bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Haemodialysis on Anterior Segment Parameters of the Eye in Patients with Endstage Renal Disease: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Lohokare Kalyani Ravindra , Kulkarni Varsha Nitin , Khandgave Tejaswini Prashant , Kaur Poonam , Garg Nihar , Shah Rishabh
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Ocular manifestations of Haemodialysis (HD) are one of the important causes of morbidity in End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients. According to studies, the incidence rate of glaucoma in the dialysis group was higher than that in the non dialysis group. Angle-closure glaucoma was found to be more common, which depends on anterior chamber morphology. Aim: To assess the effect of HD on Intraocular Pressure (IOP), Anterior Chamber Depth (ACD), and Lens Thickness (LT) in patients with ESRD. Materials and Methods: This was a single-centre crosssectional observational study conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology on 170 eyes of 87 patients undergoing HD for at least three months. The study was conducted between October 2020 and October 2022 at the Dialysis Centre of Bharati Vidyapeeth (DTU) Medical College and Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India. These patients underwent ophthalmological evaluation pre- and postdialysis. IOP, ACD, and LT were measured 30 minutes prior to and 30 minutes after the HD session. The paired t-test was used to compare differences in means, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 57.63±11.95 years. There was a decrease in mean ACD by 0.08±0.29 mm (p=0.0001) and an increase in mean LT by 0.06±0.42 mm (p-value=0.0001) postdialysis. The changes in IOP were variable and not statistically significant (p=0.45). Conclusion: Postdialysis, a significant increase in LT was observed corresponding to a decrease in ACD. Although the change in IOP was variable, this change might be more significant in pre-existing narrow-angle patients undergoing dialysis. As a result, the present study underscores the urgency of refining screening protocols for HD patients to effectively address these identified ocular changes and associated risks.
Prevalence, Risk Factors of Deep Venous Thrombosis in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Spurthy P , Theertha P , Mamatha S , Haran Alamelu , Kumar BS Praveen
Published: January 2024

Introduction: It is important to increase awareness and identify the predictors of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients presenting with worsening dyspnoea, as they are at a high-risk for Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) due to immobility, inflammation, and comorbidities. Aim: To determine the prevalence of DVT in hospitalised patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, as well as to identify associated risk factors for DVT in this group. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2021 to June 2022 in the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The sample population consisted of hospitalised patients with acute exacerbation of COPD who were aged over 40 years. All patients underwent routine blood investigations, Electrocardiograph (ECG), echocardiogram, arterial blood gas analysis, D-dimer test, chest radiograph, and lower-limb venous Doppler. Risk assessment was performed using the Modified Well’s criteria for DVT, and pretest probability was determined for all patients. The Chi-square test was used as a test of significance, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant in all analyses. Results: The mean age of the study population was found to be 60.80±10.21 years. Among the 74 patients included in the study, it was found that 3 (4.05%) patients had DVT. There was no statistically significant difference between the DVT and non DVT groups regarding age, sex, obesity, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) grade of breathlessness, smoking status, severity of airflow obstruction in spirometry, COPD class, type of respiratory failure, and presence of comorbidities. However, there was a statistically significant difference between the DVT and non DVT groups in terms of elevated D-dimer (>500 ng/mL), history of immobilisation for more than three days, and Modified Wells’ score (>2). Conclusion: Patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, associated with a significant history of immobilisation and high D-dimer values, along with a high-risk pretest probability using clinical predictors such as the Modified Wells’ score for DVT, should be considered for evaluation of VTE and early initiation of prophylactic anticoagulation therapy to prevent Pulmonary Thromboembolism.
Impact of Two Different High-power Pain Threshold Static Ultrasound Techniques on Myofascial Trigger Points: A Pilot Study
Authors: Singh Anand Kumar , Ali Kamran
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a challenging musculoskeletal condition with a prevalence of upto 30% in certain populations seeking medical care. It is characterised by Trigger Points (TrPs) in muscle fibres, leading to spontaneous pain, referred pain, muscle tension, and restricted Range Of Motion (ROM). The integrated TrP hypothesis proposes that an energy crisis triggers TrPs through calcium release, prolonged muscle activity, and localised ischaemia. Vasoactive substances sensitise nociceptors and perpetuate the cycle. High-power Pain Threshold Ultrasound (HPPTUS-9), a novel Ultrasound (US) therapy, shows promise in reducing pain from active TrPs. The present study investigates the effects of HPPTUS-9 on Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), subjective pain intensity, lateral flexion ROM, and disability in MPS patients. Aim: To determine the impact of two different HPPTUS techniques on MTrPs. Materials and Methods: A randomised clinical trial was conducted using a two-way mixed analysis of variance at the Department of Physiotherapy, GD Goenka University in Gurugram, Haryana, India, over a four-month period from April 2023 to August 2023. A total of 16 individuals with TrPs in the upper trapezius muscle, comprising seven males and nine females, were included. They were equally divided into two groups: the HPPTUS-9 group 1 and the HPPTUS group 2. Both groups received treatments over a six-session period spanning two weeks. The primary outcome measure was the PPT, which evaluated the pain threshold of TrPs in the upper trapezius muscle. The secondary outcome measures included ROM, Neck Pain Disability Index (NPDI), and subjective pressure pain intensity. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired t-tests. Results: Between-group analysis revealed that participants who underwent nine applications of HPPTUS experienced a significantly greater increase in PPT (p=0.001) and ROM (p=0.001) compared to the other group at the end of the two-week intervention. Additionally, both groups demonstrated a significant decrease in pain (p=0.002) within their respective treatments. Notably, no adverse effects were reported in either group. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that nine applications of HPPTUS led to significant improvements in PPT and ROM compared to the alternative treatment group. Both groups showed a notable reduction in pain during their respective interventions. Importantly, no adverse effects were reported in either group throughout the two-week study period. These findings suggest that HPPTUS has the potential to be an effective and safe treatment option for addressing pain and mobility issues.
An Assessment of Anti-Diabetic Potential of Ethanolic Extract of Gymnema lactiferum in Alloxan Induced Rat Model
Authors: Ankhi Arjina Akter , Akter Salma , Nadvi Faisal Ahmed , Urmi Amina Begum , Siam Mohammad Shahjalalur Rahman , Tabassum Tahsina , Sutradhar Kakoli , Tabassum Anika
Published: January 2024

Endocrinological disease Diabetes mellitus has become a wide spread disease nowadays. To ameliorate diabetes many synthetic drugs are available but those drugs possess numerous adverse effects. Medicinal plants are a rich source of medications. Plant extracts, like those from Gymnema lactiferum, can be utilized as an alternate means of treating hyperglycemia.  This study investigated the effects of Gymnema lactiferum extract on alloxan induced diabetic rats. In comparison to the group that did not receive Gymnema lactiferum extract treatment, rat in the Gymnema lactiferum extract administration groups demonstrated a significant (p<0.05) reduction in body weight and diabetes levels after 60 days intragastric Gymnema lactiferum extract gavage. The hyperglycemia rat’s blood sugar levels were significantly (p<0.05) reduced by the Gymnema lactiferum extract therapy. In this study with Gymnema lactiferum extract therapy, medium and higher doses of Gymnema lactiferum extract showed significant decrease in blood sugar level proving the plant having efficient anti-diabetic activity. Moreover, the lipid test resulted in a significant decrease in the total cholesterol level including significant reduction in urea and creatinine level in the diabetic rats by different dosages of Gymnema lactiferum in a dose-dependent manner.
Temporal Patterns of Utilization of Constructed Water Pans by Different Mammal Species: A Study of Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
Authors: Edwin Kiria , Beldine Mmula , Evans Mutuma , Mahiga Samuel N. , Aruho Robert
Published: January 2024

Climate change induced risks like prolonged dry spells are exacerbating water scarcity especially, in the wildlife conservancies calling for alternative water supply systems for wildlife. In Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, water pans were constructed to provide water to animals during wet and dry seasons. The study aim was to establish patterns of water pans utilization by different mammal species in different seasons and times of the day. Study was conducted on the mammals visiting water pans in the dry season (June 2022) and wet season (October 2022) at two water pans in Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. Mammal utilization of water pans was studied using observations and camera traps. Pearson correlation and t-test were used to analyze data. Impala had the highest water pan visitations (36.7%) followed by zebra (22.2%) while eland and reedbuck had the lowest (0.7%) visitations. Morning (0900hrs-1000hrs) was a period of peak visitations, followed by midday while dusk recorded the least visitations. Mammals utilized water pans for drinking, wallowing, grazing, socialization, and soil licking. There were significant differences in the number of visitations between the dry and wet seasons (df =7, t = 2.739, p=0.029) where dry season had high visitations (64.6%) while wet season had 35.4%. There was also a strong negative correlation between mammal visitations to the water pans and the time of the day.  The study shows that constructed water pans provide important source of water in protected areas where natural water sources are absent, inaccessible due to fencing, or during the dry season when water is limited. Therefore, water provisioning during the dry season in areas lacking water to increase dispersal ranges in the conservancy reducing mammal concentration around water pans.
Preliminary Study on the Evaluation Methodologies of Junior High School Music Academic Performance
Authors: Chen Yu
Published: January 2024

The junior high school music academic entrance examination holds significant importance in the context of the new curriculum reform, serving as a pivotal instrument for implementing the "General Plan for Deepening the Reform of Educational Evaluation in the New Era" and the "Opinions on Comprehensively Strengthening and Improving School Aesthetic Education in the New Era," issued by the General Office of the State Council. As frontline educators, it is imperative to adeptly navigate the impending junior high school art subject entrance examination by acquiring evaluation knowledge and mastering scientifically sound assessment methods. Recognizing this urgency, the author secured approval for the "Thirteenth Five-Year Plan" project in Shaanxi Province in 2018, titled "Research on the Unified Music Examination Methods for Junior High School Graduation in Shaanxi Province." This research primarily delves into the grading criteria outlined in the "Music Curriculum Standards" for compulsory education, exploring the knowledge points, question types, weights, and evaluation methods. The findings represent a culmination of in-depth practical exploration, offering valuable insights for educators and stakeholders. These operational research results are shared here for reference purposes only.
Assessment of Educational Facilities and Administrative Effectiveness in Colleges of Education: A Case Study of Delta State
Authors: Jessa Morrison O. , Obata Rita O.
Published: January 2024

This research aimed to assess the impact of educational facilities on administrative effectiveness within Colleges of Education. To achieve this, six research questions were formulated, and six hypotheses were proposed. The study utilized a correlational research design, The population of the study comprised 2,925 staff of the public colleges of education across Delta State and a sample of 800 administrative staff from Colleges of Education in Delta State was randomly selected. Questionnaires and checklists were employed as data collection instruments and were validated by experts in Measurement and Evaluation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the gathered data. Mean, standard deviation and Pearson coefficient of determination were used to address the research questions, while t-test and simple regression were employed to test the hypotheses at a significance level of 0.05. The study's findings indicated that educational facilities are available, adequate, and utilized in Delta State Colleges of Education. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the availability, adequacy, and utilization of educational facilities among the various colleges of education in Delta State. Furthermore, a significant relationship was identified between the availability, adequacy, and utilization of educational facilities and school administrators' effectiveness in Colleges of Education in Delta State. Based on the study's results, the researcher recommended an increase in the purchase of educational facilities to further enhance administrative effectiveness in Colleges of Education.
Bandwagon Distance and Bandwagon Eccentric Domination in Graphs
Authors: R. Tejaskumar , Ismayil A. Mohamed
Published: January 2024

In this article, bandwagon distance is introduced and various parameters of bandwagon distance like bandwagon eccentricity, bandwagon eccentric vertex, bandwagon radius, bandwagon diameter, bandwagon center, bandwagon periphery are defined. Bounds on bandwagon radius and bandwagon diameter for                  class of graphs are found. Bandwagon eccentric domination is defined along with bandwagon eccentric domination number . Necessary and sufficient condition for bandwagon eccentric dominating set is proved. Results related to exact values of bandwagon eccentric domination number of class of graphs is obtained.
Impact of Nano-Dap on Growth and Development of Cabbage
Authors: Chamuah Suchibrata , Gogoi Sailen , Dutta Samiron , Bhattacharjee Dhiraj , Sharma Sanjib , Das Kaushik
Published: January 2024

The current study, "Impact of nano-DAP on growth and development of cabbage," was carried out in 2021–2022 at the Department of Horticulture's Experimental Farm at A.A.U., Jorhat. RBD was used to set up the study. The treatments followed were T1 (Untreated control), T2 (100% RDF of N & K), T3 (100% RDF of 130:80:80 kg/ha), T4 (T2 + ST with nano-DAP @ 5 ml/ltr), T5 (T2 + ST@ 10 ml/ltr), T6 (T2 + 1 FS of nano-DAP @ 6 ml/ltr at 25-30 DAT), T7 (50 % P, 100% N & K + FS nano-DAP @ 2 ml/ltr at 25-30 DAT), T8 (25% P, 100% N & K + FS nano-DAP @ 4 ml/ltr), T9 (T2 + ST @ 5 ml/ ltr + FS nano-DAP @ 6 ml/ltr), T10 (25% P, 100% N & K + ST @ 5 ml/ ltr + FS nano-DAP  @ 4 ml/ltr), T11 (50% P, 100% N & K + ST @ 5 ml/ ltr + FS nano-DAP @ 2 ml/ltr), T12 (25% P, 50% N & 100% K + ST @ 5 ml/ ltr + FS  nano-DAP @ 4 ml/ltr) and T13 (50% P, 50% N & 100% K + ST @ 5 ml/ ltr + FS nano-DAP @ 2 ml/ltr).

Investigation was done comparing the results of the nano-DAP treatments with the suggested fertilizer dosage. The results revealed that the maximum plant spread and number of non-wrapper leaves was observed in T3 (17.12 cm) and (7.67) at 30 DAT whereas in T3 (34.77 cm) and (16.83) at 60 DAT.The highest leaf area was recorded in T3 (107.56 sqcm) at 30 DAT and at 60 DAT (226.54 sqcm), although at 30 DAT, the maximum leaf fresh weight was recorded in T7 (4.40 g) although in T3 (12.46 g) at 60 DAT. The maximum number of days (88.30 days) to harvest was taken by T5. Thus, the investigation suggests that nano-DAP can reduce the amount of inorganic fertiliser applied while maintaining the potency of the crop.
Assessment of Genetic Diversity among the Elite Rose (Rosa spp.) Accessions Using Rapd Markers
Authors: Visalakshi M. , Muthulakshmi R. , Ganga M. , Boopathi N. Manikanda , Vasanth S. , Ganesh S.
Published: January 2024

Aims: Owing to its export value in flower trade elsewhere in the world, Rose is the key commercial flower crop and the area under rose cultivation is ever increasing and the end-users always prefer new color variations. Hence, evolving new cultivars with novel color characteristics is the need of the hour, for which understanding genetic variation in the available cultivars is very much needed. 

Study Design: This investigation was conducted to analyze the genetic diversity of 11 elite and commonly cultivated rose accessions in South India by using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Horticultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Coimbatore.

Methodology: A total of 10 RAPD primers were employed, which was sufficient to distinguish the investigated rose cultivars.

Results: Among the 44 PCR products produced by these markers, 39 (88.64%) were found to be polymorphic bands. The number of amplified products per RAPD primer varied from 3 to 8 with a mean of 4.4 bands per primer. The Un weighted paired group of arithmetic means (UPGMA) dendrogram distinguished the rose accessions into two major clusters suggesting that the accessions were different from each other. The genetic similarity coefficients were determined with this RAPD data, and they were ranged from 0.59 to 0.89.

Conclusion: Molecular profiling data of this study have contributed to characterize and catalogue the rose germplasm data, which will be useful to identify the diverse rose lines for further breeding program that have the potential to improve the color variations.
Effect of FYM, Vermi-Compost, Azotobacter Inoculation and Chemical Fertilizers on Growth and Yield in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Yadav Ashish Kumar , Dheer Vineet , Singh Jaykar , Yadav Alok , Singh Krishna Kumar , Kumar Pradeep , Singh Vishram
Published: January 2024

In rabi 2018-19, a field experiment using wheat cultivar K 1006 was carried out at the Students Instructional Farm of C. S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (U.P.). The location of the experiment is between 25° 56' and 28° 58' North and 79° 31' to 80° 34' East longitude. The study location was described as having a sandy loam texture, being alkaline (pH 8.19), containing 0.41% organic carbon, 187 kg/ha of available nitrogen, 11 kg/ha of available phosphorus, and 177 kg/ha of available potassium. Eight treatments (RDF-120:60:40 NPK Kg ha-1 as the recommended dose of fertilizer), RDF + Azotobacter, RDF + Azotobacter + Vermicompost @ 3.0 t ha-1, RDF + Azotobacter + Vermicompost @ 4.0 t ha-1, RDF + Azotobacter + Vermicompost @ 5.0 t ha-1, RDF + Azotobacter + FYM @ 4.0 t ha-1, RDF + Azotobacter + FYM @ 8.0 t ha-1, and RDF + Azotobacter + FYM @ 12.0 t ha-1 were setup in a randomized block design with three replications. The highest plant height at 30 DAS (21.67 cm) and 90 DAS (99.50 cm), the number of total (5.52) and productive (5.15) tillers /plant, the initial (115.25) and final (459) plant population /m2, the spike length (11.15 cm), the number of grains /spike (54.60), the grain weight /spike (2.26 g) and test weight (41.45 g), biological yield (131.25 q/ha), grain yield (56.40 q/ha), straw yield (74.85 q/ha), and harvest index (42.98) were found to be most effectively affected by the combination of RDF + Azotobacter + Vermi-compost @ 5.0 t ha-1.Therefore, the growth and yield of wheat might be increased by up to 16–18% beyond the prescribed fertilizer dosages when the seed was infected with Azotobacter @ 1 packet Azotobacter with 10 kg seed and soil amended with Vermi–compost @ 5 t/ha in addition to RDF.
Estimation of Ground Water Recharge in the Command Area of Krishna Central Delta
Authors: Indraja P. , Kumar H. V. Hema , Mani A. , Reddy K. V. S. Rami , Rao Ch. Sujani
Published: January 2024

Groundwater recharge is the most important component in all the water balance studies and in ground water development projects as a part of sustainable groundwater management. Norms set by the Groundwater Resource Estimation Committee, GEC-2015 was used for the estimation of recharge. The study was conducted for the Bandar canal command area constituting the Krishna Central Delta in Andhra Pradesh. Following the norms of GEC-2015, the recharge was estimated for the past decade from 2012-13 to 2021-22 and it was found that recharge rate ranged from 438135.8 ha-m in the year 2015-16 to 1677730 ha-m in the year 2013-14. While computing the gross recharge, recharge attributed by rainfall, canal seepage, irrigation return flow and from the ponds/tanks are considered. Recharge estimated sheds information on replenishment and improved management of coastal aquifers where seawater intrusion is a major problem.
Role of Modern Technologies in Plant Disease Management: A Comprehensive Review of Benefits, Challenges, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Kansotia Kavita , Saikanth D. R. K. , Kumar Rajesh , Pamala Prince Jayasimha , Kumar Pradeep , Pandey Shivam Kumar , Kushwaha Triyugi Narain
Published: January 2024

This thorough analysis examines how contemporary technologies are altering the control of plant diseases. The introduction gives a general overview of the situation, explaining the historical context and the need for modern solutions. The paper then explores the various advantages that contemporary technologies offer for managing plant diseases, emphasizing developments in methods for detection, monitoring, and control. But putting these technologies into practice is not without its difficulties; the third segment methodically looks at these issues, covering everything from infrastructure and knowledge gaps to financial consequences.

The fourth section highlights the effective uses of contemporary technologies to control plant diseases through a detailed analysis of case cases. These real-world instances highlight the effectiveness and significance of technology-based treatments. After that, the article turns its attention to the current situation and probable future developments, providing insights into how modern technologies are now being used to manage plant diseases and projecting future trends and developments.

The evaluation comes to a close in the last section with helpful suggestions for incorporating and utilizing contemporary technologies. Actionable techniques are given to practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders to maximize the advantages of these technological interventions while overcoming obstacles.

In the age of contemporary technologies, this review is an invaluable tool for scholars, decision-makers, and business experts navigating the ever-changing field of plant disease management.
Influence of Perennial Rootstocks and PKM1 Scion on Nutritional Content of Grafted Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.)
Authors: Sumathi T. , Pugalendhi L. , Vethamoni P. Irene , Sivakumar V. , Balakumbahan R. , Elavarasan M. , Vinila J. E. Adeline , Muralidharan B. , Kumar M.
Published: January 2024

The investigation was undertaken at Horticultural College ad Research Institute, Coimbatore to identify the graft compatibility of seven perennial moringa rootstocks for PKM 1 Moringa scion under drought condition. Among the seven rootstocks, moolanur moringa is identified as the best rootstock for PKM 1 Scion with wedge method of grafting as confirmed with histological method. The leaf nutritional contents were analysed in all the seven perennial rootstocks, PKM1 moringa scion and graft combinations. Among the rootstocks, Padasolai local rootstocks had highest calcium content (559.93 mg/100g). Moolanur moringa rootstocks had highest potassium content (358.46 mg/100g) and iron content (2.54 mg/100g). Among the graft combinations highest potassium content (368.74 mg/100g) and highest iron content (2.76 mg/100g), highest C/N ratio of 24.82 and highest total nitrogen content of 1.48% were recorded in the PKM-1 moringa scion grafted on to moolanur moringa rootstock.
Effect of Commercial Biofertilizers on Growth and Yield of Antimalarial Compounds of Artemisia annua
Authors: Aidah Namuli , Engeu Ogwang Patrick , Baptist Tumuhairwe John , Ajayi Clement , Joel Bazira
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Artemisia annua is a medicinal plant grown by Ugandan farmers in Kabale and Kabarole. It is particularly used in preparation of antimalarial herbal teas used to control and prevent malaria. The content of these antimalarial compounds in A.annua (Anamed) grown in Uganda are low compared to cultivars in other countries but could be enhanced using economical, eco-friendly, and sustainable fertilizers (biofertilizers). Thus, the effect of commercially available biofertilizers in Uganda on A.annua antimalarial components was assessed.

Methodology: Seven different commercially available biofertilizers containing nitrogen fixing strains and phosphate solubilizers obtained from the top biofertilizer distributors to Uganda (Shittah Agri and Biotech Pvt Ltd4 106 C22) and manufacturer (Kinyara Sugar Works Ltd.) were used. Their efficiency was assessed by measuring the vegetative growth characters and the content of flavonoids and artemisinin (using High Performance Liquid Chromatography, HPLC) and polysaccharides (using Ultra Violet visible, UV-vis spectrophotometer).

Results: Though overall increase in growth was observed upon application of the biofertilizers, there was variation in the concentration of the antimalarial compounds. The highest kaempferol content and artemisinin content were observed in A. annua inoculated with Azotobacter spp. AZT (17.05 µg/ml and 1.43%) and Bacillus subtilis, BS (19.12 µg/ml, 1.42%) while the highest quercetin content was observed in A. annua inoculated with AZT (0.42 µg/ml) and Bacillus megaterium, BM (0.41 µg/ml). Additionally, fertilizers (biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers) decreased polysaccharide content.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that application of commercially available biofertilizers in Uganda is beneficial in increasing concentration of artemisinin and flavonoids and thus can be utilized by Artemisia annua farmers in Uganda.
Liquid-based Cytology Profile of Street Sex Workers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Chiedu Nwokolo, Lucky , Ogie Irameh, Theophilus , Ifeoma Obu, Sylvia , Azubuike Osiatuma, Victor , Eno Edet, Samuel , Rosemary Sadoh, Odion , Funsho Durojaiye Oluwabunmi , Chidimma Iduu, Clareth
Published: January 2024

Aim: To investigate street sex workers in Benin City Edo state Nigeria using liquid-based cytology method.

Study Design:  Analytical cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Histopathology Sub-Department, University of Benin, Benin City and the Histopathology Laboratory, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)., between December 2016 and May 2017.

Methodology: This study was conducted in the local government areas that make up the Benin metropolitan City in Edo State. A simple random sampling method was used to recruit the 113 participants, after which the questionnaire was used as the data gathering tool. The liquid-based cytology method was used for sampling following the cervix examination by a gynecological nurse. Data were analyzed using Frequency tables, and factor analysis using Minitab version 17.0 and the statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: From a total of 113 participants within the street sex workers ring in Benin City, acute cervicitis was predominant 7/113(6.2%) closely followed by the chronic 4/113(3.5%). The prevalence of SSWs living with cervicitis in Benin City 11/113(9.7%) revealed that Teenage SSWs were 5/113 (4.4%) and Migrant SSWs 11/113 (9.7%) and were affected by age and duration of sexual practices (p= 0.583; p= 0.204). The prevalence of HPV sera-positivity revealed that 3/113(2.7%) is infected and is largely distributed amongst the age group 21-30years. A hundred percent (100%) of the SSWs agreed to having heard about condoms and have been using it; while regular condom usage was revealed in the HPV sera-negative group amounting to 101/110 (92%) and 2/3(66.7%) amongst the HPV sera-positive group.

Conclusion: In conclusion, cervicitis is the only cervical lesion observed in the street sex workers with HPV infection predominantly affecting the age group (21-30years). Also, teenage prostitution is on the increase and HPV infection amongst the street sex workers in Benin City, Nigeria.
The Effect of Cecropia glaziovii Gel on the Healing Process: Influence on the Balance between Cytokines and Growth Factors
Authors: Tyski Suckow Patricia Pacheco , Dorigoni Bini Ana Carolina , Cordeiro Maria Elvira Ribeiro , Hosni Andressa Panegalli , Julik Angela Dubiela , Jesus Fonseca Eliane Gonçalves de , Kerppers Ivo Ilvan , Reginatto Flávio Henrique , Panis Carolina , De Oliveira Paulo Renato
Published: January 2024

The physiological regulation of wound healing depends on an interaction between different cells and mediators. Cecropia glaziovii is considered a model for the development of phytomedicines for health use due to its pharmacological activities attributed to the presence of flavonoids, procyanidins, catechins, and glycosides. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the anti-inflammatory effects of Cecropia glaziovii gel on the healing of skin lesions in an experimental model. For this purpose, a 3% CMC gel incorporated with the 5% aqueous extract of Cecropia glaziovii was developed. The experimental stage was performed using a dorsal punch model. The sample was composed of 48 Wistar rats, divided into two groups: PC, treated only with base gel, and CEC Cecropia, treated with Cecropia glaziovii gel. The groups were subdivided into 3, 7, 14, and 21 days of treatment. We performed VEGF-α and TGF-β1 analyses by immunohistochemistry, IL-10 and IL-12 analyses by flow cytometry, total collagen analysis by polarized light microscopy, macroscopic, and statistical analysis. The treatment provided anti-inflammatory activity acting on the balance of cytokines production and growth factors, stimulating the collagen deposition necessary for the effectiveness of the healing process.
Psychoneuropharmacological Properties of Eclipta Alba (LINN) in Mice
Authors: Benjamin O. Adegoke , Isaac O. Adeyemi , Bosede  O. Adegoke , Opeyemi E. Ojo , James O. Oni , Patrick A. Adeyemi , Idris A. Oyemitan
Published: January 2024

Eclipta alba (Linn) (EA) has been found useful ethnomedicinally in the treatment of many medical conditions especially mental disorders.

Aims of the Study: This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity profile, behavioural activity, antipsychotic and mechanism of action of the Aqueous extract of Eclipta alba (AEA).

Methodology: Using Lorke’s method the LD50 of AEA was 1,264 mg/kg (i.p) and 3,807 mg/kg (oral) respectively was obtained, which shows that AEA was moderately toxic. The AEA was analysed using standard procedure: novelty-induced behaviour (NIB), through intraperitoneal route shows that AEA (p < 0.0001) exhibits depressant effects on the central nervous system (CNS), while the antipsychotic models (catalepsy, amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion, swimming-induced grooming and apomorphine-induced climbing tests), (p < 0.0001) reveals that it possesses antipsychotic properties.

Conclusion: This study shows that the mechanism of action of AEA (antagonist model: haloperidol, atropine and cyproheptadine) (p < 0.0001) probably mediated via histaminergic, serotonergic and dopamine pathways, which provides scientific support for the ethno-medicinal use of the plant in the treatment of mental illness.
The Influence of Subjective Norms and Religiosity on the Purchase Intention of Halal Products with the Mediator Variable of Consumer Attitudes
Authors: Mizana Alifia , Albari Albari
Published: January 2024

The muslim communities are spread throughout the world, one of the country which has Muslim majority is Indonesia. Based on the development of Islam, culture, and social life, Indonesian people are highly interested in products related to lifestyle, one of which is the skincare products. This study aims to reveal the influence of subjective norms and religiosity on consumer buying interest, with the mediator variable of consumer attitudes. This research will involve Muslim consumers who understand the Scarlett brand of halal skincare products. The number of samples was determined to be 160 people, who were selected using the convenience sampling method.  The research data obtained is primary, collected using a questionnaire, and will be analyzed            using the SEM approach and the help of the PLS data processing program. The results                  of the analysis show that religiosity and subjective norms positively influence consumer attitudes toward halal skincare products and product purchase intentions. In addition, consumer attitudes are also a mediator variable of the effect of religiosity and subjective norms on product purchase intentions.
Critical Review of Geographic Illiteracy in the United States: A Multifaceted Analysis
Authors: McFarlane Donovan A.
Published: January 2024

This paper explores the concept of geographic illiteracy in general, and specifically in the United States over the last several decades. The researcher sets out by placing geographic literacy concerns and challenges within the context of the broader literacy challenges raised in the United States in the last quarter of the previous century via the 1983 published landmark education report, A Nation At Risk. Geography illiteracy, also called ‘geo-illiteracy’ is demonstrated from reports and statistics comparing geographic achievements internationally among nations in certain cohorts, and the state of geographic education nationally, is examined. The importance of geography education-literacy is highlighted, and the researcher explores several authoritative sources including organizations, scholars, and writers on the subject, and then from an analysis of the extant literature, devises “Five Theses” as to the causes of geographic illiteracy (culture value thesis, curricular thesis, corporate-economic value thesis, and perceptions of geography thesis). The consequences of geographic illiteracy are then examined under “Five Themes” referred to as ‘challenges’ (environmental-sustainability challenge, economic challenge, national competitiveness challenge, threat to national security challenge, and well-being and happiness challenge). Finally, the researcher presents several recommendations for improving geographic literacy across the United States, noting that a public policy effort by the federal and state governments must ultimately be the most viable solution to improving the geographic knowledge and skills of American citizens.
Isolated Unilateral Temporal Coloboma of the Lens
Authors: Suman Suwarna , Kumar Arushi , Rathod Hemant Uttamrao
Published: January 2024

Lens coloboma is a rare congenital anomaly that occurs due to failure of the foetal fissure to close completely causing an incomplete formation of the lens, so usually inferonasal. Temporal lens coloboma is extremely rare; reported cases were associated with ocular or systemic anomalies. We report a rare case of unilateral atypical temporal lens coloboma without any iris abnormality and posterior segment coloboma or any other ocular or systemic anomaly.

An 18-year-old female presented with a gradually progressive painless diminution of vision in her left eye for two years. There was no history of trauma, and family history was non-contributory. The systemic examination was normal. Ocular examination revealed a vision of 6/6 in the right eye and 6/60 in the left eye improving to 6/24 with pinhole and unilateral atypical temporal coloboma of the crystalline lens in the left eye after dilatation. The rest of the anterior segment and fundus examination was normal. No abnormality was detected in the right eye. The best corrected visual acuity of 6/6 OD and 6/9 OS was achieved with spectacle correction at 6 months of follow-up. This case is a rare presentation of unilateral atypical coloboma located temporally without any iris abnormality and posterior segment coloboma or any other ocular or systemic anomaly. Early correction of refractive error and astigmatism results in good prognosis.
Comparison Between the Yolov4 and Yolov5 Models in Detecting Faces while Wearing a Mask
Authors: Kadhum Aseil Nahum , Kadhum Aseel Nahum
Published: January 2024

Object detection based on deep learning has shown good results ever since the Coronavirus or Covid-19 started sweeping the entire world affecting and killing many people. One of the easiest and simplest ways to protect oneself from this virus is to wear a mask. In order to detect whether a person is wearing a mask or not, we propose here two models for detecting face masks. Facial recognition has been difficult, but with the development of deep learning, it has tremendous ability to detect objects, especially in public places. Therefore, it has become necessary for accurate diagnosis to protect people from Covid-19. In order to discover whether a person is wearing a mask or not, we propose a model to detect face masks whether the mask is worn or not, so it was proposed in this research to use two deep learning algorithms, which are YOLOv5 and YOLOv4, which are among the YOLO models that are characterized by accuracy and speed. Compare learning algorithms Deep and finding the difference between them in performance and accuracy, and there is a CNN algorithm that is also important in discovering things and achieved satisfactory results, but we will use the YOLO model. YOLO is an advanced algorithm with fast, real-time detection. As most of the results were reviewed with previous variations of YOLO and CNN, it is worth noting that the YOLO model is the best model in face detection. Face detection is of great importance in various fields, especially in public places, and requires security accuracy in detection. It is known that investigators' statements about images of masks are not very easy. Therefore, training and evaluation on the dataset available on Google Colab for YOLOv5 and YOLOv4 algorithm are conducted in this paper.
Distribution of the non-indigenous Cercopagis pengoi in the coastal waters of the eastern Gulf of Finland
Authors: Uitto A. , Gorokhova E. , Välipakka P.
Published: September 2002

We studied the distribution and population structure of the immigrant predaceous cladoceran species Cercopagis pengoi and its role in the zooplankton community during a 1-week cruise at the beginning of September 1997. Samples were collected at 20 stations within a coastal area of 500 km2 in the Gulf of Finland. Temperature above the thermocline was about 16–18°C. Phytoplankton was dominated by filamentous blue-green algae, metazooplankton by rotifers, cladocerans, cyclopoids, and calanoids. Ciliates (maximum density 2 × 105 L −1) were dominated by oligotrich ciliates and Mesodinium rubrum. The maximum density of different metazoan taxa varied from a few (Cercopagis) to a thousand (rotifers) per litre. Most of the Cercopagis population consisted of maturing parthenogenic females with a low percentage of males and gametogenic females. On the basis of population structure, we suggest that the population was still in the growth phase, parthenogenesis being the dominant reproduction strategy. Variation in zooplankton community structure and density was associated with differences in salinity, the stations nearest to the coast favouring cladocerans and cyclopoids. Rotifers and ciliates were most abundant at the eastern stations. Since density of Cercopagis was also highest at the eastern stations, this predator may have been an important factor in the structure of the zooplankton community. The potential effects of Cercopagis on the pelagic community structure and dynamics in the Gulf of Finland are discussed.
Uniform null-controllability for the one-dimensional heat equation with rapidly oscillating periodic density
Authors: López A. , Zuazua E.
Published: September 2002

We consider the

1−d

heat equation with rapidly oscillating periodic density in a bounded interval with Dirichlet boundary conditions. When the period tends to zero and the density weakly converges to its average we prove that the boundary controls converge to a control of the limit, constant coefficient heat equation when the density is

C^2

.

The proof is based on a control strategy in three steps in which: we first control the low frequencies of the system, we then let the system to evolve freeely and, finally, we control to zero the whole solution. We use the theory of real exponentials to analyze the low frequencies and Carleman inequalities to control the whole solution.

The result is in constrast with the divergent behavior of the null controls for the wave equation with rapidly oscillating coefficients.

On considère l'équation de la chaleur

1−d

avec densité périodique rapidement oscillante de classe
C
2 dans un intervalle borné avec des conditions aux limites de Dirichlet. On démontre que, lorsque la période tend vers zéro et donc la densité converge faiblement vers sa moyenne, les contrôles convergent vers un contrôle pour l'équation de la chaleur limite, à coefficients constants.

Notre construction se fait en trois étapes. Dans la première nous contrôlons uniformement les bases fréquences. Dans une deuxième étape nous laissons les solutions décroitre sans contrôle. Finalement, nous appliquons un contrôle qui ramène les solutions à zéro. La preuve combine la théorie des sommes d'exponentielles réeles pour analyser les basses fréquences et les inégalités de Carleman pour ramener les solutions à zéro.

Ce résultat est à comparer avec ceux établis dans le cadre de l'équation des ondes à coefficients rapidement oscillants. Dans ce dernier cas on sait que les contrôles divergent lorsque la période tend vers zéro.
Asymmetric elliptic problems with indefinite weights
Authors: Arias M. , Campos J. , Cuesta M. , Gossez J.-P.
Published: September 2002

We prove the existence of a first nontrivial eigenvalue for an asymmetric elliptic problem with weights involving the laplacian (cf. (1.2) below) or more generally the

p

-laplacian (cf. (1.3) below). A first application is given to the description of the beginning of the Fučik spectrum with weights for these operators. Another application concerns the study of nonresonance for the problems (1.1) and (1.5) below. One feature of our nonresonance conditions is that they involve eigenvalues with weights instead of pointwise restrictions.

Nous démontrons l'existence d'une première valeur propre non triviale pour un problème asymétrique avec poids faisant intervenir le laplacien (cf. (1.2) ci-dessous) ou plus généralement le

p

-laplacien (cf. (1.3) ci-dessous). Une première application consiste en la description du début du spectre de Fučik avec poids pour ces opérateurs. Une autre application concerne l'étude de la nonrésonance pour les problèmes (1.1) et (1.5) ci-dessous. Une caractéristique de nos conditions de nonrésonance est qu'elles font intervenir des valeurs propres avec poids, plutôt que des restrictions ponctuelles.
Heat hyperalgesia in humans: assessed by different stimulus temperature profiles
Authors: Yucel Aysen , Andersen Ole K , Nielsen Jesper , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars
Published: September 2002

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the rate of temperature increase on the intensity of the evoked pain before and after hyperalgesia induced by topical capsaicin. Further, hyperalgesia to suprathreshold heat stimuli was investigated. Thirteen healthy volunteers were included in the experiment. All stimuli were applied in randomised order within the volar surface of both forearms using a computer‐controlled contact stimulator. In one of the forearms, the effect of the rate of temperature change was investigated for 1.0, 5.0, and 8.0 °C/s reaching a peak temperature of 30.0, 33.0, 36.0, 39.0, and 42.0 °C in the primary hyperalgesic area and reaching a peak temperature of 33.0, 36.0, 39.0, 42.0, 45.0, 47.0, and 49.0 °C in the secondary hyperalgesic area before and after the induction of hyperalgesia. In the other forearm, the same procedure was repeated without capsaicin application as a control measurement. After the induction of hyperalgesia, the pain ratings were significantly higher in the arm treated with capsaicin compared with baseline for 36, 39, and 42 °C heating rates in the primary hyperalgesic area. The pain ratings were significantly higher with 1 °C/s heating rate compared with 5 and 8 °C/s for 36, 39, and 42 °C in the primary hyperalgesic area. Heat hyperalgesia was also observed within the secondary hyperalgesic area to pin‐prick for stimulus temperatures of 45, 47, and 49 °C compared with the baseline measurements. Increased ratings were found for all three heating rates in the secondary hyperalgesic area. There were no heat hyperalgesia in the control arm. In conclusion, hyperalgesia to suprathreshold heat stimuli was observed in the secondary hyperalgesic area and C‐fibres play an important role in the primary hyperalgesia to heat.
Clinical trials update: RENEWAL (RENAISSANCE and RECOVER) and ATTACH
Authors: Coletta A.P. , Clark A.L. , Banarjee P. , Cleland J.G.F.
Published: September 2002

This article continues a series of reports on recent research developments in the field of heart failure. Reports of two key presentations made at the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Update meeting held in Oslo, Norway from 8 to 11 June 2002, are included in this article. Summaries of the results of the RENEWAL (RENAISSANCE and RECOVER) and ATTACH studies, presented at the Hot Line sessions held during the meeting are reported.
Preparing the ground for quantum chemistry in Great Britain: the work of the physicist R. H. Fowler and the chemist N. V. Sidgwick
Authors: GAVROGLU KOSTAS , SIMÕES ANA
Published: September 2002

In this paper we will discuss some of the issues related to the attempts of Ralph Howard Fowler and Nevil Vincent Sidgwick to create a legitimizing space for quantum and theoretical chemistry in Britain. Although neither Fowler nor Sidgwick made original contributions to quantum chemistry, they followed closely the developments in the discipline, participated in meetings and discussions and delivered lectures, talks and addresses, where methodological topics, ontological questions and implicitly the problem of autonomy of the new discipline vis-à-vis both physics and chemistry were taken to be pressing issues. In particular, they encouraged young people to work within the nascent discipline. Viewing quantum chemistry as a branch of applied mathematics became an emblematic characteristic of the practice of the new discipline in Great Britain.