bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intensive versus conservative glycaemic control in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Yi , Lv Meng , Sun Xia-xuan , Du Wen-ya , Chen Ting-ting , Wang Yuelan
Published: November 2021

Background
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery has become the most common surgical procedure among all cardiac surgeries. Hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia occur frequently during this type of surgery and are associated with a variety of postoperative outcomes. Therefore, intraoperative glycaemic control is an important issue for patients undergoing CABG surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effects of different intraoperative glycaemic control strategies on postoperative outcomes.
Methods
We will perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) according to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Relevant studies will be searched in the Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases. Two independent reviewers will conduct study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment and quality of evidence assessment. The primary outcome will be postoperative mortality, and the secondary outcomes will include time on a ventilator in the intensive care unit (ICU), incidence of postoperative myocardial infarction (MI), incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF), rate of postoperative infection, incidence of acute kidney failure (AKF), length of stay (LOS) in the ICU, and LOS in the hospital. χ2 (Cochran Q) and I2 methods will be used to assess statistical heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis will also be performed to explore the source of clinical heterogeneity, and subgroup analyses will be performed to detect possible heterogeneity of the results. Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 will be used for data management and statistical analysis. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 2.0 and GRADEpro will be applied for risk of bias and quality assessment of the evidence.
Discussion
We assume that intensive glycaemic control in patients undergoing CABG will reduce postoperative mortality and complications, which seriously compromise a patient’s quality of life and may even cause premature death. To address limitations in our study, corresponding methodologies will be adopted to optimize the results as much as possible. The results of our study are expected to provide strong evidence supporting the relationship between intensive intraoperative glycaemic control strategies and the reduction of postoperative complications in patients undergoing CABG surgery.
Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42021240841.
Analysis and Appraisal of Fascine in Shahe Ancient Bridge Ruins, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
Authors: Mai Bingjie , Liu Naiming , Liu Jiaojiao , Liu Dan , Li Jin , Wang Juanli , Chen Aidong , Cao Jing , Li Yuhu
Published: November 2021

The Chinese civilization has a long history, and the Chinese ancestors invented the "aquatic engineering technology" for flood control and water management as early as two thousand years ago: Fascine Body. The Fascine Body is a structure used to protect the bank and block the breach in the ancient Chinese flood control project. The excavation of the Shahe Ancient Bridge Ruins in Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province, China discovered the existence of a fascine body structure. Through C14 dating, fiber slice observation, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and SEM energy spectrum analysis of the fascine material, at the same time, conduct the microbial identification on it and the surrounding soil, analyze its dominant bacterial community, and control its microbial diseases in a targeted manner. The research on the fascine bank ruins solved the boundary problem of the width and length of the Shahe ancient bridge, evaluated the exact age of Shahe ancient bridge, provided the important materials for the research on ancient bridges, river embankments and other ruins, and also provided the important clues for the traffic and layout around Chang'an during the Qin and Han Dynasties of Chinese history.
Effect of Early Life Exposure of Polystyrene Microplastics on Behavior and DNA Methylation in Later Life Stage of Zebrafish
Authors: Im Jeongeun , Eom Hyun-Jung , Choi Jinhee
Published: November 2021

Microplastic contamination has received increasing attention in recent years, and concern regarding the toxicity of microplastics to the environment and humans has increased. In this study, we investigated the neurodevelopmental toxicity of polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) in the zebrafish Danio rerio under different exposure scenario. We investigated the effect of early life exposure to PSMPs on responses later in life, under different exposure scenarios. Zebrafish were exposed to PSMPs during embrionic stage, then allowed the fish to recover. The neurodevelopmental toxic responses were investigated using fish behavior and behavior-related gene expression. Early life exposure to PSMPs did not alter fish behavior at the early stage, however, it led to hyperactivity later life-stage. Generally, oxidative stress (i.e. sod2 and nrf2a) and nervous system (i.e. slc6a4b, npy and nrbf2)-related gene expression increased in all PSMPs-exposed fish. DNA hypomethylation was observed in fish challenged for a second time using the same PSMPs. Taken together, the current results imply that PSMPs have neurodevelopmental toxic potential when introduced early in life.
Sensory nerves directly promote osteoclastogenesis by secreting Cyp40
Authors: Pei Guo-Xian , Yang Liu , Li Junqin , Liu Bin , Wu Hao , Zhang Shuaishuai , Liang Zhuowen , Guo Shuo , Xiao Guozhi , Wang Ling , Xu Jing , Jiang Huijie , Cheng Pengzhen , Song Yue , Lei Xing , Wang Jimeng , Li Donglin , Gao Yi , Liu Yang , Wang Di , Zhan Nazhi
Published: November 2021

BackgroundGiven the afferent functions, sensors have been found exerting efferent influences and directly alter organ physiology. Sensory nerves have been found critical in osteoclasts and bone resorption. However, the direct evidence of whether sensory nerve efferent influences osteoclast, remains lacking. MethodsWe treated mice with resiniferatoxin (RTX) or complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) to induce sensory hypersensitivity. Bone histomorphometry including micro-ct, three-point bending assay, von kossa staining, calcein double labeling, toluidine blue staining, and trap staining were performed to monitor bone quality and bone cells. Multiple virus vectors were applied to trace signals between sensory nerves and osteoclasts. Sensory neurons (SN) and osteoclasts were cocultured to study the effects and mechanisms of the sensory nerves on osteoclasts in vitro. Isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) was used to identify secreted proteins in the sensory nerve. ResultsHere, we found sensory hypersensitivity significantly increased osteoclast bone resorption; SN directly promote osteoclastogenesis in vitro; and abundant sensory efferent signals transported into osteoclasts. Then our screening identified a novel neuropeptide Peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase D (Cyp40), is the reverse signal from the sensory nerve and plays a critical role for osteoclastogenesis, via aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-Ras/Raf-pErk-NFATc1 pathway. The efferent signals from sensory nerves tend to involves in the rapid feedback process: vast majority of sensory efferent signals (87.28%) present in fast-twitch myofibers. ConclusionThis study revealed a novel mechanism of sensory nerves on osteoclasts: the direct promotion of osteoclastogenesis by the Cyp40. This mechanism may represent a direct, and quick response of sensory nerves to the changes in bone. Targeting the Cyp40 could therefore be a strategy to promote bone repair at the early stage of bone injury.
Hydroxychloroquine Enhances Efferocytosis and Modulates the Gut Microbiome in Mice With Pristane-induced Lupus
Authors: Xue Ting-Yin , Hsieh Fei-Hung , Tsay Jun-Chieh J. , Peng Hsin-Yi , Tsao Yen-Chi , Yin Mei-Chin , Chao Che-Yi , Tsai Shu-Yao , Lin Chung-Ping , Chen Jiunn-Horng , Huang Chung-Ming , Chang Hen-Hong , Szondy Zsuzsa , Tsay Gregory J
Published: November 2021

Background An important contributor to the pathogenesis of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the impaired clearance of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) and increasing evidence implicates microbiota dysbiosis as another important player. The disease-modifying antirheumatic drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is frequently prescribed for the treatment of SLE. Here, we evaluate changes in efferocytosis and the gut microbiome in mice with pristane-induced lupus (PIL) before and after HCQ administration.Methods PIL mice were studied with or without HCQ and/or resveratrol (RESV). Efferocytosis was determined in RAW 264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages from mouse ascites fluid. The gut microbiome was analyzed using Illumina sequencing targeting the 16S ribosomal DNA gene (rDNA) amplicon sequencing.Results Both HCQ and RESV enhanced efferocytosis. HCQ also significantly suppressed ascites production of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The Firmicutes/Bacteriodetes (F/B) ratio was significantly decreased in PIL mice compared with untreated controls (p<0.05). The F/B ratio in PIL mice was increased by HCQ alone and significantly increased by HCQ combined with RESV. Alpha- and beta-diversity differed between mice administered RESV and those that were not. Viable counts of lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillaceae, Lactobacillus and Lactobacillales were increased by RESV plus HCQ treatment.Conclusions In this study, HCQ and RESV enhanced efferocytosis in both RAW 264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages of PIL mice and suppressed IL-6 and TNF-α production in ascites fluid. The pristane-induced reduction in the F/B ratio was restored by HCQ treatment. SLE treatment should consider the role of the gut microbiome.
Pembrolizumab in Combination with Bevacizumab and Oral Cyclophosphamide in Heavily Pretreated Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Andrikopoulou Angeliki , Liontos Michalis , Skafida Efthymia , Koutsoukos Konstantinos , Apostolidou Kleoniki , Kaparelou Maria , Rouvalis Angeliki , Bletsa Garyfallia , Dimopoulos Meletios-Athanasios , Zagouri Flora
Published: November 2021

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been widely implemented in the treatment of solid tumors. Although epithelial ovarian carcinoma is considered as scarcely immunogenic, the presence of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TILs) in the ovarian tumor microenvironment (TME) could increase sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Combinations of ICIs with chemotherapy, anti-VEGF compounds and PARP inhibitors are under evaluation in ovarian cancer. Recently, a Phase II study evaluated the efficacy of Pembrolizumab in Combination with bevacizumab and oral cyclophosphamide in patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive, platinum-resistant, or refractory epithelial ovarian cancer.Methods: Herein, we present a retrospective study of all patients who received pembrolizumab in combination with bevacizumab and oral cyclophosphamide for recurrent platinum-resistant heavily pretreated ovarian cancer in the Oncology Unit of Alexandra University Hospital.Results: Median age at diagnosis was 54.5 years (SD; 8.9; range: 44–72). All patients were diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC). Initial disease stage was FIGO IIIC (8/10; 80%), IIIB (1/10; 10%) and IIC (1/10; 10%)). Patients were heavily pretreated with a median of 6 (range: 4–9) prior lines of systemic therapy. All patients have experienced disease progression on first-line platinum-based chemotherapy and median PFS to first-line treatment was 20.1 months (95%CI; 11.4 – 28.7). Patients received a median of 4 cycles of pembrolizumab in combination with cyclophosphamide and bevacizumab (range 2-11). ORR was 20% (2/10) with two patients achieving partial response (PR) and two patients achieving stable disease (SD) while disease control rate (DCR) was 40% (4/10). Median PFS was 2.7 months (95%; 0.6 – 4.8) and 6-month PFS rate 20%. Conclusions: Though our data reflect a small population, we here demonstrate that the combination of pembrolizumab with bevacizumab and oral cyclophosphamide is an effective alternative in platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian carcinoma. This novel combination provides a promising alternative in heavily pretreated patients that have otherwise limited treatment options.
The effect of sub-climatic characteristics on urban behavior patterns based on two case studies: Yazd (hot and arid climate) and Fooman (moderate and humid climate) urban spaces
Authors: Ahmadi Sara , Bahrainy Hossein
Published: November 2021

Severe climatic conditions are considered as one of the main factors shaping and in some cases limiting urban behaviors. Accordingly, environmental designers seek to make urban spaces usable for a wide range of behaviors during different times by bringing sub-climates closer to the comfort zone. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of sub-climate on behavioral patterns and explore solutions to moderate harsh climatic conditions in architecture and urban planning. This study compared the behavioral patterns of space users in hot and arid (Yazd) and moderate and humid (Fooman) climates. The recording of behavioral patterns was achieved by using the observation method (time-lapse photography) and analysis through the spatial analysis method. Based on the results, climatic characteristics affect both types of urban activities and the time cycles of their occurrence. Severe climatic conditions limit urban behaviors to essential activities and merely transcend space. Such states do not allow for a wide range of optional and social activities. Spatial physical tools such as building density, enclosure, occupancy level, amount of retreat on the ground floor and upper floors, type of building material, and the amount of green space have been used in historical formal-spatial patterns of Iran to moderate the harsh climatic conditions.
Growth and nitrogen accumulation assessment of banana (Musa acuminata) after exposure to hydroquinone in a charcoal-ultisol mix
Authors: Ikhajiagbe Beckley , Ebinum Marychoice N.
Published: November 2021

The present study investigates plant growth and nitrogen accumulation assessment of young banana plant (Musa acuminata) after exposure to hydroquinone (a mutagen) in a charcoal-ultisol mix. Charcoal was obtained from the wood of Pentaclethra macrophylla aerobically, and was crushed into a smooth powdered form. This was mixed with an ultisol obtained from the University of Benin Botanic garden. Different levels of the soil-charcoal mix were prepared as follows; 100% charcoal, 75% charcoal-25% soil, 50% charcoal-50% soil, 25% charcoal- 75% soil, and 100% sand. The charcoal-ultisol mix was then amended with 5ppm hydroquinone one week before propagating young banana suckers. Results showed that sprouting began fifteen days after propagation. There were also different changes in plant height in the various soil treatments; the lowest was reported in the 75-25 charcoal ultisol mix (10.50cm), compared to 45.83cm in plants sown in 100% charcoals. Foliar yield was lowest in the 75-25 charcoal-ultisol mix (8.55 grams per plant), compared to 29.15 grams per plant in the 100% charcoal. The below ground morphological characteristics test plant revealed that there were significant differences between the growth parameters. Nitrate nitrogen, Ammonia Nitrogen and total nitrogen were significantly accumulated on the leaves of plant. However, higher nitrogen accumulation in the leaves was found in treatment with high charcoal percentage.
Verification of Stress Transformation in Anisotropic Material Additively Manufactured by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Authors: Sehhat M. Hossein , Mahdianikhotbesara Ali , Yadegari Farzad
Published: November 2021

The widespread use of Additive Manufacturing (AM) has been extensively progressed in the past decade due to the convenience provided by AM in rapid and reliable part production. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) has witnessed even faster growth of application as its equipment is environmentally-friendly and easily adaptable. This increased use of FDM to manufacture prototypes and finished parts is accompanied by concerns that 3D printed parts do not perform the same as relatively homogeneous parts produced by molding or machining. As the interface between two faces of bonded material may be modeled by stress elements, in theory by modeling 3D printed layers subjected to tension at varying angles as transformed stress elements, the stress required to break the layer bonds can be determined. To evaluate such a relationship, in this study, the stresses calculated from stress transformation were compared with the behavior of 3D printed specimens subjected to tensile loads.
Sexual Knowledge and Teenage Pregnancy Among Female Hawkers in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Owoseni Joseph Sina , Agbana Richard Dele
Published: November 2021

Background: This study investigated patterns of Sexual Knowledge and teenage pregnancy among female hawkers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Method: The study population consisted of female adolescents aged 8-19 years. The samples 113 girls were drawn for the study. Two pregnant girls were interviewed. The sampling technique used was the purposive sampling. The hypotheses were tested at calculated value of 0.000 level of significance for validity. The hypotheses were analysed based on the Pearson chi-square test version of the SPSS. The data generated were analysed using frequency count and percentage for describing the data. The chi-square statistics as well as the in-depth interview were used to make inferences about the data. Findings: It was found that teenage hawkers have experienced one form of sexual activity while hawking including unwanted touching (sexual harassment), sexual intercourse, rape, sexual abuse and unwanted pregnancy. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it was recommended that skills and training need to be provided in and outside the school system. Parent, teachers and counsellors should convey abstinence and prevention messages so as to sensitize or discourage early sexual activity and teenage pregnancy of female hawkers. A poverty alleviation programme should also be put in place at the local level to reduce this form of child labour. Protective child right policy should be intensified to reduce child labour in the society.
Algorithm for Configuring Fuzzy Inference Systems by Reference Points Based on the Average Value
Authors: Golosovskiy Mikhail , Bogomolov Aleksey , Tobin Dmitriy
Published: November 2021

In the article an algorithm for configuring Sugeno type fuzzy inference systems based on statistical data is proposed. The algorithm uses the principle of operation based on selecting the area around the reference points, finding the average value in the selected areas, and using it to configure the fuzzy logic output system. The work of the algorithm takes place under the conditions of changing the number of functions belonging to input variables and the number of points of statistical data, on the basis of which the models were configured.
Patient Age Associates with Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes Density in Breast Cancer
Authors: Takada Koji , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Asano Yuka , Goto Wataru , Morisaki Tamami , Shibutani Masatsune , Tanaka Hiroaki , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi
Published: November 2021

Background: Lymphocytes surrounding the cancer participate in tumor-related immune responses, and are called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Several recent reports suggest TILs to index the tumor-microenvironment (TME), and predict the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy. However, only few studies have studied the relationship between age and TILs. Aging reduces host immunity, and we predict that it may also affect TILs. Thus, we hypothesized that older breast cancer (BC) patients may have low TILs density than younger BC patients. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the differences in TILs by age and the therapeutic effects of pre-operative chemotherapy (POC) in BC patients aged less than 45 years and more than 60 years.Methods: POC was administered to 356 patients. We confirmed and compared TILs density and therapeutic effects in patients aged < 45 years (n=75) and those aged >61 years (n=116). TIL density was evaluated using pre-treatment needle biopsy specimens. Definition and evaluation of TILs was based on the International TILs Working Group 2014.Results: Based on subtype, younger patients showed significantly higher pathological complete response rates than older patients with hormone receptor (HR)+ human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)+ and HER2-enriched BC. In HR+HER2+BC, the objective response rate was significantly high in younger than in older patients. Further, a significant difference was observed for overall survival between these patients with triple-negative BC.Conclusions: Our study suggests that younger BC patients possess significantly high TILs density than older patients. These differences may influence the therapeutic efficacy in highly immunogenic subtypes.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Renal Cell Carcinoma as First and Second Primary Cancers
Authors: Chen Jinchao , Lou Jianmin , He Yedie , Zhu Zhenjie , Zhu Shaoxing
Published: November 2021

Objective Second primary renal cell carcinoma (2nd RCC) refers to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) diagnosed after another unrelated malignancy. This study aims Tto compare the clinical manifestation, pathology, treatment, and prognostic features of patients with second primary renal cell carcinoma (2nd RCC) and first primary renal cell carcinoma (1st RCC). Materials and Methods Data of the Ppatients with localized RCC were retrospectively collected. They were classified as 2nd RCC or 1st RCC according to a previously diagnosed cancer, including 113 cases of 2nd RCC and 749 cases of 1st RCC. ResultsThe most common types of extrarenal malignancies in patients with 2nd RCC include lung, colorectal, breast, gynecological, and gastric cancers. The age and smoking rate of 2nd RCC patients were significantly higher than in those of 1st RCC patients. For 2nd RCC patients, fFewer 2nd RCC patients had clinical symptoms and a large renal masses tend to be smaller. One hundred and eight (95.6%) patients with 2nd RCC received surgical interventions. All patients with 1st RCC underwent renal surgery. More patients with 2nd RCC underwent a partial nephrectomy. Pathologically, there was no significant difference in postoperative pathological types between the 2nd and 1st RCCs. However, the 2nd RCCs commonly occurred inhad the early stages. The median overall survival (OS) of 2nd RCC patients was 117 months, which was shorter than that of 1st RCC patients. ConclusionsPatients with 2ndSecond RCC are not uncommon. More attention should be paid to screening for 2nd RCC in cancer survivors. There are some differences between patients with 2nd and 1st RCCs that should be viewed separately.
Application Research on the Medical imaging testing of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia COVID-19 based on Transfer Learning
Authors: Liu shouqiang , Jiang Mingyue , Chen Liming , Wang Yang
Published: November 2021

Novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) is a highly infectious and fatal pneumonia-type disease that poses a great threat to the public safety of society. A fast and efficient method for screening COVID19-positive patients is essential. At present, the main detection methods are nucleic acid detection of manual diagnosis and medical imaging (CT image/X-ray image), both of which take a long time to obtain the diagnosis result. This paper discusses the common processing methods for the problem of insufficient medical image data. Then, transfer learning and convolutional neural network were used to construct the screening and diagnosis model of COVID-19, and different migration models were analyzed and compared to select a better pre-training model, which was trained and analyzed under small data sets. Finally, it analyzes and discusses how to train a highly reliable model to quickly help doctors provide advice in the critical moment of epidemic prevention and control when only a small sample data set is available.
A Functional Outcome Prediction Model of Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Based on Extreme Gradient Boost
Authors: Zhan Sizheng , Huang Boxuan , Xie Wenyong , Xue Feng , Zhang Dianying , Jiang Baoguo
Published: November 2021

Purpose: We aimed to construct a nonlinear regression model through Extreme Gradient Boost (XGBoost) to predict functional outcome 1 year after surgical decompression for patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods: We prospectively enrolled 249 patients with acute SCI from 5 primary orthopedic centers from June 1, 2016, to June 1, 2020. We identified a total of 6 predictors with three aspects: 1) clinical characteristics, including age, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) at admission, level of injury and baseline ASIA motor score (AMS); 2) MR imaging, mainly including Brain and Spinal Injury Center (BASIC) score; 3) surgical timing, specifically comparing whether surgical decompression was received within 24 hours or not. We assessed the SCIM score at 1 year after the operation as the functional outcome index. XGBoost was used to build a nonlinear regression prediction model through the method of boosting integrated learning.Results: We successfully constructed a nonlinear regression prediction model through XGBoost and verified the credibility. The average absolute value of the difference between the predicted value and the actual value is 3.72 (t=1.29, P=0.203), ranging from 0 to 8.44. AMS and age ranked first and second in predicting the functional outcome.Conclusion: We verified the feasibility of using XGBoost to construct a nonlinear regression prediction model for the functional outcome of patients with acute SCI, and we found that age and AMS play the most important role in predicting the functional outcome.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03103516.
INTERMITTENT FASTING FACTS AND MYTHS: METABOLIC BENEFITS OF INTERMITTENT FASTING
Authors:   Ph.D. Student, College of Community Science, CSKHPKV Palampur 176062., Rai Vaid Nivedhika , Verma Ranjana ,   Professor, College of Community Science, CSKHPKV Palampur 176062.
Published: November 2021

In this review article, there is a collection of evidence that describes the myths and facts regarding intermittent fasting (IF). Fasting is an ageÂ­ old practice, often done for religious reasons, but fasting for weight loss is still capturing the public imagination. Intermittent fasting and Calories restriction (CR) is worldwide popular in men and women of all ages, it has become fitness trend to help them maintain healthand lose weight. It also has positive as well as negative impacts on metabolic activities. There are potential researches that analyze IF and CR as beneficial for Weight loss, Cardiovascular diseases, Cancer, Cognitive, Type 2 diabetes, and reduce Oxidative stress. Similarly, there are some facts and myths that are related to IF and CR which are worth knowing.
CUSTOMERS PERCEPTION ON FOOD SERVICE AND WATER MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY FROM THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HYGIENICS OF LOME FROM 2012 TO 2020
Authors:   School of Medical Assistants (EAM), University of Lome, 01 BP 1515 Lome 01, Togo., Kossi Fiagnon Mawuli , Melila Mamatchi ,   Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lome, 01 BP 1515 Lome01, Togo., Afanyibo Yaovi-Gameli ,   National Institute of Hygienics, NIH BP 1396 Lome, Togo., Tchacondo Tchadjobo ,   Higher School of Biological and Food Techniques (ESTBA), University of Lome, 01 BP 1515 Lome 01, Togo.
Published: November 2021

The general purpose of this article is to help monitor the performance of thewater and food microbiology laboratory at National Institute of Hygienics (NIH)of Lome. To achieve it, thework focused on analyzing trends in customers satisfaction from the laboratory in theperiod from 2012 to 2020. This study mainly took into account the analysis ofcustomers satisfaction levels with satisfaction metrics such as qualityreception facilities, the waiting time, the reliability of the results and the deadline for renderingresults customers complaints analysis as well as analysis of customers suggestions.From the results obtained, it emerged that the majority of the laboratorys customers are satisfiedof its services. Satisfaction rates were over 86% with respect to the quality ofreception facilities, more than 89% concerning waiting time, more than 93% compared tothe reliability of the results and more than 73% for the deadline for rendering results. Claimingcustomers are over 75% cleared and all cleared claims were made within the timeframeresolution expected. Customers suggestions are taken into account through the implementation ofappropriate action plans. However, the analysis of these results has made it possible to identifyinadequacies such as the non-representativeness of the samples from the various satisfaction surveysand the unavailability of certain data which should allow a morethorough. In addition, the available data have shown that the perception of the benefits of thelaboratory by customers, is not growing. However, these data made it possible to achieveto the conclusive results which deserve to be taken into account. In short, it appears clearlythat customers perceptions in the services of the water andfood microbiology laboratory of the NIH of Lome, is satisfactory, even if it is not growing.
EFFECTS OF DIGITAL LEARNING ON STUDENTS MOTIVATION AND ATTITUDE
Authors:   Department of Computer Science Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa., Ajagbe Douglas
Published: November 2021

Education in recent years has undergone impressive transformation occasioned by the rise in technological innovations. Digital learning resources have been widely integrated into teaching and learning in all levels of Nigerias educational system, and the trend is significantly affecting learners enthusiasm and schoolwork engagement. The primary purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of digital learning on students learning motivation and attitude. A cross-sectional design was adopted, and 127 students randomly pooled from public tertiary institutions in Kogi State, Nigeria, participated in the study. The samples completed a self-report measure assessing digital learning perceptions, learning motivation, and attitude. The result of the linear regression model revealed that digital learning resources statistically significantly predicted students learning motivation and attitudes. The study concludes that the digital learning platform remains an indispensable tool in enhancing learning willingness.
INVESTIGATION OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL CONTENTS AND ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECTS OF TELFAIRIA OCCIDENTALISON MICROORGANISMS
Authors:   Department of Chemistry Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa., Omachi Andrew
Published: November 2021

The rise in several deadly diseases like infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria implies re-inventing the wheel on drug discovery. Perhaps, extensive research has been dedicated to identifying alternatives to mitigating the effects of antibiotics resistance. Over the years, plants have contributed significantly to traditional medicine, proven effective in human health care, and were extensively used as alternative antibiotics in certain conditions. Thus, the current studys primary purpose is to determine the phytochemical contents and the antimicrobial activity of T. occidentalison microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The result of the phytochemical analysis conducted on the leaf and seed of T. occidentalisrevealed alkaloids, tannin, steroids, flavonoids, phenol, and saponins. However, it was found that tannins and phenol were mainly deposited in the plants seed. Also, the antimicrobial analysis conducted revealed that S. aureus was more vulnerable to the ethanol, acetone, and hot aqueous extracts of T. occidentalis. At the same time, P. aeruginosa and C. Albicans showed sensitivity to ethanol and acetone exposure but failed to react to the hot aqueous extracts. The study concludes that the observed biological reactions shown by the aqueous extracts of T. occidentaliscorroborate the traditional application of this plant as an alternative antibiotic.
TEST ANXIETY AS A PREDICTOR OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN KOGI STATE
Authors:   Department of Integrated Science Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa., Leonard Abuh , Okpanachi David ,   Department of Integrated Science Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa.
Published: November 2021

Academic dishonesty is a critical educational concern across all educational levels in the world. The trend is pervasive among higher education students and undermines human and national developments. This study examined academic dishonesty among students in tertiary institutions in Kogi State, Nigeria, based on their subjective test anxiety. One hundred and thirty-seven undergraduates participated in the study. The students were approached between July and September 2021, and they completed self-report measures of the Cognitive Test Anxiety Scale and the Academic Dishonesty Scale. The data were analyzed using a simple linear regression model. The finding revealed that test anxiety accounted for 56.2% of the variation in academic dishonesty. Our result supports literature indicating a link between test anxiety and academic dishonesty among higher education students. We recommend that a simulation exercise is vital in preparing students for assessments.
¿Cómo juzgar a un erizo?
Authors: Ramírez-Lemus Jhaslen Ricardo
Published: November 2021

Un erizo es capturado sin orden de autoridad judicial en territorio africano y posteriormente trasladado a territorio colombiano, más exactamente a Medellín, sin contarse con ningún convenio de extradición. Allí permaneció privado arbitrariamente de su libertad por cerca de tres años a la espera de un juicio, en una cárcel no apta para sus necesidades naturales.
Desde una perspectiva algo más antropocéntrica, una red de traficantes de fauna silvestre sustrajo a un animal de su ecosistema natural y lo comercializó ilícitamente en el mercado negro internacional. Allí, otros delincuentes pagaron por este y lo introdujeron al territorio colombiano para venderlo a su vez a otro delincuente, quien sometió el erizo a cautiverio en su hogar.
Development of a dynamics-based model for analyzing strategic water–environmental conflicts: systems thinking instead of linear thinking
Authors: Shahbaznezhadfard Mohsen , Yousefi Saied
Published: November 2021

A new evolution in graph modeling for conflict resolution (GMCR), a robust methodology for conflict resolution, is presented in this research to incorporate the systems thinking concept into the conventional paradigm of GMCR so that the dynamic nature of water–environmental conflicts can be modeled, and better outcomes obtained. To achieve this objective, a methodology is developed in three phases: static, dynamic, and outcome-based analyses. To develop the methodology, the Tigris–Euphrates basin conflict in the Middle East over the past 30 years, as a real-life case study, is used to show the robustness and capabilities of the proposed approach. Finally, a sustainable resolution to the current conflict is proposed, and the results are discussed. The proposed methodology benefits from improving the existing and often static-based conflict resolution developments by considering the dynamic nature so that the true root causes of complex conflicts are addressed, better strategic insights achieved, and comprehensive resolution provided.
INTELIGÊNCIA COMPETITIVA: UM ESTUDO DO ENVOLVIMENTO DA ALTA DIREÇÃO NAS EMPRESAS DA REDEPETRO
Authors: Echternacht Tiago Henrique de Souza , Câmara Ferreira José Sueldo , Araújo José Anízio Rocha de , Quandt Carlos Olavo
Published: November 2021

Este estudo visa identificar os indicadores mais significativos para o desenvolvimento de inteligência competitiva nas empresas da REDEPETRO-RN, que conta com 88 empresas associadas na cidade de Mossoró-RN. A amostragem não probabilística resultou em 59 respostas válidas. Trata-se de uma pesquisa aplicada do tipo survey, classificada como exploratória e descritiva quanto aos objetivos, com abordagem quantitativa e temporalidade cross-section. Os resultados indicaram que o envolvimento da alta direção nos sistemas de inteligência competitiva permite um monitoramento consistente do mercado e do comportamento da concorrência, que podem levar a modificações das estratégias deliberadas. A coleta de informações mercadológicas precisa de foco para apoiar eficazmente o processo decisório, e as informações devem ser compatíveis com os objetivos estratégicos por meio de instrumentos eficazes e fontes confiáveis.Palavras-chave: Inteligência competitiva. Informações estratégicas. Processo decisório. Envolvimento da Alta Direção. REDEPETRO.
Efeitos da fragmentação florestal na bacia do alto curso do rio Gramame, município de Pedras de Fogo (PB)
Authors: Silva Josivan Bernardo da
Published: November 2021

As espécies são sensíveis às mudanças físicas do ambiente e necessitam de condições adequadas para garantir sua sobrevivência. As florestas apresentam um grande mosaico de condições com vários microclimas. A floresta Atlântica, especificamente, se destaca, no mundo, por apresentar altos índices de biodiversidade, e também, várias espécies endêmicas. No município de Pedras de Fogo (PB), esse bioma se apresenta muito fragmentado, o que foi constatado a partir de análises feitas por meio de técnicas de geoprocessamento, evidenciando a existência de 35 fragmentos com formas e tamanhos variados. A maior parte destes apresentam formas irregulares e áreas núcleos bastante reduzidas, tendo como consequência, o desenvolvimento de impactos negativos sobre as espécies, que respondem de formas variadas às perturbações. Além disso, foram avaliadas as distâncias entre os fragmentos, revelando um baixo grau de isolamento, principalmente na porção oeste da bacia. Desse modo, entende-se que é preciso aprofundar os estudos nessa área, com um possível levantamento das espécies e uma coleta de dados mais apurada sobre as reais condições físicas no interior dos fragmentos.
Conflitos de uso e ameaças a paisagem da Unidade de Conservação Parque Estadual do Poeta e Repentista Juvenal de Oliveira, Campina Grande - PB: uma proposta de intervenção.
Authors: Silva Souza Alexsandro , Porto de Lima Valéria Raquel
Published: November 2021

Este artigo refere-se a um estudo realizado em uma Unidade de Conservação (UC) de proteção integral, buscando oferecer direcionamentos de planejamento com base no estudo da valoração da paisagem. A UC Parque Estadual do Poeta e Repentista Juvenal de Oliveira, localizada no município de Campina Grande – PB, não possui plano de manejo e carece de pesquisas científicas que justifiquem a sua implementação, pois se trata de uma UC não regulamentada e que sofre imposições de outras territorialidades. Assim, o objetivo geral foi identificar e analisar os principais conflitos de uso e consequentes ameaças aos recursos naturais da UC, buscando com isso ter elementos que orientem estratégias de planejamento. Os usos conflitantes identificados na UC e consequentes ameaças aos recursos naturais são eminentes e inobservante às leis ambientais, necessitando de intervenções urgentes para reverter o quadro de degradação. As paisagens da UC se mostram com potencialidades enquanto provedoras de serviços ecossistêmicos, o que justifica a necessidade de implementação da área protegida.
Composição florística da sub-bacia hidrográfica do rio Figueiredo - Ceará - Brasil.
Authors: Martins de Souza Losâgela , Pinto Vidal de Oliveira Vládia , Frota Bezerra Calos Lineu
Published: November 2021

A degradação ambiental é um problema sério que acomete os recursos naturais, podendo estar relacionado com as atividades humanas pautadas em práticas inadequadas. O presente trabalho objetivou realizar uma listagem da composição florística da Sub-bacia hidrográfica do rio Figueiredo para perceber a degradação ambiental a partir da perda da biodiversidade. Os procedimentos metodológicos foram: após a delimitação da sub-bacia e dos seus sistemas ambientais realizou-se a listagem da composição florística com base em trabalhos de campo onde foram aplicadas fichas de campo com auxílio de um mateiro. Para cada sistema foi identificada uma parcela medido 30x30m onde realizou-se a listagem da composição florística. Para a identificação das espécies buscou-se identificar os nomes científicos e suas famílias através de sites especializados e trabalhos publicados (CEARÁ, 2006), (BRASIL, 2012). Os resultados mostraram que a Sub-bacia apresenta composição florística baixa. A maior riqueza florística foi registrada no Maciço do Pereiro e a menor na Planície Fluvial. Das 64 espécies encontradas na área 32 apresentam baixa frequência e apenas 5 alta frequência. Considerando todos os sistemas, verifica-se que o índice de semelhança entre si é baixo, com algumas exceções. Umas das justificativas para tal fato se refere a relação uso/capacidade suporte do ambiente.
Identificação dos Serviços Ecossistêmicos prestados pelo manguezal da Ilha do Maranhão - MA, Brasil.
Authors: Marques Santos Nayara , Oliveira Rabelo Thiara , Santos Louzeiro Andreza dos , Félix da Silva Costa Diógenes , Cestaro Luiz Antonio
Published: November 2021

Os manguezais são importantes ecossistemas que produzem uma gama de serviços ecossistêmicos (SE). Na Ilha do Maranhão esses ambientes são bastante expressivos, porém devido ao crescimento urbano, essas áreas têm sido intensamente degradadas. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar e classificar os SE de provisão, regulação/manutenção e culturais prestados pelos manguezais da Ilha do Maranhão. Para isto foi utilizado a Classificação Internacional Comum dos Serviços Ecosssistêmicos (CICES) como base para identificação destes SE, assim como levantamento e análise de material bibliográfico e cartográfico. Os serviços identificados variaram desde a utilização da flora do mangue como fonte de energia, contribuições físico-quimicas para manutenção da qualidade da água, até do manguezal como inspiração para composição de músicas e poemas. Contudo, Ainda são incipientes os trabalhos que abordam os SE na Ilha do Maranhão. Porém muitas pesquisas já fazem menção as funções destes ecossistemas e consequentemente aos serviços que podem ser prestados.
Macrofauna edáfica na Estação Ecológica Curral do Meio, Caatinga Alagoana
Authors: Santos Geovânia Ricardo dos , Araujo Kallianna Dantas , Silva Fernando Gomes
Published: November 2021

A macrofauna é um grupo de invertebrados responsáveis pela fragmentação e revolvimento da matéria orgânica do solo. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a distribuição, abundância e riqueza da macrofauna edáfica em ambiente de Caatinga, na Estação Ecológica Curral do Meio, Semiárido de Alagoas. Foram selecionadas 40 pontos de coleta, avaliados entre Outubro de 2015 à Agosto de 2016. Os organismos > 2 mm foram capturados com armadilha Provid, foram quantificados e identificados. Foi aplicado o Índice de Diversidade de Shannon (H) e pelo Índice de Equabilidade de Pielou (e). Foram determinadas variáveis edafoclimáticas. O grupo taxonômico mais abundante é Hymenoptera, destacando-se também a ocorrência de Coleoptera e Araneae, comprovados pela menor diversidade e uniformidade; A maior riqueza dos grupos taxonômicos na área de pesquisa está associada à ampla cobertura vegetal de Caatinga; A riqueza, abundância e diversidade dos organismos oscilam em função das condições edafoclimáticas do ambiente estudado.
Desastre socioambiental e ordenamento territorial no bairro Mãe Luiza, Natal – RN, Brasil.
Authors: Lima Pedro Henrique Godeiro , De Almeida Lutiane Queiroz
Published: November 2021

O desastre ocorrido em junho de 2014, no bairro Mãe Luiza em Natal-RN, Brasil, trouxe perdas materiais de grande monta, à população e ao poder público local. Um movimento de massa, caracterizado como corrida de lama e detritos, com desabamento de 30 residências e prejuízos a 78 famílias. O objetivo deste trabalho reside em relacionar este desastre, com o ordenamento e planejamento territorial do município. Evidenciando problemas, ausências e negligências desta temática territorial e geográfica na composição do desastre, antes, durante e depois do evento. A metodologia se deu com investigação de documentos e pesquisa bibliográfica em arquivos referentes ao desastre e ao ordenamento territorial municipal. Como resultados obteve-se que houveram negligências e problemas relacionados ao planejamento e ordenamento territorial na produção deste desastre ocorrido no bairro.
EFFECT OF MULTIPOTENT MESENCHYMAL STROMAL CELLS ON THE FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY OF MONOCYTE-DERIVED MACROPHAGES UNDER A SHORT-TERM HYPOXIC STRESS IN VITRO
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Alekseeva O.Yu. , Bobyleva P.I. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Andreeva E.R. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: November 2021

We studied interactions of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and cells from the monocyte-macrophage group (MN/MP) important in the MSCs mediated therapeutic action in vivo, their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. The MSCs effect on the MN/MP functional activity was evaluated after a 6-d co-culture in standard conditions (20 % О2) and ensuing exposure of one part of MN/MP and MN/MP+MSCs to a long-term hypoxic stress (1 % О2, 24 hrs) while the other part remained at 20 % О2. As in the normal, so hypoxic conditions the MSCs stromal activity contributed to the MN/MP viability by decreasing the numbers of MN/MP cells during early apoptosis. The paracrine interaction in 20 % О2 occurred with an elevated MN/MP phagocytic activity without influence on the lysosomal compartment activity. The hypoxic stress affected the MSCs-induced phagocytic ability and activity of lysosomes. Interaction with MSCs leads to formation of a MN/MP anti-inflammatory phenotype that unveils the phagocytic potential in the presence of MSCs despite the oxygen deprivation.
ABOUT THE PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION OF THE COSMONAUT'S ACTIVITIES
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Kotov O.V. , Polyakov M.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: November 2021

We analyzed specifics of cosmonauts' labour in the course of training for and implementation of space missions, and overviewed the tasks planned for cosmonauts on remote missions, including travels and landing on the Moon and other space objects. Using the activities classification approach and ergatic systems theory, we suggest a psychophysiological classification of the cosmonaut's activities and substantiate the underlying principles.
ARTIFICIAL HYPOBIOSIS AS A METHOD TO MITIGATE THE NEGATIVE EFFECT OF OXYGEN AT AN ELEVATED PARTIAL PRESSURE
Authors:   Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, Moscow, Makarov A.F. , Kotsky M.A. ,   Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, Moscow, Ton'shin А.А. ,   Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, Moscow, Bukhtiyarov I.V. ,   Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, Moscow
Published: November 2021

To assess how hypobiosis modifies the negative effect of a high partial pressure of oxygen, goldhamsters were put into artificial hypobiosis followed by a simulated O2 poisoning at absolute gas pressure of 7 kgf/cm2. The experiment showed an increase in 1.4 times (p = 0.0579) of the period preceding convulsions; reduction in 3.7 times (p = 0.0009) of the period of stabilization on return to normal O2 pressure, reduction of the total convulsions period in 2.3 times (p = 0.0003).