bulundurulmadığı belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca soğuk hava depoları dışındaki depolarda depolama koşullarına uyulmadığı, doğal ve mekanik havalandırmanın yapılmadığı, depoların nem ve ısı yalıtımının sağlanmadığı, ürün depolanmasının kısa süreli ve depo ortamının sağlıklı olmadığı tespit edilmiştir. 1500 ton buğday tahılının depolama yapısında emniyetli ve güvenli bir şekilde depolanabilmesi ve depolama yapısının servis ömrünün uzun süreli olabilmesi için 12 m genişliğinde, 36 m uzunluğunda, 5 m duvar yüksekliğinde, çatı eğim açısı 25° ve çatı yüksekliği 2.89 m olacak şekilde tasarlanmıştır. Tasarımı yapılan bu depoda perde duvar kalınlığı 32 cm olmak üzere toplam duvar kalınlığı 48 cm (iş sıva, dış sıva ve yalıtım malzemesi ile), 40 cm radye temel olmak üzere toplam döşeme kalınlığı 77.5 cm, çatıda 6 cm kalınlığında poliüretan sandviç panel, 5 cm kalınlığında kapı (5 x 3.5 m) ve 0.3 cm kalınlığında pencereler kullanılmıştır.
SEBT AND YBT DYNAMIC BALANCE TESTS
Authors:   National University of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Bucharest, Romania, CORDUN MARIANA , ROȘU BOGDAN ,   National University of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Bucharest, Romania. Email: rosubogdan81@yahoo.com
Published: August 2022

Abstract. A fundamental role in movement control is given by proprioceptive information from a multitude of mechanoreceptors that are integrated and processed by the human brain. Understanding proprioception and the test method, such as the threshold for detecting passive movement and reproducing joint position, are used to assess proprioception. The origin of the methods, test apparatus and procedures or protocols used in each approach are compared and discussed. Instability of a lower limb joint is a risk factor for these areas. Therefore, the development of proprioception can play an important role in injury prevention. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a dynamic postural control task that has gained notoriety in clinical and research settings, it is able to provide objective measures to differentiate deficiencies and improve dynamic postural control related to lower limb joint injuries. The clinical application of the SEBT led to the development of the Y Balance Test (YBT), both SEBT and YBT involve similar movements that are deemed to measure and challenge dynamic balance.
L’INTERACTION EN DIDACTIQUE DU « FLE »: DU CONCEPT RELIANT AUX DÉFIS MÉTHODOLOGIQUES
Authors: BOUCHARECHAS Manon
Published: August 2022

Interaction in French as a Foreign Language: From the Concept Itself to Methodological Challenges. This paper proposes a theorisation of interaction anchored in the framework of sociodidactics, as a ‘linking concept’, and the different issues that arise from this position. This epistemological reflection focuses on interaction as a concept that allows to bring together several aspects of research. Thus, interaction as a concept allows us to weave links between different disciplinary traditions, between different theories and ways of analysing human interactions. As an object and a tool, it makes it possible to link and considers the different participants in the research, their points of view, their imaginaries. This brings many challenges (relational, interpretive among others) to be met.
MEANINGFUL HUMAN-MACHINE INTERACTION: SOME SUGGESTIONS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF AUGMENTED INTELLIGENCE
Authors: PROPERZI Martina
Published: August 2022

In this article I will address the issue of the meaning of human-machine interaction as it is configured today in the light of substantial results achieved in the design and the manufacture of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. My starting point is a refined solution for meaningful AI recently suggested by Froese and Taguchi from the perspective of so-called augmented intelligence. Interpreted as a kind of human-machine interaction, augmented intelligence distinguishes itself by the fact that it merges the interacting poles into a new hybrid entity. After having clarified the technical and the methodological background of my proposal, I will discuss a case of study of so-called bio-synthetic augmentation, where hybridisation overlaps with the cyborgisation of the human body.