bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fresh Insights on the Kinematics of M49's Globular Cluster System with MMT/Hectospec Spectroscopy
Authors: Taylor Matthew A. , Ko Youkyung , Côté Patrick , Ferrarese Laura , Peng Eric W. , Zabludoff Ann , Roediger Joel , Sánchez-Janssen Rubén , Hendel David , Chilingarian Igor , Liu Chengze , Spengler Chelsea , Zhang Hongxin
Published: July 2021

We present the first results of an MMT/Hectospec campaign to measure the kinematics of globular clusters (GCs) around M49—the brightest galaxy in the Virgo galaxy cluster, which dominates the Virgo B subcluster. The data include kinematic tracers beyond 95 kpc (∼5.2 effective radii) for M49 for the first time, enabling us to achieve three key insights reported here. First, beyond ∼20′–30′ (∼100–150 kpc), the GC kinematics sampled along the minor photometric axis of M49 become increasingly hotter, indicating a transition from GCs related to M49 to those representing the Virgo B intra-cluster medium. Second, there is an anomaly in the line-of-sight radial velocity dispersion (σ

r,los) profile in an annulus ∼10–15′ (∼50–90 kpc) from M49 in which the kinematics cool by Δσ

r,los ≈ 150 km s−1 relative to those in- or outward. The kinematic fingerprint of a previous accretion event is hinted at in projected phase-space, and we isolate GCs that both give rise to this feature, and are spatially co-located with two prominent stellar shells in the halo of M49. Third, we find a subsample of GCs with velocities representative of the dwarf galaxy VCC 1249 that is currently interacting with M49. The spatial distribution of these GCs closely resembles the morphology of VCC 1249's isophotes, indicating that several of these GCs are likely in the act of being stripped from the dwarf during its passage through M49's halo. Taken together, these results point toward the opportunity of witnessing ongoing giant halo assembly in the depths of a cluster environment.
Shrubland habitats in Dragoman municipality: a case study from western Bulgaria
Authors: Grigorov Borislav , Velev Nikolay , Assenov Assen , Nazarov Momchil , Gramatikov Mladen , Genova Beloslava , Vassilev Kiril
Published: July 2021

The current research focuses on the investigation of shrubland vegetation in Dragoman municipality. The study is motivated by the willingness of the authors to check the shrubland habitats’ territorial extent and their importance to ecosystem processes, following the increased degree of succession over the last three decades. On the other hand, governmental subsidizing has been common for the last decade, leading to a clearance of lands with shrubs. Shrublands were studied through the application of the Braun-Blanquet approach and were defined by the European Nature Information System (EUNIS) classification. One main habitat type with three subtypes have been defined. Those are the Subcontinental and continental deciduous thickets (F3.24) that covers the largest area, Peri-Pannonic dwarf almond scrub (F3.24122), Moesian oriental hornbeam thickets (F3.2431), Moesian lilac thickets (F3.2432), covering a total area of 52.32 km2. Secondary succession has to be considered among the main reasons for shrubland distribution. The lower number of grazing animals and forest clearings act as boosters for this ecological process. Large areas in Dragoman municipality are characterized also by shallow soils that are unable to sustain forest vegetation, thus giving way to shrubs.
Grassmannian reduction of cucker-smale systems and dynamical opinion games
Authors: Lear Daniel , Reynolds David N. , Shvydkoy Roman
Published: July 2021

In this note we study a new class of alignment models with self-propulsion and Rayleigh-type friction forces, which describes the collective behavior of agents with individual characteristic parameters. We describe the long time dynamics via a new method which allows us to reduce analysis from the multidimensional system to a simpler family of two-dimensional systems parametrized by a proper Grassmannian. With this method we demonstrate exponential alignment for a large (and sharp) class of initial velocity configurations confined to a sector of opening less than \begin{document}$ \pi $\end{document}.

In the case when characteristic parameters remain frozen, the system governs dynamics of opinions for a set of players with constant convictions. Viewed as a dynamical non-cooperative game, the system is shown to possess a unique stable Nash equilibrium, which represents a settlement of opinions most agreeable to all agents. Such an agreement is furthermore shown to be a global attractor for any set of initial opinions.
Perceptions of Fostering Creative Thinking Skills in ESP Classrooms in Ukraine and Portugal
Authors: Saienko Nataliia , Olizko Yuliia , Cunha Anna
Published: July 2021

Abstract−The purpose of the study was to investigate BA (bachelors of art) and (bachelors of science) students’ and ESP (English for Specific Purposes) teachers’ perceptions of creative thinking skills in the ESP classroom and study the current international approaches of fostering them at the ESP lesson. Participants in the research include 51 BA students from Portugal and 56 students from Ukraine as well as 30 Ukrainian and 16 Portuguese ESP teachers. Questionnaires were used for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. This research has confirmed the lack of fostering creative thinking skills in ESP classrooms in Portugal and Ukraine. The findings showed that the majority of ESP teachers in both countries would like to spend more time on fostering creative skills than they actually did. As the results identified teachers from Portugal and Ukraine often experienced problem-based learning, but in Portugal there was also a greater use of role playing as a part of creative approach, and in Ukraine there was a greater use of project-based learning. Creative skills Ukrainian and Portuguese students consider to be important for them were trying new experiments, searching for new ways to solve the problem, creating new associations and interdisciplinary links, choosing new information sources. Professional situations which according to the students’ answers demanded from them creative thinking skills were defined in the article too. Creative ESP tasks students in Ukraine, Portugal and other countries had in their classroom were stated as well.
Using Virtual Reality for Teaching the Derivation of Conservation Laws in Fluid Mechanics
Authors: Boettcher Konrad , Behr Alexander
Published: July 2021

In many fields of study, physical sub-areas are treated mathematically in order to teach students the tools for optimization in their professional lives. In the derivation of the fundamental conservation equations theoretical con-structs or infinitesimal elements are used, additionally engaging a Taylor expansion of the variables. For undergraduates, this often means that the understanding of the physical interrelationships is left out in the cold. Practical experiments are not possible for clarification, since important quantities in the mathematical for-mulation can only made visible in experiments with extreme effort or are even in-accessible like theoretical constructs or infinitesimal values. Numerical calcula-tions may be used to show some quantities, but students cannot carry them out for themselves. Therefore, a virtual-reality laboratory for fluid mechanics is creat-ed with the software UNREAL ENGINE 4. This enables the students to learn the derivation of conservation laws and to influence the flow in order to experience and examine the basics of theoretical constructs. The results are evaluated in self-assessments, exercises, tutorials associated to the fluid mechanics course, and the results of an exam. Benefits for the use of virtual reality (VR) in teaching conser-vation laws were ascertained.
NME’s “Irish Troubles”: Political Conflict, Media Crisis and the British Music Press
Authors: Campbell Sean
Published: July 2021

This article explores coverage of the Northern Ireland conflict (1968-1998) in Britain’s weekly music press, focusing on the country’s leading music paper, the New Musical Express (NME), during its 1980s “heyday”, when it attracted a weekly readership of between one and two million people. The article shows how this paper (despite its principal remit as a popular-music publication) strove to cover the Troubles through a series of feature articles, letters page debates, and (even) a special themed issue, offering space to oppositional views and – crucially – affording a platform to the voice of its readers, at a time when much of Britain’s media was reluctant to address the conflict. Drawing on original interviews with key NME writers, as well as extensive trawling of press archives, the article excavates the intricacies of NME’s account of the conflict, charting its shifting approach to the Troubles, and tracing tensions that this generated between – and amongst – its writers and readers.
L’urbex : déchiffrage / défrichage critique
Authors: Morisson Valérie
Published: July 2021

L’exploration urbaine (urbex) est un phénomène culturel mondial consistant à explorer des lieux abandonnés sans y laisser de traces et à prendre des photographies des sites ensuite postées sur les réseaux sociaux. En Irlande, l’intérêt pour les lieux délabrés et les ruines est antérieur à l’urbex notamment en raison de l’importance de la propriété et de l’émigration. L’urbex a été décriée et dépeinte comme une forme de ruinophilie, de tourisme macabre ou de soif adolescente d’aventures illégales. Mais elle a été encouragée par ceux qui y voient une résistance politique aux stratégies de surveillance ou bien une opportunité de se réapproprier le passé pour construire des archives populaires et collaboratives. Étant donné l’absence d’articles portant sur l’urbex en Irlande, il semble nécessaire de présenter les différentes pistes critiques permettant de comprendre cette pratique très débattue.
The War That Never Came: Creating, Transmitting and Maintaining Handed-Down Memories of the Emergency in Ireland. Acknowledging Family Recollections of WWII
Authors: Gormally Patrick
Published: July 2021

Within the context of WWII, this essay explores the notion of national and personal conflict within individuals and communities in Ireland, part of which had undergone the severing of imperial connections and the attainment of national independence less than a full generation before. In Ireland, the conflict of war on a wider stage impinged upon an inner conflict closer to the heart. To go or not to go… to war. The question was raised to remain behind and serve a / the cause by maintaining a “home guard” alertness. This essay attempts to examine the fuzziness of transmitted handed-down memory which is far from being as clear and precise as “official” history. War memorials suggest an alternative conclusion and an alternative sense of historical order – intellectual and ideological. At the core of this paper are the memories of Martin Jarlath Gormally, the author’s father. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren live in Ireland, France, the United Kingdom, and Austria. For comparison / contrast, brief reference is made to WWII in France and to de-Nazification in Austria.
Triade aristotélicienne, matières bodéliennes, genres médiévaux : dépasser les apories génériques avec Gérard Genette
Authors: Toniutti Géraldine
Published: July 2021

L’article propose de soumettre la théorie qu’élabore Gérard Genette autour de la notion de genre littéraire à l’épreuve de la littérature médiévale. En relisant La Poétique d’Aristote, Genette fonde une manière d’utiliser ce concept qui évite d’essentialiser les catégories génériques ou d’en faire des cases hermétiques et transhistoriques. Sa théorie, qui se veut universelle, devrait donc lever les réticences de certains médiévistes à l’égard de l’emploi de la notion de genre à la littérature médiévale. Le système que fournit Genette nous invite également à interroger le statut de la matière, que les médiévistes considèrent bien souvent, et à tort, comme l’équivalent médiéval du concept de genre. En dépassant ces apories théoriques, il est alors possible d’affirmer la légitimité du concept de genre pour la période médiévale ; toute littérature s’organise en relations, et la littérature médiévale n’y échappe pas.
Louis-Patrick Bergot, Apocalypse et littérature au Moyen Âge. Réception de l’imaginaire apocalyptique dans la littérature française des xiie et xiiie siècles
Authors: Bergot Louis-Patrick
Published: July 2021

Parmi les nombreuses apocalypses composées durant l’Antiquité judéo-chrétienne, seules l’Apocalypse de Jean et l’Apocalypse de Paul (par l’intermédiaire de la Vision de saint Paul) ont bénéficié de traductions en ancien français. Leur réception textuelle fait l’objet dans cette thèse d’un classement exhaustif et d’une étude détaillée. En raison de leur succès, ces deux apocalypses ont laissé une empreinte durable dans les mentalités médiévales, car elles répondaient à deux préoccupations majeures : le Jugement collectif (Apocalypse johannique) et le Jugement individuel (apocalypse paulinienne). Elles ont donné naissance à un imaginaire dont on peut déceler la trace dans la littérature française du Moyen Âge grâce à une approche intertextuelle. Plusieurs pans de la littérature médiévale recourent à cet imaginaire, qu’il s’agisse de la littérature visionnaire (avec La Vision de Tondale et Le Purgatoire de saint Patrick), de la littérature allégorique (dans La Tournoi de l’Antéchrist et Le Roman de la Rose) ou de la littérature didactique et religieuse (dans La Somme le roi, les sermons ou les épîtres farcies). L’imaginaire apocalyptique imprègne ainsi une part considérable de la littérature de cette époque, de sorte qu’on peut l’envisager comme un univers mental autonome, riche de motifs, de lieux, de créatures, et parfois d’inquiétudes. De texte en texte, cet imaginaire s’est propagé au gré de strates intertextuelles que la philologie est en mesure de distinguer. Mais ce réseau complexe d’interférences ne doit pas nous faire oublier que la réception de l’imaginaire apocalyptique ne s’appréhende pas uniquement à une échelle textuelle : elle met aussi en jeu des mécanismes cognitifs comme la compréhension, la représentation ou l’imagination.
Understanding Tourist Perceptions and Expectations During Pandemic Through Social Media Big Data
Authors: Sabuncu Ibrahim
Published: July 2021

This chapter describes social media's role in understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry. At first, collecting large amounts of unstructured data from tourism-related digital media, social media, and search engines is explained. Then how these data can be analysed with artificial intelligence and machine learning-based sentiment analysis, content analysis, and topic modelling algorithms is described based on similar studies in the literature. Finally, how the collected data can be used to understand tourists' positive and negative experiences in the pandemic and determine their expectations from tourism enterprises, tourism-related public institutions, and government officials is expressed. Consequently, this chapter summarises how the digital world's big data resources can be used to extract knowledge about tourism during the pandemic.
Psychological Characteristics of Tourist Behavior During a Pandemic and Expectations of Future Tourists
Authors: Kobal Grum Darja
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has radically cut into tourism behaviors and virtually disabled any form of tourism. This chapter deals with the problem of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the changes of tourist behavior and how these changes are reflected in the wellbeing of potential tourists. The purpose of this chapter is to find out what are the psychological characteristics that will help to return to tourist behavior after the pandemic subsides. Next, the chapter will pay attention to the relationship between the gradual return to tourist activities and safe, but at the same time relaxed tourist behavior. The author performed a method of systematic review, which performed a systematic analysis of the most relevant target literature since the COVID-19 pandemic has existed. Based on the obtained results, the author designed a model of the psychological characteristics of safe tourist behavior at the transition to the post-COVID-19 period.
COVID-19 Policy Actions for the Recovery of the Tourism Industry and a Discussion for the Post-COVID Era
Authors: Turkcan Burcu
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world, and a new normal has some new rules including travel restrictions, social distancing, contactless technologies, and health and hygiene protocols. The post-COVID era will witness transformations in the tourism industry, and discussions about new policies and actions will be critical. In this context, the main aims of this study are twofold. The first aim is analyzing the policy actions of different countries for the recovery of tourism industry during COVID-19 pandemic. And the second aim is making a comprehensive discussion about the actions that should be taken in the post-COVID period. In this sense, the main contribution of this study is expected to be on the point that the enhanced discussion will shed light on the tourism recovery for the analysts, academics, and policymakers.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Rural Second Home Tourism
Authors: Türk Ersin , Erdoğan Aygün , Sulak Beytullah , Erkan Gökhan Hüseyin
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study is to examine the level of satisfaction of second home users in the EBSR countryside due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, a qualitative research based on in-depth interview technique using semi-structured questionnaire was applied to six households. Gürgenağaç Village within the borders of Trabzon Province, Maçka District was selected as the case area. The study provided results to discuss whether rural second homes, which are seen as insurance against risks, fulfill the expected task by virtue of the global pandemic experience and the problems arising from second homes and their surroundings. In conclusion, the study shows that behaviors and attitudes of rural second home owners had significantly changed with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Review of the Studies Related to COVID-19 and Tourism Using Text Mining Techniques
Authors: Kartal Burcu , Sert Mehmet Fatih
Published: July 2021

This study aims to provide a roadmap for research dealing with the tourism sector. In this context, by conducting a study in the form of a literature review, researchers are informed about what has been done and what is missing. In the study, articles that have been accepted from scientific journals indexed in the SCOPUS database before January 18, 2021 and dealing with COVID-19 and tourism issues are examined. The study was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, descriptive statistics were given in terms of the region studied in the articles, the journal in which the articles were published, and the methods used in the articles from a general perspective. In the second stage, articles are divided into sections such as title, keywords, abstract, and conclusion. Each article section has been analyzed separately with text mining and clustering analysis, taking into account both single and double-word groups. As a result of analysis, it was determined that theoretical studies were carried out and quantitative methods were used in most of the studies.
Hybrid Crypto Techniques for Secured Multimedia Big Data Content Protection System (SMBDCPS)
Authors: Velliangiri S.  , Naga Rama Devi G.
Published: July 2021

Most of the existing work does not ensure the optimal and secured storage maintenance of big data. This is resolved in the proposed research method name called secured multimedia big data content protection system (SMBDCPS). The proposed scheme has using AES and SHA-256 hybrid mechanism for securing the keys of encryption and decryption. This method has integrated the key value of AES and SHA-256 together to generate the new key value for increasing the security level. The main advantage of the proposed scheme has required only small storage which is computation efficient. The overall performance of the proposed scheme has carried out on MATLAB simulation environment over the medical health care datasets. The performance proves the proposed scheme has yield better results than the existing scheme.
Abatacept Promotes Regulatory B Cell Functions, Enhancing Their Ability to Reduce the Th1 Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients through the Production of IL-10 and TGF-β
Authors: Carvajal Alegria Guillermo , Cornec Divi , Saraux Alain , Devauchelle-Pensec Valérie , Jamin Christophe , Hillion Sophie , Pers Jacques-Olivier , Pochard Pierre
Published: July 2021

Abatacept mimics natural CD152 and competes with CD28 for binding to CD80/CD86 on APC, such as B cells, thereby preventing T cell activation. However, its potential impact on B cells has not been identified. The aim of this study was to assess whether abatacept can potentiate the immunoregulatory properties of B cells in vitro and in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). T and B cells from healthy controls were purified. The suppressor properties of B cells in the presence of abatacept or control IgG1 were evaluated based on the ability of these cells to inhibit the polyclonal expansion (anti-CD3/CD28 stimulation) of T cells or their differentiation into Th1 or Th17 cells. Similar analyses were also performed with cells from RA patients before and 3 mo after abatacept initiation. Abatacept significantly potentiated regulatory B cell regulatory functions by enhancing their ability to produce IL-10 and TGF-β, resulting in the increased generation of regulatory T cells and limited T cell proliferation and differentiation into Th1 and Th17 cells. Interestingly, B cells isolated from patients that received a 3-mo treatment with abatacept had an increased ability to reduce T cell functions, confirming the above observations. Abatacept binding to CD80/CD86 induces and promotes regulatory B cell functions by enhancing the ability of these cells to produce IL-10 and TGF-β in vitro and in RA patients.
A nomogram to predict microvascular invasion in early hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Hongguang , Li Tao , Hu Jinhua , Liu Jun
Published: July 2021

Aim:

To construct an integrated nomogram combining protein induced by vitamin K antagonist-II (PIVKA-II), alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and other clinical factors to detect microvascular invasion (MVI) in early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with single nodule.

Methods:

One hundred and eleven early HCC patients were enrolled in the present study and 43 early HCC patients were diagnosed with MVI. Serum levels of PIVKA-II, AFP and other laboratory indicators were detected. Chi-squared test, t-test and logistic regression were employed in statistic analysis. A nomogram combining independent predictors was constructed and internal validated.

Results:

In early HCC patients with MVI, PIVKA-II serum level was significantly higher than those without MVI (385.97 mAU/ml vs 67.08 mAU/ml; P < 0.01), as well as AFP serum level (81.6 ng/mL vs 9.15 ng/mL P = 0.001). PIVAK-II, AFP serum levels and tumor size were independent risk factors for MVI in early HCC, which was employed to develop a logistic regression model. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of the model was 0.74 (95%CI 0.65 - 0.84). A nomogram combining PIVKA-II, AFP and tumor size was constructed and calibration curves showed that the model was accurate in predicting the risk of MVI in early HCC patients.

Conclusion:

The present study indicates that a preoperative nomogram combining PIVKA-II, AFP and tumor size could estimate the preoperative probability of MVI in early HCC patients, which may help clinicians in choosing treatment options and prognosis evaluation.
Potential Benefits of Ripe Cultivated Banana (Musa sapientum Linn.) in Practical Diet on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization and Disease Resistance of Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. mossambicus)
Authors: Karaket Thuchapol , Somtua Chanuwat , Ponza Pattareeya , Areechon Nontawith
Published: July 2021

The potential benefits of ripe cultivated banana CV. Kluai Namwa (Musa sapientum Linn.) as a natural feed supplementation in practical diet on growth performance, feed utilization, innate immunity and disease resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae infection in hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. mossambicus) were evaluated. Fish were fed with the test diet containing different levels of ripe cultivated banana (RCB) supplements (10, 30 and 50 g/kg diet) compared with the negative control and positive control diet for 60 days. Results showed that growth parameters, feed efficiency and lysozyme activity values in the positive control group (vitamins and minerals premix added) were significantly higher than the negative control group (without any premix supplements) but differences among the RCB supplementary diet group and the positive control group were not statistically significant. After challenged with Streptococcus agalactiae, the cumulative mortality of fish in the positive control group was lowest (0%), the percent survivals were 62.22%, 66.67%, 83.33% and 88.89% in the negative control, 10RCB, 30RCB, and 50RCB treatments, respectively. These results showed that the RCB supplementary diets had unaffected on growth performances and could be potential as an immunostimulant to improve fish health for red tilapia aquaculture.
Differentiating Dengue from COVID-19: Comparison of Cases in Colombia
Authors: Rosso Fernando , Parra-Lara Luis G. , Agudelo-Rojas Olga L. , Martinez-Ruiz Diana M.
Published: July 2021

The differentiation between dengue and COVID-19 diagnoses is a challenge in tropical regions because of the similarity of symptoms and limited access to specific diagnostic tests for each disease. The objective of this study was to describe the initial symptoms and laboratory test values of patients who presented to the emergency department with dengue or COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was performed in a single center in Cali, Colombia. The inclusion criteria were patients with a diagnosis of dengue or COVID-19 who were older than 14 years of age. All patients experienced fever or other symptoms for fewer than 10 days. Linear regression was performed to evaluate the differences in the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) between patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and dengue, and was adjusted for sex and age group (≤ 31 and > 31 years). The sample size was calculated to test the hypothesis that the median NLR in COVID-19 patients is higher than that in dengue patients. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses. A total of 93 patients were included: 70 with dengue and 23 with COVID-19. Dengue patients were younger than COVID-19 patients. There were significant differences between dengue and COVID-19 patients regarding platelet count (P < 0.01), neutrophil count (P < 0.01), NLR (P < 0.01), and abnormal alanine transaminase (ALT) (P = 0.03). The NLR was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in dengue patients (P < 0.01). In conclusion, during the first week of symptoms, absolute neutrophil count, NLR, and platelet count could help guide the initial differential approach between dengue and COVID-19. These findings could be useful in geographical areas with a lack of resources.
Translating the Test of Academic Literacy Levels into Sesotho
Authors: Butler Gustav
Published: July 2021

This article reports on an initiative at the Vaal Triangle Campus (VTC) of North-West University (NWU) towards the active encouragement of functional multilingualism in tertiary education. More specifically, in an effort to support the potential use of Sesotho (Southern Sotho) and isiZulu in the teaching-learning environment at this campus, it was decided that an important first step should be an accurate and reliable determination of students’ levels of academic literacy (AL) in these two languages. Such a measurement would provide an  indication of student readiness to make productive use of any extra learning support offered in these languages. Since there are no measuring instruments available to assess students’ academic literacy levels in Sesotho and isiZulu at tertiary level, it was decided thattranslating an existing test may be the most productive option in this case. The test selected for translation into Sesotho and isiZulu was the Test of Academic Literacy Levels (TALL), a test that has consistently shown high reliability measures in the assessment of students’academic literacy levels in English. Because Sesotho is the home language used by the majority of students (other than English and Afrikaans) at the VTC, it was decided that Sesotho would be treated as priority in terms of the completion of the project. The article  therefore documents the translation process for Sesotho, and discusses primarily positive findings regarding the creation of a conceptually and functionally adequate Sesotho version of the TALL through a process of translation.
The refinement and uses of a test of academic literacy for Grade 10 students
Authors: Myburgh-Smit Jo-Mari , Weideman Albert
Published: July 2021

The massification of higher education has led to a substantial increase in enrolments since 1993, and an astonishing 300% rise  in firstdegree completion among black students. Yet questions remain about the level and adequacy of students’ preparation at school for such study. Drop-out rates of learners remain unacceptably high both at school and university level. Language ability is often identified as being one of several hurdles that prevent success, especially in higher education. At school there is an apparent misalignment between the aims of the current Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), and the subsequent instruction and assessment of students. CAPS requires that students should be prepared to handle academic discourse, yet no clear outline of what academic discourse entails is given.Consequently, many higher education institutions across the country require of students to write additional pre-admission or post-entry tests of language ability. In some cases the National Benchmark Test (NBT) is used to grant or deny access, or in others for placement of at-risk students on language development interventions, usually defined as “academic literacy” courses. The clear expectation is that  these tests will have some measure of predictive value, or at least be useful as regards minimising risk of failure. Ideally, it would then be advantageous if students who need to improve their academic literacy levels could be identified at an earlier stage than university entry, whilst they are still in school. To monitor and gauge the value of language assessments and courses, however, one would first need appropriate, adequate and defensible assessment instruments. This paper discusses the need for and the refinement of an academic literacy test for Grade 10 students as a first step towards measuring and then developing the required level of academic literacy before entry into higher education.
Characteristics of patients with acute heart failure in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Ogunmodede J.A. , Kolo P.M. , Bojuwoye M.O. , Dele-Ojo B.F. , Ogunmodede A.J. , Omotoso A.B.
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Heart failure (HF) is an important cause of hospital admission in Nigeria. HF is increasingly prevalent because the population is aging and HF epidemiology is changing. We aimed at profiling the socio-demographic, clinical and echocardiographic (Echo)  characteristics of patients admitted for acute HF. This is one of the largest cohorts of HF patients profiled in Nigeria so far.

Methods: Cross sectional design. Socio-demographic, clinical and Echo data were collected from 455 patients admitted for AHF at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, North central, Nigeria.

Results: Mean age of patients was 58.9± 15.7years, (men were older than women, P= 0.006). 265(58.2%) were males, most patients were aged >60 years, 4.8% had pre-existing Type2 Diabetes mellitus. 53.2% of patients presented in New York Heart Association Stages III and IV. Median duration of admission was 11days (IQR, 6-17), intrahospital mortality- 11.6%. Hypertension was the commonest aetiological factor (62.4%), followed by dilated cardiomyopathy 17.6%, rheumatic heart disease (6.6%), Peripartum cardiomyopathy (5.3%), and others.

Conclusion: AHF patients in our study are older than those in previous studies in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Hypertension is main driver of AHF, and patients largely present with clinically advanced disease necessitating stronger public health education about risk factors and early presentation.
Sun-protection strategies amongst people living with Albinism in Benin-city, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Madubuko C.R. , Onunu A.N.
Published: July 2021

Background: Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is an inherited disorder of generalized hypopigmentation. Dermatological care and protection from UV radiation are necessary for individuals with OCA. We assessed the patterns of protection strategies amongst persons living with albinism in Benin-city, Nigeria.

Methods: Snow ball sampling methods were employed to investigate sun protection strategies amongst albinos in UBTH, Benin-city,  Nigeria. Avoidance of sun peak hours, sun-protection clothing and sunscreen preparations used were analyzed during semi-structured face to face interviews conducted in the outreach clinics.

Results: A total of 73 participants living with albinism were studied. The mean age of the participants was 24.1years± 11.3 years. The predominant activity type was out-door occurring in 62(84.9%) of the population observed. Participants with albinism in this study were exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year. They all reported being unable to avoid sun-peak hours. Sunscreens were used in 15 (20.5%) albinos studied while sun-protection clothings were worn in 13(17.8%) respondents. Sunscreens were used more in those who engaged principally in out-door activities. This was observed in 10(13.7%) clients studied (p=0.04).

Conclusion: People leaving with albinism who attended UBTH outreach skin clinic had insufficient sun protection strategies.
A double blind, placebo controlled randomized evaluation of the efficacy of a Polyherbal Preparation (FaradinR) in treating sickle cell anaemia in Nigerian children
Authors: Gbadero D.G. , Olutogun T.A. , Olufemi-Aworinde K.J. , Oluwadare L.P. , Abolarin A.T. , Farayola L. , Adeyeye M.C.
Published: July 2021

Introduction: The goal of management of sickle cell anaemia (SCA), for many years, has been to manage acute intermittent crises and  slow down chronic end organ damage. In the past few decades, with increasing understanding of its pathophysiology, compounds primarily preventive in action are being investigated and used. Faradin® (a poly-herbal traditional supplement mixture) has been used aspreventive measure against painful episodes by SCA patients as an over the counter medication and anecdotal evidence suggests that it reduced the frequency and severity of painful crises as well as transfusion requirements. Alternative medications that are both affordable and available should be considered viable alternatives provided safety and efficacy are assured because of the high disease burden in Nigeria.Methods: This was a double controlled randomized study was carried out on twenty children. Each enrolled patient was randomized into either the herbal mixture or placebo after permission to participate in the study was obtain from the parents/guardian for children below 15 years or from both parents/guardian and the patients where the latter are older than 15 years. The main exclusion criterion was prior use or exposure to Faradin. Primary end points were pain alteration, death during study and blood transfusion frequency. Secondary endpoints were hemoglobin levels, neutrophil count, platelet count, hemoglobin F and A2 levels, serum bilirubin, nitric oxide  concentration, drug toxicity and severe complications of sickle cell anemia reported during the study.Results: There was no severe adverse event, deaths or transfusion recorded in the two groups throughout the duration of the study. Mean hematocrit was increased in the Faradin group and reticulocyte count was increased by 12 %. Faradin reduced the total white cell count to half its baseline level and increased hemoglobin F levels by 10%. Weight and appetite were reported to increased and engenders a generalfeeling of wellbeing.Conclusion: Faradin appears to be an efficacious, nontoxic, available and affordable remedy for treating SCA patients in our setting.
in vivo antibacterial and therapeutic properties of P. ostreatus against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Oyekanmi B.A. , Onifade A.K. , Osho I.B. , Ajayi O.T.
Published: July 2021

Objectives: The use of natural products is embraced by a larger percentage of the world population. Most species of fungi including mushrooms produce useful secondary metabolites that stimulate the immune system against infection and diseases. Investigations were conducted to assay the therapeutic potentials of P. ostreatus against pathogenic staph infection.Methods: The methanol extract of P. ostreatus was prepared using the cold extraction method. Thirty Wistar albino rats weighing 82.0 g to 99.2 g were distributed into 6 groups of 5 and inoculated orally with actively growing Staphylococcus aureus suspension. P. ostreatus methanol extract LD > 5000 mg/kg 50 was used to determine the graded doses for the study. Graded doses of the extract 625 mg, 1250 mg, and 2500 mg were administered orally to the experimental animals for seven days.Results: The negative control and 625 mg had skin ulceration while 1250 mg to 2500 mg produced apparently healthy skin. Bacterial count after 7 days post-treatment was significantly high in the negative control and 625 mg dose (32.00 x 104 ± 6.10b; 43.40 x 104 ± 6.20b Cfu/ml) P< 0.05. Haematological and serum biochemical values were not significantly P < 0.05 affected. Pleurotus ostreatus administration at 1250 to 2500 mg produced a statistically low colony count that was comparable with 13.33 mg Ciprofloxacin and placebo.Conclusion: Pleurotus ostreatus at 1250 to 2500 mg was able to produce clinical recovery from S. aureus infection while 625 mg could not. The extract had no deleterious effect on the blood parameters, liver enzymes, and kidney biomarkers.
The impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation from mobile phone on oestrous cycle and reproductive hormones in female wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Olarinoye A.O. , Oyewopo A.O. , Olarinoye J.K. , Olagbaye B.A.
Published: July 2021

Aim of Study: The study was aimed at evaluating the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from mobile phones on the oestrous cycle and reproductive hormones in female Wistar rats.Methods: Twenty-one Mature female Wistar rats weighing 180 to 250 grams were acclimatized for 2 weeks and divided into control (A), 4hrs (B) and 6hrs (C) groups and were exposed to RE-EMF for a period of 28 days. Oestrous cycle was monitored daily and hormonal level was determined using standardized enzymatic colorimetric methods. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the mean values of variables among the groups accepting statistical significance at p≤ 0.05.Results: Oestrous cycle was deranged in experimental group compared to the control. Mean serum level of Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in control group remained low compared to the exposed groups. Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in group A were almost double that of the group B and C, while the serum level of Oestrogen was lowest in group A. Progesterone level in the control group was higher than the experimental group.Conclusion: RF EMR showed an adverse effect on the weight and oestrous cycle but the effect on the reproductive hormones is not  significant although the effect appeared to be related to the duration of exposure.
Effect of Atractylodes macrocephala extract on chronic heart failure in rats
Authors: Kang Huang , Shi-juan Lu , Jiang-hua Zhong , Miao Wu , Wei Zhang , Qiang Li , Qun Xiang , Yi-lei Zhou , Liu Wang
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Atractylodes macrocephala extract (AME) on oxidative stress and hemodynamics in chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) rats.

Methods: After Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were successfully establised into CHF, they were randomly divided into normal control group, negative control group, captopril group, as well as 1.4, 2.8 and 5.6 g/kg of AME groups, and treated with drugs for 4 weeks. Hemodynamic function, whole heart weight index, blood creatinine kinase (CK), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were measured.

Results: Compared with the normal control group, arterial systolic pressure (SBP)(83.12 ± 16.21 mmHg), diastolic pressure (DBP, (75.16 ± 20.18 mmHg), mean arterial pressure (MAP 76.32 ± 13.43 mmHg), heart rate (HR 353.25 ± 36.34 beats/min), left ventricular systolic peak (LVSP 101.24 ± 16.13 mmHg), and left ventricular pressure change rate (dp/dt max) significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP (22.13 ± 1.57 mmHg), whole heart weight index (2.74 ± 0.16 mg/g), blood CK (0.93 ± 0.14 U/mL), MDA (19.13 ± 2.26 nmol/mL), NO (34.21 ± 3.16 umol/L), and NOS (42.13 ± 3.24 U/mL) increased significantly increased in the negative control group (p < 0.05). High dose AME significantly improved hemodynamic function, lowered MDA (8.75 ± 2.09 nmol/mL) and NO (22.14 ± 3.27 umol/L) levels (p < 0.05), and also decreased CK (0.57 ± 0.31 U/mL) and NOS (24.24 ± 3.38 U/mL) in CHF rats (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: AME significantly improve adriamycin-induced chronic congestive heart failure in rats, which could be used for the therapeutic management of chronic congestive heart failure in future.
Anti-diabetic potential of Plectranthus lanuginosus in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Mukhtar Mohammed H. , Almalki Waleed H. , Ahmed Muhammad , Azmat Aisha
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To determine the antidiabetic effect of methanol extract of Plectranthus lanuginosus leaves in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic (HGD) rats.

Methods: P. lanuginosus leaves were collected from Saad Medhas, Al Baha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. After defatting with n-hexane, they were extracted in vacuo at 40 oC with 75 % methanol. Streptozotocin (50 mgkg−1, i.p.) was used to induce hyperglycemia (diabetes) in the rats. The HGD rats received either standard drug (glibenclamide, 10 mgkg−1, p.o.) or Plectranthus lanuginosus leaf methanol leaf extract (PLLM) at doses of 200 and 400 mgkg−1/day, p.o. for 21 consecutive days. Blood samples were taken from the rat tails 2 h after dosing, and at 7-day intervals (i.e., 0, 7th, 14th and 21st days). The blood samples were used for measurement of fasting blood glucose (FBS), using a glucometer. On the 21st day, the rats were sacrificed via cardiac puncture. The activities of liver marker enzymes (SGPT and SGOT), and serum lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL) were determined using a hemolyzer.

Results: Streptozotocin treatment produced significant hyperglycemia in the rats (348.9 ± 5.6) when compared to control (79.2 ± 1.3). However, PLLM (200 and 400 mg kg−1) produced significant and dose-dependent anti-diabetic (166.4 ± 5.6 and 123.86 ± 6.8 respectively) and antihyperlipidemic effects in HGD rats, at levels similar to those produced by the standard drug, glibenclamide (120.6 ± 6.4).

Conclusion: P. lanuginosus leaf extract possesses pronounced anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties which may be due to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid constituents in the plant. Therefore, the plant extract can be further developed for the management of diabetes
Effect of “Xiaoke Tongbi granule” on the proliferation, migration and tubule-forming ability of rat endothelial progenitor cells under high glucose conditions
Authors: Yuan Youcai , Zhang Xiaoke , Zhang Huan , Gao Bifeng
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Xiaoke Tongbi granule (XTG) on the proliferation, migration and tubule-forming ability of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) of rats under high glucose conditions.

Methods: Six specific pathogen-free (SPF) and twenty-four healthy rats (mean weight = 200 ± 20 g) were used in this study. Twenty-four (24) healthy rats were treated with graded concentrations of XTG (0.75 – 2.25 g/mL) for 7 days, and were thereafter euthanized to obtain serum which was later used to treat EPCs isolated from bone marrow of SPF rats. The EPCs were seeded in culture plates pre-coated with human fibronectin, and cultured at 37 °C for 72 h in a humidified atmosphere of 5 % CO2 and 95 % air. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using 3 (4,5 dimethyl thiazol 2 yl) 2,5 diphenyl 2H tetrazolium bromide (MTT), and flow cytometric assays, respectively. The morphology of isolated EPCs was assessed by immunofluorescence.

Results: The isolated EPCs exhibited normal morphology, and were CD34-positive. Proliferation and migration of EPCs, and number of tubular structures formed were significantly suppressed under high glucose conditions, but were significantly and concentration-dependently promoted by XTG treatment (p < 0.05). Treatment with XTG also significantly improved the morphology of isolated EPCs (p < 0.05). Apoptosis was significantly promoted by high glucose conditions, but was significantly and concentration-dependently reduced by XTG treatment (p < 0.05). The incidence of tubule formation in high glucose group was 0.63 %, but was progressively increased from 1.37 to 1.52 % after treatment with graded concentrations of XTG.

Conclusion: These results indicate that XTG reverses the effect of high glucose environment on EPC proliferation, migration and tubule-forming ability.
Phytochemical profiling of Costus (Saussurea lappa Clarke) root essential oil, and its antimicrobial and toxicological effects
Authors: Abdelwahab Siddig Ibrahim , Taha Manal Mohamed Elhassan , Alhazmi Hassan Ahmed , Ahsan Waquar , Rehman Zia ur , Bratty Mohammed Al , Makeen Hafiz
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To carry out gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the phytochemical content of the root essential oil of Saussurea lappa Clarke Asteraceae (Costus, SLEO), and to evaluate its physicochemical, antimicrobial and cytoxic properties.

Methods: The oil was extracted from the plant’s roots by steam distillation using a Clevenger system. Various physicochemical parameters for the oil including refractive index, color, acid value, saponification number, ester and peroxide values were measured. Flavonoid content was assessed using thin layer chromatography (TLC). Thermoscientific trace ultra gas chromatograph equipped with a Thermoscientific capillary TR-5MS column was utilized to determine the volatile components of SLEO. Antimicrobial activity of SLEO was performed against various Gram (+ve) and Gram (-ve) microorganisms, viz, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, while cytotoxic effect was monitored using Artemia salina (brine shrimp) lethality assay.

Results: Essential oil yield was good (3 %). Concentration-dependent antimicrobial effects were observed on all test microorganisms and no marked difference in lethality levels was observed among the tested SLEO concentrations on brine shrimp (p < 0.05). The main component of SLEO was costunolide or eudesma-5,11(13)-dien-8,12-olide (52.01 %).

Conclusion: The results indicate the promising therapeutic properties of S. lappa. However, further phytochemical and biological investigations are required to establish the mechanism of action and toxicological the extract.