bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Under Construction: Local Government Transparency in a New Democracy
Authors: Stănuș Cristina
Published: June 2022

The paper argues that understanding the apparent failure of new democracies in establishing transparency as a norm requires a look at how the meaning of transparency is constructed. The argument is illustrated by analysing how local government transparency is shaped in a multi-actor process, under the influence of international policy discourse and domestic factors. Directed qualitative analysis (N = 144) was applied on documents issued by the central government, local governments and third sector organisations. The aspects of this process – sometimes not so positive effects of external pressure, the emphasis on standardisation, and the limited policy capacity of all actors – are identified as relevant to the establishment of transparency as a norm.
A Pandemic-Defying Phenomenon: Gender Issue During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Turkey
Authors: Gürkan Senem
Published: June 2022

This paper aims to analyse the gender-biased consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey through the views of working women and men who have experienced changes in their routines during the outbreak. Within this context, in-depth interviews were conducted with 216 participants, and they were asked to reply to the Masculine and Feminine Gender Role Stress Scale. As a result, gender-based discrimination has reinforced during the pandemic and inequalities have deepened. It is thought that the social impact of the pandemic was felt both by women and men, but more in women, and that these women lost some of the gains they had until the pandemic in the context of gender equality.
Can Organisation that Promotes Dedication to Work be a Premise for Workaholism of Males and Females?
Authors: Morkevičiūtė Modesta , Endriulaitienė Auksė
Published: June 2022

There is contradictory scientific information on the role of employees’ gender in the relationship between the perceived dedication-to-work promoting organisation and workaholism. Some authors state that dedication-to-work promoting organisations foster males’ workaholism. Whereas the other authors assert that when working in such organisations, the risk of workaholism is higher for female employees. Contradictory results and a lack of scientific information do not allow us to formulate definitive conclusions. The questions about the development of workaholism among males and females in dedication-to-work promoting organisations remain unanswered. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the role of the employees’ gender for the relationship between the perceived dedication-to-work promoting organisation and workaholism. A survey that involved 964 employees (514 females and 450 males) working in different Lithuanian organisations was conducted in February–April 2021. A workaholism scale (DUWAS-10) proposed by W. B. Schaufeli et al. (2009) was used to assess workaholism. A questionnaire proposed by T. D. Allen (2001) was used to assess the perceptions of whether an organisation encourages employees to focus solely on work or whether it supports their family responsibilities as well. It was hypothesised that a positive relationship between the perceived dedication-to-work promoting organisation and workaholism was stronger for women. This assumption was confirmed. The results of the study propose that employees’ gender is the personal characteristic that determines how a person perceives the work environment and responds to the pressure to devote all the energy and time to work.
How to Become Happy? Therapeutic Narrative in the Life Stories of Self-help Teachers in Lithuania
Authors: Plepytė-Davidavičienė Giedrė
Published: June 2022

The article discusses how a therapeutic narrative is constructed in the life stories of selfhelp teachers in Lithuania. In-depth interviews with the members of the study group revealed that a prevalent structure of the narrative of this group could be discerned and identified as therapeutic narrative. It adapts the perspective of Western therapeutic culture and modifies it by introducing the dichotomy of ‘true’ and ‘false’ desire for self-transformation. The causes of personal misery are here explained by the prevailing emotional culture specific to Lithuania. This culture is characterised here by general fear, mistrust, insecurity, and the stigmatisation of the display of positive emotions as consequences of the experienced cultural trauma and anomie in the Lithuanian society.
Monographic Research and its Place in Lithuanian Sociology
Authors: Kublickienė Lilija , Žvinklienė Alina
Published: June 2022

The article defines the concept of the monographic method and presents the development of the emergence and evolution of monographic research. The contribution of such key representatives of these studies as Frédéric Le Play, Dimitrie Gusti and Franciszek Bujak to the science of sociology is reviewed. Attention is also paid to the place of monographic research in Lithuanian sociology, stating that Lithuania has its own history of monographic research, but this research does not fall within the focus of sociologists’ analysis. The article argues the importance of academic discussions in order to legitimise monographic research in Lithuanian sociology, which would create opportunities to expand the scope of works to be included in the history of sociology and look at Lithuanian rural research in the context of a common European tradition.
Links between Konstantinas Sirvydas’s Dictionaries and His Lexis in Punktai sakymų
Authors: Vasiliauskienė Virginija
Published: June 2022

This article aims to show the extent and the type of lexis of Punktai sakymų (two books of sermons published in 1629 and 1644) included in Sirvydas’s dictionaries of 1620 and 1642. The research was carried out using dictionary indexes prepared by Kazys Pakalka, dictionary transcriptions, concordances, and a morphologically annotated index of Punktai sakymų. The study sample consisted of words beginning with the letters L and S in the dictionaries and in the collection of sermons. According to the modern criteria of novelty of lexicographical works, Sirvydas can be considered the author of two different dictionaries. Sirvydas’s dictionaries contain about one-third of the lexis of Punktai sakymų. By linking the words in the quotations in Punktai sakymų to translation sources, Sirvydas’s trilingual dictionaries can be supplemented with the lexis of the said collection of sermons. The second book of Punktai sakymų (1644) differs from the first one, which was published in 1629: it has an older layer of linguistic elements and more frequent use of loanwords.
Translation features of expressive means based on the novel by F. Fitzgerald “The Great Gatsby”
Authors: Bednova Yulia Aleksandrovna
Published: June 2022

This work is devoted to the issue of the translation of artistic and visual means from English into Russian based on the material of Francis Scott Fitzgerald's work of fiction "The Great Gatsby". It concerns research on various ways of adequately conveying the author's intentions of a work of art in the receiving language and recreating the stylistic effect of the original through figurative means in the translation process. The object of our research is the linguistic visual means that the translator uses to create imagery. The subject of the study is the stylistic features of the translation of visual and expressive means of language in F. Fitzgerald's work "The Great Gatsby". The relevance of the topic, therefore, is due to the need for a comprehensive study of stylistic techniques when translating from one language to another. The scientific novelty of the article is due to the need to study various means of expression, which in each case, in addition to the aesthetic function, help the author to fully reveal the meaning of the work. The article solves the following main tasks: to analyze the features of the translation of fiction, to identify the main lexical and stylistic figures in the novel "The Great Gatsby", to analyze the translation of the selected means of expression. As a result, we found that the transfer of stylistic means of expression presents certain difficulties for the translator due to their ambiguity. Various means of expression give an emotionally expressive assessment, characterize objects and phenomena, "decode" the author's intentions.
Towards a molecular mechanism underlying mitochondrial protein import through the TOM and TIM23 complexes
Authors: Ford Holly C , Allen William J , Pereira Gonçalo C , Liu Xia , Dillingham Mark Simon , Collinson Ian
Published: June 2022

Nearly all mitochondrial proteins need to be targeted for import from the cytosol. For the majority, the first port of call is the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM complex), followed by a procession of alternative molecular machines, conducting transport to their final destination. The pre-sequence translocase of the inner membrane (TIM23-complex) imports proteins with cleavable pre-sequences. Progress in understanding these transport mechanisms has been hampered by the poor sensitivity and time resolution of import assays. However, with the development of an assay based on split NanoLuc luciferase, we can now explore this process in greater detail. Here, we apply this new methodology to understand how ∆ψ and ATP hydrolysis, the two main driving forces for import into the matrix, contribute to the transport of pre-sequence-containing precursors (PCPs) with varying properties. Notably, we found that two major rate-limiting steps define PCP import time: passage of PCP across the outer membrane and initiation of inner membrane transport by the pre-sequence – the rates of which are influenced by PCP size and net charge. The apparent distinction between transport through the two membranes (passage through TOM is substantially complete before PCP-TIM engagement) is in contrast with the current view that import occurs through TOM and TIM in a single continuous step. Our results also indicate that PCPs spend very little time in the TIM23 channel – presumably rapid success or failure of import is critical for maintenance of mitochondrial fitness.
Acid Suppressive Drugs
Authors: Shin Cheol Min
Published: June 2022

Histamine H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) suppress gastric acid production by blocking H2 receptors in parietal cells. Studies have shown that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are superior to H2RAs as a treatment for acid-related disorders, such as peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). PPIs reduce gastric acid production by irreversibly inhibiting the H+/K+ ATPase pump, and they also increase gastric emptying. Although PPIs have differing pharmacokinetic properties, each PPI is effective in managing GERD and PUDs. However, PPIs have some limitations, including short plasma half-lives, breakthrough symptoms (especially at night), meal-associated dosing, and concerns associated with long-term PPI use. Potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) provide more rapid and profound suppression of intragastric acidity than PPIs. P-CABs are non-inferior to lansoprazole in healing erosive esophagitis and peptic ulcers, and may also be effective in improving symptoms in patients with non-erosive reflux disease. Acid suppressive drugs are the most commonly used drugs in clinical practice, and it is necessary to understand the pharmacological properties and adverse effects of each drug.
Gross motor coordination and their relationship with body mass and physical activity level during growth in Children aged 8–11 years old: a longitudinal and allometric approach
Authors: Giuriato Matteo , Lovecchio Nicola , Carnevale Pellino Vittoria , Mieszkowski Jan , Kawczyński Adam , Nevill Alan , Biino Valentina
Published: June 2022

Background

Gross motor coordination (GMC) is fundamental to the harmonious development of physical skills during the growth of children. This research aimed to explore the developmental changes in GMC during childhood, having controlled for the differences in children’s body size and shape using a longitudinal, allometric scaling methodology.

Methods

A total of 104 children from North-East Italy of third-fourth- and fifth-grade students and each participant were tested for three consequently years. Subjects performed the short version of korperkoordinationstest fur kinder (KTK3) and the anthropometric characteristics were simultaneously collected. The physical activity questionnaire (PAQ-C) was used to evaluate the weekly physical engagement.

Results

Ontogenetic multiplicative models suggested nonlinear associations with GMC across the children’s developmental years. Linear physique was a significant predictor associated with the development of GMC across time. PAQ-C was significantly associated with GMC from 8 to 13 years old.

Conclusion

Growth does not respect linear trends. A greater lean body mass could be assessed as a reliable predictor of GMC in children. The crucial period of life to improve the GMC is 8–10 years, while stabilization becomes evident from 10 to 13 years.
Effect of Short-term Respiratory Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate and Six-minute Walk Test in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Kumaresan Parkavi , Ravichandran Umarani , Singh Dhanpal , Seraman Mangaleswaran
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) of respiratory muscles was found to improve lung function and haemodynamic parameters in mechanically ventilated patients. It has been proven that respiratory PNF had immediate significant effects in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. As pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD patients is a long-term hospital based service, there arises a need to provide a therapy that provides optimal benefit in short term. Aim: To study the effect of short term respiratory PNF on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and six-minute walk test in patients with stable COPD. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital at Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. Twelve male COPD patients attending Medicine Department outpatient service between December 2020 to January 2021 were conveniently recruited. They were assessed for their PEFR using peak flow meter and exercise tolerance by six-minute walk test. They were treated with three respiratory PNF techniques namely, intercostal stretch, vertebral pressure high and anterior stretch by lifting posterior basal area for five consecutive days. Each treatment session lasted for about 30-40 minutes. The post intervention assessment of PEFR and six-minute walk was made. The pre and post intervention data were statistically analysed using paired samples t-test. Results: In this study, the mean age of the participants was 63.0 ± 5.80 years. The mean post intervention measurement of PEFR (226.67±51.09 L/min) and six-minute walk distance (271.92±50.55 m) was found to be significantly higher (p=0.001) than the mean pre interventional values (165.42±46.19; 219.58±43.24 respectively). Conclusion: Implementation of respiratory PNF techniques on short term basis optimally improves the functional exercise capacity and PEFR in patients with stable COPD.
Anaesthetic and Haemodynamic Effects of Dexmedetomidine vs Midazolam used as Premedication in Minor Obstetrics and Gynaecological ProceduresA Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Kulkarni Anita Manoj , Gurav Shilpayogesh , Shibupaulose Leena
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Preoperative anxiety for any surgery is a frequent condition. It may lead to high catecholamine levels which increases blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen consumption. Various agents have been used for anxiolysis and sedation as premedicants. Aim: To compare the anaesthetic and haemodynamic effects of injection Dexmedetomidine and injection Midazolam used as premedication in minor Obstetrics and Gynaecological procedures. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective interventional study conducted from July 2016 to September 2017, on total number of 60 patients of American Society of Anaesthesiologist Physical Status (ASA PS I and II) enrolled for the study. They were randomised in two groups: Group A (n=30) for Injection (Inj.) Midazolam 0.04 mg/kg and Group B (n=30) for injection Dexmedetomidine 1mcg /kg injected over a period of 10 minutes prior to General Anaesthesia. After appropriate monitoring like, Heart Rate (HR), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Mean arterial Pressure (MAP), Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2 ), Respiratory Rate (RR) were noted during the procedure at interval of 5 minutes till 30 minutes and, Ramsay Sedation Score (RSS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in postoperative period for 1 hour at interval of 15 minutes. The significance between all variables and amongst the two groups was calculated by Chi-square test, Repeated measure Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test and Independent sample t test. Results: It was observed that mean HR, SBP (p<0.05), DBP (p<0.05) and MAP (p<0.05 ) decreased significantly in group B. The RR (p<0.05) was significantly decreased in group B. There was no significant difference in SpO2 (p=0.4) value in both the groups. VAS (p<0.05) of group B patients was significantly reduced in the postoperative period but there was no significant difference in RSS score (p=0.1) at 45 and 60 minutes in both the groups. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine is more effective as a sedative agent than injection Midazolam when used in minor gynaecological procedures. Though Dexmedetomidine caused significant reduction in SBP, DBP and HR, it maintained haemodynamic stability well without causing any adverse effects.
Effects of roasting and γ-irradiated Peanuts on Toxicological Parameters of Wistar Rats
Authors: Alabi A. O. , Falade K. O. , Adeoti O. A. , Ohore O. G.
Published: June 2022

Effects of roasting and γ-irradiated (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 kGy) peanuts on toxicological parameters were evaluated through feeding of Wistar rats fed for a period of eight weeks. Physical appearance, body weight, hematological, serum biochemistry and tissue pathological parameters were determined using standard methods. During the eight weeks, Wistar rats showed good physical appearance and steady weight gain, and no mortality was recorded. Haematological analysis of the Wistar rats gave no indication of anemia; packed cell volume (41.09-46.14%), haemoglobin concentration (14.01-14.80 g/L), red blood cell (11.58-12.87 µ/L), mean corpuscular volume (30.58-37.85 fl), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (11.22-12.23 pg.). Serum blood parameters including albumin, globulin, creatine and blood urea nitrogen of Wistar rats fed with rat pellet, non- and γ-irradiated peanut were not significantly different. However, total protein (4.99-5.38 g/dL), cholesterol (55.67-60.50 mg/dL), alanine amino transferase (62.56-66.56 IU/L) and aspartate amino transferase (80.50-85.50 IU/L) increased significantly (p<0.05) during the period of evaluation. Histopathological examination of heart, liver, lungs, intestine, and spleen revealed diffuse mild degeneration of seminiferous tubular epithelium, mild congestion of hepatic sinusoids, mild hyperplasia of goblet cells and infiltration of the lamina propria by eosinophil and lymphocytes, and sub-capsular edema. Roasted γ-irradiated peanut did not cause changes of any toxicological significance in Wistar rats.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield, Yield Attributes and Nutritional Status of Different wheat (Triticum aestivum) Genotypes
Authors: . Ajay , Panwar Richa , Singh Mohinder , Goel Sonia
Published: June 2022

Haryana is the second-largest producer of wheat within the country, with approximately 12 percent of total wheat production. The production of wheat in Haryana was 11.9 metric tonnes and productivity 4786 kg ha-1from an area of 2.53 million hectares (Anon, 2020). The nutrient supplying capacity of the soil and fertilizers application schedule plays a vital role within the production potential of wheat. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) plays a vital role in increasing the organic carbon, biological, physical and chemical properties of soil. The results revealed from the research conducting during rabi season 2019-20 reported that the higher plant height (95.7 cm) at maturity with WH 283, followed by WH 1105 (92.7 cm) and Raj 3765(85.5 cm), while lower values were recorded with NABI Black(77.5 cm). The utmost yield parameters viz., spike length (12.7 cm), spikes per m2 (368.1), and test weight (44.0 g) were recorded with wheat WH 1105. The maximum yield (44.9 q ha-1), straw yield (59.9 q ha-1), and harvest index (41.4%) were recorded with the application of 100% recommended dose of N fertilizer as 150 kg ha-1.
Cost of Cultivation of Groundnut in Mahasamund and Raigarh District of Chhattisgarh
Authors: Patel Mamta , Chandrakar M. R. , Pandey Sneha , Patel Pradip
Published: June 2022

The present study is to examine Cost of Cultivation of Groundnut in Mahasamund and Raigarh District of Chhattisgarh. The study was undertaken by taking 145 sample farmers during the year 2020-21. Interview schedule and survey method was used to collect information from sample area. The objective were achieving by using cost concepts and income measures. The cost of cultivation of groundnut was observed highest in case of large farms and lowest in case of marginal farms. The overall cost of cultivation was Rs. 39790.78 per hectare. The overall cost of production was Rs. 2731.18 per quintal. Gross return from groundnut was found to be Rs. 72461.13 per hectare. The net return of overall farmers was observed Rs. 32670.35 per hectare. The input-output ratio was highest in case of marginal farmer 1:1.88 and lowest in case of large farmer 1:1.76. To increase the yield level, there is need to increase adoption of recommended technologies like use of HYV and hybrid varieties, fertilizers, plant protection and other technologies given by the Universities for increasing the groundnut productivity.
Evacuation of Hexavalent Chromium from an Aqueous Solution by Application of Chitosan Based Activated Carbon Prepared from Butea monosperma Bark
Authors: Hunge S. S.
Published: June 2022

Industrial waste water may pollute the environment because of the presence of heavy metal ions bonded together. Heavy metal is a major source of pollution and harm to the environment across the world. Biological and environmental damage is caused by heavy metal contamination of drinking water and wastewater. Toxic, non-biodegradable, and long-lasting, they are an imperative must to remove. Environmental pollution is exacerbated by the presence of hexavalent chromium metal ion in waste water from numerous industrial facilities. Standard physical and chemical treatment procedures for removing hexavalent chromium are documented in the literature. In addition to being expensive and energy consuming, these processes appear to also result in the accumulation of hazardous byproducts. The current study used chitosan-coated Butea monosperma bark activated carbon to extract hexavalent chromium from an aqueous solution. The batch experiment was used to investigate pH effect, time of contact with adsorbent, adsorbent dose, and the starting concentration of Cr (VI) ions. The pH of the biosorbent was found to be optimum at three for Cr(VI) sorption. The elimination of Cr(VI) from the solution will be accelerated with rise of contact time. Up to 94% more Cr (VI) can be extracted for every unit increase in adsorbent dose. As the blood level of Cr (VI) increased, so did the clearance rate. In this study, researchers discovered that pre-treated biosorbent was an excellent material for eliminating of Cr(VI) ions from contaminated water.
A Comparative Study on the Gonadosomatic Index and Milt Volume of Four Populations of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Broodstock Strains from North-East Nigeria
Authors: Eze Felix , Haruna Muhammad Yakubu , Victory Akosubo Oghenemarho
Published: June 2022

This study was carried out to compare and assess the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and Milt Volume of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from four population strains in the North-East of Nigeria. The broodstocks for the experiment were collected from lake Alau in Borno State, Lake Dadin Kowa in Gombe State, Lake Maladumba in Bauchi State and Lake Mayo Ranewo in Taraba State. The experiment was carried out at the hatchery complex of the Department of Fisheries, University of Maiduguri. A total of eighty C. gariepinus, twenty from each lake were collected. Standard methods were used to determine the gonadosomatic index and milt volume of the broodstock fish. The result obtained showed that the highest GSI value in males was 0.48±0.14 for fish caught from Lake Mayo Ranewo and the lowest GSI in males value was 0.28±0.01 for fish caught from Lake Maladumba.  While the highest GSI value in females was 9.18±2.48 for fish caught from Lake Maladumba and the lowest GSI in females value was 4.06±0.65 for fish caught from Lake Dadin Kowa. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) on the GSI among the males and females fish broodstocks among Lakes The highest milt volume 2.66±0.16 was recorded for fish caught from Lake Mayo Ranewo and the lowest milt volume in males value was 2.32±0.11 and 2.32±0.11 for fish caught from Lake Alau and Lake Dadin Kowa respectively. The results obtained in this study have increase our knowledge on the reproductive biology of wild C. gariepinus from the North-East of Nigeria and have also provided relevant information for fisheries and aquaculture management as well as breeding programmes.
Pharmacognostic and Taxonomic Studies of Leaf and Stem of Launaea taraxacifolia (Willd) Amin Ex C. Jeffrey (Compositae)
Authors: Umoh Romanus A. , Johnny Imoh I. , Andy Nsima A. , Udoh Anwanabasi E. , Udoh Inyang J. , Umanah Otobong E. , Emeh Winnie E.
Published: June 2022

Launaea taraxacifolia from the family Compositae is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, hypertention, cancer, malaria, bacterial infections and arthritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate  pharmacognostic and taxonomic parameters such as microscopy, micromeritics, chemomicroscopy, fluorescence, soluble-extractive values and ash values of  the leaves and stems of  this plant. The plant was collected, identified, air-dried, weighed and subjected to evaluation using standard procedures. The results showed that, from microscopy: the stomatal distribution was amphistomatic and the stomatal type were anisocytic and anomocytic on the abaxial surface and anomocytic on adaxial surface with T-pieces on the stomata. The stomatal index was 18.7% on the abaxial surface and 11.9% on the adaxial surface. The stomatal number on the abaxial surface was 13.2 (15.6±0.55) 18.1 and 18 (26.5±2.08) 36 for adaxial surface. Results of the micromeritics properties of the powdered leaf and stem samples were bulk volume of 38.67±0.17 and 51.33±0.33, tapped volume of 29.83±0.17 and 34.0±0.00, bulk density of 0.26±0.00 and 0.20±0.00, tapped density of 0.34±0.00 and 0.29±0.00, angle of repose of 36⁰ and 43⁰, Carr’s index of 22.7% and 33.78%, Hausner’s ratio of 1.30±0.01 and 1.15±0.01. The micromeritics indicated that the powder had a fair flow and for chemomicroscopy the powder contained  lignin, mucilage, oil and protein. The fluorescence properties determined revealed different colours under different ultraviolet lights. The water-soluble, methanol-soluble, ethanol-soluble extractive values were 35% w/w, 14% w/w and 16%w/w for leaf and 18% w/w, 8% w/w, and 9% w/w for stem respectively. The moisture content of the leaf and stem were 16% w/w and 11% w/w. Total, acid-insoluble and water- soluble ash values were 17.7% w/w, 1.3% w/w and 8.3% w/w for leaf and 6.3% w/w, 0.3% w/w and 4.7% w/w for the stem respectively. This data obtained from the pharmacognostic and taxonomic studies provide information for the identity, purity and quality of L. taraxacifolia.
Compliance with COVID-19 Prevention and Risky Sexual Behaviour among Youths during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Paul Ibe P. , Olarinmoye Opeoluwa , Eniade Adenike Aramide , Jasper Tongdiyen L. , Olarinmoye Abayomi T. , Anifowose Kabir O. , Kayode Oluwakemi O. , Owolabi Grace I. , Eniade Olanrewaju D.
Published: June 2022

Introduction: COVID -19 hit at the peak of 2020 in Nigeria and brought about the implementation of measures such as bounds, social distancing, and lockdown to curb the spread of the ravaging virus. Risky sexual behaviour (RSB) remained a major predictor of sexually transmitted Infections including HIV. Understanding the changing pattern of sexual behaviour may give some insight into the pathological behaviour, so that possible remediation measures can be taken, putting into consideration young people. We determined the rate of RSB, level of compliance to COVID-19 preventive measures and identified the factors influencing RSB among youths during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out among youths aged 15 to 24 years (n=421) in Osogbo, Osun state. Demographic information, history of sexual activities, compliance to COVID-19 preventive measures were captured using an electronic data collection tool (Kobo toolbox). The outcome variable was RSB (having multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom-use with casual sexual partners, alcohol, and drug use for sexual practices). Descriptive statistics were presented with frequency and percentage. Test of association (chi square) and binary logistic regression were done using Stata MP 16.

Results: There were 229(54.4%) males in this study, 2.1% had poor health rating, and all the respondents 421(100%) reported having heard about COVID-19. Only 24(5.7%) had high compliance, 204(48.5%) had moderate, 168(39.9%) had low compliance, 25 (5.9%) had no form of compliance to COVID-19 prevention measures. There was a high (20.7%) level of RSB among youths. Age 20-24 years (AOR= 7.23, 95%CI: 2.57-20.33) and good health rating (AOR=2.48, 95%CI: 1.16–5.31) were associated with the likelihood of RSB. Also, Muslims (AOR= 0.26, P=0.020, 95%CI: 0.09-0.81), Yoruba ethnic group (AOR=0.31, 95%CI:0.11–0.89), Youths who have attained Secondary education (AOR=0.13, 95%CI: 0.04-0.40) and tertiary education (AOR:0.14, P=0.001, 95%CI: 0.04-0.45) were less likely to practice RSB.

Conclusion: This study revealed a poor level of compliance with COVID-19 prevention and a high level of RSB among youths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk communication and education targeted at older youths (20-24 years), religious gatherings, and youths having below secondary education will be required in improving compliance and lowering RSB among youths.
Cost Effective Analysis on Mathematical Modelling of HIV/AIDS with Optimal Control Strategy
Authors: Gurmu Eshetu Dadi , Bole Boka Kumsa , Koya Purnachandra Rao
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a deterministic model of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus has been formulated to describe the transmission dynamics of the disease. The good posedness of the model equations was proved and the equilibrium points of the model have been identified. Basic reproduction numbers were used to establish both local and global stability of the disease-free and endemic equilibrium points of the model equation. The analysis reveals that if the basic reproduction is smaller than one, the solution converges to the disease-free steady-state, which is locally asymptotically stable. If the fundamental reproduction number is more than one, the solution converges to the endemic equilibrium point, which is locally asymptotically stable., sensitivity analysis of the model equation was performed on the key parameters to find out their relative significance and potential impact on the transmission dynamics of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The results of the simulation show that treatment minimizes the risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus transmission from the community and the stability of disease-free equilibrium is achievable when basic reproduction is less. The findings from the analysis of cost-effectiveness revealed that a combination of prevention and screening is the most effective strategy to eradicate the disease from the community.
Examining Factors Responsible for Students Poor Performance in Mathematics, from the Perspective of Teachers and Students at Asesewa Senior High School in the Upper Manyakrobo District
Authors: Mensah Patrick Akwasi Anamuah , Denteh Mercy Opokua , Issaka Ibrahim , Adjaah Evelyn
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that contributed to pupils' poor mathematics performance at Asesewa Senior High School in Ghana. The researchers therefore seek to investigate the extent to which learning resources availability and learning activities inhibit the performance of students of that district in mathematics. Because the purpose of the study was to acquire information from respondents on their experiences, perceptions, and opinions about students' low performance in mathematics at Asesewa Senior High School, the researchers utilized a descriptive survey approach. The researchers used a descriptive survey approach because the goal of the study was to gather information from respondents on their experiences, views, and opinions about pupils' low math performance at Asesewa Senior High School. As the only school in the Manyakrobo District, it was prudent for the researchers to use it for study. The total number of participants in the study was 250, and the study sample was made up of one hundred and sixty-five (165) students and mathematics teachers of Asesewa Senior High School. Data was obtained through questionnaire distribution and was then analyzed with the help of SPSS. It was discovered that resources were accessible and that they could not be blamed for the drop in student mathematical performance. The survey also found that there was no significant variation in perceptions of resource availability and learning activities between males and females in terms of gender among teachers and students.
Insights into the Metabolites Conferring Pathogenicity of Xanthomonas oryzae and Its Inhibition by Trichoderma longibrachiatum EF5
Authors: Sridharan A. P. , Thankappan Sugitha , Gandhi Karthikeyan , Uthandi Sivakumar
Published: June 2022

Aims: The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of volatile and soluble metabolites of Trichoderma longibrachiatum EF5 against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, and to identify the metabolites produced by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae in culture filtrate.

Study Design:  In vitro bioassay with CRD.

Place and Duration of Study: Biocatalysts laboratory, Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 2019-2020.

Methodology: Inverted plate, bipartite plate and agar well method was done under in vitro to observe the efficacy of T. longibrachiatum EF5 VOC against X. oryzae pv. oryzae. Analysis of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae metabolites by using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results: T. longibrachiatum EF5 VOC and metabolites completely inhibited the growth of X. oryzae pv. oryzae in inverted plate assay, whereas in bipartite and agar well diffusion assays unmeasurable growth of X. oryzae pv. oryzae was observed. The metabolites or Diffusible signal factors such as butyrolactone, propionic acid derivatives, phenyl acetic acid, hydrofurans, picoxystrobin, benzoic acid derivatives were produced by X. oryzae pv. oryzae in the growing medium. The role of these metabolites revealed that they are involved in pathogenicity, virulence, quorum sensing and the synthesis of antioxidant.

Conclusion: T. longibrachiatum EF5 volatile and soluble metabolites can be used as biocontrol agent against X. oryzae pv. oryzae.
Heritability Analysis for Horticultural Traits in Tomato under Low Cost Polyhouse Conditions of Jammu Subtropics
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Bhushan Anil , Samnotra R. K. , Sharma Sonali , Naik Reshav , Chheepa Mohammed Sajid , Naga Vimal Kumar
Published: June 2022

Biometrical assessment of genetic parameters for horticultural traits in tomato under Low Cost Polyhouse Conditions of Jammu Subtropics divulged minute differences among GCV and PCV, indicating less environmental influences on the traits under consideration. High heritability & genetic gain were noticed for important yield and yield contributing traits viz., yield per plant (99.91% & 75.28%), fruit weight (99.42% & 74.91%), fruit equatorial diameter (99.15% & 50.08%), no. of fruits per plant (98.61% & 66.70%), no. of flowers per cluster (98.27% & 55.48%), plant height (93.27% & 46.86%), number of fruits per truss (96.17% & 44.66%), number of branches per plant (96.43% & 37.98%), fruit polar diameter (83.06% & 38.40%) and quality traits viz., lycopene content (98.69% & 98.97%),TSS (97.37% & 39.82%) and fruit pericarp thickness (83.20% & 35.21%). High heritability combined with high genetic gain suggests a significant role for additive gene action in regulating these traits and suggests using simple selection as a breeding method to improve these traits.
Validation and Feedback Analysis of Agromet Advisory Services in Khammam District of Telangana under KVK, Wyra
Authors: Dharavath Nagaraju , Kumar J. Hemantha , Suneetha W. Jessie , Kumar K. Ravi , Chaitanya V. , Phanisri P. S. M. , Reddy R. Uma , Prasad J. V.
Published: June 2022

The success or failure of a crop is heavily depends on accumulation of received amount and intensity of rainfall mostly from southwest and northeast monsoon. Crop loss can be minimized by making adjustment through timely and accurate weather forecasting. Hence, there is necessity to validate the coming five days rainfall forecast analysis to determine the accuracy skill for managing strategic decisions by farmers. For validation of rainfall forecast qualitative and quantitative verification methods were adopted by India Meteorological Department, New Delhi. In these results, validation of qualitative and quantitative verification methods for southwest and northeast monsoon, 2021 indicated that high skill score for all ASD (agro sub divisional) level and moderate skill score for Khammam district level. A survey was conducted randomly for 230 farmers during year 2021-22 for reviewing effectiveness of agromet advisory services (AAS). The results indicated that most of farmers have been following AAS and checking weather forecast for post harvest operations like sowing / transplanting, harvesting / threshing, pesticide application, irrigation application, fertilizer application and other farm operations. It was observed from survey that 60.4 % of respondents rated AAS as highly satisfactory service.
Impact of Organic Manures and Foliar Spray of Moringa Leaf Extract (Moringa oleifera L.) on Growth and Yield of Rice Bean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi and Ohashi]
Authors: Rachel S. Cynthia , Singh Shikha , Thapa Jolly Edna , Gayethri Gowriraja
Published: June 2022

A field experiment on rice bean was conducted during Kharif, 2021 at SMOF (SHIATS Model Organic Farm), Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P), India. The soil of the experiment plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.2), low in organic carbon (0.51%), available nitrogen (230 kg/ha), available phosphorus (17.80 kg/ha) and available potassium (245.10 kg/ha). The foliar spray of Moringa oleifera L. extract was applied twice at different concentrations (5.0, 10.0 and 20.0% v/v) with different organic manures (pig manure, goat manure and neem cake) applied at 5 t/ha and control plot with water spray. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments each replicated thrice. As compared to other treatments, the results disclosed that application of neem cake 5t/ha + 20% moringa leaf extract recorded highest plant height (105.78 cm), nodules per plant at 60 DAS (35.64), branches per plant (20.61), plant dry weight (35.01 g/plant), pods per plant (25.85), seeds per pod (7.45), test weight (50.52 g), seed yield (1.66 t/ha), stover yield (3.72 t/ha), harvest index (30.86 %). Therefore, application of neem cake and foliar application of Moringa oleifera L. might be a promising option for yield enhancement of rice bean.
The Pre-treatment of Cotton with Polysaccharide Biocontrols Inducing Tolerance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Vasinfectum Causal Agent of Fusarium Wilt in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Coulibaly I. , Coulibaly S. , Gogbeu D. G. L. , Kouakou T. H. , Zouzou M.
Published: June 2022

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV) is a major damaging disease of cotton. Chemical control is currently ineffective and has led to resistance of the pathogen. In addition, pesticides are indexed for their negative impact on the environment and on human health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of sugarcane stem residue filtrate (FCS) and cotton stem residue filtrate (FTC) residue filtrate on FOV causal agent of the disease. These two polysaccharide biocontrols allowed a good accumulation of gallic acid, caffeoyl D-glucose, catechin, gossypetin and 3-p-coumaroylquinic acid and the de novo synthesis of epicatechin, protocatechic acid, ferulic acid, trans-resveratrol, trans-piceide, pterosilbene, 5-caffeylquinic acid, rutin, astringin and isoquercetin. However, 5-caffeylquinic acid and rutin are specific to FCS while astringin and isoquercetin are specific only to FTC. This difference in polyphenol synthesis caused 1% mortality in FTC and 8% in FCS. This indicates that astringin and isoquercetin are phenolic markers of resistance to FOV followed by 5-caffeylquinic acid and rutin. FTC can be used as a preventive control of Fusarium wilt in cotton.
Validation of Electrical Cardiometry Measurements Compared to Transthoracic Echocardiography in Fluid Responsiveness in Sepsis
Authors: Sharkawy Mohammed Said El , Abdelghany Mohammed Shebl , Dabe Ahmed Ali El , Hafez Ahmed Ali Abd El
Published: June 2022

Background: Severe sepsis and septic shock patients have a broad range of hemodynamic characteristics. A better understanding of the hemodynamic profile and response to therapy can lead to more effective treatment and consequently a lower mortality and morbidity. The current research work was designed to investigate the non-invasive diagnostic accuracy and agreement of electrical cardiometry (EC) with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for fluid responsiveness in sepsis.

Methods: This prospective cohort study was assessed on 25 patients showing clinical criteria of sepsis and developed hypotension. All patients were subjected to simultaneous measurement by EC and TTE. Fluid was administered if stroke volume (SV) measured by TTE increased by > 10% after the fluid challenge up to 30 mL/kg else vasopressor infusion was initiated.

Results: Electrical cardiometry significantly predicted fluid responsiveness in sepsis compared to TTE with 81.4% sensitivity and 90% specificity. There was an insignificant difference between SV index (SVI), cardiac index (CI), SV, and cardiac output (CO) estimated by TTE and by EC. The mean bias between SV measured by TTE and by EC was 0.25 ± 3.4 ml. The mean bias between TTE and by EC was 0.10 ± 1.78 mL/m2 in SVI, 0.01 ± 0.35 L/min in CO and 0.009 ± 0.18 L/min/m2 in CI.

Conclusions: Electrical cardiometry significantly predicted fluid responsiveness in sepsis compared to TTE with good agreement between measurements of EC and TTE.
Pattern of Presentation of Liver Function Tests Parameters in a Tertiary Institution in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Orugbo Voke Peter , Ohaju-Obodo John
Published: June 2022

Aims: Liver function tests or "LFTs" are performed to measure liver function and identify the source of liver damage while examining the health state of the liver. The current study looked into the pattern of presentation of liver function tests values in a tertiary institution in Delta State, Nigeria.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Delta state University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH),Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria over a 24-month period.

Methodology: The study included 1436 recruited subjects who reported to the Chemical Pathology Laboratory for LFTs at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) in Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria. The participants' ages varied from infants to people in their 70s.

Results: There were no significant variations in total protein (TP) across the age groups. TP levels in neonates and infants varied from 4.73 g/dl (p>0.05). TP levels in adults varied from 6.43 to 7.75 g/dl. Total bilirubin (T.BIL) levels in adults were lower in general than in babies and neonates (p0.05). There were no gender differences in the LFTs parameters among the adult individuals. TP levels in the females (6.50 g/dl) were greater (p<0.05) than in the boys (8.84 g/dl) among the day-olds. However, after 2 weeks, the girls' TP levels (4.67 g/dl) were considerably lower (p0.05). All participants' TP levels were within reference intervals. More than 80% of subjects had substantially increased ALP levels. Infants have higher levels of bilirubin than adults.

Conclusion: At least 5% of the adult subjects developed hyperbilirubinemia. Gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), Glutamate oxaloacetate transferase (GOT), and Glutamate pyruvate transferase (GPT) levels were significantly elevated in at least 50% of all subjects, regardless of age or gender. The immediate underlying reason is unknown.
COVID-19 Vaccination: Early Estimates of a Relative Post Interventional Case Fatality Risk
Authors: Raham Tareef Fadhil
Published: June 2022

Background: Recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated the efficacy of vaccines in reducing COVID-19 absolute case-fatality risks (CFRs) on a real-world global scale. However, these studies used cumulative (add-on) deaths and case accounts as nominators and denominators respectively.

This study aims to shed light on the relative post-COVID-19 vaccination non– cumulative CFR as a tool in monitoring the effectiveness of this intervention.

Methodology: We used post-vaccination non- cumulative counts of deaths and cases as at April 3, 2021, for a comparison of pre-COVID-19 vaccination data.

Sixteen countries/territories, which ran the COVID-19 vaccination program for at least a hundred days, were included in the study.

A matched paired t-test and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) test were used for statistical analyses.

Results: The relative post-COVID-19 vaccination CFRs are less than absolute (cumulative) CFRs and less than pre-vaccination CFRs. The matched paired t-test for testing mean differences between pre-COVID-19 vaccination and relative post-COVID-19 vaccination CFRs show a p-value level of (0.126).

The ROC test shows that the area under the curve was 0.391 for relative post-COVID-19 CFRs with an asymptotic significance of 0.291. The best COVID-19 cut-off CFR point was 1.6% which is an observed discriminator level between pre-vaccinated high CFRs and relative post-vaccinated CFRs lower level.

Conclusions: The relative post-COVID-19-vaccination CFR is more sensitive than absolute CFR and can be used as a tool for measuring the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination coverage in reducing CFR in addition to standered parameters.

Recommendations: The real world relative post-interventional CFR can be used as new indicator to replace absolute (cumulative) post-interventional CFR) as an early pos- interventional assessment.