bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facile Hydrothermal Fabrication of Eu Doped Alumina for Potential Bioluminescent Imaging and Drug Delivery System
Authors: Sultan Numrah , Ul Hassan Syed Mujtaba , Ahmad Jamil , Khurshid Ahmat , Ali Zahid , Shah Attaullah
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the photoluminescence (PL) properties of europium (Eu) doped alumina as potential platform for simultaneous bio Imaging and drug delivery. Synthesis of Eu doped alumina is done by a facile two step method. In the first stage, hydrothermal synthesis is used to prepare the Eu doped ammonium aluminum carbonate hydroxide which is then calcined to get a crystalline Eu doped alumina. Structural characterization of the prepared sample is done through XRD and SEM. Photoluminescence spectroscopy is performed in order the study the PL response. The SEM images of the Eu doped sample revealed whisker shaped morphology, the porosity in the inter and intra whisker region is beneficial for the high drug loading capacity. The length of the bundle after annealing was about 5 µm with the bundle diameter of 0.45 µm. XRD patterns of the prepared sample has sharp peaks, showing a high degree of crystallinity corresponding to the α-alumina phase. Finally PL response was checked at an excitation wavelength of 393 nm. A dominant peak was observed at a wavelength of 613 nm corresponding to the 5D0 to 7F2 transition.The3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide MTT assay confirms the cell viability of more than 100% at even a concentration of 500 nano molar alumina in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). These results show that the Eu doped alumina having optimum PL response, high biocompatibility and drug loading capacity which makes it a promising candidate for theranostic applications.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Properties of (Fe0.6Co0.4)71Si5Nb4B20 Bulk Metallic Glass
Authors: Abbas Syed Zameer , Sandhu Rashid Ali , Shah Syed Muttahir , Jan Owais , Awan Munim
Published: February 2021

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are an important class of materials with unique set of properties. A bulk metallic glass with composition of (Fe0.6Co0.4)71Nb4Si5B20 was cast in the form of a 1 mm thick strip in a water cooled copper mold. The BMG produced was characterized for structure, thermal and mechanical properties. The X-ray diffraction performed on the as cast alloy has shown completely amorphous structure. The glass transition and crystallization peak temperatures obtained through differential scanning calorimetry scan were 542 °C and 588.4 °C, respectively. Some cast amorphous alloy sample was annealed below glass transition (450 °C for 30 mi93nutes) and others above glass transition (580 °C for 5 minutes) temperatures. Nano- indentation hardness of 13.3 GPa was obtained for as cast alloy while a hardness values of 12.8 and 15.84 GPa were measured for heat treated alloys at temperature of 450 °C and 580 °C, respectively. Increase in hardness was attributed to formation of crystals in an amorphous matrix whereas decrease in hardness was due to relaxation of quenching residual stresses. The maximum value of elastic modulus obtained through indentation was 255 GPa for 580 °C heat treated sample.
Potent and Selective Knockdown of Tyrosine Kinase 2 by Antisense Oligonucleotides
Authors: Tran Nhan Van , Nguyen Le Tuan Anh , Lim Kah Wai , Phan Anh Tuân
Published: February 2021

Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) is a member of the JAK family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, together with JAK1, JAK2, and JAK3. JAKs are important signaling mediators of many proinflammatory cytokines and represent compelling pharmacological targets for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Pan-acting small-molecule JAK inhibitors were approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. However, their limited selectivity among JAK members have led to undesirable side effects, driving a search toward specific JAK inhibitors. Recently, TYK2 has emerged as a target of choice for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and severe COVID-19 with an optimum balance between efficacy and safety, based on observations from human genetics studies and clinical outcomes of several agents targeting cytokine pathways for which TYK2 plays an essential role. In this article, we address selective targeting of TYK2 from the genetic sequence space through development of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) against TYK2 mRNA. Potent ASO candidates were identified from the screening of over 200 ASOs using locked nucleic acid gapmer design. The lead ASOs exhibited potent and selective knockdown of TYK2 mRNA and protein across a panel of model human cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, showing no reduction in the mRNA and protein expression levels of other JAK paralogs. In agreement with the depletion of TYK2 proteins, several TYK2-mediated cytokine signaling pathways, including IFN-α and IL-12, were inhibited upon ASO treatment. Our results established the TYK2 ASOs as investigational tool compound and potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and severe COVID-19.
Pericardial Effusion Secondary to Dressler′s Syndrome Leading to Intractable Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Jariwala Pankaj , Jadhav Karthik
Published: February 2021

Post infarction pericarditis, Dressler's syndrome is a well-recognized condition, but its incidence has decreased in the present interventional era due to early reperfusion strategy. We encountered an unusual association of large pericardial effusion secondary to Dressler's syndrome and intractable ventricular tachycardia that reverted upon pericardiocentesis. We coined a term “electrical tamponade” to describe an electrical storm or high-grade ventricular arrhythmias secondary to pericardial effusion.
Unusual Cause of Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Krishnakumar P. , Koshy A. George , Iype Mathew , Viswanathan Sunitha
Published: February 2021

Closed mitral valvotomy (CMV) became an accepted surgical procedure to open a stenotic mitral valve (MV) about 50 years ago. CMV is performed through an incision in the left atrial appendage. Tubbs dilator is passed in to the left ventricle via the apex and then advanced retrogradely through the stenosed MV and is then opened within the orifice to split the commissures. The dilator is then removed and the orifice closed. Incisional left ventricular pseudo aneurysm has been described as a rare complication of this technique. Here we encountered a similar scenario. Percutaneous transmitral commissurotomy has virtually replaced CMV. But with the expanding use of the transapical approach to treat a variety of structural heart diseases, especially transcutaneous aortic valve replacement, one is likely to encounter similar complications in the modern era also.
Can Strain Imaging Predict Left Ventricle Remodeling? A Study from Eastern India
Authors: Agarwal Rakesh , Dutta Soumya Kanti , Baid Rashmi , Sinha Dhurjati Prasad
Published: February 2021

Background:

Even persistently patent infarct-related artery has been shown to be associated with left ventricle (LV) remodeling. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of LV strain imaging by echocardiography in predicting LV remodeling in patients undergoing coronary revascularization.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 104 patients between the ages of 18 and 75 years of age undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were selected and subsequently followed up for 3 months. Echocardiography was obtained before PTCA and subsequently 3 months later with global longitudinal strain (GLS) measurements.

Results:

In our study, 24% patients studied developed LV remodeling at 1 month even after clinical, angiographic, and procedural success of percutaneous intervention. A value of LV GLS <−10.8 predicted the development of LV remodeling with 80% sensitivity and 86% specificity with lower values having higher specificity.

Conclusions:

GLS assessment by echocardiography in the acute setting is feasible and easy to do with no complications and may be used with considerable sensitivity in predicting patients with adverse remodeling after ACSs.
Complex Congenital Heart Disease with Common Atrium
Authors: Garg Navni , Jain Bosky
Published: February 2021

Common atrium (CA) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly characterized by complete lack of interatrial septal tissue. It is commonly associated with atrioventricular valve malformations and other extracardiac anomalies. Hereby, we report a case of a term neonate with complex congenital heart disease with CA and panorama of dual-source computed tomography imaging findings in the patient.
El SEO en la empresa periodística: percepciones y elementos clave para su adopción en las redacciones
Authors: Lopezosa Carlos , Trillo-Domínguez Magdalena , Codina Lluís , Cabrera Méndez Marga
Published: February 2021

Introducción. Se analiza la importancia que dan los profesionales de los medios de comunicación al posicionamiento en buscadores en una redacción periodística y sus diferentes dimensiones. En concreto, se estudia la percepción de los profesionales del sector periodístico tras la reciente aplicación de estrategias de Search Engine Optimization (SEO) en el Diario de Sevilla, cibermedio del Grupo Joly, con tradición en papel y que, a partir de mayo de 2018, creó un departamento específico de posicionamiento web que sería su proyecto piloto para la paulatina transformación del resto de sus cabeceras. Metodología. Para el desarrollo de esta investigación se ha aplicado la observación participante, las entrevistas semiestructuradas y el análisis de frecuencia de términos del manual interno de la empresa sobre estrategias de posicionamiento en buscadores. Conclusiones y discusión. Todo ello ha permitido conocer la percepción que tienen del SEO los profesionales de este sector, identificar las posibilidades de su aplicación en la producción de noticia y proponer un marco para la ubicación del SEO en un diario digital.
¿Qué Hemos Aprendido sobre la Radiodifusión de Servicio Público en el Mundo? Una Revisión Sistemática de la Literatura y Sugerencias para Investigaciones Futuras
Authors: Lestón-Huerta Tania , Goyanes Manuel , Mazza Barbara
Published: February 2021

Este estudio ofrece una revisión de la literatura publicada sobre Radiodifusión de Servicio Público (RSP) entre los años 2009 y 2019. En total, se obtuvieron 232 artículos tras una búsqueda bibliográfica en cinco bases de datos (Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, ProQuest, Academic Search Ultimate y Google Scholar), de los cuales setenta y ocho se consideraron relevantes, según los criterios del estudio. El artículo resume los objetos de estudio, los escenarios bajo análisis, los enfoques metodológicos y los principales patrones temáticos de las investigaciones existentes, proporcionando una evaluación crítica de los principales hallazgos y direcciones de las investigaciones. Sobre la base de este resumen temático, el estudio ofrece sugerencias sobre cómo avanzar e identificar algunos de los principales desafíos y limitaciones en esta área de investigación.
Definiteness in Chiyao
Authors: Taji Julius
Published: February 2021

The aim of this paper is to examine the linguistic devices used to express definiteness in Chiyao, a Bantu language of Southern Tanzania, Southern Malawi, and north-western Mozambique. The analysis is guided by the familiarity theory of definiteness, and is based on the data collected through audio-recording of traditional narratives which were later transcribed to identify utterances with definite NPs. Findings establish three main strategies of signalling definiteness in the language, which include morphological, morphosyntactic, and use of bare nouns. The morphological indicators of definiteness include subject and object markers while the morphosyntactic indicators include demonstratives, locative particles, possessive determiners, genitive expressions, and relative clauses. Bare definiteness is mainly expressed by nouns of inalienable possession, including those denoting body parts and family relations. These findings enrich the existing literature on definiteness in Bantu languages and inform future typological and comparative studies on this subject.
Ghana and the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ofori-Adjei David , Lartey Margaret , A. Koram Kwadwo
Published: February 2021

A new virus causing predominantly respiratory tract infection was described in China late 2019. The virus was subsequently named the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease it causes as COVID-19. Subsequently the virus spread to many parts of the world. This resulted in the World Health Organisation declaring COVID-19 a global pandemic on 11th March 2020.
CT scan chest findings in symptomatic COVID-19 patients: a reliable alternative for diagnosis
Authors: D. Sarkodie Benjamin , B. Mensah Yaw
Published: February 2021

Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the chest plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 pneumoniashows typical CT Scan features which can aid diagnoses and therefore help in the early detection and isolation of infected patients. CT scanners are readily available in many parts of Ghana. It is able to show findings typical for COVID-19 infection of the chest, even in instances where Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR) misses the diagnosis. Little is known about the diagnostic potential of chest CT scan and COVID-19 among physicians even though CT scan offers a high diagnostic accuracy.
COVID-19 and medical education: an opportunity to build back better
Authors: Agyei-Nkansah Adwoa , Adjei Patrick , Torpey Kwasi
Published: February 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the Hubei province of China has rapidly transformed into a global pandemic. In response to the first few reported cases of COVID-19, the government of Ghana implemented comprehensive social and public health interventions aimed at containing the disease, albeit its effect on medical education is less clear. Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 has brought changes that may impact the plan of career progression for both students and faculty. Hitherto, medical education had students getting into contact with patients and faculty in a facility setting. Their physical presence in both in-and outpatients’ settings has been a tradition of early clinical immersion experiences and the clerkship curriculum. Rotating between departments makes the students potential vectors and victims for COVID-19. COVID-19 has the potential to affect students throughout the educational process. The pandemic has led to a complete paradigm shift in the mode of instruction in a clinical care setting. Inperson training has either been reduced or cancelled in favour of virtual forms of pedagogy. The clinics have also seen a reduction in a variety of surgical and medical cases. This situation may result in potential gaps in their training.Outpatient clinics have transitioned mainly to telemedicine, thus minimizing students’ exposure to clinic encounters. Faced with this pandemic, medical educators are finding ways to best ensure rigorous training that will produce competent physicians. This article discusses the status of medical education and the effect of COVID-19 and explores potential future effects in a resource-limited country.
COVID-19 epidemic response in Ghana
Authors: Amofah George
Published: February 2021

The year 2020 has looked like a fairy tale as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world with devastating socio-economic and health consequences. The impact of the pandemic has depended, largely, on preparedness and response of countries, and their ability to adjust to the fast-evolving pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on 30th January 2020, and Ghana reported its first two confirmed cases on 12th March 2020.
Profile and outcomes of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at a tertiary institution hospital in Ghana
Authors: K. Ayisi-Boateng Nana , Owusu Michael , Tawiah Phyllis , A. Ampah Brenda , A. Sylverken Augustina , K. Wusu-Ansah Osei , S. Sarfo Fred , O. Phillips Richard
Published: February 2021

Background: In high-income countries, mortality related to hospitalized patients with the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is approximately 4-5%. However, data on COVID-19 admissions from sub-Saharan Africa are scanty.Objective: To describe the clinical profile and determinants of outcomes of patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted at a hospital in Ghana.Methods: A prospective study involving 25 patients with real time polymerase chain reaction confirmed COVID-19 admitted to the treatment centre of the University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana from 1st June to 27th July, 2020. They were managed and followed up for outcomes. Data were analysed descriptively, and predictors of mortality assessed using a multivariate logistic regression modelling.Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.3 ± 20.6 years, and 14 (56%) were males. The main symptoms at presentation were breathlessness (68%) followed by fever (56%). The cases were categorized as mild (6), moderate (6), severe (10) and critical (3). Hypertension was the commonest comorbidity present in 72% of patients. Medications used in patient management included dexamethasone (68%), azithromycin (96%), and hydroxychloroquine (4%). Five of 25 cases died (Case fatality ratio 20%). Increasing age and high systolic blood pressure were associated with mortality.Conclusion: Case fatality in this sample of hospitalized COVID-19 patients was high. Thorough clinical assessment, severity stratification, aggressive management of underlying co-morbidities and standardized protocols incountry might improve outcomes.
Haematology and serum biochemistry of broiler chickens offered extracts of dried Roselle plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyx in drinking water
Authors: Asaniyan E.K. , Akinduro V.O.
Published: February 2021

The challenge of antibiotics resistance and the fatality of its residues in human and animal health led to the ban of antibiotic growth promoters in animal diets. This has prompted the search for alternatives; especially through phytobiotic investigations. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of aqueous dried calyx extract of roselle plant on the haematological and serum biochemical responses of broiler chickens with the aim of establishing its optimal level as nutrient additive. The five varying concentration levels- 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 ml of 2 litres of calyx extract solution per litre of drinking water were treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Thirty broiler chickens were randomly assigned per treatment of three replicates each. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. The results revealed significant differences in the haematological parameters. However, the values of white 3 3 blood cells (WBC) (11400.00×10 /µl - 13466.67×10 /µl), lymphocyte (ranged between 48.33 and 61.33%), monocytes (2.00-3.67%), eosinophils (1.67-5.00%) and basophil (0.00 – 1.00%) were within the normal range for healthy chickens. Hence, roselle plant aqueous extract maintained the haematological content of the blood. The level of lymphocyte revealed adequate production of antibodies that prevented the occurrence of bacterial infection or allergic condition throughout experimental period. The influence of aqueous roselle plant on the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and albumin (ALB) indicated uncompromised liver function. Therefore, haematological and serum biochemistry parameters showed enhanced health and the wellbeing of the broiler chickens. The 5 ml and 10 ml levels of the extract of dried roselle calyx in drinking water were found to be similarly optimal in terms of lymphocyte levels. Levels above 10 ml could be detrimental to the health andwellbeing of the chickens.

Key words: Blood constituents, Chicken health, Drinking water, Roselle calyx extract
Low temperature grain-scale retrograde alteration of detrital minerals in Ajali formation from Benin Flank Of Anambra Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Adetunji A. , Alao-Daniel A.B.
Published: February 2021

Petrographical study of detrital and authigenic minerals from the Ajali Formation in the Benin flank of Anambra Basin was carried out with the aim of interpreting the textural characteristics and alteration patterns. Samples were collected from Ayowgiri sand quarry site and along Fugar-Agenebode road where good exposures of the Ajali Sandstone occurred. Heavy minerals were concentrated using bromoform according to standard procedures. The heavy mineral concentrates were mounted on glass slides with araldite glue. In addition, thin sections of sandstone were prepared. The samples were studied with the aid of polarizing microscopes. The textural features and relationships among the heavy minerals were used in the interpretations. The results indicate that the detrital heavy minerals (Fe-Ti oxides and garnet) have undergone a very low-temperatureretrograde changes rather than ordinary in-situ dissolution by weathering and burial diagenesis. The alteration of Fe-Ti oxides resulted into the formation of leucoxene and chlorite while that of garnet resulted only into the formation of chlorite. Detrital magnetite was partially dissolved with skeletal remains while the authigenic grains showed well preserved structures. The re-equilibration of these minerals and partial dissolution were probably due to rise in temperature and change in the chemistry of the formation water. Reducing and acidic conditions at elevated temperature probably favoured dissolution and alteration of the detrital Fe-oxides while the formation of authigenic hematite was aided by oxidizing condition. Temperature increase was probably induced by either underneath thin lithospheric plate or igneous activities at the center of the basin. The conversion of the detrital minerals to authigenic chlorite and partial replacement structures represent a typical case of retrograde reaction which could be described as evidence of a very low-temperature anchi-metamorphism at mineral grain level.

Key words: Authigenic, chlorite, Fe-oxides, garnet, retrograde, anchi-metamorphism.
Valuation of levels of some carcinogenic metals in the water and incidences of cancer along Hadejia-Jama'are River Basin Areas
Authors: Shaibu A.N. , Audu A.A.
Published: February 2021

The determination of levels of some carcinogenic metals in the water and incidences of cancer was carried out in ten different local governments along Hadejia-Jama'are River Basin Areas, using standard procedures. Arsenic content was determined using UV Spectrophotometer after diazotization and heavy metals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry after acid digestion. The numbers of cancer patients were obtained from the Cancer Register of the health institutions along the basin after obtaining ethical approvals from the health institutions. The mean arsenic (As), of the water ranged from 3.35 – 10.60 µg/L, cadmium (Cd): 1.57 – 10.10 µg/L, chromium (Cr): 40.30 – 250.00 µg/L, nickel (Ni): 48.80 – 235.00 µg/L and lead (Pb): 19.50 – 38.20 µg/L. The metal concentrations in the water samples were higher in the dry season than the wet season. ANOVA showed significant differences at p<0.05 for Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb. The cancer levels were determined by matching the concentration of the heavy metals from each local government with number of cancer patients in the local government along the river basin route. The cancer cases along the basin were Bunkure- 13, Wudil- 16, Ajingi11, Ringim- 9, Taura- 8, K/Hausa- 10, Hadejia- 12, Jama'are- 3, Gashua- 14 and Nguru- 10. Using the principal component analysis (PCA) there was an excellent relationship between cancer burden and metal loads in the potable water of the basin while the hierarchical cluster dendrogram (HCD) analysis reveals that arsenic, chromium and cadmium may be the major contributors to cancer incidences along the basin.
Evaluation of different aqueous plant extracts against rice blast disease fungus (Magnaporthe oryzae)
Authors: Agbowuro G.O. , Aluko M. , Salami A.E. , Awoyemi S.O.
Published: February 2021

The antifungal potentials of some medicinal plant leaf extracts have been established against fungal diseases. This research work was conducted to evaluate the effects of aqueous plant leaf extracts of five plants: Apple of Sodom (Calotropis procera), Neem tree (Azadirachta indica), Thorn  Apple/Angel's trumpet (Datura metel), Aleo plant (Aleo vera) and Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata)) at different concentration (25, 50, and 100%) against rice blast disease (Magnaporthe oryzae) in-vitro and in-vivo. The research work was laid out in a split-split plot arrangement using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected for disease severity, disease incidence, number of tillers per plant, number of filled grains, the weight of 1000 grains, and panicle weight. The data collected were analyzed using IRRI STAR software (IRRI, 1979). Percentage inhibition was significantly higher at higher concentrations for all the aqueous plant extracts as compared to lower concentrations. The field trial result shows that there were significant differences among all the studied traits though at different levels for all the sources of variation. The leaf plant aqueous extracts at all the varied concentrations reduced the rate of disease severity and incidence while the number of tillers per plant, the number of filled grains, the weight of 1000 seeds, and panicle weight increased compared to control. The result revealed that Apple of Sodom (Calotropis procera) is the most efficient in combating rice blast disease followed by Neem tree (Azadirachta indica), Thorn Apple/Angel's trumpet (Datura metel), Aleo plant (Aleo vera), and Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) in that other. These aqueous plant extracts can be used to manage rice blast disease at a low cost and it is ecofriendly compare to chemical fungicides.

Keywords: Disease severity, Magnaporthe oryzae, Medicinal plants, Plant extracts, Rice
Haematology, serum biochemistry and condition factor of the African snakehead fish, Parachanna obscura from Nigeria’s hydrologic areas
Authors: Osho F.E. , Omitoyin B.O. , Ajani E.K.
Published: February 2021

Rapid change in the conservation status of Parachanna obscura from least concerned to endangered species raises  concerns over the health of the natural populations of this stock in Nigeria. This study therefore investigated the haematology, serum biochemistry and condition factor of P. obscura from Nigeria's freshwater environment to assess their wellbeing. All eight hydologic areas in Nigeria were purposively selected while one river in each of the basins was randomly chosen for sampling of P. obscura. These randomly selected rivers were from Anambra (Niger South), Imo (Eastern south) , Ibbi (Upper Benue), Kaduna (Niger Central), Katsina Ala (Lower Benue), Hadejia (Lake Chad), Ogun (Western Littoral) , and Sokoto (Niger North) rivers. Fish samples were collected quaterly for a year from fishermen's catch. One-way ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test were employed for data analysis. Percentage parked cell volume, lymphocytes, neutrophil and monocytes as well as haemoglobin and red blood cells were not significantly different (p>0.05) across populations. However, other haematologic parameters differed significantly among the populations. Samples from river Ibbi had significantly higher levels of glucose (47.75±3.22 mg/dL), aspartate aminotransferase (42.25±2.72 U/L), alanine aminotransferase (33.25±2.14 U/L) and blood urea nitrogen (1.91±0.31 mg/dL). Condition factors averaged 0.81±0.01. The present study showed that measured haematologic and serum biochemistry parameters as well as the condition factor were within normal reference values for P. obscura or similar tropical fish species reference values. Therefore, other causes of the decline in population of this species in Nigeria should be investigated.

Keywords: Parachanna obscura, Nigeria's freshwater environment, Population decline, Endangered tropical fish species.
Effect of starter culture fermentation of milk on the production, sensory attributes and storage of Wara (a Nigerian unripened soft cheese)
Authors: Ajibola W.G. , Adeyemo S.M. , Omafuvbe B.O.
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus isolated from wara, a Nigerian unripened soft cheese, on the production of starter-mediated type with improved quality and longer shelf-life. Fresh cow milk was pasteurized and inoculated with  standardized cells of Lactobacillus plantarum and o Lactobacillus acidophilus (singly and in combination) and incubated at 30 C for 24 h to ferment. The fermented (acidified) milk was then used to produce wara using juice extract of Calotropis procera as rennet. Viable cell counts and physicochemical properties were estimated in the fermenting milk, while organoleptic attributes of traditional and starter-mediated wara were determined following standard procedures. The wara samples were stored at 30±2 °C for 6 days during which samples were obtained daily for physicochemical and microbiological analysis. Overall, physicochemical analysis of the fermenting milk samples showed a gradual drop in pH, increase in total titratable acidity and diacetyl level with accompanied increase in viable count. Organoleptically, there was no significant difference (p> 0.05) between the traditional and some of the starter-mediated wara. During storage, the starter mediated wara had the lowest bacteria count and extended shelf-life.

Keywords: Wara, Starter culture, Shelf life, Sensory attributes, Fermentation.
Defining and measuring portfolio diversification
Authors: Flint E. , Seymour A. , Chikurunhe F.
Published: February 2021

It is often said that diversification is the only ‘free lunch’ available to investors; meaning that a properly diversified portfolio reduces total risk without necessarily sacrificing expected return. However, achieving true diversification is easier said than done, especially when we do not fully know what we mean when we are talking about diversification. While the qualitative purpose of diversification is well known, a satisfactory quantitative definition of portfolio diversification remains elusive. In this research, we summarise a wide range of diversification measures, focusing our efforts on those most commonly used in practice. We categorise each measure based on which portfolio aspect it focuses on: cardinality, weights, returns, risk or higher moments. We then apply these measures to a range of South African equity indices, thus giving a diagnostic review of historical local equity diversification and, perhaps more importantly, providing a description of the investable opportunity set available tofund managers in this space. Finally, we introduce the idea of diversification profiles. These regimedependent profiles give a much richer  description of portfolio diversification than their single-value counterparts and also allow one to manage diversification proactively based on one’s view of future market conditions.

Keywords: Portfolio diversification; index concentration; weight-based diversification; risk-based diversification; correlation; covariance; market regimes
A stochastic investment model for actuarial use in South Africa
Authors: Şahin Y.Ş. , Levitan S
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we propose a stochastic investment model for actuarial use in South Africa by modelling price inflation rates, share dividends, long-term and short-term interest rates for the period 1960–2018 and inflation-linked bonds for the period 2000–2018. Possible bi-directional relations between the economic series have been considered, the parameters and their confidence intervals have been estimated recursively to examine their stability, and the model validation has been tested. The model is designed to provide long-term forecasts that should find application in long-term modelling for institutions such as pension funds and life insurance companies in South Africa

Keywords: Stochastic investment models; price inflation; share dividend yields; share dividends; share prices; long-term interest rates; short-term interest rates; inflation-linked bonds; South Africa
Sustaining the life insurance industry in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Authors: Molloy Lynne , Ronnie Linda
Published: February 2021

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) continues to change the ways of doing business across industries, organisations around the world are grappling with the unprecedented challenges imposed by radical and widespread technological change. In the face of this dilemma, the South African life insurance industry has remained remarkably resilient, exhibiting very little adaptation in terms of structural, cultural, or business model innovation. However, the stable environmental conditions that once enabled this position for incumbent organisations are weakening.  Transformational change, like that in the adjacent financial services industry, is imminent and adaptation on the part of incumbent insurers will be vital to sustaining relevance. This research examines the organisational beliefs and capabilities of South African insurance companies regarding the 4IR in order to gauge the current challenges within the broader industry. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 senior leaders and decisionmakers from across the industry. A qualitative inductive analysis shows the inhibitors and enablers of digital innovation within the organisations. The pervasive lack of trust, agility, and urgency within the sector are cited as inhibitors of digital innovation. Enablers include a continuous learning mindset within the organisation, partnerships within the broader ecosystem, and the role of senior leaders for shaping cultural attitudes and structures. Overall, these findings show a disparity between what insurers know they must do to proactively lead change, enact digital innovation, and remain relevant, and what they are actually executing. Recommendations are provided for addressing this gap.

Keywords: Fourth Industrial Revolution; life insurance; strategy; leadership; agility
Modelo de ranqueamento empresarial para análise da relevância das empresas no setor de florestas plantadas
Authors: Sousa Lorena Ferreira da Cunha e , Oliveira Jacqueline de , Ferreira Pedro Sávio Alves , Sandim André Salgado de Andrade
Published: February 2021

O setor florestal está em constante desenvolvimento, sendo responsável por uma contribuição crescente ao produto interno bruto do Brasil. Novos empregos são gerados a cada ano, com a implantação de fábricas e filiais, além da compra de novas áreas de plantio por parte das grandes empresas, incluindo áreas de proteção permanente. O objetivo desse trabalho foi gerar um modelo de ranqueamento para determinar a influência e importância das empresas para o setor florestal e industrial do país. Foram analisados os perfis de mais de 40 empresas do ramo, associadas da Indústria Brasileira de Árvores, sendo selecionadas 20, com base no faturamento anual, área de plantio, área de proteção, geração de empregos e investimento social. Cada um dos critérios recebeu uma pontuação (variação de 1 a 20). Dessa forma, obteve-se uma matriz de ranqueamento empresarial do setor florestal brasileiro, juntamente com valores para se calcular o índice de eficiência. Este modelo pode ser utilizado para qualquer outro setor industrial, sendo necessária apenas à substituição dos critérios de área plantada e área preservada para os específicos de produção do setor que se pretende analisar.
Некоторые вопросы применения норм иностранного права арбитражными судами РФ
Authors: Беляева Н.Г.
Published: February 2021

В СТАТЬЕ ОБОЗНАЧЕНЫ ОТДЕЛЬНЫЕ АСПЕКТЫ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ НОРМ ИНОСТРАННОГО ПРАВА АРБИТРАЖНЫМИ СУДАМИ ПРИ РАССМОТРЕНИИ ДЕЛ ОБ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИХ СПОРАХ, СВЯЗАННЫХ С ИНОСТРАННЫМ ЭЛЕМЕНТОМ. В ИХ ЧИСЛЕ — ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ПРИМЕНИМОГО ИНОСТРАННОГО ПРАВА, СПОСОБЫ УСТАНОВЛЕНИЯ ЕГО СОДЕРЖАНИЯ. ПРИ ОБРАЩЕНИИ К ДАННЫМ ВОПРОСАМ АВТОР ОПИРАЕТСЯ НА ОФИЦИАЛЬНЫЕ РАЗЪЯСНЕНИЯ ВЫСШЕЙ СУДЕБНОЙ ИНСТАНЦИИ.
О порядке и сроках изготовления мотивированного текста решения по делу, рассмотренному в порядке упрощенного производства
Authors: Новиков Н.А.
Published: February 2021

В СТАТЬЕ ГОВОРИТСЯ О СОБЛЮДЕНИИ ОСНОВНЫХ ПРИНЦИПОВ И НОРМ ПРИ
ОТПРАВЛЕНИИ ПРАВОСУДИЯ, НЕОБХОДИМОСТИ И РАЗУМНОСТИ ИЗГОТОВЛЕНИЯ МОТИВИРОВАННОГО ТЕКСТА СУДЕБНОГО АКТА ПО ДЕЛУ, РАССМОТРЕННОМУ В ПОРЯДКЕ УПРОЩЕННОГО СУДОПРОИЗВОДСТВА, О СОБЛЮДЕНИИ БАЛАНСА
ИНТЕРЕСОВ ЛИЦ, УЧАСТВУЮЩИХ В ДЕЛЕ, И ФОРМИРОВАНИИ УВАЖИТЕЛЬНОГО
ОТНОШЕНИЯ К СУДУ.
Влияние российских процессуальных норм на течение срока исковой давности, определяемого по иностранному праву
Authors: Путря К.Е.
Published: February 2021

В СТАТЬЕ ПРЕДПРИНЯТА ПОПЫТКА ОБОСНОВАТЬ НАЛИЧИЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИЯ И ВЛИЯНИЯ РОССИЙСКИХ НОРМ ПРОЦЕССУАЛЬНОГО ПРАВА НА ТЕЧЕНИЕ СРОКА ИСКОВОЙ ДАВНОСТИ, ОПРЕДЕЛЯЕМОЕ ПО ИНОСТРАННОМУ МАТЕРИАЛЬНОМУ ПРАВУ, СОГЛАСОВАННОМУ СТОРОНАМИ ДОГОВОРА. ПРИЧИНОЙ
КОЛЛИЗИИ ЯВЛЯЕТСЯ ОТНЕСЕНИЕ В РОССИЙСКОМ ПРАВЕ ИНСТИТУТА ИСКОВОЙ
ДАВНОСТИ (И ПРАВИЛ ЕЕ ИСЧИСЛЕНИЯ, ПЕРЕРЫВА, ПРИОСТАНОВЛЕНИЯ) К МАТЕРИАЛЬНОМУ ПРАВУ, В ТО ВРЕМЯ КАК НОРМЫ РОССИЙСКОГО ПРОЦЕССУАЛЬНОГО ПРАВА, НАПРИМЕР ОБУСЛОВЛЕННЫЕ СУЩЕСТВОВАНИЕМ ТАКОГО СПЕЦИФИЧЕСКОГО ПРОЦЕССУАЛЬНОГО ИНСТИТУТА, КАК ДОСУДЕБНЫЙ ПОРЯДОК, МОГУТ
ВЛИЯТЬ НА ТЕЧЕНИЕ ИСКОВОЙ ДАВНОСТИ. АВТОР ИЛЛЮСТРИРУЕТ ПРОБЛЕМУ НА
ПРИМЕРЕ НЕДАВНЕЙ ПРАКТИКИ АРБИТРАЖНЫХ СУДОВ И ПРЕДЛАГАЕТ ВОЗМОЖНЫЕ ПУТИ ЕЕ ПРЕОДОЛЕНИЯ.
Inactivity of Parliamentarians in National Parliament of Bangladesh: Impacts on Parliamentary Democracy
Authors: Md. Al-Amin
Published: February 2021

There is a growing interest in the inactive role of parliamentarians in measuring the success of parliamentary democracy. In this research firstly, it explored the inactive role of the parliamentarians among the eighth, ninth and tenth parliament of Bangladesh national parliment, where it observed that the parliamentarians of both oppositions and the ruling party remained inactive in lawmaking to oversight functions. The main causes of this inactivity of the parliamentarians are apathy to discuss and debate in the parliament, seventy articles of the constitution, the dearth of knowledge of the parliamentary norms, and business politics nexus. The impacts of this inactivity of the parliamentarians are the declining of parliament, which is taking place by the executive and this inactivity serves as a barrier to the process of institutionalization of parliamentary democracy.
“It’s Not Real, It’s Just A Story to Just Learn Spanish”: Understanding Heritage Language Learner Resistance in a Southwest Charter High School
Authors: Helmer Kimberly Adilia
Published: February 2021

The current critical ethnography examines some causes of “strike-like” behavior observed in a Spanish heritage language class in a Southwest charter high school. Fundamental to student resistance was the lack of meaningful activity and authentic materials that connected curriculum to students’ linguistic strengths, target-culture knowledge, and the communities from which they came. The native Spanish-speaking teacher taught the course as if the Mexican-origin students were foreign language learners without certain native-like language proficiencies and insider cultural knowledge gained from actual experience. In turn, the instructor did not fully access his own linguistic and cultural repertoire, but instead relied on published foreign language materials that failed to engage students and constructed them as linguistic and cultural outsiders. A pueblobased pedagogical framework is proposed to make curriculum more culturally relevant, authentic, and engaging.
Motivational Selves of Japanese Heritage Speakers in Australia
Authors: Kurata Naomi
Published: February 2021

Relying upon Dörnyei’s (2005, 2009) L2 Motivational Self System and Ushioda’s (2009)
person-in-context relational view of emergent motivation, self, and identity, the present study investigates the nature and construction of Japanese heritage learners’ motivational selves in relation to their HL learning experiences. Based upon questionnaire data and focus group discussions in Australia, the analysis reveals that HL speakers’ motivational selves are not fixed, individual difference characteristics, but are more properly described as a process. This process emerges through the interaction between the self-reflective intentional agent and complex social structures, language expertise, experiences, and contexts in which the HL speaker participates. The impact of learning experiences on the formation of motivational selves is highlighted, as is the importance of the link between these selves and issues relating to personal identity. Globalism, imagined communities, and transnational identities are among the phenomena discussed.
Learning Outcomes of L2-Heritage Learner Interaction: The Proof is in the Posttests
Authors: Henshaw Florencia G.
Published: February 2021

Over the last two decades, increasingly numbers of heritage language (HL) learners have been enrolling in the same classes as second language (L2) learners, given that most universities do not offer separate courses for HL learners (Beaudrie, 2012). This trend raises the question of whether L2 and HL learners benefit from working together. However, research on the interaction in L2-HL dyads has been scarce, and learning outcomes of L2-HL interaction have never been documented. This study examines whether L2 and HL learners differ not only in terms of how often and how accurately they resolve form-focused episodes (FFEs) as they work together, but also in terms of learning gains as a result of the interaction. The audio-recorded interactions of 8 L2-HL dyads
engaged in a collaborative writing task were coded for FFEs, and learning gains were assessed through the incorporation of linguistic information from successfully-resolved FFEs in subsequent individual writing tasks: one administered immediately after completing the collaborative task, and the other two weeks later. Overall, L2 learners appeared to benefit more from the interaction than their HL partners. Findings are discussed in light of differences in peerand self-perceptions documented through a post-task attitudinal questionnaire.
Enhanced Tumor Response to Palliative Radiotherapy with Critozinib in a Patient with Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors:   Radiation Oncology, Dessau City Hospital, Dessau, Germany, Ilja F Ciernik ,   University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
Published: February 2021

A 52-year-old Caucasian woman with a smoking history of 15 pack-years presented to her family practitioner because of pain in the left shoulder.
The Effect of Yoga on Barriers to Occupational Engagement in African American Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors:   Mount Mary University, Occupational Therapy Department, USA, Julie Hunley , Sailaja Kamaraju ,   Medical College of Wisconsin Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical Director Moorland Reserve Health Center, USA, Phyllis Holder ,   Founder and CEO, Sisters 4 Cure, Inc., USA, Aniko Szabo ,   Medical College of Wisconsin, Institute for Health and Equity, Biostatistics, USA, Rita Burlingame-Toppen ,   Mount Mary University, Occupational Therapy Department, USA, Melinda Stolley ,   Medical College of Wisconsin, Associate Director for Population Health, USA
Published: February 2021

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if occupational therapy informed yoga could decrease barriers to occupational engagement in African American breast cancer survivors. Methods: A single-arm pretest-posttest design was used to study African American breast cancer survivors who participated in six weekly group yoga sessions that were delivered by occupational therapists. Variables were selected to operationalize barriers to occupational engagement and included mental health, bodily pain, role-physical and emotional, fatigue, self-efficacy, acute pain, balance, and upper extremity disability. Descriptive statistics and repeated measures analysis via linear mixed effects modeling were conducted to describe the participants and determine the efficacy of occupational therapy informed yoga. Results: Barriers to occupational engagement (health related quality of life, self-efficacy and balance, pain, upper-extremity disability) were evident in participants at baseline. Occupational therapy informed yoga reduced some of these barriers through significant changes in pain, mental health, and balance. Conclusion: These findings provide initial support for the development of group programming to deliver occupational therapy informed yoga to African American breast cancer survivors.
Cell Death: Mechanisms and Pathways in Cancer Cells
Authors:   Department of Cell Biology, Histology and Pharmacology, University of Valladolid, Soria, Spain, Fernández-Lázaro Diego , Fernández-Lázaro César Ignacio ,   Department of Cell Biology, Histology and Pharmacology, University of Valladolid, Soria, Spain, Córdova Martínez Alfredo ,   Department Physiology. Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valladolid, Soria, Spain
Published: February 2021

Programmed cell death is an essential physiological and biological process for the proper development and functioning of the organism. Apoptosis is the term that describes the most frequent form of programmed cell death and derives from the morphological characteristics of this type of death caused by cellular suicide. Apoptosis is highly regulated to maintain homeostasis in the body, since its imbalances by increasing and decreasing lead to different types of diseases. In this review, we aim to describe the mechanisms of cell death and the pathways through apoptosis is initiated, transmitted, regulated, and executed.
Cancer Immunotherapy and its Benefit: An Editorial
Authors:   Department of Chemotherapy, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA, Stefan Riley
Published: February 2021

Cancer immunotherapy is also known as immuno-oncology which is the artificial activation of the immune system to fight against cancer, improving on the immune system's natural ability to fight the germs and disease causing cancer. Immunotherapy can be classified as into three categories such as active, passive and hybrid.
New Data on the Relationship of the Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancer
Authors:   Russian New University (Rosnou), Moscow, Russia, Ermoshkin Vladimir Ivanovich
Published: February 2021

Earlier in 2012-2017 our research team proposed and analytically substantiated the mechanism for the occurrence of many cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. Data about the possible mechanism has been published in several articles and has been discussed at several conferences.