bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new method for controlling rice blast (Magnaporthe grisea) using effective microbes as biocontrol agents
Authors: David P Tokpah  , Isaac M Gono  , Charles King  , Prince D Hiama  , Francis Gbelee
Published: June 2022

Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe grisea is a noteworthy ailment influencing rice developed zone. Use of biocontrol agents (BCA) seen as an option in contrast to the utilization of synthetic fungicide since biocontrol is an environmentally friendly plant disease controlling approach. The goal of this exploration is planning to screen natural control agents for controlling M. grisea, and considering biocontrol is a natural un-hurtful plant disease controlling original thought. 639 bacterial isolates were screened from various parts of rice tissues, of which potential biocontrol scores were distinguished by their capacities in antagonism inhibition and secreting extracellular hydrolytic protein. Biocontrol tests against M. grisea were done on 30 bacterial isolates with potential biocontrol limit after pre-choice through ARDRA and novel investigation on strains with high assessment scores. 9 BCAs with clear biocontrol activity (over 50%) in greenhouse tests were obtained. Bacillus cereus H-L out 6 and Bacillus subtilis D-S in 61 performed well in greenhouse tests. In general, correlation coefficient is 0.80 between analysis points of 35 tried BCA strains and correlation coefficient between antagonism test and biocontrol efficacy demonstrate 0.76 against M.grisea. Biocontrol efficacies results in greenhouse tests indicated positive correlation with analysis points, suggesting that the BCAs screening and method developed is adaptable for screening and controlling M.grisea.
An evaluation of solid waste management in Monrovia (Liberia)
Authors: David P. Tokpah  , Fidan Aslanova  , Olivia G. Dennis  , N. Robert Geninyan  , Augustine G. George  , Marcus P. Quoigoah  , Momoh N. Mason
Published: June 2022

The populace of Monrovia is growing observed by using fast urbanization. Due to fast urbanization, monetary development, higher dwelling standards, and changes in consumption patterns and life-style, the technology charge of waste have accelerated. Mismanagement of strong waste has a tendency to prevent environmental sustainability and this examines endeavored offerings inside the city, discover the linkage between populace, improvement, and the boom inside. We acknowledged qualitatively and quantitatively results consisting of knowledge, attitude, and practices of strong waste management, collaboration amongst stakeholders, and demanding situations associated with sustainable waste control in Monrovia. Households had been determined on randomly (clean and stratified) to expose employees in the price of waste control and the use of questionnaires captured crucial data on waste control inside the town. The primary findings showed the principle percentage of the waste generated in Monrovia became natural refuse (40.2percentage) observed with the aid of plastic (14.2%). Waste generated is inadequately disposed because of the insufficient collection system, and demanding situations have grown heightened because of inadequate era to make sure professionals, implementation of policies referenced.
Integrating land use plans in malaria control with mosquito repellent plants in homesteads in Tanzania
Authors: Joseph Nicolao Otieno  , Charles kweyunga
Published: June 2022

Apart from the conventional malaria control schemes over the decades, there is gradual growing interest in multipurpose plant species with repellence activity against mosquitoes and other nuisance organisms in the homesteads. Ethnobotanical study in selected districts in Tanzania employed statistical Use Value (UV) model to rank and recommend priority repellent plants used by local communities. The five top ranking repellent plant species according to UV analysis were Ocimum basilicum, Hyptis suaveolense, Azadirachta indica, Cocos nucifera and and Schinus mole. Qualitative assessment of repellence activity for selected plants was performed in different forms such as smoking, infusion and natural scent to validate repellence activity. Basic soil parameters viz. Ca, Mg, Na, P, N, organic matter, cation exchange capacity and pH from the plants habitats were determined to facilitate transplanting of recommended plants in new environments. Community perception on planting non-traditional crops on the home yards was assessed to aid in developing plans for integrating repellent plants among other land use priorities on the homesteads. The envisaged long term impact is creation of microclimate complex at rural homesteads simultaneously capable of providing diverse domestic needed plant products while controlling mosquitoes and other non-friendly organisms from the homesteads.
Predictive analysis of maternal subcutaneous fat thickness for the risk of foetal macrosomia
Authors: Aditi Arora  , Sachin Chakarrvarti  , Deepa Chaudhary  , Premlata Mital  , Isha Ramneek  , Sakshi Bansal  , Ishita Agrawal
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Foetal macrosomia is defined as a birth weight above the 90th percentile for gestational age or a birth weight ≥4000 g. Maternal obesity is one of the risk factors for foetal macrosomia. Maternal abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness can be used as a marker for central obesity. This present study was done to find association of maternal BMI and abdominal SCFT with macrosomia and to find a cut-off value of BMI and SCFT for prediction of macrosomia. Methods: 200 women, with live singleton pregnancy of 16-18 weeks of gestation were included after written informed consent. Maternal abdominal subcutaneous thickness was measured by ultrasonography. Women were followed till delivery and birth weight was calculated and babies with birth weight >4000 gm were diagnosed to be macrosomic. Data were analyses. Results: Spearman correlation between SCFT and neonatal weight shows a significant but weak positive linear relation (r= 0.4325, p- 0.000). Mean SCFT was significantly more in women with macrosomia (17.26 ± 2.6 vs. 12.35 ± 3.05 mm, p 0.0005 respectively) ROC curve analysis for ASCFT showed that ASCFT above 14.3 mm (AUC=0.970) predicted macrosomia with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 73%. Increased abdominal SCFT was significantly associated with increased risk of developing macrosomia. Using 14.3 mm cut -off value (by ROC curve) for ASCFT, the odd ratio of macrosomia was 30 (95% CI 1.6341-553.2106, p 0.02). Conclusion: Our study found that measurement of SCFT at 16-18 weeks is a significant predictor of macrosomia.
Magnesium metabolism and its assessment
Authors: Agbecha Ayu
Published: June 2022

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation in the body. It has several functions in the human body including its role as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymatic reactions. Magnesium balance in the body is controlled by a dynamic interplay among intestinal absorption, exchange with bone, and renal excretion. Intestinal magnesium absorption proceeds in both a passive paracellular and an active transcellular manner. Regulation of serum magnesium concentrations is achieved mainly by control of renal magnesium reabsorption. In the kidney passive paracellular transport via claudins facilitates bulk magnesium absorption, whereas active transcellular pathways mediate the fine-tuning of magnesium absorption. There are no readily available and easy methods to assess magnesium status. Serum magnesium and the magnesium tolerance test are the most widely used. Measurement of ionized magnesium may become more widely available with the development of ion selective electrode analyzers.​
A study of self-medication practice among Libyan patients in Tripoli city
Authors: Ghazalla Mohammed Benhusein  , Rehab Hassan Aboulsyen  , Rabiaa Masoud Zakier
Published: June 2022

Background: Self-medication practicing is continuously increasing in the world as a cause of its importance in curing minor symptoms. Aim: This study aimed to assess self-medication factors coupled with Libyan respondents residing in Tripoli city. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed from May to July 2018 in Tripoli city. Data was collected using a previously prepared questionnaire from 160 respondents from different age groups. A descriptive analysis was used for data analysis using SPSS version 20. Results: A self-medication practice of a total of 160 respondents were in this study whose ages ranged from 15 to 60 years. Female was the majority of respondents (58.8%). About 51% of the studied population was at the university level while (31.2%) were literate, and a very small portion of the studied population was illiterate (11.9%). Most of the respondents (46%) practiced self-medication each 6 months once or even longer; however, a small portion of respondents (14.4%) stayed on practiced self-medication weekly. In this study the major reasons why participants practiced self-medication without a prescription were previous experience with the condition (45%), high treatment cost (5.6%) of respondents was the reason for self-decision. The source of information of medicines used for self-medication (37.5%) has information from the previous prescription, while (27.5%) received information from community pharmacy. Conclusion: Our results confirmed that self-medication practice is a fairly frequent problem in our community; therefore, the community should be educated regarding the adverse effects of drugs to avoid complications arising regarding self-medication. Therefore, Pharmacists can play an important role to make people informed about self-care choices.
Instantaneous determination of antihypertensive drugs utilizing TLC: Densitometric methods
Authors: Amal Fouad Khorshid  , Mahmoud Mohsan Amin
Published: June 2022

An accurate, sensitive and time saving thin layer chromatography (TLC) - densitometric method has been developed and validated for determination of two Antihypertensive drug mixtures. Mixture one contains Spironolactone, Furosemide and Anthranilic acid while, mixture two contains Triamterene, Hydrochlorothiazide and chlorothiazide. Mixture 1 uses developing system consist of Hexane, Ethyl acetate and Glacial acetic acid (5ml – 5ml – 0.1ml ) as developing system and 240 nm as scanning wavelength for separation and determination of Spironolactone, Furosemide and Anthranilic acid (metabolite of Furosemide) and mixture 2 uses developing system consist of Ethyl acetate, Methanol, Glacial acetic acid and Ammonium hydroxide (8ml - 1ml - 0.2ml - 0.3 ml) as developing system and 300nm as scanning wave length for separation and determination of Triamterene, Hydrochlorothiazide and Chlorothiazide ( impurity of Hydrochlorothiazide). This method was validated and shown to demonstrate good accuracy and precision according to the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines.
Use of fan beam computerized tomography and cone beam computerized tomography in oral and maxillofacial surgery and its indications: A literature review
Authors: Lorena Aparecida dos Reis Dias  , Stephanne Campos Almeida Reis  , Luciano Ambrosio Ferreira
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Contemporary dentistry increasingly relies on advanced technology techniques, among these are high-standard imaging exams such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) or "Cone Beam" and Spiral Computed Tomography or "Fan Beam", which are have become an important diagnostic tool for the performance of the Dental Surgeon. In Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology, the detailed visualization of craniofacial anatomical structures is of paramount importance, making it possible to dimension, locate and observe morphological characteristics of bone structures and alterations, in a detailed way, which adds precision to diagnosis and treatment. Aim: The present study aims to present and evaluate the indications, advantages and disadvantages of CBCT and Fan Beam diagnostic tests and their applicability in the scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology. Methods: A careful review of the literature available on the PubMed indexing platform was performed, selecting studies from the last 5 years, in addition to a manual search for relevant publications in the reference lists of the selected articles. To this end, the following combination of keywords was used: "Spiral Computed Tomography", "Cone Beam Computed Tomography" and "Oral surgery", obtaining, in the end, 18 studies to compose the scope of this work. Results: CBCT is the gold standard for hard tissue evaluation, with indications for examinations in smaller sites, such as minor oral surgery, implant dentistry, fractures, temporomandibular joint and endodontics. It has a lower cost, shorter exposure time to X-rays, however, it does not have an assessment for the evaluation of adjacent soft tissues. On the other hand, the Fan Beam (FBT), used for diagnosis of the whole body, has excellent sharpness for structures that overlap, whether soft or hard. It has a higher cost and longer exposure time to X-rays. Conclusion: The different techniques presented proved to be quite efficient in the use of Dentistry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, with their respective indications.
The prevalence of depression in patients attending Comprehensive Care Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan
Authors: Mehak Nimra  , Sobia Yousaf  , Huma Naz  , Hira Nain  , Tahreem Shahid  , Adeela Amber  , Faseeha Aman
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Depression is one of the most common neuropsychiatric complications of HIV disease, and this leads to worse HIV-related health outcomes. With 350 million people affected worldwide, rates of depression are roughly two times greater in people living with HIV than in the general population. Objective: Determine prevalence of depression in patients attending Comprehensive Care Centre Shifa international Hospital, Islamabad Methods: This data is from a bigger study ‘prevalence of alcohol use disorders and depression in patients attending Comprehensive Care Centre (CCC). The study population consisted of PLWHA attending the CCC. Two hundred and seventy-two (N=272) participants from CCC attendants were recruited. All consenting male and female aged 18-65 years were interviewed using the researcher’s designed questioner to collect their socio-demographic characteristics. Fully completed questionnaires were entered into excel sheets and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20. Results: The overall prevalence of depression was 23.8%, with mild depression at 9.7%, moderate depression at 10.4% and severe depression accounting for 3.7%, respectively. Depression was associated with alcohol use (p=0.024). A significant difference between depression and age where depression levels worsens as age advances; respondents in age category of 18-21 years had less or no depression compared to those in the age category of 33 years and above. We found an association between depression and employment. Those laid-off work (1/3), and the retired (15%) had more depression compared to the employed (11%) or self-employed 6%, with a P value of 0.55 (borderline). On multivariate analysis severity of depression (OR=5.5, 95% CI of OR [2.1 –14.3], p<0.0001) was associated with male gender (OR=10, 95% CI of OR [3.6 –28.3], p<0.0001). Conclusion: The study findings indicate a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients attending the CCC. There is need to set-up appropriate interventions and strategies to reduce the prevalence of mental health disorders into routine HIV clinical care and support.
Biology and feeding behavior of ceratopogonid adult (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: Carlos Henrique Marchiori
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this paper is to understand the biology and feeding behavior of ceratopogonid adult (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). The research was carried out in studies related to quantitative aspects taxonomic and conceptual aspects such as habitat, geographical distribution, traps for collecting, their parasitoids and predator, life cycle, damage, economic importance, medicinal importance, biological aspects, and reproduction. A literature search was carried out containing articles published from 1993 to 2021. The mini review was prepared in Goiânia, Goiás, from September to October 2021, through the. The mini-review was prepared in Goiânia, Goiás, from September to October 2021, through the Online Scientific Library (Scielo), internet, ResearchGate, Academia.edu, Frontiers, Publons, Qeios, Portal of Scientific Journals in Health Sciences, Pubmed, Online Scientific Library (Scielo), internet, ResearchGate, Academia.edu, Frontiers, Biological Abstract, Publons, Qeios, Portal of Scientific Journals in Health Sciences, and Pubmed, Dialnet, World, Wide Science, Springer, RefSeek, Microsoft Academic, Science, ERIC, Science Research.com, SEEK education, Periódicos CAPES, Google Academic, Bioline International, VADLO, Scopus, and Web of Science.
Internet of Nanothings (IoNT) and Machine Learning (ML) – Innovations in drug discovery and Healthcare system
Authors: R Senthil Prabhu  , D SabithaAnanthi  , D Umamaheswari  , S Rajasoundarya
Published: June 2022

The IoNT offers a medium to connect various nanodevices with the help of high speed networks. Using this technology nanodevices can be deployed along with other advanced technologies such as cloud computing, big data and ML. Many tedious tasks can be taken over by linked inanimate objects and better availability of information using IoNT-ML. This technology has shown great promise in improving efficiencies across numerous pharmaceutical and healthcare industries with high quality and vast datasets. It has the potential to foster innovation while simultaneously improving productivity and delivering better outcomes across the value chain. IoNT-ML can significantly improve the value proportion of pharmaceutical companies by driving innovation and the creation of new business models. This technology can be implemented in almost every aspect of the pharmaceutical industry, right from the drug discovery and development to manufacturing and marketing. This review discusses the principle of ML and its various applications in healthcare sector.
Diversity and behavior of Eucharitidae Family (Hymenoptera: Eucharitidae) parasitoids of ants (Hymnoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Carlos Henrique Marchiori
Published: June 2022

Eucharitidae wasps are specialized parasitoids of ants, and it is decided that each species generally parasitizes ants of a single genus. This group has developed. ​ This parasitism takes place throughout the course of the year, but especially during hot and humid months. However, the number of parasitism seems to depend above all on the size of the colony of ants and on the number of pupae that they serve by guests. The purpose of this article is to obtain information on the characteristics and taxonomy of the Family Eucharitidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera). In this study, quantitative and conceptual aspects were used. To this end, a bibliographic survey of Eucharitidae was carried out in the years 1941 to 2021. Only complete articles published in scientific journals and expanded abstracts presented at national and international scientific events, Doctoral Thesis and Master's Dissertation were considered. Data were also obtained from platforms such as: Academia.edu, Frontiers, Qeios, Pubmed, Biological Abstract, Publons, Dialnet, World, Wide Science, Springer, RefSeek, Microsoft Academic, Science and ERIC.
Biology, ecology and biogeography of Athericidae family (Hymenoptera: Athericidae)
Authors: Carlos Henrique Marchiori
Published: June 2022

Athericidae is a small family of flies with aquatic larvae, only 123 species are known, with two species registered in Brazil, Suragina pacaraima Rafael & Henriques, 1991 and Xeritha plaumanni Stuckenber, 1966. They are flies very close to horseflies, including some hematophagous adults, such as Suragina. They are called in English "water snipe flies" or "ibis flies". The study aims to carry out the Biology, Ecology and Biogeography of Athericidae Family. In this study, quantitative and conceptual aspects were used. A selection of articles published from 1912 to 2021. Only complete articles published in scientific journals and expanded abstracts presented at national and international scientific events, Doctoral Thesis and Master's Dissertation were considered. Data were also obtained from platforms such as: Academia.edu, Frontiers, Qeios, Pubmed, Biological Abstract, Publons, Dialnet, World, Wide Science, Springer, RefSeek, Microsoft Academic, Science and ERIC.
Description of the Diapriidae Family (Insecta: Hymenoptera)
Authors: Carlos Henrique Marchiori
Published: June 2022

Diapriidae are commonly found in moist and shady habitats, where they can be very diverse; despite their abundance, little is known about their biology. The basal diapriids, Belytinae and Ambositrinae are probably parasitoids of larvae or pupae of Mycetophilidae and Sciaridae (Diptera). Diapriinae are mostly Diptera parasitoids (Brachycera and Cyclorrhapha), some species parasitize staphylinid and scarab (Coleoptera) larvae others are associated with ants (Formicidae). Some species of Diapriidae were used in biological control programs for dipterans. The purpose of this article is to obtain a description of the Family Diapriidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera). To this end, a bibliographic survey of Diapriidae was carried out from 1940 to 2021. Only complete articles published in scientific journals and expanded abstracts presented at national and international scientific events, Doctoral thesis, and master's dissertation were considered. Data were also obtained from platforms such as Academia.edu, Frontiers, Qeios, Pubmed, Biological Abstract, Publons, Dialnet, World, Wide Science, Springer, RefSeek, Microsoft Academic, Science, and ERIC.
Bioactive compounds from GC-MS analysis in methanolic extract of Gongronema latifolium inhibits aluminium chloride induced oxidative stress in rat spermatozoa in vitro
Authors: Faith Robert Owabhel  , Abraham Sisein Eboh
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the effect of Gongronema latifolium extract on aluminum chloride-induced sperm oxidative stress. Spermatozoa were obtained from the epidydimis and dispersed in a buffer consisting of tris-(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane, citric acid anhydrous and D (−) fructose (TCF buffer) and incubated with Gongronema latifolium alone (0.8 mg/ml), AlCl3 alone (50 mM) and Gongronema latifolium (0.2 – 0.8 mg/ml) + AlCl3 (50 mM) repectively, for 3 h at 32 0C. We found that exposure to aluminum chloride alone led to significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LP) 14.41±1.18µM and protein carbonyl content 19.21±0.9nM, but significant decrease on glutathione content 5.32±3.11mM. When Gongronema latifolium was added in the incubation medium, it improved and protected spermatozoa against the harsh effect of AlCl3 on sperm cells. Bioactive compounds detected from GC-MS analysis also revealed the presence of squalene, ascorbic acid, gamma tocopherol, phthalic acid,carbazic acid amongst others. This study showed that Gongronema latifolium could protect spermatozoa against AlCl3 induced sperm damage.
Drama as a Tool for Social Reform: with Reference to Henrik Ibsen
Authors: Ismail Hidaya Ibrahim Hashim
Published: June 2022

The aim of this article is to stress the major importance of drama in our life. That it is not just a source of entertainment that could be replaced. Illustrating its history the researcher shows how deeply rooted in our lives it goes. This is established through the application of the descriptive surveying method. Synopses of Ibsen’s work as a pioneer in using drama to inflict social reform are provided. We conclude with the new progressive branching of the use of drama for different purposes
Medium of Instruction Policy Change in Sudan: its Impact on the English Language Proficiency of Sudanese Medical Students
Authors: Bakhit Mohamed Agaban , Mohamed Mohamed Younis
Published: June 2022

The decline of English language standards among Sudanese university students and graduates has become one of the issues preoccupying public opinion in Sudan. Media, employers, parents, and school and university teachers are concerned about the falling standards of English language among Sudanese students and graduates. The present study investigated the impact of the medium of instruction on the English language proficiency of Sudanese medical students. An English language-writing test was employed to assess the English language proficiency of two groups of students; namely, a group that studied through the medium of English, and a group that studied through the medium of Arabic. The English-medium students were second-year medical students at Khartoum University, Sudan, while the Arabic-medium students were second-year medical students at Gezira University, Sudan. A sample of 151 students was chosen from the former group, and a sample of 155 students was chosen from the latter group. An independent samples t-test was conducted. The findings indicate that there is a statistically significant difference in the English language proficiency of English-medium students and Arabic-medium students (t =12.369, p =.000). Thus, English-medium students performed significantly better than Arabic-medium students in the English proficiency test.
The Impact of Shelley's Frankenstein of Saadawi's Frankenstein
Authors: Nur Hala Salih Mohammed , Alssafy Saif Latif M.
Published: June 2022

In spite of the long period of time that has elapsed since monster first appeared in English and Arabic literature, monsters still have both remarkable and effective roles in their literary texts. The roles of monster that have been created over the centuries by their writers are an indicative of the fears and the needs of societies for these monsters, thus they are modified and developed to reflect social anxieties. The aspects of onomastic meanings redo the roles of the monster in Frankenstein in Baghdad; they show entirely the exact roles and characteristics of the monster to the readers. The monster’s names that are given by other characters in the novel can be used as devices to indicate the variety of literary purposes: to emphasize a certain aspect of society which Saadawi is writing on, or even the more traditional method of naming with the express intent of identifying a certain trait or expectation of the monster’s personality. Saadawi names his monster several names in order to convey specific purposes. Each name has separately purpose, and simultaneously, all names have a common goal they have to achieve. The monster in Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818) by Mary Shelley (English novelist, short story writer, dramatist, essayist, biographer, and travel writer) has mainly affecting on the monster in Frankenstein in Baghdad (2013) (Arabic Fiction) by Ahmed Saadawi (Iraqi novelist, poet and screenwriter).
An Investigation of the Current Status of Teaching Composition Writing
Authors: MohyAldin Amin Mohamed Ahmed , Omer Yasser Othman Jamaan
Published: June 2022

This paper aims to look at the present situation of teaching composition writing in three states, namely, The Red Sea State, River Nile State, and Khartoum State. The study problem lies in that students face difficulties in writing a composition which are related to the content, organization and expression of composition writing. The research has adopted the descriptive method since it suits the nature and aim of the study. In order to carry out this methodology, the investigators used structured interviews of fifteen questions to obtain information from teachers of English at secondary schools in these states about composition writing and an observation checklist to observe what actually done by the teachers of English when they teach their students a composition lesson. The study comes up to very significant results. The most important ones are: students confront many and various difficulties when they attempt to write an English composition and that neither guided nor free composition writing can achieve the main objectives of teaching an English composition. Based on the study results, the study recommendations are suggested. The most significant ones are: composition writing should be as realistic as possible as it is a mean of communication and teachers should bear in mind that the two types of composition, guided and free, are different and that acquiring one doesn’t ensure improving the other since students will acquire what they have practised.
The Role of Technology in Teaching English Language in Higher Secondary Schools
Authors: Ahmed Hamza Ahmed Hamza
Published: June 2022

This paper highlights the importance of technology in teaching English language in Sudanese higher secondary schools. Dealing with computers in reading and writing nowadays is considered as a core element of literacy in the age of information. Many countries in the world have recognized the importance and the great value of using digital technologies in language learning. Teaching English language is a debate that thousands of scholars speak about. A lot of papers have discussed this matter because of its importance and because it is known that teaching is considered the first source of learning language. Gilster (1997) puts the assurance more specifically on digital literacy so as to understand information in a wide range of sources. Although many teachers and curricula designers neglect the role that technology can achieve in teaching English language, using technology to equip the teaching process with many choices, can make learning more motivating and make teaching more productive. One of the aims of this study is to investigate the importance of technology in teaching English language in secondary schools for those who deal with English as a second language. The sample of this study consists of 141 English language teachers working at 15different higher secondary schools (government and private). This small sample is a limitation of the researchin Khartoum state. According to the questionnaire sample, the researcher divided English language teachers into two groups. The first group consists of 125 teachers, graduated from educational colleagues and faculties. The other group consists of 16 teacherswho have not graduated from Arts or other departments (those who don`t have educational certificates but can teach English). The sample covers only English teachers working at higher secondary schools. The scale was handed to all the teachers in the sample in their schools and was collected in the same way. This study was limited to analyze and evaluate English language teachers who teach English language in Ministry of Education, secondary schools in Khartoum State, in the2017 – 2018 school year.
A Passage to India: A Critique of Imperialism
Authors: Mohammed Nur Hala Salih , Mezaal Haider Mohammed
Published: June 2022

This paper sheds light on E. M. Forster’s attack against British imperialism in colonial India. It argues that acquiring an official position in the imperialistic administration makes Anglo-Indians so poignant that they start making racial prejudgments about the Indians. This attitude, of course, leads to damage the possibility of establishing friendship between the Indians and the British. The novelist also argues that the inability of comprehending the echo in the caves is yet another cultural barrier; it prevents crossing the bridge between the East and the West. Due to their frustration of establishing friendship with the British, the Indians start fighting for freedom. This paper concludes by highlighting the possibility of future friendship between the British and the Indians.
An Audit on pediatric surgery services at Sinnar Teaching Hospital: outcome and challenges
Authors: Abdalla Awad R. , Saad Eltaib A.
Published: June 2022

a valuable data for health authorities. The aim of this study was to reflect the burden and outcomeof one pediatric surgery unit at Sinnar Teaching Hospital (STH). It also throws some light intochallenges and obstacles that face running of pediatric surgery services outside of the capital.Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive review. It included all the patients who presentedto the Pediatric Surgery Unit at Sinnar Teaching Hospital (STH) and underwent emergency orelective operations during the period from January 2009 to December 2012.Results: A total number of 2400 patients were seen at the unit over four years. About half of them(1210) (50.4%) underwent emergency or elective operations. Inguinoscrotal conditions were themost frequently performed elective operations 450 (37%). Appendectomy was the commonest emergency operation: 169 (14%). Forty four (2%) were referred to Al-Jazeera or KhartoumStates for further work-up or advanced care. The majority of the referred cases were those whorequired more specialized oncological or neurosurgical services, in addition to some patients whoneeded non-invasive interventions (like ESWL for instance) or multidisciplinary management (bladder exostrophy and proximal hypospadias). The overall mortality rate was 2.4% (n=52) withhigher mortality rate noticed among neonatal conditions: 20% of it (n=10) due to lack of trainedanesthetists, pediatric intensive care unit facilities, and delayed presentation.Conclusion: Conduction of a pediatric surgery service outside of the capital is challenging andfaces various obstacles, but it is possible with a reasonable outcome. A wide variety of emergencyand elective pediatric surgical conditions are seen and the majority of them could be managedproperly at a state hospital level. Availability of well-established anesthetic and pediatric intensivecare facilities, with trained nursing staff is the cornerstone for better quality services with minimummorbidity and mortality rates. Establishment of pediatric surgery services in the states wouldinvariably decrease the central congestion and referral to capital hospitals. It can also minimizethe unnecessary, and indeed, costly expenditure on referral,especially for low-and middle- incomefamilies.
Double aortic arch: An uncommon diagnosis presenting with recurrent respiratory symptoms.
Authors: Salih Sarah A/Salam , Khair Rayan Saeed Mohamed , Magid Fathia A. , Elbashier Abdelbasit  M.A.
Published: June 2022

A vascular ring is defined as an anomaly of the great arteries (aortic arch and its branches) that

compresses the trachea and/or oesophagus. Double aortic arch is one of the most common types of vascular

rings.

We present a male newborn infant with double aortic arch who initially presented with inspiratory stridor

since birth that was aggravated by crying. He was initially worked up as a case of congenital laryngomalacia.

At 26 days of age, he presented to the emergency department with attacks of cough associated with stridor,

interrupted breastfeeding, irritability, cyanosis and apnoea. Investigations were done and the diagnosis

of double aortic arch was made by echocardiography and confirmed by contrast-enhanced computed

tomography.

Standard surgical division of ligamentum arteriosum was able to relieve the trachea and the symptoms
Benign effects of Helicobacter pylori in gastric mucosa among symptomatic Sudanese patients
Authors: Aboard Lobaina Mohammed Eisa , El Hassan Lamyaa Ahmed Mohamed , Mohammed Sawsan  Abdel Rahim
Published: June 2022

Introduction:Infection with Helicobacter pylori is a worldwide problem. It plays an important role in gastric malignancies.The pathogenesis of gastric malignancies involves multistep progression changes in gastric mucosaand the Helicobacter pylori infections is the first step in most of cases.Aim:The aims of this study were to clarify the benign changes in gastric mucosa after Helicobacter pylori infection;to evaluate the endoscopic and histological patterns of infection and to correlate endoscopic findingwith histopathological parameters.Materials and Methods:A descriptive, retrospective study was done in Soba University Hospital between January 2009 - February2013. Paraffin-embedded blocks, Giemsa and Haematoxylin and Eosin-stained slides, were obtained from50 cases of Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic gastritis and examined under light microscopy. Theclinical information and endoscopy findings were obtained from the records. The data was analyzed usingStatistical Package for Social Sciences Software.Results:The most common affected age group was between 40-60 years. The prevalence of infection was equal inmales and females. The commonest endoscopic finding was inflammation of gastric mucosa. Most patientspresented with moderate degree of colonization; 62% of patients presented with a severe degree of chronicinflammation. There was a significant statistical correlation between the degree of Helicobacter pylori colonizationand the degree of chronic inflammation (p<0.05). Most patients presented with severe degree ofactive gastritis. A significant correlation was found between the degree of chronic inflammation and degreeof activity. The prevalence of lymphoid follicles in a single biopsy specimen from antral mucosa was 36%.The dysplasia was seen in 12%; eosinophilia 8%; atrophy 8% and intestinal metaplasia in 6% of the cases.No significant correlation was found between the endoscopic findings and histological findings.Conclusion:Helicobacter pylori infection causes chronic active gastritis and it has a role in the development of lymphoidfollicles, intestinal metaplasia, atrophy and dysplasia.
Congenital heart disease in a cohort of Sudanese patients with cleft defects
Authors: Mohamed Abdelsamie A. , Dafalla Eman M. , Saad Eltaib A. , Ibrahim M. A.
Published: June 2022

Background and objectives:Cleft defects are among the most visible congenital defects worldwide and congenital heart disease (CHD)being one of the most common associated anomalies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of CHDamong a cohort of Sudanese patients with cleft lip and/or palate.Patients and Methods:All patients who presented to Soba University Hospital with cleft lip and/or palate from March 2009 toMarch 2015 were included.Results:Out of 381 patients included; 168 patients (44%) had cleft lip and palate (CLP), 156 (41%) had cleft lip (CL)and isolated cleft palate (CP) was found in 57 patients (15%). Facial dysmorphic features were identifiedin 57 (15%) and cardiac defects in 42 (11%) patients. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) was diagnosed in 16patients (38%), and ASD in 12 (30.9%). Other macroscopic anomalies were identified in 57 patients (15%)and were associated with CHD (P<0.001). Significant association was found between the type of cleft andCHD (P<0.002), as cardiac defects were maximally observed among CP cases (21%) followed by CLPcases (13%) then CL cases (5.12%). Significant association was also found between facial dysmorphicoccurrence and CHD (P < 0.001).Conclusion:CHD is a common anomaly in cleft population. The pattern of CHD is consistent with the literature withVSD being the most frequent. The cardiac defects are most prevalent in CP group. Echocardiography isjustified for screening of CHD due to the relatively higher incidence of CHD among clefts patients than ingeneral population
Madurella mycetomatis causing multiple mycetoma lesions: A rare clinical presentation
Authors: Bakhiet Sahar Mubarak , Mohamed El Samani Wadaa , Mhmoud Najwa A , Siddig Emmanuel  Edward , Ibrahim Dania Mohammed , Ahmed Eiman Siddig , Fahal Ahmed Hassan
Published: June 2022

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Reliability of physiology MCQs’ examinations at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum
Authors: Musa Afraa M.M.
Published: June 2022

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Content
Authors: Medical Journal Khartoum
Published: June 2022

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Early umbilical bacterial colonization in relation to blood culture in neonates admitted to two neonatal intensive care units in Khartoum City, Sudan
Authors: MA Abbadi Nahid Sharafuddin , Ibrahim Salah A , MA Abbadi Osama Sharafeldin
Published: June 2022

Background: Umbilical colonization has long been used as an indicator of early neonatal infections.Factors related to the mother, baby or the environment has been involved in the acquirement of colonizersand even developing neonatalsepsislater on. Thisstudy aimed to assessthe relation between early umbilicalbacterial colonization and blood culture in neonates admitted to two Neonatal Intensive Care Units inKhartoum City, Sudan.Materials and Methods: Eighty neonatessuspected to have sepsis were included in the study. Umbilicalswabs were taken in the first twelve hours of life and were sent for culture. The results were then comparedto the results of blood cultures to find if there was any matching between the grown organisms. Neonates’and mothers’ information were obtained by an interview and documented in data collection sheets.Results: Umbilical colonization was present in 20% (n=16) of the study population while 21.25% (n=17)had positive blood cultures. Of the colonized group, Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest organismisolated (n=6, 37.5%), followed by Pseudomonas spp. (n=3, 18.8%) and Klebsiella spp. (n=2, 12.5%).While in those with positive blood culture Pseudomonas spp. predominated (n=7, 41.2%).followed byklebsiella spp. (n=5, 29.4%) and Staphylococcus aureus (n=3, 17.6%); 58.8% (n=47) of the patients had nogrowth in swabs or blood cultures, while positive results showed no matching (p value=0.009).Conclusion: Umbilical swab culture had a negative predictive value of 81% for early neonatal (bloodculture positive) infection, 36% positive predictive value, specificity of 84% and sensitivity of 31%.Therefore, in this study umbilical swab culture was a poor indicator for bacteraemia (sepsis) in the newborn.
Paroxysmal exercise-induced dyskinesia diagnosed using exercise test
Authors: Elsayed Muaz , Ahmed Rania , Ahmed Mohamed H
Published: June 2022

Background Paroxysmal movement disorders are interesting forms of hyperkinetic movement disordersthat are perplexing to the neurologist and patients. The main features are transient dystonia or choreainvolving various body parts and lasting few seconds, minutes or hours depending on the subtype. Theparoxysmal exercise-induced dyskinesia is associated with a gene mutation of (NM_145239.2:c.649dupC)in proline-rich trans-membrane protein 2 (PRRT2). This is found in an average of 45% of cases. Familialcases have 85% penetrance.Case report We report a case of a 12-year old boy with intermittent episodes of abnormal movementswhich involved his face and / or limbs. These dyskinesias occur every few days without warning.Complete neurological examination was normal. Importantly, Magnetic Resonance Imaging head andElectroencephalography were normal in association with normal haemto-biochemistry profile. The familyrecorded a video for one episode of his abnormal movement. The doctor set a challenge of 20 meters racing.He excited the patient then started the race with the attendance of the parents and the nurse. Few secondsafter the end of the race the development of the abnormal movement was judged by the parents and nursewho all agreed on the provocation test.Conclusion Paroxysmal exercise-induced dyskinesia is the commonest primary episodic movementdisorder which has its negative effect on the quality of life. The diagnosis and management are mainlyclinical. It is of paramount importance to use simple tests (exercise test) and save the patient unnecessaryworries and side effects of medications.
Instructions to Authors
Authors: Medical Journal Khartoum
Published: June 2022

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Mycotoxins produced by Fusarium spp. isolated from Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. in Sudan
Authors: R. I. Mohukker , Hetwer, U  , Karlovsky, P
Published: June 2022

isolates of F. solani and one isolate of each of F. oxysporum, F. nygamai, F. equiseti, and F. compactum were fully toxicologically characterized. These Fusaria were isolated from naturally infected Striga hermonthica plants collected from sorghum cultivations in central (Gezira), eastern (Gadarif), and southeastern Sudan (Damazin). HPLC/MS or HPLC/DAD system was used for the toxicological characterization of Fusarium spp. using nivalenol, deoxynivalenol, 3-acetyl deoxynivalenol, 15-Acetyl deoxynivalenol, fusarenon X, T2-toxin, HT-2 toxin, diacetoxyscirpenol, zearalenone, fumonisin B (B1 and B2), enniatin B, B1 and A and fusaric acid as toxin standards. The three isolates of F. solani produced none of the above toxins. Fusarium oxysporum and F. nygamai produced fusaric acid. Fusarium nygamai also produced fumonisns B1, B2, and B3. Fusarium equiseti produced nivalenol, fusarenon X, and diacetoxyscirpenol. Fusarium compactum produced nivalenol. This is the first report of nivalenol production by a strain of F. compactum. Non toxin-production by the three isolates of F. solani and production of only fusaric acid by F. oxysporum make them toxicologically safe for further evaluations as biocontrol agents for the witchweed.
Effect of potassium chlorate on nitrate uptake and reduction in zea mays l. Seedlings
Authors: Wasfi M. A.  , Ekhlas Eltahir
Published: June 2022

abstract
Investigations of environmental radioactivity in the northern state of Sudan
Authors: Hassan Wisal B. , Habbani F. I. , Shaddad I. A.
Published: June 2022

Investigations have been carried out for naturally occurring radionuclides in surface soils in selected regions of the Northern State of Sudan, in response to widely spread rumours of elevated levels of radioactivity causing higher than normal incidence of cancer in that area. Eighty surface soil samples were collected from different regions in the Northern State and their activity concentrations were measured by a high-purity germanium detector gamma spectrometer system. From the data obtained the mean values and standard deviations of the radionuclide activities were calculated. From the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K radionuclides the external absorbed dose rate in air and the annual effective dose were calculated.The radium equivalent activity and the external hazard index were applied for estimating the radiation hazards of soil used as building material. The mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in different regions of the Northern State were found to be 82.6 + 6.8, 26.0 + 2.9 and 726.4 + 72.0 Bq/kg, respectively.The average outdoor gamma absorbed dose rate in air at 1meter above ground was calculated as 84.6 + 7.1 nGy/h. The average annual effective dose equivalent for population in the regions under study was found to be 103.7 + 8.7 Sv/y. The external hazard index was found to be 0.48 + 0.04.
Thermal and Optical investigation of Corn and Cottonseed as Frying Oils
Authors: Saeed Tamador S. , Eidb Omer I.
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study is to examine the heating effect on some food oils, we have selected two of the commonly used in cooking and frying in Sudan, namely; the Corn and the Cottonseed. For this purpose we studied the change occurred in some of the physical properties. These are: the refractive index, viscosity, density and the specific heat capacity According to the results obtained a slight change was noticed in the refractive index and the density of the oils, while there was a remarkable increase in the coefficient of viscosity. The measurements were repeatedly recorded before and after boiling the oils in a period of five days for. The results revealed that boiling of the oils change their physical properties.
The effect of ethanolic leaves extract of Solenostemma argel on blood electrolytes and biochemical constituents of albino rats
Authors: Hisham M. Osman , Shayoub M H , E M Babiker , Elhag Mounzer M.
Published: June 2022

The ethanolic leaves extract of S. argel was studied for its effect on the blood electrolytes and biochemical constituents of albino rats. The animals (n= 12, average BW= 240 g) were divided into two groups of six each: one to act as the experimental group (EG) and the other as the control group (CG). The result Revealed that K, Ca and P for electrolytes and creatinine, urea, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for biochemical constituents were found significantly higher (P < 0.05) in experimental group when compared with the control group. In the meantime, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) for biochemical constituents, and Na and Fe for electrolytes did not differ significantly from those of the control group (P > 0.05). The findings of this study suggested that the dose 600 mg of extract /Kg BW was more likely to have adverse effect on liver and kidneys of albino rats.