bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro and in vivo genotoxicity and cytotoxicity analysis of protein extract from Aplysina fulva sponges
Authors: Santana Alan de França , Avanzi Ingrid Regina , Parisi Julia Risso , Cruz Matheus Almeida , Vale Giovanna Caroline Aparecida do , Araújo Tiago Akira Tashiro de , Cláudio Samuel Rangel , Ribeiro Daniel Araki , Granito Renata Neves , Renno Ana Claudia Muniz
Published: November 2021

This study evaluated the physicochemical and morphological properties of a marine sponge protein extract (PE) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), analysis of mass loss and pH and in vitro and in vivo. Scanning electron microscopy showed that PE fibers present a granular aspect and irregular structure and the element carbon followed by oxygen was detected in the EDS analysis. Moreover, a 29% of mass loss was observed after 14 days and the pH slightly modified after 14 days. Cell viability of fibroblast cells (L929) of control and PE at a concentration of 25% demonstrated higher values compared to the groups. Osteoblast cell viability of PE at 25 and 50% was significantly higher. Comet assay on day 1 showed higher values for PE at 25%. In addition, in vivo experiments demonstrated that in the treated animals, the bone defects were filled with biomaterial particles, granulation tissue and some areas of newly formed bone. Furthermore, similar immunoexpression of Runx-2 and Cox-2 was observed. Taken together, all results suggest that PE is biocompatible, present non-citotoxicity in the in vitro studies (at the lower concentration) and in the in vivo studies and it can be considered as an alternative source of collagen for tissue engineering proposals.
A comparison between analogic and digital media in Engineering teaching
Authors: Carvalho Gisele Lopes de , Fulgêncio Vinicius Albuquerque , Iannicelli Ana Carolina Puttini
Published: November 2021

Form representation is essential for any area that involves the creation of artefacts, since without it the project is just an idea in the mental field. In general terms, it is the ability to perceive and understand shapes and represent them through perspectives and orthographic views, as well as through models and geometric models. Given the issues raised, it is possible to understand the importance of knowledge related to the graphic representation of architecture for professionals involved with the Aeco Industry (Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operation) and, also the relevance of graphic geometry disciplines on the development of Visiographic Three-dimensional Capacity. So, this paper aims to investigate the impact caused by the use of traditional and digital media in the teaching of graphic representation. To this end, two groups of students were compared, one exposed to the use of both media - analogic and digital - and another that used just digital media. From the application of questionnaires, it was possible to identify the student’s profile, their preferences of media and difficulties encountered. The work presumes that students exposed to more disciplines of graphic geometry will have less difficulties compared to those who had less contact. The main results indicated that: there is a preference, in both groups, for digital media to perform practical activities; the need to adapt the content to each specific engineering and that the most significant difficulties were related to work management, regardless of the media used.
Desenhos animados no ensino de história: a idade média em ‘Gato Félix’ e ‘Três Espiãs Demais’
Authors: Lima Douglas Mota Xavier de
Published: November 2021

Diferentemente dos filmes e, em especial, dos filmes históricos, que conquistaram seu lugar como fonte e recurso para o ensino de história, os desenhos animados ainda são pouco utilizados no ambiente escolar e como documento. Diante disso, o presente artigo tem como objetivo discutir o uso dos desenhos animados no ensino de história, com foco nos conteúdos de história medieval. O artigo analisa dois episódios, um de ‘Gato Félix’ (1960) e outro de ‘Três Espiãs Demais’ (2001), selecionados por tratarem da Idade Média. O estudo levou em consideração os elementos visuais e os diálogos de ambos os desenhos animados, comparando como cada um aborda o tema medieval. Compreende-se que os desenhos animados são mais adequados para o dia a dia da sala de aula, quando comparados aos filmes de longa-metragem, seja pela duração, seja por mobilizarem uma linguagem mais próxima da faixa etária do estudante do Ensino Fundamental. Observa-se que os desenhos ilustram uma série de aspectos da vida social e material do período medieval, assim como expressam diferentes concepções e apropriações contemporâneas sobre o medievo. Espera-se que o artigo possa contribuir tanto para a valorização do uso de desenhos animados no ambiente escolar quanto para a indicação de algumas maneiras de abordar o conteúdo de história medieval, rico, midiático e, por vezes, desvalorizado na Educação Básica.
Football society players over the age of 55: how stressful can a match be?
Authors: Vieira José Luiz Lopes , Silva Fredi Telles da , Souza Vânia de Fátima Matias , Amorim Adolpho , Ferreira Luciana
Published: November 2021

This study aimed at assessing the physical activity level, heart rate and the salivary cortisol level of football society players. The sample consisted of 19 male masters football players with an average age of 56.7 ± 3.9 years. The long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Polar® heart rate monitors were used as instruments, in addition to Salivette® tubes to measure salivary cortisol. Data analysis was performed by using the repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc test, and Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient. The results showed that the salivary cortisol concentration indicated an index of 1.97 ng/ml at the beginning of the match; 40 minutes after that these values increased to 8.00 ng/ml, and 60 minutes after the match had started they reached 8.40 ng/ml. Considering the post-match moment, a moderate and positive correlation between the salivary cortisol concentration and heart rate (average and maximum) was seen. In conclusion, the physical effort expended during football Society practice needs to be monitored due to the high heart rate and high increase in the salivary cortisol concentration of this age group.
Quality of life of family caregivers of children with microcephaly
Authors: Oliveira Layla Beatriz Melo de , Oliveira Aline Costa de , Rocha Daniel de Macêdo , Gouveia Márcia Teles de Oliveira , Costa Rosana dos Santos , Nogueira Lídya Tolstenko
Published: November 2021

Assess the quality of life of family caregivers of children with microcephaly. This is an analytical cross-sectional study developed in Teresina-PI, carried out in a rehabilitation center. For data collection a form was used to investigate the sociodemographic profile and the Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Health Survey instrument to assess quality of life. For data analysis, we used the statistical tests Student's t, ANOVA, U- Mann Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis. The descriptive analysis of the results showed that the functional capacity domain presented the most impairment by obtaining the highest score. The dimensions vitality and pain showed the lowest averages, representing the less affected domains. The associations between the sociodemographic characteristics and the domains of quality of life were significant between the variables marital status and pain, education and the domains vitality and emotional aspect, and between employment status and general health status. The quality of life of family caregivers presented losses related to the change of routine and the difficulties faced on a daily basis, highlighting the importance of covering the health of caregivers within the assistance offered to children with special needs, contributing to the well-being of those who care and consequently of those who are cared for.
Nutritional profile of cancer patients treated at an outpatient oncology center in the south region of Brazil
Authors: Zaia Rebecca Dias , Pereira Antonio Augusto  Claudio , Souza Gustavo Henrique Gandolfo , Pacheco Gabriela Grasso , Vizzotto Junior Alvo Orlando , Ferrari Tiago , Andreola Ricardo , Ferrari Ariana
Published: November 2021

To evaluate the nutritional profile of cancer patients treated at an oncology center in South Brazil. This is a descriptive, exploratory and sectional study that was developed in a process that involved 100 patients aged between 18 and 75 years old, suffering from cancer. The anthropometric variables studied were weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), arm circumference (AC), arm muscle circumference (AMC), triceps skinfold (TSF) and corrected arm muscle area (cAMA). For subjective nutritional assessment, we used the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). Nearly half of the patients evaluated had a critical need for nutritional intervention. There was a statistically significant association between cAMA and marital status, age and gender; between AC and age, gender and staging; between AMC and staging; between BMI and marital status and age; and between TSF and marital status. Patients diagnosed with IV stage had the lowest values for nutritional variables. There was no significant association between nutritional status of patients obtained by the PG-SGA instrument and sociodemographic characteristics. Malnutrition should be diagnosed as soon as possible, aiming at early intervention and improving survival and quality of life. Therefore, early nutritional assessment in cancer patients is required, combining subjective and objective methods.
Health: bioecological analysis of subjective well-being in teaching
Authors: Christmann Morgana , Pavão Sílvia Maria de Oliveira
Published: November 2021

Reflect on the concepts that go through the history of people with disabilities, in the context of their rights, as the processes involving their education is an emerging theme. The objective of this work was to understand the conceptions about health of university professors based on the Bioecological Theory of Human development. This is an exploratory case study research with a mixed approach carried out with professors from a public university in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. The method of data collection was the interview and the self-administered questionnaire. 73 professors and 6 interview participants from different fields of knowledge, selected at random participated answering to the questionnaire. It was observed that the systems that constitute the organizational basis of the participants' lives were similar and that their life stories, their culture, the media and the relationships they establish at work are factors that influence their conceptions about health and about the relationship established with people with disabilities in Higher Education. The participants' conception of health, however, still runs through the biomedical model, but has been undergoing a progressive change. It is concluded that the conceptions about health are linked to life history, when then one starts to subjectivity. Combined with the contextual issues of a particular place, the concept of health has been progressively detaching itself from the concept of disease.
Sulfated agaran with 4,6-pyruvated form from red seaweed Acanthophora muscoides attenuates thrombin formation: in vitro and ex vivo studies
Authors: Rodrigues José Ariévilo Gurgel , Feitosa Johnny Peter Macedo , Soares Sandra de Aguiar , Benevides Norma Maria Barros
Published: November 2021

In vitro studies have described the sulfated agaran from Acanthophora muscoides as an intrinsic inhibitor of thrombin generation (TG), but not in ex vivo assay. This investigation partially characterized a pyruvate fraction with in vitro and ex vivo effects on an intrinsic/extrinsic pathway-induced thrombin generation (TG) continuous model using 36 or 60-fold diluted mice or defibrinated, normal human plasma. Fraction separated by DEAE-cellulose chromatography exhibited charge homogeneity and non-sulfated polysaccharides (<100 kDa) by agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, respectively, using Stains-all alone. Fourier Transform Infrared and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance studies indicated a 4,6-pyruvated agaran-structure. The fraction and heparin had no effect on prothrombin time, but there was a preponderant intrinsic rather than extrinsic pathway inhibition in TG assay; themselves, acting on both free and fibrin bound thrombin activity without chromogenic substrate interaction. Both fractions, desulfated and native, anticipated and induced thrombin formation in activators-devoid or normal plasma. In addition, mice pretreated with fraction (20 mg kg-1, intraperitoneally) reduced intrinsically plasma TG ex vivo after 2h. Heparin suppressed TG in vitro, but induced it ex vivo. Therefore, agaran from A. muscoides blocks TG on in vitro and ex vivo studies, suggesting to evaluate the blood coagulability status.
The impacts of climate change on rainfall modeling in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul
Authors: Pobocikova Ivana , Souza Amaury de , Abreu Marcel Carvalho , Oliveira-Júnior José Francisco de , Santos Cícero Manoel dos , Lins Taynã Maria Pinto , Aristone Flavio , Ramos Pedro Luiz
Published: November 2021

The most significant and influential meteorological element in environmental conditions and human activities is precipitation. The objective of this study was to adjust eight probability distributions to monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall data in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, using a time series of data (1983-2013) by the National Meteorological Water Agency (ANA). The performance evaluation of different probability distribution models was assessed by the quality of fit of the selected probability distributions for precipitation data. Quality tests as chi-square, Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) and Anderson-Darling (AD), the information criteria as Akaike (AIC) and the Bayesian criterion (BIC) were used. Then the mean root square error (RMSE) and the coefficient of determination (R2) were applied. The analyzes were made monthly, annually and by seasons. The 3-parameter Lognormal distribution performs the best for all twelve months and provides the best-fit to the monthly rainfall data. Thus characterizing a dry period that runs from May to September and a rainy period between the months of October and April, it was observed that the 3-parameter Lognormal distribution has best adjustment for spring and summer, and for winter and autumn the 2-parameter Gamma and 3-parameter Gamma distribution performed better. For annual observations, the function that best fits is 3-parameter Weibull distribution.
Agro-industrial waste as a source of bioactive compounds: ultrasound-assisted extraction from blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus) pomace
Authors: Santos Suelen Siqueira dos , Paraíso Carolina Moser , Rodrigues Letícia Misturini , Madrona Grasiele Scaramal
Published: November 2021

Blueberry and raspberry pomace are a rich source of bioactive compounds that have not been commercially utilized yet, and ultrasound-assisted technology can efficiently extract these compounds. Also, the use of water as a solvent added to the ultrasound-assisted technology improves this eco-friendly process. Therefore, an aqueous eco-friendly extraction, including extraction time and ultrasound presence or absence (conventional extraction) was performed in order to extract bioactive compounds from blueberry and raspberry pomace. Response parameters included levels of anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids, and antioxidant activity determined by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods. Analysis of variance results indicated that ultrasound-assisted extraction for 45 min. was feasible to extract the bioactive compounds. The antioxidant content of the extract obtained by the ultrasound-assisted process was 1.4 times higher on average and the total phenolic concentration was 1.6 times higher (for blueberry 5.02 and for raspberry 2.53 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) compared with those obtained by the conventional process. Thus, the ultrasound-assisted extraction method can be a profitable alternative to extract bioactive compounds from blueberry and raspberry pomace, as it is energy efficient, requires fewer chemicals, and produces less effluent. This eco-friendly technology is therefore viable for food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries, and also for reducing food waste.
Determinants of Risk Disclosure in Commercial Banks of Sri Lanka
Authors: Gamini L.P.S. , Perera D.L. Niljusha
Published: November 2021

The purpose of the study is to investigate the determinants of risk disclosures in commercial banks in Sri Lanka. The theoretical framework is developed based on agency theory and the creation of a risk disclosure index (RDI) based on International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 7, Basel II: market discipline and prior literature. Data was collected from annual reports of 10 commercial banks and interim financial statement from Colombo Stock Exchange over the period of 2007-2016 total of 92 annual reports were considered for analysis. The findings reveal that implementation of IFRS 7 and Basel II: market discipline standards raised the extent of risk disclosure in market, credit, liquidity and operational risks associated with commercial bank of Sri Lanka. The effect can be attributed to regulatory requirement executed by central bank of Sri Lanka. The study also found that determinants of disclosure vary across types of risk, bank size, the number of risk committees and board size. The existence of an integrated risk management committee has a significant impact on all types of risk disclosures. Further, findings show that there is no significant impact of leverage on risk disclosure of commercial bank in Sri Lanka. These findings will help regulatory agencies in Sri Lanka and elsewhere in monitoring banking institutions by identifying the impact of standards. Both existing and potential clients of banks can use these findings in strategically choosing their preferred bank of interest.
Strengthening of Knowledge and Skills on Patient Safety of Nursing Officers’ in a Teaching Hospital in Sri-Lanka
Authors: Wijemanne W.M.U.S. , Gamini L.P.S. , Sridharan Sathasivam
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study is to strengthen knowledge and skills on patient safety of Nursing Officers’ in a Teaching Hospital as they are in direct contact with patients throughout the day. The study was carried out in Colombo South Teaching Hospital in three phases. In the first phase (pre-intervention), the existing/baselines knowledge and skills were assessed, training need was analyzed and designed and the training module was developed. In the second phase (intervention), a training course was designed and implemented. In the third phase (post-intervention), the change of knowledge and skills and the feedback assessment was carried out in order to find out whether any adjustments are necessary for the designed module were done. The Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation (ADDIE) model was used as the tool in this regard. The information gathered was incorporated in to the training programme with the guidance and direction of a working committee comprising experts. Self-Administered Questionnaire (SAQ) and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) were used to assess the knowledge and skills respectively, during both pre and post interventions. The Nursing Officers in surgical and surgical related wards, performing 24 hours duty/ shift basis are considered as the total population. A convenient sample of 50 Nursing Officers was recruited for the study considering the number of Nursing Officers working in each ward, in order to minimize service interruptions in the ward. The results of pre-intervention were considered as the baselines of knowledge and skills. In the first phase the training need was assessed, and the blue print of the course was designed. At the end of second phase the training programmes was successfully conducted to the target group. During post intervention phase, the improvement in knowledge and skills were assessed. There were significant improvements in knowledge, in “ward environment and systems safety”, “adverse events and near misses”, “medication safety and “communication”. There were significant improvements in skills in “risk and prevention” , “adverse events and near misses”, “infection control”, “medication safety” and certain aspects of “communication” such as “receipt calls “and “admission” .This project revealed that this training course is very much effective in strengthening knowledge and skills on patient safety of Nursing Officers.
Antecedents of Customer Retention with Special Reference to Motor Insurance Industry in Sri Lanka
Authors: Lakmal D.N.E.
Published: November 2021

This study examines the antecedents of customer retention with special reference to motor insurance industry in Sri Lanka and identifies appropriate retention strategies. To achieve these objectives, six hypotheses were developed and tested. Based on the literature review, the researcher identified five independent variables, namely customer satisfaction, payment equity, service convenience, trust and switching cost, that could impact on customer retention. The primary data was collected from a sample of 150 adult motor insurance policy holders in Sri Lanka. Correlations, One-Way Anova and regression tests were performed to test the hypotheses. Findings of the study revealed that service convenience, customer satisfaction and customer trust have significant impacts on customer retention in the Sri Lankan motor insurance industry. Therefore, insurance providers should pay special attention to these dimensions when designing appropriate marketing strategies. Since other dimensions have no significant impact on customer retention, the above dimensions could be identified as the antecedents of customer retention in the Sri Lankan insurance industry.
Rural Tourism Niche-Market as a Development Strategy on Rural Community: Reference to Hiriwadunna Village Track, Meemure and Heeloya Knuckles Valley Tourism Village, Sri Lanka
Authors: Pattiyagedara S.S. , Fernando P.I.N
Published: November 2021

Tourism is one of the main economic sectors as well as a foreign exchange earner to Sri Lanka. Rural tourism is one of the niche markets catered to rural lifestyles and events. The study investigated the rural tourism destinations; Hiriwadunna Village Track, Meemure, and Heeloya Knuckles Valley village, which conduct rural tourism activities on a regular basis as one of their main livelihood. The objectives are to identify the impact of destination attributes on visitor satisfaction and assess the contribution of rural tourism initiatives on the household economy and socio-culture of tourism stakeholders. Purposive sampling method was conducted with dual sets; 100 foreign and local visitors and 12 tourism stakeholders from a rural community. Data were gathered through the survey, and structured interviews and study adopted mixed methods; descriptive and multiple regression with destination attributes (6A’s) model as quantitative analysis and thematic analysis as the qualitative analysis method. Findings exhibited a significant influence on the visitor satisfaction of all destination attributes (6A’s), and ancillary services have highlighted as the most influential attribute on rural tourism destinations. Further, the thematic analysis revealed, rural tourism is positively influenced by socio-economic benefits on residents’ livelihood. As recommendations, (a) promoting sustainable tourism concepts catering to the niche market of “rural tourism”, (b) folk culture with the rural tourism experience, (c) mechanism on safety and security of the rural tourism destinations, (d) strategies to popularize the events catering rural lifestyle and activities and (e) marketing programmes on sustainable tourism segments, are provided.
Mediating effect of e-Satisfaction on the Relationship Between e-Service Quality and e-Loyalty of Professionals in Colombo using e-Commerce Websites
Authors: Guluwita Thilina D. , Sapukotanage Sujeewi
Published: November 2021

Introduction of E-commerce and on-line consumer shopping trends has made it important to build and maintain e-loyalty in e-commerce market places. As the competition in e-commerce is intensified, it becomes more important to create loyal customers in online shopping platforms. The quality of e-services is identified as contributing towards e-loyalty. However, the mediating role of e-satisfaction in this context needs more empirical investigation. This research is an attempt to find the mediating role of e-satisfaction on the relationship between e-service quality and e-loyalty of customers in organized e-commerce sites. Professionals using e-commerce sites and residing in Colombo were subject to the study. The results confirm a positive impact of e-Service quality on e-Loyalty. E-Service quality also has a positive and significant impact on e-Satisfaction. A positive impact of e-Satisfaction is identified on e-Loyalty. Ultimately, the results provide evidence that there is a mediating effect of e-Satisfaction on the relationship between e-service quality and e-loyalty. The study contributes to knowledge by suggesting that e-retailers and e-sellers ought to build up value proposition, brand images, trust & security, and website technology that attract customers and most importantly a good customer service.
Notes from Editor-in-Chief Vol.2(2)
Authors: Abeysekera Nalin
Published: November 2021

No Abstract available.
Do It Yourself: Customer Self-Directed Learning in Self-Service Technologies
Authors: Galdolage B.S.
Published: November 2021

Modern-day customers engage with a multitude of service transactions in technological interfaces performing with Self-Service Technologies (STTs). Nevertheless, many are not conversant with the use of technologies and are willing to use traditional physical service encounters, particularly those that live in developing countries. Since business organizations spend a vast amount of money to transform their traditional physical interfaces into technological-based self-service outlets, it is vital and necessary to make sure that customers willingly move along with this new trend. To accept SSTs, customer should feel comfortable with it, which require knowledge, skills and experiences on how to use such technologies. Since customer learning in SSTs is largely self-directed and experience-based, organizations should understand how customers naturally engage with SSTs and the role important organizations have to play in motivating customer self-learning process in SSTs.Thus, this study aims at investigating the customer learning in self-service technologies based on Self Directed Learning Theory. Accordingly, application of motivation, self- management, and self-monitoring on customer self-learning at SSTs were investigated. Using a quantitative approach, self-administered questionnaires were distributed among 600 individuals selected, based on non-probabilistic convenience method. The Study found that customer learning at SSTs mainly influenced by their motivation and self-management skills.This study contributes to theory by explaining the customer self-learning at SSTs, which is very limited in the literature. Further, it helps practitioners to understand how customer learning takes place at SSTs and therefore to decide on what should be the focus of the organization in designing customer communications aiming at providing a supportive learning experience to the customer.
How Sri Lanka Has Been Promoted as a Tourist Destination? An Exploration of The Promotional Efforts of Sri Lanka Tourist Promotional Authority of Sri Lanka
Authors: Wicramasooriya L.H.T. de S. , Chandralal K.P.L. , Jayawickrama W.D.C.
Published: November 2021

In a highly competitive tourism environment, a destination must be favourably differentiated from its rival destinations and positively positioned in the minds of the potential travelers; and a key component of this process is the creation and management of a distinctive and appealing image of the destination. The recent strategic tourism plan of the country (2017-2020) aims at positioning Sri Lanka as an attractive tourist destination through the capitalization of natural advantages of having the highest bio-diversity in Asia along with a strong culture, historical artifacts, exotic beaches, green environment and friendly people. Hence, it is vital to undertake a periodic diagnosis of the current images of the country both from suppliers’ point of view i.e. projected images and the visitors’ perspectives i.e. perceived image. This study examined the images of Sri Lanka as a tourist destination as projected by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotional Bureau (SLTPB) through its official website, promotional brochures and advertisements. A content analysis was employed along with two theoretical frameworks i.e. cognitive-affective framework and three-dimensional framework put forward by Echtner and Ritchie (1991) to gauge the image. The findings revealed that Sri Lanka is promoted on eleven experiential themes in the website and other promotional materials, which mostly portray cognitive, functional and attribute-based images of the country. The emphasis placed on projecting holistic, affective and unique images is relatively weak, and this needs more thoughtful intervention by SLTPB and other authorities related to Sri Lanka tourism.
A summary overview of the new, direct, target-specific oral anticoagulants
Authors: Muntingh G. L.
Published: November 2021

In the past 10 years or so, many alternatives to warfarin have been developed the first being the novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) or better referred to as direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) or target-specific oral anticoagulants (TSOAC). These drugs have some definite advantages and disadvantages that should be clear to physicians before prescribing any of them for patients. Many clinical trials have provided definitive information about the efficacy and safety of DOACs, yet many physicians remain sceptical about prescribing these drugs due to lack of answers to real world questions. The concerns are directed towards appropriate patient selection (the choice should be made according to age, renal function, compliance, cost, clinical condition, intake of other drugs), the mechanism of switching between agents, how these drugs affect routine laboratory tests and when monitoring is needed. Knowledge of other drugs that interact with the DOAC and management of severe bleeding will be reviewed and recommendations will be given to all of these concerns.
Observations on the recent Poliomyelitis Epidemic in East London
Authors: Chatterton Paddy
Published: November 2021

No abstract available.
Under or overpressure: an audit of endotracheal cuff pressure monitoring at the tertiary care center
Authors: Viswambharan Biju , Kumari Manjini Jeyaram , Krishnan Gopala , Ramamoorthy Lakshmi
Published: November 2021

Background: Mechanical ventilation is a lifesaving intervention for critically ill patients but can produce the major complication of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Inappropriately inflated endotracheal tubes cause potential harm due to high or low pressure; this can be prevented through monitoring protocols.Methods: A cross-sectional study of 348 cuff pressure readings was performed with intubated and mechanically ventilated patients to evaluate the exact proportion of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) where the cuff pressure is optimal and to identify the ICUs where device-based monitoring is available to produce a lower proportion of sub-optimal cuff pressure cases. Every three days, cuff pressure was assessed with a handheld cuff pressure manometer. The corresponding VAP rates of those ICUs were obtained from the hospital infection control department.Results: Cuff pressure of 40.2% was the lower cutoff for the high category, that of optimal was 35.3%, and the highest cutoff of sub-optimal was 24.4%. This study also showed ICUs that had cuff pressure monitoring devices and protocols. Active measurement protocols had a higher proportion of optimal cuff pressure (58.5%) and a lower proportion of sub-optimal and high cuff pressure (19.5% and 22.0%) compared to ICUs with no device-based monitoring protocols. Furthermore, the VAP rate of ICUs exhibited a weak positive correlation with sub-optimal cuff pressure.Conclusions: Device-based cuff pressure monitoring is essential in maintaining adequate cuff pressure but often is inadequate, resulting in high readings. Therefore, this study suggests that device-based cuff pressure monitoring be practiced.
COVID-19 Preventive Practices among Bus Station Workers in Ethiopia
Authors: Eyasu Mebrahtu , Worku Yoseph , Ababaw Berhan , Berhan Yifru
Published: November 2021

As of May 19, 2021, Ethiopia was among the five African countries most affected by COVID-19. A cross-sectional design was used to assess the level of knowledge, perceptions, and practices of bus station workers about COVID-19 between August 25 and September 17, 2020. Face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaires were used. To identify the factors associated with the dependent variables, simple and multiple binary logistic regression analyses were used. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. In this study, 427 workers from three bus stations participated. Approximately 84.5%, 84.8%, and 81.3% of the workers had good knowledge, positive perceptions, and good practices, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that workers with a monthly income of 3,001 to 4,000 birr were about four times more likely to have poor knowledge compared with higher income workers. Those workers with poor knowledge were 2.4 times, and security workers were 3.7 times, more likely to have poor practices compared with workers with good knowledge and drivers, respectively. In conclusion, workers used in security and those who had poor knowledge regarding COVID-19 failed to exhibit effective preventative practices against the virus.
Assessment of Malaria Parasitaemia among the Residents of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), FCT, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Okoroiwu G.I.A.
Published: November 2021

Malaria intensity in both Urban and Rural areas of Nigeria is of Public Health importance. This study was conducted to assess the malaria parasitaemia among the residence of Abuja Municipal Area Council, FCT, in order to provide epidemiological data on malaria in the council for effective management program. A total of 200 residence within the range of 2-50 years were sampled for malaria parasitaemia using thick and thin film smears. A capillary blood sample was collected from each of the residence using finger prick technique, thick and thin blood films were prepared, stained, dried and examined for malaria parasites. The data was analyzed using simple percentages and chi-square analytical methods. The result from the study revealed an overall prevalence of 54.0% while the proportion of the residence infected were highest within the 2-10 years age-group (76.9%, P = 0.003, X2 = 8.42) followed by those in 11-20 years (65.0%) and 21-30 years (50.0%). Those in 31-40 years and 41-50 years (29-7% and 21.4%) had lowest. The highest density recorded was >10,000 parasites/ul across the positives as 2-10 years (P = 0.003, X2 = 2.22) has the highest. Malaria parasitaemia was highest among the vulnerable group 2-10 years (P = 0.003, X2 = 2.22) in the council and remain endemic. There is an urgent need to identify innovative and integrated control measures to reduce the scurge among them. Public Health education campaign against malaria infection and its agent (mosquito) should be intensified in the Council.
Fungi Causing Post-Harvest Spoilage Carica papaya Linn Fruits of Two Selected Markets in Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Jahun B.M. , Ilu K.J. , Yahaya S.M. , Ahmed B. , Salami K.D.
Published: November 2021

This study was carried out for four month (September, 2015 to December, 2015) to find the fungal species associated with post-harvest spoilage of pawpaw fruits sales at Na’ibawa and Wudil Markets all in Kano State. A total of five strains of fungi were isolated and identified as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavuus, Rhizophus stolonifer, Yeast, and Fusarium. Pathogenicity test of each fungal isolate showed that all fungi were capable of causing rotting of the fruit and most severe rotting was caused by Aspergillus niger and Yeast with 8(29.63%) Respectively at Na’ibawa market and 10(34.48%) and 9(31.03%) at Wudil market followed by Rhizophus with 7(25.93%) and 5 (17.25%) while Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium produced the least rotting of the fruit. The difference in the fungal spoilage of Carica papaya between the two market areas Na’ibawa and Wudil markets was statistically significant (p≥0.05). From the result of this study, it is clearly indicated that the spoilage of pawpaw fruits in the two markets was due to fungal attack.
Evaluation of the Effects of Cadmium in Soil on the LC50 of Soil Bacteria and Fungi for Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Wanjala M.P. , Odokuma L. , Etela I. , Ramkat R. , Odogwu B.A. , Boadu K.O.
Published: November 2021

Contamination of soil with heavy metals by is currently of global concern. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the metals of concern. In the current study, LC50 of Cd to soil bacteria and fungi was used to assess the impact of anthropogenicactivity in development of Cd tolerance in soil microorganisms. Levels of Bio-physicochemical parameters in soil were determined. Results show that the concentration of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) and Cd in soil ranged between 5.09±0.33 to 9261.94±287.67, and 0.023±0.015 to 0.057±0.012 ppm respectively. There was significant difference (p = 0.001) in LC50 for fungi between the study and control samples. Pearson correlation showed that there was significant relationship (r = 0.30) between LC50 for bacteria and TPH. There was significant difference (p = 0.017) in LC50 values among the study and control samples for fungi. Anthropogenic activities influenced the concentrations of TPH soil but did not influence levels of Cd.
Ethnomedicinal Uses and Therapeutic Activities of Piper Guineense: A Review
Authors: Alagbe O.A. , Alagbe G.O. , Adekunle E.A. , Ayodele O.O. , Olorode E.M. , Oyediran R.I. , Oloyede E.O. , Oluwaloni F.O. , Oyeleye A.O.
Published: November 2021

The use of medicinal plants in most developing countries as therapeutic agents for the maintenance of good health is a widespread practice. One of such plant products is Piper guineense, which is a West African spice used in many folklore medicines and has a number of verified pharmacological activities. Proximate analysis reveals that the plant contains crude protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals while preliminary phytochemical screening and gas chromatography-mass spectrophotoscopy of the methanol leaf and seed extract of Piper guineense revealed the presence of several constituents such as alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, terpenes; sesquiterpenoids and monoterpenoids, saponins and secondary metabolites such as Aromadendrene, 1,6,10- Dodecatriene,7,11-dimethyl-3-methylene and piperine, piperidine amongst other secondary metabolites. Studies have revealed that Piper guineense possess several pharmacological and therapeutic properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, aphrodisiac, anti-parasitic, antiinflammatory, anti-convulsant, molluscicidal, oestrogenic and oxytocic properties. This paper provides a review on the morphology, physicochemical and phytochemical constituents, ethnomedicinal and scientifically proven therapeutic activities of Piper guineense.
Effect of Acid Contamination on the Geotechnical Properties of Cohesive Soils from Oke-Ejigbo area of Abeokuta, South-western Nigeria
Authors: Adekunle A.A. , Omobolaji O. , Isaac U.I. , Akinbami A.T.
Published: November 2021

Environmental degradation is a threat to the ecosystem and natural resources. The research investigated the effects of hydrochloric acid contamination on the geotechnical properties of cohesive soils obtained from Oke-Ejigbo area of Abeokuta, South-western Nigeria. The materials used are hydrochloric acid as contaminant, red clay (RCA) and white clay (WCA) soils respectively. The results of optimum moisture content, maximum dry densities, California bearing ratio and unconfined compressive strength of RCA and WCA subjected to 60 days acidic contamination period are (14.88 and 16.21%), (18.30 and 17.93 kN/m3), (5.93 and 11.29%), (89.81 and 87.54 kN/m3) respectively. The acid-soil interaction reduces the geotechnical properties of the cohesive soil samples with an increase in the period of contamination. Furthermore, the contamination period directly affects the strength of the soils due to the change in soil plasticity and structure caused by the pollutant.
Editorial – Volume 37 (2021) Issue 1
Authors: Rosenberg Eureta
Published: November 2021

Editorial
The Treatment of Advanced Persistent Threats on Windows Based Systems
Authors:   , Bentley Peter
Published: November 2021

Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) is the name given to individuals or groups who write malicious software (malware) and who have the intent to perform actions detrimental to the victim or the victims' organisation. This thesis investigates ways in which it is possible to treat APTs before, during and after the malware has been laid down on the victim's computer. The scope of the thesis is restricted to desktop and laptop computers with hard disk drives. APTs have different motivations for their work and this thesis is agnostic towards their origin and intent. Anti-malware companies freely present the work of APTs in many ways but summarise mainly in the form of white papers. Individually, pieces of these works give an incomplete picture of an APT but in aggregate it is possible to construct a view of APT families and pan-APT commonalities by comparing and contrasting the work of many anti-malware companies; it as if there are alot of the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle but there is no box lid available with the complete picture. In addition, academic papers provide proof of concept attacks and observations, some of which may become used by malware writers. Gaps in, and extensions to, the public knowledge may be filled through inference, implication, interpolation and extrapolation and form the basis for this thesis. The thesis presents a view of where APTs lie on windows-based systems. It uses this view to create and build generic views of where APTs lie on Hard Disc Drives on Windows based systems using the Lockheed Martin Cyber Kill Chain. This is then used to treat APTs on Windows based IT systems using purpose-built software in such a way that the malware is negated by. The thesis does not claim to find all malware on but it demonstrates how to increase the cost of doing business for APTs, for example by overwriting unused disc space so APTs cannot place malware there. The software developed was able to find Indicators of Compromise on all eight Hard Disc Drives provided for analysis. Separately, from a corpus of 228 files known to be associated with malware it identified approximately two thirds as Indicators of Compromise.
The impact of the ideology of ‘the market’ on the English state school system.
Authors:   , Grills Joan
Published: November 2021

Analysis of key education policies since 1988 reveals the rationale for the central importance given to three key components of market ideology: ‘consumer choice’, ‘competition’ and ‘freedom’. This thesis investigates their impact on the structure of the English state school system. Data was collected through twenty semi-structured interviews with educationalists. All those interviewed have worked in the Shire County that is the focus of this research. Thus, ‘policy rhetoric’ is compared with ‘policy reality’, as seen through the eyes of those actively involved. This approach traces the impact of ‘consumer choice’, ‘competition’, and ‘freedom’ over a thirty-year period, in one local authority. This contrasts with other studies that have a single aspect, such as academisation, researched in several locations at one particular point in time. Findings demonstrate that ‘consumer choice’ and ‘competition’, in particular, have not led to the improvements envisaged in policy rhetoric. There is evidence that fear-induced defensive actions taken by some school leaders and the breakdown of trust and partnerships between schools, have impacted detrimentally on vulnerable children. Moreover, the ‘market-model’ has ultimately led to the erosion of its central element, ‘freedom’, as Multi-Academy Trusts introduce standardisation and pooled budgets. Multi-Academy Trusts are emerging as ‘quasi local authorities’; history has almost gone full-circle. This research suggests that applying market ideology to education was flawed from the outset. This ideology is inherently incapable of fulfilling the fundamental purpose of the state school system: achieving the best outcomes for all children. The particular failure of ‘market ideology’ in responding to a crisis, is illustrated through a reflection on the current coronavirus pandemic and its impact on schools. In this crisis, government has had to call on local authorities to provide local leadership for a fragmented system, unable to cope with the level of communication and support needed.
Stay Home, Stay Safe? Challenges in Resource Limited Settings
Authors: Shankar Pathiyil Ravi , Sreeramareddy Chandrashekhar T
Published: November 2021

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Pravo naroda na samoodređenje i obveza poštovanja ustavnog poretka
Authors: Berković Svjetlan
Published: November 2021

Pravo naroda na samoodređenje i nasuprot tome obveza poštovanja ustavnog poretka države pitanje je koje izaziva polemike. To je pravo na stvaranje vlastite države kako je utvrđeno u međunarodnim dokumentima. Pitanje je, je li pravo naroda na samoodređenje obvezna norma međunarodnog
prava ili samo načelo. Tim više jer međunarodno pravo zabranjuje narušavanje teritorijalnoga integriteta države. Poštovanje suvereniteta, teritorijalnog integriteta i ustavnog poretka države argumenti su osnovom kojih
vlast određene države ne prihvaća zahtjev naroda koji živi unutar njezina
teritorija za odcjepljenjem. To potvrđuje i praksa. S tim u vezi prezentira se
intencija Katalonije da proglasi neovisnost od Španjolske te ustavna situacija u vezi s uspostavom neovisne Republike Hrvatske.
Demografske promjene i mirovinski sustavi u Europskoj uniji
Authors: Samodol Ante
Published: November 2021

U radu se povezuju problemi opće depopulacije i starenja stanovništva s postojećim i novim oblicima mirovinskog sustava u promjenjivom makroekonomskom okruženju Europske unije (EU). U radu se na razini EU‑a analiziraju i prikazuju demografski faktori te posljedice demografskih i
makroekonomskih kretanja. Demografske i ekonomske pretpostavke na kojima je stvorena većina postojećih mirovinskih sustava EU‑a znatno su promijenjene. Na primjeru Hrvatske istražuju se prirodni prirast i migracijski saldo kao demografski potencijali te kretanje radno aktivnog
stanovništva kao ekonomski potencijal. Za razliku od službenih javnih politika, pokazuje se da problem niske zaposlenosti nije demografski ni mirovinski, već isključivo ekonomski problem. Istraživanjem distribucije
zaposlenosti, plaća i mirovina istražio se i mirovinski potencijal Hrvatske. Korištenjem empirijskih podataka izračunate su razine nejednakosti kod zaposlenosti i plaća. Pored niskih plaća i mirovina, Ginijevi koeficijenti pokazuju da Hrvatska nema nejednakosti kod distribucije plaća i da ima umjerene razine nejednakosti kod distribucije uplata u drugi stup i isplata mirovina u prvom stupu. Utvrdilo se da Hrvatska ne povezuje stvarno raspoloživi demografski potencijal i ekonomski potencijal kroz veću produktivnost, zaposlenost, plaće i mirovine te da je značajan problem materijalna deprivacija stanovništva. Prema hrvatskom iskustvu, demografski su problemi deklaratorni i ne rješavaju se zasebno i izvan konteksta mirovinskog sustava. Negativni demografski trendovi najčešće se izravno povezuju s deficitima mirovinskog sustava, dok se mirovinski problemi i reforme pravdaju jedino negativnim demografskim trendovima, čime se krug zatvara, a problemi ostaju.