bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A importância da prática de leituras para o desenvolvimento do senso crítico na sala de aula
Authors: Feitosa Neidiara da Silva , Feitosa Francenilde da Silva , Feitosa Júnior Francisco Rubens
Published: October 2021

O presente artigo destaca a importância da leitura significativa no cotidiano da sala de aula. O objetivo do trabalho é refletir sobre as habilidades relacionadas à leitura como: compreensão, reflexão, e interpretação. Através de métodos novos no ensino e aprendizagem, almeja-se conhecer principalmente o processo de alfabetização, desenvolvendo um diálogo entres vários autores, a fim de contribuir para a melhoria dos índices de qualidade da alfabetização, sugerindo um novo pensamento crítico sobre as abordagens de ensino. Por meio da metodologia qualitativa, com a utilização de observações e revisão bibliográfica, buscou-se a compreensão entre os diferentes autores que incentivam a pratica da leitura e a preparação de leitores críticos. Ao longo desde estudo, foi possível identificar grandes contribuições para a formação de uma cultura que valoriza a leitura entre seus membros, além da valorização da aquisição de linguagens literárias, artísticas e históricas, a partir da compreensão do seu papel enquanto sujeito histórico. Concluir-se que o hábito de leitura tem se perdido não apenas nas escolas, e torna-se necessário que o professor compreenda os diferentes métodos e abordagem pedagógicas para atingir o objetivo de proporcionar aprendizagens significativas para os educandos, através de transformações de conceitos e necessidades que limitem o aprendizado, buscado dessa maneira, o avanço do conhecimento científico sobre o desenvolvimento da leitura na educação e na prática cotidiana.
O uso de coleções zoológicas como ferramenta didática
Authors: Silva Alisson Ryan Alves da , Santos Carlos Alberto Batista
Published: October 2021

Este trabalho se propôs a revitalizar a Coleção Didática de Zoologia, realizando o registro de espécies de invertebrados terrestres e aquáticos da Caatinga, região do Vale do São Francisco, organizando, catalogando e disponibilizando material didático adequado para o ensino prático de disciplinas ligadas à área animal no curso de Engenharia Agronômica. A organização da uma Coleção Didática em Zoologia, servirá de instrumento para consulta dos alunos do ensino fundamental e médio da rede pública e privada do município de Juazeiro-BA, assim como subsidiar o ensino e pesquisa de graduandos e pós-graduandos da Universidade do Estado da Bahia (UNEB), Departamento de Tecnologia e Ciências Sociais (DTCS) Campus III.
Investigações das ações pedagógicas dos professores de educação física: método tradicional x aprendizagem significativa
Authors: Magalhães Nathanael Rodrigues , Simões Neto José de Caldas , Catunda Pergentina Parentes Jardim , Vanali Renan Costa
Published: October 2021

Ações pedagógicas pautadas em métodos que caracterizem práticas do ensino tradicional não proporciona aos estudantes uma educação capaz de prepará-los para as exigências do atual modelo de sociedade, desta forma, o modelo da aprendizagem significativa proposto por David Ausubel é uma importante proposta metodológica para os professores de Educação Física. A Educação Física escolar busca no contexto atual de sua utilização, através da cultura corporal do movimento, formar seres com hábitos saudáveis, críticos e transformadores. Sendo assim o objetivo geral deste artigo é identificar as ações pedagógicas de ensino dos professores de Educação Física. Para este estudo foi utilizado um questionário contendo 26 afirmações. Este questionário foi elaborado com embasamento na escala likert, que é uma escala psicométrica muito utilizada em pesquisas de cunho qualitativo. Este estudo se caracteriza como uma pesquisa descritiva. Este estudo utilizou como amostra 6 professores da disciplina de Educação Física da cidade de Mauriti-Ce. Para a análise das respostas alcançadas foi empregada uma pontuação nas ações dos professores. Neste modelo de pontuação, os resultados que tenham média superior a 3 mostram ações que possibilitam e se aproximam da Aprendizagem Significativa. Já as médias abaixo de 3 evidenciam a utilização de métodos voltados para a metodologia do Ensino Tradicional. A média geral das assertivas, segundo os dados obtidos pelas respostas, mostra que os professores realizam em sala, práticas que possibilitam uma aprendizagem significativa. A média geral de 5 professores investigados foi superior a 3, atingindo média superior a 4, nas assertivas referente as ações pedagógicas que caracterizam metodologias voltadas para a aprendizagem significativa. Pode-se observar que os professores sabem da importância em oferecer aos estudantes, meios e ferramentas que proporcione uma aprendizagem significativa, em que os novos conteúdos devem estar atrelados e conectados ao conhecimento do aluno sobre a temática proposta, para que possa aprender. Ainda é importante ressaltar que os professores precisam rever certos costumes pedagógicos tradicionais que não favorecem a uma boa qualidade de ensino, e de fato agir e não somente falar.
Chikungunya e sua abordagem transversal no ensino de ciências naturais
Authors: Egidio Jonatha Anderson Fraga , Marinho Willian Rodrigues da Costa , Sousa Graziele Fonseca de
Published: October 2021

O vírus CHIKV, que promove a doença Chikungunya, é transmitido por mosquitos das espécies Aedes aegypti e albopictus. Esses mosquitos têm preferência por locais quentes e úmidos como o Brasil que é um país tropical. Com a chegada do vírus em nosso país, diversos casos de infecção e óbitos pela doença foram identificados. Desde então, o Ministério da Saúde junto com outras secretarias do Estado, como o Ministério da Educação, promovem estratégias de combate ao vetor da doença. Nesse aspecto, as escolas colaboram com estratégias educativas que também promovem o combate ao vetor da Chikungunya. Essa pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o conhecimento dos alunos do terceiro ano do ensino médio de três colégios estaduais de Macaé/RJ sobre o tema Chikungunya. Ela foi desenvolvida em três escolas da rede pública do município de Macaé, com a aplicação de um questionário composto por 8 perguntas que abordaram aspectos de conhecimento específico sobre Chikungunya. Um total de 65 estudantes foram entrevistados. Cerca de 44% dos estudantes identificaram corretamente o agente patogênico da Chikungunya, 88% identificaram corretamente o vetor transmissor da doença, 81% conhecem os processos que contribuem para a proliferação do vetor. Por outro lado, cerca de 48% não reconhecem os principais sintomas da doença, 23% não sabem que a doença pode causar a morte e 47% não reconhecem a fase em que o vetor transmite a doença. Concluímos que, apesar dos estudantes entrevistados terem apresentado conhecimento sobre alguns assuntos, eles ainda possuem uma defasagem em alguns pontos sobre o tema Chikungunya, sendo necessário que o tema seja melhor trabalhado nas escolas. Assim, é possível que educadores tomem iniciativas para sensibilizar seus estudantes para um papel mais ativo na sociedade no combate ao vetor da Chikungunya.
Observação de aulas síncronas no ensino médio: contribuições para a formação de licenciandos em química
Authors: Oliveira Thalia Rhaney Silva de , Velôso Henrique da Rocha , Cunha Geremias Dourado da , Stropa Jusinei Meireles
Published: October 2021

No ano de 2020 a educação sofreu um grande impacto no modelo de ensino em decorrência do novo coronavírus, conhecido como covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2). Este impacto provocou uma ruptura no ensino presencial e deu origem ao ensino remoto com síncronas e assicronas. E dentro desta perspectiva o presente trabalho teve por objetivo descrever relatos de experiência de alunos do Programa Residência Pedagógica do curso de Licenciatura em Química do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Rondônia (IFRO), no município de Ji-Paraná. Levando em consideração a importância do aperfeiçoamento profissional e prático dos alunos residentes e a partir da experiência da observação de aulas na escola-campo Colégio Tiradentes da Polícia Militar – CTPM VI, o objetivo do presente relato é destacar as contribuições para alunos graduandos em licenciatura a partir da observação de aulas síncronas para alunos do ensino médio na disciplina de Química. A referida atividade foi realizada durante o mês outubro de 2020 até o período de março de 2021. A observação das aulas, possibilitou a compreensão sobre postura do professor, tratamento com alunos, metodologias diversificadas alem da incorporação da rotina escolar da instituição.
Estratégias para o ensino de botânica no espaço escolar: uma análise bibliográfica de recursos didáticos
Authors: Queiroz Mariana Pereira de , Egidio Jonatha Anderson Fraga , Nascimento Barbara Proença do
Published: October 2021

As plantas são seres vivos importantes para as outras formas de vida na Terra. Desde nossa infância fazemos uso de alimentos que, em sua maioria, possuem origem vegetal. Devido a sua importância médica, econômica, ecológica e social, o grupo dos vegetais foi inserido na grade de estudos da educação básica brasileira. Entretanto, compreendendo as diversas dificuldades que permeiam o ensino do nosso país, essa pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar diferentes recursos e estratégias didáticas que facilitam o processo de ensino e aprendizagem da botânica. A pesquisa se deu por meio da busca por referências bibliográficas no site Google Acadêmico, onde selecionou-se 10 artigos que propuseram materiais didáticos para ensino da botânica. Os autores sugeriram a utilização de jogos didáticos, atividades lúdicas, exsicatas, recursos multimídia (vídeos, documentários e filmes), aula de campo em ambientes naturais, computadores com acesso à internet e laboratório didático como materiais facilitadores para o ensino da botânica, sugerindo que estes tornam o ensino mais dinâmico, atrativo e sensibiliza os estudantes para o cuidado e a preservação com o grupo vegetal na natureza. A partir das análises da utilização dos materiais e da percepção de diversos outros autores, podemos concluir que os materiais listados anteriormente trazem mais qualidade para o ensino da botânica, além de facilitar a compreensão dos conceitos que envolvem a vida dos vegetais.
O processo educativo através de uma formação crítica e reflexiva: desafios e oportunidades
Authors: Franco Patrícia Cristiane , Trennenphol Vera Lúcia , Oliveira Tarcísio Dorn de , Chagas Daniel Hedlund Soares das
Published: October 2021

É comprovado que o aluno aprende melhor pela emoção, isto é, quando gosta e se envolve com o que está fazendo/aprendendo e nessa lógica o professor também precisa se entusiasmar com o que está ensinando. Através de uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental o artigo tem o intuito de ponderar algumas questões sobre o uso de metodologias ativas nos processos de ensino e de aprendizagem. Essa emoção não nasce com a monotonia e com os métodos tradicionais ou regulares de ensino, mas sim com a novidade, com o respeito a forma específica que cada aluno tem de aprender, com a interação e com a reflexão. Fica evidente que o processo de aprendizagem que tange o conhecimento, não pode ser passível e submetido a um formato que pouco se adapta e agrada os nativos digitais. O professor continua sendo o elo entre a informação e o conhecimento e nunca perde a sua importância, porém, passa a ser um mediador que desenvolve a capacidade do aluno de aprender os conteúdos de forma autônoma e participativa, levando o aluno a uma formação crítica e reflexiva.
Aspectos da natureza da ciência em pesquisas científicas divulgadas em eventos nacionais
Authors: Freitas Jardenson Ferreira de , Santos Daniele Bezerra dos , Silva Clécio Danilo Dias da
Published: October 2021

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar uma análise dos trabalhos publicados em anais nas edições do Congresso Nacional de Educação (CONEDU) e do Congresso Nacional de Pesquisa e Ensino em Ciências (CONAPESC) sobre o tema Natureza da Ciência (NdC). Para isso, as sete edições do CONEDU (2014 - 2020) e as cinco edições do CONAPESC (2016-2020) foram investigadas por completo na busca dos trabalhos para análise. Para a seleção dos artigos utilizou-se como critérios: conter expressamente no título e/ou nas palavras-chave do trabalho a expressão 'natureza da ciência' associada a 'educação científica'. Posteriormente, os trabalhos encontrados passaram por uma leitura e exploração criteriosa, favorecendo uma análise e interpretações dos dados produzidos. Por meio deste estudo, percebeu-se um ínfimo número de pesquisas envolvendo a temática natureza da ciência ao longo das edições do CONEDU e CONAPESC. Diante disto, almeja-se que as produções desenvolvidas pelos autores e autoras, aqui divulgadas e discutidas, subsidiem o fortalecimento das discussões sobre a NdC e a sua inserção no contexto educacional.
Recursos fílmicos e a prática pedagógica: um estudo sobre a visão de licenciandos sobre a sua utilização na educação básica
Authors: Macêdo Júnior Adriano Menino de , Silva Clécio Danilo Dias da , Oliveira Swianny Rodrigues de , Silva Jhuliete Duarte da , Silva Rafael Araújo da
Published: October 2021

O processo de ensino-aprendizagem nunca precisou tanto ser inovado, o cinema tem papel fundamental no ensino na atualidade, trata-se de um recurso audiovisual muito utilizado em disciplinas teóricas e praticas. Este estudo tem como objetivo discutir sobre a importância da utilização de filmes em sala de aula e como esse recurso pedagógico, aplicado de maneira correta e coerente pelo professor, pode despertar no aluno o interesse pelo conhecimento. E apresentar dados em relação ao olhar dos discentes da graduação, acerca da utilização dessa ferramenta em sala de aula. Dos 19 discentes que responderam ao formulário, 18 afirmaram que utilizarão filmes em salas de aula e concordam que este recurso é fiel em transmitir o saber para os alunos. De maneira correta os meios audiovisuais atraem e incitam os alunos tornando-os sujeitos históricos.
Effect of TaC microparticles on structure and properties of micro- arc oxidation coating on Ti-6Al-4V alloy
Authors: 丁智松  , 高巍  , 魏敬鹏  , 金耀华  , 赵晨  , 杨巍
Published: October 2021

In order to improve the corrosion resistance and wear properties of the micro arc oxidatin (MAO) coatings on TC4 titanium alloy in the marine environment. The TaC doped MAO coatings were prepared by adding different concentrations of TaC microparticles with a particle size of about 1 μm into the silicate-based electrolyte. The morphology, elemental distribution and composition of the coatings were characterized and analyzed by SEM,EDS and XPS, The thickness, roughness, hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the three MAO coatings were compared and evaluated. The results showed that, by adding TaC microparticles to the base electrolyte, TaC and Ta2O5 were present in the MAO coating on titanium alloy. Compared with the MAO coating without TaC, the surface morphology of the coating with TaC was dense and the hardness was increased by about 83.2%; The friction coefficient of the coating in the simulated seawater decreased from 0.2 to 0.148, changing from serious abrasive wear to slight adhesive wear; The corrosion current density of this coating decreased by two orders of magnitude. The newly designed MAO coating has effectively improved the applicability of the titanium alloy in the marine environment. Furthermore, by constructing the wear and corrosion failure model of the MAO coatings in the simulated seawater, the internal mechanism of doping TaC microparticles into the MAO coating to improve its corrosion resistance and wear resistance has been revealed.
IFN-γ mediates Paneth cell death via suppression of mTOR
Authors: Araujo Alessandra , Safronova Alexandra , Burger Elise , López-Yglesias Américo , Giri Shilpi , Camanzo Ellie T , Martin Andrew T , Grivennikov Sergei , Yarovinsky Felix
Published: October 2021

Paneth cells constitutively produce antimicrobial peptides and growth factors that allow for intestinal homeostasis, host protection, and intestinal stem cell replication. Paneth cells rely heavily on the glycolytic metabolic program, which is in part controlled by the kinase complex Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTORC1). Yet, little is known about mTOR importance in Paneth cell integrity under steady-state and inflammatory conditions. Our results demonstrate that IFN-γ, a crucial mediator of the intestinal inflammation, acts directly on murine Paneth cells to alter their mitochondrial integrity and membrane potential, resulting in an TORC1-dependent cell death mechanism distinct from canonical cell death pathways including apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. These results were established with the purified cytokine and a physiologically relevant common Th1-inducing human parasiteToxoplasma gondii. Given the crucial role for IFN-γ, which is a cytokine frequently associated with the development of inflammatory bowel disease and compromised Paneth cell functions, the identified mechanisms underlying mTORC1-dependent Paneth cell death downstream of IFN-γ may provide promising novel approaches for treating intestinal inflammation.
Protein phosphatase 1 in association with Bud14 inhibits mitotic exit in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kocakaplan Dilara , Karabürk Hüseyin , Dilege Cansu , Kirdök Idil , Bektas Seyma Nur , Caydasi Ayse Koca
Published: October 2021

Mitotic exit in budding yeast is dependent on correct orientation of the mitotic spindle along the cell polarity axis. When accurate positioning of the spindle fails, a surveillance mechanism named the spindle position checkpoint (SPOC) prevents cells from exiting mitosis. Mutants with a defective SPOC become multinucleated and lose their genomic integrity. Yet, a comprehensive understanding of the SPOC mechanism is missing. In this study, we identified the type 1 protein phosphatase, Glc7, in association with its regulatory protein Bud14 as a novel checkpoint component. We further showed that Glc7-Bud14 promotes dephosphorylation of the SPOC effector protein Bfa1. Our results suggest a model in which two mechanisms act in parallel for a robust checkpoint response: first, the SPOC kinase Kin4 isolates Bfa1 away from the inhibitory kinase Cdc5, and second, Glc7-Bud14 dephosphorylates Bfa1 to fully activate the checkpoint effector.
Extracellular pH, osmolarity, temperature and humidity could discourage SARS-CoV-2 cell docking and propagation via intercellular signaling pathways
Authors: Cicconetti Franco , Sestili Piero , Madiai Valeria , Albertini Maria Cristina , Campanella Luigi , Coppari Sofia , Fraternale Daniele , Saunders Bryan , Teodori Laura
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and its virus variants continue to pose a serious and long-lasting threat worldwide. To combat the pandemic, the world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination campaign is currently ongoing. As of July 19th 2021, 26.2% of the world population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine (1.04 billion), and one billion has been fully vaccinated, with very high vaccination rates in countries like Israel, Malta, and the UEA. Conversely, only 1% of people in low-income countries have received at least one dose with examples of vaccination frequency as low as 0.07% in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is thus of paramount importance that more research on alternate methods to counter cell infection and propagation is undertaken that could be implemented in low-income countries. Moreover, an adjunctive therapeutic intervention would help to avoid disease exacerbation in high-rate vaccinated countries too. Based on experimental biochemical evidence on viral cell fusion and propagation, herein we identify (i) extracellular pH (epH), (ii) temperature, and (iii) humidity and osmolarity as critical factors. These factors are here in discussed along with their implications on mucus thick layer, proteases, abundance of sialic acid, vascular permeability and exudate/edema. Heated, humidified air containing sodium bicarbonate has long been used in the treatment of certain diseases, and here we argue that warm inhalation of sodium bicarbonate might successfully target these endpoints. Although we highlight the molecular/cellular basis and the signalling pathways to support this intervention, we underscore the need for clinical investigations to encourage further research and clinical trials. In addition, we think that such an approach is also important in light of the high mutation rate of this virus originating from a rapid increase.
Prediction of coronary heart disease in rural Chinese adults: a cross sectional study
Authors: Wang Qian , Li Wenxing , Wang Yongbin , Li Huijun , Zhai Desheng , Wu Weidong
Published: October 2021

Background

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a common cardiovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality in China. The CHD risk prediction model has a great value in early prevention and diagnosis.

Methods

In this study, CHD risk prediction models among rural residents in Xinxiang County were constructed using Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithms with identified 16 influencing factors.

Results

Results demonstrated that the CHD model using the RF classifier performed best both on the training set and test set, with the highest area under the curve (AUC = 1 and 0.9711), accuracy (one and 0.9389), sensitivity (one and 0.8725), specificity (one and 0.9771), precision (one and 0.9563), F1-score (one and 0.9125), and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC = one and 0.8678), followed by the SVM (AUC = 0.9860 and 0.9589) and the LASSO classifier (AUC = 0.9733 and 0.9587). Besides, the RF model also had an increase in the net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) values, and achieved a greater net benefit in the decision curve analysis (DCA) compared with the SVM and LASSO models.

Conclusion

The CHD risk prediction model constructed by the RF algorithm in this study is conducive to the early diagnosis of CHD in rural residents of Xinxiang County, Henan Province.
Assessing the Heamatology of Uda Rams Fed Graded Levels of Processed Cassava (Manihot esculentus L.) Peels
Authors: Mika’ilu M. M. , Kwaido A. A. , Maigandi S. A. , Ribah I. M. , Aljameel K. M. , Muhammad A. K.
Published: October 2021

The experiment was carried out at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero using thirty two (32) yearlings Uda Rams in two feeding trials ran concurrently. Sixteen (16) rams were used in each experiment with four treatments replicated four times in a completely randomized factorial design (2 × 4). The animal represents the replicates while the processing method (drying and ensiling) and the level of inclusion represents the treatments respectively. The level of inclusion are 0, 10, 20 and 30% dried cassava peels (DCP) and ensiled cassava peels (ECP) respectively. Data were collected in each trial on hematological characteristics. Data generated was subjected to analysis of variance and least significant difference (LSD) was used to separate the means. Hematological values of rams fed DCP were within the normal range while those fed ECP were below the normal range. The results shows significant difference (P<0.05) between dried and ensiled method of processing in terms of haemoglobin, MCH, WBC and MCV. Rams fed dried cassava peels had lower haemoglobin and PCV compared to normal range. It was concluded that there was no significant difference between rams fed dried cassava peels and those fed ensiled cassava peels at 30% level of inclusion.
Effect of Manihot esculenta Edible Coating Blended with African Basil (Ocimum gratissimum) Essential Oil on the Shelf-Life of Mango Fruits
Authors: M. Nyangena Decrah , T. Wangila Phanice , K. Cherutoi Jackson
Published: October 2021

Aims: To establish the shelf -life of mango fruits coated with unmodified and modified M. esculenta edible coating at low (4 ± 2°C) and room temperature (23 ± 2°C) conditions.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was done at Moi University, School of Sciences and Aerospace studies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry between January 2021 and June 2021.

Methodology: Ocimum gratissimum leaves essential oils was obtained by hydro-distillation method using Clevenger apparatus. Preparation and modification of the coating were homogenized at 70 ± 2 °C. Physico-chemical parameters including weight loss, titratable acidity (TA), Vitamin C concentration, total soluble solids (TSS), and pH were used to establish the fruits’ shelf-life.

Results: The modified M. esculenta (cassava) starch coating (1.5%) treatment, their interactions and storage duration significantly affected the physico-chemical parameters of mango fruits. The modified coating-maintained TA 0.66%, 0.87%, reduced weight loss by 27.81%,14.62%, delayed the increase of TSS 7.50%, and pH 5.20, 4.93 while retaining the vitamins C 8.13 mg/100g, 15.09mg/100g concentration up to eighteen days and twenty-seven day of storage at 23 ± 2°C and 4 ± 2°C respectively. The distilled water treatment (control) reduced TA to 0.11%, 0.23%, increased weight loss to 47.12%, 24.21%, TSS 20.22%, 17.41%, and pH 8.21, 5.20 while retaining the vitamin C 3.74 mg/100 g, 8.13 mg/100 g concentration at 23 ± 2°C and 4 ± 2°C respectively.

Conclusion: Results of the present study showed that M. esculenta edible coating incorporated with O. gratissimum essential oil extended the shelf life of mangoes up to eighteen and twenty-seven days of storage at room temperature (25 ± 2°C) and low temperature (4 ± 2°C), respectively. This treatment might be an effective farm-based post-harvest treatment in prolonging the shelf life of fresh produce while maintaining their physico-chemical parameters.
Portfolio Diversification and Performance of Deposit Money Banks: Analysing the Nigerian Banking Industry
Authors: Omeni Ihejirika Peters , George Aderigha Ades
Published: October 2021

The focus is on Portfolio Diversification and Performance of Deposit Money Banks: analyzing the Nigerian banking industry for the period 1990-2019. The study measured treasury bills, ordinary shares, investments in subsidiaries, and foreign investments outside Nigeria as proxies for Portfolio Diversification while Return on Equity as proxy for performance of deposit money banks for the periods under review. In the course of the study, data were obtained from the website of Central Bank Statistical bulletin and annual report of Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). The Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test option was used to test for unit roots. The ARDL and Bounds test were used to estimate the short and long run relationships respectively. The study discovered that at short run, treasury bills, and ordinary shares are negatively related and not significantly related to return on equity while investments in subsidiaries and foreign balances outside Nigeria are positively related to return on equity of DMBs at most lag periods. However, it was further observed that at different lag periods the variables do not significantly predict the direction of return on equity of DMBs. Long run relationship was also observed to exist amid treasury bills, acquisition of ordinary shares, investment in subsidiaries, ,foreign investments outside Nigeria and performance of all deposit money banks in Nigeria for the period 1990 – 2019.at short run, DMBs should diversify into investments in subsidiaries , as this would improve return on equity. Deposit Money Banks should also diversify into foreign holdings that would yield positive net present values. Deposit money Banks in Nigeria should diversify into foreign investments with the right mix   that would increase performance. These were some of the recommendations proffered, to the Government, monetary authorities, Central Bank of Nigeria, researchers and Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria.
Impact of COVID-19 on Education in Pakistan, A View Point
Authors: Ping Zhu
Published: October 2021

The novel coronavirus pandemic has contrary involved liveliness and education throughout the world. Educational institutes are confronting situations to furnish good education to the students throughout n-COVID-19 breakdown. Some technically improved countries such as China have electronic learning systems for education. Besides, it isn’t the similar situation with economical countries like Pakistan. Hereby, we draw the objects existence confronted by educational institutes and students in Pakistan as acquiring in online education throughout the n-COVID-19 epidemic.
Rainfall Recovery in North-East Arid Zone of Nigeria: Comparative Analysis of Drought and Post Drought Decades
Authors: Jajere Ahmed Abubakar , Abbas Adam Modu , Abdu Ali
Published: October 2021

This study used annual rainfall records from three stations within the North East Arid Zone of Nigeria for the period (1957-2017) to measure the extent of the rainfall recovery by comparing the drought decades and post drought decades rainfall patterns. Monthly rainfall records from Potiskum, Maiduguri and Nguru Stations were used. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were employed in analysing the data. The findings of the study revealed a significant year-to-year variability in rainfall characteristics around 61 years (1957-2017) averages. The variability was large in 1970s up till 1990s, and lower in 1960s and from 2000 to 2018. Decreasing trend in annual rainfall amount was observed during the study period while a stability in onset and cessation dates were observed. The differences between 1957-1986 and 1987-2017 climatic season were found to be statistically insignificant. The study concluded that the reported rainfall recovery from drought is statistically insignificant and the observed long term mean trend revealed a decreasing trend. Therefore, the theory of Sahel rainfall recovery can be better termed as a ‘’break of the series of drought or decline in frequency and magnitude of occurrence of drought’’ The research recommended the continuations with the drought adaptation and mitigation strategies adopted by local population, decisions makers and organizations following the series Sahelian droughts of 1970s and 1980s.
Surfactant Enhanced Bioremediation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soils Using Alkyl Polyglucoside
Authors: Ezekiel C. E. , Osuji Leo C. , Onojake M. C.
Published: October 2021

Bioremediation is an efficient and environmentally friendly method for the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in contaminated soils. This study investigated the effects of biosurfactant alkyl polyglycosides (APG) on enhanced biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soils.  Three soil samples were contaminated with two different grades of crude oil (medium and Light). Alkyl polyglucoside was synthesised and subjected to FTIR for comfirmation of the product before it was applied in the remediation of contaminated soil. The alkyl polyglucoside is used as a treatment regime in the remediation of the hydrocarbon contamination in the three soil samples. Results of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) before remediation with bio-surfactant showed that samples contaminated with medium crude for Eneka, Ozuoba and Rukpokwu were 15744.00 mg/kg, 11359.00 mg/kg and 11470.00 mg/kg respectively and after remediation reduced to 4276.00 mg/kg, 4265.00 mg/kg, and 3205.00 mg/kg, showing a reduction percentage of 72.84%, 62.44% and 72.05% respectively. Soil samples contaminated with light crude showed result of TPH of 11339.00 mg/kg, 10662 mg/kg and 10226 mg/kg and after remediation reduced to 2981 mg/kg, 3879 mg/kg, and 4245 mg/kg respectively showing a reduction percentage of 73.71%, 63.62 % and 58.49% respectively. The enhanced efficiency of the bio-surfactant at degrading total petroleum hydrocarbons was achieved as a result of the increased solubility thus improving the bioavailability of the hydrocarbons due to the action of the alkyl polyglucoside.
Max Weibull-G Power Series Distributions
Authors: Gheorghe Munteanu Bogdan
Published: October 2021

Based on the Weibull-G Power probability distribution family, we have proposed a new family of probability distributions, named by us the Max Weibull-G power series distributions, which may be applied in order to solve some reliability problems. This implies the fact that the Max Weibull-G power series is the distribution of a random variable max (X1 ,X2 ,...XN) where X1 ,X2 ,... are Weibull-G distributed independent random variables and N is a natural random variable the distribution of which belongs to the family of power series distribution. The main characteristics and properties of this distribution are analyzed.
Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification as a Rapid Molecular Method for Pseudomonas aeruginosa T3SS ExoY Gene Septicemia Detection in Beta- Lactamase Species Co-Infections
Authors: Ombega J. Mageto , Zhong Zhao-Hua
Published: October 2021

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is among the most important causative agent of infection in chronically ill patients admitted in hospitals globally. Coupled with its, mixed symptomatology, rapid drug resistance tendency and its causation of severe disease, a fast, reliable and affordable diagnostic technique is required to enable healthcare providers expeditiously mitigate its progression and eventual treatment. The Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) technique has the potential to serve as a simple, rapid, specific, sensitive and cost-effective point-of-care diagnostic tool.

Broad Objective: To investigate Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification as a molecular technique for microbial diagnostic and prognostic predictor.  

Study Design: This study was aimed at evaluating LAMP assay against Simple Polymerase chain reaction and Multiplex PCR on the diagnosis of P. aeruginosa in mixed clinical samples.

Materials and Methods: This study developed P. aeruginosa Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (PaLAMP) assay to target the ExoY gene with appropriate primer testing and validation procedures. Culture of patient bacterial samples was done on MHA and MHB medium, grown overnight in an Incubator and a incubating shaker at 37oc respectively. Housekeeping gene were identified through online bioinformatics and blasted against known sequences. A set of 6 primers, comprising 2 outer primers (F3 and B3), 2 inner primers (FIP and BIP), and 2 loop primers (FLP and BLP), were designed. Microbial DNA extraction was done followed by PCR amplification as a classical identification using LAMP outer primers 9(F3 and B3). LAMP amplicons were detected by real time turbidimetry (LA-500) at 64°C for 40 minutes as well as under UV light with 1.0 μl of 1/10-diluted original SYBR Green I.

Results: LAMP validation against traditional PCR shows a high limit of detection at 10-6ng/µl compared to 10-5ng/µl for PCR. The findings are consistent with outcomes for real time turbidimetric outcomes. Real time LAMP turbidimetric results was cross validated by direct observation through SYBR fluorescence under UV light for positive P. aeruginosa detection through positive amplification.

Conclusion: Thus far, Loop mediated isothermal amplification show significantly high limit of detection comparable to standard PCR, its use in field based diagnosis offers an opportunity for a cheap, reliable and faster method to determine disease trends and therapy approaches. This method can be applied in primary care to enhance accuracy in diagnosis and thereby prompt initiation of mitigation treatment regimens.
Determination of Microbial Pathogens and its Abundance in Fresh Kunun-Zaki Drinks: Huge Threat to Public Health
Authors: E. Odo Samuel , A. Nwaubani Daniel , N. Ebe Gloria , I. Idume John , W. Okengwu Onyemaobi
Published: October 2021

This study investigated the presence and abundance of microbial pathogens in fresh locally produced, packaged and distributed kunun-zaki drinks. A total of 20 samples were randomly purchased from 20 vendors and hawkers. Each of the samples obtained was tenfold serially diluted using sterile peptone water. From the appropriate dilutions, 0.1ml were removed and spread plated on Salmonella-Shigella agar, Mannitol salt agar, and Eosin methylene blue agar plates. The inoculated plates were then incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. This study found that of the 20 kunun-zaki samples investigated, 70% were contaminated by Staphylococcus aureus which ranged from 1.0x104 to 1.21x105 (CFU/ml). Salmonella spp ranged from 1.2x104 to 4.1x104 (CFU/ml), and contaminated 60% of the samples. Escherichia coli ranged from 0.2x104 to 1.1x104 (CFU/ml) and was found in 45% of the samples. The result showed that the locally produced, packaged and distributed kunun-zaki drinks were highly contaminated by foodborne microbial pathogens and it makes it unsafe for human consumption. It further showed that public health is put at risk when unsafe locally produced kunun-zaki beverage is consumed; hence, local producers and Agencies saddled with the responsibility to monitor, supervise and certify food safety must strictly ensure the protection of consumers and public health by insisting that traditional methods of production, packaging and distribution of kunun-zaki drinks follow, maintain and sustain standards that guarantee quality, safety and accessibility. Consumers must resist the urge to purchase kunun-zaki drinks from unverified sources; producers, vendors and hawkers.
Effect of Tithonia diversifolia, Alchornea cordifolia, and Mezoneuron benthamianum on Tomato (Lycopersicon esculuntum) Nursery in Daloa (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Guettia Marie Yah N’ , Marie Hélène Koffi Ahébé , N’goran Anderson Zadjei , Doffou Sélastique Akaffou , Hortense Diallo Atta Taky
Published: October 2021

Aims: Research of alternative solutions to the use of synthetic pesticides.

Study Design : Randomized block.

Place and Duration of Study: Jean Lorougnon Guédé University (Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire), January to February 2020.

Methodology: Extracts of Alchornea cordifolia, Tithonia diversifolia and Mezoneuron benthamianum were evaluated in vitro and in the nursery at 5 g/l, 15 g/l and 25 g/l. In vitro, the blotting paper method was used on tomato seed germination. In the nursery, the powdery extracts were added to the nursery soil bags with four treatments (5 g/l, 15 g/l, 25 g/l and control) and six bags per treatment with five tomato seeds per bag. Germination rate, number of leaves, height and the health status of the plants as well as the incidence and severity of root galls were evaluated. The results showed that in vitro the control had the highest average germination rate (98.5%) followed by T. diversifolia (43.03 to 98.5%), A. cordifolia (35.33 to 68.67%) and M. benthamianum (37.66 to 67.55%). However, in the nursery, T. diversifolial recorded the highest average treated seed germination (38 to 78.33%) and seedling emergence (12.78 to 38.33%) rates compared to the other treatments. Concerning growth parameters, the number of leaves (5.38 to 13.21) and height (5.71 to 15.64 cm) of tomato plants were influenced by the extracts type and concentration. The incidence of root galls was low for treated plants (0-60%) compared to controls (100%). The severity of the galls was significantly reduced by the extracts, however the extracts of T. diversifolia were the most effective. Extracts were more effective at low concentrations in improving agromorphological parameters of tomato, in contrast to the incidence and severity of galls which were reduced at high concentrations. Results suggest that these locally available plants could be used as biofertilizers and control method against root-knot nematodes.
Formulation and Evaluation of Liquisolid Compacts of BCS Class II Drug Ketoprofen
Authors: Kasturi Madhavi , Malviya Neelesh
Published: October 2021

Aims: The main objective of the current research work is to develop liquisolid compacts of BCS Class II drug ketoprofen with an intention to enhance the solubility of drug by applying liquisolid technique.

Place and Duration of Study: Smriti College of Pharmaceutical Education between June 2018 June 2019.

Methodology: Initially liquid medication was obtained by dissolving drug in suitable solvent. Saturation solubility studies were performed in various hydrophilic non-volatile solvents to select the solvent showing highest solubility for drug. This liquid medication was admixed with calculated amounts of carrier material (Avicel PH 102) and coating material (Cab-O-Sil) using Spireas mathematical model in order to obtain liquisolid formulations. Further, this powder mass of liquisolid system was compressed to form Ketoprofen liquisolid compact formulations ranging from TK1 to TK9. They were further subjected to post compression evaluation tests such as weight variation, hardness, friability, content uniformity, disintegration and in vitro dissolution studies.

Results: Based on the solubility studies, PEG 400 was selected as solvent for ketoprofen drug. Rheological properties for the prepared liquisolid powder system were performed for all the formulations and they showed acceptable flow properties. The results obtained for the post compression evaluation tests of all the prepared liquisolid compacts were present within the acceptable limits. The disintegration time observed for all formulations were within 5 minutes. The results of in vitro release of all the liquisolid compacts showed enhanced release rates compared to that of directly compressed tablet. Lquisolid compact formulation TK7 showed maximum release of 97.62% of drug within 12 minutes in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer which was much higher when compared to that of directly compressed tablet. The SEM and PXRD studies for TK7 revealed conversion of crystalline to molecularly dispersed form of drug in the obtained liquisolid formulation. DSC and FTIR studies also revealed that there was no presence of any significant interaction between drug and excipients involved in the formulation.

Conclusion: Finally, it could be concluded that Liquisolid technique was successful in enhancing the solubility and further dissolution profile of BCS Class II drug Ketoprofen.
Evaluation of Problems Comforted by Dental Professionals, Post Graduate and Interns Owing to use to the use of Personal Protective Equipments in Vidarbha Region
Authors: Kalbhut Vaishnav , Chhabra Kumar Gaurav , Reche Amit , Madhu Priyanka Paul , Arora Nakul , Varma Malaika
Published: October 2021

Background: Dentist and dental students are facing problems while and after using the PPE Objectives: To analyse and provide a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the problems facing dentist and dental students while and after using the PPE.

Methodology: It is a descriptive study which includes demographic details of the individuals and 25 questions regarding the problems faced by dental professionals, Post Graduates and Interns due to the use of PPE while performing the procedure and after achieving the procedure. Those who will acknowledge being part of the study will be sent an interface to the survey, either through e-mail or whatsapp mobile application. The submission shape will be kept open for a period of 30 days.

Expected Results: The expected results of this study will determine the difficulties encountered by Dentist, Postgraduates and Interns while and after using the PPE kits.

Conclusion: An observational based study in which we have to identify problems while and after using the PPE.
Estimation of Urinary Calcium as a Predictor of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
Authors: Giresh Shoba
Published: October 2021

Hypertensive diseases are still a leading cause of death among mothers all over the world. It’s complicated aetiology, which begins with aberrant placentation and ends with endothelial dysfunction, is yet unknown. The goal of this study is to learn about changes in serum and urine calcium levels in women who have Gestational Hypertension. 200 normotensive pregnant women between 24-28 weeks were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Urine calcium and creatinine and serum uric acid, total protein, albumin and serum sodium were estimated in corresponding samples collected from patients. The study showed a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 71%, positive predictive value was 77%, negative predictive value 74%, and diagnostic accuracy as 74%. A single estimation of calcium to creatinine ratio in asymptomatic pregnant women between 24-28 week of gestation is a simple and cost-effective test.
Role of Trace Elements (Serum Zinc & Magnesium) in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-A Hospital Based Study
Authors: Jagan J. Saravana
Published: October 2021

This study was undertaken with the aim to determine Serum zinc and magnesium levels in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus without it's associated complications and Type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients with its various macro and micro vascular complications namely Coronary atherosclerosis, Peripheral vascular disease and retinopathy, nephropathy respectively. The study was conducted at diabetology out-patient department, Sree Balaji Medical college & Hospital, Chennai on total of 120 subjects of age group 40-70 years; of whom 20 were apparently healthy and served as control. Between control groups and retinopathy, a microvascular consequence of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus, there is no statistically significant reduction in serum magnesium. Overall, diabetic patients without comorbidities and microvascular consequences of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus, such as retinopathy and nephropathy, reveal a negative connection between serum magnesium and HbA1c. In diabetes patients without problems and microvascular consequences, such as nephropathy, serum zinc and HbA1c have a negative connection.
Viral and Bacterial Causes of Labyrinthitis
Authors: Alzaidi Suzan Sulaiman , Alali Abdullah Ali , Alebrahim Zainab Radhi , Mayouf Hawraa Abdulwahab , Alomairy Raghad Fahad , Alhedaithy Fatemah Yasser , Alassaf Felwah Khalid , Alhammad Balqees Nasser , Ali Saad Naser , Alqabandi Abdullah Ali , Alharthi Sarab Saad
Published: October 2021

Labyrinthitis is a known inflammation of the membranous structure of the inner ear. Affected patients usually present with nausea and vomiting, vertigo, hearing loss/impairment, and tinnitus. Many etiologies have been proposed to lead to the development of labyrinthitis, including bacterial, viral, systemic, and iatrogenic causes and the most commonly reported causes include viral and bacterial infections. Not many investigations have elaborated on the viral and bacterial etiologies, and the evidence seems to be scattered across the different studies. In the present study, we have reviewed the literature to discuss the current evidence regarding the viral and bacterial causes of labyrinthitis. Many viruses and bacteria were reported in the literature to cause the condition. However, the most common pathogen includes cytomegalovirus and maternal rubella infections, leading to congenital hearing loss. Other viruses as measles and mumps might also lead to developing post-natal labyrinthitis. Studies also indicates that COVID-19 can be a recent cause of the disease. However, evidence regarding this information, similar to the case with other viral and bacterial etiologies, still needs further validation and reporting before making solid conclusions. Accordingly, we encourage researchers to furtherly report about similar cases and conduct epidemiological investigations to better understand the etiology of the disease.