bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunoexpression of WT1 in Astrocytoma and its Correlation with Histopathological Grade
Authors: E Kabir , MK Dewan , R Nahar , S Afroz , S Rahman , T Islam , KR Hoque
Published: July 2024

Central nervous system, morphologic features and invasive behavior. These are therapeuticallychallenging for their infiltrative growth pattern, occasionally resistant to conventional therapiesand invariably high grade tumors have shown poor prognosis. Moreover biological behavior ofastrocytoma and chance of recurrence cannot be ruled out by histopathological evaluation alone.So, new predictive marker for determining tumor progression is at stake.Objectives: The purpose of the study was to evaluate WT1 expression in astrocytoma and itscorrelation with histological grade.Methods: The cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Pathology,Dhaka Medical College (DMC) from September 2019 to August 2021. Histologically diagnosed 51cases of different grades of astrocytoma were included in this study. Immunostaining with WT1protein was done in all cases. The data were collected and statistical analysis was done by SPSS.Results: The mean age for grade I, II, III and IV astrocytoma’s are 14, 27.5, 38.6 and 44 yearsrespectively. There were 30 male and 21 female patients with the ratio 1.42:1. Among 51 cases ofastrocytoma’s Grade I, II ,III and IV are 10, 15, 8 and 18 in number. By Immunohistochemicalstudy positive WT1 expression was seen in all cases of astrocytoma’s (100%). Out of 25 cases oflow grade astrocytoma’s (WHO grade I and II), expression was found mild in 12 (48%) cases,moderate in 11 (54%) cases and marked only 02 (8%) cases. Regarding 26 cases of high gradeastrocytoma’s (WHO grade III and IV) expression found mostly marked in 16 (61.5%) cases,moderate in 09 (34.7%) and mild only in 01 (3.8%) cases. These data shows WT1 expressionincreases with WHO tumor grades and significant positive (p<0.001) correlation between WT1expression and tumor grade.Conclusion: The study reveals positive correlation between WT1 expressions with WHO tumorgrade in astrocytoma. Furthermore, evaluation of WT1 with histopathological grading may provideinformation about tumor progression as well as guide the clinicians for therapeutic purposes.
Teacher Satisfaction with Personnel Administration Services at the South Sumatra Provincial Education Office
Authors: Jusmaryanti Jusmaryanti , Suandi Suandi , Daud Faizal , Juliartha Edwar
Published: July 2024

One of the activities an organization performs involves providing services to both internal units and external parties. Within an organization or institution, administration serves as a hub for the exchange of goods and services. Teacher satisfaction within the personnel administration process of the South Sumatra Provincial Education Service holds significant importance, as it can yield considerable impacts. The research employs a quantitative descriptive analysis technique with percentages to analyze data, effectively portraying and elucidating the collected data. The data analysis results reveal that teacher satisfaction with personnel administration services indicates a 54.6% overall satisfaction rate across five aspects and 30 service indicators. Among the aspects studied, the highest satisfaction level pertains to reliability, while the lowest satisfaction level belongs to empathy and assurance aspects, albeit remaining within the satisfaction range. This demonstrates that the services delivered by the Manpower Division at the South Sumatra Provincial Education Office are categorized as good, resonating with a notably high level of teacher satisfaction.
Development of Doppler ultrasound for measuring the neonatal heart rate at birth
Authors:   , Hutchon David James Riddell
Published: July 2024

The heart rate of a newborn baby is a very important measure of its health and is routinely required to be documented at every birth. The imprecise measurement and lack of real-time documentation of the neonatal heart rate at birth has been recognised for many years but auscultation still remains the recommended method in routine births. The heart rate of the fetus is measured and documented during pregnancy and labour by Doppler ultrasound but immediately after birth the heart rate is measured by auscultation. Auscultation is well recognised to be inaccurate and undocumented in real-time.to obtain the beats per minute heart rate. The contrast with determining and documenting the fetal heart rate with the neonatal heart rate is remarkable. Recently a new ECG device has been developed in an attempt to provide more continuous monitoring and documentation of the neonatal heart rate has been developed. There has also been investigation of the use of a hand-held foetal Doppler recently to determine the neonatal heart rate immediately after birth. It was found to be very effective but has not been seriously considered by the International Liaison Committee On Resuscitation. One reason may be the fact that, unlike the ECG, but similar to a stethoscope, the Doppler is not hands-free, as it requires one member of the resuscitation team to keep the transducer on the neonatal chest. Experience of over 50 years shows that even the slowest and weakest fetal hearts can be detected by Doppler ultrasound. This research was to develop and test a hands-free version of a hand-held fetal Doppler device and to test this device for accuracy and functionality on adults and neonates. The initial study was carried out on healthy adult volunteers using a standard hand-held fetal Doppler device. The Doppler heart rate was compared with the ECG heart rate and found to have good correlation. The Bland Altman Plot of Doppler vs ECG showed all but two measurements were within the 95% confidence intervals. A problem with documentation and the need for a hands-free transducer was highlighted. This initial study fuelled the drive to construct a modified Doppler device to be hands-free and document electronically the heart rate results in real time. The problem of precise documentation of both the Doppler heart rate and the ECG heart rate was explored. A further modification was required and the final device tested in a second adult study. This showed much improved ease of use during the investigation, excellent correlation and that the Doppler usually determined the heart rate consistently before the ECG. The final part of the study involved using the modified hands free Doppler device on neonates at the Children’s Hospital Sleep Unit and comparing the Doppler heart rate with that of the hospital ECG. This demonstrated that the modified Doppler device was truly hands-free and, in the opinion of the parents, highly acceptable for use on their neonate.
The Industrial Fatality in Post-Robens Britain, 1974 – 2014
Authors:   , Hill Victoria Charlotte
Published: July 2024

This thesis examines workplace fatalities in the period 1974 to 2014 with the subject matter arranged as five case studies presented in chronological order. Developments are examined from the advent of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 over a forty-year period to just after the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007. There are common themes running through each chapter. Oral history interviews are used alongside the examination of public inquiry reports, official documents, press reports and archival sources, exploring themes including industry regulation, organisational culture, corporate crime, and social movements. This thesis presents the case that modern industrial fatalities should be separated from the broader historical literature on occupational health and safety. Whilst the subject belongs within, or close to, labour history it is its own sub-topic, in the same way that asbestosis, or work-related disabilities have their own bodies of literature. The modern industrial fatality, as defined by this thesis: - Occurs in a developed and fully industrialised economy, within a modern regulatory framework. - Occurs after the emergence and adoption of modern safety theory, from the early 1980s onwards. - Takes place in industrial settings where equipment, machinery, and processes have inherently hazardous properties but crucially, hazardous properties that can be managed and controlled. - Is foreseeable and preventable. The modern industrial fatality remains an ongoing moral, legal and social conundrum that cuts across the humanities and social sciences with immediate contemporary relevance. This thesis is strongly aligned with Sheffield Hallam University’s applied university goals because it creates knowledge that will help to provide practical solutions to this real-world challenge. The originality of this research is twofold. Firstly, by combining industrial safety theory and historical inquiry, it occupies a space loosely covered by labour history and the social sciences, but hitherto not explicitly examined. Secondly, by framing the modern industrial fatality as a distinct phenomenon it introduces a new paradigm that invites further academic scrutiny. There is significant scope for future research both from a labour history point of view and in terms of implications for organisational learning and policy development.
Escuchando las mujeres: cooperativas y asociaciones sociales y solidarias como red de apoyo, un ejemplo brasileño
Authors: Gutierrez Ruiz Julia da Silva , Pereira Morais Leandro
Published: July 2024

En Brasil, muchas mujeres son víctimas de distintas formas de violencia doméstica, que puede ser física, psicológica, moral, sexual y patrimonial. Las mujeres víctimas de violencia doméstica tienden a buscar personas cercanas para pedir ayuda para salir de la situación, por lo tanto, una red de apoyo informal puede ser una herramienta importante para que las mujeres se sientan protegidas y pidan ayuda a las organizaciones públicas. Dado que las empresas económicas solidarias (EES) formadas solamente por mujeres son un espacio para que las mujeres se fortalezcan mutuamente, donde socializan y pueden crear vínculos, también pueden servir como red de apoyo informal para las mujeres que las forman, además de fomentar su autonomía financiera. El objetivo de este artículo es identificar si las EES pueden formar parte de una red de apoyo a las mujeres, desde la perspectiva de las mujeres que las forman. Para ello, se investigó tres EES de mujeres en el municipio brasileño de Araraquara, que tiene una importante historia de movimientos sociales y políticas públicas dirigidas a la economía social y solidaria. A partir de las entrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas a 11 mujeres de tres de estos EES, fue posible obtener resultados que explican lo que ocurre en el campo empírico en relación con la teoría, como que las mujeres se sienten cómodas y confían unas en otras, pero al mismo tiempo no identifican la violencia patrimonial como violencia.
The right to work-life balance in Portuguese cooperatives. A legal and empirical analysis
Authors: Meira Deolinda , Castro Conceição , Antunes Sofia
Published: July 2024

This paper aims to assess whether cooperatives are the ideal setting for promoting the work-life balance, a right whose protection has been built in close connection with the promotion of gender equality. To this end, we intend to answer the following questions: (i) What are the main dimensions of the right to work-life balance, and what is the relevance of protecting this right to promote gender equality? (ii) To what extent can the legal regime of cooperatives promote the right to work-life balance and, consequently, gender equality? (iii) What are the main facilitators and obstacles to work-life balance in cooperatives from the perspective of women and men?From a methodological point of view, our study is based on a review of the literature, legislation, and an empirical study. The empirical analysis was based on the results of a questionnaire survey, which yielded 414 valid responses from employees of SEEs, including 62 from cooperatives. The statistical methods followed were descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests and post-hoc tests. The findings shed light on the specific challenges faced by employees in cooperatives regarding work-life balance and highlight the importance of open and supportivecommunication channels within the workplace and flexibility in time management. The results also suggest that cooperatives, according to the perception of employees, are the ones that promote more facilitators and that their organisational culture and climate are favourable to fostering a healthy work-life balance. The observed outcomes can be primarily attributed to the democratic and participatory management inherent in cooperative structures.
Standardization of Prasaranyadi Kashayam – a classical Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation
Authors: Sharma Paras , Dhakad Prashant Kumar
Published: July 2024

Prasarinyadi Kashayam is used to treat Vata illnesses and joint discomfort in Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is mostly used to alleviate musculoskeletal issues and joint pain. It has traditionally been used to treat cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, headaches, and lower back pain and stiffness related to lumbar spondylosis. The present work was aimed to develop the pharmacognostic parameters for the standardization and quality evaluation of the Prasaranyadi Kashayam. In house polyherebal formulation was prepared as per the previously prescribed method and physichochemical parameters were evaluated as per standard protocol and showed loss on drying 99.31%, Total ash 4.911±0.120%, water soluble ash: 3.022, acid insoluble ash: 0.489. Total phenolic content was estimated with FC reagent and expressed as gallic acid equivalent (9.95 + 0.004 mg/g). High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprint profiling was obtained, using Toluene: Ethyl Acetate: Formic acid (2.5: 2.0: 0.5) as mobile phase. The characterization parameters presented in this paper may serve as standard reference for quality control analysis of Prasaranyadi Kashayam.
Neuroprotective effects of safinamide against autophagy in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced SH-SY5Y cell model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yeo Yvonne Wei Ping , Brianna Brianna , Yap Yiing Jye , Ng Khuen Yen , Chye Soi Moi , Ling Anna Pick Kiong , Ooi Yin Yin , Tiong Yee Lian , Koh Rhun Yian
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of safinamide against cell death and autophagy in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6OHDA)-induced cell model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The optimum concentration of 6OHDA to be treated on SH-SY5Y cells to induce significant cytotoxicity and autophagy was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and acridine orange stain, respectively. Subsequently, an MTT assay was used to evaluate safinamide cytotoxicity on SH-SY5Y cells. To determine the neuroprotective effects of safinamide against cell death and autophagy in 6OHDA-treated SH-SY5Y cells, MTT assay and acridine orange were employed, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to investigate the involvement of autophagy-related proteins. Results showed 6OHDA induced autophagy at 12.5–200 μM, and cell death at 12.5, 25, 100, and 200 μM. Safinamide showed about 10% cytotoxic effect on SH-SY5Y cells at the highest concentration tested (50 μM). Safinamide slightly increased cell viability and reduced the percentage of autophagic cells by 23–40% in the 6OHDA-induced SH-SY5Y cells. 6OHDA and safinamide had no effect on Atg3, Atg5, and Beclin-1 protein levels. In contrast, 6OHDA slightly increased Atg12, Atg16L1, and LC3A/B protein expressions, in which, safinamide slightly reduced these expressions (not statistically significant). Similarly, 6OHDA significantly increased Atg7 protein expression, while safinamide treatment significantly reduced its expression. The study concluded that safinamide regulated autophagy through Atg7 inhibition in a 6OHDA-induced PD cell model.
Non-Hebbian plasticity transforms transient experiences into lasting memories
Authors: Faress Islam , Khalil Valentina , Hou Wen-Hsien , Moreno Andrea , Andersen Niels , Fonseca Rosalina , Piriz Joaquin , Capogna Marco , Nabavi Sadegh
Published: July 2024

The dominant models of learning and memory, such as Hebbian plasticity, propose that experiences are transformed into memories through input-specific synaptic plasticity at the time of learning. However, synaptic plasticity is neither strictly input-specific nor restricted to the time of its induction. The impact of such forms of non-Hebbian plasticity on memory has been difficult to test, and hence poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that synaptic manipulations can deviate from the Hebbian model of learning, yet produce a lasting memory. First, we established a weak associative conditioning protocol in mice, where optogenetic stimulation of sensory thalamic input to the amygdala was paired with a footshock, but no detectable memory was formed. However, when the same input was potentiated minutes before or after, or even 24 hr later, the associative experience was converted into a lasting memory. Importantly, potentiating an independent input to the amygdala minutes but not 24 hr after the pairing produced a lasting memory. Thus, our findings suggest that the process of transformation of a transient experience into a memory is neither restricted to the time of the experience nor to the synapses triggered by it; instead, it can be influenced by past and future events.
The prognostic role of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Haipeng , Peng Shang , An Ran , Du Nana , Wu Huan , Zhen Xiangcheng , Gao Yuanzhi , Li Zhenghong , Min Jingting
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) can serve as an indicator for predicting the prognosis of patients with resectable pancreatic cancer.

Patients and Methods

This meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42023461260. A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases up to September 2023 to assess whether LMR can predict the prognosis of patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. The outcomes measured included subgroup analyses of overall survival (OS) with hazard ratios (HR) and confidence intervals of geographical region, patient population, and LMR threshold. A sensitivity analysis was also performed for OS and HR and confidence intervals were calculated for recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Results

A total of 14 eligible articles, comprising 4,019 patients, were included in the comprehensive analysis. The results of this comprehensive analysis indicate that LMR is a robust predictor of OS, demonstrating strong prognostic significance (HR = 0.55, 95% CI [0.44–0.69], I2 = 79%, P < 0.00001). This predictive significance extended to various types of pancreatic cancer, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (HR = 0.73, 95% CI [0.57–0.93], I2 = 46%, P = 0.01), pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (HR = 0.81, 95% CI [0.66–0.99], P = 0.04) and other subtypes (HR = 0.40, 95% CI [0.22–0.72], I2 = 89%, P < 0.00001), but not to pancreatic head cancer (HR = 0.46, 95% CI [0.16–1.13], I2 = 59%, P = 0.12). LMR retained its predictive value across different regions, including Asia (HR = 0.62, 95% CI [0.47–0.76], I2 = 68%, P < 0.0001), Europe (HR = 0.78, 95% CI [0.67–0.91], I2 = 0%, P = 0.002), and the Americas (HR = 0.14, 95% CI [0.08–0.24], I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001). Notably, both LMR cut-off values greater than or equal to three (HR = 0.62, 95% CI [0.47–0.82], I2 = 67%, P = 0.0009) and less than three (HR = 0.47, 95% CI [0.32–0.69], I2 = 85%, P = 0.0001) exhibited prognostic significance. The sensitivity analysis for OS confirmed the strong predictive value of LMR, whereas LMR did not exhibit predictive significance for RFS (HR = 0.35, 95% CI [0.09–1.32], I2 = 95%, P = 0.12). In both subgroups categorized by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) scores of ≥7 (HR = 0.66, 95% CI [0.54–0.80], I2 = 53%, P = 0.04) and <7 (HR = 0.41, CI [0.23–0.72], I2 = 89%, P < 0.00001), LMR was demonstrated to have predictive value.

Conclusion

Despite the observed heterogeneity and potential biases in the included studies, the findings of this study suggest that LMR may serve as a valuable predictor of OS in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer.
Treatment gap and barriers to access mental healthcare among women with postpartum depression symptoms in Pakistan
Authors: Sajjad Aqsa , Shah Shahid , Abbas Ghulam , Aslam Ayesha , Randhawa Fawad , Khurram Haris , Assiri Abdullah
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

Postpartum depression (PPD) is prevalent among women after childbirth, but accessing mental healthcare for PPD is challenging. This study aimed to assess the treatment gap and barriers to mental healthcare access for women with PPD symptoms living in Punjab, Pakistan.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in five populous cities of Punjab from January to June 2023 by administering the questionnaire to the women using stratified random sampling. A total of 3,220 women in first 6 months postpartum were screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Of them, 1,503 women scored thirteen or above, indicating potential depressive disorder. Interviews were conducted to explore help-seeking behavior and barriers to accessing mental healthcare. Descriptive statistics along with nonparametric tests (e.g., Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U) were used and group differences were examined. Scatter plot matrices with fitted lines were used to explore associations between variables. Classification and regression tree methods were used to classify the importance and contribution of different variables for the intensity of PPD.

Results

Only 2% of women (n = 33) with high PPD symptoms sought mental healthcare, and merely 5% of women (n = 75) had been in contact with a health service since the onset of their symptoms. 92.80% of women with PPD symptoms did not seek any medical attention. The majority of women, 1,215 (81%), perceived the need for mental health treatment; however, 91.23% of them did not seek treatment from healthcare services. Women who recently gave birth to a female child had higher mean depression scores compared to those who gave birth to a male child. Age, education, and birth location of newborn were significantly associated (p  <  0.005) with mean barrier scores, mean social support scores, mean depression scores and treatment gap. The results of classification and regression decision tree model showed that instrumental barrier scores are the most important in predicting mean PPD scores.

Conclusion

Women with PPD symptoms encountered considerable treatment gap and barriers to access mental health care. Integration of mental health services into obstetric care as well as PPD screening in public and private hospitals of Punjab, Pakistan is critically needed to overcome the treatment gap and barriers.
Flowering-associated gene expression and metabolic characteristics in adzuki bean (Vigna angularis L.) with different short-day induction periods
Authors: Dong Weixin , Li Dongxiao , Zhang Lei , Tao Peijun , Zhang Yuechen
Published: July 2024

Background

The adzuki bean is a typical short-day plant and an important grain crop that is widely used due to its high nutritional and medicinal value. The adzuki bean flowering time is affected by multiple environmental factors, particularly the photoperiod. Adjusting the day length can induce flower synchronization in adzuki bean and accelerate the breeding process. In this study, we used RNA sequencing analysis to determine the effects of different day lengths on gene expression and metabolic characteristics related to adzuki bean flowering time.

Methods

‘Tangshan hong xiao dou’ was used as the experimental material in this study and field experiments were conducted in 2022 using a randomized block design with three treatments: short-day induction periods of 5 d (SD-5d), 10 d (SD-10d), and 15 d (SD-15d).

Results

A total of 5,939 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, of which 38.09% were up-regulated and 23.81% were down-regulated. Gene ontology enrichment analysis was performed on the target genes to identify common functions related to photosystems I and II. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis identified two pathways involved in the antenna protein and circadian rhythm. Furthermore, florescence was promoted by down-regulating genes in the circadian rhythm pathway through the blue light metabolic pathway; whereas, antenna proteins promoted flowering by enhancing the reception of light signals and accelerating electron transport. In these two metabolic pathways, the number of DEGs was the greatest between the SD-5d VS SD-15d groups. Real-time reverse transcription‒quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis results of eight DEGs were consistent with the sequencing results. Thus, the sequencing results were accurate and reliable and eight genes were identified as candidates for the regulation of short-day induction at the adzuki bean seedling stage.

Conclusions

Short-day induction was able to down-regulate the expression of genes related to flowering according to the circadian rhythm and up-regulate the expression of certain genes in the antenna protein pathway. The results provide a theoretical reference for the molecular mechanism of short-day induction and multi-level information for future functional studies to verify the key genes regulating adzuki bean flowering.
Perception of a community on the risks of exposure to hospital waste in Belém – PA, Brazil
Authors: Fagundes Arthur Henrique Alvarenga , Josino Luiz Patrick Cordeiro , Silva Mauricio Alberto Martins , Costa Renan Arruda da , Lima Werlley Denison Lima de , Pereira Simone de Fátima Pinheiro , Souza Alan Marcel Fernandes de , Brandão Afonso Cesar Lelis , Sousa Junior Pedro Moreira de
Published: July 2024

Exposure to hospital waste generates global concern as it causes various problems to the environment and human beings, especially when it involves large quantities, such as those from big cities. The population seeks to understand the waste generated in society, including Health Service Waste (HSW), which is responsible for transmitting infectious diseases when improperly disposed of. This study aims to explain the understanding of residents living near health centers about the risks they may face during exposure to this waste in the city of Belém-PA. Initially, a literature review was conducted, followed by interviews with 20 individuals residing near health units, using questionnaires with objective and open-ended questions. The responses were analyzed, revealing that 75% of respondents had already encountered some type of HSW near their homes. Furthermore, it was evident that most people are unaware of the composition of HSW, even after being exposed to it, or the diseases that can be acquired. It was concluded that health centers still generate exposure to their waste, requiring better training in waste treatment, and highlighting the need for social reeducation regarding the handling, knowledge of the type of waste, its composition, and contamination..
Negócios de impacto nas periferias do Rio de Janeiro: uma análise baseada na metodologia TEM
Authors: Medina Filho Antonio Luiz de , Ranha Antonio , Francisco Marcela Lobo , Soares Laís Miranda , Trannin Maria Cecilia
Published: July 2024

Este trabalho tem como tema "Negócios de Impacto nas periferias do Rio de Janeiro: uma análise baseada na metodologia TEM", que utiliza o conceito de Effectuation para avaliar o empreendedorismo em situações de incerteza e imprevisibilidade. A justificativa do trabalho se baseia na relevância do tema para o campo do empreendedorismo, na escassez de estudos sobre o tema e na contribuição da TEM para a compreensão desse assunto. O objetivo geral é analisar o empreendedorismo e negócios de impacto das comunidades do Rio de Janeiro com base na metodologia TEM. Os objetivos específicos são: caracterizar o perfil dos empreendedores de impacto, identificar os tipos de negócios e os problemas que eles buscam resolver, aplicar a TEM para avaliar esses negócios e comparar os resultados com os dados da pesquisa realizada com os empreendedores entrevistados, discutindo as implicações da TEM para o empreendedorismo de impacto nas comunidades do Rio de Janeiro. A hipótese do trabalho é que os empreendedores de impacto utilizam predominantemente a lógica Effectual e que a TEM consegue captar essa dinâmica e evidenciar os impactos sociais e ambientais.
Analysis of Water Exchange Processes between Groundwater and Surface Water in the Usangu Plains, Tanzania
Authors: Thomas Sahinkuye , Richard Silungwe Festo , Andrew Tarimo K.P.R. , Japhet Kashaigili J. , Winfred Mbungu
Published: July 2024

The groundwater and surface water interface has been proved evident by the existence of effluent and influent streams. Still, the irrigation sector in sub-Saharan Africa, Tanzania included, is predominantly using surface water and groundwater conjunctively without a clear understanding of the contribution of each of the two water sources. This study was conducted to analyze the water exchange processes between groundwater and surface water in the Usangu Plains. Constrained by data scarcity in the study area, only three hydrograph separation techniques (Sliding interval, Fixed interval, and Local minimum) of the Baseflow Index model third version (BFI+ 3.0) were used. These techniques were applied to estimate baseflow, surface runoff and baseflow indices using river discharge data from six gauging stations across six different rivers. Further, the Mann-Kendall (MK) test was used for trend analysis of the long-term time series baseflow index. Results indicate that the groundwater-surface water interaction exists and the baseflow contributes substantially to the sustainable river flows in the Usangu Plains during both dry and wet seasons. Except for the Great Ruaha River at Msembe, the other five rivers manifested a great reliance on the baseflow with more than 90% of it in the river flows. The MK test revealed that at annual, wet, and dry season scale there are statistically non-significant increasing and decreasing trends in the baseflows. Land and water management strategies such as water allocation measures, sound water usage practices and afforestation may be better approaches to counteract the declines of water flows in rivers of the Usangu Plains, especially in the dry season.
Assessment of Antimicrobial Activities of Some Selected Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Skin and Wound Infections in Bauchi Town, Bauchi State Nigeria
Authors: S.B Zailani , Y. U. Shuiabu , M.B. Adamu , Q. Mudathir, , N.D. Zakari , A.S Lawal , L. Muhammad
Published: July 2024

Aims: This study aimed to capture the medicinal plants used locally to treat skin and wound infection, and to investigate the antimicrobial activity of the ethanol, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extracts of Azadiracta indica, Mitracarpus hirtus, Calotropis procera, and Commiphora africana against bacterial and fungal pathogens causing skin and wound infections.
Study Design: This was a cross-sectional analytical study, conducted in Bauchi town from January to April 2024 at the Department of Medical Microbiology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University.
Methodology: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather information on the use of medicinal plants in treating skin and wound diseases. Twelve leaves extracts from Azadirachta indica, Mitracarpus hirtus, Calotropis procera, and Commiphora africana were screened for their antimicrobial activity against four bacterial and one fungal pathogen; Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Trichophyton rubrum using Agar Disc Diffusion Assay. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) was performed using micro broth dilution assay.
Results: A total of 94 respondents used 28 medicinal plants for skin and wound disease management, including leaf paste, infusion, root powder, dried powdered leaves, and oral decoction. The most common plants used were Azadirachta indica, Mitracarpus hirtus, Calotropis procera, and Commiphora africana, used to treat eczema, ringworm, skin rashes, and burnt wounds. All of the plant extracts were effective in inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth at variable concentrations, with Mitracarpus hirtus being the most effective. Mitracarpus hirtus showed the greatest zone of inhibition (ZOI >20 mm) against Staphyloccus aureus and Trichophyton rubrum, followed by Calotropis procera, which had moderate activity on the test isolates with a mean ZOI >11mm. Azadirachta indica and Commiphora africana exhibited mild to poor action on the majority of the isolates. For each plant extract, the MIC values differed according to the bacterial species. Mitracarpus hirtus had the lowest MIC against Staphyloccus aureus at 0.325 mg/mL, as did Calotropis procera against Klebsiella  pneumoniae.
Conclusion: The study discovered that many medicinal plants had promising antibacterial activities against the tested isolates, but more research is required to identify and purify active components for safe use.
The Child Who Doesn't Want to Eat: Why Does It Happen?
Authors: Ciampo Luiz Antonio Del , Ciampo Ieda Regina Lopes Del
Published: July 2024

One of the most frequent complaints in pediatric offices is the child don’t want to eat, which causes a lot of concern among parents, generating stress and several attempts to insist that the child eat. The reasons for this behavior are diverse, varying with the child's age, family relationships and social contexts. Faced with this challenge, it is important to know some of the different characteristics of children from birth. This article is a non-systematic review whose objective is to present some of the most important characteristics of children, their nutritional needs, the physiology of the development of the digestive system and how neurological and emotional maturation occurs, seeking to integrate all factors related to the act of eating to help health professionals and family members to better understand and resolve this common problem in childhood.
Seasonal Occurence of Major Insect Pests of Rice Grown in Krishna Delta Region of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Hemanth T. , Rao Ch. Sreenivasa , Rani D. Sudha , Madhavi G. Bindu , Ramesh D.
Published: July 2024

The investigation on seasonal occurrence of major insect pests of rice grown in Krishna Delta of Andhra Pradesh was conducted during kharif 2023-24. Weekly observations on pest population in relation with abiotic factors revealed that the initial and peak incidence of yellow stem borer (YSB) as dead hearts was observed at vegetative stage during SMW 30 and SMW 38 with 0.30% and 5.56% respectively, whereas at reproductive stage the highest and lowest incidence in the form of white ears was observed after panicle emergence at SMW 44 and SMW 42 i.e., 0.33% and 2.20%, respectively. The highest rice leaf folder incidence was recorded at SMW 39 (9.21%) and lowest at SMW 44 (1.00%). The highest and lowest brown planthopper (BPH) mean population was recorded at SMW 39 and SMW 31 and it was 9.60 hoppers/hill and 0.20 hoppers/hill, respectively. On the other hand, highest and lowest white backed planthopper (WBPH) mean population was recorded during SMW 38 and SMW 32 and it was 3.70 and 0.40 hoppers/hill respectively. The YSB showed non-significant negative correlation with maximum temperature and rainfall, while showed non-significant positive correlation with minimum temperature, morning and evening relative humidity. The rice leaf folder population showed non-significant negative correlation with minimum temperature and non-significant positive correlation with maximum temperature, morning and evening relative humidity and rainfall. BPH population showed non-significant negative correlation with maximum and minimum temperature and rainfall, while it was non-significant positive correlation with morning and evening relative humidity. WBPH population showed significant positive correlation with morning relative humidity, non-significant positive correlation with maximum temperature and evening relative humidity and non-significant negative correlation with minimum temperature.
Performance Evaluation of Thermal and Acid-activated Smectite in Bleaching Palm Oil
Authors: Nweke Chinenyenwa Nkeiruka , Ajemba Regina Obiageli , Nwokedi Ikenna Chukwudi , Chinyelu Charles Ebuka
Published: July 2024

Smectite from Ubulu-uku was activated thermally and chemically to increase its adsorptive performance. The thermally and chemically modified samples were analyzed using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). Thermal activation involved drying in the sun for 24 hours, milling it to a particle size of 0.212 mm and heating at a temperature range of 150 to 750 0C (150, 300, 450, 600, and 7500C). The chemical activation was carried out by immersing the samples in 100 mL of a hydrochloric acid solution. It was determined what the physicochemical properties were, including acidity, cation exchange capacity, oil retention, and surface area. The samples' adsorptive abilities were then evaluated by bleaching palm oil using them. The X-ray fluorescence results showed that the chemical compositions of the samples were altered by both thermal and acid treatments. There were some disappearances of the stretching bands at 3692, 3525, and 1104 cm-1 assigned to the H-O-H stretching. The surface area was also observed to increase in value with the thermal treatment until the temperature reached 600oC. The physicochemical results indicated that the chemically activated samples have a larger surface area, acidity, and lower cation exchange capacity with a bleaching efficiency of 95.8%. In comparison, the thermally activated samples have a lower surface area, acidity, and high cation exchange capacity with a bleaching efficiency of 89.7%. This study has revealed that the performance of local clay minerals can be enhanced by thermal and acid activation.
Profile of Primary Headache Patients at Tanjung Priok Health Center for the Period of January – December 2023
Authors: Yudawijaya Agus , Londo Auxilia Briliana Shirley , Wibhawa Patria Adri , Pariama Ganda , Aritonang Christina Roseville Lasma
Published: July 2024

Aims: To find out the profile of primary headache patients at the Tanjung Priok Community Health Center from January 2023 to December 2023.
Study Design:  This research is a type of descriptive research with a cross-sectional research design. Data was obtained through secondary data collection, namely medical record data at the Tanjung Priok Community Health Center from January to December 2023.
Place and Duration of Study: This research was conducted at the Tanjung Priok Community Health Center in January 2024.
Methodology: The population of this study were all patients with a primary working diagnosis of primary headache disease at the Tanjung Priok Community Health Center for the period January 2023 – December 2023. Primary headache patients at the Tanjung Priok Community Health Center were declared to have met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sampling technique that will be used is the Total Sampling technique, namely the number of samples is the same as the number of medical records that will be used in the research.
Results: The results obtained from this study were that of the 125 patients diagnosed with primary headache, the most patients experienced tension-type headache, namely 93 patients (74.4%), and migraine with aura was the least experienced, namely 4 patients (3.2%); The gender that experienced primary headaches was women, namely 77 patients (61.6%), while men were 48 patients (38.4%); Primary headache sufferers with an age range of more than 30 years to 60 years are the age with the largest number of patients, namely 64 patients (51.2%), while those aged more than 60 years experience the least number of primary headaches, namely 6 patients (4.8%); Based on employment, the largest group of patients who did not work was 79 patients (63.2%); Based on the choice of therapy, the majority of primary headache patients were treated medically, namely 113 patients (90.4%).
Conclusion: That still are many patients who experienced primary headaches at the Tanjung Priok Community Health Center for the period January 2023 to December 2023, including female patients with an age range of 30-60 years and unemployed. This is of course important for all stakeholders to pay attention to to develop appropriate service programs as an effort to prevent and treat primary headaches, which even though they are categorized as mild illnesses, can have an impact on various things, including a person's daily performance in activities.
Stable Alignment of Tautomers at Room Temperature in Porphyrin 2D Layers
Authors: Bussetti Gianlorenzo , Campione Marcello , Riva Michele , Picone Andrea , Raimondo Luisa , Ferraro Lorenzo , Hogan Conor , Palummo Maurizia , Brambilla Alberto , Finazzi Marco , Duò Lamberto , Sassella Adele , Ciccacci Franco
Published: October 2013

A major challenge in molecular electronics is to develop logic devices based on a truly intramolecular switching mechanism. Recently, a new type of molecular device has been proposed where the switching characteristic is mediated by the bistability in the position of the two hydrogen atoms which can occupy different, energetically equivalent positions (tautomerization) in the inner cavity of porphyrins and naphthalocyanines. Up to now, such a reaction has only been exploited at low temperatures and induced or detected through atomic scale manipulation. In addition, the unpredictability of the tautomer orientation currently excludes molecular interconnection to functional electronic circuits. Here, full evidence is provided that, following a newly proposed growth strategy, 2D layers of metal‐free tetraphenylporphyrins (H2TPP) show frozen tautomerization even at room temperature on macroscopic domains, with the H atoms aligned along a direction settled a priori. This behavior is ascribed to the buckling of the molecule, anchored to the substrate, which removes the degeneracy between the two tautomer alignments. On this basis, a new way to exploit uniaxially oriented H2TPP tautomers in a first elementary logic device is proposed.
Tetrakis‐(4‐thiyphenyl)methane: Origin of a Reversible 3D‐Homopolymer
Authors: Monnereau Laure , Nieger Martin , Muller Thierry , Bräse Stefan
Published: October 2013

The efficient syntheses of tetrakis(thiophenol)methane and of a new poly(disulfide) hyper‐crosslinked polymer based on the former monomer are described. Controlled de‐polymerization as well as surface post‐functionalization are successfully conducted on this novel material. Direct prove of post‐functionalization is obtained through solid‐state fluorescence emission spectroscopy, and the number of unreacted thiol‐functions on the surface of the polymeric material is indirectly quantified by de‐polymerization of the post‐functionalized material.
A novel conceptual design by integrating NGL recovery and LNG regasification processes for maximum energy savings
Authors: Wang Meiqian , Zhang Jian , Xu Qiang
Published: October 2013

Natural gas liquids (NGL) recovery from shale gas needs large amounts of cold energy for cooling, while liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification requires tremendous hot energy for heating. Thus, recycling the cold energy from LNG regasification process at a receiving terminal to assist the NGL recovery process has great economic benefits on both energy saving and high‐value product recovery. A novel conceptual design by integrating NGL recovery from shale gas and LNG regasification at receiving terminals has been developed. It first generates a process superstructure. Then, a simulation‐assisted mixed‐integer linear programming (MILP) model is developed and solved for the optimal process synthesis. Next, heat exchange network (HEN) design and analysis are performed to accomplish the maximum energy‐saving target. Finally, rigorous plant‐wide simulations are conducted to validate the feasibility and capability of the entire conceptual design coupling of separation and heat integration. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4673–4685, 2013
Pore scale inertial flow simulations in 3‐D smooth and rough sphere packs using lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Chukwudozie C. , Tyagi M.
Published: October 2013

Pore‐scale inertial flows in periodic body centered cubic (BCC) arrays of smooth and rough sphere packs were simulated using lattice Boltzmann method. Computed velocity fields were visualized and averaged to calculate macroscopic flow parameters characteristic of porous media such as permeability, tortuosity, and β factor as well as the transition Reynolds number values and compared well with established correlations. Furthermore, hemispherical depositions on the smooth spheres in the regular BCC array were used to calculate roughness induced changes in macroscopic flow parameters. As the next step toward simulating inertia dominated flow in natural porous media, simulations were validated for low Reynolds number flow in a three‐dimensional (3‐D) CT image of irregular pack of uniform diameter spheres. This work aims to define 3‐D canonical studies for roughness induced inertial flows in porous media and to assess the capability of LBM for simultaneous prediction of absolute permeability and β factor. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4858–4870, 2013
Pediatric glaucoma terminology
Authors: Ganesh Anuradha , Mai Dang Tam , Levin Alex V.
Published: October 2013

Glaucoma is a term that refers to many different disorders which may be characterized by age of onset, associated ocular findings, or associated systemic malformations and diseases. Specification of the type of glaucoma, both clinically, and where applicable, molecularly aids in diagnosis, counseling, treatment, and prognosis. The objective of this report is to assist geneticists in understanding glaucoma and recognizing the importance of detailed terminology in clinical genetic diagnosis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direct Aldol Polymerization of Acetaldehyde with Organocatalyst/Brønsted Acid Systems
Authors: Kusumoto Shuhei , Ito Shingo , Nozaki Kyoko
Published: October 2013

The direct aldol polymerization of acetaldehyde, a new approach for the synthesis of poly(vinyl alcohol)‐ and poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene)‐type oligomers, cooperatively catalyzed by organocatalysts and Brønsted acids was investigated. Thus, we successfully obtained oligomers that contain a substantial amount of 1,3‐hydroxy groups in the main chain. This conceptually new approach is an important step towards realizing the one‐step synthesis of poly(vinyl alcohol)s from acetaldehyde with perfect atom economy.