bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying on the Internal Quality of Steel at Various Stages of Production: Slab-Rolled Metal
Authors: Khlybov Alexander A. , Vorozheva Evgeniya L.
Published: February 2022

In this work, the characteristics of the cast structure formed under various conditions of slab casting and the micro-structure of hot-rolled sheets made from them are studied by a complex of chemical and metal-graphic analysis methods. This article presents the results on cast structure's dispersion studying of continuously cast slab that depend on the casting speed as well as hot rolled steel's the microstructure and mechanical properties produced from experimental slabs. A comprehensive study shows that continuously cast slab's solidification rate determines the dispersion of the dendritic structure and the microscopic inhomogeneity degree. It is established that the dendritic structure density is the degree indicator of cast steel’s microchemical homogeneity. In all structural zones and in the whole thickness of a continuous slab with a thickness of 105 mm, the dendritic structure density and the micro-chemical homogeneity increases with increasing crystallization rate. Using the methods of quantitative metallography, it is shown that with an increase in the crystallization rate, the resulting cast structure becomes significantly dispersed. The study revealed a pattern between the initial austenitic structure of a continuously cast slab obtained at different crystallization rates and the structure of hot-rolled rolled products obtained by direct rolling, when hot slabs are placed in a heating furnace before phase transformations γ→α in the steel structure.
On the Issue of Safety of Multilayer Protective Angle Pieces for Metal Products Packaging
Authors: Kolyada Lyudmila G. , Ponomarev Anton P. , Tarasyuk Elena V.
Published: February 2022

Multilayer angle pieces are used to protect end parts and edges of rolls and packs of various sheet materials, including metals, during transportation and storage. Waxed protective angle pieces applied in metal products packaging may cause allergic reactions of personnel. The paper presents a chemical analysis of cover layer of multilayer waxed protective angle pieces based on cardboard. It was found that the cover layer contains nitrite ions. They can induce allergic itching. Temperature characteristics of the components that make up the cover layer were determined by the method of synchronous thermal analysis. X-ray microanalysis detected carbon, oxygen, calcium and silicon in this layer. IR spectra of the cover layer has revealed the presence of oxygen-and nitrogen-containing functional groups. The research of the multilayer protective angle pieces for metal products packaging has shown nonconformity with the specifications for this type of goods. The cover layer of the angle pieces contains distillate slack wax, nitrogen-bearing corrosion inhibitors. The angle pieces calls for protection measures when packaging metal products.
Analysis of the Leaching Stage Effect on the Vanadium Extraction from Technogenic Raw Materials
Authors: Shubina Marianna V. , Makhotkina Elena S.
Published: February 2022

As a result of titanomagnetite iron ore processing, technogenic waste is formed in the form of vanadium-containing slags. The industrial processing of these slags is important to improve the environmental situation in industrial regions and expand vanadium raw material base. The study purpose was the vanadium extraction from slags of titanomagnetite ore processing (ITmk3 process slag and JSC “EVRAZ NTMK” slag) in the soluble vanadate form. Research tasks: hydrometallurgical vanadium extraction from slags of different chemical composition using soda technology; determination of the leaching mode effect (temperature and duration) on the vanadium extraction degree. Experimental samples in the form of slag and soda Na2CO3 mixture were processed to oxidative roasting and subsequent water leaching at different temperatures from 50 °C to 80 °C for 1, 2 and 3 hours. In the resulting solutions the vanadium content was determined with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). Analysis of the research results showed that the slag chemical composition and the water leaching conditions had a significant effect on vanadium extraction degree. The vanadium extraction degree from the JSC “EVRAZ NTMK” slag was 2 – 2.5 times higher than from the ITmk3 process slag after applying the same leaching modes. The highest degree of vanadium extraction was obtained after leaching at a temperature of 80 °C for 3 hours. These leaching modes increased the vanadium extraction degree from the JSC “EVRAZ NTMK” slag to 65 – 87%, and from the ITmk3 process slag to 31 – 33%.
Choosing the Reagent to Leach Fluorine from Spent Pot Lining of Aluminum Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Nemchinova Nina V. , Baranov A.N. , Barauskas Alyona E.
Published: February 2022

The production of aluminum by electrolysis of cryolite-alumina melts is associated with generation of process waste including gas cleaning sludge, electric filter dust, coal flotation tailings, and spent pot lining (SPL). Most of this waste is then stored in sludge fields, deteriorating the environment near aluminum works. 30 to 50 kg of spent pot lining is produced per ton of Al. The authors’ research was dedicated to finding the best reagent for solvent extraction of valuable components (fluorine in particular) in the process of SPL hydrometallurgy. To that end, the research team sampled carbon parts of lining at the RUSAL Bratsk facility in Shelekhov, Irkutsk Oblast. The following reagents were tested: 2 wt.% solutions of sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide. Leaching lasted 60 minutes in each experiment. 2% H2SO4 solution was found to release fluorine at a higher rate. However, the resulting liquors contained sulfates, which might negatively affect the service life of equipment; for this reason, 2% NaOH solution was chosen for further leaching of fluorine from spent carbon parts of lining.
The Effect of Cooling Rate on Structure, Basic Mechanical and Special Properties of Complex Alloyed Manganese Cast Iron
Authors: Potapov Michail G. , Zaritskiy B.B. , Kuts N.A.
Published: February 2022

The results of the study of the cooling rate effect on the structure and properties of castings for parts of equipment made of complex alloyed manganese cast iron, which operate under conditions of abrasive and impact-abrasive wear, are presented. The properties and characteristics of microstructures of samples from the investigated cast iron composition for different cooling rates are given: relative and impact-abrasive wear resistance, hardness, volume fraction of the carbide phase, and the average size of carbides. It is shown that the cooling rate (as well as the chemical composition of cast iron) is a determining factor in the primary microstructure formation that affects the properties of castings.
Interaction of Ferromagnetically Ordered Clusters with Dislocations in Austenite and Twinning
Authors: Pustovoit Viktor N. , Dolgachev Yuri V.
Published: February 2022

The relationship between the interaction of ferromagnetically ordered clusters in austenite with dislocations, twinning and nucleation of the martensite phase is considered. It is shown that the regions with short-range order existing in austenite affect the dislocation structure. In turn, dislocations are involved in the formation of twins and martensite nuclei. The imposition of an external magnetic field enhances the magnetic inhomogeneity of austenite and the effects of magnetoelastic interaction between clusters and dislocations.
Study of the Influence of Geometric Parameters on the Destruction Possibility of Aluminium Alloys during Pressing in Equal-Channel Step Matrix
Authors: Naizabekov Abdrakhman B. , Lezhnev Sergey N. , Panin Evgeniy
Published: February 2022

The paper analyzes the influence of various geometric factors on the destruction possibility of aluminum alloys during pressing in an equal-channel step matrix, which allows to obtain an ultrafine-grained structure. It is found that the angle of the junction of the matrix channels has a significant effect on the Cockroft-Latham damage criterion, in contrast to the length of the inclined channel of the matrix. The most optimal value of the joint angle is 135° - in this case, the metal is processed with a sufficiently high intensity at a low level of the fracture criterion. The length of the inclined channel of the matrix is recommended to use no more than 15 mm to reduce the level of damage.
Transport Properties of Ferromagnet/Superconductor and Superparamagnet/Superconductor Heterostructures Based on Ni/YBCO
Authors: Svinkin N.A. , Kuz'mina A.S. , Kuz'min Mikhail P.
Published: February 2022

The article presents a study of the transport properties of high-temperature superconducting compounds of the Y-Ba-Cu-O system with the addition of the carbon nanomaterial (carbon nanotubes) "Taunite" in different concentrations. According to the data of X-ray phase analysis, scanning electron microscopy and magnetic measurements, it was determined that the carbon nanotube "Taunite" contains ferro-and superparamagnetic particles (~ 30 nm). The dependences of the resistance of the samples on the temperature have been constructed, and the temperature of the transition of the samples to the superconducting state (~ 90 K) has been determined, and the features ("stages") on the resistance curves are observed below. Nickel nanoparticles in the carbon nanotubes "Taunite" have been established to not affect the critical temperature of the superconducting transition, yet after reaching a certain concentration, they destroy the superconducting state.
New Die Design for High-Pressure Torsion
Authors: Volokitin Andrey , Volokitina Irina , Panin Evgeniy
Published: February 2022

A special design of the die was developed, which allows to implement the process of severe plastic deformation by high pressure torsion to deform ring blanks, which will be the starting material for creating high-strength piston rings. A special feature of the die design is the provision of torsion of the deforming tool with constant rectilinear movement of the press punch due to the composite deforming tool, which includes both displacement and rotation blocks. Using the obtained geometry, computer simulation of this process in the Deform program was performed in order to assess the possibility of a stable process flow. AISI-316 austenitic stainless steel was chosen as the material of the billet. The resulting strain force on the first two cycles was considered. On the first cycle, the force was equal to 464 kN, on the second cycle the force value was about 1200 kN. The obtained values are quite adequate, which indicates the possibility of multi-cycle deformation.
On the Problem of Getting a Correct Crack Shape in Fracture Toughness Specimens of Low-Carbon Steel
Authors: Nazarova E.D. , Filin V.Yu. , Galchun I.A.
Published: February 2022

Fracture toughness test in full thickness is an essential part of structural steel certification and qualification of welding procedures for critical structures intended for low-temperature service. The material to be tested should be in a stress relieved state that closely relates to a straight shape of the fatigue precrack front. A lot of technological treatment procedures for specimens preparation have been experimentally tried and quantitatively calculated. This paper describes a part of these efforts in respect of applicability of increased cyclic asymmetry during precracking. This method appears useful to get a straight fatigue crack in base metal specimens as well.
Laboratory Assessment of the Technogenic Raw Materials Briquettes Effect on the Arc Furnace Electric Mode
Authors: Egiazaryan Denis K. , Sivtsov Andrey V. , Tsimbalist Mikhail M.
Published: February 2022

The influence of partially reduced scale briquettes on the arc electrical characteristics in a laboratory single-phase arc furnace is considered. Briquettes were obtained from industrial scale by mixing it with coke production waste and flux-forming additives. Fluxes were selected with aim that their interaction provided the slag homogeneity. During the experiment, the conditions for entering a briquette into an electric arc furnace (EAF) were simulated. That includes imitation of simultaneous melting of briquettes and scrap and the formation of a slag cover (metal was melted, briquette was added, slag was introduced), and imitation adding briquettes to a liquid bath of metal with slag (metal was melted, slag was introduced, briquette was added). A slightly positive effect of the briquettes input on the arc burning conditions was noted, as well as a noticeable effect of slag foaming. It is assumed that a significant content of iron oxides in the briquette will also contribute to the lime accelerated assimilation in the slag, which may somewhat speed up the process of metal refining from phosphorus.
Investment Casting for Oil and Gas Complex
Authors: Znamenskii L.G. , Stepanova T.V. , Ivochkina O.V.
Published: February 2022

The article considers an advanced method of ceramic mold and rod forming from liquid mixtures on non-organic bonding materials. Their application allows significantly improving the environmental situation and, at the same time, making molds and rods better in terms of their mechanical properties. In its turn, it results in a more precise geometry of the molds obtained. The developed composition allows applying only Russian materials, lowering the net cost comparing with a conventional business of ceramic mold casting (Shaw process) while providing high technological properties of forms and rods.The authors conducted the analysis of the phase composition of technological materials and provided a rationale for possible import substitution.The experimental part of the research work contains two series of experiments; the first one included the selection of the ceramic mix composition by the amount of gelatinization agent. The second series of experiments studied the impact of vacuum processing on the properties of rods after their curing. The authors present experimental precise molds for the oil and gas complex of the Russian Federation.
Innate Immune Memory and the Host Response to Infection
Authors: Sherwood Edward R , Burelbach Katherine R , McBride Margaret A , Stothers Cody L , Owen Allison M , Hernandez Antonio , Patil Naeem K , Williams David L , Bohannon Julia K
Published: February 2022

Unlike the adaptive immune system, the innate immune system has classically been characterized as being devoid of memory functions. However, recent research shows that innate myeloid and lymphoid cells have the ability to retain memory of prior pathogen exposure and become primed to elicit a robust, broad-spectrum response to subsequent infection. This phenomenon has been termed innate immune memory or trained immunity. Innate immune memory is induced via activation of pattern recognition receptors and the actions of cytokines on hematopoietic progenitors and stem cells in bone marrow and innate leukocytes in the periphery. The trained phenotype is induced and sustained via epigenetic modifications that reprogram transcriptional patterns and metabolism. These modifications augment antimicrobial functions, such as leukocyte expansion, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and microbial killing, to facilitate an augmented host response to infection. Alternatively, innate immune memory may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.
La fecondazione artificiale eterologa: un altro ritorno al matrilineare?
Authors: Fiori Angelo , Caprioli Lea Cinzia
Published: February 2022

Gli Autori, dopo un breve ricordo storico-antropologico delle primitive società matrilineari, passano in rassegna le principali legislazioni internazionali riguardanti le tecniche di procreazione artificiale, puntando l'attenzione sulle norme circa il riconoscimento di paternità legale al marito o convivente che ha prestato il proprio consenso alla fecondazione artificiale eterologa e circa l'anonimato del donatore di seme. Essi rilevano la contraddizione tra le attuali possibilità della ricerca biologica di paternità che, avvalendosi degli accertamenti genetici basati sull'impiego dei polimorfismi del sangue, consente a chiunque di conoscere il proprio padre biologico, e le norme sull'anonimato che, non consentendo al figlio di conoscere il proprio vero padre, creano notevoli diseguaglianze tra cittadini. La fecondazione artificiale eterologa viene considerata come un altro regresso alla società matrilineare, in cui la struttura protofamiliare era incentrata sulla figura della donna, la quale assumeva un ruolo dominante come strumento di fecondità e il "marito" era "in visita", cosicché padre e figlio erano completamente estranei l'uno all'altro. Viene infine commentata la recente sentenza del Tribunale di Cremona che ha accolto l'istanza di disconoscimento di paternità di un figlio nato a seguito di inseminazione artificiale con sperma eterologo. Il Tribunale, mancando in Italia una legge che regoli la fecondazione artificiale eterologa, ha percorso l'unica strada a disposizione nell'attuale panorama giuridico nazionale, fondando la propria sentenza sugli art t. 231 , 235 c 143 del Codice Civile. L'auspicio è che storie come quelle del piccolo Mattia, oggi "figlio di padre ignoto", inducano tutti a riflettere sui "prodigi" della scienza e del progresso, ma soprattutto non spingano frettolosamente verso leggi che consentano, per la loro permissività, di sconvolgere la reale biologia dell'essere umano.
Caratteristiche delle comunità terapeutiche e norme per il corretto comportamento degli operatori
Authors: Bompiani Adriano
Published: February 2022

L'importanza crescente delle comunità terapeutiche (CT) nella lotta alla tossicodipendenza nell'ultimo decennio in vari paesi ha spinto l'Autore, nell'articolo, a riflettere sulle tipologie di CT nella individuazione di quei comportamenti corretti che devono vigere al loro interno. In Italia, infatti, pur essendo stato riconosciuto alle CT un ruolo di enti ausiliari delle strutture pubbliche deputate all'assistenza dei tossicodipendenti, non esiste tuttora una normativa che ne regolamenti la tipologia, l'ordinamento interno, le caratteristiche della gestione e le verifiche del funzionamento. Dopo avere brevemente tracciato la cronistoria delle CT per poi illustrarne le caratteristiche - senza dimenticare lo sviluppo dei Servizi pubblici per le tossicodipendenze {SERT) -, si argomenta sulle dimensioni ed i criteri operativi dell'attività psicoergoterapica che si svolge all'interno delle CT. Sul personale operante all'intemo delle CT l'Autore analizza le motivazioni e l'idea di comunità nel pensiero dei loro "fondatori". Vengono così individuate delle Linee comuni ai diversi metodi adottati nelle CT: !'"educazione alla vita"; la personalizzazione del programma di riabilitazione; il rifiuto di ogni imposizione e violenza; la condivisione delle responsabilità, anche attraverso il lavoro come strumento formativo della personalità. E' ancora aperto, invece, il problema della valutazione dei risultati ottenuti nelle CT. L'articolo si conclude con le linee-guida approvate nell'aprile 1993 dagli operatori di CT e SERT nel Comitato nazionale di coordinamento per l'azione antidroga in Italia. Pur non essendo vincolante, tale documento rappresenta uno sforzo di consapevolezza dei problemi in gioco ed un impegno morale degli operatori su validi principi etici nella lotta alla tossicodipendenza.
An exploration of public accountability and service delivery at the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
Authors: Rulashe Tando , Ijeoma Edwin O.C.
Published: February 2022

Background: The South African public sector still faces numerous challenges of public accountability and corruption 26 years post the establishment of a democratic government and a free society. These challenges are mainly found in the local sphere of government which is the heart of where service delivery takes place.Aim: This article aimed to examine the public accountability strategies and mechanisms being used at the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape province whilst giving a conceptual view of how corruption and maladministration adversely affected the municipality and province.Setting: This study was conducted at the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.Method: The study adopted an explanatory sequential design based on a mixed-methods approach where data was collected through questionnaires and secondary documents. Data was analysed through a comparative lens and thematic analysis. A total sample of 47 participants was chosen through a purposive sampling technique.Results: The key findings of the study revealed that there is a lack of communication between local government and the residents. As well as poor implementation of accountability mechanisms and capacity issues, that is, lack of training and resources amongst others contributed to the ailing public accountability and service delivery issues.Conclusions: Conclusions drawn reflect a municipality that is struggling with huge backlogs on service delivery. Furthermore, public accountability mechanisms exist but implementation is a challenge. Recommendations included enhanced community engagement and participation, capacity building and skills development, the promotion of individual independence of the community, enhancement of resources and infrastructure and the enhancement of the Public Participation Unit.
Community work programmes as job creation mechanism: A case of Tshwane Metropolitan municipality
Authors: Kobedi Keoagile C. , Swanepoel Elana , Venter Marius
Published: February 2022

Background: To address poverty and unemployment, local government implemented programmes, such as the Community Work Programme (CWP), aimed at empowering the community through the provision of employment and skills to provide a safety net to the poor by allowing them to earn a monthly wage.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the CWP’s contribution towards employment or job creation within Region 1 of the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality community, specifically in Erasmus and Soshanguve.Setting: A CWP was started 11 years ago in the City of Tshwane, in Region 1 – Erasmus and Soshanguve. It provides wages to 2000 people.Method: A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire with a face-to-face interview of 219 respondents.Results: The results reveal that the CWP is contributing financially to the well-being of the participants, but the latter tend to stay with the CWP and do not progress to permanent employment. Although some participants intend to start their own business, it seems they lack the skills.Conclusion: Although participants benefited financially and socially, it seems that limited skills were acquired, particular entrepreneurial skills relevant to starting an own business venture. It is recommended that the data be further analysed with regard to the level of satisfaction and skills capacity development by the CWP.
Imperfectly perfect universe? Emerging natural order in Thomas Aquinas
Authors: Roszak Piotr
Published: February 2022

Scientific data indicate that violence is involved in the emergence of higher forms of life from lower forms. This seems incompatible with the God of Christian revelation, who is the source of love and mercy. Current attempts to explain this tension usually focus on two approaches: the ‘gift of freedom’ (McLeish) or the ‘only way’ theory (Southgate). I will argue that Thomas Aquinas’ understanding of nature is able to provide an interesting framework for the challenges posed by the way of the appearance of life. The article will present Aquinas’ theology of nature, which seems to fit perfectly with the current state of scientific knowledge, especially when considering the relationship between God and creation.Contribution: The article shows that the problem of the interpretation of paradise in the Christian tradition may be related to the influence of the Neoplatonic tradition, which reduces paradise to the idealistic sphere. Attention is drawn to the concept of perfection, which does not mean the absence of any disvalue in the natural world, but is a relational concept. The death of animals and natural evil need not be explained by moral evil, but requires a broader interpretation of the value of the natural order.
COVID-19 vaccines, public health goods and Catholic social teaching: Why justice must prevail over charity in the global vaccine distribution
Authors: Ballano Vivencio O.
Published: February 2022

Applying the Roman Catholic Church’s set of moral principles on social concerns called Catholic social teaching (CST) on charity, distributive justice, private property and the common good, and utilising some secondary data and scientific literature, this article argues that establishing distributive justice for the global distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines must be a priority than donating millions of doses in the name of charity to address vaccine scarcity. Catholic social teaching teaches that the right to private property is a basic right but has moral limits and is subordinated to the moral principles on the universal destination of earth’s goods and the common good.Contribution: The current COVID-19 vaccines are developed by people and organisations outside the pharmaceutical companies and largely funded using taxpayers’ money. Thus, by virtue of justice, these vaccines must belong to all nations as global public health goods. Patents are to be suspended to allow poor countries to reproduce the popular vaccines and address the current vaccine shortage.
Politics as a vocation in the African context? An African theological engagement with Max Weber
Authors: Kure Kefas U.
Published: February 2022

The German sociologist, Max Weber, argued that politics has to be taken as a vocation just like other fields of academic and professional engagements. He did this by reconsidering his earlier view on ethics of conviction, which he thought does not hold sufficient promise to address the political atmosphere of his day. To consolidate this proposal, Weber proposed an ethic of responsibility which, for him, carries some great promise to advance politics as a vocation. In this article, however, I engage with these thoughts and proposals by Weber in order to deduce some lessons on how politics could be considered as vocation. This was thought to carry some promise in the African context of political engagement in reducing misappropriation, mismanagement, and wastefulness of both human and material resources. This article concludes that taking politics as a vocation would enhance the placement of value on human lives over things as it is the case in the African context.Contribution: This contribution would ensure that individuals intending to take politics as a vocation have a different view of politics other than amassing wealth, but to render service to humanity.
The ministry of presence in absence: Pastoring online in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tagwirei Kimion
Published: February 2022

Since time immemorial, pastoral ministry has been physically present in church buildings, homes and public places, providing face-to-face care and reassurance of God’s love and accompaniment. The tragic outbreak and speedy spread of COVID-19 from China triggered unprecedented challenges, dramatically led to restrictive national lockdowns, closure of physical meetings, fundamentally unsettled routine ways of doing ministry and demanded total digitalisation of the gospel, which eventually rendered the ministry of physical presence absent. While doing ministry online seemed to have been working well in other countries, it has been a uniquely different trajectory in Zimbabwe predominantly because of financial, material, human incapacitation as well as cultural and other contextual factors. Scholarly research on online pastoral praxis in Zimbabwe is scanty. Applying Osmer’s methodology, this study reviewed lived experiences and challenges of pastors in ministering virtually since the beginning of lockdowns early 2020 hitherto late 2021. It interrogated the ministry of presence and understanding of digitalisation. Amidst a plethora of social, political and economic drawbacks, this article unearthed erratic capability, affordability, availability, connectivity and feasibility of digitalised shepherding. Taking physical presence as incarnation of the triune God, demonstration of love, care and accompaniment as indispensable in pastoral ministry, this article stressed the significance of physical presence. However, considering the prevailing COVID-19 and contextual constrictions, it recommended that pastors should appreciate and submit their congregants to the ubiquitous and indispensable spiritual presence of God while redoubling efforts in ministering through contextually feasible ways until lockdowns end.Contribution: This article provides a critical biblical and scholarly review and analysis of the ministry of presence during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe. This will provoke pastors, churches and church bodies to rethink and reconsider progressive strategies towards contextually effective pastoral theology, ministry and ecclesiology in times of pandemics in the context of economic volatility.
Intracranial Extraskeletal Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma
Authors: Paramban Megha P. , Asokan Vishnu , Vijayan Apoorva , Chandran Prasanth C.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MCS) is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor, a subtype of chondrosarcoma assumed to arise from remnants of the embryonic cartilage or metaplasia of meningeal fibroblasts. Intracranial extraskeletal MCSs are rare tumors, accounting for <0.16% of intracranial tumors. They usually occur in the age group of 20–30 years and are commonly found in the frontoparietal region arising from the falx and surrounding dura.

Case Description:

A 17-year-old girl presented with weakness of the right lower limb. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large lobulated extra-axial mass lesion in the left parasagittal frontal region. She underwent a left frontoparietal craniotomy and excision of the tumor. She received adjuvant radiotherapy 60Gy/30 fractions.

Conclusion:

Intracranial MCSs are rare malignant tumors with a poor prognosis. The prognosis depends upon surgical resection and postoperative radiotherapy.
Evaluation of an Internal Medicine Residency Curriculum from Trainees' Perspective
Authors: Taha Mohamed H. , Abdalla Mohamed El Hassan , Gaffar Abdelrahim Mutwakel , Ahmed Yasar
Published: February 2022

Objectives:

This study aimed to identify the areas of strength and areas needing improvement in the internal medicine residency curriculum in a developing country - Sudan.

Materials and Methods:

This qualitative study was conducted at six major teaching hospitals in Sudan. Purposive sampling was used to select 48 residents who participated in six focus group discussions (FGDs). All FGDs were audio taped and lasted between 60 and 90 min. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation took place. The transcribed data were analyzed using the content analysis technique, and codes were generated and categorized into subthemes. Three emerging themes were identified: training curriculum, training in research, and assessment of residents.

Results:

The residents were generally satisfied with the curriculum at the planning level. They reported that the structure of the program is suitable and the duration of the curriculum appropriate; the number of patients and theoretical training in the research were considered optimum. They suggested that training in research should begin earlier in the curriculum, with time reserved for conducting research, and that assessment needs improvement.

Conclusion:

This study highlighted the utility of the qualitative approach in identifying residents' perspectives of their educational programs. However, the residents provided suggestions for improvement in the following areas: training curriculum, research training, and assessment. The practical recommendations from this study could be used to improve the quality of postgraduate medical training in Sudan and elsewhere.
Designing a Comprehensive Lesson Plan
Authors: Pal Debkumar , Taywade Manish , Alekhya Gajjala
Published: February 2022

Lesson plan is required for all medical educators as it would help in completing their teaching-learning activity within specific periods for completion of all learning goals. There are six steps and eight components in the formulation of a lesson plan. The lesson plan should include the instructional design or learning objectives. The learning activity should start with a proper set induction, i.e., induce the interest regarding the topic in the students. There should be a brief travel to the past lessons, and it should end with feedback from the students and one assessment for assessing the learning understandings of the students.
Management of SARS-Cov-2-positive major burns
Authors: Sharma Raman , Ahuja Rajeev B.
Published: February 2022

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic is still ravaging territories and spreading like wildfire. Infection with this virus is already complicating many clinical and emergency situations by overlapping symptoms, development of newer protocols for disease management, by redefining prognostic indicators, and upscaling the level of protection required for health-care workers. The current report outlines the tribulations and dilemmas of managing an asymptomatic 35% total body surface area burn patient with concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection, from its diagnosis till full wound healing. Countries with a large population and a high incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection need to maintain a high index of suspicion for a concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection because asymptomatic patients can present with burns and they can also be carriers. Further, there is a need to strategize the deployment of resources, workforce, and burn wound management and to adopt effective precautionary measures for better outcomes and safety of health-care workers.
Older adult life in COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Maral Priyaranjan , Punetha Deepa
Published: February 2022

At the moment of worldwide lockdown with the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), older adult life bangs up with lots of changes such as stagnation in life, abuses, or violence (e.g., physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect). Older adults are feeling and experiencing more deprivation of social connectedness in a self-isolating environment. When there is a need for solidarity worldwide, COVID-19 is escalating stigmatization and discrimination against older adult populations. For this reason, we are particularly interested/accentuated more on the isolation life and loneliness lifestyles of older adults residing inside the four walls of their houses. In addition, emphasis is also given on different approaches of 4 R's such as reinoculate, remove, restore, and resilience for minimization of impact of COVID-19 among older adults. However, the cultural differences and societal values also played a major role in minimization of mental health challenges and illnesses during lockdown in Western and Eastern societies. The “We-ness” of collectivistic culture of Eastern societies brings more “Wellness” for older adult mental health. On the other hand, the “I-ness” of individualistic culture of Western societies brings only “Illness” for the older adult population. Still, many countries are facing a second or third wave of COVID-19, which are worsening the situation more for the older adult population. With aging and social isolation in pandemic, older adults’ well-being can be restored by developing healthy habits, involvement in religious activities, adopting natural healing techniques, and positive thinking toward the life.
Sympathetic ophthalmia in a phthisical eye with B-cell proliferation
Authors: Das Dipankar , Desmukh Saurabh , Gokani Bhavya , Vanitha K. , Deka Apurba , Biswas Jyotirmay
Published: February 2022

Sympathetic ophthalmia is a dreaded ocular condition resulting in bilateral panuveitis following penetrating injury in one eye or associated with surgeries and laser procedures. We describe a case of a 13-year-old girl who presented with blurring of vision in the right eye for the past 2 years following penetrating trauma in the left eye 9 years back. Histopathology of left enucleated phthisical eye showed diffuse stromal choroiditis with B-cell proliferation on immunohistochemistry, thus confirming chronicity of the disease.
Journey of choroidal tubercle to choroidal granuloma
Authors: Kaur Rajwinder , Singh Harijot , Khan Balbir , Sehgal Akriti , Aggarwal Anupriya
Published: February 2022

Choroidal tubercles may be unilateral or bilateral and appear as a polymorphic yellowish lesion with discrete borders. Tubercles can arise early in the stages of progression of tuberculosis (TB) and are indicative of hematogenous dissemination seen in acute military TB. Choroidal granuloma is seen in chronic TB in response to antitubercular treatment. We report a case of a 14-year old girl who presented with fever, altered sensorium, and irritability for 1 week. Fundus examination revealed bilateral multiple choroidal tubercles. Antitubercular treatment was started after magnetic resonance imaging head and cerebral spinal fluid cytology confirmed the diagnosis of disseminated TB. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography was done on follow-up visits to see the stages of progression or regression of choroidal tubercle after the treatment. This is a rare case, reporting the transition of choroidal tubercle into choroidal granuloma, which is demonstrated with serial imaging using various modalities.
Different management strategies of scleral necrosis
Authors: Shukla Ruchi , Mazhari Anjum , Mishra Ashutosh Kumar
Published: February 2022

Surgically induced necrotizing scleritis is a rare complication of ocular surgeries. Mitomycin C (MMC) when used intraoperatively may be related to serious postoperative complications. We report management of two cases in which patients underwent pterygium excision with adjunctive use of MMC and they both developed scleral necrosis. In the first case, scleral patch grafting was performed, while the other case underwent advanced Tenon's flap with a sliding conjunctival flap. Tectonic coverage can be done by various methods such as scleral patch grafting and advanced Tenon's flap and both provide structural and functional stability to eyes with scleral defects.
Parenting Styles and Mental Health of Adolescents
Authors: Vijay Christy , Gonsalves Kavita Peter , Ramesh Naveen
Published: February 2022

Background:

Environmental factors determine the behavior of children, and children, in turn, depend on their parents or caregivers to provide them with safe and holistic physical and social environment. Baumrind's classified parenting style into four types: Authoritarian, Authoritative, Permissive, and Uninvolved.

Objective:

The objective is to determine the perceived parenting styles and its association with stress among adolescents.

Methodology:

This cross-sectional study involved adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19 years studying in Government Secondary Schools located in two villages of rural Karnataka, South India. Parenting styles were assessed by parenting styles and dimensions questionnaire (PSDQ) short version, and stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale.

Results:

Among the 445 adolescents who participated in this study, 228 (51.2%) were male and 217 (48.8%) were female. Based on the mean PSDQ score, authoritarian parenting style (53.07%) was the most prevalent type, followed closely by the authoritative (52.16%) style. Boys from all age groups felt their parents adopted permissive style and girls of all age groups felt their parents had an authoritative style. The prevalence of moderate and mild stress was more among boys and girls, respectively. Parenting style did not change with substance use among parents. Permissive parenting styles for boys and authoritarian parenting style for girls were associated with higher stress.

Conclusion:

According to adolescents, their parents adopted authoritarian parenting style; permissive style among boys, and authoritative style among girls, and this was associated with high-stress levels.
Surgical Management of Mucocele of Lower Lip
Authors: Gayen Khooshbu , Bag Anisha , Shirolkar Supreet , Sikdar Rajib , Pal Soumen , Sarkar Subir
Published: February 2022

Mucocele is one of the most common minor salivary gland disorders which can arise due to the accumulation of mucous secretion due to trauma or any aberrant oral habit. Primarily of two types – extravasation and retention type based on histopathological features. Mucocele can appear at any site in oral cavity in association with minor salivary glands such as lip, cheeks, and the floor of the mouth but most commonly found in lower lip. It can affect patients of any age group but young population are most frequently affected. Mucocele is usually diagnosed based on its clinical findings. Surgical removal is the most common treatment of choice.
An Extensive Review on the Use of Feed Additives Against Fish Diseases and Improvement of Health Status of Fish in Turkish Aquaculture Sector
Authors: Yılmaz Sevdan , Ergün Sebahattin , Yiğit Murat , Yılmaz Ebru
Published: February 2022

Aquaculture is the second-fastest-growing sector in the world after informatics and its.
Average growth of aquaculture is annually ~8.8% over the last 30 years. Turkey has great potential in terms of fish production and the number of fish farms started to increase rapidly. Fish production in intensive culture conditions has enlarged possible threats of contagious disease outbreaks due to high stocking densities, water quality or environmental gradient, etc., as well as the combination of all these factors together. Depending on animal husbandry situations and organizational conditions, gradation of the aquatic surroundings and outbreaks of bacteriological diseases may well cause production losses around 30-40% in aquaculture facilities. Some fish diseases reported most repeatedly in Turkish aquaculture facilities are Vibriosis, Furunculosis, Streptococcosis, Lactococcosis, Aeromonas septicemia, Yersiniosis, Photobacteriosis and Flavobacteriosis. Antibiotics, disinfectants and chemotherapeutics used for the prevention and treatment of diseases result in residual antibiotics and chemicals in fish products, microorganisms resistant to antibiotics and damages to the aquatic environment and human health. This situation has led researchers to use alternative feed additives in fish diets such as medicinal plant, herbal extracts, phytochemicals, plant secondary metabolites, immunostimulants and probiotics. This review includes research conducted in Turkey between the years 2001 and 2020, and aims to summarize the findings regarding the use of medicinal plant, herbal extracts, phytochemicals, plant secondary metabolites and immunostimulants in fish feed to prevent and treat diseases, improve immunity, increase disease resistance, and reduce stress in fish towards a better management and best aquaculture practice for the sustainability of the growing aquaculture industry in the region and worldwide.
Influences of Dietary Supplementation of Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis on Growth-Related Genes Expression and Antioxidant Enzymes in Oreochromis niloticus Fish Exposed to Heavy Metals
Authors: Saleh Hassnaa Ahmed , Gaber Hanan Sayed , El- Khayat Hanaa Mahmoud Mohamed , Abdel-Motleb Asmaa , Mohammed Wafaa Abdel-Aziz , Okasha Hend
Published: February 2022

Fish is a good indicator for monitoring of heavy metals risks. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis dietary supplementation on Oreochromis niloticus growth under normal conditions. Additionally, evaluation of their effects on the growth performance, growth-related genes expression and antioxidant enzymes of O. niloticus exposed to a mixture of heavy metals. The results showed that the highest growth performance of O. niloticus was recorded in the groups supplemented with 10 and 15% of S. platensis compared to C. vulgaris and control groups. The expression of ghrelin, leptin and insulin-like growth factor genes (IGF-1) were improved in fish that fed on 10% and 15% of S. platensis more than C. vulgaris against the toxic impact of heavy metals. 15% of C. vulgaris improved the activity of catalase (CAT), while the activity of superoxide dismutases (SOD) was improved at 10% of both C. vulgaris and S. platensis. C. vulgaris and S. platensis increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity compared to the normality. Our results concluded that S. platensis can effectively provide a protection in terms of growth-related genes expression in O. niloticus. Further, both C. vulgaris and S. platensis modulated heavy metals-induced oxidative stress.
Early postoperative arrhythmias after pediatric congenital heart disease surgery: a 5-year audit from a lower- to middle-income country
Authors: Ishaque Sidra , Akhtar Saleem , Ladak Asma Akbar , Martins Russell Seth , Memon Muhammad Kamran Younis , Kazmi Alisha Raza , Mahmood Fatima , Haque Anwar ul
Published: February 2022

Background: Arrhythmias are known complication after surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD). This study aimed to identify and discuss their immediate prevalence, diagnosis and management at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan between January 2014 and December 2018. All pediatric (<18 years old) patients admitted to the intensive care unit and undergoing continuous electrocardiographic monitoring after surgery for CHD were included in this study. Data pertaining to the incidence, diagnosis, and management of postoperative arrhythmias were collected. Results: Amongst 812 children who underwent surgery for CHD, 185 (22.8%) developed arrhythmias. Junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) was the most common arrhythmia, observed in 120 patients (64.9%), followed by complete heart block (CHB) in 33 patients (17.8%). The highest incidence of early postoperative arrhythmia was seen in patients with atrioventricular septal defects (64.3%) and transposition of the great arteries (36.4%). Patients were managed according to the Pediatric Advanced Life Support guidelines. JET resolved successfully within 24 hours in 92% of patients, while 16 (48%) patients with CHB required a permanent pacemaker. Conclusions: More than one in five pediatric patients suffered from early postoperative arrhythmias in our setting. Further research exploring predictive factors and the development of better management protocols of patients with CHB are essential for reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with postoperative arrhythmia.
IMPACT OF SOCIAL CAPITAL TOWARDS STRATEGIC CAPABILITIES OF MANUFACTURING SMEs IN MALAYSIA
Authors:   Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia, Tuah Siti Normah Awang , Ahmad Noor Hazlina ,   Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia, Halim Hasliza Abd ,   Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
Published: February 2022

Research on SMEs in Malaysia has become more significant nowadays as SMEs in Malaysia contribute national income to the country. Internationalisation of SMEs is imperative as smaller firms operating international business today develop their own capabilities and competitive advantage. Thus, it is important for SMEs especially those in emerging countries like Malaysia to look into their social capital and put their efforts to strategize their capabilities to respond to the global competition and business opportunities. This study was conducted to examine the impact of social capital towards the SMEs capabilities before they adopt the best strategic approach to face challenge situations at hand. A quantitative approach was employed in this study and a total of 187 responses from manufacturing SME exporters were received and further analyzed using Partial Least Square (PLS) technique. The results demonstrated that social capital of manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia has significant impact only on innovation, marketing and technology capabilities but not market-linking and management capabilities.