bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Preparedness of a Process Industry to Deal with an Imminent Fire
Authors: AHMADIAN Esmail , MEHRI Hamidreza , SEPAHI-ZOERAM Faeze , MOHAMMADI Hamed
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Due to occurrence of fires in process industries, it is vital to implement crisis management systems in these industries and keep the readiness of these systems high. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the readiness of emergency response teams to deal with a possible fire in a process industry.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed in 2019 in a gas refinery with a statistical population of 200 people. A questionnaire with Likert scale was designed through library and field studies for all teams participating in the firefighting process. Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI) were used to measure validity and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to measure the reliability of the questionnaires. The collected data were entered into SPSS software version 24 and statistical analysis was performed at 95% significance level using One Way ANOWA test.
Results: The results showed that the readiness of this refinery to deal with a possible fire was 68.3%, which among the 11 teams participating in this process, the security team with 53.48% had the lowest and the logistics team with 77.5% had the highest preparedness (P-value = 0.028). The highest CVR was for the safety team questionnaire (0.77) and the highest Cronbach's alpha coefficient was for the liaison team (0.92).
 Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the readiness of this gas refinery in the firefighting process is satisfactory, although some teams, including the security team, are less prepared than other teams. Therefore, it is better to take intervention measures as soon as possible, including providing the necessary equipment and providing various trainings and maneuvers in order to increase the readiness of the teams.
Investigating the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Degree of Body Discomfort in the Office Staff of the School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd
Authors: JAFARI NODOUSHAN Reza , TAHERZADEH Saeideh , ANOOSHEH Vida Sadat , JAMBARSANG Sara , NEMATI Moein , KARIMI Elham , SARLAK Mehdi
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most important occupational health issues. In recent years, the rapid growth of technology and the use of computers have affected almost all office workstations. These disorders are also very common among office staff. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the degree of body discomfort in the staff of the School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 office staff of Yazd School of Public Health in 2021. The inclusion criterion consisted of having at least one year of work experience and the exclusion criteria included the presence of musculoskeletal complications in different organs of the body and no history of incidents, accidents, and inherited diseases. To collect data, the Nordic questionnaire was used along with a body map (to better understand the position of the limbs) and a visual analog scale (VAS) (to show the severity of discomfort in different parts of the body). The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 using frequency, mean, standard deviation, and AONVA tests.
Results: 108 people (83.7%) of the study population felt pain and discomfort in at least one of the 9 areas of the body during the last 12 months. The most musculoskeletal disorders was related to the low back (67.4%), neck (63.6%), and back (55%). Also, the low back waist, neck, and shoulder areas had the highest mean discomfort, respectively, and the thigh and elbow areas had the lowest mean discomfort. In the report of pain by body map, a significant relationship was observed between the variable of work experience and shoulder, thigh, and low back organs (p <0.05). A significant relationship was observed between low back pain, musculoskeletal disorders in the hands and wrists and body mass index (p <0.05).
Conclusion: Due to the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the high degree of discomfort, especially in the low back and neck, it is recommended to perform educational programs, corrective exercises, and appropriate interventions.
Identification and Evaluation of Safety Hazards in Laboratories of the National Shrimp Research Institute and the Effectiveness of Measures by FMEA Technique
Authors: MIRBAKHSH Maryam , NOORIAN Ghafoor , ESMAEILI Fariba , GHAEDNIA Babak , HOSSEIN-KHEZRI Parisa , NAZARI Mohammad Ali , MOHAMMADI Ehteram
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Safety, raising awareness, and preventing the occurrence of hazards are necessary in order to continue to improve the quality of laboratory activities, which have been recently considered by scientific, research, and industrial communities. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the risk factor, potential hazards, and provide practical programs in the laboratories of the Shrimp Research Institute.
Methods: Safety hazards of eight laboratories of the National Shrimp Research Institute were evaluated during the intervention study with the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis technique. To this end, in the first phase, the team of safety experts (HSE: Health and Safety Executive), by preparing and completing safety questionnaire forms, identified the current status of safety indicators and danger points of laboratories, assessed the distance with safety indicators, and managed danger points. Based on risk severity, probability of occurrence, and probability of risk detection, the risk priority number (RPN) was calculated, prioritized, and corrective measures were proposed. In the second phase, after corrective measures, the safety questionnaire was completed again and the level of risk severity, probability of occurrence, probability of detection, risk priority number, risk number, and percentage reduction of risk priority number of the studied laboratories were calculated and analyzed.
Results: Thirty-five hazard points were identified in the laboratories. The range of risk priority numbers ranged from RPN = 12 for the Plankton Laboratory to RPN = 210 for the Marine Microbiology Laboratories and Marine Pollutants. After control measures, the risk number of marine microbiology laboratory was reduced to 180 and marine pollutants to 120 (P <0.05).
Conclusion: The results showed that FMEA technique is appropriate in identifying the risk points, evaluating, and classifying the risks of the Iran Shrimp Research Institute laboratories and provide control strategies to eliminate or reduce the risk rate of research environments.
SORPTION OF ERYTHROSINE ONTO SILICA GEL MODIFIED BY CETYLPYRIDINIUM BROMIDE
Authors: Guzenko O. M. , Zhukovetska O. M. , Mukienko D. M. , Shopovalenko V. V. , Chebotarev A. N. , Snigur D. V.
Published: November 2021

In the current paper, adsorbent based on silica gel L 40/100 modified with cetylpyridinium bromide was obtained. The presence of cetylpyridinium cations on the silica gel surface was confirmed by the diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform spectroscopy method. The sorption conditions of erythrosine from dilute aqueous solutions with the proposed sorbent were studied and optimized. It is shown that the use of modified silica gel allows efficient (>95%) extraction of erythrosine from aqueous solutions. Under optimal sorption conditions (pH 7, sorbent dosage 0.1 g and sorption time is 15 min), the sorption capacity of modified erythrosine sorbents was determined. It is shown that, with increasing temperature, a change in the isotherm type from the H‑type to the L‑type is observed. This change can be explained by the aggregation of erythrosin in solution, which is a competitive sorption process. It was shown that adsorption isotherms were well described by the Langmuir equation. Thermodynamic studies have made it possible to establish the spontaneous sorption. The desorption of erythrosine from the surface of silica gel modified with cetylpyridinium bromide was studied. It is shown that when using solutions of sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide and distilled water, desorption does not occur. It was shown that the most effective eluent is solution of sodium dodecylsulfate in alkaline medium, and desorption of erythrosine occurs due to the destruction of ion pairs of dye anions with cetylpyridinium cations fixed on the surface. The data obtained can then be used to develop a test system for determination of erythrosine via corresponding colorimetric scales or for quantitative solid phase extraction and adsorption-spectroscopic quantification of erythrosine in some real samples.
Humanismo y transhumanismo: reflexiones desde las ciencias humanas y sociales
Authors: Muñoz Marin Gustavo A , Cifuentes Yarce Jesús David
Published: November 2021

Los estudios sobre el humanismo y el transhumanismo desarrollados en el proyecto de investigación de la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana de Medellín sobre el tema e integrados parcialmente en este libro analizan las nuevas fronteras entre lo humano, lo infrahumano y lo sobrehumano. El transhumanismo es el humanismo de la era digital. El humanismo es la concepción que los seres humanos tienen de sí mismos como especie, en su origen, su dignidad y su destino. El transhumanismo es la variedad de formas que toma el humanismo cuando la especie humana pasa de unas etapas anteriores a una etapa nueva, y lo suficientemente nueva para que se designe con nombres que significan finalización de un periodo especialmente prolongado, ruptura y comienzo de un periodo nuevo que se diferencia de modo intensamente estridente respecto del anterior. Comienzo de un periodo nuevo en la escala global estándar del tiempo geológico.
Features of endoscopic image in acute rhinosinusitis in patients with post-transplant anemia and neutropenia
Authors:   Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, 197022, Russia, Dolgov O. I. , Karpishchenko S. A. ,   Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, 197022, Russia, Rodneva Yu. A. ,   Raisa Gorbacheva Memorial Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation,  Saint Petersburg, 197022, Russia, Moiseev I. S. ,   Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, 197022, Russia
Published: November 2021

The article presents the results of studying the features of the endoscopic picture of acute rhinosinusitis in patients with anemia and neutropenia, who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The questions of the influence of the level of hemoglobin on the presence of hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, as well as the influence of the level of neutrophils on the presence of pus in the exudate in rhinosinusitis, are being studied. The study was carried out based on the Clinic of the Raisa Gorbacheva Memorial Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Transplantation. The study included 49 episodes of rhinosinusitis in HSCT recipients diagnosed in the period from day –7 to day +30 after transplantation. The control group included 46 patients with rhinosinusitis undergoing treatment at the otorhinolaryngology clinic. In the course of the study, the influence of the level of neutrophils on the presence of purulent discharge in rhinosinusitis was established. The threshold value, below which the chances of having pus in the exudate significantly decreased, was 2.6 x 109/l (sensitivity and specificity of the method – 81.6 and 76.1%, respectively). It was also found that hemoglobin level affects the presence of hyperemia of the nasal mucosa. It was shown that at a hemoglobin level less than 119 g/l, the odds of presence of hyperemia of the nasal mucosa significantly decreased (sensitivity 77.6%, specificity 95.5%). Thus, in patients with anemia and neutropenia, one should remember the likelihood of the absence of pus and hyperemia of the nasal mucosa in the presence of rhinosinusitis. These criteria should not be the main ones in such a group of patients, and the diagnosis should be based on the results of an X-ray examination and the presence of other symptoms.
Revisiting pathogenesis of protracted forms of serous otitis media
Authors:   Omsk State Medical University, Omsk, 644099, Russia, Krotov S. Yu. , Putalova I. N. ,   Omsk State Medical University, Omsk, 644099, Russia, Krotov Yu. A. ,   Omsk State Medical University, Omsk, 644099, Russia, Pavlov A. V. ,   Omsk Regional Clinical Hospital, Omsk, 644111, Russia
Published: November 2021

The article is devoted to the role of the regional lymphatic system of the middle ear, from the point of view of the pathogenesis of the prolonged presence of fluid in the air cavities of the temporal bone with a prolonged course of serous otitis media. The study was carried out in an experiment on a model of exudative otitis media in laboratory animals (20 sexually mature male Wistar rats). Studied the state of regional (superficial, facial, and deep) lymph nodes collecting lymph from the mastoid process, tympanic cavity; external auditory canal, auditory tube. Comparative morphological and morphometric studies of lymph nodes were carried out on the 12th day of experimental otitis media and were assessed according to 19 criteria: total area of the node section, area of the capsule, marginal sinus, cortex, paracortex, medullary sinuses, medullary cords, number and area of primary and secondary lymphoid nodules, area of germinal centers, specific areas of cortical and medullary substance, sinus system, cortical/medullary ratio (C/M index), T- and B-dependent areas. Disorders of lymph outflow in the middle ear area, different nature, and degree of response of regional lymph nodes of different groups to the exudative process were revealed. It is assumed that the restructuring of the structural organization of the nodes, reflecting the inhibition of their protective and drainage functions, can prolong the phenomena of lymphostasis in the area of the primary focus and lead to the protracted course of exudative otitis media in clinical practice.
Ct findings in patients with various forms of isolated sphenoiditis
Authors:   Semashko Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Hospital,  Nizhny Novgorod, 606600, Russia, Larin R. A. , Krasil’nikova S. V. ,   Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia, Suzaeva P. P. ,   Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia, Gurdzhi M. Ya. ,   3D Diagnostics Center for Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, Nizhny Novgorod, 603155, Russia
Published: November 2021

The presented study presents a retrospective, observational analysis of CT findings in 58 patients who were hospitalized at the Semashko Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Hospital for the period 2018–2020. The features of the clinical picture, anatomical and topographic variants of the structures of the sphenoid sinus in various forms of isolated sphenoiditis are presented. All patients underwent surgical treatment (the extended transnasal approach was most often used), a comparison of the preoperative CT image and intraoperative findings was performed. The article also describes clinical cases of different types of lesions of the main sinuses, illustrated with photographs. A thorough analysis of the findings of imaging (multislice CT findings with multiplanar reconstruction (axial, coronal, and sagittal planes) and cone-beam CT), their correlation with the clinical picture, makes it possible to more accurately determine the phenotype of an isolated lesion and build the safest and most effective algorithm for drug and surgical treatment.
Odontogenic Sinusitis Index (OSI)
Authors:   City Hospital No. 40, Saint Petersburg, 197706, Russia, Naumov S. Yu. ,   Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, 191015, Russia, Artyushkin S. A. ,   Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, 191015, Russia, Drozdova O. A. ,   City Hospital No. 40, Saint Petersburg, 197706, Russia,   Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, 191015, Russia, Aflitonov M. A. ,   City Hospital No. 40, Saint Petersburg, 197706, Russia, Naumov E. S. ,   Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, 191015, Russia
Published: November 2021

The criteria for «odontogenic sinusitis» (OS) with the highest values of specificity and sensitivity were identified. An integral odontogenicity sinusitis index (OSI) was developed based on the identified criteria. To measure the sensitivity and specificity of the criteria, a group of 261 patients was selected (113 women (43.29%), 148 men (56.70%), the average age of the patients was 36 years), consisting of 150 known to have OS and 111 patients who were known to be without OS. As a result of data analysis, the values of sensitivity and specificity were obtained for all 13 criteria. Based on the sensitivity and specificity values, all criteria were combined into an odontogenicity sinusitis index (OSI) and divided into «minor» and «major». The “large” criteria were assigned a significance point of 2, and for the “small” criteria, a significance point of 1. The determination of the odontogenic nature of sinusitis was carried out by a simple summation of the points assigned to patients during the survey, examination, and analysis of CT criteria. An odontogenic cause of sinusitis is recognized if there is a minimum of 4 points of significance, for example, one “large” (2 points) and two “small” (1 point each) criteria. The general sensitivity of the integral OSI index was 93%, the general specificity was 94%. These rates are high enough that OSI can be used to determine the «odontogenic» nature of sinusitis.
Exposure of weak magnetic fields on auditory nerve of patients with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss
Authors:   Pavlov Institute of Physiology, RAS, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia, Surma S. V. , Klyachko D. S. ,   Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Throat, Nose and Speech,  Saint Petersburg, 190013, Russia, Shchegolev B. F. ,   Pavlov Institute of Physiology, RAS, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia, Ogorodnikova E. A. ,   Pavlov Institute of Physiology, RAS, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia
Published: November 2021

The article shows that one of the alternative methods of treating moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss can be the use of an external weak magnetic field. The proposed method is based on the coincidence of the effects caused by the exposure of an external electromagnetic field of certain parameters on the auditory nerve, and natural acoustic exposure. The similarity of reaction allows using of external magnetic fields as an artificial stimulator of the auditory system’s neural part. Induction of applied magnetic fields does not exceed 300 µT, which means that under the current legislation such fields are classified as posing no health hazard. This method was tested at Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Throat, Nose, and Speech based on relevant Ethics Committee approval and complied with informed consent standards of volunteers. 15 patients aged 18 to 45 with III and IV levels of sensorineural deafness without concomitant pathologies were tested. Threshold pure-tone audiometry was performed on each patient at 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz before and after the procedure. The results of the experiments showed that electromagnetic stimulation of auditory neurons allows increasing hearing sensitivity. The proposed procedure may not yield a tangible result in patients with auditory deprivation. Patients with hearing aids showed the most significant results. At the same time, the measurements have shown that the sound thresholds among them became 10 dB lower on the average. The non-invasiveness of the exposure provided additional comfort for the patient.
Unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss in COVID-19. Clinical observations and literature review
Authors:   Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Throat, Nose and Speech,  Saint Petersburg, 190013, Russia, Astashchenko S. V. , Megrelishvili S. M. ,   Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Throat, Nose and Speech,  Saint Petersburg, 190013, Russia, Shcherbakova Ya. L. ,   Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Throat, Nose and Speech,  Saint Petersburg, 190013, Russia
Published: November 2021

At the end of 2019, an outbreak of a new coronavirus infection began in China, Wuhan, which is the first pandemic of the 21st century. The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses has classified the causative agent of the new disease as SARS-CoV-2, and on February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the official name of the infection – COVID-19. According to statistics for August 2021, the number of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the world is 216 million, and the number of deaths is 4.5 million. COVID-19 can be asymptomatic or manifest with various clinical manifestations, including neurological and otorhinolaryngological. The article describes 3 clinical cases of unilateral sudden hearing impairment in patients with confirmed COVID-19. The diagnosis of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss was established using acumetry, tone threshold audiometry, acoustic impedance measurement, and recording of otoacoustic emissions. In most cases, COVID-19 is characterized by a certain clinical picture, however, with an asymptomatic and mild course, an atypical manifestation of the disease with the development of sudden sensorineural hearing loss is possible.
Prevalence and classification of asymmetric forms of sensorineural hearing loss in older age group
Authors:   Samara State Medical University, Samara, 443099, Russia, Vladimirova T. Yu. , Martynova A. B. ,   Samara State Medical University, Samara, 443099, Russia
Published: November 2021

The significance of asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL) is due to a special approach to diagnosis, followed by the process of hearing aids and auditory rehabilitation. Currently, there is no standard audiometric criterion for determining the forms of asymmetry, which significantly affects the assessment of the prevalence of ASNHL. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and classification of ASNHL forms in the older age group using two methods of calculation: 1) the difference in the average hearing threshold at speech frequencies (in the range of 0,5–4 kHz) ≥15 dB was detected in 14,14% of cases; 2) the different degree of hearing loss, according to the International classification, in the right and left ear was 35,98%. In most cases, asymmetry was manifested by bilateral sensorineural hearing loss of varying severity, prevailing in the group of long-livers – 82,6%. Given the potentially high prevalence of asymmetry depending on the audiological criterion, the results of the work are a reason for further research in the development of a unified method for verifying a clinically significant form of ASNHL.
Sinonasal fibromyxoma in a child
Authors:   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University,  Moscow, 117997, Russia, Bogomil’skii M. R. , Baranov K. K. ,   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University,  Moscow, 117997, Russia,   Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Physical and Chemical Medicine of FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 119435, Russia, Kotova E. N. ,   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University,  Moscow, 117997, Russia,   Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Physical and Chemical Medicine of FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 119435, Russia, Vyaz’menov E. O. ,   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University,  Moscow, 117997, Russia,   Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Physical and Chemical Medicine of FMBA of Russia, Moscow, 119435, Russia
Published: November 2021

Sinonasal fibromyxoma is a rather rare neoplasm and occurs in less than 1% of tumors. In the literature, there is a description of only 8 cases of this pathology in children. The article describes a clinical case of sinonasal fibromyxoma in a 14-year-old child with complaints of persistent severe difficulty in breathing through the left half of the nasal cavity, periodic tear stagnation on the left for 14 months, and dysphonia. The results of endoscopic diagnosis of ENT organs, computed tomography of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, the stages of the performed elective surgical intervention (polypectomy, left-side endoscopic sinusitis with sinus sanitation, turbinoplasty of the left middle nasal concha) are presented in detail, as well as the conclusions of the histological examination of the lesion removed from the patient. The authors analyzed domestic and foreign literature data on this problem, based on which they presented in the article a differential series of myxoma.
Synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and functional properties of an esterified starch from an underutilized source in Nigeria
Authors:   National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Nigeria, Emeje M , Kalita R ,   Tezpur University, India, Isimi C ,   National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Nigeria, Buragohain A ,   Tezpur University, India, Kunle O ,   National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Nigeria, Ofoefule S ,   University of Nigeria, Nigeria
Published: November 2021

Acha (Digitaria exilis Sta pf), also known as Findi, Hungry rice , Petit mil and White fonio, is a small seeded cereal, indigenous to West Africa, which is generally classified as millet. It grows in various parts of Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Guinea Bissau and Benin Republic . That species is the most important of a diverse group of wild and domesticated Digitaria species that are harvested in the savannas of West Africa. It is one of the primary cereals of southern Sudan and Ethiopia in Africa. It has potential to improve human nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable use of lands . In this study, acha starch was subjected to modification by acetylation. The acetylated acha starch with degree of modification 0.78 had reduced foaming capacity and amylose contents. The starches have similar organoleptic properties ranging from white, gritty, non sticky to bland tastes. P hysicochemical indices investigated such as true density, bulk and tapped densities, water absorption capacity, moisture content, total and acid insoluble ash, and pH were reduced by the acetylation of acha starch. The modification resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the solubility as well as water and oil absorption capacities of the starch. Scanning electron micros copy revealed starch granules that were predominantly polygonal in shape. Acetylation did not alter the granule morphology. X -ray pattern of the native starch was A type, with similar pattern in the acetylated derivative. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results revealed a new band at 1728 cm -1. Thermogravimetry revealed 3 phase decomposition of both the native and modified starches. The a cetylation as revealed by Differential scanning calorimetry studies improved the gelation capacity of the native starch and revealed two endothermic peaks and one exothermic peak each for both starches . There was considerable reduction in the peak temperature of gelatinization (Tp) of native starch and a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the enthalpy of gelatinization (DH) was noticed after acetylation.
Survey of postharvest handling, preservation and processing practices along the camel milk chain in Isiolo County, Kenya
Authors:   Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Marsabit, Kenya, Wayua FO , Okoth MW ,   University of Nairobi, Kenya, Wangoh J
Published: November 2021

Despite the important contribution of camel milk to food security for pastoralists in Kenya, little is known about the postharvest handling, preservation and processing practices. In this study, existing postharvest handling, preservation and processing practices for camel milk by pastoralists in Isiolo, Kenya were assessed through crosssectional survey and focus group discussions. A total of 167 camel milk producer households, 50 primary and 50 secondary milk traders were interviewed. Survey findings showed that milking was predominantly handled by herds-boys (45.0%) or male household heads (23.8%) and occasionally by spouses (16.6%), sons (13.9%) and daughters (0.7%). The main types of containers used by both producers and traders to handle milk were plastic jerricans (recycled cooking oil containers), because they were cheap, light and better suited for transport in vehicles. Milk processing was the preserve of women, with fresh camel milk and spontaneously fermented camel milk (suusa) being the main products. Fresh milk was preserved by smoking of milk containers and boiling. Smoking was the predominant practice, and was for extending the shelf life and also imparting a distinct smoky flavour to milk. The milk containers were fumigated with smoke from burned wood of specific tree species such as Olea africana, Acacia nilotica, Balanities aegyptica and Combretum spp. Boiling was practised by primary milk traders at collection points to preserve milk during times when transport to the market was unavailable. Milk spoilage at the primary collection point in Kulamawe was aggravated by lack of cooling facilities. At the secondary collection point in Isiolo town, milk was refrigerated overnight before onward transmission to Nairobi. The mean quantity of traded milk was 83.2±3.8 litres. The main problems experienced by milk traders in Isiolo included milk spoilage (43.0% of respondents), delayed payments—after one or two days (19.9%), loss of money due to informal courier (12.2%), low prices of fermented milk (10.9%), milk rejection by customers in Nairobi (7.1%), inadequate supply during dry season (3.5%), loss of milk due to bursting of containers (2.1%) and milk not being supplied by producers due to insecurity (1.3%). In-depth understanding of the postharvest handling, preservation and processing practices would help to devise appropriate strategies that would increase the quantity and improve the quality of marketed camel milk. Such strategies should include the improvement of infrastructure such as milk transport, collection, cooling and processing facilities of suitable capacity.
Experience with digital entry of national iodine survey data in Senegal
Authors:   HealthBridge, Canada, Siekmans K , Ngnié-Teta I , Ndiaye B ,   UNICEF, Haiti, Bert P ,   HealthBridge, Canada
Published: November 2021

There is growing evidence and enthusiasm for the use of technology to enhance accuracy and speed and minimize the costs of quantitative data surveys. Handheld computers have the potential to facilitate high quality data collection and timely analysis for large complex surveys in developing country contexts. The objective of this paper is to document the experience of using handheld computers for direct data capture in a national survey to monitor progress toward universal salt iodization in Senegal. Twenty-five personal digital assistants (PDAs) were programmed and used by five teams across 13 regions for entering data from 3768 households over a period of three weeks. The health staff selected to collect the data learned how to manipulate the PDAs within a short amount of time. The PDAs contributed to improved quality of data collection due to automatic skipping of non-applicable questions and selection of individuals eligible for goitre assessment. The PDAs also were programmed to randomly select one woman and one school-age child within each household for biochemical sample collection. Data on geographic locations were collected for 82% of households surveyed using the PDA’s in-built Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality, which showed the geographical dispersion of these households and which will be used for analysis of results for key indicators by location. Problems with household selection processes, identification coding and standardized interview methods were observed. While costs for printing questionnaires and manual data entry were saved, significant costs were incurred for PDA technical support by an international consultant. The use of PDAs significantly reduced data processing time. Data were stored and downloaded to a central database, with the full dataset and preliminary results available to stakeholders within one week following the survey completion. The PDAs are an excellent tool for enhancing capacity to collect complex household survey data and make it available for analysis in a timely manner. Quality training and adequate pre-testing of questionnaires are still essential. Increased use of direct data capture methods in health program design, monitoring and evaluation is recommended, along with efforts to build local technical capacity.
Effect of nutrition education on knowledge of nutrition in relation to prevention of stomach cancer among undergraduates in south-west, Nigeria
Authors:   University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Anetor GO , Ogundele BO , Oyewole OE
Published: November 2021

Stomach cancer is one of the common cancers worldwide including developing countries and is identified as one of the most lethal among the diet related cancers. In Nigeria, there is paucity of data and information about the prevalence of stomach cancer and without doubt this disease is on the increase. Youth engage in the consumption of western diets which have been identified in the literature as one factor that is closely associated with cancers. This shift to western diets by most youth may be due to lack of nutritional knowledge on the health consequences of their eating habits. In years to come, there may be an increase in the incidence of diet -related cancers and other chronic diseases if nutrition education is not put in place especially among the youth. Not many studies in Nigeria have focused on nutrition education of the youth in relation to the prevention of chronic diseases ; prominent among which is stomach cancer. This study is aimed at providing nutrition related education to university undergraduates in order to create awareness about nutrition with a view to preventing a rise in the incidence of stomach cancer and other chronic diseases. A quasi -experimental design was used for this study. Multi -stage sampling was used to select 436 male and female undergraduates between 16 -25 years old from two universities in south- west Nigeria (one control and one experimental ). The intervention consisted of lectures on nutritional factors of stomach cancer one hour weekly for 8 weeks and a placebo lecture on HIV/AIDS stigmatization for the control group. A validated self -structured questionnaire was used to collect the data for the pretest and posttest . Demographic characteristics were analyzed with percentages; variables were analyzed using t -test and ANCOVA set at 95% confidence interval. Nutrition education improved knowledge of nutrition in the participants (p<0.00). The experimental group displayed higher nutrition knowledge compared to control . Level of study affected participants’ nutrition knowledge; students of lower level study performed better (p< 0.00). Gender also affected participants’ nutrition knowledge; females performed better than males (p<0.00). More nutrition education should be encouraged in school setting s to improve knowledge of nutrition in order to prevent a possible dietary risk of stomach cancer and other chronic diseases.
The effect of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) flour as an extender on the physic-chemical properties of beef and hamburgers
Authors:   University for Development Studies, Ghana, Teye GA , Boamah G , Teye M ,   University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Published: November 2021

This study was conducted in search of meat extenders/filler, which would minimize excessive bulging (swelling at the centre) of beef and hamburgers so as to enhance their use in sandwiches. The potential of dehulled cowpea flour was evaluated in beef and hamburgers, to determine its effects on the sensory, physical and chemical characteristics of these products. The Black-eyed cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) variety was steam treated at 100°C, dehulled, sundried for 48 hours and ground into flour. Boneless beef and pork (6kg each) were minced and apportioned into four groups of 1.5kg each for the preparation of the burgers. The beef and hamburgers were formulated separately at four levels of cowpea flour inclusions; T1 (control; no cowpea flour), T2 (5%), T3 (7.5%) and T4 (10%) of minced meat, on weight basis. All other ingredients were added in equal amounts to the minced beef and mixed in a mechanical mixer, after which they were moulded manually using a cylindrical tube into uniform shapes and sizes, and stored in a chest freezer for 12 hours to harden, after which they were bagged and stored for analyses. The weights, thicknesses and diameters of the products were taken before, and after cooking to determine the physical changes in them. The crude protein, fat moisture and lipid peroxidation of the products were determined. The burgers were grilled in an oven to a core temperature of 70°C and served to a 15-member taste panel for evaluation. The results indicate that cowpea flour in burgers increases the crude protein content, reduces the crude fat content and has no negative effect on sensory and lipid peroxidation of these products. There were reductions in product bulging and shrinkage with an increase in cowpea flour inclusion. Cowpea flour is recommended for inclusion in beef and hamburgers up to 10% on weight basis.
Morphological characterization and identification of phytophthora species causing citrus gummosis in Kenya
Authors:   Pwani University College, Kenya, Mounde LG , Ateka EM ,   Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya, Kihurani AW , Wasilwa L ,   Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Nairobi
Published: November 2021

Frequent outbreaks of citrus gummosis in Kenyan citrus orchards have been reported, yet the identity and distribution of the Phytophthora species causing the disease are unknown. Work was carried out to (i) characterize and identify Phytophthora species associated with citrus gummosis based on cultural and morphological traits and (ii) determine the distribution of these species associated with gummosis in different agroecological zones (AEZ). Some 59 plant and soil samples obtained from symptomatic trees and the rhizosphere were evaluated by direct isolation and baiting, respectively, using Phytophthora semi -selective media. Phytophthora species were identified on the basis of colony morphology, mycelial characteristics, cardinal growth temperatures, morphology and dimensions of sporangia, oogonia and antheridia. For colony morphology and growth temperature studies, a 5 mm diameter mycelial plug of each isolate was transferred to amended cornmeal agar (ACMA) and incubated at 5, 24 and 35°C for 7 days in the dark. Growth rates were evaluated based on daily records of mycelial growth for 7 days. The occurrence and distribution of these species were determined by recording the number of isolates recovered from samples from each AEZ. P. citrophthora was the most prevalent (76.3 %) of all the Phytophthora species identified in all the AEZs, followed by P. nicotianae (22 %). P. syringae was the least (1.7 %) prevalent. P. citrophthora was the only species present in all AEZs sampled whereas P. nicotianae was confined to the coastal lowlands although also present in other zones in a lower scale. P. syringae was present only in low midland zones and was the only species not found in coastal lowland zones. The forty five isolates of P. citrophthora , thirteen isolates of P. nicotianae and one isolate of P. syringae were tested for virulence on fruits of lemon var. rough lemon. The three most virulent isolates of P. citrophthora , two most virulent isolates of P. nicotianae and the only isolate of P. syringae were selected for pathogenicity testing on lemon seedlings. Based on these studies, it may be concluded that P. citrophthora, P. nicotianae (syn. P. parasitica) and P. syringae are the Phytophthora species associated with citrus gummosis in Kenya. Molecular characterization of the pathogens is recommended to confirm true genetic identity of the species.
Introduction: The Return of the Exception
Authors: Mańko Rafał , Tacik Przemysław , Fusco Gian Giacomo
Published: November 2021

The history of the 20th century, and more recently the two-decades long war on terror, have taught us the lesson that the normalisation of the state of exception (intended here as the proliferation of legal instruments regulating emergency powers, and their constant use in varied situations of crisis) is never immune from the risk of leaving long-lasting impacts of legal and political systems. With the “Return of the Exception” we intend to bring to the fore the fact that in the pandemic the state of exception has re-appeared in its “grand” version, the one that pertains to round-the-clock curfews and strong limitations to the freedom of movement and assembly, all adorned by warfare rhetoric of the fight against an invisible enemy – which, given the biological status of viruses, it cannot but be ourselves. But “return” here must be intended also in its psychoanalytic meaning. Much like the repressed that lives in a state of latency in the unconscious before eventually returning to inform consciousness and reshape behaviour, the state of exception is an element that remains nested in law’s text before reappearing in a specific moment with forms and intensity that are not fully predictable. Still, it remains cryptic whether the pandemic inaugurates a new epoch of liberal legality – the post-law – or just augurs its structural crisis.
Lockdown: A Commentary
Authors: Fusco Gian Giacomo
Published: November 2021

The Collins dictionary has elected lockdown as its word-of-the-yearn 2020. Defined as “the imposition of stringent restrictions on travel, social interaction and access to public spaces”, decided by governments “to mitigate the spread of COVID-19”, for Collins’ lexicographers “lockdown” took the top spot because it is a unifying experience for billions of people across the world, who have had, collectively, to play their part in combating the spread of the virus. Faced with the unknown of a brand-new virus, governments all over the world reacted in a rather familiar way, by suspending the normal flow of social life through the implementation of measures that are usually categorised as a state of exception. This article is a commentary that aims at placing the practice of lockdown (as a governmental administrative measure) in the context of the theory of state and government. To the extent that emergencies are always revelatory, this paper will argue that the state of exception – of which the lockdown is a sub-category – in displaying state’s sovereign power is exposing the radical impotence in which it is grounded, and from which it takes its ultimate meaning and function.
Pandemic, Exception and the Law: Notes on the Shattered Nomos of Europe
Authors: Cercel Cosmin
Published: November 2021

In this article I propose a critical evaluation of the current European politico-legal landscape that unfolds under the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. My aim is to offer an analysis of the symbolic status of legality in this context and to reflect on its historical trajectory, by introducing it in a longer historical timescale than usually proposed as well as by insisting on the specific nexus between emergency legislation and authoritarian ideologies within Europe. In doing so I propose a new genealogy of the state of exception apt to articulate the relationship between the force of law, legal normativity, and ideology in modern capitalism. The thesis that I defend here is a simple one: the ongoing pandemic has operated a historical acceleration that the law, understood here as medium that articulates power symbolically in a public and ostensible manner, is not able to catch up with. To substantiate this thesis, I venture first to take stock of the existing theories, analyses and narratives on the relation between the pandemic and the politico-legal landscape of Europe. In doing so I shall focus first on traditional constitutional law accounts and on Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben’s criticism of the legal responses to the pandemic. Following this analysis, I move towards a situation of the pandemic within the sphere of the multiple crises befalling Europe that have become visible since 2015. At this stage I draw attention to the manifold layers of emergency legality and states of exception that have been sapping the liberal democratic nomos putatively defended within Europe. In a third move, I embark on a synoptical clarification of the relationship between law, ideology and the history of class struggle. In a fourth and last intervention I intend to assess the current nexus between the pandemic, exception and the law as a specific form of dissolution of the liberal nomos.
Notes on Bio-History: Michel Foucault and the Political Economy of Health
Authors: Chiaramonte Xenia
Published: November 2021

In October 1974, Foucault gave three lectures in Rio de Janeiro on the archeology of the cure. This piece will comment on the first two, published a few years later in France with the original titles: Crise de la médicine ou crise de l’antimédicine? and La naissance de la médicine sociale. Bio-history is the term Michel Foucault initially uses – in the second lecture – to refer to the effect of the strong medical intervention at the biological level that started in the eighteenth century and has left a trace that is still visible in our society. It is on this occasion that Foucault introduces the concept, or rather the prefix “bio-” in his analysis, and it is here – as my reflections intend to demonstrate – that we may trace the original meaning of a term that today seems rather abused and find a valuable analytical framework for a cogent approach to the relationship between medicine and power dynamics.
KİŞİSEL AHLAK FELSEFESİNİN VERGİ KAÇIRMA TUTUMU ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİLERİ VE BU İLİŞKİDE MAKYAVELİZMİN ILIMLAŞTIRICI ETKİSİ
Authors: ATALAN Alican , TANSEL ÇETİN Ayşe , AY Zafer
Published: November 2021

Bu çalışmanın amacı, kişisel ahlak felsefesinin (bireyin ahlaki tutumlarının) bireylerin vergi kaçırma tutumu üzerindeki etkilerini ve bu ilişkide makyavelizmin ılımlaştırıcı değişken etkisini incelemektir. Bu amaçla, Google Form kullanılarak hazırlanan anket formu İstanbul ve Yalova’da faaliyet gösteren vergi mükelleflerine hem mail yoluyla gönderilmiş hem de yüz yüze görüşmelerle mükelleflerin çalışmaya katılımı sağlanmıştır. Kolayda örnekleme yöntemi kullanılan bu çalışmada çeşitli sektörlerde faaliyette bulunan ve ulaşılabilen her birey çalışmaya dahil edilmiş bu yolla 205 mükellefin çalışmaya katılımı sağlanmıştır.

Çalışma sonucunda, bireysel ahlak felsefesinin alt boyutlarından idealizm’in vergi kaçırma tutumu üzerinde negatif ve istatistiksel olarak anlamlı etkiye sahip olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Yani bireylerin idealizm düzeyi arttıkça, vergi kaçırma tutumları azalmaktadır. Bireysel ahlak felsefesinin diğer alt boyutu olan rölativizm’in ise vergi kaçırma tutumu üzerinde anlamlı bir etkisi bulanamamıştır.

Ayrıca makyavelizmin idealizm ve bireysel sebeplerden kaynaklı vergi kaçırma tutumu ile vergi sisteminden kaynaklı vergi kaçırma tutumu arasındaki ilişkide ılımlaştırıcı değişken etkisine sahip olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Yani yüksek makyavelist bireylerde idealizm arttıkça vergi kaçırma davranışı azalmaktadır. Ayrıca makyavelizm düzeyi yüksek olan bireylerde eğitim düzeyi arttıkça bireylerin vergi sisteminden kaynaklı (adaletsizlik algısı sebepli) vergi kaçırma tutumlarının arttığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.