bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-scale human-based cardiac modelling and simulation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and post-myocardial infarction
Authors: Wang Jenny
Published: July 2022

I'll be presenting my recent work on using multi-scale cardiac modelling and simulation to investigate the electrophysiological mechanisms of action of the drug disopyramide on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients, as well as the electromechanical disease mechanisms of acute and chronic post-myocardial infarction through linking ECG and LVEF biomarkers.
Magnitude and Factors Associated with post-operative Sore Throat Among Adult Surgical Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia at a Tertiary Care Institution, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Hassen Yalew , Nasser Nura , Abraha Mebratu
Published: July 2022

Background: Postoperative sore throat is a common postoperative complication of anesthesia. Complaints range from a minor self- limiting throat irritation to debilitating pain, inability to swallow for several days. Many factors can contribute to postoperative sore throat and the incidence has been found to vary with the method of airway management. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine magnitude and factors associated with post-operative sore throat among adult surgical patients who were operated under general anesthesia in a resource-limited setup at a tertiary care institution, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: Hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from August 1st to September 30th, 2021 in St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical Collage among 303 adult patients. Stratified random sampling technique was used to group surgical patients into departments then surgical patients were sampled from each department by using simple random sampling technique. For the study, data was collected using formatted questionnaire. Sore throat and it's severity was assessed and graded once patients were responsive, communicative and cooperative (within 2 hours) then at 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours of post operation. Severity was assessed using Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Results: Out of 301 patients who had surgery with general anesthesia and completed 48 hours data collection, post-operative sore-throat was found in 48.5% of patients with variable severity. Approximately 71% of them developed post-operative sore-throat with in the first 2 hours of post-surgery. from the multivariate binary logistic regression analysis; Naso-gastric tube insertion , blood-stained tracheal tube on extubation , duration of anesthesia, for two to six hours and for greater than six hours, number of attempts at intubation for two attempts and no laryngoscopy were strongly associated and important predictors of post-operative sore-throat as compared to their counter-parts. Conclusion and Recommendations: Nearly half of surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia had post-operative sore-throat which is considerably high. It is recommended to give attention for patients undergoing long intubation hours (>2 hours), NG tube inserted patients, multiple attempts at intubation and choice of air way equipment during General anesthesia.
Towards sustainable transportation: The development of hyperloop technology in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ashraf Alwy Balabel  , Hamad Raja Almujibah
Published: July 2022

Saudi Arabia aims to achieve the principles of sustainable development goals (SDG) in all aspects of life in accordance with its ambitious vision 2030, especially in the field of sustainable passengers and freight transportation. Hyperloop technology can be considered as an excellent sustainable solution for the future of transportation in Saudi Arabia as a result of the availability of auxiliary ingredients, such renewable energy resources and the necessary infrastructure required enhancing the future mobility technology. Hyperloop can reduce the travel time between Saudi cities at a cost equivalent to ticket prices compatible with forms of mass passenger transportation. Accordingly, the Hyperloop technology can be more efficient in terms of energy consumption through the application of renewable energy resources, which makes this technology very attractive to the Saudi Arabia. The present paper discusses the feasibility of Hyperloop technology in Saudi Arabia in technical and economic perspectives including basic performance and cost analysis. Moreover, the integration of different renewable energy recourses, such as solar and hydrogen energy is also discussed. Three major energy systems were reviewed in depth: electrical energy derived from typical fossil fuels and two renewable energy systems based on solar energy, which can be utilized as a primary source of energy or to produce green hydrogen. The overall estimated cost of the three distinct power supply systems was compared using 2022 prices as a benchmark. In comparison to the electrical system and the solar-hydrogen system, the overall cost of the Hyperloop-hydrogen system is the most expensive power supply system. It is expected that the use of Hyperloop technology in Saudi Arabia will be a motivating factor in achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in the transportation sector and as a catalyst for high technology through its requirements for artificial intelligence programs and computer-based operational systems. It can also achieve a significant increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by providing jobs and opportunities for young Saudi men and women in the high-technology sector.
Politika doživotnog učenja u Evropi: EU, Škotska, Danska i Srbija
Authors: Maksimović Maja
Published: July 2022

The goal of this paper is to point out to similarities and differences between goals in lifelong learning and adult education strategies of Scotland, Denmark and Serbia im the European Union context. The new direction of comparative research is headed towards multilayer units of analysis that include global, international and micro level of comparison and thus place the accent to chronological analysis of European Union as a supranational creator of educational policies. Results of the analysis have shown that when we look at the policy as a discourse and not as a practice, goals in the strategies are quite aligned and compatible with EU documents related to lifelong learning. Significant differences between goals, besides socio-economic characteristic of the states and their relationship towards EU, are mainly derived from different models of creation and management of educational policies.
XIII Kongres Visokih narodnih škola SR Njemačke
Authors: Avdagić Emir
Published: July 2022

Berlin, May 12 and 13, 2011, XIII Congress of Higher National Schools of FR Germany, under the motto "Adult education for all"
Secondary school dropout in Kabawa community in Kebbi State, Nigeria
Authors: Hassan Zainudin Bin , Said Bashiru Musa
Published: July 2022

The prevalence of dropouts in educational institutions especially in secondary schools affected the integrity of the system. It is important to note that, every country invest in its youths because they are the country’s future human resources, among them will emerge leaders in politics, academics, technology, and business of various dimension. This paper attempted to identify the factors that influence school dropout and the consequences that would result. The paper identifies the following as some of the factors that would influence the secondary dropout all over the globe and Kebbi State in particular. The investigation indicated that the problems of dropouts are far more nuanced than its apparent cause would suggest. In the state of Kebbi, there are a number of factors that contribute to students dropping out of secondary school such as kidnapping students for ransom, banditry, thuggery, insurgent activities, general insecurity, cultism, parents' divorce, minority in language/ethnicity differences, physical disability as well as poverty, lack of government support, illiterate parents/family background, “I don’t care”/indifferent attitude in community, drug abuse, unwanted pregnancy, early child marriage and etc. These are among several factors contributing to students dropping out of school.
emotional intelligence relationship with academic achievement
Authors: Rohaizad Nor Aizal Akmal Binti , Ali Siti Nazilah Binti Mat , Letchumanan Eswaran A/L , Majid Maimunah Binti Awang , Nawi Rozita Binti Muhammad , Ismail Radhiah Binti , Kosnin Azlina Binti Mohd , Khan Aqeel
Published: July 2022

This study is about the investigation of Form One Islamic High School students emotional intelligence at Hulu Terengganu district in Malaysia. 364 Form One students was selected from 4 Islamic high school in the district to answer the questionaires. The data of frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation was run and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 20.0). Research outcome showed that the students’ emotional intelligence level is in the medium range, which interpersonal skill is the most dominant domain among the students. Its shows have a relationship between the emotional intelligence and the students’ academic achievement through the Pearson correlation analysis. But the relationship is not significant.
Relationship between knowledge of energy concepts, lifestyle and personal norms with energy saving behavior
Authors: Bahij Azmi Al , Nadiroh Nadiroh , Sihadi Sihadi , Hassan Zainudin
Published: July 2022

The main objective of this study is to present the relationship between knowledge of energy concepts, lifestyle and personal norms with energy-saving behavior in elementary school teacher education students in Banten Province, Indonesia. The method opposed is quantitative research and correlational method with a sample of 447 students of Muhammadiyah University of Jakarta Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program, Indonesia. The validation results show that the relationship between knowledge of energy-saving concepts and energy-saving behavior shows a high significance value and the relationship between lifestyle and energy-saving behavior shows a high significance value. Furthermore, the relationship between personal norms and energy-saving behavior shows a high significance value. Finally, the relationship between knowledge of energy concepts, lifestyle and personal norms together with energy-saving behavior shows a high significance value. The relationship between knowledge of energy-saving concepts, lifestyle and personal norms either partially or jointly has a high significance value with energy-saving behavior. For further research, we recommend examining other variables that can relate or influence the formation of wise behavior towards the environment such as gender and environmental sensitivity.
Determination of paracetamol using screen-printed carbon electrode
Authors: Bahar Setyadi Laksono , Permatasari Lia Marisca , Madurani Kartika A. , Kurniawan Fredy
Published: July 2022

A sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor based on screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) for detecting paracetamol has been studied. The SPCE performance was observed using cyclic voltammetry (CV) in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution at various pH. The measurement was done at a potential range from -0.75 V to +1 V at room temperature. The response of SPCE shows that paracetamol can be detected clearly from its oxidation (0.63 V) and reduction (-0.36 V) peaks in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution at pH 9. The obtained calibration curve followed a linear equation ipa = 3.159 + 0.134x, with R2 = 0.975 for anodic current peak and ipc = -3.373 – 0.102x, with R2 = 0.990 for cathodic current peak. The limit of detection (LOD) of the SPCE to detect paracetamol was 0.70 µM and 0.51 µM for oxidation and reduction peaks, respectively. The sensitivity of SPCE was 2.628 μA.mm-2.μM-1 for oxidation peak and 1.996 μA.mm-2.μM-1 for reduction peak. The reaction between the SPCE and paracetamol demonstrated diffusion-controlled behavior. The selectivity study indicates no interference signal from ascorbic acid, urea, uric acid, and glucose during paracetamol measurement.
La importancia de un departamento de tesorería en las empresas comerciales
Authors:   Investigador Independiente, Ecuador., HAZ GAMARRA ROSA MELBA , FIALLO MONCAYO DANIEL XAVIER ,   Universidad de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Published: July 2022

La gestión financiera es imprescindible porque permite administrar los fondos para la asignación de activos y pasivos, además de lograr el cumplimiento de objetivos planteados para la obtención de una rentabilidad económica estable en una organización, lo que es vital; porque así se puede medir la eficiencia en todas las actividades y evaluar el rendimiento de los activos en un lapso de tiempo determinado. Es así como la gestión de tesorería engloba todo lo relacionado con cobranzas, pagos, liquidez, acuerdos y demás procedimientos ya sea con entidades bancarias o con otras empresas para centrar esfuerzos en todo lo concerniente a flujos monetarios y poderlos manejar de forma eficiente, efectiva y eficaz; es por ello, que este estudio se centra en determinar la importancia de un departamento de tesorería en las empresas comerciales. Este análisis sistemático de literatura presenta una metodología centrada en la revisión bibliográfica con un enfoque documental, donde se pudo establecer que el correcto funcionamiento de un departamento de tesorería depende fundamentalmente de la integridad en la información que se tenga, es capaz de llevar de manera correcta todos los datos pertinentes a ingresos, egresos, cobranzas, deudas, relaciones bancarias e intercomerciales y la automatización es la mejor alternativa para la tomar decisiones.
The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex in Conscious Perception: The Localist Perspective
Authors: Malach Rafael
Published: July 2022

In recent years the role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in conscious perception has acquired great interest since it became a pivotal issue distinguishing among prevailing neuronal theories of human consciousness. One can identify three major, and conflicting, views of this role. The
globalist view proposes that the PFC is a major hub in a global workspace whose activation is a critical component for any conscious experience. The higher-order thought theory argues that the PFC has a more specialized role underlying higher-order reflection or evaluation, proposed to be
an essential element of consciousness. By contrast, the localist view argues that conscious content is linked to localized activations in content-specific cortical areas with no privileged role assigned to the prefrontal cortex in conscious experience in general. According to the localist
view, just as posterior cortical areas underlie the conscious experience of visual perceptions, so does the prefrontal cortex underlie the conscious experience of specific categories of conscious contents such as reporting, thinking, speech, and introspection. Here I will review experimental
evidence derived from human imaging and recordings, cortical lesions, and direct electrical stimulation in awake patients. Findings from these
Conscious Perception and the Prefrontal Cortex A Review
Authors: Michel Matthias
Published: July 2022

Is perceptual processing in dedicated sensory areas sufficient for conscious perception? Localists say, 'Yes — given some background conditions.' Prefrontalists say, 'No: conscious perceptual experience requires the involvement of prefrontal structures.' I review the evidence
for prefrontalism. I start by presenting correlational evidence. In doing so, I answer the 'report argument', according to which the apparent involvement of the prefrontal cortex in consciousness stems from the requirement for reports. I then review causal evidence for prefrontalism and answer
the 'lesion argument', which purports to show that prefrontalism is wrong because lesions to the prefrontal cortex do not abolish consciousness. I conclude that multiple sources of evidence converge toward the view that the prefrontal cortex plays a significant role in consciousness.
Neurocognitive Mechanisms Some Clarifications
Authors: Piccinini Gualtiero
Published: July 2022

I argue that good metaphysics and good metascience go hand in hand and go on to clarify my egalitarian ontology of levels, defend the aspect view of realization, insist that computation must be medium independent and neurocognitive processes are largely computational even though some
medium-dependent phenomena affect neural computation, and sketch an account of mental representation in terms of neural representation.
Major basic protein deposited at intra mucosal epithelium with probable eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Suzuki Satoshi , Kudo Naomi , Matsushita Daisuke , Hara Ryutaro , Miura Tomoya , Matsubara Atsushi
Published: July 2022

Background

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is diagnosed by Japanese Epidemiological Survey of Refractory Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis (JESREC) scoring system and histopathological eosinophil counts of dissected nasal polyps. Patients with low JESREC score and small number of tissue eosinophils are diagnosed with non-ECRS (NECRS). Due to the 2 parameters of this diagnostic system, chronic rhinosinusitis is to be divided to 4 groups and some patients fall into the 2 groups other than ECRS and NECRS: probable ECRS (pECRS) and probable non-ECRS (pNECRS). We attempted to clarify clinical and histopathological similarities and differences, especially concerning major basic protein (MBP), among those groups.

Methods

One hundred twenty-eight patients treated by endoscopic sinus surgery was included. Clinical characteristics were compared among each group, and immunohistological analysis for MBP was performed to 35 randomly selected patients. MBP deposition at intra mucosal epithelium was evaluated by semiquantificational approach.

Results

ECRS patients showed significantly higher comorbidity rate with allergic rhinitis (36 patients, 78.3%), asthma (36 patients, 78.3%) compared with other groups. Also, percentage of the patients complaining olfactory dysfunction (42 patients, 91.3%) was significantly higher (p < 0.001). Lund-Mackay score (mean, 14.5; 6-24) and recurrence rate (27 patients, 61.4%) was the highest in ECRS patients. Regarding pECRS, the number of patients with olfactory dysfunction (5 patients, 55.6%) was higher than pNECRS and NECRS groups. Also, comorbidity of asthma and percentage of blood eosinophils tended to be higher than those 2 groups. MBP score of pECRS group was significantly higher than NECRS (p < 0.05), despite of smaller tissue eosinophil counts.

Conclusion

pECRS might share some characteristics with ECRS although tissue eosinophil count was significantly smaller compared with ECRS. The results of this study have shown that MBP score in pECRS nasal polyps was significantly higher than NECRS patients and close to ECRS. That might suggest that eosinophils have existed in the nasal polyps of pPECRS patients at some point before surgery.
Tranexamic Acid Associated With Less Wound Complications in Ankle and Hindfoot Surgery
Authors: Moore Andrew D. , Smith Benjamin R. , O'Leary Ryan J. , Hoch Caroline P. , Gross Christopher E. , Scott Daniel J.
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and ankle/hindfoot fusion patients receiving tranexamic acid (TXA) exhibit fewer wound complications.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted of 212 patients (217 feet) undergoing TAA (n = 72), ankle (n = 36), tibiotalocalcaneal (n = 20), pantalar (n = 1), or hindfoot fusion (ie, subtalar = 47, double = 33, and triple = 8) between 2015 and 2020 by a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon at an academic medical center. Demographics, medical history, complications, and union status were compared between TXA (n = 101) and non-TXA (n = 116) cohorts. The mean follow-up was 1.24 years (range, 0.25 to 4.68).

Results:

The TXA group had significantly less postoperative infections (5.9% versus 15.5%, P = 0.025). Within a subgroup analysis of ankle/hindfoot fusions, the TXA group exhibited significantly more Charcot neuroarthropathy (20.7% versus 5.7%, P = 0.006) and shorter follow-up duration (0.96 versus 1.30 years, P = 0.030); however, TXA was associated with shorter time to fusion (146 versus 202 days, P = 0.049) and fewer revision surgeries (8.6% versus 21.8%, P = 0.036). Subgroup analysis excluding feet with Charcot also demonstrated less postoperative infections (4.5% versus 14.4%, P = 0.020). Subgroup analysis of TAAs showed fewer cases of superficial infections (2.3% versus 27.6%, P = 0.002) and delayed wound healing (25.6% versus 48.3%, P = 0.047) in the TXA cohort.

Discussion:

TXA use in ankle/hindfoot surgery was correlated with a reduction in superficial infections and radiographic time to union. The use of TXA in TAA correlated with fewer superficial infections and cases of delayed wound healing. Thus, in addition to other areas of orthopaedics, TXA seems to be beneficial in hindfoot and ankle surgery.

Data availability and trial registration numbers:

All data were obtained from our institution's medical records. This study is not associated with a clinical trial.
Mortality and Conversion to Transfemoral Amputation After Transtibial Amputation in the Veterans Affairs Health System
Authors: Wong Liam H. , Woelber Erik , Madison Cecelia J. , Nguyen Khanh P. , Sangeorzan Bruce J. , Meeker James E. , Gundle Kenneth R.
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

Transtibial below-knee amputation (BKA) is associated with considerable morbidity, particularly in the vasculopathic population. The purpose of this study was to determine the cumulative probability of undergoing transfemoral above-knee amputation (AKA) conversion within 5 years of BKA and associated risk factors while accounting for the competing risk of death.

Methods:

This is a retrospective, national database study with structured query of the Veterans Affairs (VA) database for patients who underwent BKA from 1999 to 2020, identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes. Above-knee amputation conversion was identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes in combination with natural language processing to match procedure laterality. After internally validating our patient identification method, risk factors were collected. Competing risk analysis estimated the cumulative incidence rate of AKA conversion and associated risk factors with death as a competing risk.

Results:

Our query yielded 19,875 patients (19,640 men, 98.8%) who underwent BKA with a median age of 66 years (interquartile range, 60 to 73). The median follow-up was 951 days (interquartile range, 275 to 2,026). The crude cumulative probabilities of AKA conversion and death at 5 years were 15.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.9% to 16.0%) and 47.7% (95% CI, 46.9% to 48.4%), respectively. In the Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard model, peripheral vascular disease had the highest AKA conversion risk (hazard ratio [HR] 2.66; 95% CI, 2.22 to 3.20; P < 0.001). Other factors independently associated with AKA conversion included urgent operation (HR 1.32; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.42), cerebrovascular disease (HR 1.19; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.28), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 1.15; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.24), and previous myocardial infarction (HR 1.10; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.19) (All P < 0.02).

Discussion:

Within this predominantly male, VA population, BKA carries a high risk of conversion to AKA within 5 years, without reaching a steady risk of AKA conversion within 5 years. Peripheral vascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cerebrovascular disease, previous myocardial infarction, and urgent BKA increase the risk of AKA conversion.

Level of Evidence:

Level III
A Review of the Lateral Patellofemoral Joint: Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Surgical Procedures
Authors: Siljander Breana , Tompkins Marc , Martinez-Cano Juan Pablo
Published: July 2022

The lateral patellofemoral joint soft tissues contain key structures that surround and balance the joint. These structures can affect joint tracking, stability, and force distribution. It is important to understand the lateral patellofemoral anatomy and biomechanics, and their relationship with patellofemoral instability, anterior knee pain, and osteoarthritis. Lateral-sided surgical procedures such as lateral release, lateral retinacular lengthening, and partial lateral patellar facetectomy can be useful in the treatment of such patellofemoral problems.
A Comparison of Operative Time and Intraoperative Blood Volume Loss Between Stemless and Short‐stem Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Single Institution's Experience
Authors: Gruson Konrad I. , Lo Yungtai , Stallone Savino , Qawasmi Feras , Lee Sung , Shah Priyam
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

There has been increasing interest in the use of stemless humeral implants for total shoulder arthroplasty when compared with both short-stem (SS) and standard-length implants. Although evidence for decreased surgical time and blood loss exists for stemless versus standard-length stems, far less literature exists comparing these clinical parameters for stemless versus SS implants.

Methods:

A retrospective review of consecutive anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) cases conducted by a single, fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon was undertaken from January 2016 through January 2022 with the exception of March 2020 through January 2021 secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic patient and surgical data, including age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index, prior ipsilateral shoulder arthroscopy, surgical time, use of a Hemovac drain and/or tranexamic acid, hospital length of stay (LOS), and both postoperative day #1 (POD 1) and discharge visual analog scores. The use of a stemless or SS implant was recorded. Intraoperative total blood volume loss (TBVL) was calculated, in addition to the need for either intraoperative or postoperative transfusions. Nonparametric analysis of covariance was used to examine effects of stemless versus SS aTSA on surgical time and intraoperative TBVL adjusted for demographic, clinical, and surgical variables.

Results:

There were 47 SS and 83 stemless anatomic implants included, of which 74 patients (57%) overall were women. The median surgical time for the stemless cohort was 111 minutes (IQR 96-130) versus 137 minutes (IQR 113-169) for the SS cohort (P < 0.00001). The median intraoperative TBVL for the stemless cohort was 298.3 mL (IQR 212.6-402.8) versus 359.7 mL (IQR 253.9-415.0) for the SS cohort (P = 0.05). After multivariable regression analysis, use of stemless humeral implants was independently associated with both decreased surgical time and intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively). There was a shorter median hospital LOS in the stemless group (2 days [IQR 1-2] versus 2 days [IQR 2-3], P = 0.03). The visual analog score pain score at discharge was lower among the stemless cohort (0 [IQR 0-3] versus 4 [IQR 2-6], P < 0.00001). Increased surgical time was associated with intraoperative TBVL (r = 0.340, P < 0.0001).

Discussion:

Stemless aTSA is associated with a markedly decreased surgical time and intraoperative TBVL when compared with a SS aTSA. Furthermore, the use of a stemless implant results in a shorter hospital LOS and lower discharge pain scores.
Macroinvertebrate diversity in a Subtropical High-Pressure Zone (SHPZ) man-made lake: Goreangab Dam, Windhoek, Namibia
Authors:   Namibia University of Science and Technology, Edosa Omoregie , Ngatajosi S ,   Namibia University of Science and Technology
Published: July 2022

This research investigated the diversity and distribution of macroinvertebrate assemblages of a sub-tropical high-pressure belt man-made lake, the Goreangab Dam, in Windhoek, Namibia in order to develop a respective index of biotic integrity as a baseline of determining and monitoring the health status of the dam. Macroinvertebrates samples were collected biweekly, over a period of two months (August and September 2019) from 8 stations along the bank of the dam. Collected macroinvertebrate samples were sorted live, counted and identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible. The Shannon Weiner index (H'), Simpson’s index (D) and Pielou Evenness index (J’) were used in analysing macroinvertebrates diversity. A total of nine different macroinvertebrate species belonging to different orders were recorded during the sampling period. Chironomus plusmosus (larvae), had the highest composition (19%) and Arctocorisa arguta with the lowest composition (6%). Anthropogenic activities have a huge impact on the distributions of the macroinvertebrate assemblages according to the tolerance of water pollution. The fact that the Chironomus plusmosus (larvae) are the highest in composition shows that the waterbody is unhealthy and at this stage only supports the life of species that are tolerant to water pollution.
Rethinking the implementation of the revised history curriculum: challenges faced by teachers, learners and principals in selected public secondary schools in Khomas region, Namibia
Authors:   Immanuel Shifidi Cluster, Khomas, Mothowanaga Ndinelao N.
Published: July 2022

The purpose for this study was to rethink the implementation of revised History curriculum in Namibia focusing on the Khomas regions, Windhoek. In line with qualitative research the study adopted an interpretivism paradigm, qualitative approach and case study research design. The targeted population consisted of school principals, history teachers and learners in three selected schools in Immanuel Shifidi cluster. Purposeful sampling technique was used to select teachers with three and more years of experience as history teachers. Cluster sampling was used to select learners from School A, B & C. Face to face interviews, non-participant observation and document analysis were used as data collection methods and thematic analysis was used to analyse data collected using these instruments. The study revealed that training and workshops were conducted on the implementation of revised history curriculum but the majority of participants did not attend the in-service training and workshop because only few teachers were selected to be part of the training. The study also revealed that some teachers lacked knowledge in some history topics and concepts which affected the implementation of the curriculum. The challenges faced in the implementation of the revised curriculum were overcrowded in classrooms, lack of textbooks, inadequate resources such as libraries, lack of government funds and lack of time management. The study recommended teachers should make an effort to collaborate with other history teachers in the Immanuel Shifidi circuit. The collaboration forums are intended to aid them in sharing subject knowledge and assisting one another in teaching diverse historical themes and topics. The school administration should seek funding from various companies in Namibia to help create libraries, purchase textbooks for students, and purchase classroom desks. NIED should hold regular training and workshops in various circuits and have a follow up system in place to ensure that the trainings are effective. This will aid teachers in understanding the varied expectations of the new curriculum as well as staying current on curricular revisions. The study further recommends that future researchers should focus on training topics that need to be covered during curriculum in-service trainings and workshops for efficient delivery of revised history curriculum.
Application of Longitudinal Analysis to Crime Data: Windhoek Case study (2011-2016)
Authors:   University of Namibia, Unandapo Lazarus
Published: July 2022

Crime in the Windhoek municipal area continue to be on an increase trend as the population grow over time. Despite past effort done to reduce crime, crime seems to be on a continuously increasing trend; mostly in area regarded as crime hotspots by Windhoek municipal Police. Past study done to analyse the crime record have concentrated mostly on cross-sectional analysis, which does not take correlation into account, thus makes it difficult to compare snapshots of crime over time. The main aim of this research was to analyse reported crime data for the period (2011-2016), using a more robust method known as longitudinal data analysis. This method helped us to visualise the different crime frequencies at different time points (month, day or time of day) in all identified police zones. Furthermore, the use of Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE) was also done, to model these crime data, where the best correlation structure was identified to be the exchangeable correlation structure, which assume constant correlation over time.
An ecological adjusted random effect model for property crime in Windhoek, Namibia (2011-2016)
Authors:   University of Namibia, Amunyela J
Published: July 2022

Count data that are zero inflated are often analysed using Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial Generalized Linear Mixed Model (ZINB-GLMM) when observations are correlated in ways that require random effects. This study investigated ecological factors influencing the number of property crimes in Windhoek by using data obtained from the Windhoek police over the period of six consecutive years (2011 to 2016). The ecological concepts were measured at different levels of aggregation. Limited studies in Windhoek have considered analysing crime data on Generalized Linear Mixed Model via Template Model Builder (TMB) R-package. Crimes were counted with respect to Month, Season, Year, Location and Density. Property crime data contained more zeros than expected. When comparing models fitted, it was found that the Relative Risks (RR) were highly significant for models fitted via Negative Binomial distribution. By adopting a ZINB-GLMM, the study attempted to address the potential covariates for Property crimes. The study showed that most of the variation property crimes was due to locations. Crime was high during spring and winter time during the study period. The study further discovered that areas with high population densities had high crime intensity. Security patrols and surveillance should be stepped up in Windhoek in high density suburbs especially during winter and spring seasons.
Effects of Using Mother Tongue as a Medium of Instruction for Physics Class
Authors:   Visayas State University, Visca Baybay City, Leyte Philippines, Buar Cara Luz , Aure Kim L.
Published: July 2022

This study explored the impact of employing Mother tongue as an instructional medium in one of the Education Department’s programs at the university level. More specifically, it sought to find out the academic performance of General Physics students in mother tongue-based instruction in Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte. It specifically aimed to determine the gender and native language of the students, differentiate the academic performance of students in Physics in the mother tongue class and English class. More so, it adopted a quasi-experimental approach in which pre- and post-tests were administered to General Physics students enrolled in School Year 2017-2018. In the experimental group, Mother language was employed as the medium of teaching, whereas English was used in the control group. The lesson plans for both groups were identical, but the instructional medium was varied. Data were statistically treated using frequency, percentage, descriptive statistics, matching T-test, Z-test, and F-test. Findings revealed that the post-test academic performance of both groups in Physics was found to be superior than that of the pre-test. There is no significant difference in their academic achievement when grouped according to gender. The medium of teaching in Physics class has no impact on the academic achievement of pupils. Still, Physics was recommended to be taught with activities and instructional methodologies regardless of the language of education. Keywords: mother-tongue based multilingual education (MTBMLE)
The Effect of Teaching Strategies on the Academic Achievement and Study Attitude in Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Subject of ISU Jones Campus in Light of Covid – 19
Authors:   Isabela State University-Jones Campus Brgy. 1, Jones, Isabela, Philippines, C. Sadang Kristine Mae
Published: July 2022

This study investigated the effect of teaching strategies on students’ academic achievement and study attitude in Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management subject in Isabela State University-Jones Campus in light of Covid19. This experimental study employed true experimental designs having a randomized post-test-only; a mixed-method of research design both qualitative and quantitative forms were employed too. There were 82 participants involved in this study, 40 participants in Self-regulated learning (SRL) (asynchronous) for 2nd Year BSA 2 and the other section designated as e-learning (synchronous) for BSC 1 with 42 participants. It used statistical tools such as: mean (M) and standard deviation (SD), Pearson’s correlation (r), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and two-way independent analysis of variance (ANOVA). Major findings revealed that, on average, the students answered 60% of the items in the preliminary examination correctly, whereas students in asynchronous classes scored slightly higher than those in synchronous. There is no significant correlation between the academic achievement of the students and their study attitude. More so, there is a significant difference in the study attitude of the students across teaching strategies after controlling for academic achievement. It was found that after controlling for academic achievement, students in asynchronous lessons have significantly higher study attitudes compared to those in synchronous. Lastly, there is no significant difference in the academic achievement of the students across gender and year levels. Keywords: Education, Climate Change, Synchronous, Asynchronous
A model of skull growth and formation of cranial sutures in the framework of the functional matrix theory against a factor that is traumatic/ alters muscle biomechanics. A pilot study
Authors: Biketov Oleg , Boykova Marina
Published: July 2022

The article presents the results of a study of the effect of mechanical loading of masticatory muscles with a continuous stretch stimulus in the direction of increasing the width / stretching / sagittal suture of an experimental animal in vivo. The technique is described, and the data of objective instrumental control, as well as the results generated by statistical processing, are presented.
Diagnóstico médico-fisioterapéutico de lesiones osteomusculares en el personal de pilotos y tripulantes de ala rotatoria de la estación aeronaval de Cartagena, Colombia durante el periodo prepandemia
Authors: Hernández Villamizar Liliana Catalina , Gurrute Montes Ana Carolina
Published: July 2022

En el medio aeronáutico, al igual que en la población laboral en general, las alteraciones osteomusculares son las molestias más comunes y producen incapacidades en pilotos comerciales, aun por encima de enfermedades cardiovasculares, y se estima que la prevalencia del dolor lumbar en pilotos se encuentra cerca del 80% al 83%, específicamente, en pilotos de ala rotatoria, tanto civiles como militares1. En base a estudios científicos realizados recientemente sobre el tema, en particular de lesiones osteomusculares en tripulantes de helicóptero de distintas entidades y países; y teniendo en cuenta que en la Estación Aeronaval de Cartagena (unidad militar aérea de la Armada Nacional en el Caribe colombiano), no se cuenta ni con un diagnóstico médico al respecto, ni con un programa de fortalecimiento osteomuscular, que provea a los pilotos de ala rotatoria, la fortaleza muscular y ósea necesaria para mejorar el desarrollo en sus actividades de vuelo, minimizar y prevenir lesiones a futuro; se realizará un diagnóstico médico fisioterapéutico y se evaluará por medio del cuestionario de diseño propio, así como la incorporación de ítems del cuestionario Oswestry y la valoración osteomuscular de Daniels (pruebas funcionales musculares), para conocer la condición osteomuscular de los tripulantes de la Estación Aeronaval del Caribe. Así mismo se analizarán referentes bibliográficos para conocer los distintos estudios que se han desarrollado, como también la percepción de patologías osteomusculares en otros países y otras instituciones de Colombia. De esta forma se logra identificar que la tripulación que se encontraba en la estación aeronaval, no tiene conocimiento acerca de los principales problemas musculoesqueléticos que les pueden afectar, a pesar que llevan más de 9 años trabajando en el área. Además, desconocen las afectaciones ergonómicas a nivel osteomuscular que les genera el puesto de trabajo. Po otro lado, no acuden ante un profesional de la salud por las dolencias que presentan, las cuales, en un comienzo, no son tan dolorosas, pero que por su carácter pueden ser progresivas y degenerativas. Entendiendo así que, si bien los casos diagnosticados no son muchos, son un problema latente que se intensifica conforme pasa el tiempo y sea mayor el nivel de exposición.
Associating Fundamental Features with Technical Indicators for Analyzing Quarterly Stock Market Trends Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors:   Department of Computer Science, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, U.S.A., Nicholas Moore , Sikha Bagui ,   Department of Computer Science, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, U.S.A.
Published: July 2022

The stock market is the primary entity driving every major economy across the globe, with each investment designed to capitalize profit while decreasing its associated risks. As a result of the stock market’s importance, there have been enumerable studies conducted with the goal of predicting the stock market through data analysis techniques including machine learning, neural networks, and time series analysis. This paper uses machine learning algorithms to perform stock market indices classification using fundamental data, while classifying the indices using technical indicators, with data derived from Yahoo Finance on the top 100 indices in the NASDAQ stock market from January 2000 to December 2020.
Perspective: Temperature-Dependent Density And Thermal Expansion Of Cryoprotective Agents
Authors: Solanki Prem K. , Rabin Yoed
Published: July 2022

Density is a key thermophysical property, affecting the response of materials to temperature changes in different ways, consistent with the phase of state. In fluids, temperature variation across the domain leads to colder areas being heavier than warmer areas, where buoyancy effects
drive fluid flow and thereby increase heat transfer. This phenomenon is known as natural heat convection, which in general is a more efficient heat transfer mechanism than heat conduction in the absence of flow. In solids, where the material is locked in place, colder areas tend to contract
while warmer areas tend to expand, leading the material to deform. When this deformation is constrained by the geometry of the domain and/or its container, mechanical stresses develop. This phenomenon is known as thermomechanical stress (or thermal stress), which can lead to structural damage
such as fractures. The picture becomes even more complex during vitrification (or glass formation), where the material gradually changes from liquid to an amorphous solid over a significant temperature range. There, due to temperature variation across the domain, fluid mechanics and solid
mechanics effects may coexist. It follows that characterization of the density as a function of temperature is crucial for the analyses of thermal, fluid, and mechanical effects during cryopreservation, with the goals of protocol planning, optimization, and preserving structural integrity.
For this purpose, the current study focuses on the density of the material and its companion property of thermal expansion. Specifically, this paper reviews literature data on thermal expansion of cryoprotective agents (CPAs), discusses the mathematical relationship between thermal expansion
and density, and presents new calculated density data. This study focuses on the CPA cocktails DP6, VS55, M22, and their key ingredients at various concentrations, including DMSO, propylene glycol, and formamide. Data for DP6 combined with a selection of synthetic ice modulators (SIMs) are
further presented.
Systemic and Local Hypothermia in the Context of Cell Regeneration
Authors: Marzoog Basheer Abdullah
Published: July 2022

Local and systemic cooling is an inducer of cell proliferation. Cell proliferation and transdifferentiation or stem cells differentiation involves microenvironment regulation such as temperature. Mild hypothermia downregulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduces the immune response against pathogens. In addition, mild tissue cooling improves endothelial cell function. Endothelial cells are involved in angiogenesis during regeneration strategies; therefore, their death is catastrophic and affects regeneration, but not cell proliferation. The potential mechanism underlying the effects of local or systemic hypothermia on cell regeneration has not yet been elucidated. Hypothermia reduces the production of reactive oxygen species and organelle activity. Hypothermia therapeutic effects depends on the targeted organ, exposure duration, and hypothermia degree. Therefore, determining these factors may enhance the usage of hypothermia more effectively in regenerative medicine. The paper introduces the hypothermia role in paracrine/endocrine cell secretion, reception, and the immune state after local and systemic hypothermia application.
The Evaluation of Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Leaf Extract Inclusion in Freezing Medium on Quality Parameters of Buffalo Bull Spermatozoa
Authors: Ahmed Hussain , Jahan Sarwat , Alam Israr , Ullah Farhad , Ijaz Muhammad Umar
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND:The discrepancy between the endogenous antioxidants concentrations and free radicals results in oxidative stress and cellular injury.OBJECTIVE:To appraise the usefulness ofRosemarinus officinalis(RO) aqueous extract in protecting buffalo spermatozoa during freezing / thawing process.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Qualifying ejaculates from four well-restrained bulls were evaluated initially and then diluted in a freezing medium supplemented with RO-0.00, RO0.50%, RO-1.00%, RO-2.00%, and RO-4.00%, cooled to 4ºC in 2 h, equilibrated for 4 h at 4ºC, packed in straws, and cryopreserved, and thawed at 37ºC for 30 s followed by evaluation.RESULTS:We found that freezing medium supplemented with RO-2.00% improves progressive motility (%) compared to the control. Similarly, a lower rate of apoptosis-like changes (%) was recorded with RO4.00% than the control, RO-0.50% and RO-1.00%. This response was accompanied by an increment in viable spermatozoa. Semen samples supplemented with RO-2.00% and RO-4.00% displayed higher TAC (total antioxidant capacity, μM/L) and ATP (nmol/million) content than the control. In addition, semen samples supplemented with RO-2.00% displayed lower concentrations of ROS (reactive oxygen species, 10 4 RLU/20 min/25 million) than the control and RO-0.05%. Also LPO (lipid peroxidation, μM/L) with RO-2.00% and RO-4.00% was lower than the control.CONCLUSION:The inclusion of rosemary aqueous extract ameliorates motility features, structural and functional parameters, viability, TAC and ATP content of bull sperm. Conversely, the inclusion of rosemary aqueous extract alleviates apoptosis-like changes, ROS and LPO in comparison to the control. Further studies are required to determine the mechanism of action of rosemary aqueous extract in ameliorating semen quality and fertility of buffalo spermatozoa.