bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Two Methods of Presenting a Pedagogical Model to Preservice Teachers
Authors: Ensey Lowell F. , Cooney Thomas J.
Published: August 2020

Preservice secondary school mathematics teachers, 20 pre-student teachers, and 16 post-student teachers, were introduced to a model for teaching mathematical concepts via two treatments. The subjects prepared and taught the concepts of parallelogram and rhombus, respectively, in two audiotaped microteaching sessions, one before and one after the treatments. The number and variety of moves used and the strategies employed by the subjects in their microlessons were obtained from analyzing the audio recordings. A 2× 2× 2 design was used to detect differences among means or interactions of the two groups, the treatments, and the two microteaching sessions, where the microteaching session was a repeated factor. No significant interactions were found. The microteaching session factor was significant (p<.05), indicating an increase in both the number and variety of moves.
Inquiry Strategy, Cognitive Style, and Mathematics Achievement
Authors: Scott Norval C.
Published: August 2020

The purposes were 1) to determine what effect a specific inquiry method can have on styles of categorization and mathematics achievement and 2) to discover what relationship might exist between an analytical style and mathematics achievement. Two groups were tested as seniors in high school with the Sigel Cognitive Test. Thirty-nine students had experienced an inquiry program 5 years earlier, and 40 pupils had not received this type of instruction. Results indicated that inquiry-trained students were not only significantly more analytical but better in mathematics than the comparison group. Correlations showed no relationship between analytical style and mathematics achievement.
Brief Reports: The Effects of Instruction on length Relations on the Qualitative Seriation Behavior of First– and Second-Grade Children
Authors: Johnson Martin L.
Published: August 2020

In The Child's Conception of Number. Piaget and Szeminska (1952) describe various levels of young children's performances on seriation of linear objects. According to Piaget and Szeminska, operational seriation-referred to as Stage Ill behavior-is crucial and necessary in the development of a concept of number, number being defined as “a synthesis of class and asymmetrical relations” (p. 184). It is further stated, “Our hypothesis is that the construction of number goes hand in hand with the development of logic, and that a pre-numerical period corresponds to the pre-logical level… logical and arithmetical operations therefore constitute a single system… the second resulting from generalization and fusion of the first, under the complementary headings of inclusions of classes and seriation of relations, quality being disregarded” (p. vi ii). An a nalysis of Stage III seriation behavior reveals that the subject possesses a logical, systematic procedure using asymmetrical transitive relations (e.g., “longer than,” “shorter than”) that allows him to impose a correct ordering on a set of sticks, strings, or other linear objects. Piaget and Szeminska argue that asymmetrical transitive relations are also involved in the ordinal aspect of number. For example, in the act of counting a set of objects, the child determines a “first” object, “second” object, and so on, basing the enumeration on the relation “comes before” or “precedes.” Once counted, the objects in the set are ordered analogous to the set of sticks. Thus, the ability to form ordered series becomes important for both logical and numerical activities.
The Relationship between Mathematics Achievement and Spatial Abilities among Elementary School Children
Authors: Guay Roland B. , McDaniel Ernest D.
Published: August 2020

The literature regarding the relationship between elementary school mathematics achievement and spatial abilities is not clear. Four spatial tests were administered to 90 children enrolled in Grade 2 through Grade 7. Two tests measured simple spatial ability, that is, visualizing two-dimensional configurations; the other two measured complex spatial ability, that is, visualizing and mentally rotating three-dimensional configurations. Scores on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills were used to classify children as high or low mathematics achievers. High mathematics achievers scored significantly higher (p<.05p<.05) than low mathematics achievers on all four spatial tests. Additionally, males scored significantly higher (p<.05p<.05) than females on the two tests measuring complex spatial ability.
“New Math” Implementation: A Look inside the Classroom
Authors: Price Jack , Kelley John L. , Kelley Jonathan
Published: August 2020

Over 1200 second- and fifth-grade teachers responded to a questionnaire designed to gather information about practices in mathematics classrooms across the United States. Findings relative to mathematics objectives and assessments, textbooks, “new” topics, class time, teaching methods, schools of low socio-economic status, and in-service opportunities were interpreted with respect to the characteristics of the teachers who responded.
The Effects of Guided Discovery and Individualized Instructional Packages on Initial Learning, Transfer, and Retention in Second-Year Algebra
Authors: Hirsch Christian R.
Published: August 2020

This study compared a guided discovery procedure emphasizing dialectical dialogue, individualized instructional packages using an expository format, and individualized instructional packages using a branching programmed format in teaching an extended unit on the field of complex numbers to 213 second-year algebra students in six high schools. Significant (p<.01p<.01) differences were found favoring the guided discovery group over both the expository package and programmed package groups with respect to initial learning, vertical transfer, and lateral transfer. No significant variation in retention was found among the three groups.
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Higgins Jon
Published: August 2020

Almost all research in mathematics education is predicated on the use of tests and group testing procedures to measure important variables. Because of this. readers of JRME should be particularly interested in two recent articles that suggest that test performance may depend upon interest factors to a greater degree than we have previously suspected.
Designing Instructional Methods in Mathematics to Accommodate Different Patterns of Aptitude
Authors: Becker Jerry P. , Young Courtney D.
Published: August 2020

The interaction of two instructional treatments with two aptitude variables and four other predictor variables was studied. Several hundred students were pretested, from which 62 were selected who exhibited High-Low, High-High, Low-High, and Low-Low measures of the two aptitude variables. “Matched pairs” of students were then formed in each of these groups, and students in each pair were randomly assigned to one of the two instructional treatments. Four disordinal interactions, two using one predictor variable and two using two predictor variables, were found.
Preschool Children's Knowledge of Addition and Subtraction
Authors: Brush Lorelei R.
Published: August 2020

Two studies examine preschool children's knowledge of the effects of the physical processes of addition and subtraction on the relative amounts of two sets. Results indicate that children are very competent at these elementary problems though they often do not use numbers. They can select the set with more elements when the two initial sets are equivalent in number and operations are performed on one or both sets and when the initial sets are unequal but small in absolute size or very different in size. Most children recognize the inverse relationship of addition and subtraction.
Distractors in Nonverbal Mathematical Problems
Authors: Bana Jack , Nelson Doyal
Published: August 2020

Four matched groups of eight children in each of Grades 1, 2, and 3 attempted a division problem in one of four distraction settings: minimal, situational, color-attribute, or spatial-numerical distraction. The effects of both grade level and distraction setting on problem-solving performance were highly significant. The results suggest that distractors play a key role in nonverbal problem solving. Much more research, however, is needed if the role of distractors in nonverbal problem situations is to be clearly understood.
Comparison of Lecture and Laboratory Strategies in a Mathematics Course for Prospective Elementary Teachers
Authors: Flexer Roberta J.
Published: August 2020

A 3-year study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of laboratory and lecture strategies in a course for prospective elementary teachers on the structure of the number system. Experimental and control groups were compared in terms of achievement in the course; retention on a follow-up examination given 6 months after the end of the course; attitude toward mathematics; performance in student teaching of mathematics; and responses to a questionnaire concerning the course. Within the experimental limitations of this study, there was no reason to conclude that either strategy was superior to the other. Implications concerning the design of preservice courses in mathematics are discussed.
Information Matching within and between Auditory and Visual Sense Modalities and Mathematics Achievement
Authors: Sawada Daiyo , Jarman R. F.
Published: August 2020

The ability to integrate information arriving through different sense modalities has been examined closely in regard to reading performance, but research in mathematics learning has largely ignored this ability. In the present study, 180 fourth-grade children stratified according to IQ were administered four tests designed to measure both intramodal and cross-modal auditory and visual matching ability. Performances on these measures were correlated with achievement measures in reading and mathematics. Correlations significant at the 0.01 and 0.05 levels (df=58) were found for both reading and mathematics, but those for mathematics were consistently higher. The variation of the correlations with mathematics achievement over the IQ levels was rather striking, indicating the potential use of sensory matching ability in research on individualization or in ATI experiments.
Brief Reports: The Interaction of Spatial Visualization and General Reasoning Abilities with Instructional Treatment on Absolute Value Equations
Authors: Eastman Phillip M. , Salhab Mohammed
Published: August 2020

Aptitude treatment interaction (ATI) studies essentially deal with two related questions: Can we adapt instruction to patterns of individual differences among students? If so, for which students is a particular method of instruction most effective? The general ATI problem as advanced by Cronbach (1957) is well known (e.g., Becker, 1970), and no further discussion of it is presented here.
Emphasizing Thinking Strategies in Basic Fact Instruction
Authors: Thornton Carol A.
Published: August 2020

Experimental and traditional groups at both the second- and the fourth-grade level participated in eight weeks of instruction in basic facts. Pretest, posttest, and retention measures were taken, and follow-up interviews were conducted. Group means on total test performance and on the number of harder facts correctly answered each time were examined in a repeated-measures ANOVA. Significant (p<.001p<.001) group × test performance interactions were found in each case. Post hoc Scheffe analyses indicated (except for the traditional group in subtraction) that learning increments due to instruction were significant across groups. An examination by t-test of differences between groups generally favored the experimental groups. Interview data suggested that children did use strategies they had been taught to help memorize the facts.
The Differential Effects of the Use of Manipulative Aids on the Learning of Geometric Concepts by Elementary School Children
Authors: Prigge Glenn R.
Published: August 2020

One hundred forty-six third-grade students were randomly assigned to three treatments (W, M, and R) that differed in how, and what, manipulative aids were used in learning selected geometric concepts. The experimental period was 10 days, and students studied from instructional materials prepared with an individualized, programmed format. Treatment W students studied the concepts and participated in paper-and-pencil activities. Treatment M students studied the concepts using activities involving two-dimensional (planar) manipulative aids (geoboard, georuler, and paper folding). Treatment R students studied the concepts using activities with geometric solids (cube, tetrahedron, and so on). Data from one posttest and two retention tests were analyzed using ANOVA and contrasts (Bonferroni t-statistics). Significant differences (α<.05<) were found favoring only the R treatment. The evidence indicates that children of lower ability (measured by ITBS scores) are better able to learn the selected concepts when activities involving geometric solids are included in the presentation.
Tactics of Interfacing
Authors: Fedorova Ksenia
Published: August 2020

How digital technologies affect the way we conceive of the self and its relation to the world, considered through the lens of media art practices.

In Tactics of Interfacing, Ksenia Fedorova explores how digital technologies affect the way we conceive of the self and its relation to the world. With the advent of ubiquitous computing, the self becomes an object of technological application, increasingly defined by data received from tracking technologies. Subtly, these technologies encourage versions of ourselves that are easier to interpret computationally. Fedorova views these shifts in self-perception through the lens of contemporary media art practices, examining a range of artistic tactics that enable embodied and intimate experiences of machinic operations on our lives.

At the center of Fedorova's analysis are the mechanisms that structure the relations between the self and the world at the level of the interface; she considers “interfacing” a process in which interrelation happens and different agencies play off against each other. She discusses such topics as interfaciality and the face as a medium; self-image and the boundaries of the self, understood through technological mediation of an embodied experience; the relation between the self and the other, reshaped by algorithmic technologies; and the augmentation and alteration of spatial perception.

The artworks Fedorova discusses present scenarios of interfacing that range from responsive environments to artificial intelligence conversational agents. She shows that art and aesthetic experience offer fruitful ways to reflect on the effects of contemporary technological culture, enabling encounters that shift our perspectives on the boundaries of the self and challenge the very capacity to feel human.
The long-term outcomes of deceased-donor liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis: a two-center study in China
Authors: Chen Lin , Shi Xiaodong , Lv Guoyue , Sun Xiaodong , Sun Chao , Cai Yanjun , Niu Junqi , Jin Jinglan , Liu Ning , Li Wanyu
Published: August 2020

Background & Aims

Factors that influence the outcomes after deceased-donor liver transplantation (DDLT) for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) are not well known. We aimed to clarify these effects on the outcomes after DDLT.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with PBC who underwent DDLT from March 2006 to July 2018 at the organ transplantation center of the First Hospital of Jilin University and the First Central Hospital of Tianjin. Changes in liver function were assessed posttransplantation. Recurrence, survival rate, and complications were recorded at follow-up. The effect of liver transplantation on survival and recurrence was evaluated using univariate and/or multivariate Cox regression analyses.

Results

In total, 69 patients with PBC undergoing DDLT were included in this study. At 4 weeks posttransplant, all liver function tests were normal. During a median follow-up time of 32 months, 5-year overall survival and recurrence rates were estimated as 95.1% and 21.8%, respectively. A recipient aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) greater than 2 was negatively associated with survival (P = 0.0018). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that age younger than 48 years was an independent risk factor for recurrent PBC in recipients undergoing liver transplantation (hazard ratio 0.028, 95% confidence interval 0.01–0.71, P = 0.03). Posttransplant infections (62%) and biliary tract complications (26%) were the most common complications.

Conclusion

Liver transplantation is an effective treatment for patients with PBC. Liver function normalizes by 4 weeks posttransplant. Although posttransplant survival rate is high, recurrence is possible. To some extent, survival rate and recurrence rate can be predicted by APRI and age, respectively.
Comparative assessment of single-stage and two-stage anaerobic digestion for biogas production from high moisture municipal solid waste
Authors: Markphan Wattananarong , Mamimin Chonticha , Suksong Wantanasak , Prasertsan Poonsuk , O-Thong Sompong
Published: August 2020

Background

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a suitable process for treating high moisture MSW with biogas and biofertilizer production. However, the low stability of AD performance and low methane production results from high moisture MSW due to the fast acidify of carbohydrate fermentation. The effects of organic loading and incineration fly ash addition as a pH adjustment on methane production from high moisture MSW in the single-stage AD and two-stage AD processes were investigated.

Results

Suitable initial organic loading of the single-stage AD process was 17 gVS L−1 at incineration fly ash (IFA) addition of 0.5% with methane yield of 287 mL CH4 g−1 VS. Suitable initial organic loading of the two-stage AD process was 43 gVS L−1 at IFA addition of 1% with hydrogen and methane yield of 47.4 ml H2 g−1 VS and 363 mL CH4 g−1 VS, respectively. The highest hydrogen and methane production of 8.7 m3 H2 ton−1 of high moisture MSW and 66.6 m3 CH4 ton−1 of high moisture MSW was achieved at organic loading of 43 gVS L−1 at IFA addition of 1% by two-stage AD process. Biogas production by the two-stage AD process enabled 18.5% higher energy recovery than single-stage AD. The 1% addition of IFA into high moisture MSW was useful for controlling pH of the two-stage AD process with enhanced biogas production between 87–92% when compared to without IFA addition. Electricity production and energy recovery from MSW using the coupled incineration with biogas production by two-stage AD process were 9,874 MJ ton−1 MSW and 89%, respectively.

Conclusions

The two-stage AD process with IFA addition for pH adjustment could improve biogas production from high moisture MSW, as well as reduce lag phase and enhance biodegradability efficiency. The coupled incineration process with biogas production using the two-stage AD process was suitable for the management of MSW with low area requirement, low greenhouse gas emissions, and high energy recovery.
Satellite tracking reveals a new migration route of black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Wang Ye , Mi Chunrong , Guo Yumin
Published: August 2020

Background

The black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) is a vulnerable species and the only species that lives in the plateau. Five migration routes of different populations have been identified, but for cranes wintering in Nyingchi Prefecture, Tibet, the migration route and breeding/summering area are still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatio-temporal migration patterns of black-necked cranes in this area and to identify important areas for conservation.

Methods

In 2016, we fitted seven black-necked cranes in Nyingchi with GPS-GSM satellite transmitters to record their migration routes. We used ArcGIS 10.2 to visualize important stopover sites and the ‘ggplot’ function in R to analyze the migration patterns.

Results

From March 2016 to May 2019, we recorded nine spring migration and four autumn migration tracks from five individuals. Four individuals spent the breeding/summering season in Qinghai Lake, while the other spent the breeding/summering season in the Jinzihai Wetland of Dulan County, Qinghai Province. Detailed spatio-temporal information showed that the spring migration lasted 8.7 ± 4.6 days and covered 1,182.5 ± 90.4 km, while the autumn migration lasted 30 ± 10.6 days and covered 1,455.7 ± 138 km. Basom Lake and the Shazhuyu River were the most important stopover sites during the spring and autumn migrations, respectively. The cranes spent 4.4 ± 3.7 days in Basom Lake and 26.3 ± 10.7 days in the Shazhuyu River. The black-necked cranes mainly migrated during the daytime (>85 % of the fly points), and 81 % (17/21) of all stopover and roosting sites were in the valley or at lakeside swamps. Only 17.7% (516 / 2,914) of the data points for stopover and roosting sites were in protected areas.

Main conclusions

Our study revealed the breeding/summering areas and migration routes of the black-necked cranes wintering in Nyingchi. These results contribute to a better understanding of the annual spatio-temporal migration patterns and the development of conservation plans for this vulnerable species.
Population genomics reveals a mismatch between management and biological units in green abalone (Haliotis fulgens)
Authors: Mejía-Ruíz Paulina , Perez-Enriquez Ricardo , Mares-Mayagoitia Jorge Alberto , Valenzuela-Quiñonez Fausto
Published: August 2020

Effective fishery management strategies should be based on stock delimitation and knowledge of the spatial scale at which species are distributed. However, a mismatch often occurs between biological and management units of fishery resources. The green abalone (Haliotis fulgens) supports an important artisanal fishery in the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula (BCP), Mexico, which has shown a declining tendency despite the several management measures. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the spatial patterns of neutral genomic variation of green abalone along the BCP to test whether the genomic structure patterns support the current green abalone management areas. To test this hypothesis, a set of 2,170 putative neutral single nucleotide polymorphisms discovered by a double digest restriction-site associated DNA approach was used on 10 locations along the BCP. The results revealed a population structure with three putative groups: Guadalupe Island and northern and southern BCP locations. The contemporary gene flow might be explained by local oceanographic features, where it is bidirectional within the southern region but with a predominant southward flow from the northern region. These findings indicated that the administrative areas did not match the biological units ofH. fulgensfishery; hence, the stock assessment and management areas should be revised.
Evolution of the patella and patelloid in marsupial mammals
Authors: Denyer Alice L. , Regnault Sophie , Hutchinson John R.
Published: August 2020

The musculoskeletal system of marsupial mammals has numerous unusual features beyond the pouch and epipubic bones. One example is the widespread absence or reduction (to a fibrous “patelloid”) of the patella (“kneecap”) sesamoid bone, but prior studies with coarse sampling indicated complex patterns of evolution of this absence or reduction. Here, we conducted an in-depth investigation into the form of the patella of extant marsupial species and used the assembled dataset to reconstruct the likely pattern of evolution of the marsupial patella. Critical assessment of the available literature was followed by examination and imaging of museum specimens, as well as CT scanning and histological examination of dissected wet specimens. Our results, from sampling about 19% of extant marsupial species-level diversity, include new images and descriptions of the fibrocartilaginous patelloid in Thylacinus cynocephalus (the thylacine or “marsupial wolf”) and other marsupials as well as the ossified patella in Notoryctes ‘marsupial moles’, Caenolestes shrew opossums, bandicoots and bilbies. We found novel evidence of an ossified patella in one specimen of Macropus rufogriseus (Bennett’s wallaby), with hints of similar variation in other species. It remains uncertain whether such ossifications are ontogenetic variation, unusual individual variation, pathological or otherwise, but future studies must continue to be conscious of variation in metatherian patellar sesamoid morphology. Our evolutionary reconstructions using our assembled data vary, too, depending on the reconstruction algorithm used. A maximum likelihood algorithm favours ancestral fibrocartilaginous “patelloid” for crown clade Marsupialia and independent origins of ossified patellae in extinct sparassodonts, peramelids, notoryctids and caenolestids. A maximum parsimony algorithm favours ancestral ossified patella for the clade [Marsupialia + sparassodonts] and subsequent reductions into fibrocartilage in didelphids, dasyuromorphs and diprotodonts; but this result changed to agree more with the maximum likelihood results if the character state reconstructions were ordered. Thus, there is substantial homoplasy in marsupial patellae regardless of the evolutionary algorithm adopted. We contend that the most plausible inference, however, is that metatherians independently ossified their patellae at least three times in their evolution. Furthermore, the variability of the patellar state we observed, even within single species (e.g. M. rufogriseus), is fascinating and warrants further investigation, especially as it hints at developmental plasticity that might have been harnessed in marsupial evolution to drive the complex patterns inferred here.
Dynamic visual attention characteristics and their relationship to match performance in skilled basketball players
Authors: Jin Peng , Li Xiawen , Ma Bin , Guo Hongbo , Zhang Zhongxi , Mao Lijuan
Published: August 2020

Background

Dynamic visual attention is important in basketball because it may affect the performance of players and thus the match outcome. The goals of this study were to investigate the difference in dynamic visual attention characteristics between highly skilled basketball players and nonathletic college students and to explore the relationship between visual attention and game-related performance among the basketball players.

Methods

In total, 24 highly skilled basketball players and 24 nonathletic college students participated in a multiple object tracking task. The task was conducted so that either the number of targets that were visually tracked or the speed at which a given number of tracked targets moved was altered to examine the difference in dynamic visual attention characteristics between the basketball players and nonathletic college students. The relationship between visual tracking speed (VTS) and game-related statistics, including assists, steals, mistakes, fouls and points scored recorded for every match during the season, was assessed among the basketball players by using Pearson correlations.

Results

A significant main effect of target tracking load was observed (P < 0.001), with visual tracking performance significantly decreased as target number increased. In addition, the speed at which the targets moved had a significant effect on visual tracking performance (P < 0.001), with tracking performance significantly decreased as target speed increased. However, no significant difference was observed in the abilities of basketball players and nonathletic college students to simultaneously track up to six targets. By contrast, a significant interaction between group and target speed was found (P < 0.001), with the visual tracking accuracy of basketball players significantly greater than that of college students at the higher target speeds examined (P < 0.001). Among basketball players, there were positive, large, and statistically significant correlations in the accuracy in VTS trials and the number of assists (P < 0.001) and between the accuracy in VTS trials and the number of steals (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The advantage of skilled basketball players to handle dynamic visual information in a multiple object tracking task was not attributable to the target number but to the target speed. Those athletes with greater dynamic visual attention were more likely to successfully assist or to steal the ball, enhancing performance of the athlete as well as contributing to a more successful team match. These findings may inform basketball training programs to improve player and team performances during matches.
Validation of Carbon Dioxide and Temperature Distribution in South-South and South-East of Nigeria
Authors: Ibeh G. F. , Echeweozo E. O. , Onuorah L. O. , Akpan E. E.
Published: August 2020

The study determined the variations of carbon dioxide and temperature within south-south and south-eastern parts of Nigeria from January 2009 to December 2014. The study specifically focused on the perceived impacts posed by climate change on environment within these regions due to carbon dioxide emissions. The results revealed that rise in temperature within these regions could significantly be dependent on the increase in CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases. It was observed that CO2 emission increases continuously over all the years of study at each station. This could be attributed to high percent occurrences of urban warming experienced in these areas. The results also revealed that various impacts of climate change and weather within these regions could be due to high emission of carbon dioxide caused by fossil fuel, gas flaring etc found within these regions. It was also observed from the results that no gaseous pollutant or greenhouse gas can have 100% influences on climatic parameters like temperature.
Activities of Macrolides in Combination with Vitamin D against Bacillus cereus Isolated from Soil of a Lanfill Site in Nsukka South East Nigeria
Authors: Osmond Ekwebelem C. , Obinna Nnorom-Dike V.
Published: August 2020

Background: The fast moving world of antibiotics resistance is now a big concern, since our antibiotics are in danger of extinction. This is a concern to us because; an empty ‘antibiotic pipeline’ leads to devastating future.

Aim: The aim of this study was to isolate Bacillus cereus from soil contaminated with various toxic and domestic wastes and investigate its sensitivity to macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin ERY and azithromycin AZM) in combination with vitamin D supplement.

Methodology: Five soil samples were collected from a landfill site and serially diluted up to 10ˉ6. B. cereus was isolated from the soil sample using Mannitol egg Yolk Polymyxin agar medium (MYP), a selective nutrient medium for B. cereus isolation. The sensitivity of B. cereus to erythromycin and azithromycin was screened in Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA) containing varying concentrations (5, 10, 20 mg/ml) of vitamin D. Agar without vitamin D (0.00mg/ml) served as the control. The activities of ERY and AZM in combination with vitamin D were determined by measuring the zones of inhibition.

Results: In vitro antibiotic susceptibility tests on our isolate showed maximum sensitivity to ERY and maximum resistance to AZM with 0.00 mg/ml (no combination) of vitamin D. Contrarily, ERY was found to be least active, with the zones of inhibitions decreasing from 28mm to 16mm, with increasing concentration of vitamin D. On the other hand, AZM achieved maximum sensitivity from 12mm to 25mm, with increasing concentration of vitamin D.

Conclusion: The activities appeared to be important but dose-dependent. So, the systematic use of Vitamin D in combination with macrolide antibiotics may be efficient in treating food and soil infections caused B. cereus. However, in vivo evaluation of these activities is needed.
An SEIQR Mathematical Model for The Spread of COVID-19
Authors: Apima Samuel B. , Mutwiwa Jacinta M.
Published: August 2020

COVID-19, a novel coronavirus, is a respiratory infection which is spread between humans through small droplets expelled when a person with COVID-19 sneezes, coughs, or speaks. An SEIQR model to investigate the spread of COVID-19 was formulated and analysed. The disease free equilibrium point for formulated model was shown to be globally asymptotically stable. The endemic states were shown to exist provided that the basic reproduction number is greater than unity. By use of Routh-Hurwitz criterion and suitable Lyapunov functions, the endemic states are shown to be locally and globally asymptotically stable respectively. This means that any perturbation of the model by the introduction of infectives the model solutions will converge to the endemic states whenever reproduction number is greater than one, thus the disease transmission levels can be kept quite low or manageable with minimal deaths at the peak times of the re-occurrence.
Azolla as Feed Supplementation on Growth Performance and Economics of Vanaraja Birds in Backyard System of North Western Odisha
Authors: Joshi S. K. , Udgata J. , Garnayak L. M. , Rahman F. H. , Phonglosa A. , Parida D.
Published: August 2020

This study was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Jharsuguda, Odisha under National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture Project in 2019-2020 in the operational villages Bhoimunda and Tharkaspur of Jharsaguda district of North-Western Odisha, India. A total of 300 unsexed brooded chicks, breed Vanaraja, were provided to the farmers under the project and were randomly distributed into three treatment groups (100 birds in each treatment group) with ten replications in each group, having ten birds in each replicate. The study was undertaken for a period of 7 months, from September, 2019 to March, 2020. The study started with birds of 4th week of age and continued up to 28th week of age. Vanaraja birds of group I were let out for foraging with no supplementation, in group II birds were provided with fresh Azolla @ 200 g per bird along with foraging and birds of group III were given commercial feed @ 50 g per bird along with foraging. Weekly body weight gain upto 16th week and egg production upto 28th week were recorded. The benefit cost analysis was also evaluated. The result of this trial indicated that supplementation of azolla in instrumental in increased body weight gain along with higher egg production with better Benefit Cost ratio. Therefore, it can be concluded that feeding of Azolla to poultry birds under backyard condition @ 200 g per day per bird may be highly effective method to get more profit. Under the prevailing situation of change in climatic condition, backyard poultry is a good insurance against crop loss and feeding of azolla to backyard birds will further strengthen the economic status of farmers.
Comparative Economic Analysis of Zero Budget Natural Farming for Kharif Groundnut under Central Dry Zone of Karnataka, India
Authors: Naik A. H. Kumar , Brunda S. , Chaithra G. M.
Published: August 2020

This research work is mainly focused on comparative economic analysis of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) for Kharif Groundnut under Central Dry Zone of Karnataka. The purpose of conducting the study is to examine the cost of cultivation for ZBNF with other treatments. This is mainly due to farmers are facing high cost of cultivation by practicing conventional farming as it is highly depends on external inputs. ZBNF is low cost technology where, farming is practiced by using jeevamrutha, beejamrutha, mulching and whapsa etc. The Groundnut experiment was conducted at ZAHRS, Babbur Farm, Hiriyur during Kharif 2019-20 in order to estimate economics for different treatments. Each treatment was having different input usage. For calculating economics of each treatment, conventional cost of cultivation method was followed (i.e. calculation of Variable cost, Fixed cost, Gross returns, Net returns and B:C).The results of economic analysis revealed that the per hectare yield (17.46 q/ha) total cost ( 53,019), gross returns ( 88,871), net returns ( 35,852) and B:C (1.68) were found to be highest in RPP among all treatments i.e. ZBNF, OPS and Control. The cost of cultivation of ZBNF 22.55 per cent lesser than RPP. The B:C ratio was found to be more in ZBNF (1.66) than OPS (1.58).This is due to highest cost for purchase of excess quantity of FYM in case of OPS. It is concluded from the study that RPP was best treatment among all treatments. This is due to highest yield, net returns and B:C was found in RPP treatment  as compared to all treatments. In the economic point of view, there was reduction in total cost in case of ZBNF with fewer yields as compared to RPP.
Urban Planning Challenges and Prospects in Nkambe Town, Northwest Region of Cameroon
Authors: Awudu Ngwani , Nguh Balgah Sounders , Kimengsi Jude Ndzifon
Published: August 2020

For over three decades or so, urbanisation and urban development alongside urban planning have become a cardinal issue to urban dwellers, government institutions and professionals in the developed and developing countries. It is in this regard that this paper examines urban planning challenges and prospects in Nkambe town. The growing population of Nkambe like in other emerging Cameroonian towns suffers from the problem of socio-economic and environmental problems and need adequate urban spatial planning. Field surveys, observations, interview with the administration, questionnaire administration, interviews and on-the-spot appraisals constituted the main data sources. Three focus group discussions were carried out which was complemented by secondary sources. The results indicated that the driving forces of urban disorder were population increase manifested through inadequate enforcement of its plan, non-respect of building codes, poverty and limited houses with potable drinking water, business conflicts, inadequate health facilities, and increasing crime waves. The study recommended that there is a need for a change of mentality of the Nkambe man towards an awareness that the town has its carrying capacity and when overstretched could lead to devastating respond in an undesirable manner probably in future.
Mechanism of Unstable Inter-trochanteric Fractures in the Elderly
Authors: Santhosh S.
Published: August 2020

The aim of this prospective comparative study is to analyse the short term follow-up results of unstable inter-trochanteric fractures in the elderly treated with Bipolar hemi-arthroplasty and Dynamic hip screw fixation done in our institution from March 2017 to October 2018. Proximal femoral fractures in the elderly individuals have a tremendous impact on both the health care system and society. Upon treatment of inter-trochanteric factures with conservative management, it usually unites with a mal-union, non-union and with shortening, but the problem of non –union in trochanteric fractures has less incidence. Because of complications associated with prolonged recumbency and its associated morbidities. Primary hemiarthroplasty in these patients provides for adequate fixation and early mobilization. It alleviates pain and improves function. It also prevents post-operative complications such as pneumonia, lung atelectasis and pressure sores. From our clinical observation we would suggest that unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly result most frequently from accidental fall (52.5%), being the most common described mechanism of injury.
Are BRAF V600E and K-Ras Mutations Associated With Tumor Aggressiveness in Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer?
Authors: Ünver Mutlu , Makay Özer , Kısım Aslı , Emiroğlu Gülruh , Aktaş Ayşegül , Atmaca Harika , Köse Timur , Karaca Burçak , Ertan Yeşim , Uslu Rüçhan , İçöz Gökhan , Akyıldız Mahir , Yılmaz Mustafa
Published: August 2020

Aim:

Many clinical studies have shown an association between B-type rapidly growing fibrosarcoma kinase [BRAF(V600E)] mutation and aggressive clinicopathologic features, although some results from others are controversial. Besides, Kirsten rat sarcoma (K-Ras) mutations are more common in endemic iodine deficiency regions, as our country is. However, use of the biologic markers are questioned in clinical practice; they are beginning to be used for the management of patients with thyroid nodules and cancers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of the BRAF(V600E) mutation in tumor samples and its relationship to high-risk clinicopathologic features.

Methods:

From 2000 to 2007, 82 patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC) who underwent surgery in Ege University were enrolled retrospectively in the study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze associations between BRAF(V600E) and K-Ras mutations and clinicopathologic features. We identified 82 patients with WDTC (male:female = 1:3.2).

Results:

The median follow-up was 96 months. The mean age was 46.4 (16–80). None of the all analyzed prognostic factors—age; sex; lymph node metastasis; multifocality; multicentricity; invasion; tumor diameter; and tumor, node, metastasis staging—were correlated with BRAF(V600E) mutation status in the univariate analysis. Meanwhile, none of the analyzed prognostic factors were correlated with K-Ras mutation status.

Discussion:

Although many studies suggest BRAF(V600E) and K-Ras mutations as prognostic factors in WDTC, our results are controversial. BRAF(V600E) and K-Ras mutations have no significant effects on tumor aggressiveness in Turkish patients with WDTC. Our results underline that it is too early to reach a conclusion that BRAF(V600E) and K-Ras mutations are involved with poor clinical outcomes.
Polyhedral Fenestration Technique Used for Combined Partial Hepatectomy and Cyst Fenestration for Polycystic Liver Disease: A Small Case Series
Authors: Sato Yoshiki , Morioka Daisuke , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Horii Nobutoshi , Miyake Kentaro , Murakami Takashi , Oyama Norio , Togo Shinji
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To assess the safety and efficacy of “polyhedral fenestration technique” (PFT), which we newly developed, in combined hepatectomy and cyst fenestration (CHCF) for symptomatic polycystic liver disease (PLD).

Summary of background data:

CHCF for PLD has been reportedly less efficacious for its invasiveness because 50% to 70% patients suffered recurrent symptoms after CHCF.

Methods:

Patient characteristics, intra- and early postoperative variables were compared between 5 PLD patients undergoing CHCF performed with PFT (PLD group) and 95 patients with diseases other than PLD receiving hepatectomy without biliary reconstruction during the same period (Control group) to assess safety of PFT. Chronological changes in total liver volume (TLV) measured by computed tomography (CT) volumetry as well as recurrent symptoms after CHCF were investigated to assess long-term outcomes.

Results:

Although ≧ Clavien-Dindo grade 2 complications were more common in the PLD group than in the Control group (PLD vs Control, 5/5[100%] vs 27/95[28%], p=0.004), patient characteristics, intra-, and early postoperative variables, including ≧ Clavien-Dindo grade 3 complications, were comparable among the 2 groups. Postoperative observational period of the 5 PLD patients ranged 30 to 88 months with a median of 63. CT volumetry revealed that TLV continued to reduce up to 1 year after surgery and thereafter retained less than 0.5 times of preoperative TLV in all patients. Recurrent liver enlargement or recurrent symptoms were not observed in any of the 5 PLD patients.

Conclusions:

Although our case series was very small, newly-developed PFT in CHCF for PLD yielded acceptable safety and excellent long-term outcomes.
Renal Artery Perfusion Evaluation Before Transplantation via a 3-Dimensional Image Analysis System
Authors: Tomita Koichi , Nakamura Yuki , Yokoyama Takayoshi , Chiba Naokazu , Kihara Yu , Konno Osamu , Iwamoto Hitoshi , Kawachi Shigeyuki
Published: August 2020

Background:

The perfusion areas of renal arteries in renal transplantation are assessed via subjective observations during perfusion in a bench surgery; however, this evaluation method lacks reliability and objectivity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the perfusion area of each main and side artery kidney graft using a 3-dimensional (3D) image analysis system.

Methods:

We enrolled 50 patients who had undergone living kidney transplantation with multiple renal artery grafting at our center between 2005 and 2017. All computed tomography images from donors were retrospectively analyzed using a 3D image analysis system. We then calculated the artery perfusion areas associated with the artery reconstruction method used.

Results:

The perfusion areas of side arteries, which were evaluated after surgery, were statistically different among cases employing different reconstruction methods (P < 0.001). The perfusion area of the ligated side arteries (volume, 10 mL; proportion, 6.1%) was smaller than that of the ligated side arteries where different reconstruction methods were used.

Conclusion:

A 3D image analysis system could provide an accurate visual representation of the vasculature prior to living donor transplantation. It could also enable calculation of perfusion area for each artery and preoperative prediction of the need for arterial reconstruction, thereby promoting safe kidney transplantation surgery.
Factors Affecting Conversion From Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy to Open Cholecystectomy at a Tertiary Care Facility in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nouh Thamer , Alanazi Faris , Abunayan Abdulellah S. , Alsaadoun Abdallah F. , Alsehly Mohamed A. , Almanie Mohammed A. , Alhawassi Sami , Altuwaijri Talal A.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Despite the growing importance and increased use of laparoscopy for gallbladder diseases in Saudi Arabia, several factors reportedly result in conversion to open surgery. This leads to increased operative time and increased hospital resource utilization, and, importantly, it impacts patient welfare. Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy and its conversion rates have been investigated in Saudi Arabia, there is little information on the factors associated with this conversion. Therefore, we analyzed the prevalence and factors associated with the conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy.

Materials and methods:

This was a quantitative, retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. We reviewed the health care records of all patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the study period (January 2014–December 2015). We analyzed patient demographics, preoperative factors, ultrasound findings, and intraoperative factors associated with higher conversion rates. We calculated means, SDs, and medians for numerical variables and percentages and frequencies for nominal variables. The χ2 and two-tailed t tests were used to compare the categorical and continuous variables, respectively, between patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and those who underwent conversion to open cholecystectomy to analyze their relationship with the possibility of conversion. Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05.

Results:

Age > 40 years, diabetes, history of admission for gallstones, and increased total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase levels were the preoperative factors and adhesions, bleeding, and stone spillage were the intraoperative factors associated with conversion.

Conclusion:

Recognizing the factors for conversion would improve treatment planning and help predict when conversion may be necessary.