bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Decision Guide for Assessing the Recently Extubated Patient’s Readiness for Safe Oral Intake
Authors: Royals Waverlyn J. , Gillis Rita J. , Campbell Jarvis L.
Published: February 2023

Background

Postextubation dysphagia is a known consequence of endotracheal intubation. Several risk factors for postextubation dysphagia have been identified that could be used to help determine which patients should undergo swallowing assessment by an appropriate professional.

Local Problem

At the authors’ institution, critical care nurses, health care providers, and speech-language pathology professionals lacked a clear process for referring patients for swallowing assessment after extubation, resulting in inefficiency and confusion. Information to guide their decision-making in this area was needed. To address this need, a multidisciplinary group convened and developed a guide with specific indicators.

Methods

A review of the literature on postextubation dysphagia was conducted to determine the most appropriate indicators for the guide, which was piloted in the medical intensive care unit. The utilization rate was calculated. Referrals to speech-language pathology professionals were tabulated before and after the project.

Results

During the 11 months before implementation of the project, there were 994 speech-language pathology consultations for postextubation evaluation of swallowing. During the 11 months after implementation, there were 831 consultations, representing a 16.4% reduction. The decline in consultations resulted in cost savings in addition to preventing unnecessary testing before patients’ resumption of oral intake. The utilization rate for the guide during the project was 58%.

Conclusion

The decision guide was an effective tool to help nurses and health care providers determine which patients should be referred to speech-language pathology professionals for swallowing assessment after extubation, facilitating the appropriate use of limited health care resources.
Identification of a Novel Keto Sugar Component in Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 12F Capsular Polysaccharide and Impact on Vaccine Immunogenicity
Authors: Sackett Kelly , Brown Paul , Dutta Kaushik , Scully Ingrid L , Gangolli Seema , Looi Kelvin , Nemani Sandeep , Yu Angela Yeou Hsiung , Kleven Mark , Xie Jin , Moran Justin , Pride Michael W , Anderson Annaliesa S , Lotvin Jason
Published: February 2023

Implementation of conjugate vaccine technology revolutionized the ability to effectively elicit long-lasting immune responses to bacterial capsular polysaccharides. Although expansion of conjugate vaccine serotype coverage is designed to target residual disease burden to pneumococcal serotypes not contained in earlier vaccine versions, details of polysaccharide Ag structure, heterogeneity, and epitope structure components contributing to vaccine-mediated immunity are not always clear. Analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 12F polysaccharide by two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry revealed a partial substitution of N-acetyl-galactosamine by the keto sugar 2-acetamido-2,6-dideoxy-xylo-hexos-4-ulose (Sug) in up to 25% of the repeat units. This substitution was not described in previous published structures for 12F. Screening a series of contemporary 12F strains isolated from humans (n = 17) identified Sug incorporation at varying levels in all strains examined. Thus, partial Sug substitution in S. pneumoniae serotype 12F may have always been present but is now detectable by state-of-the-art analytical techniques. During the steps of conjugation, the serotype 12F Sug epitope is modified by reduction, and both polysaccharide PPSV23 and conjugate PCV20 vaccines contain 12F Ags with little to no Sug epitope. Both PCV20 and PPSV23 vaccines were evaluated for protection against circulating 12F strains with varying amounts of Sug in their repeat unit based on an opsonophagocytic killing assay involving HL-60 cells and rabbit complement. Both vaccines elicited human-derived neutralizing Abs against serotype 12F, independent of Sug level between ∼2 and 25 mol%. These findings suggest that the newly identified serotype 12F Sug epitope is likely not an essential epitope for vaccine-elicited protection.
Deep-sea benthic ecosystems waste nothing and recycle everything, even viruses
Authors: Corinaldesi Cinzia
Published: February 2023

Viruses are the most abundant biological entities of the global ocean and have a pervasive role in marine ecosystems because, being a major cause of mortality, they module the functioning of food webs, and biogeochemical cycling. This role is due not only to their ability to infect and lyse marine organisms but also to the decomposition of their particles (viral decay). The organic matter of viral origin, indeed, can be recycled by benthic organisms thus representing an additional important food source for their metabolism, especially in deep-sea sediments, characterized by very low availability of trophic resources. This short note will present an overview of the available information on viral decay in deep-sea benthic ecosystems.
Chronic rhinitis and stress: the possible culprits of midfacial segment pain
Authors: Joo Y-H. , Cho H-J. , Kim R.B. , Kim S-W.
Published: February 2023

Background: Bilateral symmetrical pain in the midfacial region without evidence of sinonasal disease is termed midfacial segment pain (MSP), about which little is known. The present study explored the prevalence of facial pain and the risk factors for MSP. Methods: We analysed cross-sectional data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Those who reported facial pain or pressure lasting at least three months with no evidence of a sinonasal disease on nasal endoscopy were considered to have MSP. The participants were categorised according to the presence of facial pain and chronic rhinosinusitis. Basic demographic data and medical conditions, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, were compared between subject groups. We also evaluated psychological stress, depressive episodes, and suicidal thoughts, as well as physician-diagnosed nasal diseases, including chronic rhinitis and symptomatic nasal septal deviation. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for MSP. Results: Of 31,999 participants, the prevalence of facial pain was 0.59%. A total of 58 (0.18%) respondents had MSP, of whom 40 (73.5%) were female. On univariate analysis, female sex, chronic rhinitis, and psychological stress were more prevalent in the subjects with MSP than the control subjects. However, in the multivariate analysis, only chronic rhinitis and psychological stress remained significant, while the female sex exhibited only marginal significance. Conclusion: Chronic rhinitis and psychological stress may be significant risk factors for MSP
Stent pretreatment for internal carotid artery exposed to necrotic lesions in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Wu W-B. , Zhang X-B. , Liu Y-P. , Zou X. , You R. , Xie Y-L. , Duan X-T. , Li H-F. , Wen K. , Peng L. , Hua Y-J. , Huang P-Y. , Sun R. , Chen J-H. , Chen M-Y.
Published: February 2023

Background: Post radiation nasopharyngeal necrosis (PRNN) invading the internal carotid artery (ICA) contributes to the death of 69.2–72.7% of PRNN patients. ICA occlusion is an effective treatment to avoid fatal bleeding, while some patients are intolerant. We present a novel method that allows for these patients without interrupting blood flow through the ICA. Methodology: This study enrolled patients with PRNN-invaded ICA who were not suitable for ICA occlusion from April 2020 to November 2022. ICA stent pretreatment was performed in the 36 patients and followed the endoscopic nasopharyngectomy (ENPG) or conservative treatment for PRNN. We report the survival outcome and incidence of complications after stent implantation and compare the survival outcomes of ENPG and conservative treatment for PRNN followed by stent implantation. Results: ICA stent pretreatment was performed in the 36 enrolled patients, among which 14 underwent ENPG, and 22 received conservative treatment. 27.8% patients died after a median follow-up of 15 months. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival were higher in the ENPG group than in the conservative treatment group. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) was significantly higher in the ENPG group than in the non-ENPG group. Conclusions: The innovative application of ICA stents is a promising treatment to improve outcomes in patients with PRNN invading the ICA who are unsuitable for ICA embolization, especially when followed by endoscopic surgery. However, methods to avoid postoperative cerebral ischemia and nasopharyngeal hemorrhage still require further study.
Assessment of Heavy Metals Concentrations in Some Irrigated Soils of Dadin-Kowa Dam, Gombe State, Nigeria
Authors: Seydou H. , Andrew A. , Bajoga A.D. , Abdulkadir A.
Published: February 2023

This study assessed heavy metals concentration in some irrigated soils of Dadin Kowa Dam, Gombe State Nigeria. The soils were collected along transect  lines (different sampling points) within the farms and samples were taken to the laboratory for analysis. The analysis was conducted using (Thermo  Fisher Scientific) Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy. The results give the following metals with their mean concentrations: Mo (8.200 and  8.926), Zr (432.990 and 440.236), Sr (204.358 and 87.142), Rb (47.642 and 42.533), Zn (44.165 and NA), Cu (42.161 and NA), Fe (43090.640 and 24846.236),  Mn, (992.881 and 397.248), Cr (140.456 and 88.054), V (56.842 and 27.159), Ti (2403.982 and 1421.486), Ca (3344.789 and 982.722), K (4706.758 and 3172.  047), S (466.152 and 310.510), Ba (933795.090 and 959675.238) and Nb (26.285 and 24.964) were obtained from the onion and cabbage farmssoils  samples respectively (Values in part per millions (ppm)). The degree of pollution of the soils studied were ascertained and compared with literature  toxicity data. Other pollution indices like Enrichment factor, Clarke ratio, Coefficient of variation, Contamination factor, Metal Pollution Index and Geo-  Accumulation Index were assessed also and found out that the contamination level for the soils is tolerable for irrigation. At α = 0.01 significant level,  positive correlation exists between Fe and Cu, Zn and Ca while Zn and Rb; Ca and Rb have significantly negative correlation between them. By  implications, these results showed that the complexes of some elements within the soil strata could influence the presence of other given elements.  Therefore, Dam irrigation area soils studied showed relatively low state of pollution for the elements determined.
Assessment of Compliance with Medical Waste Management Practice in Selected Hospitals in Urban Bauchi, Nigeria
Authors: Bako Sadiya Mahmood , Ali Ahmed Fate
Published: February 2023

This study assesses compliance with medical waste management practice in hospitals across urban Bauchi. Ten hospitals were randomly selected in each  ward, representing the ten administrative wards of urban Bauchi, in which 148 set of questionnaires were administered among the waste handlers in the  selected hospitals. In addition, the heads of units in each of the selected hospitals were interviewed. The results were compared with standard guidelines  stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO). It was revealed that the main treatment and disposal method in 50% of the hospitals were  incineration and deep burial which were mostly in compliance with the stipulated guidelines. In the remaining 50% of the hospitals, the dominant  treatment and disposal methods used were general collection of the waste, open dumping and burning. This is of significant concern because open  dumping and open burning are not sustainable practices. Therefore, the study recommends that waste handling manual be developed and provided to  all waste handlers to guide on handling medical waste properly.
Synthesis, growth and characterization of magnesium chloride doped L-alanine cadmium chloride single crystal: For nonlinear optical application
Authors: Alemu Dessale , Shafi Idris , Abza Tizazu
Published: February 2023

The aim of this research was to synthesize and characterize pure and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) doped L–alanine cadmium chloride (LACC) single crystals. Pure and MgCl2 doped LACC single crystals were synthesized by solution method with slow evaporation solution growth technique at room temperature. The single crystal X-ray diﬀraction studies of pure, 1 and 2 mol% MgCl2 doped LACC single crystals revealed monoclinic crystal structure with C2 space group. The optical properties of pure and MgCl2 doped LACC single crystals investigated by UV–VIS/NIR spectrometer confirmed that the crystals were transparent in the wavelength range of 230-1100 nm. The optical band gap energy of pure and doped LACC single crystals were found to have the same value of 5.4 eV. The energy-dispersive X-ray analysis indicated the incorporation of magnesium and chlorine atoms in LACC single crystal. The second harmonic generation eﬃciency of 1 and 2 mol% MgCl2 doped LACC crystals were analyzed by Kurtz-Perry powder technique and found to be 1.75 and 2 times greater than that of the standard potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystal, respectively.
African Approaches to God, Death and the Problem of Evil: Some Anthropological lessons towards an Intercultural Philosophy of Religion
Authors: Mosima Pius
Published: February 2023

In this paper, I make a case for an intercultural philosophy of religion from an African perspective. I focus on the philosophical underpinnings of the  various meaningful religious practices and beliefs that give rise to the concepts of God, death and the problem of evil. A philosophical study of African  traditional religions, based on anthropological findings across African cultural orientations, gives us a good starting point in understanding African  worldviews and religious experiences. It also reveals that the various world religions may all be seen as offering different perspectives on the same  reality. Specifically, I argue that traditional African conceptions of God, death and the problem of evil could make significant contributions to global  discourses in the philosophy of religion. First, I articulate points of convergence and divergence between African traditional religions with Saint Aquinas’  proofs for God’s existence; Second, I question the phenomenon of death and one’s life’s meaning. And third, I approach the problem of evil and attempt  an African solution to the Epicurean dilemma
Editorial: African Perspectives on God, the Problem of Evil, and Meaning in Life
Authors: Agada Ada , Attoe Aribiah David
Published: February 2023

No Abstract.
Cosmic Purpose: An African Perspective
Authors: Attoe Aribiah David
Published: February 2023

In much of the literature concerning African theories of meaning, there are certain clues regarding what constitutes meaningfulness from an African  traditional perspective. These are theories of meaning in life such as the African God’s purpose theory, which locates meaning in the obedience of divine  law and/or the pursuit of one’s destiny; the vital force theory, which locates meaning in the continuous augmentation of one’s vital force through the  expression and receipt of goodwill, rituals and the worship of God; and what I will call the transcendent communal normative theories, where meaning is  located in the positive contributions one makes to his/her society, whether as a human being or as an ancestor. I contend that all these theories have one  thing in common that unifies them – and that is the legitimization of God’s existence through the continued sustenance of the universe. This, I will  show, constitutes the meaning of life (in cosmic terms) from an African traditional religious perspective. To argue for this thesis, I will first tease out the  basic tenets of the previously described theories of meaning. I will then analyse the metaphysical underpinning of the African relational ontology and  how it reflects on the subject of being. Finally, I will end by showing the role of the universe in legitimizing the existence of God as a thing in the world,  and how that constitutes the meaning of life.
The Ontological Status of Yahweh and the Existence of the Thing we call God
Authors: Mokoena Lerato Likopo
Published: February 2023

The essence of deities has captured our imaginations for as long as we can remember. Does a God exist, or is the divine entity just a figment of our  dreams, a projection? Is God what Aribiah Attoe calls a “regressively eternal and material entity” or what Gericke calls “a character of fiction with no  counterpart outside the worlds of text and imagination”? This paper aims to wrestle with those questions from a theological perspective and to look at  the ontological status of Yahweh and how that worldview lends itself to African Traditional Religions in conversation with Attoe's method of inquiry from  the perspective of African Metaphysics. This paper aims to be a part of the larger project undertaken by the author, showing that philosophy can and  should be an auxiliary discipline in Old Testament Studies as it has been seen, both fields have ways of similar arguing and coming to the same  conclusions. This paper is intended to be an interlocutory exercise or experiment and does not seek to validate any hypothesis about either view.
Challenges of Rendering Effective Library Services to Users in Select University Libraries in South-South, Nigeria
Authors: Okonoko Ngozi V. , Abubakar Usman Ndasaliu , Nwafor Regina Anayochukwu
Published: February 2023

This study investigates the challenges of rendering effective library services to users in selected university libraries in South-South, Nigeria. A descriptive survey method was adopted for the study in line with the objectives of the study as the instrument used in collecting data. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study consists of 116 librarians in all the federal universities libraries in South- South Nigeria. A total of 116 copies of the questionnaire were distributed and 94 copies of the questionnaire were retrieved using descriptive statistics mean and percentage mean score of 2.5 and above and percentage score of 50% were considered as acceptable. The study revealed that the benefits of rendering effective library services to library users are academic advancement, research, reading and promotion. The study also shows challenges for rendering of library services to library users to be obsolete materials, poor budgetary allocation, lack of infrastructural facilities and poor recruitment process. Strategies to render effective library services to library users are acquisition of current materials, adequate budget to the library, provision of infrastructures and sound recruitment of staff. The study recommends that acquisition of current materials is critical to good library service delivery, robust budget to the library, provision of state of the art infrastructure facilities and recruitment of competent personnel. The findings of this study will help library management whose libraries are lagging behind to provide all the basic materials/infrastructures needed for effective library services. Also, transforming academic libraries will enhance the capability of libraries to contribute positively to the reality of knowledge in the society in contemporary Nigerian society.
Selection of Wireless Communication Technologies for Embedded Devices using Multi-criteria Approach and Expert Opinion
Authors: Adebisi J. A. , Babatunde O. M.
Published: February 2023

Emerging research has shown the significance of communication technologies in the development of embedded systems and devices. Since there are various communication technologies with varying advantages and disadvantages in embedded systems, decision makers in identifying the best alternative can be prejudiced by various features. Hence, making the selection of the most suitable wireless communication technology a multi-criteria problem. To rank the common wireless communication technologies relevant to the development of embedded systems, this paper presents a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approach for analyzing experts opinion on the most preferred wireless communication technologies for embedded devices. To accommodate the subjective nature of experts’ responses, a Fuzzy-TOPSIS MCDM approach is proposed for the ranking wireless communication technologies that can be adopted in the development of embedded systems. Based on the aggregation of responses from experts, the results show that the most preferred wireless communication alternative for embedded application is Wi-Fi with a closeness coefficient (𝐶𝐶𝑖) of 0.52, while the least preferred alternative is Long-Term Evolution (LTE) with a (𝐶𝐶𝑖) 0.32.
Short-term Study of the Influence of Aggregate Size on the Fire Resistance of Concrete
Authors: Ayodele F. O. , Olulope O. R. , Ayeni I. S.
Published: February 2023

This study aims to investigate the effect of aggregate size on the fire resistance of concrete. The binder for this investigation was 42.5R CEM II/A-L Portland limestone cement, and the crushed granite sizes were 20mm, 12.5mm, and a blend (20 mm + 12.5 mm). The concrete was designed with a mix ratio of 1:2:4 (batching by weight) and 0.55w/c. The workability of the concrete was determined using the slump method. The concrete specimens were cured for 7, 14, and 28 days by immersion and later exposed to heat temperatures of 26.8 °C (Room temperature), 60 °C, 120 °C, 180 °C, and 240 °C. The compressive strength of normal concrete (without heating) had the optimum with concrete produced with blended aggregate size and conversely the least with 20mm aggregate size concrete. When subjected to heat, the optimal performance noted for the influence of aggregate size on fire resistance was also with concrete produced with combined blend (20 mm + 12.5 mm) sizes. The p-value (Prob > F) for the whole model test is less than 0.05, indicating that there is a significant relationship between the grain size, temperature, and strength loss. The use of blended sizes of 12.5 mm and 20 mm is therefore recommended for concrete works and especially when fire resistance is a requirement.
Preparation, functional and pasting behavior of starch phosphates of red cocoyam (Colocosia esculenta) and white cocoyam (Colocosia antiquorum): a comparative study
Authors: Yussuf S.T. , Ibikunle A.A. , Sanyaolu N.O. , Ogundare S.A. , Adesanya M.A. , Atewolara- Odule C.O. , Ogunmoye A.O. , Adeleke A.A. , Hashimi A.M. , Olubomehin O.O.
Published: February 2023

A contemporary strategy in the starch industries is the diversification of raw materials. However, the hydrophilic nature of starch limits its use as a raw material for food and packaging products, resulting in a low level of biodegradation. To address this issue, it is imperative that starch be chemically modified. Starch phosphates are among the most common and commonly used chemically modified starches. In this study, native red cocoyam starch (NRCS) and native white cocoyam starch (NWCS) were chemically modified with di-sodium hydrogen orthophosphate as phosphorylating agent to produce red cocoyam starch phosphate (PRCS) and white cocoyam starch phosphate (PWCS). The functional and pasting properties of the native and starch phosphates of both cocoyam species were evaluated and compared. The starch yield increased from ~ 17% for NRCS to ~ 25% for PRCS and from ~ 12% for NWCS to ~ 20% for PWCS. The water and oil absorption capacities were 97.00 & 143.00% for NRCS and 78.00 & 164.00% for NWCS, whereas for PRCS it was 160.00 & 153.00% and for PWCS it was 127.00 & 173.00% respectively. NRCS and PRCS had a foam capacity of 8.80 and 9.00% while NWCS and PWCS had 8.00 and 10.00% respectively. Phosphorylation had a significant impact on the pasting properties leading to a reduction in the peak, breakdown, set back, and final viscosities of the native cocoyam starches. In conclusion, phosphorylation considerably improved the functional and pasting qualities of red and white cocoyam starch, revealing its tremendous application potential in the formulation of food components, as a stabilizer, tablet binders in pharmaceutical industries, as well as in the packaging industries.
Evaluation of Euphorbia poissonii pax for the formulation of an -incapacitating agent
Authors: Awe F.E. , Adeyemi M.M. , Yakassai J.B. , Kolawale E.A.
Published: February 2023

This research was designed to explore the biological effects of compounds isolated from Euphorbia poissoni pax for the formulation of an Incapacitating Agent against Albino rat; which will serve as an indigenous weapon for the Nigerian defence system and also as an insecticide. Chloroform extracts of Euphorbia poissoni pax was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening to ascertain the presence of phenolic compounds, alkaloids, saponins, and terpenoids. Fourier- Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis indicated the presences of some chemical compounds including (4-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-4- methyl-2-pentanone) trimethylsilyl Ether, n-Hexadecanoic acid, Carbonic acid(1R)-(-)-menthylnonyl ester, 13-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester, 1,3,5-triazine, 2-chloro-4,6-bis(mthylthio) and Phthalic acid, 6-ethyloct-3-yl-2-ethylhexyl ester. In the chloroform extract. The LD50 of the plant extract was calculated to be 1733.33 mg/kg, which is within the OECD (Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development) guidelines. The extract exerted a potent biological activity at 1000 mg/kg on applying under pressure on the rat skin and incapacitated the rat for 2 minutes. The extract showed an effective insecticidal effect against cockroaches and beans weevils.
Statistical analyses on the correlation of corruption perception index and some other indices in Nigeria
Authors: Onyeogulu T , Ogoke U.P.
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the statistical analysis of Corruption Perception Index (CPI) in Nigeria considering some other indices which are, Human Development Index (HDI), Global Peace Index (GPI) and Global Hunger Index (GHI). Data set was standardized using two different methods due to the different units and scales used in measuring the indices. Analyses were carried out on the two standardized data sets resulting in different covariance matrices but same correlation matrices, multiple and partial correlation coefficients. Hypothesis testing was carried out on both multiple and partial correlation coefficient at 5% level of significance. Result shows that a slight positive correlation exists between CPI and HDI, CPI and GHI (which implies that as CPI is increasing, HDI is also increasing, same for CPI and GHI) while a slight negative correlation exists between CPI and GPI (which implies a reverse). The partial correlation analysis carried out on the standardized data set indicates that a slight positive relationship exists between CPI and HDI holding GHI and GPI constant, a fair positive relationship exists between CPI and GHI holding HDI and GPI constant (which implies that without considering the effect of GPI, as CPI is decreasing, GHI and HDI are  also decreasing) , a fair negative relationship exists between CPI and GPI holding HDI and GHI constant (without considering the effect of HDI and GHI, as CPI is decreasing, GPI is also decreasing) holding CPI constant a fair positive relationship exist between HDI and GHI(without considering the effect of CPI, as HDI is increasing, GHI is also increasing, a moderate positive relationship exists between HDI and GPI and a substantial positive correlation exists between GHI and GPI. Multiple correlation analyses were also carried out on the standardized data set which indicates a moderate positive relationship. Generally, CPI and HDI have dominant effect on the national economy.
Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessment of some heavy metals in carrots selected from Wudil, Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Onoyima C. C , Okibe F. G. , Ibrahim A. Y. , Nwoye E. E.
Published: February 2023

Fruits and vegetables contaminated with heavy metals can pose health risks to humans. Noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of some metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni) in carrots cultivated in Wudil, Kano, Nigeria was investigated by calculating the chronic daily intake (CDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR) of the metals. The mean concentrations of the metals were in the following decreasing order: Cu>Cr>Ni>Pb>Cd. The levels of all the metals were below the maximum tolerable limit set by FAO/WHO. The THQ for the heavy metals were all less than one (THQ < 1), showing that these metals did not constitute a noncarcinogenic risk to the population through the consumption of carrots. The percentage contributions of the metals to the total non-carcinogenic risk were in the following order: Cr>Pb>Cu>Cd>Ni. Cr was the major contributor to the total non-carcinogenic risk and accounted for 57.61% of the total risk, while Pb, Cu, Cd, and Ni contributed 15.64%, 12.76%, 7.41%, and 6.58% respectively. The CR were all below the upper limit of 1×10-4, suggesting that lifetime exposure to these metals through the consumption of carrots did not pose a cancer risk to the population. The levels of the investigated metals in carrots in the area did not pose any risk to the consumers. However, there is a need to monitor the metals on regular basis to ensure the safety of the consumers.
Design and analysis of grid-connected energy systems for commercial buildings
Authors: Akinyele D.O. , Olabode O.E. , Okakwu I.K. , Adeosun J.A. , Sulaiman M.A. , Okediji A.P.
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the design of energy generation based on the national grid, solar photovoltaic (PV), and diesel-based supply systems for a commercial building in Obanikoro, Lagos with a total demand and peak load of ~56,000 kWh/yr and 13.5 kW, respectively. The grid is simulated based on the average daily supply of 6 hours being experienced in the study location, indicating that the building is not served for an average of 18 hours/day. The paper considers three design configurations: grid, grid + PV, and grid + PV + generator systems in HOMER Microgrid tool and their performances are compared in terms of the annual generation, load not served, and the emissions. A load demand of ~14,000 kWh/yr meaning that 75 % of total demand is not met. A 35.2 kW PV was added to the grid, with both supplying 49,687 and 13,826 kWh/yr, respectively. However, a 6.98% of the load is not served. A 15 kW generator is then added to form the grid + PV+ diesel generator configuration, and the participating energy sources supply 15,818, 49,723 and 4,834 kWh/yr, respectively. This configuration is able to meet the demand without any deficit. The CO2, CO, unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter and SO2 and nitrogen oxides emissions for the three configurations are 8.824, 0, 0, 0, 0.0383 and 0.0187 tonnes/yr; 8.192, 0, 0, 0, 0.0355 and 0.0174 tonnes/yr, and 11.833, 0.0259, 0.00113, 0.000157, 0.0435 and 0.0407 tonnes/yr, respectively. The study can help to mitigate the energy shortage in commercial buildings.
Обґрунтування факторів, що впливають на спрацювання поверхонь ґрунтообробних робочих органів
Authors: Корчак Микола
Published: February 2023

Обґрунтовано фактори, що впливають на спрацювання поверхонь ґрунтообробних робочих органів. Встановлено, що обробіток ґрунту бажано проводити  тоді, коли він знаходиться у «зрілому стані» та коли його вологість оптимальна і, відповідно зношуюча здатність низька. Впливати на  спрацювання  можливо лише за рахунок зменшення нормального питомого тиску і відносної швидкості руху скиби ґрунту по поверхні робочих органів. Забезпечити  вплив нормального питомого тиску і відносної швидкості переміщення ґрунту можливо зміною геометрії робочих органів. Одержані результати впроваджено в навчальний процес Закладу вищої освіти «Подільський державний університет» та включено в навчально-методичний комплекс дисципліни «Механіко-технологічні властивості сільськогосподарських матеріалів». Отримано подальший розвиток досліджень стосовно спрацювання поверхонь ґрунтообробних робочих органів, що є важливим в подальшому для складання операційно-технологічних карт на виконання технологічних операцій з обробітку ґрунту.
Формування логічного мислення здобувачів початкової освіти у процесі розв’язування математичних задач
Authors: Калюжка Наталія
Published: February 2023

Автор статті зазначає, що одним із завдань освітнього стандарту є оволодіння логічними діями порівняння, аналізу, синтезу, узагальнення, класифікації за родовидовими ознаками, встановлення аналогій і причинно-наслідкових зв’язків, побудови міркувань, віднесення до відомих понять. У Державному стандарті початкової освіти зазначено, що в процесі навчання учень зобов’язаний придбати ймовірність оволодіти «базами логічного і алгоритмічного мислення, запису і виконання алгоритмів». Логіка дає можливість людині не тільки правильно мислити, але переконливо говорити, розумно чинити і раціонально діяти. Проте, перш за все, вона допомагає чітко встановлювати істину, відокремлювати її від омани, орієнтуватися в світі накопичених знань, отримувати шляхом їх «обробки» нові знання без безпосереднього звернення до досвіду. Тому одним з принципових завдань, що стоять перед учителем початкової ланки, вважається створення незалежної логіки мислення, яка дозволила б дітям здійснювати висновки, проводити підтвердження, вирази, які закономірно пов’язані між собою, здійснювати рішення, підтверджуючи особисті пропозиції, і, в кінцевому підсумку, у відсутності допомоги інших набувати знання. Математика, власне той предмет, в якому дозволено в яскравій мірі це виконати.
Використання фразеологізмів на заняттях з української мови як необхідний елемент формування мовної культури майбутніх фахівців
Authors: Тимкова Валентина
Published: February 2023

У нашому  дослідженні ми аналізуємо функціонування фразем у діловому мовленні здобувачів вищої освіти, вивчення ролі фразеологічних одиниць в мовленні сучасного фахівця, що є свідченням належного формування висококваліфікованих кадрів. Метою нашого дослідження є висвітлення комунікативного підходу до вивчення фразеології здобувачами вищої освіти будь-якого профілю та ролі стійких фразеологізмів у формуванні їхньої професійної культури. Актуальність дослідження зумовлена не лише його зверненням до надзвичайно популярної нині в лінгвістиці теми фразеології, а й необхідністю виховувати свідоме прагнення до вивчення мовного надбання рідної держави в офіційно-діловому мовленні. Важливим аспектом фахової мовної підготовки здобувачів вищої освіти є знання ними фразеологічних норм сучасної української літературної мови під час вивчення української мови за професійним спрямуванням. Власне, у фразеологічних одиницях знаходимо багатогранність історичного минулого народу, його звичаї, традиції та культуру, найбільш точно відображається менталітет. Фразеологізми, будучи компонентом культури, одночасно виступають як дзеркало народної філософії і вказують на мовну культуру інших народів. У цьому вимірі рідні фразеологізми постали для індивіда справжнім розпізнанням соціально-культурної самодостатності, що виявляють нерозривний зв’язок окремої людини  з цілісним соціальним організмом, яким є нація.
До проблеми гендерної рівності і правового становища жінки в сучасній Китайській Народній Республіці
Authors: Стеньгач Надія
Published: February 2023

Китай є країною, що розвивається, з найбільшим населенням у світі. Із загальної чисельності населення 1,3 мільярда жінки становлять близько половини. З моменту заснування КНР в 1949 році, особливо після ухвалення політики реформ наприкінці 1970-х років, поряд з безперервним зростанням економіки Китаю, жінкам надається більше гарантій реалізації рівних прав та можливостей з чоловіками. Держава постійно активізувала свої зусилля щодо розробки, перегляду та забезпечення дотримання відповідних законів та постанов для захисту законних прав та інтересів жінок. Проведено низку заходів щодо  забезпечення рівних можливостей працевлаштування жінок і чоловіків, спільного використання економічних ресурсів та результатів соціального розвитку. За останні кілька років китайський уряд сформулював і проводив політику підтримки, що заохочує жінок до відкриття бізнесу за власною ініціативою, та надавав їм пільги при наданні субсидій на професійну підготовку та гарантованих кредитів. Також уряди всіх рівнів прийняли безліч сприятливих для жінок умов, таких як створення робочих місць у сфері громадського добробуту, відкриття центрів служби зайнятості, моніторинг дискримінації за ознакою статі щодо жінок при працевлаштуванні та допомогу жінкам знайти роботу. У Законі про шлюб 2001 року підтверджено основний принцип рівності між чоловіками та жінками, підкреслено рівний статус чоловіка та дружини та їх рівні права та обов'язки у шлюбі та сім'ї, додано статті про заборону домашнього насильства та двоєженства з метою захисту прав жінок. У той же час уряд чудово усвідомлює, що в процесі реструктуризації економіки Китай стикається з новими ситуаціями та проблемами у гендерній рівності та правовому розвитку жінок. Китайські жінки стають все більш диверсифікованими за своїм соціальним статусом, а отже, розрізняються і їхні потреби в засобах існування, розвитку та захисту своїх прав та інтересів. В наявності явний дисбаланс у розвитку жінок різних регіонів, соціального статусу та груп; застарілі умовності та звичай нерівності між чоловіками та жінками, успадковані з історії та культури Китаю, ще не повністю викорінені.
Розвиток економіки України за умов ведення військових дій
Authors: Григорян Олександра
Published: February 2023

Важливим показником соціально–економічного розвитку кожної країни є рівень суспільного добробуту. Водночас рівень занепаду життя різних категорій громадян призводить до загострення соціальних потреб суспільства, вимагаючи швидкого вирішення. Задовольнити ці потреби на державному чи муніципальному рівнях не завжди можливо у стислі терміни, що пов’язано з обмеженістю коштів, багаторівневістю та бюрократичністю системи, відсутністю ініціативи громадян.

Інтерес до інновацій сьогодні є актуальним через кризові явища в економіці України через глобальну кризу у світі через пандемію та військові дії на території країни. Розвиток механізмів стимулювання індивідуальності в процесі розвитку громадського сектору є ефективним засобом підвищення соціальної задоволеності населення.

Неефективна національна інноваційна система України, внаслідок бойових дій на території держави, втрати частини території внаслідок окупації Російської Федерації, низка обмежень щодо придбання військової техніки, відсутність достатнє фінансування науки та інші причини, подорожчання товарів і послуг, матеріально-технічні проблеми, руйнування транспортної інфраструктури вплинули на стан і подальший розвиток промислових підприємств, призвели до перерозподілу часток галузей у структури ВВП, значне скорочення обсягів виробництва та хаотичне структурування економіки, такої високотехнологічної, інноваційної, як наслідок – втрата зовнішніх та українських ринків збуту, масове скорочення працівників та робочих місць, міграція високого рівня. кваліфіковані робітники занепаду промислових підприємств, які колись були флагманами економіки держави.

Функціонування підприємств, починаючи з 2000 року відбувається в умовах, які постійно ускладнюються поглибленням кризових явищ в економіці України, посиленням конкуренції світовими глобалізаційними процесами, всесвітньою пандемією та військовими діями в Україні.
La dirección escolar. Análisis desde el nuevo enfoque de la reforma de la ley de educación.
Authors: Castillo García Manuel , Racero Montes Francisco José
Published: February 2023

Las organizaciones escolares están formadas por un conjunto de elementos que conforman un sistema cerrado sujeto a variables externas que modifican sus intenciones y fines. La misión fundamental que debe de tener toda institución escolar es la de construir una sociedad cada vez más capacitada para poder satisfacer las demandas de una sociedad dinámica y plural donde deben de converger todas las iniciativas y singularidades humanas. Para ello, el sistema necesita de una organización fuertemente cohesionada y dirigida. Los perfiles de dirección escolar, aunque con patrones similares al de otras organizaciones humanas, se distinguen por el componente humano que conforma el sistema. El aprendizaje del alumnado se produce mediante una fuerte interacción entre todos los elementos, por un lado, en sentido bidireccional alumno-profesor y por otro mediante el aprendizaje cooperativo-colaborativo donde se configuran verdaderas comunidades de aprendizaje. El liderazgo de la dirección y la autonomía de los centros son dos pilares básicos para alcanzar los fines del sistema. En el presente trabajo se analizan los tipos de modelos de dirección escolar desde diferentes enfoques, variables políticas que influyen en el desempeño y desarrollo de las competencias directivas, desarrollo histórico a partir del modelo democrático y por último la potencialidad de la dirección escolar para la mejora de los centros educativos.
El oficio de estudiar: Factores asociados al rendimiento académico de estudiantes de una universidad pública
Authors: Rodríguez Paredes Noelia Patricia , García Zare Elmis Jonatan , Soto Abanto Segundo Eloy , Mejía Pardo Patricia Isabel , Martin Vergara Joseph Anibal
Published: February 2023

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar los factores que se encuentran asociados al rendimiento académico de los estudiantes. Para este propósito se empleó el enfoque cuantitativo, se ubicó en el diseño no experimental, transversal y descriptiva correlacional. La investigación tuvo una población de 54 estudiantes de estudios generales de una escuela profesional de una universidad pública matriculados en el año en curso al desarrollo de la investigación. Para calcular el tamaño de muestra se utilizó el diseño de muestreo aleatorio irrestricto dando como resultado 19 y 15 estudiantes de II Y IV ciclo respectivamente. Las técnicas estadísticas empleadas para este trabajo fueron la selección de Clústeres y el Análisis Factorial de Correspondencias Múltiples empleando el software R-Studio. Los resultados que se obtuvieron en esta investigación son la clasificación de variables y el perfil de los estudiantes según su promedio ponderado. Mediante el Dendograma de variables se determinó con un punto de corte igual a ocho, 4 clúster denominados nivel educativo más alto entre los padres del estudiante, factores sociodemográficos, medio de traslado a la universidad y factores de distancia y responsabilidad académica. El perfil de los estudiantes con un promedio ponderado en el rango de 0 a 10, se caracteriza por no vivir en Trujillo Metropolitano, presentan uno o más cursos rezagados, su medio de traslado a la universidad es a pie y son menores de 20 años; los que tienen un promedio ponderado en el rango de 15 a 20, se caracteriza por el nivel de estudios más alto entre sus padres que es superior universitario, tienen una familia extensa, su asistencia es mayor al 70% y no trabajan; y los que tienen un promedio ponderado de 11 a 14 se caracterizan por su conformación de grupos que es heterogénea, sexo femenino, no presentan cursos rezagados, su medio de traslado es el transporte público, viven en Trujillo Metropolitano y tienen una edad mayor o igual a 20 años.
Discrimination Reef and Non-Reef Environments, Using REE Geochemistry
Authors: Turki Farah , Awadh Salih
Published: February 2023

This research aims to distinguish the reef environment from the non-reef environment. The Oligocene-Miocene-succussion in western Iraq was selected as a case study, represented by the reefal limestone facies of the Anah Formation (Late Oligocene) deposited in reef-back reef environments, dolomitic limestone of the Euphrates Formation (Early Miocene) deposited in open sea environments, and gypsiferous marly limestone of the Fatha Formation (Middle Miocene) deposited in a lagoonal environment. The content of the rare earth elements (REEs) (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Er, Ho, Tm, Yb, Lu, and Y) in reef facies appear to be much lower than of those in the non-reef facies. The open sea facies have a low content of REEs due to being a transitional phase. The facies investigated have ƩREEs lower than the PAAS. The lagoonal facies shows an average ƩREEs higher than the Global Standard of Carbonate Rocks (GSCR), whereas reefal and open sea facies contain lower. The Y/Ho, Y/Dy, and Er/Nd were used as distinctive indicators of facies diagnosis; reefal facies have a high value of Y/Ho, Y/Dy, and Er/Nd as compared to PAAS are higher than1. In contrast, non-reef facies (lagoonal) have a lower value of Y/Ho, and Y/Dy as compared to PAAS is lower than 1, but Er/Nd is higher than 1. While in open sea facies the Y/Ho and Y/Dy have moderate values as compared to PAAS are close to 1, but a high value of Er/Nd as compared to PAAS higher than 1.
Evaluation of the Performance of a Discharge Gauging Station on Tigris River in Baiji, Iraq
Authors: Olewi Saif , Salih Sabbar , Sulaiman Faraj
Published: February 2023

Gauging the discharge of theTigris River in Baiji is very important, as it reflects the final accumulated flows from Mosul Dam, upper and lower Zab tributaries, which send downstream to the control system in Samarra. The current study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Baiji gauging station for measuring water levels and discharge, and thus suggest alternative locations. Large disagreement was found between the manually measured discharge, and that measured by the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, and in comparison with the discharge coming from the stations of Shirqat and Al-Dibs upstream Baiji, or those discharges sent to Tikrit downstream the station. A topographical survey of the flow section was done to determine the area using manual and Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler techniques for the original and alternative locations. Then flow velocity was measured, then the discharge was calculated according to the flow section area, and the average flow velocity for different levels, the stage-discharge equation was deduced and compared with the other equations used previously. The study concluded that the original station is inefficient, and it is better to move it to the second alternative site, by comparing the three stations, we found that the most accurate measurements were at the second alternative station.