bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous Pneumothorax as a Complication of COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Case Report
Authors: Perice Leland , Roit Zhanna , Llovera Ingrid , Flanagan-Kundle Mary
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. It typically presents with respiratory symptoms such as fevers, cough, and shortness of breath. As the number of cases increases, however, COVID-19 is being increasingly recognized as being associated with a variety of other respiratory pathologies.

Case Report: We present the case of a 59-year-old man with COVID-19 pneumonia who acutely decompensated after having been on the medicine floor for two weeks. He was found to have a tension pneumothorax. This was treated with a needle decompression followed by a chest tube insertion. The patient subsequently recovered and was discharged.

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering tension pneumothorax as a possible cause of shortness of breath in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.
Gastric Diverticulum Presenting as Hematemesis: A Case Report Detailing an Uncommon Presentation of an Already Rare Entity
Authors: Massa Maddi , Newbold Karla
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Gastric diverticula (GD) are uncommon. Most are asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally. Symptoms range from reflux and epigastric discomfort to life-threatening bleeding and perforation. We describe a case of symptomatic GD presenting as hematemesis requiring surgical treatment.

Case Report: A 57-year-old female presented to the emergency department (ED) with one day of epigastric pain and hematemesis. Hemoglobin was found to be stable, but blood urea nitrogen was elevated. Imaging revealed a fundal GD. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy did not show other etiology of hematemesis. The patient underwent partial gastric resection for GD removal and did well without further symptoms on follow-up.

Conclusion: Although rare, GD needs to be included on a differential diagnosis when evaluating gastrointestinal symptoms in the ED. Patients may present with an array of complaints but can potentially develop serious complications. Providers should be familiar with the diagnostic options and treatment regimens available to better care for patients presenting with GD.
Dysphagia Alone as a Unique Presentation of Wound Botulism in the Emergency Department: A Case Report
Authors: Wyatt Ryan , Shtull-Leber Eytan , Kelly Thomas
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Wound botulism is a rare and potentially fatal infectious disease, often seen in patients who abuse injection drugs. It classically presents with dysfunction of bilateral cranial nerves followed by proximal and distal motor weakness, which can progress to respiratory failure.

Case Report: We report a case of a 31-year-old female who presented to the emergency department for the fifth time with an eight-day history of isolated dysphagia without any other neurologic symptoms. She reported a history of injection drug abuse via “skin popping,” was admitted to the hospital, and ultimately diagnosed with wound botulism.

Conclusion: This case exemplifies the diagnostic pitfalls of rare diseases such as wound botulism and provides insight regarding the diagnosis and treatment of this entity. This case also highlights the unique medical and social challenges emergency physicians face while trying to reliably evaluate patients who abuse controlled substances.
A Noteworthy Case Report of Neuroborreliosis in an Unvaccinated Pediatric Patient
Authors: Walker Amber , Morales-Yurick Teresita
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Lyme disease typically presents with viral-like symptoms and a pathognomonic rash. With disease progression, symptoms of nervous system involvement usually include facial nerve palsy and meningitis, but other atypical neurologic manifestations have less commonly been documented.

Case Report: A six-year-old male presented with prolonged fevers, rash, headache, and non-specific neurologic symptoms. The diagnosis of neuroborreliosis with meningitis and polyradiculitis was confirmed with laboratory evaluation and lumbar puncture.

Conclusion: Neuroborreliosis is a disseminated form of Lyme disease. While meningitis is a common sign, the presentation of polyradiculitis in children is rare and can lead to misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.
Isolated COVID-19 Infection Precipitates Myasthenia Gravis Crisis: A Case Report
Authors: Moschella Phillip , Roth Prerana
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread around the world and caused hundreds of thousands of fatalities across a wide spectrum of patients with varying severity and presenting complaints. The discussion of the ability of this disease to cause significant illness in patients with various risk factors such as myasthenia gravis is important to help guide physicians on recognition and treatment options as the pandemic matures.

Case Report: Here we discuss a single case of isolated COVID-19 infection that precipitated a myasthenic crisis with no other clinical sequelae in a patient who presented to the emergency department (ED). This report highlights some of the initial difficulties and delay in diagnosis encountered earlier in the pandemic with limited testing supplies and processing labs; however, prompt ED recognition and treatment still led to a favorable outcome.

Conclusion: The patient recovered during this initial presentation and was successfully treated with plasma exchange and steroids only. It is important to recognize that myasthenia gravis patients may represent a uniquely vulnerable population that requires enhanced surveillance and screening to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. This case describes how even a mild infection with no significant clinical sequelae or significant signs on imaging studied can precipitate a crisis event.
Salivary Markers in Relation to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Smokeless Tobacco Users: A Literature Review
Authors: Honarmand Marieh
Published: November 2020

Context: Nicotine and carcinogens are present in smokeless tobacco products. Oral, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers have been seen in Smokeless tobacco users. This article aims at reviewing the available literature and summarizing the application of salivary markers in smokeless tobacco users and their association with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Evidence Acquisition: The terms “saliva or salivary”, “markers or biomarkers”, “smokeless tobacco or Chewing tobacco or snuff”, and “oral cancer or oral carcinoma or oral squamous cell carcinoma” were searched in PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Google databases. Original and review English-written articles published over the past 20 years were reviewed, and the appropriate papers were chosen and intently studied. A data form designed by the author was used to write the proper results. Results: Our initial search identified 135 articles, 35 of which met the criteria for entering the final study and were contained for review. In summary, these studies described 20 markers found in the saliva of smokeless tobacco users linked to oral cancer. Conclusions: In this review study, some salivary markers such as cytokines, immunoglobulins, antioxidants, etc. were reviewed. In this review, it was shown that similar changes in these markers occur in patients with cancer and smokeless tobacco users. With the development of these diagnostic markers, these may be used as a screening tool for the early detection of cancer in smokeless tobacco users.
Manifestations and Risk Factors in Children Hospitalized with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Kuczborska Karolina , Rustecka Agnieszka , Wawrzyniak Agata , Będzichowska Agata , Kalicki Bolesław
Published: November 2020

Background: Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age, and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains its leading etiological factor. Although RSV infections occur in all age groups, the most severe course is observed among children. The clinical manifestations include both mild upper respiratory infections and severe infections of the lower tract, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia that can lead to hospitalization and severe complications, including respiratory failure. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the manifestations of RSV infection in hospitalized children younger than 18 months of age and predictors of disease severity, as well as their comparison with the same age group hospitalized due to ALRI of different etiology. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on medical records of 448 children hospitalized due to ALRI. The analysis was performed on the total study group and subgroups of children with positive and negative results of the nasal swab for RSV detection. In each group, clinical data, laboratory test results, and imaging results were analyzed. Results: The most common manifestation was pneumonia (n = 82; 63.08%). Otitis media was observed mainly in children under six months of age with lowered inflammatory markers (P < 0.05), conjunctivitis in those with a positive family history of allergies (P < 0.05), and pneumonia in children under six months of age, with lower blood oxygen saturation and inflammatory markers, features of acidosis, and fever-free course (P < 0.05). Respiratory failure affected 13 children (10%). However, no predictors of this complication were noted. Conclusions: As pneumonia was the most common manifestation in children with both RSV-positive and RSV-negative ALRI, it seems advisable to perform the imaging of the lungs on admission and carefully monitor the child’s condition during hospitalization. In both groups, special attention should be paid to the youngest children with low inflammatory markers on hospital admission, increased clinical symptoms, and family history of allergies. Nevertheless, widely known risk factors of RSV infection itself do not reflect the risk of developing pneumonia or respiratory failure in its course.
A Study on Robot Technologies Used in Intelligent Systems with Nanotechnology Perspective
Authors: TUTGUN ÜNAL Aylin
Published: November 2020

In this research the robot technologies used in the integration of intelligent systems of the nanotechnology have been studied in 3 chapters: According to this research, various examples have been given 1 for the robot systems with human characteristics, 2 for robotizing of other organic living organisms, 3 for robot systems designed for other materials and the purpose used in different areas of the robot systems that are mentioned in the perspective of the human-computer interaction have been discussed.
Using Twitter’s “Hashtag” in Television Series to Create A Social Capital: Season Final Episodes of Turkish Television Series
Authors: ABANOZ Enes
Published: November 2020

Nowadays, due to the popularity of different social network sites, many companies and institutions try to reach members of these sites for various reasons. Social network sites, provide social capital to its followers by utilizing the flow of information provided by the connection of its members. Social capital consists of information and facilities that are obtained from individuals within these social networks. In this study, we will evaluate the final episodes of five distinct television series that utilizes Twitter’s hashtag function in order to create social capital.
Research report :
Authors: Haney Julie M , Furman Susanne M , Acar Yasemin
Published: November 2020

Smart home technologies may expose adopters to increased risk to network security, information privacy, and physical safety. However, users may lack understanding of the privacy and security implications, while devices fail to provide transparency and configuration options. This results in little meaningful mitigation action to protect users’ security and privacy. To better understand users’ perceptions of smart home privacy and security, we conducted an in-depth interview study of 40 smart home users. In this document, we report the study findings related to perceptions of data collection/use, privacy and security concerns, and mitigations employed to alleviate concerns. We found that users have varied, and often unclear, understandings of how smart home data are collected and used. In addition, although users may have security and privacy concerns, many participants displayed a willingness to accept risks in favor of smart home benefits, and they feel limited responsibility for mitigating these due to constrained options or lack of knowledge to enact more sophisticated countermeasures. While this report is not meant to be prescriptive, an understanding of user perceptions may be used to inform future smart home security and privacy guidance for manufacturers and users.
New philological practices: semantic edition of A. P. Chekhov’s texts
Authors: Severina Elena Mikhailovna , Larionova Marina Chengarovna
Published: November 2020

The authors present the concept of semantic digital publication of A. P. Chekhov's texts, giving special attention to the research project Chekhov Digital implemented in Southern Federal University and the Southern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The goal of the project consists in creation of semantic marling of the compilation of writer’s works supported by the standards for digital publication Text Encoding Initiative (TEI) that allows presenting the text in format that can be processed by a computer, as well as the standards for electronic format of Russian-language literary texts displayed in the Semantic edition of the texts of L. N. Tolstoy. The crucial task of the project consists in provision of digital tools useful for the researchers, including convenient semantic search, statistical processing and visualization tools. The main source is the Academic Compilation of Complete Works and Letters of A. P. Chekhov in 30 volumes (1974-1983). Currently, a preliminary structure of markup is developed for some categories that exist in Chekhov's texts, notes, commentaries, and description of the volumes of Academic Compilation of Complete Works and Letters of A. P. Chekhov, which arranging semantic search of information, make editorial notes computer-readable, and more adjusted to studying not only the traditional approach, but also computer methods. It is underlined that text markup would expand due to inclusion of new categories; and the semantic edition itself would broaden its network due to inclusion of reference and editorial-peered texts that are beyond the scope of the Academic Compilation of Complete Works and Letters of A. P. Chekhov. Semantic edition Chekhov Digital gives grounds for a new type of commentary that incorporates meanings and facts, complicates and enriches the interpretation of text. Such edition is valuable for the researchers, pedagogues, students, and audience interested in the topic.
Study of phase transition of single crystal and polycrystalline vanadium dioxide nanofilms by using continuous laser pump-terahertz probe technique
Authors: Yang Pei-Di , Ouyang Chen , Hong Tian-Shu , Zhang Wei-Hao , Miao Jun-Gang , Wu Xiao-Jun ,   School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China,   Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Published: November 2020

As a typical phase transition material, vanadium dioxide has attracted much attention in the study of metal-insulator transition behavior since its phase transition temperature is close to room temperature. The experimental results of various modulation provide important clues to studying the vanadium dioxide phase transition mechanism. These experiments not only deepen the understanding of the strong correlation between electrons with different spins in various transition metal oxides, but also make an opportunity for exploring their potential practical applications. Although the phase transition mechanism of vanadium dioxide is still controversial, one has already made tremendous efforts to understand the mechanism of metal-insulation phase transition in the past few decades, which is stimulated from various experiments on vanadium dioxide modulation. Here in this work, the single crystal and polycrystalline vanadium dioxide are investigated. Their modulation mechanisms are studied by using the continuous laser pumping-terahertz probe technique, and it is found that the absorption behaviors of terahertz pulses at the same pump fluence are obviously different. After systematically discussing the representative phase transition mechanism, it is found that the phase transition of single crystal vanadium dioxide is attributed to the Mott-type phase transition dominated by the electronic structure, and that the polycrystalline vanadium dioxide originates from the Peierls-type phase transition occurring during the lattice distortion. In the past, most of the optical modulation was implemented under the condition of femtosecond laser pumping. The new optical modulation method given in this work, is a supplement to previous all-optical modulation experiment and more likely to be conducive to a more in-depth understanding of the modulation mechanism of vanadium dioxides.
The Pandemic Information Gap
Authors: Gans Joshua
Published: November 2020

Why solving the information problem should be at the core of our pandemic response: essential reading about the long-term implications of our current crisis.

COVID-19 is caused by a virus. The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by a lack of good information. A pandemic is essentially an information problem: this is the enlightening and provocative idea at the heart of this book. If we solve the information problem, argues economist Joshua Gans, we can defeat the virus. For example, when we don't know who is infected, we have to act as if everyone is infected. If we actively manage the information problem—if we know who is infected and with whom they had contact—we can suppress the virus or buy time for vaccine development.

Emphasizing that pandemic-induced economic crises are different from past recessions, Gans maps the phases of the pandemic economy and the information needed at each stage to enable recovery. He argues that we should insulate businesses from failure and workers from job loss, and describes economic policy approaches that would help achieve this. He discusses pandemic communication strategies, privacy and public health information, and methods for handling potential vaccine shortages. To innovate our way out of this crisis, Gans argues, we must think creatively and take the long view. Pandemics may be unpredictable, but they can be planned for, and this book provides a roadmap to do so.

This is an expanded version of an eBook originally published as Economics in the Age of COVID-19.
Antipsychotic olanzapine-induced misfolding of proinsulin in the endoplasmic reticulum accounts for atypical development of diabetes
Authors: Ninagawa Satoshi , Tada Seiichiro , Okumura Masaki , Inoguchi Kenta , Kinoshita Misaki , Kanemura Shingo , Imami Koshi , Umezawa Hajime , Ishikawa Tokiro , Mackin Robert B , Torii Seiji , Ishihama Yasushi , Inaba Kenji , Anazawa Takayuki , Nagamine Takahiko , Mori Kazutoshi
Published: November 2020

Second-generation antipsychotics are widely used to medicate patients with schizophrenia, but may cause metabolic side effects such as diabetes, which has been considered to result from obesity-associated insulin resistance. Olanzapine is particularly well known for this effect. However, clinical studies have suggested that olanzapine-induced hyperglycemia in certain patients cannot be explained by such a generalized mechanism. Here, we focused on the effects of olanzapine on insulin biosynthesis and secretion by mouse insulinoma MIN6 cells. Olanzapine reduced maturation of proinsulin, and thereby inhibited secretion of insulin; and specifically shifted the primary localization of proinsulin from insulin granules to the endoplasmic reticulum. This was due to olanzapine’s impairment of proper disulfide bond formation in proinsulin, although direct targets of olanzapine remain undetermined. Olanzapine-induced proinsulin misfolding and subsequent decrease also occurred at the mouse level. This mechanism of olanzapine-induced β-cell dysfunction should be considered, together with weight gain, when patients are administered olanzapine.
Increased copy number of syncytin-1 in the trophectoderm is associated with implantation of the blastocyst
Authors: Guo Luyan , Gu Fang , Xu Yan , Zhou Canquan
Published: November 2020

Background

A key step in embryo implantation is the adhesion to and invasion of the endometrium by the blastocyst trophectoderm. The envelope proteins of HERV-W and -FRD (human endogenous retrovirus-W and -FRD), syncytin-1 and syncytin-2, are mainly distributed in the placenta, and play important roles in the development of the placenta. The placenta originates from the trophectoderm of the blastocyst. It is unclear whether the envelope proteins of HERV-W and -FRD have an effect on the development of the trophectoderm and whether they have any association with the implantation of the blastocyst.

Methods

The whole-genome amplification products of the human blastocyst trophectoderm were used to measure the copy number of syncytin-1 and syncytin-2 using real time qPCR. In addition, clinical data associated with the outcome of pregnancies was collected, and included age, body mass index (BMI), basic follicle stimulating hormone(bFSH), rate of primary infertility and oligo-astheno-teratospermia, the thickness of the endometrium on the day of endometrial transformation, the levels of estrogen and progestin on the transfer day, the days and the morphological scores of the blastocysts. The expression of mRNA and the copy numbers of syncytin-1 and syncytin-2 in H1 stem cells, and in differentiated H1 cells, induced by BMP4, were measured using real time qPCR.

Results

The relative copy number of syncytin-1 in the pregnant group (median: 424%, quartile: 232%–463%, p < 0.05) was significantly higher than in the non-pregnant group (median: 100%, quartile: 81%–163%). There was a correlation (rs = 0.681, p < 0.001) between the copy number of syncytin-1 and blastocyst implantation after embryo transfer. As the stem cells differentiated, the expression of NANOG mRNA decreased, and the expression of caudal type homeobox 2(CDX2) and β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) mRNAs increased. Compared to the undifferentiated cells, the relative expression of the syncytin-1 mRNA was 1.63 (quartile: 0.59–6.37, p > 0.05), 3.36 (quartile: 0.85–14.80, p > 0.05), 10.85 (quartile: 3.39–24.46, p < 0.05) and 67.81 (quartile: 54.07–85.48, p < 0.05) on day 1, 3, 5 and 7, respectively, after the differentiation. The relative expression of syncytin-2 was 5.34 (quartile: 4.50–10.30), 7.90 (quartile: 2.46–14.01), 57.44 (quartile: 38.35–103.87) and 344.76 (quartile: 267.72–440.10) on day 1, 3, 5 and 7, respectively, after the differentiation (p < 0.05). The copy number of syncytin-1 increased significantly during differentiation.

Conclusion

Preceding the transfer of frozen embryos, the increased copy number of syncytin-1 in the blastocyst trophectoderm was associated with good outcomes of pregnancies.
Different analysis strategies of 16S rRNA gene data from rodent studies generate contrasting views of gut bacterial communities associated with diet, health and obesity
Authors: Garcia-Mazcorro Jose F. , Kawas Jorge R. , Licona Cassani Cuauhtemoc , Mertens-Talcott Susanne , Noratto Giuliana
Published: November 2020

Background

One of the main functions of diet is to nurture the gut microbiota and this relationship affects the health of the host. However, different analysis strategies can generate different views on the relative abundance of each microbial taxon, which can affect our conclusions about the significance of diet to gut health in lean and obese subjects. Here we explored the impact of using different analysis strategies to study the gut microbiota in a context of diet, health and obesity.

Methods

Over 15 million 16S rRNA gene sequences from published studies involving dietary interventions in obese laboratory rodents were analyzed. Three strategies were used to assign the 16S sequences to Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) based on the GreenGenes reference OTU sequence files clustered at 97% and 99% similarity.

Results

Different strategies to select OTUs influenced the relative abundance of all bacterial taxa, but the magnitude of this phenomenon showed a strong study effect. Different taxa showed up to 20% difference in relative abundance within the same study, depending on the analysis strategy. Very few OTUs were shared among the samples. ANOSIM test on unweighted UniFrac distances showed that study, sequencing technique, animal model, and dietary treatment (in that order) were the most important factors explaining the differences in bacterial communities. Except for obesity status, the contribution of diet and other factors to explain the variability in bacterial communities was lower when using weighted UniFrac distances. Predicted functional profile and high-level phenotypes of the microbiota showed that each study was associated with unique features and patterns.

Conclusions

The results confirm previous findings showing a strong study effect on gut microbial composition and raise concerns about the impact of analysis strategies on the membership and composition of the gut microbiota. This study may be helpful to guide future research aiming to investigate the relationship between diet, health, and the gut microbiota.
Determination of the Development Performances of Pecan Saplings in Aydin ecological Conditions
Authors: Dolgun Oguz , Tekıntas F. Ekmel , Bayram Suleyman , Kurtaslan Temur
Published: November 2020

In this research, the sapling growth performances of Pecan cultivation in Aydın ecological conditions were investigated. "Burkett" Pecan rootstock and "Mahan14", "Wichita7" and "Choctaw2" pecan cultivars were used. Starting from the date of planting; Sapling stem diameters were measured 5 cm above the graft site. Diameters of rootstocks was measured 5 cm below the graft site,  bud burst dates are determined (min %70 of buds),  shoot diameters were measured at 15-day intervals from the place after the first two buds. Shoot lengths were measured at 15-day intervals. The measurements were carried out for 2 consecutive years. Repeared Measures Anova is used to determine whether there are significant differences in the data. The development difference between cultivars in both regions was investigated. In the analysis, averages of five replicate measurements in two years and 12 different periods. Pecan saplings showed a good development in the ecological conditions of Aydin (37°45′ 0″N - 28°0′0″E). These results show that in the province of Aydın, Pecan cultivation can be done except in very cold and very dry places. However, the study should be supported by future fruit productivity studies. The present research findings will be useful for regions with similar climatic conditions.
Colorectal Cancer Risk and Prevention Knowledge among Adults Attending Public Health Facilities in Obudu, Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Ugbe Ugbe Maurice-Joel , Mark Theresa Awa , Ubi Okoi Faith
Published: November 2020

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 5th most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths in Nigeria. As with other cancers, CRC risk is multifactorial, including issues such as poor diet, obesity, alcohol abuse, physical inactivity, age above 50 years, history of adenomatous polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, and family history of CRCs or polyps.

Aim: The study aimed to ascertain the level of knowledge of risk factors and preventive measures against CRC among adults attending health facilities in Obudu Local Government area Cross River State, Nigeria.

Study Design: A descriptive survey research design was used.

Place and Duration of Study: Urban health facilities in Obudu Local government area, Cross River state between 2017 and 2019.

Methodology: The sample of the study comprised 310 attendees of health facilities. A structured questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. Face validity was employed. The split-half method was used to establish the reliability of the instrument with thirty adults in a neighboring town.

Results: Findings showed that males had better knowledge of risk factors (75.3%) than females (45.8%); and males had better knowledge of prevention of CRC (82.1%) than females (57.2%), hence showing a significant association (P=.002, P=.003) between gender with knowledge of risk factors and prevention of CRC respectively. There were also significant associations between age (P=.007, .001) and educational level (P=.002, .006) with knowledge of risk factors and prevention of CRC respectively. This showed that younger ages and higher education were associated with better knowledge of CRC.

Conclusions: Less knowledgeable women and persons with low educational level should be targeted with messages on CRC. Health educators should intensify their health education campaign on the importance of screening as the major preventive measure against CRC at the household level. Government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should sponsor the provision of resources and screening facilities.
Knowledge and Preparedness on Corona Virus Pandemic among Healthcare Workers in Igembe South Health Facilities, Meru County, Kenya
Authors: Kubai P. K. , Ndiba M. P. , Ikiara L. K. , Karani C. K.
Published: November 2020

Worldwide Corona virus outbreak has cause panic and enormous health and economic effects due to inadequate or lack of appropriate information about COVID -19.

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the Level of knowledge and Preparedness to Corona Virus (COVID –19) Pandemic among Health Workers in Igembe South, Meru County, Kenya.

Study Design: This was cross-sectional study was conducted to determine their Knowledge and Preparedness among HCWs on COVID-19 pandemic.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Igembe South Health Facilities between March and June 2020.

Methodology: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted in Igembe South Sub County of Meru County from March 2020 to June 2020 among 87 Health Care Workers to determine their Knowledge and Preparedness on COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected using structured Likert’s Scale questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed to obtain frequencies and distribution of the variables.

Results: The results shows that eight seven (87) health care workers with mean age of 34± 9 (SD) years with a minimum age of 19 years and maximum age of 60 years were recruited responded to the questions of the study. Among the 87 participants, 51 (58.6%) had at least a bachelor's degree, 30 (34.5%) participants had a diploma and 6 (6.9%) participants had a certificate. About 32 (36.8%) of the participants were nurses. Other professional disciplines included nutritionists, records officers, supporting staff, social workers among others. Majority of the facilities acknowledged receiving Ministry of Health guidelines and protocols on COVID-19 case management. Regarding knowledge of COVID -19 Almost half (48.3%) of the participants somewhat agreed that health care workers had knowledge of Corona Virus Pandemic, however, most of the respondents (50.6%) strongly disagreed that they are equipped with adequate Knowledge to manage severe Corona Case compared to (8%) respondents who strongly agreed that Corona Virus Incubation period is an average of 7 days and maximum of 14 days.

Conclusion: The study concludes that knowledge and preparedness level on COVID - 19 was above average, however, there is need for continuous professional development (CPD) training and support supervision for HCWs to ensure maintenance of appropriate practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study further concludes that those with knowledge and are conversant with their respective areas of practice are at less risk, considering that inadequate knowledge is not only a risk factor for poor delivery of WHO approved COVID -19 guidelines met to prevent the spread of COVID -19, but also increases the occupational risk to health care workers.
Alleviation of Sodicity Stress in Green Gram and Black Gram Using Plant Growth Regulating Substances
Authors: Nithila S. , Amutha R. , Sivakumar R.
Published: November 2020

Most of the pulses in India are grown in low fertility, problematic soils and unpredictable environmental conditions. Major issues in pulse production are poor establishment and low harvest index. In pulses harvest index is only 15-20%. Physiological manipulations such as spraying of hormones and nutrients that reduce flower drop and thereby facilitate large sink size. The objective of this research is to study the impact of Growth regulating substances on germination and establishment and economic yield of black gram and green gram under Sodic soil conditions. The study area is Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Trichy. The nature of soil is sodicity with exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) of 18.94% with pH of 9.02. The two crop varieties green gram VBN (Gg) 2 & black gram VBN (Bg) 6 were employed under sodic soil condition. Field experiment was conducted during late July to October 2017 under sodic soil condition with ten treatments. The experiment was laid out in a Randamized Block Design with three replications. Foliar spray was given at flower initiation and pod initiation stages. Ten treatment combinations were employed by T1: Control, T2: Seed Treatment (ST) with Ammonium Molybdate (AM) 0.05% + foliar spray of ZnSO4 – 0.5%. T3: AM 0.05% + Panchagavya -3.0%,              T4: AM 0.05% + foliar spray of KCl -1%, T5: ST with GA3 50 ppm + foliar spray of ZnSO4 – 0.5%,   T6: GA3 50 ppm + Panchagavya -3.0%, T7: GA3 50 ppm + KCl -1%, T8: Cowpea Sprout Extract 2% +ZnSO4 – 0.5%, T9: Cowpea Sprout Extract 2% +Panchagavya -3.0%, T10: Cowpea Sprout Extract 2% + foliar spray of KCl -1%. In conclusion the yield enhancement in best treatment may be due to the presence of bioactive substances in sprouted cowpea extracts and panchagavya were found effective towards yield maximization.
Socio-Ecological Foundation of Marketable Surplus Generation in Agriculture: The Complexity and Compliances
Authors: Roy Debraj , Achaya S. K. , Ghosh Arindam , Mazumder Debashis , Ghoshal Swagata , Haque Monirul , Biswas Amitava
Published: November 2020

The study was conducted on Rice and Poultry entrepreneurs in Memari-1 block, Purba Barddhaman district of West Bengal, India. This has been conducted to assess their socio-personal, agro-economical and techno-managerial skills. Several entrepreneurial aspects are considered in this study to portrait a well discernible picture of their entrepreneurship. The acquired data and other information was critically examined with several statistical tools like range, mean, standard deviation, variance, correlation coefficient, stepwise regression analysis, multiple regression analysis, factor analysis and cluster analysis. Total 18 variables were considered for the study in which 15 of them are independent variables and 3 of them dependent variables. Correlation coefficient is significant for the independent variables in case of one dependent variable i.e. produce marketed (y3). After performing Stepwise Regression analysis several satisfactory conclusions were drawn for the study which well described the current neo agricultural scenario in rural Bengal. It has been recorded that when the economic land is more, then the marketed surplus becomes lower as because small holdings entrepreneurs concentrate more in the production phase. Marketed surplus has a positive relationship with the Education level. It has been recorded that Marketed surplus has a positive relationship with electricity consumption also. Having a higher marketed surplus indicate more advancement and betterment in terms of entrepreneurial management and thus fuel use efficiency becomes more prominent and fuel consumption is reduced. It has been recorded that when the innovation proneness and market interaction is higher for the respondents, the marketed surplus is also higher.
An Empirical Evaluation of the Bilateral Non-oil Export Trade Balance between Nigeria and Egypt: A Test of Marshall-Lerner Condition
Authors: Omokugbo Obasanmi, Jude , Imahe O. J.
Published: November 2020

Bilateral trade is the exchange of goods between two nations promoting trade and investment. The two countries will reduce or eliminate tariffs, import quotas, export restraints, and other trade barriers to encourage trade and investment. The Marshall-Lerner (M-L) condition which is at the heart of the elasticities approach to the balance of Trade. The condition seeks to answer what happens to the current-account balance of a country when there is a devaluation of the currency. In this study, an empirical examination of the validation  of M-L Condition was examined in the Bilateral Non-Oil Export Trade Balance between Nigeria and Egypt for the period 1980 to 2018. The distributed lag (DL) mechanism was  used to estimate the short as well as the long run parameters. The results of the findings validated the M-L Condition in the trade relations with Egypt in the short and long run and that the M-L Condition is supported by data. The study amongst others recommended that for Nigeria to implement any devaluation policy, Nigeria must first and foremost ensure a substantial increase in her non-oil exports as against imports. This is the only way the benefits can be maximized   for the country.
Application of the Two-parameter Weibull Distribution Method to Assess the Reliability of Gas Turbine Compressors
Authors: Ozonuwe Sunday N. , Onyekachi Dennar , Oside Collins U.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, the reliability of axial compressors of gas turbines used in oil and gas installations was analyzed by the application of the two-parameter Weibull distribution method. Reliability analysis is an important tool to minimize the failures of equipment, shorten repair time and enhance maintenance effectiveness because when a system is well-maintained system, it minimizes operating costs and optimizes throughput. The study involves the analysis of the failure times of three identical gas turbine compressors. The two-parameter Weibull distribution method was found to best fit the failure data with a correlation coefficient of 0.9886 using the rank regression method. Based on the result obtained for the two-parameter Weibull estimates, it is deduced that the compressors under consideration are at the end of their operational life (wear-out period). From the Weibull estimates obtained, the reliability and mean time to failure of the compressors were determined. This result can be used to carry out timely and effective maintenance of the compressors so as to improve their operation and availability.
Ultrasound Assisted Synthesis of Polylimonene and Organomodified-clay Nanocomposites: A Structural, Morphological and Thermal Properties
Authors: Derdar Hodhaifa , Mitchell Geoffrey Robert , Cherifi Zakaria , Belbachir Mohammed , Benachour Mohamed , Meghabar Rachid , Bachari Khaldoun , Harrane Amine
Published: November 2020

Polylimonene-clay nanocomposites (PLM-Mag 2, 3, 6 and 10% by weight of clay) were prepared by mixing Maghnite-CTA+ (Mag-CTA+) and polylimonene (PLM) in solution using ultrasonic irradiation. The catalyst preparation method were studied in order to determine and evaluate their structural, morphological and thermal properties. The Mag-CTA+ is an organophylic montmorillonite silicate clay prepared through a direct exchange process, using green natural clay of Maghnia (west of Algeria) called Maghnite. The Algerian clay was modified by ultrasonic-assisted method using cetyltrimethylammonuim bromide (CTAB) in which they used as green nano-reinforcing filler. Polylimonene was obtained by the polymerization of limonene, using Mag-H+ as a catalyst. The morphology of the obtained nanocomposites was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that the nanocomposites have a high degradation temperature (200−250 °C) compared with the pure polylimonene (140 °C). The analyses confirmed the chemical modification of montmorillonite layers and their uniformly dispersion in the polylimonene matrix. Exfoliated structures were obtained for low amounts of clay (2 and 3% by weight), while intercalated structures and immiscible regions were detected for high amounts of clay (6 and 10% by weight). Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Concentration‐Dependent Photoluminescence Properties of Graphene Oxide
Authors: Li Guanghao , Ma Suping , Huang Zhiyu , Cai Zhihao , Xiao Peishuang , Huang Yi
Published: November 2020

Herein, a comprehensive examination of the effect of concentration on graphene oxide (GO) photoluminescence (PL) is presented. It is found that GO exhibits a concentration‐induced redshift and white light PL for GO aqueous dispersions, and displays visible–NIR PL for a 3D GO foam (3DGOF) corresponding to the high‐concentration‐limit of GO. It is deduced that the effect of the coupling between the GO sheets gives rise to the observed redshift, and hopping and tunneling effects result in the saturation of the PL redshift and then the PL quenching. Due to the intense interactions and coupling of the GO sheets, the modification of the GO surface state increases the energy of the π* state and/or makes the high‐energy level appear and therefore gives rise to the blue light component. Consequently, high concentrations of GO aqueous dispersion lead to the appearance of combined white light. For 3DGOF, electron–hole radiation recombination in laser‐induced plasma and GO bandgap may be responsible for the observed visible–NIR PL. Based on its tunable PL in the visible–NIR region of the spectrum and the induced white light PL, GO has huge potential for applications in graphene‐based optoelectronics and biomedicine.
Recent Developments in Radical Cross‐Coupling of Redox‐Active Cycloketone Oximes
Authors: Xiao Fang , Guo Yu , Zeng Yao‐Fu
Published: November 2020

Recent years have witnessed a renaissance of radical cross‐coupling of cycloketone oximes which served as active cyanoalkyl radical via ring fragmentation in various transformations. It provided an efficient and practical strategy to introduce cyanoalkyl groups into organic compounds without using toxic cyanide sources. In this review, a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the field of redox‐active cycloketone oximes‐based cross‐couplings were covered. This review was categorized into two broad parts: non‐photocatalyzed and photocatalyzed cross‐couplings according to the reaction conditions. Moreover, the two broad parts were further divided into several sub‐sections depending on the nature of the bond formation. Some representative examples along with reaction mechanisms were also discussed.

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Organic Azides: Versatile Synthons in Transition Metal‐Catalyzed C(sp2)−H Amination/Annulation for N‐Heterocycle Synthesis
Authors: Liu Zi‐Kui , Zhao Quan‐Qing , Gao Yang , Hou Ye‐Xing , Hu Xiao‐Qiang
Published: November 2020

Organic azides are highly reactive, which have long established as versatile building blocks in the assembly of structurally diverse N‐containing heterocycles. The conversion of organic azides into high‐value compounds is of great importance and a subject of enormous current interest. Transition metal‐catalyzed C(sp2)−H amination/annulation of organic azides provides a powerful tool for the transformation of organic azides into a wide range of biologically important heterocyclic frameworks. In this review, we aim to summarize the recent progress on organic azides‐mediated C(sp2)−H amination/annulation for N‐heterocycle synthesis enabled by transition metal catalysts. Representative strategies are discussed in detail, including catalytic systems, reaction scopes, limitations and mechanisms.

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Copper‐Catalyzed Regio‐ and Stereoselective Oxidative Vinylsulfonylation of Quinoxalinones with Alkynes and Sulfonyl Hydrazides
Authors: Clinton Chayan Dhar , Prasad Ch. Durga , Thombal Raju S. , Lee Yong Rok
Published: November 2020

An efficient approach to regio‐ and stereoselective synthesis of (Z)‐vinylsulfonylated quinoxalin‐2‐ones has been developed. This oxidative reaction involves copper‐catalyzed vinylsulfonylation of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones with alkynes and sulfonyl hydrazides. Various functionalized vinylsulfonylated quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one derivatives have been synthesized in excellent yields. The reaction proceeds via sulfonyl radicals generated from sulfonyl hydrazides.

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Bio‐Coreactant‐Enhanced Electrochemiluminescence Microscopy of Intracellular Structure and Transport
Authors: Ma Cheng , Wu Shaojun , Zhou Yang , Wei Hui‐Fang , Zhang Jianrong , Chen Zixuan , Zhu Jun‐Jie , Lin Yuehe , Zhu Wenlei
Published: November 2020

A bio‐coreactant‐enhanced electrochemiluminescence (ECL) microscopy realizes the ECL imaging of intracellular structure and dynamic transport. This microscopy uses Ru(bpy)32+ as the electrochemical molecular antenna connecting extracellular and intracellular environments, and uses intracellular biomolecules as the coreactants of ECL reactions via a “catalytic route”. Accordingly, intracellular structures are identified without using multiple labels, and autophagy involving DNA oxidative damage is detected using nuclear ECL signals. A time‐resolved image sequence discloses the universal edge effect of cellular electroporation due to the influence of the geometric properties of cell membranes on the induced transmembrane voltage. The dynamic transport of Ru(bpy)33+ in the different cellular compartments unveils the heterogeneous intracellular diffusivity correlating with the actin cytoskeleton. In addition to single‐cell studies, the bio‐coreactant‐enhanced ECL microscopy is used to image a slice of a mouse liver and a colony of Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1.
Reshaping the Cathodic Catalyst Layer for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: From Heterogeneous Catalysis to Homogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Ren Rong , Wang Xiaojiang , Chen Hengquan , Miller Hamish Andrew , Salam Ihtasham , Varcoe John Robert , Wu Liang , Chen Youhu , Liao Hong‐Gang , Liu Ershuai , Bartoli Francesco , Vizza Francesco , Jia Qingying , He Qinggang
Published: November 2020

In anion exchange membrane fuel cells, catalytic reactions occur at a well‐defined three‐phase interface, wherein conventional heterogeneous catalyst layer structures exacerbate problems, such as low catalyst utilization and limited mass transfer. We developed a structural engineering strategy to immobilize a molecular catalyst tetrakis(4‐methoxyphenyl)porphyrin cobalt(II) (TMPPCo) on the side chains of an ionomer (polyfluorene, PF) to obtain a composite material (PF‐TMPPCo), thereby achieving a homogeneous catalysis environment inside ion‐flow channels, with greatly improved mass transfer and turnover frequency as a result of 100 % utilization of the catalyst molecules. The unique structure of the homogeneous catalysis system comprising interconnected nanoreactors exhibits advantages of low overpotential and high fuel‐cell power density. This strategy of reshaping of the catalyst layer structure may serve as a new platform for applications of many molecular catalysts in fuel cells.