bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infermieri e politica
Authors: Giusti Gian Domenico
Published: May 2023

Le elezioni politiche della Repubblica Italiana del 25 settembre 2022 si sono svolte per eleggere la XIX legislatura, la campagna elettorale si è tenuta durante il periodo estivo tra un apparente disinteresse generale per i temi trattati. Il grande assente di questa campagna elettorale è stato il tema salute e sanità, argomento dopo gli avvenimenti degli ultimi due anni, visto molto divisivo  tra i partiti politici. I politici hanno cercato di affrontare il meno possibile la riorganizzazione del Servizio Sanitario dopo lo tsunami COVID-19 (che come un vero tsunami, non ha provocato distruzione solo alla prima ondata).....
Assistenza infermieristica al prematuro nelle Unità di Terapia Intensiva Neonatale: tra il frastuono delle cure e la quiete per lo sviluppo. Un'analisi delle strategie per la riduzione e il controllo del rumore
Authors: Scotto Giovanni Lorenzo , Bizzarri Anna
Published: May 2023

L'American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) ha pubblicato un rapporto tecnico sugli effetti permanenti dello stress tossico precoce sullo sviluppo umano. Le Unità di Terapia Intensiva Neonatale presentano elevati volumi di rumore di fondo derivanti da allarmi, apparecchiature e conversazioni tra il personale. L'intensità, la frequenza e le caratteristiche dei suoni della Terapia Intensiva sono difficili da prevedere e risultano particolarmente stressanti e dannosi per i pazienti.
Sicurezza ed efficacia nell'utilizzo di tourniquets improvvisati versus dispositivi commerciali nel controllo dell'emorragia massiva: una revisione della letteratura
Authors: Annese Federica , Tiraboschi Lorenzo , Mascioli Lisa , Sofia Diana Maria
Published: May 2023

Il costante incremento di eventi traumatici e conseguenti ferite penetranti in contesti civili suggerisce di porre attenzione all'utilizzo di dispositivi sicuri e funzionali per il trattamento delle emorragie massive degli arti. In Italia il tourniquet rimane uno strumento ancora poco utilizzato perchè considerato pericoloso ed erroneamente associato esclusivamente ad un contesto militare. Le recenti linee guida nazionali sul trauma incoraggiano invece il largo utilizzo in ambito civile quando la compressione manuale diretta e la medicazione emostatica è inefficace o non praticabile. Esistono due tipologie di devices: improvvisati (I-TQs) e confezionati (C-TQs). L'obiettivo di questo lavoro è volto a confrontare efficacia e sicurezza di I-TQs e C-TQs.
Enhancing nurses' anti-phishing knowledge, attitude, and practices through an educational intervention and serious game
Authors: Magdalinou Andriana , Kalokairinou Athena , Malamateniou Flora , Mantas John
Published: May 2023

Introduction: E-learning opportunities can improve healthcare professionals’ digital competencies. More precisely, the anti-phising training may support nurses when encountering malicious content on Internet. This paper presents the impact of an educational intervention enhanced by a serious game on the nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) regarding Internet usage.
Materials and Methods: this study was based on a double pre test design and is the second part of a PhD thesis based on a project that assess the Infosec practices of nurses who work in seven hospitals in the first and second Healthcare Region in Greece. Nurses who were interested in participating in this second phase of the project were given a link to access the material and the questionnaire. The convenience sample was divided into four sub groups out of which only one group was exposed to the anti phising training. All participants completed the HAIS Q tool and KAP was estimated in PSPP 1.6.2. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were performed. Tuckey post hoc analysis was conducted to determine differences among groups.
Results: the sample of 124 nurses was utilized. Participants that took part in the educational intervention performed better in Knowledge and Practices items. Their total awareness was rated higher than that of their peers who were not exposed to the intervention. There was no significant difference in Attitude towards Internet usage.
Conclusions: a multimodal educational intervention was delivered and positively affected nurses' Knowledge, Practices, and general Awareness on Internet usage. Nevertheless, the researchers highlight that the present version of the educational intervention was a pilot study and further research could be conducted.
Sexual Autonomy and the use of Modern Contraceptives in Nigeria
Authors: Ilori Temitope , Adewale Boluwatife A. , Obembe Taiwo A. , Morakinyo Oyewale Mayowa
Published: May 2023

Objective:

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and relationship between sexual autonomy and modern contraceptive use among Nigerian women.

Methods:

Secondary data analysis of the 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey was conducted among Nigerian women aged 15–49 years who were married or had a partner. Analysis was conducted using descriptive analysis and univariate and multivariate logistic regression. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Participants that had never heard or seen a family planning awareness message were 59.6%, whereas 55.9% were capable of deciding whether to refuse their husband/partner's sex or not. The prevalence of modern contraceptive use was 12%, and the likelihood of using modern contraceptives increased with the level of education, wealth status, and the number of living children. Sexual autonomy was also a significant predictor of modern contraceptive use (odds ratio = 1.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.25–1.46).

Conclusion:

There is a very low prevalence of modern contraceptive use among women in Nigeria. Sexual autonomy, poverty, education, and the number of living children play a major role. Thus, women empowerment and girl-child education are critical interventions needed for the best outcomes on contraceptive use in Africa. Male involvement in sexual autonomy is also key since they are major decisionmakers regarding women's issues.
Immunomodulatory Activity of Polysaccharide from Trametes Gibbosa (Pers.) Fr (Basidiomycota, Fungi) mediated by TLR4 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Bakhshi Jouybari Hossein , Valadan Reza , Mirzaee Fatemeh , Bargi Karizno Faride , Habibi Emran
Published: May 2023

Background:

Trametes species possess remarkable immunomodulatory and anticancer effects which are mainly related to the activation of innate immune receptors by their polysaccharide constituents. In this study, we investigate the effect of Trametes gibbosa (Pers.) Fr. polysaccharide fraction (TGP) on activation of TLR-4 receptor and subsequent release of IL-8 in HEK-Blue™ hTLR4 cells.

Materials and Methods:

The polysaccharide fraction was purified using ethanol precipitation and dialysis methods. The total sugar content and monosaccharide composition were analyzed by phenol–sulfuric acid and chromatographic methods. FT-IR spectroscopy was also performed for structure characterization of the polysaccharide. The activation of TLR4 was determined by measuring the secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase in the culture media.

Results:

The results indicated that the total sugar content of TGP was about 90%, which glucose was the major constituents. FT-IR analysis showed the characteristic bands of polysaccharides. TGP was able to activate the TLR-4 signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the significant increase of IL-8 was observed in cells treating with TGP. The HEK-Blue Null2™ reporter cells lacking TLR4, did not respond to LPS and TGP.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that TLR4 signaling cascade serve as targets for immunomodulatory activity of T. gibbosa which could address the anticancer properties of Trametes species.
Utility of Indigenous Cytology Technique in the Diagnosis of Oral Cavity Lesions using Normal Saline as a Processing Fluid: A Comparative Study
Authors: Kumarguru B N , Narayana Lakshmi M , Urvashi G , Ramaswamy A.S
Published: May 2023

Background:

Oral cancer is a major health problem in developing countries. Cytology has been widely accepted as a tool in the early diagnosis of cancer.

Objectives:

To evaluate the diagnostic utility of four different cytology techniques, that is, modified brush cytology (BR) technique, brush cytology cytocentrifugation (BRCC) technique, modified scrape cytology (SR) technique, and scrape cytology cytocentrifugation (SRCC) technique and correlate the cytopathological diagnosis with the available histopathological diagnosis.

Materials and Methods:

It was a prospective observational study of oral cavity lesions conducted from January 2018 to December 2018 at a rural tertiary care referral institute. Smears prepared by four different techniques, that is, BR technique, BRCC technique, SR technique and SRCC technique were evaluated using a scoring system. Normal saline was used as a processing fluid for cytocentrifugation techniques, and the cytological diagnosis was compared with an available histopathological diagnosis for concordance.

Results:

Twenty-seven cases of oral cavity lesions were analyzed. Squamous cell carcinoma (55.56%) constituted the most common lesion diagnosed by cytology. Total concordance was 95.65%. Brush cytology techniques were better technique than scrape cytology techniques. Cytocentrifugation techniques were better than modified brush cytology technique and modified scrape cytology technique and the values were statistically highly significant (P<0.0001).

Conclusion:

The utility of only normal saline as a processing fluid for cytocentrifugation may be considered an unexplored and prudent endeavor. This indigenously designed technique may be employed to improve the quality of cytological preparation for the evaluation of oral cavity lesions.
A Study of Cytomorphological Spectrum of Head and Neck Lesions in Pediatric Age Group
Authors: Wadone Megha M. , Masgal Meenakshi M. , Anita A. M , Rajesh P. S
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a well-established early diagnostic technique for evaluating mass lesions in adult patients. Now, FNAC in children is gaining acceptance and is used as a first-line investigation in diagnosis of pediatric lesions.

Aims:

To analyze the cytomorphologic spectrum of head and neck lesions in pediatric age group with histopathological correlation wherever possible and to study the utility of FNAC in pediatric head and neck lesions.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective study was carried out on all FNACs of head and neck lesions in pediatric age group (0-18 years), detected clinically or under radiological guidance for a period of 3 years from August 2018 to July 2021.

Results:

The study included 238 cases. Most of the cases were seen in the age group of 13-18 years and with male to female ratio of 1.35:1. Most common site of FNAC was lymph nodes (70.2%) and the commonest lesion encountered was reactive lymphadenitis (50.8%). Second most common site was thyroid (15.9%). Soft tissue/bone, salivary gland, miscellaneous/skin lesions were also encountered. Among the 43 neoplastic lesions, benign (31 cases) were more common than the malignant (12 cases). The malignant cases included non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Hodgkins lymphoma, metastasis to lymph node, low-grade sarcoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, and Langerhans cell histiocytosis of bone. Histopathological correlation was done in 32 cases (13.4%). Statistical analysis showed a sensitivity of 85.29% and specificity of 97.74%. Overall diagnostic accuracy was 96.3%.

Conclusion:

This study highlighted various cytomorphological patterns in head and neck lesions with high diagnostic accuracy in children. FNAC helps in proper planning of treatment modalities in head and neck masses in pediatric age group.
Ventilator-induced lung injury in children
Authors: Angurana Suresh Kumar , Sudeep K. C. , Prasad Shankar
Published: May 2023

Mechanical ventilation is one of the common lifesaving interventions used in the care of critically ill children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. However, it may induce lung inflammation that can cause or aggravates lung injury. Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is defined as acute lung injury inflicted or aggravated by mechanical ventilation. In the presence of preexisting lung disease (pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome), the immune system hyper-reactivity may lead to cascading lung injury due to mechanical ventilation. The possible mechanisms postulated are too high tidal volume (volutrauma), excessive pressure (barotrauma), repetitive opening and closure of alveoli (atelectotrauma), inflammation (biotrauma), oxygen toxicity, adverse heart–lung interactions, deflation-related injuries, effort-related injuries, and genetic variation in expression of inflammatory mediators. Prevention is the most important strategy for VILI by using lung-protective mechanical ventilation strategies to prevent volutrauma, barotrauma, and atelectotrauma. Low tidal volume ventilation, optimal positive end-expiratory pressure and FiO2, limiting plateau pressure, neuromuscular blockers, and prone positioning are some of the important strategies to prevent and treat VILI. VILI has the potential to cause significant morbidity, mortality, and long-term pulmonary sequelae. The clinical relevance of VILI is poorly understood in critically ill children due to lack of pediatric literature, and most of the information are derived from the adult literature. In this review, we will elucidate the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical evaluation, management, and measures to attenuate or prevent VILI.
Petrophysical Evaluation and Depositional Environments of Reservoir Sands in an Oil Producing Field, Onshore Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Obidike C. C. , Chiazor F. I.
Published: May 2023

Optimal hydrocarbon recovery depends strongly on predicting the reservoir quality and reservoir drive mechanism, and this could be achieved by petrophysical analysis. This research evaluated the petrophysical properties of reservoir sands in an Oil producing Field, onshore Niger delta, Nigeria using petrophysical techniques. Results from the Petrophysical evaluation, showed that the average porosity values of the reservoirs ranged between 0.15 and 0.24 while average water saturation for the three reservoirs ranged from 19% to 44%. Reservoir D_3000 has the largest accumulation of about 952 MMSTB while reservoir D_1000 gave the least accumulation of about 727MMSTB. The environment of deposition was interpreted using gamma-ray log motif. Reservoir D_1000 shows a blocky gamma ray motif that suggests deposition from a steady energy, which can likely be a channel deposits. Reservoir D_2000 sands showed an obvious funnel shape gamma ray log motif by it coarsening upward attribute, which can likely be interpreted as a shore face environment. Reservoir D_3000 is the deepest and the thickest of the three reservoir sands, the gamma ray log motif displayed a blocky shape which can likely be interpreted as bar deposits and channel sands. This study reveals that Channel Sands, Bars and Shore face are good sites for exploration and production of hydrocarbon.
Optimization of Mechanical Properties of Bonded Particle Boards Produced From Agricultural Waste Wood Chips
Authors: Eyide O. , Amenaghawon N. A. , Modebe L. U. , Mee J. A.
Published: May 2023

The aim of this research work was to optimize the production of particle boards from agricultural waste (wood chips). The mechanical properties investigated were the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR). The production of particle boards was investigated under the following conditions: stacking time (14-21days), resin loading (386-463 g) and amount of agro residue (154-185 g) using Box-Behnken design. Statistically significant models (p<0.05) were developed to represent the relationship between the responses (MOE and MOR) and the independent variables. Both models showed significant fit with experimental data with R2 values of 0.99 and 0.97 respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results showed that MOE and MOR were influenced by the stacking time, amount of resin and agro residue used. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the MOE and MOR and the optimization results showed that the maximum MOE and MOR values of 1114.09N/mm2 and 9.34 N/mm2 were respectively obtained at the optimum production conditions of stacking time, resin loading and amount of agro residue (i.e. 21days, 462.82g and 185.00 g respectively). The particle board produced at the optimized conditions satisfied the American National Standard Institute ANSI/A208.1-1999 specification for general purpose particle boards.
Evaluation of Liver and Kidney Function Markers of Mature Albino Male Rats Fed with Maize-Plantain Pudding Delicacy Cooked in Metallic Plates and Edible Plant Leaves
Authors: Okpoghono J. , Omoriare U. J. , Igue U. B. , Seigha A. A.
Published: May 2023

Traditional maize-plantain puddings are usually cooked in diverse containers such as aluminium plates, cast iron plates and all types of edible plant leaves. This paper therefore, evaluates biochemical markers of liver and kidney function of mature albino male rats fed with maize-plantain pudding delicacy cooked in aluminium and cast iron plates and edible Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Musa paradisiaca (plantain) leaves using appropriate standard methods. Data obtained reveal that the activities of hepatic marker enzymes; alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the serum and liver were significantly lower in rats given the pudding extracts when compared with the control. No significant differences were observed in urea and creatinine levels in the serum and kidney of rats given pudding extracts as compared to control. In conclusion, this study has proved that maize-plantain pudding organized using ginger leaves, plantain leaves and cast iron plate are beneficial in the maintenance and improvement of liver and kidney function when compared with aluminium plate. However, in this efficacy maize-plantain pudding cooked using ginger leaves was found to be more effective than the pudding cooked using plantain leaves and cast iron plate.
Economic Analysis of Sawnwood Marketing in Isokan Local Government area Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Falana A. R. , Ojo-Fakuade F. F. , Joseph A. F. , Adelusi F. T. , Oke O. O. , Majolagbe M. A. , Adesokan F. B.
Published: May 2023

Sawnwood is wood that has been produced either by sawing lengthways or by a profile-chipping process and is greater than 6 millimetres. The study evaluates the economic analysis of sawnwood marketing in Isokan Local Government area of Osun state Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. The results showed that 67.5% of the respondents were males while 28.3% were females. Most of the respondents (50%) are in their active ages, a large percentage (51.2%) of the respondents got into the business of planks marketing by training and started its runs through bank loans. Eight (8) major wood species: Albizia zygia, Blighia sapida, Ccordia milleni, Gmelina arborea, Milicia excelsa, Nuclea diderrichii, Termilania superba, and Triplochiton scleroxylon were sold in the study area. The constraints faced by the plank market business are unavailability means of transportation, government tariffs, price fluctuation in purchase, scarcity of timber and bad roads. There is significant relationship between the socio economic characteristics and the constraints facing sawnwood marketing in the study area. Results showed that for every $0.0022 invested into the sawn wood business, $0.0055 is returned, this implies that timber marketing business is a worthwhile business. It is thus recommended that there is a need for sawn wood marketers to organize themselves into cooperative groups in order to secure loan and credit facilities from funding agency so as to ease the constraints faced by them to boost their returns.
Ameliorative Ability of Cyperus esculentus (Tiger Nut) and Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm) Fruits on Blood Haematology and Film of Wistar Rats in Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Ingestion Episode
Authors: Odanibe M. H. , Ibezute A. C.
Published: May 2023

The present study investigated the ameliorative ability of Cyperus esculentus and Phoenix dactylifera fruits on blood haematology and film of wistar rats in titanium dioxide nanoparticles ingestion episode. 25 rats randomly distributed into five  (5) groups were orally administered with varying combinations of titanium dioxide and tiger nut and date palm fruits extracts for 60 days, after which blood was collected for hematological and blood film analysis following standard methods. Hematological analysis showed that titanium dioxide nanoparticles caused a decrease in white blood cell (6.52%), granulocyte (56.06%), hemoglobin (3.10%) and hematocrit (15.47%) with an increase in lymphocyte (0.52%), monocyte (48.51%), red blood cell count (7.53%), platelet count (24.21%) and plateletocrit (37.93%) of wistar rats when compared with the control. Leishman-stained blood film revealed the presence of mild to moderate dimorphic anaemia, polychromatic morphology with some macrocytic cells and aggregated thrombocytes in the blood film of rats administered TiO2NP. There was no significant ameliorative impact of C. esculentus and Phoenix dactylifera extract against TiO2NP toxicity. This may be due to the small particle size and reactive nature of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The findings of this study indicate that titanium dioxide nanoparticles negatively impacted blood hematological parameters in male wistar rats. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles should be handled and treated carefully to avoid potential health hazard in animals.
Predictive Evaluation of Pavement Deterioration in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adetoyinbo A. A. , Bello A. K. , Dominic P.
Published: May 2023

This work presents a mathematical model for road pavement deterioration condition in Ibadan. The effective deformation model shows the response of the pavement to the axial loads with respect the age, t of the pavement. The correction factor in the model compensates for the other secondary factors that may influence pavement deterioration. Throughout this study, the most common factors influencing pavement distress and the behaviour of distress have been identified and used as input parameters in a predictive mathematical model. The model shows that the pavement will deform along horizontal plane and also deform vertically. The increase in the volume of the failing section implies that there will be increase in the international roughness index (IRI) of the pavement. Also, the results show that the higher the value of the load on a pavement, the higher the IRI increased becomes.
Analysis of Sustainable Agricultural Practices and Profit Efficiency of Maize Farmers in Oyo and Ogun States, Nigeria
Authors: Oyewole A. L. , Oyewole S. O.
Published: May 2023

This study evaluates the adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices (SAP) and its effect on the profit efficiency of maize farmers in Oyo and Ogun State of Nigeria. The use of a multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 174 and 196 maize farmers from Oyo and Ogun State respectively. Primary data were obtained through questionnaire administration. Analysis of data was done with descriptive statistics, Multivariate Probit Model and stochastic profit frontier model. The result of the study indicated that farmers’ mean age was 40 years, and were operating on a small scale of 5.1 hectares on average. Sustainable practices were adopted by less than half of the farmers. However, improved seed utilization was adopted by more than two third of the farmers. Age, educational level, size of household, extension contact, association membership, and farm size were the determining variables influencing sustainable practices adoption. Multivariate probit results indicated that significant correlations exist between adoption options. Rent on land (β = 0.9919, p<0.01), price of seed (β = -0.5583, p<0.10), price of labour (β = 1.1910, p<0.01), and price of herbicide (β = 0.1639, p<0.01) were the significant variables in the profit efficiency model. SAP factors affecting profit efficiency were the use of organic manure, cover cropping, and zero tillage. This study proved that policy strategies geared towards farmers’ adoption of sustainable agricultural practices should consider farmers’ specific socioeconomic factors and emphasize the complementarities and substitutability between different SAPs to broaden farmers’ options.
Hydrogeochemical Assessment of Groundwater Quality and Geological Influence in Igarra and environs, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Salami S. A. , Akperi O. G.
Published: May 2023

The impact of Geology on groundwater is not fully appreciated in many Nigerian groundwater quality literature. This study investigates the influence of Geology on the hydrogeochemical makeup of groundwater in Igarra and environs, Nigeria. Igarra and environs is underlain by metasediments intruded by Pan African Granites. Ten water samples were collected and analyzed in the laboratory to determine their chemical composition. The results revealed that the pH of most samples was slightly acidic to mainly alkaline, with high electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) values. Correlation and regression analyses showed that the TDS, EC, salinity, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, and major and minor constituents positively influenced the pH of the groundwater. Hierarchical cluster analysis demonstrated that the water samples had different compositions and concentrations based on local geological influences. The water samples from Granite, Quartzites, Migmatites and Gneiss rock types shared similar characteristics and had a lower concentration of minerals than the water samples taken from the Quartz Mica Schists and Metaconglomerates. The water in Igarra was predominantly Magnesium Bicarbonate type. However, some of the water samples exceeded the drinking standards for TDS, EC, Cl, Fe, Cr, Cd, and Pb. The study recommends the inclusion of biological parameters to gain a clearer picture of the water quality, particularly from the anthropogenic point of view.
Effect of Produced Formation Water on Soil Nitrifying Bacteria and Earthworms
Authors: Atuanya E. I. , Iserhienrhien G. O. , Emejulu M. J.
Published: May 2023

The research work was carried out to investigate the effects of produced formation water on soil nitrifying bacteria and earthworm using standard methods. The microbial analysis of produced formation water samples showed the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus and Yeast and Aspergillus niger. Physicochemical parameters of produced formation water (PFW) analysed shows neutral pH (6.33), high electrical conductivity (960.6 S/cm), lower than accepted temperature (28.46oC), total dissolved solids (TDS) (756mg/l), dissolved oxygen of 4.6mg/l and higher than accepted of nitrate (52.mg/l), sulphate, lead, chromium, cadmium and copper. The PFW treatment was observed to increase nitrate content and optical density of receiving soil. The treatment progressively decreased the Nitrobacter count across the experimental duration period (seven days) and decreased earthworm survival as the % treatment increases. This study revealed that produced formation water negatively impacts the receiving soil and its organisms in several ways. Hence, regulatory bodies could strengthen its sensitization to the public and private enterprises and the general populace on the damage of discharge of produced formation water.
Heavy Metals and Hydrocarbon Level in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Mullet Fish (Liza falcipinus) and Crab (Callinectes amnicola) from Crude Oil Contaminated Jetty Rivers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: George M. S. , Nwaichi E. O. , Monago-Ighorode C.
Published: May 2023

In this study, the level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Zn, Cd, Cu, Fe and Mn) contamination were determined in Nile tilapia, Mullet fish and Crab collected from crude oil polluted rivers (Abuloma and Woji Jetty). Average individual PAHs concentration ranged from 0.0001mgkg-1 to 11.22±0.02mgkg-1 in Nile tilapia, 0.0001mgkg-1 to 13.43±0.17mgkg-1 in mullet fish and 0.0001mgkg-1 to 12.23±0.06mgkg-1 in crab. Benzo[a]pyrene (a carcinogenic PAH) concentrations detected in fish and seafood in this study exceeded the acceptable limit set by the European Commission (0.002mgkg-1) for fish considered safe for human consumption. The levels of Pb and Cr in fish and seafood were found to have remarkably higher concentrations which exceeded the acceptable levels (FAO/WHO) in food sources for human consumptionand that of Cd, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn were lower. Results from this study revealed high levels of PAHs and heavy metals in seafood samples from all study locations. These high PAHs levels in these commonly consumed seafoods from the rivers question their safety for human consumption.
Acidic Influence in Conversion of Hospital Plastic Waste into Liquid Fuel using Kaolin Base-supported Catalysts
Authors: Jatau S. H. , Ahmed M. , Faruq U. Z. , Almustapha M. N. , Umar U. Z. , Abdulkarim A. M. , Muhammad A.
Published: May 2023

Assessing acidic influence in conversion of hospital plastic waste into liquid fuel with kaolin base supported catalysts was carried out using samples collected from a tertiary University teaching Hospital Sokoto, which encompassed Drip bags (Linear low density polyethylene LLDPE), Hand gloves (Polyethylene terephthalate PET) and Urine bags (Polyureathane PU). Uncatalyzed pyrolysis was first carried out using thermal cracking only at 300, 350, and 4000C. Catalyzed pyrolysis was also carried out using three different active catalyst mounted on same support and equal catalytic ratio of active catalyst to support. CuO/Kaolin-SO4, FeO/Kaolin-SO4 and CaO/Kaolin-SO4. The liquid fuel obtained from uncanalyzed and catalyzed pyrolysis of the sample were all subjected to GCMS and FTIR analysis. Uncatalyzed pyrolysis was first carried out using thermal cracking only at 300, 350, and 4000C. Catalyzed pyrolysis was also conducted using three different active catalyst mounted on same support and equal catalytic ratio of active catalyst to support. Fe2O3/Kaolin-SO4 (CAT.D), CuO/Kaolin-SO4 (CAT.E), and CaO/Kaolin-SO4 (CAT.F). The catalytic activities of all the three synthesized catalysts were successfully tested in the conversion of hospital plastic waste in to liquid fuel. However the conversion using (CAT.D) was found to be more promising and selective to liquid fraction then followed by CAT. E and F. Therefore, the results shows that CAT.D has lower cocking tendency that result to high liquid than the other catalysts. The FTIR and GC/MS analysis revealed that the chemical composition and carbon number distribution of the liquid fraction which indicate the presence of paraffinic, naphthenic and olefins hydrocarbons as the dominant component in the liquid fraction obtained, and high amount of lower hydrocarbon range was also obtained using CAT.D. Thus, sulphated kaolin catalyst (CAT.D) was found to be better in modifying the product than CAT.E and F.
The Handprint Initiative: Identifying learners’ attitudes towards the environment
Authors: Morel Schramm Wendy Quetzal , Ruz Salmones Pablo , Robischon Marcel
Published: May 2023

The Handprint Initiative was born out of the need for a new pedagogical approach to deal with current global challenges. It is founded in the social responsibility of educators and learners to actively participate in the decision-making process of our society. To achieve this, there was the need for a statistical basis to measure learners’ attitudes towards the environment. A 19-item survey was used to determine five key attitudes in high school students in Mexico. With appropriate statistical tools (including PCA, KMO, normality tests and others), it was possible to measure ecocentrism, eco-apathy, naturalism, pessimism, and scientism attitudes and to confirm the data of other studies. The results of this study contribute to assessment of the impact of the way we teach, as well as the promotion of quality education and the implementation of the Handprint Initiative.

Keywords: handprint; attitudes towards environment; eco-apathy; sustainability, quantitative study
Religion and Politics in the context of COVID-19 Narratives: A Critical Discourse Analysis Approach
Authors: Marevesa Tobias
Published: May 2023

The end of the year 2019 brought to the world a new and problematic coronavirus which has claimed many lives in various parts of the world. The human race is still perplexed by the viciousness of the novel disease since the worldwide death toll continued to rise. This resulted in the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the COVID-19 pandemic as a public health threat globally and it announced a raft of mitigatory measures to be undertaken by countries across the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has generated numerous but conflicting conspiracy theories and religious responses which explain the genesis of the disease. It was against this background that the study was motivated to interrogate and problematize the political and religious conceptualization of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is informed by insights from critical discourse analysis to examine the dialogics and semiotics of power embedded in conspiracy theories and debunking religious responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The main contention in this work is that interrogation of political and religious responses is imperative for a more informed conceptualisation of the coronavirus disease. It has been established that the COVID-19 pandemic discourse, just like other discourses, is never neutral since it is a locus laden with attitudes, values, hegemonic practices and power struggles. Interestingly, there is an audible semantic dissonance from both the political and religious understanding of COVID-19 pandemic. The genesis of coronavirus remains in obscurity and it thus demands further academic enquiry.
Medical Device Advancement and Monetization Necessitate Intellectual Property Management and Spin-offs
Authors: Kandepu Harshitha , Yetukuri Koushik , Thalla Sreenu
Published: May 2023

There is fierce competition in the market for medical devices, and any innovations that have been made should protect the duration of patents. As a result, researchers must adhere to intellectual property rights from the time of invention to its completion and compete with others until the medical device is set to be released into the market. Medical devices include a vast range of goods such as; surgical implants, diagnostic kits, drug delivery systems, and so on. There is a massive opportunity to establish medical devices by leveraging new technologies that can be protected and monopolized through various intellectual property rights. After securing intellectual property rights, a medical device is developed as and when researchers find it at different phases of development. The 3I process (identity, invent, and implement) has been referred to in the article to guide medical device innovators on varied IP aspects linked with each phase. The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) assists applicants in obtaining international patent protection for inventions, assists patent offices in making patent-granting decisions, and facilitates public access to a wealth of technical information about those inventions.
The Problematic of Embodiment in Online Specta(c)torship
Authors: Băcăran Mihai
Published: May 2023

Digital media, and especially the widespread use of the internet, challenge our experience of embodied presence and consequently force us to rethink the definition of the ‘human’ body that informs our social practices. Starting from the online documentations of Guy Ben-Ary’s bio-artwork cellF (2015), Alvin Lucier’s seminal experimental music piece Music for Solo Performer (1965), and Stelarc’s performance RE-WIRED / RE-MIXED (2015) the present article participates in this debate by asking: what type of embodied identity is contoured in online specta(c)torship? From a methodological point of view, the article resonates with Mieke Bal’s insistence on the importance of the case study in art theory and in the philosophy of art. It aims at performing a philosophical intervention with respect to the contemporary understanding of embodiment starting from the experience proposed by the encounter with specific artworks.Drawing on the case studies mentioned above and on theories of embodiment formulated in a diversity of contexts — such as affect theory (Seigworth and Greg, Clough), feminist critique (Grosz, Butler), performance studies (Salazar Sutil) and the philosophy of Gilles Deleuze —, the article contends that the problematic of the embodied subject, such as it appears in online specta(c)torship, is that of an ongoing misrecognition: an ongoing decentring of the thinking subject (of the cartesian cogito) in a continuous renegotiation of the bio-techno-logical ‘self’ that grounds the ‘I’ and is in turn grounded by it.
Psihopatija
Authors: Katunarić Leo
Published: May 2023

Suvremena politička sučelja sve češće upotrebljavaju jezične sklopove kojima pozivaju na preoblikovanje stvarnosti umjesto tradicionalnih obećanja o nadogradnji kolektivne vizije realnosti. Diskurs se obnavlja registrima iz izvedbenog sučelja, posebno umjetničke izvedbe, a koja prirodno kreira stvarnost isprepletenu realnostima. Kultura namjerno kreiranih lažnih vijesti, dubokog nestvarnog i kultura brisanja naizgled digitalnu kulturu pozicioniraju kao produžetak tradicionalnih ljudskih društvenih alata za izradu zatvorenih krugova ideologizacije realnosti. Na djelu je novi diskurs, arhiviranje podataka kao objekata kojima se priključuju i meta podaci, primjerice obrazac javne izvedbe. Jednom aktivirani, takvi objekti mogu djelovati u ljudskoj fizičkoj realnosti igrajući ulogu javne izvedbe. U stvarnosti oni su slični jezičnom sklopu kojeg rabe psihopati ili sociopatske skupine. Jezik je to bez izvornika i cilja, jezik neprestane prilagodbe akciji stvaranja i održavanja sučelja u kojemu bi psihopat mogao nesmetano funkcionirati. Zato je zanimljiva pojava novih oblika umjetničke izvedbe, poput nft (neprenosivi zalog) koji koriste i ljudsko i digitalno, bitchain, sučelje kako bi zaustavile stalni kolaps realnosti u vlastitu nestabilnost. Da li se radi o subverziji koja se uvijek očekuje u situacijama u kojima prijeti okamenjivanje sustava i kako to da se takva akcija javlja kao umjetnički jezik proizveden strojem?
TELLING LIES
Authors: Bubaš Josipa
Published: May 2023

Članak se bavi fenomenom post-istine i zavjereništva i obuhvaća teorijsko istraživanje nastalo unutar šireg umjetničkog projekta. Projekt je potaknut eksplozijom alternativnih činjenica i relativizacijom pojma istine te ukratko pruža pregled različitih čimbenika koji su utjecali na suvremenu društvenu klimu.
Mogućnosti i granice multimedija kao pojmovnog jezika
Authors: Batini Antonio , Špoljarić Bernard
Published: May 2023

Sa stajališta racionalizma čin spoznavanja shvaća se kao pojmovno razumijevanje stvari, odnosno kao moć kojom čovjek kao svjesno jesuće (mens) oblikuje ideju stvari u pojmu. Pojmovno shvaćanje utoliko predstavlja adekvatan način spoznavanja same bîti stvari. Pri tom je važno naglasiti kako je pojam proizvod djelujućeg mišljenja, a ideja kao pojam nije svediva ni na predodžbu/sliku (imago) ni na riječ (verbum). U svjetlu prepoznavanja otvorenosti pojma spram medija, istraživanje je usredotočeno na mogućnosti virtualne stvarnosti (VR) i integriranje multimedija u svrhu efikasnog izražavanja bîti stvari. Može li se korištenjem multimedijske platforme izbjeći zbrci konotacija koju osjetilni podražaji u stvarnosti evociraju? U praktičnoj primijeni, istraživanje se oslanja na primjere integracije i upotrebu VR medija i uređaja u brodogradnji.
Sensorium McLuhanus
Authors: Kovačić Darko
Published: May 2023

U ovom radu analiziramo neke od osnovnih teza medijskog teoretičara Marshalla McLuhana te iste uspoređujemo s relevantnim suvremenim teorijama. Nadalje, definirmao odnos između tehnoloških izuma, ekstenzija i tehnološkog determinizma, istražujemo argumente o povijesnoj i kulturnoj uvjetovanosti ljdske percepcije. Promatramo fenomen percepcije u filozofijskim izvorima antičke Grčke te ga uspoređujemo sa spoznajama suvremene neurobiologije.Predstavljamo specifičnosti sučeone teorije percepcije Donalda Hoffmana te u odnosu na njegove teze analiziramo fenomene prostora i vremena. U kontekstu sučeljavanja starih i aktualnih teorija definiramo sud o medijima kao ekstenzijama ljudskog senzorijuma.
¿Cómo presentar el quidditch? Fans, Deporte y Violencia.
Authors: Ibarrola David Sebastián
Published: May 2023

El quidditch es un deporte adaptado de la práctica homónima que aparece en la saga literaria de Harry Potter. En Argentina, se juega desde 2006, organizado por la Asociación de Quidditch Argentina (AQArg). El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar las distintas estrategias que llevan adelante sus practicantes argentinos a la hora de presentar el deporte. Esto será abordado a la luz del concepto de identificación y en el marco de los distintos estereotipos existentes en torno al fenómeno del fan, observándose su influencia en el quidditch y su divulgación. Para lograr esto, se realizarán observaciones participantes, entrevistas etnográficas y etnografía virtual, esto último, aspecto clave para pensar el pasado reciente de la práctica, debido a las restricciones de movilidad producto de la pandemia de Covid-19
Carbon nanotube-based electrochemical sensors for pesticide determination in aqueous solutions: a review
Authors:   University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Chemistry, Čović Jelena , Zarubica Aleksandra ,   University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Chemistry, Bojić Aleksandar ,   University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Chemistry, Ranđelović Marjan ,   University of Niš, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Chemistry
Published: May 2023

Excellent mechanical, electrical and magnetic properties of carbon nanotubes (CNT) make CNTs a promising material for the development of electrochemical sensors. Pesticides are very important for an increase in crop yields. However, the intensive use of pesticides can lead to the accumulation of their remains, thus creating a severe problem and risk to human and environmental health. Those are the reasons why the monitoring of pesticides in the environment is extremely important. For that purpose, electrochemical sensors based on carbon nanotubes were designed, and their main aim is pesticide monitoring at environmental samples. A review of the recent studies of environmental monitoring of pesticides using electrochemical sensors based on carbon nanotubes is presented.
Convivialidad en el ámbito doméstico. Arreglos familiares y relaciones de género en los hogares del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires durante la pandemia de covid-19
Authors: Piovani Juan I , Alzugaray Lucas , Peiró Maria Laura , Santa María Juliana
Published: May 2023

En el año 2021, Mecila llevó a cabo a una encuesta sobre las consecuencias sociales de la pandemia de covid-19 en Berlín, Ciudad de México, San Pablo y Buenos Aires. En este working paper se presentan resultados obtenidos en el Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires, y referidos específicamente a los arreglos familiares con relación a la distribución del trabajo doméstico no remunerado y al uso de espacios de la vivienda para el teletrabajo. En líneas generales, el estudio muestra la persistencia de las desigualdades de género en el reparto de las tareas domésticas y de cuidado, pone en evidencia cómo aumentó la carga de este tipo de tareas entre las mujeres en el contexto de pandemia, y destaca que fueron ellas quienes asumieron, en proporciones abrumadoras, el acompañamiento escolar de niños y niñas durante la suspensión de las clases presenciales. Estos resultados se observan en todos los sectores sociales y tipos de hogar, aunque se registran matices de acuerdo con el nivel educativo y la clase social. En todas las dimensiones analizadas, las mujeres madres de sectores vulnerables son quienes experimentan mayor desigualdad dentro de sus hogares y, a la vez, se encuentran en desventaja en relación con las mujeres de otros sectores sociales.
Methylphenidate Superior Efficacy Dosing Schedule: Three Hour Schedule for Immediate Release Tablets and Six Hour Schedule for Extended-Release Capsules
Authors: Townsend Robert W
Published: May 2023

Background: Methylphenidate Hydrochloride is used mostly for treating Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder and Narcolepsy. It is available in Immediate Release tablets, liquids, extended-release doses, and transdermal patches. Clinicians instruct patients to take Immediate Release tablets four hours apart or eight to nine hours after an extended-release dose. Four-hour dosing has been used for decades while many patients complain of a “roller coaster” of symptoms stopping and returning several times each day. Four-hour dosing is inaccurate because Immediate Release tablets are effective for two to three hours.

Methods: The “roller coaster” was addressed with information from a 2014 to 2022 research program and from analyzing over 400 Dopamine deficiency articles.

Results: The four-hour Immediate Release schedule and the eight-to-nine-hour extended-release schedule are inaccurate for research and treatment. Four-hour dosing causes two hours of non-efficacy during transitions between doses. The eight-to-nine-hour schedule causes three to four hours of non-efficacy during transitions. Three-hour and six-hour schedules sustain efficacy across and between sequential doses.

Conclusion: Under four-hour dosing, soon after hour-three a patient’s plasma concentration drops below and stays below the efficacy threshold for an hour and forty-five minutes. The loss of efficacy occurs during every transition from one dose to the next. Under four-hour dosing, patients who take four sequential doses experience 205 minutes of loss of efficacy every two hours three times every day, totaling 615 minutes per day. To the best knowledge of this author, he is the first person to find three-hour dosing stops the roller coaster. Efficacy occurs during transitions because dose-onset adds plasma concentration at the same rate that termination loses plasma concentration. Sequential doses taken at hour-3 combine into a level that stays above the efficacy threshold. When sequential doses are taken sometime after hour-3, the termination-dose drops below the efficacy-threshold and the sequential onset-dose does not create enough plasma concentration to bring a terminating plasma concentration to a higher level. Proper timing is critical for patients to receive high quality benefits of Methylphenidate. Three-hour dosing matches the biochemistry of Methylphenidate and enables high quality benefits.