bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balancing Innovation and Access
Authors: Sanjaya Karun , Rajavenkatesan P. R. L.
Published: August 2024

The book chapter offers comprehensive coverage of the complex interplay between patents, trademarks, and health care. The chapter highlights the fine and tenuous line between stimulating innovation in the field and ensuring access to life-saving and essential medical technologies. The chapter investigates the positive and negative externalities produced by patents and trademarks in research and development and market contexts, as well as their effects on consumer behaviour in the healthcare sector. The authors have analysed the role played by both traditional and non-traditional trademarks in the healthcare sector. The chapter also addresses the ethical and accessibility dilemmas pertaining to the right to intellectual property and the potential policy reforms, which would alleviate the tension between creating incentives for innovation and protecting public health. By reviewing both the literature and specific case studies, the chapter enlightens the reader on the ways to tackle the dual challenge of promoting innovation and ensuring that health care is a right for all.
Unusual Qualitative Research Practices in Management Sciences
Authors: Hammouchi Mohammed Said , Benattou El Idrissi Amina
Published: August 2024

The qualitative method is an indispensable instrument for researchers who aim to adopt an open, indirect methodology for data collection. Only qualitative methods are capable of providing access to participants personal experiences and to the interpretation of their actions. This chapter aims to highlight the importance of qualitative methods for both researchers and professionals in the management sciences. It will present the theoretical and methodological contributions of two fieldwork methods applied to qualitative research in the management sciences, namely the ethnographic method, insofar as its application requires the use of several data collection materials, and the dyadic approach, which emphasized the link uniting two actors: how and why different transactions are created, supported, or avoided between the members of the duo. This chapter will start with a presentation of the main advantages of exploratory research, then it will outline the foundations of the ethnographic method and the dyadic approach, followed by an explanation of the data collection apparatus.
Exploring Thematic Analysis in Qualitative Research
Authors: Qaissi Aziz
Published: August 2024

Thematic analysis has evolved as a prominent qualitative data analysis method, rooted in the rich history of social sciences and, in particular, psychology. It stands as a cornerstone in qualitative inquiry, offering researchers a systematic approach to identifying and interpreting patterns, or themes, within qualitative data. This chapter seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of thematic analysis within the context of qualitative research, addressing its theoretical foundations, methodological considerations, and practical applications. It explores approaches to thematic analysis, including induction, deduction, and abduction, highlighting their distinctive characteristics and applications to qualitative data analysis. It also outlines key steps involved in conducting thematic analysis. Overall, this chapter aims to equip researchers, practitioners, and students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct rigorous and insightful thematic analyses of qualitative data.
Customized Pilot Cervical Spine Protection Orthosis Development
Authors:   HTM Design Inc., Isci Hakan ,   Ozyegin University, Şendur Polat , Gezegen Damla , Ünal Ramazan , Heidari Nima
Published: August 2024

Pilots and crew of rotary-wing aircraft can be exposed to inertial and task position stressors that generate pain. Repeated painful exposures with or without tissue damage are precursors to pain sensitization and chronic pain. Chronic pain leads to reduced operational readiness and long-term medical treatment. This study investigated protection orthosis for unrecoverable effects on the cervical spine by heavy helmets and accessories. A user-customized product has been developed and customization has been intended to be done with multi-body dynamic modeling and testing. Although there are many biomechanical models of the human cervical spine in the literature, their analysis capabilities to perform modal analysis and frequency response analysis are limited. Especially for Rotary-wing applications, models with such capabilities will play an essential role in diagnosing and rehabilitating musculoskeletal disorders and designing engineering devices to prevent and heal cervical spine injuries. Therefore, a detailed head-cervical spine model is developed in which frequency domain analysis is possible. Alternative design solutions have been investigated to support helmets to decrease the load exerted on the neck periphery. Finally, tests have been performed to correlate analysis with a real helicopter environment. At the end of the study, a customizable neck orthosis has been developed and verified with the tests that it reduces the adverse effects of heavy helmets on the cervical spine periphery.
Investigation of Modeling Approaches to High-Fidelity Computational Predictions of Tiltrotor
Authors:   Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Moushegian Alex ,   Science and Technology Corporation, Bodling Andrew , Farish David , Hayden Eric
Published: August 2024

A new framework for performing high-fidelity computational aeromechanics simulations of the V-22 tiltrotor aircraft in hover mode has been developed. It is built on the HPCMP CREATE-AV Helios tool and utilizes scripted input generation and automatic replacement of modular model components. This new framework has been used to investigate the impact of various approaches to modeling the rotor aerodynamics, airframe aerodynamics, and periodic blade motion on predictions of aircraft hover performance in and out of ground effect. The findings indicate that an actuator line method can provide rotor performance predictions with comparable accuracy to a meshed-blade approach. However, body-fitted meshes are required to compute accurate airframe download. Furthermore, active trimming of rotor collective to a target thrust provides more representative aircraft aerodynamic performance than directly applying a collective angle as measured during flight test. The computational framework can accurately capture trends in rotor loads and airframe download as height-above-ground is varied relative to measured flight-test data.
Full-scale crash test of the AW609 wing
Authors:   Polytechnic of Milan, Colamartino Ivan ,   Leonardo Helicopters, Renzo Andrea , Anghileri Marco , Turconi Fabrizio
Published: August 2024

The AW609 tiltrotor features a unique high-mounted wing with rotatable nacelles positioned at the wing tips, it is capable of operating both in airplane and vertical flight mode. To achieve suited protection of the occupants during emergency landing, the wing - which is particularly stiff in order to sustain the heavy weights at the tips, where rotors, engines and transmissions are positioned - implements a controlled failure mechanism at root, so that during emergency landings it breaks and unloads the fuselage of the weight of wingbox and nacelles, thus avoiding catastrophic collapse. As the effectiveness of such mechanism was never demonstrated under impact conditions, certification agencies requested an empirical validation through experimental testing. The test was carried out July 2022 at Polytechnic of Milan, Italy; the present work details the Test activity, from its preliminary phases to the Test Day, to the analyses of its outcomes.
Effect of Gust on Coaxial Rotors using Free Vortex Methods
Authors:   Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Narayanan Shrivathsan , Chandel Aditya , Govindarajan Bharath
Published: August 2024

The current work focuses on understanding the aerodynamics of a single and coaxial rotor in hover subjected to 1-minus-cosine gust profiles. The work was performed using an in-house free-vortex method that includes the contribution of unsteady aerodynamic terms using the Duhamel integral. Studies were conducted on the Harrington single and coaxial rotor systems trimmed to CT /σ = 0.1, with the gust duration varying from 1-50 revolutions of the rotor, i.e., 0.3 - 15 seconds. Gust amplitudes were also varied from 0.1ωR-0.3ωR. Results were analyzed in terms of the deviation of thrust from the hover values, the frequency content of this signal, angle of attack variations across the span, and the structure of the wake as the system goes through the gust event. It was noted that for single and coaxial rotors, edgewise gusts result in higher frequency components being present in the thrust compared to the axial gust. Large changes in the angle of attack were observed, which could potentially lead to vibratory loads on the system as it experiences the gust. Additionally, an in-house experimental setup consisting of a 3 x 3 fan array and a single rotor (12-inch APC propeller) mounted on a load cell was used to obtain preliminary results of a single rotor operating under gust. The same was compared against the developed numerical method.
Human resource managers’ perceptions on the impact of AI on the South African workforce
Authors: Poisat Paul , Cullen Margaret , Calitz Andre P.
Published: August 2024

Orientation: Organisations are undergoing digital transformation and incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into business processes and functions. The use of AI technologies, instead of people to perform specific low-level repetitive tasks has become common practice.Research purpose: The research aimed to investigate the impact of AI technologies on the South African workforce, specifically from the perspective of senior human resource (HR) managers.Motivation for the study: The adoption and implementation of AI, robotic process automation (RPA) and large language models, such as ChatGPT in a business, change the way personnel perform specific tasks, interact and participate in business processes.Research approach/design and method: The study used a qualitative research design and a deductive approach. A survey with open-ended questions was conducted among senior HR managers working for leading manufacturing organisations and institutions in South Africa. Content analysis was used to analyse the responses.Main findings: Human resource managers emphasised the importance of AI and RPA in remaining globally competitive and streamlining business and HR processes, highlighting the need to empower the workforce, identify ideal employee traits for AI and RPA integration and effectively manage these technologies within organisations.Practical/managerial implications: The senior HR managers offered advice on how to manage the use of AI and RPA technologies in an organisation.Contribution/value-add: The study highlights senior HR managers’ perceptions of the use and impact of AI and RPA in organisations in South Africa
Carotid Stump Syndrome: Rare Cause of Recurrent Stroke Post-Ipsilateral Carotid Occlusion – A Case Report
Authors: Chinchure Swati D. , Kataria Varun
Published: August 2024

Carotid stump is blind remnant of occluded proximal segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) that can become the potential source of embolism. Carotid stump syndrome is a potentially treatable cause of recurrent ischemic events in the carotid territory in the setting of occlusion of the ipsilateral ICA. It is thought to be caused by turbulent blood flow in the patent stump of the occluded ICA causing microemboli migrating in the brain through external carotid–ophthalmic anastomotic channels and retrograde flow. Here, we report a patient with known ipsilateral chronic ICA occlusion, who was on best medical management, presented on two separate occasions with recurrent embolic infarctions in ipsilateral carotid territory. She was diagnosed with carotid stump syndrome and treated through endovascular route with clinical and angiographic follow-up.
Decoding Multiple Antibody Positivity: Lessons from Paraneoplastic Sensory Ataxia
Authors: Sidharth S , Agarwal Ayush , Garg Divyani , Mahadevan Anita , Shamim Shamim A , Gupta Pranjal , Radhakrishnan Divya M , Pandit Awadh K , Srivastava Achal K
Published: August 2024

Paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes are cancer-associated, immune-mediated neurologic manifestations that may involve any part of the nervous system. They usually present with characteristic neurologic features and should be considered in high-risk phenotypes such as limbic encephalitis, encephalomyelitis, rapidly progressive cerebellar syndrome, opsoclonus–myoclonus, sensory neuronopathy, enteric neuropathy, and Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome. The diagnosis is made by antibody positivity in the serum or cerebrospinal fluid, in the presence of an appropriate clinical phenotype. Findings on antibody testing by immunoblot should always be verified by immunofluorescence. We report a rare case of sensory neuronopathy with triple paraneoplastic antibody positivity (anti-Hu, anti-collapsing response-mediator protein 5, and anti-amphiphysin) on immunoblot but only anti-Hu positivity on immunofluorescence. The presence of lower facial dyskinesias should raise the possibility of an immune-mediated neurologic syndrome in the appropriate clinical context.
Contrast-Induced Encephalopathy: A Case Series Analysis
Authors: Stebner Alexander , Bosshart Salome , Hainc Nicolin , Nierobisch Nathalie , Zedde Marialuisa , Pascarella Rosario , Goyal Mayank , Ospel Johanna
Published: August 2024

Background:

Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) is a rare adverse event linked to intravascular use of iodine-containing contrast media. The prevalence of CIE could increase in the future due to growing numbers of endovascular procedures. We provide insights from a case series of 7 patients.

Methods:

Cases from 3 centers were collected based on existing academic collaborations, and key factors were extracted to illustrate development and management of CIE.

Results:

In our retrospective case-series analysis of 7 cases from 3 countries, affected patients had an equal distribution of sex (4 women, 3 men) and a median age of 75 (IQR 63-77). Common risk factors included hypertension (5/7), hyperlipidemia (5/7), previous stroke (3/7), and type 2 diabetes (3/7). CIE developed in 3 cases after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for stroke, in 2 cases after aneurysm treatment, in 1 case after cardiac catheterization, and in 1 case after diagnostic computed tomography (CT) angiography without an endovascular procedure. The median procedure time was 48 min (IQR 40-81). All patients received non-ionic, low-osmolar contrast agents with volumes ranging from 100-300 ml. Symptom onset was close to contrast administration, with stroke-like neurological deficits being most common (4/7). Prednisolone was the most frequently used medication to treat the symptoms (4/7). Symptom resolution occurred in 4 out of 7 patients within two to several days, and 1 patient died, but without clear connection to CIE.

Conclusion:

CIE is a rare and possibly underrecognized condition, but fortunately, with a favorable outcome in most cases.
Genetic memory activation of the skin by polyherbal preparation – A new hope for pigmentary disorders of the skin
Authors: Aruna V. , Abbas Abdul , Rajagopal Gayathri
Published: August 2024

The present article describe the photosensitizing effect of Psoralea corylifolia extract specific to accelerate melanogenesis in skin by eliciting the release of certain pro-inflammatory mediators by fibroblast and keratinocytes; responsible for melanogenesis. The process of acceleration of pigmentogenesis which we refer as ‘activation of genetic memory of the skin’. The findings of the cell culture assay using B16F10, fibroblast and keratinocyte cell line studies have been described in the article. Further, the importance of UV irradiation post Psoralea corylifolia extract treatment in releasing the pro-inflammatory mediators by fibroblast and keratinocyte also has been described. The study findings clearly indicate the inclusion of herbal preparations in the treatment of vitiligo which may offer some treatment value, however further confirmation is required.
Functional Role of DDR1 in Oligodendrocyte Signaling Mechanism in Association with Myelination and Remyelination Process in the Central Nerve System
Authors: Anand Mariadoss Arokia Vijaya , Manjula Kumar Shivamadhaiah , Wang Chau-Zen
Published: August 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complicated, inflammatory disease that causes demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in a variety of neurological abnormalities. Over the past several decades, different animal models have been used to replicate the clinical symptoms and neuropathology of MS. The experimental model of experimental autoimmune/allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) and viral and toxin-induced model was widely used to investigate the clinical implications of MS. Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) signaling in oligodendrocytes (OL) brings a new dimension to our understanding of MS pathophysiology. DDR1 is effectively involved in the OL during neurodevelopment and remyelination. It has been linked to many cellular processes, including migration, invasion, proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion. However, the exact functional involvement of DDR1 in developing OL and myelinogenesis in the CNS remains undefined. In this review, we critically evaluate the current literature on DDR1 signaling in OL and its proliferation, migration, differentiation, and myelination mechanism in OL in association with the progression of MS. It increases our knowledge of DDR1 in OL as a novel target molecule for oligodendrocyte-associated diseases in the CNS, including MS.
Cytotoxicity and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity of Curcumin, Aloin and MTA on Human Dental Pulp Cells
Authors: Dinc Dilara , Seyhan Mehmet F. , Aktoren Oya
Published: August 2024

Aim:

The objective of this in-vitro study was to assess the cytotoxicity and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of curcumin and aloin extracted from Curcuma longa and Aloe vera, and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) on human dental pulp stem cells.

Methods:

Human dental pulp stem cells (Lonza Group, Switzerland), curcumin (Sigma-Aldrich, USA), aloin (Sigma-Aldrich, USA), and ProRoot MTA (Dentsply, USA) were used in the study. 2.5-6.75-12.5-25-50 μg/ml of curcumin and aloin, 25%-50%-75%-100% of MTA were prepared; pulp cells unincubated with a material were assessed as controls. Cytotoxicity of all doses/concentrations of materials was analysed on days of 1, 2, 3, and 7 by WST-1 test. 2.5-6.75 μg/ml of curcumin and aloin, 25%–50% of MTA incubated with cells for 7–14 days were evaluated for ALP activity by ELISA test. Data was statistically analysed by One Way ANOVA, Tukey, and Sidak tests at GraphPad Prism 6.

Results:

The findings have shown that 2.5 μg/ml of curcumin, all doses of aloin, 25% and 50% of MTA increased cell proliferation significantly on day 1 (P < 0.05). Curcumin, aloin, and MTA decreased the cell viability as dose/concentration and exposure time increased. All materials have shown no significant increases in ALP activity (P > 0.05) on 7 and 14 days.

Conclusion:

Data of this study revealed that 2.5 - 6.75 μg/ml of curcumin/aloin, 25%–50% of MTA have promoted cell viability and proliferation of human dental pulp cells; and none of the materials have significantly increased the ALP activity at 7–14 days.
Comparison of Bimatoprost 0.03% and Brimonidine 0.2% in Managing Intraocular Pressure Elevation Following Nd:YAG Laser Capsulotomy for Posterior Capsule Opacification
Authors: Gupta Tulika , Kashyap Rupali , Ganjoo Shikhar
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common cause of vision reduction following successful cataract surgery. It is a dynamic process caused by the migration and proliferation of residual lens epithelial cells on the posterior capsule, leading to visual impairment. The standard treatment for PCO is neodymium: yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd: YAG) laser capsulotomy. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of Bimatoprost 0.03% and Brimonidine 0.2% in preventing intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation post-Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted over a year at the Government Medical College, Jammu. 400 patients with PCO post extracapsular cataract extraction were randomly divided into two groups. Group A received 1 drop of Bimatoprost 0.03% and Group B received 1 drop of Brimonidine 0.2%, both administered 1 hour before Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy. Intraocular pressure was measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry before treatment and at intervals of 1 hour, 3 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days post-treatment.

Results:

The mean age of patients was approximately 65 years with no significant difference between groups. The baseline IOP was similar across both groups. At 1 hour post-capsulotomy, Group A showed a mean IOP increase of 2.2 mmHg, while Group B showed an increase of 3.6 mmHg. At 24 hours, the IOP in Group A returned to baseline levels, whereas Group B still exhibited a slight elevation. No significant adverse effects were reported in either group.

Conclusion:

Bimatoprost 0.03% is more effective in preventing IOP elevation post Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy compared to Brimonidine 0.2%. It also demonstrated a faster return to baseline IOP levels with fewer side effects. This suggests that Bimatoprost may be a preferable prophylactic treatment for managing post-capsulotomy IOP spikes.
Dosimetric Analysis and Radiobiological Impact of Radiotherapy Planning Techniques for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in terms of Tumor Control Probability and Normal Tissue Complication Probability
Authors: Rather Sajad Ahmad , Banday Muddasir Sharief , Qureshi Mohammad Zubair
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the radiobiological benefits among the different radiotherapy (RT) planning techniques for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Materials and Methods:

In this experimental study, 35 patients with ESCC cancer were planned for the field-in-field (FIF), three fields (3Fs), and four-field boxes were performed for each patient for a 6 MV photon beam. The parameters of the conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), Dmean, Dmax, tumor control probability (TCP), V20Gy, and V30Gy of the heart and lungs, and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) were analyzed to evaluate treatment plans. Dose distribution in the target volume, the monitor units (MUs) required, and the dose delivered to organs at risk (OARs) were compared for these techniques using the paired-sample t-test.

Results:

A significant difference was measured between the FIF, 3F, and 4F techniques with respect to CI, dose HI, and TCP for the target organ, as well as the Dmean for the heart and liver. For the spinal cord, the FIF technique showed a slight reduction in the maximum dose compared to the other two techniques. In addition, the V20Gy of the lungs and the NTCP of all OARs were reduced with the FIF method.

Conclusion:

The FIF technique showed better performance in terms of dose homogeneity in the target, conformity of the radiation field with the target volume, TCP, less dose to healthy organs, and fewer MU, which could improve the TCP and spare the heart, lungs, and spinal cord. Our study provides a prediction of RT outcomes and further guides the individual treatment.
A Nonlinear Decoupling Method for Wheel Force Transducer with
High-Order Polynomial Model
Authors: Yuan Xin , Wang Dong , Feng Lihang
Published: August 2024

Wheel force transducer (WFT) is an important device used for real-time monitoring
of forces and moments acting on the wheels. However, the device faces a major
challenge in vehicular applications—coupling problems between its multiaxis
channels, leading to inaccurate measurements and limiting its important role in
the study of vehicle dynamics, the assessment of vehicle safety performance and
autonomous driving. The study of decoupled models with few parameters and high
accuracy is important for low-cost devices with limited computational power.
This paper presents a nonlinear decoupling method for WFT with high-order
polynomial (HOP) model to effectively improve the measurement accuracy of WFT
with eight-beam spoke elastomers. The method is based on a three-axis decoupling
model of WFT designed with an eight-beam spoke structure, employing a multiple
linear regression model to refine the physical model, resulting in a quadratic
curve that enhances the nonlinear fitting capability and improves measurement
accuracy. The experimental results show that the maximum decoupling error of the
method is less than 44%, which proves the effectiveness and applicability of the
method.
Parateater in duhovna drama v misteriju Prebujenje v svetlobo Vilija Ravnjaka
Authors: Ocepek Pavel
Published: August 2024

The paper presents ritual theatre as a special theatrical form and the issue of what might be an appropriate literary genre for a text to be used as the basis for the transformation of a ritual into a theatrical form. With an analysis of Awakening into the Light (2002), a play by Vili Ravnjak, the paper establishes that a special form of drama, which it labels “para-drama”, is a suitable genre for ritual theatre.
Ameliorative Effects of Sunflower Seeds Powder on High Fat Diet Induced Metabolic Changes in Wistar Rats
Authors: Adugba Augustine Oko , Ogli Sunday Adakole , Ogo Ogo Agbo , Eru Emmanuel Ukonu , Abi Innocent , Adeniyi Olasupo Stephen
Published: August 2024

Background: Obesity and prediabetes are reversible disorders affecting people globally with no sex predilection. They can progress to diabetes mellitus with resultant complications. Studies have shown greater involvement of high fat diets in the etiology of obesity and prediabetic conditions. Sunflower (Helianthus Anuus) extracts with an LD50> 5000mg/kg has been found to be effective in reducing high blood sugar levels in both human and animal studies. Sunflower seed powder was used in this study to investigate its effects on high fat diet (HFD) induced metabolic changes in Wistar rats.Methods: A total of 27 male Wistar rats (350 - 400 grams) were used for this study. They were  randomly assigned to 9 groups of 3animals each and were fed for 6 weeks. Group 1 served as control (water and feed ad libitum) Group 2 (high fat diet alone); Group 3 (HFD + 5000mg/kg of sunflower seed concurrently); Group 4 (HFD + 3000mg/kg of sunflower seed concurrently); Group 5 (high fat diet + 2000mg/kg of sunflower seed concurrently ); Group 6 (HFD for 5 weeks + 5000mg/kg of sunflower seed for 1week); Group 7 (HFD for 5weeks + 3000mg/kg of sunflower seed for 1wk); Group 8 (HFD for 5 wks + 2000 mg of sunflower seed for 1wk); Group 9 (HFD for 5 wks + 70mg/kg Metformin for 1 week). Animals were anesthetized with ketamine and blood collected via cardiac puncture. Blood glucose measurement was done using the glucose oxidase method and plasma insulin levels were measured using ultra sensitive rats Insulin ELISA kit marketed by Crystal chem, specificity 100% and sensitivity, 0.05 ng/ml, serum glycated albumin and haemoglobin was measured using the Variant TMIIT urbohigh-performance liquid chromatography system. Harvested pancreatic tissues were fixed in 10% formalin for histomorphological analyses.Results: Blood glucose, plasma glycated haemoglobin in the HFD only group were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to control and other groups. The sunflower treated groups with 5000mg, 3000mg and 2000mghad significantly decreased (p<0.05) insulin levels compared to control group and similar to metformin and HFD alone groups. Pancreatic histology results showed that HFD caused significant destruction of islet cells which was preserved in the sunflower co-administered groups.Conclusions: Sunflower seed significantly reduce blood sugar level, reduced HbA1c, and conferred cyto-protection on islets of Langerhan cells.
Evaluation of maternal behavior and offspring growth throughout the weaning process in maternal rats treated with aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis
Authors: Ukoh Imoh Emmanuel , Bisong Sunday Agba , Antai Atim Bassey
Published: August 2024

Background: The lack of maternal behaviors represents a serious problem that endangers not only offspring survival but also offspring growth. Therefore, many mothers are seeking medication to improve maternal care and infant bonding. This study assessed maternal behavior and offspring growth throughout weaning process in dams treated with aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis (ALEJT).Methods: The rats were grouped into 2 (n=10); control received 20ml/kg of distilled water and Jatropha received 500mg/kg of ALEJT orally, and were treated throughout gestation and postnatal day (PND) 15-21. Non-pregnant rats were excluded from the study. Pup assessments: intrauterine growth indices (body length, tail length and birth weight), pup growth indices (alive at PND 1-7, 8-14, 15-21 and weaning weight) and reproductive index (live birth-, viability-, pre-weaning- and weaning- indexes). Maternal (pup retrieval, licking, crouching, resting with pup, nesting and sniffing pup) and non-maternal (resting alone, gnawing, self-grooming and feeding) behavior was observed every 2nd day from PND 2-15. At expiration of weaning dams were anesthetized with 60mgkg-1 of ketamine HCl and blood samples collected by cardiac puncture were used to assess serum levels of maternal hormones.Results: Litter size, live birth, live birth index and pups alive at PND 1-7 differed not significantly but pups body length, birth weight, weaning weight, weaning index (P<0.001), pups alive at PND 15-21, pre-weaning index (P<0.01), tail length, viability index and pups alive at PND 8-14 (P<0.05) increased significantly in Jatropha compared to control. Treated dams spent more time engaged in maternal behavior compared to control. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) differed not significantly, but prolactin (PRL), estrogen (P<0.05), progesterone (P<0.01), luteinizing hormone (LH), oxytocin and relaxin increased significantly in Jatropha compared to control. Conclusions: According This study has shown that ALEJT enhances neuroendocrine hormones release which facilitates maternal caregiving, pups survival and growth.
Assessment of Primary Healthcare Centres for Care of NonCommunicable Diseases in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Anumah F.O. , Ezeigwe N. , Mpazanje R. , Dewan M. , Lawal Y. , Omoyele C. , Uwakmfon U. , Mohammad Y.
Published: August 2024

Background: Non-communicable diseases are the world’s biggest killers with an upward trajectory in the deleterious effect on global  health burden. The aim of this study was to assess the capacity of the primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in the Federal Capital Territory  (FCT) to implement WHO Essential Package for NCDs (WHOPEN)
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional health facility-based survey  conducted in 32 selected PHCs in the FCT. The WHO rapid assessment tool for primary healthcare facility capacity assessment for NCDs  was adapted and used for data collection. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. Approval for the survey was given by the Federal Ministry of Health.
Result: All the PHCs had at least 2 trained nurses and 6 community health workers. Also, 31% had medical officers  while 71% had laboratory technicians. Basic equipment for NCDs such as weighing scales and sphygmomanometers were available but  only about 50% of the PHCs had glucometers. Devices such as pulse oximeters, peak flow meters, nebulizers, electrocardiographic  machines and blood cholesterol assay kits were unavailable. Oral antidiabetic drugs and insulin were not available in 60-90% of the PHCs.  The most available anti-hypertensives were hydrochlorothiazide and alpha methyldopa. The prevalence of NCDs among the patients was  5.3%. Healthcare was financed by individuals and supported by the local government. None of the centres had a registry.
Conclusion:  Critical gaps were identified in the management of NCDs in PHCs. This will provide the basis for the implementation of strategies to  strengthen PHCs and make WHO-PEN implementable in low-resource settings.
Isolation of Exoelectrogenic Bacteria from Palm Oil Mill Effluent and Their Application in Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Sirajudeen A.O. , Ibrahim S. , Adediji A.S. , Hussein M.Y. , Abibu W.A.
Published: August 2024

The ability of exoelectrogenic bacteria to directly transfer electrons without any mediators to extracellular electron acceptors is vital in  microbial fuel cell technology. The current study evaluates the exoelectrogenic potential of bacteria isolated from Palm Oil Mill Effluent  (POME) in microbial fuel cell. The POME samples were obtained from Palm Oil mill factory in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria. The isolates were  analysed on Chromogenic (differential) medium for colour change from black to whitish. The isolates were identified phenotypically and  molecularly. The potential of the isolates to generate efficient electricity were investigated in a doublechambered Microbial Fuel Cell  (MFC). Overall, ten isolates were obtained from POME sample, with only three isolates showing the exoelectrogenic potential by turning  the agar colour from black to whitish. The molecular analysis revealed three novel strains as Bacillus velezensis strain AAS001  (OQ690764), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain AAS002 (OQ690765) and Priestia aryabhattai strain AAS003 (OQ690766). Strain AAS003  showed the highest voltage potential of 1407mV compared to strain AAS001 with 229mV and strain AAS002 with 191mV. Similarly, the  power and current densities (345 mW/m2 and 437 mA/m2 respectively) recorded by strain AAS003 were far superior to that of strain  AAS001 (10 mW/m2 and 64 mA/m2 ) and strain AAS002 (15 mW/m2 and 92 mA/m2 ). This study suggests that strain AAS003 is an  excellent biocatalyst for bioelectricity generation.
Assessment of Sterilants and their Combined Effect on Surface Sterilization of Musa Spp
Authors: Ukwueze C.K.
Published: August 2024

Musa spp accessions were assembled from the Department of Crop Production & Landscape Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Ebonyi  State University germplasm, and taken to the culture laboratory where they were washed and trimmed to a size of 1.0 – 1.5 cm. This block  of tissue was surface-sterilized with different sterilants which included detergent, ethanol, NaOCl, benlate, HgCl2, UV light, and  cefotaxime. The sterilants were applied following 15 different treatment protocols. Only 5 treatments protocols (T3: 70 % for 30 sec, 8 %  NaOCL for 5 min, 500 mg/L cefotaxime; T4: 70 % for 30 sec, 8 % NaOCL for 5 min; T5: 70 % for 30 sec, 8 % NaOCL for 5 min, 1.2 g/L HgCl2  for 10 min, 500 mg/L cefotaxime; T6: 70 % for 30 sec, 8 % NaOCL for 5 min, 5 % benlate for 5 min, 1.2 g/L HgCl2 for 10 min, 500 mg/L  cefotaxime, and T7: 70 % for 30 sec, 8 % NaOCL for 5 min, 5 % benlate for 5 min, 1.2 g/L HgCl2 for 10 min, U.V. light for 5 min, 500 mg/L  cefotaxime) produced clean cultures with variations in the health of the cultures. T5 and T6 produced very healthy plantlets with 75 and  100 percent survival, respectively. T3 and T7 produced healthy plantlets with 100 percent survival, while T4 produced healthy plantlets  with 50 % survival. Different sterilants react differently to living tissue, either alone or combined. Therefore, this work has produced  standardized protocols for using the sterilants for surface sterilization of ‘owom’ and ‘efol’.
Role of Institutional Repositories in Facilitating Scholarly Communication at the Open University of Tanzania and University of Dar es Salaam
Authors: Gideon Hetty , Samzugi Athumani S.
Published: August 2024

This study explored the role of Institutional Repositories (IR) in facilitating scholarly communication in Institutions of higher learning in Tanzania with the case of the Open University of Tanzania and the University of Dar es Salaam. The study examined the benefits of IR among researchers and explored the challenges facing its management. The study employed a survey research design. Data was collected using a questionnaire survey, involving 148 postgraduate students. Moreover, the study used interviews to collect data from two library directors and two directors of research and publications of the two Institutions of higher learning under review. Of the respondents, 89(73.6%) reported that IR enhances research outputs. However, they also identified several challenges including poor internet connectivity 56(83.6%), unreliable power supply 49(73.1%) and limitations of accessing IR contents 34(50.7%). Other bottlenecks identified included a lack of policy to guide the IR management, limited motivation among academic staff to submit their research output, and a lack of institutional support and commitment from the management. Based on the findings, strategies suggested include formulating and instituting comprehensive policies to guide the proper management of IR, enhanced management support in allocating sufficient budget for ICT infrastructures and hardware, and motivating staff to use IR. In addition, the librarians should market the services provided by IR   to inform users on what is available in the IRs, because the value of information deposited depends much on its accessibility and usage. Doing so could further effectively contribute to enhancing scholarly communication at the two institutions.
Efficacy of Social Media Platforms in Fostering Access to Information on Water Utility Services in Tanzania
Authors: Kafyome Mary Hospicia , Andindilile Michael
Published: August 2024

This paper reports the findings of a study that investigated the efficacy of social media platforms in fostering access to information on water utility services in Tanzania particularly on Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (DAWASA). The study specifically sought to determine the frequency at which customers access information through DAWASA’s Instagram and Facebook platforms; examine the kind of information customers access; assess the customers’ perception on the messages they access; evaluate the customers’ perception on the promptness of DAWASA’s responses to questions, comments and complaints. The study adopted a quantitative approach and specifically a descriptive research design. The study was conducted on DAWASA customers using standardised structured questionnaires which included Likert-scale questions to gather their views on interactions with the DAWASA Instagram and Facebook platforms. In all, 136 active followers of the two platforms were randomly selected and sent the questionnaires to complete and return but only 118 respondents returned their questionnaires. The Statistical Package for Service Solutions (SPSS) version 20 facilitated data analysis. The study found that most respondents accessed daily information on water allocation schedule, meter reading, bill payments and reminders, and DAWASA staff communication contacts. However, such information is not promptly responded to by DAWASA via these platforms, an anomaly that needs fixing. As such, DAWASA should optimise the use of the social media to further improve access to information by promptly responding to questions, comments, and complaints from customers on both Facebook and Instagram platforms.
The Palm-nut Vulture: misconceptions and conservation concerns
Authors: Goodwin Warren
Published: August 2024

No Abstract
FBW7-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of KLF5
Authors: Luan Yi
Published: August 2024

Laparoscopic surgery is the main treatment method for patients with gastrointestinal malignant tumors. Although laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, its tool stimulation and pneumoperitoneum pressure often cause strong stress reactions in patients. On the other hand, gastrointestinal surgery can cause stronger pain in patients, compared to other surgeries. Transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) can effectively inhibit the transmission of nerve impulses caused by surgical stimulation, alleviate patient pain, and thus alleviate stress reactions. Remazolam is an acting, safe, and effective sedative, which has little effect on hemodynamics and is suitable for most patients. TAPB combined with remazolam can reduce the dosage of total anesthetic drugs, reduce adverse reactions, reduce stress reactions, and facilitate the rapid postoperative recovery of patients.
Româna devine limbă oficială în Republica Moldova
Authors: Bojoga Eugenia
Published: August 2024

On March 2 and 16, 2023, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova adopted the project regarding the replacement of the name “Moldovan language” with “Romanian language” as the official language. The im portance of this decision was commented on by politicians, analysts, writers, linguists, and state institutions. At the same time, however, it provoked criticism and protests from the parliamentary opposition and reverberated in the official circles of the Russian Federation. The materials published in Izvestia reveal all commentators’ concern in relation to the great danger in adopting the name of Romanian language. They fear that Moldova, as an independent state, will lose its sovereignty and will be united with Romania. The publication is an example of how the language problem has been politicised.
« J’ai connu un fou qui croyait que la fin du monde était arrivée » : l’apocalypse dans Paparazzi ou La chronique d’un lever de soleil avorté de Matéi Visniec
Authors: Kucharuk Sylwia
Published: August 2024

Matéi Visniec’s play Paparazzi ou La Chronique d’un lever de soleil avorté presents a vision of the end of the world, brought about by the implosion of the Sun. The action of the dramatic play focuses on the protagonists’ reactions to the impending catastrophe, rather than on the apocalyptic event itself. Visniec uses the metaphor of the apocalypse as a tool to criticize society and its loss of values. He depicts how a consumer society can demoralize individuals, leading to their isolation and inability to engage in interpersonal communication.
Analysis of Big Data Obtained from Continuous Measurement of 22 Malodor-producing Substances in Korean Cattle Farms
Authors: Shin Dong chul
Published: August 2024

Objectives : This research collected continuous (20-minute interval) measurement data of 22 compounds from cattle farms during a year in order to understand malodor emission characteristics and trends and also big data analysis was performed to analyze the relationships between malodor concentration and environmental factors such as wind direction and speed, temperature, and humidity.Methods : The measured substances were 22 compounds defined as ‘designated malodor-producing substances’ by Korean Ministry of Environment. Detection and concentration measurement were performed by gas chromatography with two kinds of columns (VB-WAX, and VB-1), and detectors (FID and PID). Sampling was carried out with pumping every 2 or 5 minute and thermal desorption was followed by chromatograph injection. Data obtained from analysis were stored with environmental variables such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction from 1 August 2022 to 31 July 2023. Total number of measurement data was 26,280.Results and Discussion : Correlation analysis showed that temperature was correlated with dimethyl disulfide, and iso-valeraldehyde, and humidity was correlated with toluene, iso-butylalcohol, and trimethylamine. Six principal components explained 60.7% of total variance and two principal components, PC 1 and PC 2, were selected and analyzed. PC 1 was strongly related with volatile organic compounds and PC 2 was related with acid compounds. Together with bipolar plot results, PC 1 was defined as volatile properties and PC 2 as acidic characteristics, respectively. Multiple regression with principal components as dependent variables and environmental variables as independent showed relatively small value of adjusted R2 except PC 1 of 0.539.Conclusion : Malodorous compounds tended to diffuse and move together with similar molecular characteristics which made the detected concentration similar in patterns. Though PC 1 had correlation with environmental variables through multiple regression analysis, it can be explained as chemical compound’s characteristics depends on temperature, humidity, and wind.
Assessment of the Biochemical Methane Potential of Wastewater and Sludge Cake from a Poultry Slaughterhouse
Authors: Heo Jae Pil , Shin Juhee , Lee Myoung Eun , Shin Seung Gu , Triolo Jin Mi
Published: August 2024

Objectives : This study evaluates the potential for resource recovery through anaerobic digestion of organic waste generated in a poultry slaughterhouse, specifically focusing on poultry slaughterhouse wastewater and sludge cake obtained from in-house wastewater treatment.Methods : Basic characteristics (total solids, alkalinity, etc.), total nitrogen/ammonia nitrogen, and elemental analysis (macro and trace elements) were performed to determine the properties of the samples and calculate theoretical methane potential. Experimental methane potential was determined through BMP tests, with parameters such as lag period (λ) and maximum methane production rate (CH 4 mL/g VS/d) obtained using the modified Gompertz equation.Results and Discussion : The wastewater exhibited low organic matter concentration (1.79 g VS/kg; 3.74 g COD/L), while the sludge cake showed high total solids content (TS 170.8 g/kg) and organic matter concentration (131.5 g VS/kg; 220 g COD/L). Elemental analysis revealed that the C/N ratio was 9.17 for the sludge cake and 8.24 for the wastewater, indicating high nitrogen content. Methane production modeling using the modified Gompertz equation revealed a lag period of 7.5 days and T80 (time to produce 80% of total methane) of 21 days for wastewater, and a lag period of 2.4 days and T80 of 14 days for sludge cake.Conclusion : Wastewater and sludge cake from poultry slaughterhouses show significant potential as substrates for anaerobic digestion. However, the wastewater has low organic matter content, and the sludge cake, while high in organic matter, has low moisture and high ammonia levels. Therefore, it may be appropriate to co-digest these two substrates, or to co-digest the sludge cake with other substrates that have low nitrogen content and high water content. These findings provide fundamental data for the anaerobic digestion of slaughterhouse waste and highlight the need for further research on co-digestion and continuous processes.