bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise de Livros Didáticos de Matemática do Ensino Médio: a Presença das Tecnologias Digitais para o Conteúdo de Funções
Authors: Reis Júlio Paulo Cabral dos , Ferreira Neuber Silva , Benedito Atália Júlio , Santos Guilherme Mendes Tomaz dos
Published: March 2021

Na atualidade, a utilização das Tecnologias Digitais da Informação e Comunicação (TDIC’s) como recurso didático para os processos de ensino e aprendizagem, em particular na Matemática, já é uma realidade. Neste contexto, o objetivo desse artigo foi analisar a presença das TDIC’s, em sete coleções de livros didáticos do Ensino Médio, no período de 2015 a 2017, referente ao conteúdo de funções: afim, quadrática, exponencial e logarítmica. Tais coleções foram escolhidas com base no catálogo dos livros didáticos para o Ensino Médio, aprovados pelo Plano Nacional do Livro Didático (PNDL) e também pela utilização destas coleções na instituição dos autores. Por meio de uma pesquisa Qualitativa, com natureza exploratória e tendo-se a pesquisa documental como procedimento técnico. Como suporte para analisar os livros, utilizamos os seguintes documentos oficiais nacionais: Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais (PCN’s), as Orientações Curriculares para o Ensino Médio (OCEM), os PCN’s+ e a Base Nacional Curricular Comum (BNCC). A partir deles, elaboramos uma matriz referência de análise. Tal matriz buscou sumarizar, nos livros a presença das TDIC’s e elementos/características para a utilização das TDIC’s no ensino de matemática. Os principais resultados apontaram que, dos sete livros, seis sugerem a utilização de softwares livres e calculadoras. Nenhum livro menciona a utilização de smartphones e tablets. Constatamos, ainda, que existe uma carência efetiva da presença das TDIC’s, de modo a indicar uma necessidade de maiores interlocuções didático-pedagógicas para o ensino de funções no Ensino Médio com ferramentas variadas.
Technologies of Protection and Nutrition in Agrophytocenoses of Legumes for Organic Seed Production
Authors: Horodyska Inna Mykolaivna , Ternovyi Yurii , Chub Artem , Lishchuk Alla , Draga Maryana
Published: March 2021

According to the legislation of Ukraine, one of the requirements of organic crop production is the use of organic seeds and organic planting material. High productivity and quality of sowing material for organic production of agricultural products can only be obtained with the full supply of plants and soil to nutrients and the protection of plants from diseases, pests and weeds. The purpose of the work was to study the technologies of protection and nutrition of legumes (peas and soybean) with the use of domestic biopreparations in seminal organic agrophytocenoses. The research was carried out in the right-bank forest-steppe of Ukraine. The influence of technologies of the use of complexes of biological products of natural origin on the productivity of the seed material of peas and soybeans, its seed quality and phytosanitary condition of crops were studied. The study evaluated the potential of legume crops by main economic characteristics in the conditions of use of organic production technologies in different phases of ontogenesis of plants. Positive influence of technologies of complexes of biological preparations on growth and development of cultivated plants, which was reflected on their biometric indices, is established, finally forming the yield of peas and soybeans and high crop quality. In general, the use of all investigated technologies using biopreparations on peas and soybeans ensured obtaining quality organic seed material that meets the requirements of DSTU 2240-93 for reproductive seed.
Correlation Between Resistance to UV Irradiation and the Taxonomic Position of Microorganisms
Authors: Gladka Galina , Hovorukha Vira , Romanovskaya Victoria , Tashyrev Oleksandr
Published: March 2021

UV irradiation is known to cause harmful effects on microorganisms. As the result, microorganisms have developed protection against exposure to harmful UV irradiation. We suggested that resistance to UV might be specific characteristic of certain genera of microorganisms. So, the aim of the work is to assess whether there is a correlation between UV resistance and the taxonomic position of microorganisms or is it the adaptation of cells to extreme conditions.  There were studied 67 strains from extreme ecosystems (phytocenoses and оrnithogenic soil of the Antarctic, hypersaline ecosystems of the Crimea and the Dead Sea, the lake Baikal). Sequence of 16S rRNA genes, phylogenetic analysis and UV resistance were performed according to standard procedures. Phylogenetic analysis revealed live representatives of the following genera: Pseudomonas, Serratia, Rheinheimera, Aeromonas, Buttiauxella, Brevundimonas, Sphingomonas, Sphingopyxis, Dermacoccus, Frondihabitans, Microbacterium, Rhodococcus, Janthinobacterium, Arthrobacter, Micrococcus, Kocuria, Sphingobacterium, Flavobacterium, Chryseobacterium, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Paenibacillus, Sporosarcina. Gram-positive bacteria were significantly more resistant to UV irradiation (LD99.99 750–1400 J/m2). Gram-negative had lower resistance (LD99.99 35–150 J/m2). Most pigmented strains were more resistant to UV than non-pigmented ones. According to the values of lethal doses of UV irradiation we suggest that investigated microorganisms have effective mechanisms to repair DNA damages. Resistance of microorganisms to UV, as a rule, was not related to the ecological features of their habitat. Thus, there is a correlation between the resistance of microorganisms to UV irradiation and their taxonomic position, which allows to consider UV resistance as a diagnostic feature at the genus level.
Analysis of Setaria glauca (L.) P. Beauv. Population’s Vital Parameters in Grain Agrophytocenoses
Authors: Tykhonova Olena , Skliar Viktoriia , Sherstiuk Maryna , Butenko Andrii , Kyrylchuk Kateryna , Bashtovyi Mykola
Published: March 2021

The paper presents the results of research on key vital parameters of a one-year late spring segetal species Setaria glauca (L.) P. Beauv. in crops of grain and legumes in the conditions of the north-rast forest-steppe Ukraine. It has been observed that in S. glauca there is a statistically significant change in the complex population characteristics, in particular, indicators of development of the vegetative sphere and reproductive organs against the background of changes in the field conditions. It turns out that the values of the main morphometric parameters and their dynamics in weed plants statistically significantly change by gradient of different crops, which are dominant agrocenoses and significantly affect the development of segetal wild species. It is proved that each cultivated plant is an edificator of agrocenosis and has a significant phytocoenotic effect on the state of S. glauca populations. The study found that favorable conditions for the development of weed emerged in fields of peas and winter wheat, while the crops of winter rye and buckwheat significantly inhibited the development of S. glauca populations. Knowledge of the dynamics of vital parameters of S. glauca populations under various field conditions allows the effective application of the system of anti-weed crop rotation, which allows controlling the clogging of fields using environmentally safe methods without application of herbicides.
Farm Owners’ Perception toward Farmland Conversion: An Empirical Study from Indonesian Municipality
Authors: Hidayat AR Rohman Taufiq , Hasyim Abdul Wahid , Prayitno Gunawan , Harisandy Januar Dwi
Published: March 2021

Malang Municipality, the second-largest municipality in East Java Province, has a role as an education and business growth pole. The increasing housing and public service demands in the area correspond with the population growth. It then triggers agricultural conversion, which is predicted to be fully converted in 2024 without any control measurement. Therefore, farm owners have an essential role in agricultural land use. The present study aimed to identify the factors that affect farm owners’ decisions in converting their lands. This study employed correlation analysis to determine the factors influencing the degree of intention to convert farmers’ farmland to settlement. This present study addressed farmland conversion intention, socio-economic factors of farm owner, land use condition, and spatial regulation based on farm owners’ perception. The results showed that the degree of farmland conversion corresponded with the importance of the variable to land conversion. This study demonstrated that farm owners’ perceptions were important and had an essential role in farmland conversion. Moreover, the upcoming regulation should address farm owners’ perception along with tangible variables, such as total income.
Multi-object Recognition Method Based on Improved YOLOv2 Model
Authors: Shi Binbin , Li Xun , Nie Tingting , Zhang Kaibin , Wang Wenjie
Published: March 2021

A method of vehicle multi-object identification and classification based on the YOLOv2 algorithm is proposed to solve the problems of low detection rate, poor robustness, and unsatisfactory classification effect for the classical multi-object detection and vehicle type classification on real road environment. Based on the YOLOv2 algorithm, the network structure of YOLOv2-voc is improved according to the actual road conditions. The classification training model was obtained based on the ImageNet data and fine-tuning technology, according to the analysis of training results and vehicle object characteristics. This paper proposed the improved vehicle identification classification network structure, namely called YOLOv2-voc_mul. In order to verify the validity of the detection method, experiments are performed using samples from simple backgrounds and complex backgrounds and compared with the existing YOLOv2, YOLOv2-voc, and YOLOv3 models after 70000 iterations, respectively. The results show that the proposed YOLOv2-voc_mul model has an accuracy of 98.6% under the simple background, and the mAP (mean Average Precision) of different models reaches 87.81%. Under the complex background, the improved YOLOv2-voc_mul model has an average accuracy of 92.09% and 89.64% for single and multi-object detection of four different models. In summary, our proposed method has better accuracy, a low false detection rate, and good robustness.
EECCRN: Energy Enhancement with CSS Approach Using Q-Learning and Coalition Game Modelling in CRN
Authors: Shanmuganathan Vimal , Kalaivani L , Kadry Seifedine , Suresh A , Robinson Y Harold , Sangsoon Lim
Published: March 2021

The Cognitive radio network (CR) is a widespread technology in which the Secondary users are assumed to be of the winning users to acquire the spectrum by reducing the false alarm possibilities and the false detection of the user assumed to be original user in nature is restricted with the usage of Spectrum monitoring agents. The collaborative spectrum sensing (CSS) is an approach that will identify the false intruder in the CR networks, here it is proposed with the Enhanced Q-Learning model with Coalition Game approach (EQLCG) to outline the energy enhancement. Besides an approach on Greedy Bidding is used to allocate the spectrum to the winning secondary user (SU) based on the idle primary user to strengthen the spectrum sensing. The winning secondary user forms a communication establishment with the neighbouring SU to eradicate the miss detection probability based on group level cooperation.  The simulation experiment analyses the cluster level security with energy monitoring that has been performed using the analysis of interference by applying the coalition game theory modelling and the information obscured by the attacker is reduced with the usage of enhanced Q-learning, and the results prove that overhead is substantially monitored. The proposed paper enhances the security in physical layer with energy conservation and maintains the spectrum usage for application purpose. The proposed simulation approach reduces the miss detection and false alarm probabilistic approach while compared with Stackelberg and Bayesian game models.
Sati and the Hindu Woman
Authors: Duran Jane ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: March 2021

Sati as a trope for the general status of women within certain portions of the Hindu cultures of India is examined, with a view toward clarification of its history and current context. The work of Sangari and Vaid, Banerjee and Mala Sen is cited, and the notion that sati is a misappropriated concept is analyzed.
La aceleración social como nueva frontera para la ética del turismo
Authors: López-González José L. , Fennell David A.
Published: March 2021

Las críticas a la velocidad, al cambio continuo o al crecimiento han formado parte de muchos debates sobre la deslegitimación del turismo de los últimos tiempos. De manera más o menos explícita, a muchos de ellos les subyace una dimensión ética cuando sugieren que podría o debería desarrollarse de otra forma. Por lo tanto, es tarea de la ética del turismo reflexionar sobre ellas. No obstante, aunque esta ha ido adquiriendo una gran relevancia en los últimos tiempos, aún se trata de una disciplina relativamente joven. Una de las tareas pendientes es la de superar las concepciones tradicionales y estáticas del turismo, porque, a diferencia de muchas actividades, es extraordinariamente heterogéneo, escurridizo y difícilmente controlable. Para avanzar hacia esa dirección, este número plantea un espacio de reflexión sobre la ética del turismo que toma en consideración una perspectiva analítica concreta: la aceleración social.
La percepción de los problemas del overtourism en Barcelona
Authors: Álvarez Sousa Antonio
Published: March 2021

El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar la percepción de los residentes sobre el overtourism en Barcelona y el perfil de los ciudadanos que creen que el turismo no beneficia a su ciudad. También analizamos los motivos que alegan y lo que se publica en los medios de comunicación. Para ello nos basamos en un diseño de triangulación concurrente con análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo. El 16 % de la población considera que el turismo no beneficia a la ciudad. Los motivos más importantes para declarar que el turismo no es beneficioso para la ciudad son de tipo ético, social y económico: la masificación, el incivismo de los turistas, la gentrificación y la pérdida de esencia de los barrios. Estos aspectos negativos son la razón para manifestarse públicamente contra dicho turismo y reclamar un turismo responsable.
La gestion stratégique d’un portefeuille de business models connectés :
une application aux secteurs du numérique*
Authors: Gandia Romain , Parmentier Guy
Published: March 2021

Les grands acteurs du numérique exploitent des offres complexes de produits
et services numériques basées sur le développement de portefeuilles de business
models connectés. La littérature est cependant limitée pour comprendre comment gérer
stratégiquement ce type de portefeuille. Pour combler ce gap, en analysant les cas
d’Apple, de Google et de Microsoft, nous montrons que leurs portefeuilles de
business models peuvent être gérés stratégiquement par la mise en place d’une
architecture spécifique de business models connectés. Notre étude contribue ainsi à
mieux comprendre le fonctionnement des portefeuilles de business models dans les
secteurs numériques et met en évidence certains éléments clés de leur
conception.
On Georg Simmel's Einleitung in die Moralwissenschaft: Preliminary Methods, Problems, and Concepts for a Critique of Modern Monetary Economics
Authors: Lewkow Lionel
Published: March 2021

The aim of this article is to expose some threads of continuity between Philosophie des Geldes and a less explored writing of Georg Simmel’s theoretical trajectory, namely: Einleitung in die Moralwissenschaft. To this end, I argue that in this early text Simmel proposes a psychological, sociological, and historical method to examine morality issues, which he later replicates in his approach regarding modern monetary economics. At the same time, I state that both works share resemblances in terms of the exposed topics: The opus magnum of 1900, like that early writing, gives great relevance to ethical issues. On this basis, I evidence the methodological affinity between these texts by comparing the Berliner’s treatment of moral duty, on the one hand, and economic value, on the other. Having done this, I explain how the thesis on the conflict of values delineated by young Simmel is then revisited in Philosophie des Geldes to account for the tension between economic value and the value of people.
Humiliation. Social Anatomy of a Dark Emotion
Authors: Araya Fernando Artavia
Published: March 2021

Humiliation is both an emotional state and the social situation that produces it as well. This paper inquires into both dimensions, departing from Georg Simmel’s perspective and questions in his sociology of emotions, especially his thoughts on shame. Based on historical cases and literary examples, the paper analyzes humiliation as a composite emotional state (mixture of shame, wrath and sadness), and the distinctive features of it as a «form» of interaction. Regarding the latter, it is highlighted (a) its relational character, (b) the realization of a type of action whose purpose is degrading, (c) a representation of human value which is injured precisely by that action, and usually (d) its public character. It is warned about the main effects that humiliation may have at the subjective (resentment and thirst for revenge) and at the social level (increase of conflict, maintenance or instauration of an asymmetrical balance of forces, divisive effect and social stigmatization). In view of such negative consequences, the essay concludes by considering the main ways in which humiliation could be limited in our social life.
Habiter l’environnement de la prison, s’approprier sa requalification
culturelle
Authors: van Diest Camila
Published: March 2021

Valparaíso, dont le développement a été historiquement axé sur le secteur
portuaire, connaît une crise depuis les années 1990. Des politiques de relance économique
par la patrimonialisation, le tourisme et l’activité universitaire sont mises en place à
partir des années 2000. La désaffectation de l’ancienne prison de la ville et sa progressive
reconversion en parc culturel sont concomitantes de ce processus de transformation urbaine.
Cet article explore la relation entre la prison et la ville à travers le prisme des mémoires
habitantes. Les modalités par lesquelles les habitants se remémorent leur proximité de la
prison, ainsi que leurs expériences du quartier et des changements urbains à l’oeuvre,
mettent au jour la production de nouvelles frontières sociales.
Valoriser le quartier par la diversité religieuse
Authors: Albert Blanco Víctor
Published: March 2021

Accueillant historiquement des populations fragiles socialement, les quartiers de la Goutte d’Or, à Paris, et du Raval, à Barcelone, ont été longtemps stigmatisés. Dans le but affiché de renverser cette situation, les administrations ont programmé, depuis les années 1980, des transformations importantes. Plus visibles dans l’urbanisme et le logement, ces actions ont atteint aussi d’autres domaines. Elles ont facilité un processus de gentrification et ont été la base d’une revalorisation de l’image de ces quartiers. La diversité culturelle et religieuse a été insérée dans ce processus, convertie en objet de promotion institutionnelle. Bien que les manifestations de cette pluralité soient à l’origine de conflits inscrits dans les rapports sociaux d’altérité, une idée légitime et consensuelle de diversité est mobilisée dans le cadre du processus de revalorisation. Cet article analyse ces discours et ces politiques concernant le cas particulier de l’islam, à partir des données issues d’une enquête de terrain menée dans les deux quartiers, entre 2016 et 2018.
Des usines aux pavillons
Authors: Périnaud Clémentine , Morel Journel Christelle
Published: March 2021

Cet article analyse les recompositions d’un territoire précocement industrialisé,
confronté aux changements socio-économiques et aux processus de dévalorisation qu’ils
induisent. Le quartier Terrenoire, ancienne commune indépendante fusionnée avec
Saint-Étienne en 1969, offre à l’analyse une situation territoriale singulière. La relative
réussite de la reconversion résidentielle du quartier ne peut escamoter la profonde
fragmentation d’un quartier-archipel, qui reste en attente d’un projet urbain à même de
redonner du sens à un territoire pris entre l’utopie d’une « campagne industrielle » et
celle de la banalisation et de l’éclatement d’une périphérie. À partir de l’analyse des
changements sociospatiaux et du recueil des représentations habitantes associées à ces
derniers, nous montrons l’existence de mémoires divergentes qui participent à cette
fragmentation sociospatiale, dans un contexte global marqué par l’oubli de la ville
industrielle.
Réaménagement urbain, maladies industrielles et mémoires
Authors: Prost Léa , Lysaniuk Benjamin , Baron Myriam
Published: March 2021

La pollution générée par le Comptoir des minéraux et des matières premières (CMMP) à Aulnay-sous-Bois (Seine-Saint-Denis, France) illustre l’invisibilité socialement construite qui caractérise les impacts sanitaires résultant d’expositions cancérogènes à l’amiante, ainsi que les circonstances dans lesquelles elles ont eu lieu. L’accélération récente des processus de réaménagement urbain renforce la nécessité de construire une mémoire collective visant à maintenir vivante la connaissance de l’expérience du risque vécue par les victimes en l’absence de traces physiques de l’activité passée. Les témoignages des personnes exposées, voire malades, apparaissent alors fondamentaux dans la construction d’une mémoire collective de cette pollution et de ses conséquences. Avant qu’ils ne s’estompent, il faut pouvoir les recueillir, les organiser, les diffuser, posant ainsi inévitablement la question du support de cette mémoire. Finalement, la mise en visibilité de mémoires individuelles a pour effet d’activer des questionnements relatifs à la (dé)valorisation du territoire concerné et au recours à une forme inhabituelle de patrimonialisation.
The peculiarities and problems of cultural tourism in the free economic zones of China
Authors: Liu . ying , Aleksandrovna Fedorovskaya Natal'ya
Published: March 2021

Many cities in China currently have a reputation of international centers of tourism. For example, Beijing simultaneously draws attention as a city of centuries-old history and a modern cultural center. Other cities, such as actively developing free economic zones (Shenzhen, Shanghai, Tianjin, Hong Kong, etc.) initially did not have cultural uniqueness that would form the cultural brand of the territory and turn them into a remarkable cultural center. This hinders the development of cultural tourism in these territories. The goal of this article consists in determination of the peculiarities and problems in the development of cultural tourism in the free economic zones of China, using the example of Shenzhen, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tianjin. It is established that such peculiarities and problems is directly related to the fact that initially these zones had more of an economic orientation. On the one hand, this provides financial resources and makes these territories potentially promising for the development of cultural tourism; while on the other hand, it sets back the cultural component, focusing on the different forms of tourism, namely economic shopping tourism. It is emphasized that the key characteristics of the development of cultural tourism consist in creation of infrastructure for the cultural tourism and availability of resource for cross-cultural communications and multicultural tourism. Among the relevant problems of the development of free economic zones, the author notes the slower development of cultural tourism compared to the economy and economic tourism; lack of perception by the local authorities of the value of cultural tourism and integration of its resources into the development of free economic zones, insufficient scientific reflection on cultural tourism in these territories of China.
Aggressiveness-related behavioural types in the pearly razorfish
Authors: Martorell-Barceló Martina , Mulet Júlia , Sanllehi Javier , Signaroli Marco , Lana Arancha , Barcelo-Serra Margarida , Aspillaga Eneko , Alós Josep
Published: March 2021

Behavioural types (i.e., personalities or temperament) are defined as among individual differences in behavioural traits that are consistent over time and ecological contexts. Behavioural types are widespread in nature and play a relevant role in many ecological and evolutionary processes. In this work, we studied for the first time the consistency of individual aggressiveness in the pearly razorfish, Xyrichtys novacula, using a mirror test: a classic method to define aggressive behavioural types. The experiments were carried out in semi-natural behavioural arenas and monitored through a novel Raspberry Pi-based recording system. The experimental set up allowed us to obtain repeated measures of individual aggressivity scores during four consecutive days. The decomposition of the phenotypic variance revealed a significant repeatability score (R) of 0.57 [0.44–0.60], suggesting high predictability of individual behavioural variation and the existence of different behavioural types. Aggressive behavioural types emerged irrespective of body size, sex and the internal condition of the individual. Razorfishes are a ubiquitous group of fish species that occupy sedimentary habitats in most shallow waters of temperate and tropical seas. These species are known for forming strong social structures and playing a relevant role in ecosystem functioning. Therefore, our work provides novel insight into an individual behavioural component that may play a role in poorly known ecological and evolutionary processes occurring in this species.
VirION2: a short- and long-read sequencing and informatics workflow to study the genomic diversity of viruses in nature
Authors: Zablocki Olivier , Michelsen Michelle , Burris Marie , Solonenko Natalie , Warwick-Dugdale Joanna , Ghosh Romik , Pett-Ridge Jennifer , Sullivan Matthew B. , Temperton Ben
Published: March 2021

Microbes play fundamental roles in shaping natural ecosystem properties and functions, but do so under constraints imposed by their viral predators. However, studying viruses in nature can be challenging due to low biomass and the lack of universal gene markers. Though metagenomic short-read sequencing has greatly improved our virus ecology toolkit—and revealed many critical ecosystem roles for viruses—microdiverse populations and fine-scale genomic traits are missed. Some of these microdiverse populations are abundant and the missed regions may be of interest for identifying selection pressures that underpin evolutionary constraints associated with hosts and environments. Though long-read sequencing promises complete virus genomes on single reads, it currently suffers from high DNA requirements and sequencing errors that limit accurate gene prediction. Here we introduce VirION2, an integrated short- and long-read metagenomic wet-lab and informatics pipeline that updates our previous method (VirION) to further enhance the utility of long-read viral metagenomics. Using a viral mock community, we first optimized laboratory protocols (polymerase choice, DNA shearing size, PCR cycling) to enable 76% longer reads (now median length of 6,965 bp) from 100-fold less input DNA (now 1 nanogram). Using a virome from a natural seawater sample, we compared viromes generated with VirION2 against other library preparation options (unamplified, original VirION, and short-read), and optimized downstream informatics for improved long-read error correction and assembly. VirION2 assemblies combined with short-read based data (‘enhanced’ viromes), provided significant improvements over VirION libraries in the recovery of longer and more complete viral genomes, and our optimized error-correction strategy using long- and short-read data achieved 99.97% accuracy. In the seawater virome, VirION2 assemblies captured 5,161 viral populations (including all of the virus populations observed in the other assemblies), 30% of which were uniquely assembled through inclusion of long-reads, and 22% of the top 10% most abundant virus populations derived from assembly of long-reads. Viral populations unique to VirION2 assemblies had significantly higher microdiversity means, which may explain why short-read virome approaches failed to capture them. These findings suggest the VirION2 sample prep and workflow can help researchers better investigate the virosphere, even from challenging low-biomass samples. Our new protocols are available to the research community on protocols.io as a ‘living document’ to facilitate dissemination of updates to keep pace with the rapid evolution of long-read sequencing technology.
Role of Calretinin Immunohistochemical Stain in Evaluation of Hirschsprung’s Disease
Authors: Pradhan Pranati , Pal Bipin Chandra , Rath Gayatri
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Hirschsprung’s Disease (HD) is a common congenital disorder characterised by absence of enteric neurons along a variable length of large bowel involving a segment of the rectum and the adjacent proximal bowel. The definitive diagnosis is based on histopathological study of rectal seromuscular biopsies. Calretinin Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining adds to the diagnostic yield as it allows better appreciation of the mature and immature ganglion cells including the segments with paucity of ganglion cells. Aim: To assess the usefulness of calretinin IHC in the diagnosis of HD as an add-on technique to routine Haematoxylin and Eosin staining. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study carried out in the Department of Pathology, SCB Medical College, Cuttack during the period from August 2016 to July 2018. Full thickness rectal biopsy specimens were processed and subjected to routine Hematoxylin and Eosin Stain (H&E) staining and Calretinin IHC staining. A thorough search of ganglion cells was made in both types of stained slides. The observations were tabulated and compared for diagnostic accuracy. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) Inc, Chicago IL version 15.0 windows. Through, ANOVA and Chi-square test. Results: Calretinin IHC provided superior diagnostic yield compared to routine H&E staining. A total number of 45 cases were studied. Sensitivity of 95.4% and specificity of 55.5% were obtained. It also presented higher accuracy values, than H&E (p=0.49). Conclusion: Calretinin is a superior immunohistochemical staining method that serves as a reliable additional diagnostic tool for better morphological appreciation of ganglion cells and thereby helps in establishing the diagnosis of HD.
Rare Case of Intestinal-Type Adenocarcinoma Arising in Cervical Oesophageal Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa
Authors: Sekaran Anuradha , Vanere Veena Pawar , Lakhtakia Sundeep , Ramchandani Mohan , Reddy Duvuru Nageshwar
Published: March 2021

Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa (HGM) also termed gastric inlet patch or inlet patch, is a rare and benign phenomenon in cervical oesophagus and can be missed during endoscopy. It has an average incidence of 2.5%. Adenocarcinoma arising in the background of gastric heterotopia is very rare and uncommon in the upper oesophagus. A 46-year-old male presented with hoarseness and progressive dysphagia for solids for the past one month. Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (UGIE) revealed a tight stricture at 19-20 cm from the incisors. Initial mucosal biopsies were not conclusive. With high clinical suspicion of malignancy, patient underwent bougie dilation of oesophageal stricture followed by repeat biopsy. Histology revealed an intestinal type of adenocarcinoma, arising in a background of gastric heterotopia of the cervical oesophagus. Alcian Blue/Periodic Acid Schiff (AB/PAS) staining was positive in both the heterotopic glands and in the cancer, indicating the presence of intestinal metaplasia. Tumour cells were immunopositive for cytokeratin-7. A Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography scan revealed a metabolically active lesion located in the upper third of the oesophagus along with uptake in right supraclavicular node. This case report describes a patient with primary intestinal type adenocarcinoma of the cervical oesophagus in the background of HGM not related to Barrett’s oesophagus.
Self Directed Learning Behaviour- Impact of E-Learning Activity on Students
Authors: Bankar Mangesh Anandrao
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Self-Directed Learning (SDL) skills are essential for medical graduates for enabling them to engage in continuous learning during their medical practice. Aim: To assess the impact of E-learning activity on SDL readiness among second year MBBS students. Materials and Methods: The single group pre-test/post-test experimental study was conducted at Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences, Port Blair. The Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) was administered to 87 fifth semester MBBS students, after obtaining informed consent. The Google website- www.sites.google.com/view/e-learningpharmacology was created and an interactive Power Point presentation along with practice set was uploaded daily for six days. The students were instructed to visit the site daily and complete the practice questionnaire. Post-test and E-learning perception questionnaire was administered after completion of E-learning activity. The data analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software. Results: Total 87students (60% female and 40% male) participated. There was a statistically significant difference between total SDLRS scores (p<0.05) and other subscales i.e., Critical Self Evaluation (CSE) (0.007), Learning Self Efficacy (LSE) (0.003) and Effective Organisation of Learning (0.001) of the pre and post-test scores. For E-learning activity perception questionnaire, mode was observed to be 4 for 5 out of six items. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that E-learning activity influences SDL readiness among students. The E-learning activity was well perceived by study participants.
A Randomised Controlled Trial on the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Ketamine in Neonatal Circumcision
Authors: Modekwe Victor Ifeanyichukwu , Ugwu Jideofor Okechukwu , Ekwunife Okechukwu Hyginus , Osuigwe Andrew Nwankwo , Orakwe Jideofor Chukwuma , Awachie Dubem Stephen , Ogboli-Nwasor Elizabeth Onuwa
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Procedural analgesia use in neonatal circumcision is not widespread in the developing world. An easy-to-administer, adequate and safe analgesia will encourage usage in neonatal circumcision. Orally administered ketamine may prove effective and safe, and may encourage procedural analgesia use in neonatal circumcision. Aim: To determine the analgesic efficacy of oral ketamine in Plastibell® neonatal circumcision. Materials and Methods: A hospital based randomised double blind controlled study was conducted at the paediatric surgery unit of the hospital, from March 2015 to December 2015. Total 121 neonates were sequentially recruited, and randomised into two groups. Group A received oral ketamine, and Group B received plain syrup (placebo) as procedural analgesia. Continuous pulse oximeter monitoring was done before, during and immediately after the procedure. The pre-procedural and intra-procedural peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and Pulse Rate (PR) were determined at the various stages. Also, the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) scores were assessed during the stages of the procedure. Differences in mean scores were analysed. Mann-Whitney U test and Independent t-test were used to compare means of continuous variable, while Fisher’s exact test was used to compare categorical variables. Significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Sixty-one neonates received oral ketamine, while 60 received placebo. The intraoperative mean SpO2 were lower in the placebo group and significant at the tying stage with p=0.022. The mean intraoperative PR was higher in the placebo group and significant at dorsal-slit, tying and excision stages (p<0.05). The mean intraoperative NIPS scores were significantly higher in the placebo group. Conclusion: Oral ketamine provides effective and safe analgesia for neonatal Plastibell® circumcision in comparison to placebo.
Comparison between the Techniques of Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistulas for Haemodialysis: A Retrospective Analytical Study
Authors: Anil R , Avinash Prabhu , Niranjan Kumar , Nagraj Naik
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has become a major health issue worldwide. CKD patients require Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) throughout their life. Haemodialysis is one of the options for RRT. Arterio-Venous Fistula (AVF) creation is required for haemodialysis. The radiocephalic fistula is the initial option for creating vascular access. Fistula can be created by anastomosing cephalic vein to radial artery either by End-To-Side (ETS) or Side-To-Side (STS) techniques. Aim: To compare the efficacy rate of radiocephalic AVF using ETS or STS anastomotic methods. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analytical study conducted at SDM college of medical sciences and hospital, Dharwad from March 2017 to February 2020. A total of 43 CKD patients were enlisted for the above duration from the hospital records. These patients were included in the study since they underwent radiocephalic AVF creation. AVF creation at other anatomical sites for rest of the CKD patients was excluded. Out of 43 patients, 24 of them underwent ETS technique and 19 STS technique; 15 patients from the former group and 17 from the latter were followed-up for a period of three months. Eleven patients were lost to follow-up. Demographic variables were analysed with frequency, mean and standard deviation. Its association with two different operative techniques was analysed using Fisher’s-exact test. Outcome of the two operative procedures was analysed using Student’s t-test. Results: Effectively 15 patients from ETS group and 17 from STS group were compared. Three (20%) in ETS group and 5 (29.41%) in STS group had primary failure. Mean of maturation time in weeks in ETS group was 4.73±2.73 weeks and in STS group was 5.29±3.75 weeks. Three months patency rate in ETS group was 12 (80%) and in STS group was 12 (70.58%). Student’s t-test was performed comparing the above parameters and no statistical significance was noted. Conclusion: Comparison of two techniques of radiocephalic AVF creation proves that both the techniques are beneficial with no superiority of one over other.
Validation of Safety Guidelines Adopted for COVID – 19 in Nigeria: The Guidance and Counseling Perspective
Authors: Esubana Stella B. , Ekeng Effiom B. , Ubi Godwin M.
Published: March 2021

Background: This paper adopted scientific approach to validate the WHO/NCDC safety counseling guidelines to prevent the spread of the SARS-COV 2 coronaviruses in Nigeria in the guidance and counseling perspectives using the sequence characteristics of SARS-COV 2 in Nigeria as validation criterion.

Methods: Five hypotheses were used to validate the safety counseling guidelines currently operational globally. Bioinformatics analysis of retrieved RdRP sequences was adopted.

Results: All alternate hypotheses were accepted indicating the validity of each of the criterion. Indicators validated included the use of soap (foam) can dissolve the fatty layer of the virus protein coat through regular washing of hands. Heat (high temperature) above 26°C can melt the virus protect as well as hot water. Alkaline water or basic solution with high pH was found to destroy the virus protein coat. Alcohols based sanitizers was also found to dissolve the fat especially the outer lipid layer. High ultra violet light (extinction coefficient) exposures on any object harboring the virus was found to breakdown the viral protein coat while high molecular weight of the coronaviruses confines them to the nose mask or face shield on infected patients. Hence the advocacy for the use of personal protective equipment and the nose mask. The study also validated and revealed that coronavirus strain in Nigeria (MT159778.1) shows a high molecular weight (16289.82g/mol), Total number of negatively charged amino acid residues (11), Total number of positively charged amino acid residues (14), aliphatic index (95.45%), instability index (49.67%), G-C content (38.34%), Half-life (1.2 hrs), alpha helix (49.66%), extinction coefficient (15065m/mol), isoelectric point (8.33) and Hydropathicity (0.106).

Conclusion: These are the validities that constitutes’ the guidance and counseling perspective on the WHO/NCDC issued safety guidelines towards preventing the spread of the COVID – 19 coronaviruses globally.
Early Human Iron Equilibrium: A Review
Authors: Kutty Prameela Kannan
Published: March 2021

The biological equilibrium of iron, a potent, multifunctional micronutrient is a decisive factor in the holistic health of the mother and child. Iron dysequilibrium impairs organ function, effects growth and development and predisposes to a spectrum of disease states. This article revisits the homeostasis of body iron in early life as a sequential continuum from prenatal to early post- natal life ,then reviews, compares and attempts to integrate intra and early extra uterine events related to iron metabolism. The “adaptive evolutionary” mechanisms involved in iron homeostasis in early life such as the transfer of iron from the mother to the feto-placenta unit and from the lactating mammary glands into breastmilk are revisited as both organs support life during dynamic developmental stages of growth and differentiation. The checks and balances of iron metabolism in pregnancy also endow some iron to the feto-placental unit, by actively transporting iron from the mother to the developing fetus. In early postnatal life the mechanisms involved in iron absorption are not yet fully mature, and other sources of iron such as transplacentally transferred iron and the iron stored from hemolysis of the rapidly decreasing red blood cell (RBC) mass contribute to early iron equilibrium. Additionally, although breastmilk is low in iron, the concept of active iron bioavailability in the breastfed infant provides utilizable iron. The lactating mammary glands may adopt unique features of iron metabolism adapted to the individual infant with the iron content in breastmilk largely, but not entirely, independent of maternal iron status. Early physiological iron equilibrium reflects essential homeostatic complexity, highlighting that exogenous iron, when required, must also be weighed for its benefits against its risks, as evident in the cautious homeostasis in our biological systems.
Insulin Resistance in Obese Children and Adolescents in Relation to Breastfeeding Duration
Authors: Emara Mohammed Helmi Mahmoud , Elrifaey Shaymaa Mohamed , Mohamed Wessam Salah , Elsharkawy Ashraf Abd Elmonaem , Erfan Adel Ali
Published: March 2021

Background: Childhood obesity is unarguably a major public health challenge, which is associated with the incidence of many health problems like insulin resistance which is the main trigger of metabolic syndrome, that is characterized by many comorbidities like dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, steatosis and many cardiovascular problems. Breast milk is an essential way for supplying the needed nutrients for infants’ growth and development. The aim of this work was to assess insulin resistance in obese children and adolescents and to detect its relation to duration of breastfeeding.

Methods: This case controlled study was started at June 2018 till July 2020 and carried out on 120 children who were divided into 2 equal groups: Group (1) obese children. Group (2) healthy controls -of matched age and sex- that weren’t obese.

Results: Weight, body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure were significantly higher among obese children than healthy controls. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding duration of breastfeeding. HOMA-IR was higher among obese children who received shorter duration of breastfeeding but without statistically significant difference. There was a significant positive correlation between HOMA-IR of obese children and both of fasting blood glucose and fasting serum insulin levels. While a significant                             negative correlation was observed between HOMA-IR and high density lipoproteins of obese children.

Conclusion: Obese children and adolescents had higher HOMA-IR indices than healthy controls which indicate their predisposition for having insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. HOMA-IR can be used as a useful tool for evaluation of metabolic syndrome risk in obese children as evidenced by the strong correlation between it and other components of metabolic syndrome. No significant relation was found between insulin resistance and breastfeeding duration in obese children and adolescents.
The Effect of Single Bout of Competitive Training on Muscle Damage and Liver Enzymes in University Student Wrestling and Taekwondo Athletes
Authors: Karaman Muhammed Emre , Arslan Cengiz , Kinaci Ayşe Eda
Published: March 2021

Aims: The effects of exercise/training on biochemical parameters may vary according to the characteristics of individuals, physical conditions, duration and intensity of exercise, and different lipid values. The purpose of this study was to investigate the alterations in muscle damage and liver enzyme parameters of male university student wrestling and taekwondo athletes after single bout of competitive training.

Methodology: The participants of the present study, sampled voluntarily. The research sample consists of 6 elite level male wrestlers (age=17.33 ± 0.54) and 6 elite level male taekwondo (age=17.66 ± 0.54) athletes. First of all, blood samples from all athletes were taken to evaluate the pre-test levels of serum AST, ALT and CK. After 15 minutes of warm-up, in accordance with the competition conditions of the relevant sports branch, the match was made in a total of 6 minutes, with appropriate loading intensity and rest interval. After at least 15 minutes of training blood samples were taken again to evaluate the post-test levels of AST, ALT and CK. Serum samples were studied in an auto analyzer.

Results: The results showed that after single bout of competitive training, serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatine kinase (CK)  significantly increased  in both groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion: As a conclusion; acute load of exercise caused an increase in both muscle damage and liver enzyme parameters. When this increase is compared between the two combat sports, it was seen that the parameters of the wrestlers were higher. If these biomarkers increase so much during competition, this will negatively affect the athletic performance of the athletes. In order to prevent this, success can be achieved by ensuring that the athletes are trained sufficiently and prepared for the competition during the pre-competition preparation period.