bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metastatska bolezen hrbtenice
Authors: Mernik David , Ravnik Janez , Petrun Tamara
Published: April 2022

Tumorji hrbtenice so primarni in sekundarni. Hrbtenica je najpogostejše mesto, kjer odkrijemo kostne metastaze. Do kar 70 % bolnikov z neoplazmo razvije metastazo v hrbtenici. Do 10 % bolnikov z neoplazmo utrpi metastatsko kompresijo hrbtenjače. Metastaze so kar 20-krat pogostejša neoplazma hrbtenice kot primarna neoplazma. Zelo pogosto je metastaza v hrbtenici prvi znak bolezni. Klinična slika je pestra in obstajajo različni pristopi k zdravljenju, ki so se precej spremenili v zadnjih letih. Revolucionarni uspeh je zdravljenje z uporabo stereotaktične radioterapije. Zdravljenje metastaz v hrbtenici je zelo pomembno in kompleksno področje, v katerem se prekriva veliko medicinskih strok in zahteva široko znanje in hitro ukrepanje. Pravilno diagnosticiranje in zdravljenje je ključnega pomena za bolnikovo kakovost življenja. Če se ne ta bolezen ne prepozna in se nepravilno ali nepravočasno ukrepa, pa so posledice grozljive.
Oskrba dihalne poti pri otrocih
Authors: Erat Robert , Benedik Janez
Published: April 2022

Dihalna pot pri otrocih se pomembno razlikuje od dihalne poti pri odraslih. Obstajajo anatomske in fiziološke posebnosti, na katere moramo biti posebej pozorni. Na prvem mestu sta dobra anamneza in klinični pregled, s katerima lahko predvidimo možno težko predihavanje z masko ali težave pri intubiranju. Obstajajo številni dejavniki, s pomočjo katerih lahko napovemo možnost težke intubacije, žal pa niso vsi vedno zanesljivi. Za vzpostavitev dihalne poti uporabljamo različne pripomočke, med katerimi ima vsak svoje mesto, svoje pozitivne in svoje negativne lastnosti. Endotrahelni tubus pa je edini pripomoček, ki varuje pred aspiriranjem. Ob težki intubaciji so nam v pomoč algoritmi za hitro in učinkovito reševanje težav. Pri otrocih lahko zaradi večje odzivnosti zgornjih dihal pride do laringospazma, kar je urgentno stanje in lahko hitro vodi v dihalni in celo srčni zastoj.
Application of Bundle Strategy after Ileostomy in Neonatal Nursing
Authors:   Department of Pediatric Surgery,Dongguan Maternity & Child Health Hospital of China, ZHAO Fengli , YU Jiakang ,   Department of Pediatric Surgery,Dongguan Maternity & Child Health Hospital of China, CHEN Shanying , YIN Bingbing , TANG Xiaorong , WU Jingqiu , DUAN Dongmei
Published: April 2022

Objective: To analyze the nursing methods of bundle strategy after neonatal ileostomy. Methods: A total of 40 neonates who received ileostomy in our hospital from July 2020 to November 2021 were selected as study subjects and divided into control group (given routine nursing) and observation group (given bundle nursing under the premise of control group) .The patients were divided into control group (n = 20) and observation group (n = 20) according to random number table. The incidence rate of complications and parents' satisfaction with nursing work were statistically analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results: The complications of stoma prolapse, stoma retraction, stoma edema, para-hernia, fecal dermatitis, etc.in the observation group were less than those in the control group, and the differences had statistical significance (P < 0.05); the total satisfaction rate of nursing care of parents in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, and the differences had statistical significance (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Bundle nursing care of neonates undergoing ileostomy can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and improve parental satisfaction, which is worth adopting.
INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN TEACHING ASTRONO-MY IN PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONS
Authors:   Russian State Vovational-Pedagogical University, Sokolova T.B. , Migacheva G.N.
Published: April 2022

The article is aimed at substantiating the content of practices in the preparation of Bachelors of Vocational Training in the context of practice-oriented, competence and process approaches, taking into account the requirements of educational and professional standards and the need to use digital learning technologies at all stages of training, including conducting practices. A model of organizational and pedagogical conditions for conducting practices is proposed. In the model, the target component, organizational conditions, pedagogical conditions and the effective component are identified as interrelated and interdependent blocks. Each block is disclosed in terms of the tools necessary and sufficient for the practice. As tools for implementing the model, an algorithm was developed, organizational charts made in the ideology of the process approach and digital tools in the form of a theoretical and practical course on the electronic platform of the university.
ON FORMING THE CROSS-CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN THE STUDENTS OF LANGUAGE PROGRAMS AT HIGHER SCHOOL
Authors:   Chelyabinsk State University, Pitina S.A. , Shcherbov A.D. ,   International Institute of Design and Service
Published: April 2022

A topical problem of forming cross-cultural competence when teaching English to higher education students of language programs is discussed It is specified, that the formed cross-cultural competence is the result of efficient cross-cultural communication. The structure of cross-cultural competence is analyzed. Experiences of forming the cross-cultural competence in students of linguistics program 45.03.02 at the International Institute of Design and Service and Kostanay branch of Chelyabinsk State University are described.
The Perspectives of English Teachers Toward Writing Education, as well as the Obstacles they Encounter
Authors: Rashid Md. Harun , Lan Yu , Hui Wang
Published: April 2022

Many ESL teachers find it difficult to build their students’ linguistic competency, which makes teaching one of the most productive talents in the English language. The main objective of the study is to investigate the difficulties that ESL teachers have while attempting to teach writing skills to students in university settings. According to the findings of this study, art faculty professors at the university level are experiencing difficulties. Teachers’ concerns regarding teaching writing skills were gathered using questionnaires, which were administered by the researcher. It was decided to adopt a descriptive approach to report the issues that instructors experienced when teaching writing skills to their students. There were a total of 12 questions on the questionnaire. It was discovered through this investigation that there were some problematic elements, but that there were also some practical remedies that might be implemented. Teacher reflection could be helped by the findings and recommendations of this study, which could also help authorities support teachers’ efforts to improve students’ writing skills.
Inflammatory bowel disease biomarkers of human gut microbiota selected via different feature selection methods
Authors: Bakir-Gungor Burcu , Hacılar Hilal , Jabeer Amhar , Nalbantoglu Ozkan Ufuk , Aran Oya , Yousef Malik
Published: April 2022

The tremendous boost in next generation sequencing and in the “omics” technologies makes it possible to characterize the human gut microbiome—the collective genomes of the microbial community that reside in our gastrointestinal tract. Although some of these microorganisms are considered to be essential regulators of our immune system, the alteration of the complexity and eubiotic state of microbiota might promote autoimmune and inflammatory disorders such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), obesity, and carcinogenesis. IBD, comprising Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a gut-related, multifactorial disease with an unknown etiology. IBD presents defects in the detection and control of the gut microbiota, associated with unbalanced immune reactions, genetic mutations that confer susceptibility to the disease, and complex environmental conditions such as westernized lifestyle. Although some existing studies attempt to unveil the composition and functional capacity of the gut microbiome in relation to IBD diseases, a comprehensive picture of the gut microbiome in IBD patients is far from being complete. Due to the complexity of metagenomic studies, the applications of the state-of-the-art machine learning techniques became popular to address a wide range of questions in the field of metagenomic data analysis. In this regard, using IBD associated metagenomics dataset, this study utilizes both supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms, (i) to generate a classification model that aids IBD diagnosis, (ii) to discover IBD-associated biomarkers, (iii) to discover subgroups of IBD patients using k-means and hierarchical clustering approaches. To deal with the high dimensionality of features, we applied robust feature selection algorithms such as Conditional Mutual Information Maximization (CMIM), Fast Correlation Based Filter (FCBF), min redundancy max relevance (mRMR), Select K Best (SKB), Information Gain (IG) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). In our experiments with 100-fold Monte Carlo cross-validation (MCCV), XGBoost, IG, and SKB methods showed a considerable effect in terms of minimizing the microbiota used for the diagnosis of IBD and thus reducing the cost and time. We observed that compared to Decision Tree, Support Vector Machine, Logitboost, Adaboost, and stacking ensemble classifiers, our Random Forest classifier resulted in better performance measures for the classification of IBD. Our findings revealed potential microbiome-mediated mechanisms of IBD and these findings might be useful for the development of microbiome-based diagnostics.
Do patterns of insect mortality in temperate and tropical zones have broader implications for insect ecology and pest management?
Authors: Pinto José R. L. , Fernandes Odair A. , Higley Leon G. , Peterson Robert K. D.
Published: April 2022

Background

Understanding how biotic and abiotic factors affect insect mortality is crucial for both fundamental knowledge of population ecology and for successful pest management. However, because these factors are difficult to quantify and interpret, patterns and dynamics of insect mortality remain unclear, especially comparative mortality across climate zones. Life table analysis provides robust information for quantifying population mortality and population parameters.

Methods

In this study, we estimated cause-of-death probabilities and irreplaceable mortality (the portion of mortality that cannot be replaced by another cause or combination of causes) using a Multiple Decrement Life Table (MDLT) analysis of 268 insect life tables from 107 peer-reviewed journal articles. In particular, we analyzed insect mortality between temperate and tropical climate zones.

Results

Surprisingly, our results suggest that non-natural enemy factors (abiotic) were the major source of insect mortality in both temperate and tropical zones. In addition, we observed that irreplaceable mortality from predators in tropical zones was 3.7-fold greater than in temperate zones. In contrast, irreplaceable mortality from parasitoids and pathogens was low and not different between temperate and tropical zones. Surprisingly, we did not observe differences in natural enemy and non-natural enemy factors based on whether the insect species was native or non-native. We suggest that characterizing predation should be a high priority in tropical conditions. Furthermore, because mortality from parasitoids was low in both tropical and temperate zones, this mortality needs to be better understood, especially as it relates to biological control and integrated pest management.
Initial Public Offering Analysis on the Financial Performance of Companies in the Philippine Stock Exchange
Authors: Polinar Mark Anthony , Buntigao John Lemuel
Published: April 2022

The initial public offering (IPO) is one of the money-making moves of a company to raise capital and to have more financial liquidity by selling shares of stocks to the public for the first time. This study concentrated on analyzing the effects of the initial public offering on the financial performance of four companies that went public three years before and three years after 2016 listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). The data analysis procedures were accompanied by using the quantitative method that measures the effects of IPO on the financial performance, and t-test statistics are utilized to determine the mean difference between the pre-IPOs and post-IPOs’ financial performance. The results indicated that the Return on Sales, Return on the Total Assets, and Return on Equity, Current Ratio, and Debt-to-Equity caused no significant difference in the financial performance of companies before and after the IPO event. In contrast, the Debt Ratio resulted in a significant difference after the IPO event. Thus, by interpreting the results, the study concluded that the debt ratio of the companies improved after IPO listing and signifies that the companies have more assets than liabilities. The implication of the study to various stakeholders such as policymakers, private companies, retail investors, and future researchers was also provided.
Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge of Teachers and Second Language Learning Motivational Orientation of Students
Authors: Bautista Ed
Published: April 2022

The study aimed to determine teachers' technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge and the second language learning motivational orientation of the College of Teacher Education students of the University of Mindanao. The study used a descriptive correlation research design, wherein survey questionnaires were administered among 300 freshmen students in the College of Teacher Education. The result disclosed that the level of TPACK of the teachers was very high as perceived by the respondents; also, the level of the second language learning motivational orientation of students was very high. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between the teachers' TPACK students’ second language learning motivational orientation. This means that both variables are gauged very high, and there is a correlation between the two variables. This would prompt educational institutions to hire English teachers based not only on their qualification but also on their competency and apt in honing and motivating English learners to master the English language.
Holistic Framework as an Approach towards a Relevant and Responsive Community Extension and Development Program: The Case of Sitio Dipanamianan
Authors: Olila Rowel
Published: April 2022

An integrative, participatory, sustainable, and outcomes-oriented community extension and development activity must have three main elements in the program planning, namely, (1) research, (2) extension activity that focuses on technology dissemination and adoption generated from research findings, and (3) capability building of stakeholders and beneficiaries. Combining all these concepts, the researcher termed these approaches holistic or holistic approaches towards making extension programs relevant and responsive according to the situation and conditions of the community it intends to serve. The research investigated the overall quality of the 5 Year Community Extension and Development Program, the status, and responses of the beneficiaries of the extension program in its adopted community in Sitio Dipanamianan, Brgy. Pingit, Baler, Aurora, Philippines. The researcher used the Community Needs Assessment to describe the beneficiaries’ prevailing conditions and status. The research utilized a mixed-methods research design through the Community Needs Assessment Survey (CNA) and Focus Group Discussion. These were utilized to investigate the participants’ responses, level of participation, and willingness to make the extension activity sustainable and outcomes-oriented. Based on the holistic model, it is found out that the 5 Year Community Extension and Development Program is comprehensive, containing all the principles of the holistic approach. The respondents believed that the holistic approach to extension services is a crucial factor in the sustainability of the program and a high level of participation from the beneficiaries.
Employability of Female Graduates in a Quasi-Military Maritime Higher Education Institution: Towards Gender Equality in the Maritime Industry
Authors: Taberdo Ana Liza , Paraggua Victoria , Alvarez Myrna , Acuavera Ronalyn , Pasa Geraldine
Published: April 2022

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) underscores the value of conducting graduate employability studies in higher education institutions. On the other hand, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) battles for the empowerment of women, notably those who are seafarers assigned to work-aboard inter-ocean ships. The study traces the employment, career path, and relevance of the curriculum and competencies learned in the academy and gender issues experienced by the 26 alumnae of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) who graduated in 2013-2018. The quantitative-descriptive research design was utilized. A researcher-made questionnaire both via Google form and print-out was the main data gathering instrument. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean and Likert scale. Data shows that the female graduates are single, with an OIC license, able to land a job 1-6 months after graduation and mostly working in either an international ocean-going vessel or serving at the Philippine Coast Guard. They also perceive that they have acquired all competencies in PMMA to a great extent which become handy in their respective jobs. Further, they strongly agree that they have acquired work-related values from PMMA and that the curricula at the Academy are relevant. Unfortunately, most of them have experienced gender inequality. The findings imply that even if the alumnae were skilled and had the necessary competencies, gender inequality is still prevalent in the male-dominated industry. The incidence of inequality was mostly experienced in the assignment of tasks and finding a job.
The Impact of Soft Budget Constraint on the Fiscal Co-responsibility of the Autonomous Communities in Spain: The Case of Extraordinary Liquidity Funds (2012-2019)
Authors:   Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Calvo Santiago , Cadaval María ,   Universidad de Santiago de Compostela
Published: April 2022

According to the Second Generation of Theories of Fiscal Federalism, if subcentral governments can increase the level of spending without taking responsibility for the cost due to the existence of a soft budget constraint, incentives are created for financially irresponsible behavior. Since 2012, the central government in Spain has created various funds with the aim of improving the liquidity of the Autonomous Communities, but their design has meant that the latter can obtain resources at little cost. This paper tests the hypothesis under which the regions that have received more extraordinary liquidity funds have had a less prudent fiscal behavior, finding no evidence of it. The level of unemployment, the financial insufficiency and the electoral cycle of the budget are the determining factor in explaining greater non-compliance with deficit and debt targets and higher deficit and debt growth rates.
Managerial Performance in Indonesia: A Bibliography Study
Authors: Sambaka Niki Suci , Lindrianasari . , Komalasari Agrianti
Published: April 2022

Aims: This study aims to describe the development of research on managerial performance and to find out what can affect managerial performance in Indonesia.

Study Design: The method used in this research is the charting the field and analyzing the community methods.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: The sample of this research is 34 articles on managerial performance taken from 18 accredited journals with a period of 20 years (2002 to 2021).

Methodology: This study classifies articles based on research topics, research methods, and research analysis models.

Results: In this study, researchers analyzed 34 articles discussing managerial performance in Indonesia published by 18 accredited journals in Indonesia classified based on research topics, research methods, and research analysis models. Based on the research, the highest sample number of research articles on managerial performance in Indonesia is published by the Accounting Journal (e-JA) Tarumanegara University.

Conclusion: Research topics widely discussed from managerial performance articles published in 18 nationally accredited journals are other topics from managerial performance. These topics use intervening and moderating variables in their research, around 58.82% (20 articles). During the 20 year research period, the most dominant research method used by researchers in Indonesia to examine managerial performance is the survey method, around 94.12% (32 articles) with questionnaires distaibuted either in person or via email. Meanwhile, research using other analytical and literature review methods is only 2.94%. The research analysis model widely used to examine managerial performance in Indonesia is Structural Equation Model (SEM) about 32.35% (11 articles). It is hoped that researchers can increase the number of research samples for further research. Another limitation is the limitation of researchers in analyzing articles using only simple software, namely Microsoft Excel, so that further research is expected to develop research with a more up-to-date approach. Further research is also expected to use more literature review methods which are still rarely done by previous researchers
Investigating Teachers’ Awareness of Gifted Children and Resource Accessibility for their Learning in Tanzania
Authors: Paschal Mahona J.
Published: April 2022

Background: Gifted Children are among learners who have potentials to show a higher performance in comparison with other students in term of skills.

Objectives: This study investigates teachers’ awareness of gifted children and availability of learning resources to meet learning needs of children identified as gifted in public primary schools in Tanzania taking a case of Tabora municipality. The study was guided by the following objectives. To determine the level of teachers’ awareness of gifted children among pupils in government primary school in Tabora. To explore the role of teachers trained in special education in government primary school in Tanzania. To examine strategies used by teachers in teaching gifted children in government primary schools in Tabora.

Materials and Methods: The study employed mixed paradigms. A number of 50 teachers were involved in the study. The study adopted cross-sectional survey methods designs. Data was collected by using questionnaires and interview. Research instruments were piloted validated and reliable; the result showed a C alpha equal to 0.81 which is establishing that research tools are reliable and acceptable to be used in the study. Purposive sampling techniques were used in this study where in-depth interviews were employed. The data were analysed thematically based on the study objective.

Results: results shows that the level of Teachers’ awareness of gifted children and the availability of learning resources among pupils in government primary schools in Tanzania is low.  Furthermore, results from the field revealed that trained teachers play a significant role in the education of gifted children in school contexts; some of their role is to develop teaching and learning resources, creating a warm and conducive classroom, providing guidance and counselling to the learners.  The findings of this study show that the most and well known strategy that teachers use to teach gifted children in primary schools was grouping strategy, enrolling gifted children in to the upper class, use supplementary reading sources to teach the gifted children in their classes, as well as  individualizing teaching strategy in their instructions

Conclusion: Findings revealed that majority of teachers have insufficient awareness about gifted children in public primary schools in Tanzania. The study suggest that in order to develop a clear awareness of gifted children in public primary schools, teachers should be trained in order to teach gifted learners. Professional development for teachers about gifted education should be conducted frequently. Moreover, to enhance effective learning, a teacher requires to significantly recognize with learners’ concerns and try to understand things from the learner’s perspective and choose the suitable way of instruction.
Assessment of Physico-chemical Properties of Tada Shonga Irrigation Scheme Soil
Authors: Adejumobi M. A. , Onofua O. E. , Toyin Y. A.
Published: April 2022

This research was conducted to analyze the soil physico-chemical properties of Shonga Irrigation Scheme to ascertain its suitability for rice production. The study was carried out in the dry season of 2019. Disturbed soil samples were collected from the 0–15 and 15–30 cm soil layers in five identified areas in the irrigation scheme. The samples were sent to the Soil laboratory of the Lower Niger River Basin for physical and chemical analysis. Most of the soils were strongly acidic to moderately acidic with pH values ranging between 4.8 and 5.7. The organic carbon and organic matter ranged from 0.13 to 0.19% and 0.03 and 0.32%, respectively which implies low fertility. Calcium values ranged between 2.1 and 3.75 cmol/kg, with the low values related to the soil pH status. Magnesium values averaged 2.48 and 1.95 cmol/kg in the top and lower soil layers, respectively. Exchangeable Acidity (EA) values ranged between 0.20 and 3.40 cmol/kg in the surface horizon and between 0.2 and 5.4 cmol/kg in the sub-surface horizons. Available phosphorus had an average of 40.05 and 23.14 ppm in the surface and sub surface soil layers, respectively. Analysis of variance techniques was used for significant differences within chemical properties. For all tests, a threshold of P=.05 was used to define statistical significance. Soil pH and available phosphorus were within the recommended land suitability requirement for rice cultivation. Organic carbon, organic matter, calcium and magnesium were not within the recommended range for rice production. Organic carbon and organic matter can be supplied through the incorporation of organic manure.
Anopheles gambiae Larval Development and Toxicity’s Reduction of Conventional Agriculture Insecticides in the Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Tsila Henri Gabriel , Meyabeme Elono Alvine Larissa , Akono Ntonga Patrick , Tchuinkam Timoléon , Mbida Mpoame
Published: April 2022

Background: Vector control of Malaria is mainly made by using impregnated bed nets and insecticides pulverizations indoor or/and outdoor. Besides, appearance and development of resistance’s phenomenon among mosquito populations to insecticides, constitute a significant obstacle this fighting.

Aims: To highlighting a neutralization phenomenon of three insecticides (methyl-parathion, dimethoate and cypermethrin) during development of the Anopheles gambiae s.s. larvae.

Methodology: Two setups followed one after the other were designed. In setup 1, four concentrations (with four replicates each) were freshly prepared and independently received a first batch of 100 first instars An. gambiae s.s. After emergence of adults from this first batch, the same test media were simply filtered and received a second batch of first instars larvae to make setup 2. Three endpoints were measured in this study: the duration of larval phase, the larval mortality, and the size of adults.

Results: The development duration and mortality of larvae decreased significantly at setup 2 with cypermethrin and methyl-parathion. Thus, the duration of larval stage decreased from 10.18 days at setup 1 to 7.84 days at setup 2 for 0.010 µg/l (highest concentration) with cypermethrin and from 10.20 days at setup 1 to 8.27 days at setup 2 for 0.144 µg/l (highest concentration) with methyl-parathion. The larval mortality dropped from 79.32 % at setup 1 to 12.00 % at setup 2 for the highest concentration of cypermethrin and from 76.42 % at setup 1 to 12.50 % at setup 2 for the highest concentration of methyl-parathion. While adults size significantly increased in setup 2. For males, wing’s length increased from 3.28 mm at setup 1 to 3.49 mm at setup 2 for the highest concentration of cypermethrin, from 3.31 mm at setup 1 to 3.49 mm at setup 2 for the highest concentration of methyl-parathion. In female, wing’s length increased from 3.52 mm at setup 1 to 3.68 mm at setup 2 for the highest concentration of cypermethrin, from 3.49 mm at setup 1 to 3.68 mm at setup 2 for the highest concentration of methyl-parathion.

Conclusion: This work shows that mosquito larvae, especially An. gambiae are able to modify breeding medium to improve its fitness during their development.
Prevalence of Overnutrition using Body Mass Index in Comparison with Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis among Children and Adolescents in Benin, Nigeria
Authors: Sylvester Oriaifo , O. Abiodun, Philip , Oyovwikigho Atimati, Anthony , Damian Nwaneri,
Published: April 2022

Aim: To compare the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school children in Egor Local Government Area (LGA) using body mass index (BMI) and bioelectricial impedance analysis (BIA) and determine the ability of body mass index (BMI)  to predict body fat mass as measured by bioelectricial impedance analysis (BIA).

Study Design:  This was a cross sectional study conducted in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State of Nigeria with1067 children aged 6-18 years recruited from private and public schools. Body mass index was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters while Body fat was estimated by BIA using a Tanita scale.

Place and Duration of Study: The study took place in selected private and public primary/secondary schools in Egor LGA of Edo State. The study was conducted over a three-month period from October to December 2017.

Methodology: Using multi-stage sampling technique,1067 children aged 6-18 years were recruited from private and public schools in Egor Local Government Area in Benin City, Nigeria. Body fat was estimated by BIA using a Tanita scale, whereas BMI was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.  

Results: A total of 1067 pupils consisting of 538 (50.4%) males and 529 (49.6%) females were recruited. The overall prevalence of overnutrition by BMI, 13.4% (overweight 9.6% and obesity 3.8%) was comparable to that by BIA which was 12.4% (overweight 5.4% and obesity 6.9%). BMI showed a strong positive correlation with fat mass, and fat mass index especially in females (0.917, 0.907, p < 0.000). 

Conclusion: The prevalence of overnutrition using BMI and BIA was comparable. The prevalence of obesity is however underestimated with BMI.
Influence of Zinc and Spacing on Growth and Yield Traits of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)
Authors: Santhosh Kumar Basineni , Umesha C.
Published: April 2022

During Summer (zaid) of 2021, the current study conducted at CRF (Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj, (U.P). The experiment used a RBD (Randomized Block Design) with 3 replications. There are 9 treatments used, each with distinct levels of spacing and Zinc applied.  The agricultural field was found to be uniformly sandy loam with neutral pH (7.4). The treatments consisted of Zinc levels at 10 kg/ha, 12.5 kg/ha and 15 kg/ha and spacing at 25 × 10, 30 × 10 and 35 × 10 whose effect is observed in Groundnut (Var – K6). The treatment 6 with (Zn 15 kg/ha + 30×10) recorded significantly maximum in plant height (40.36 cm), number of nodules/plant (49.43), plant dry weight (21.88 g). The treatment 6 with (Zn 15 kg/ha + 30×10) also recorded significantly higher in yield attributes viz., pods/pant (27.72), kernels/pod (1.92) and seed index (100 seed weight) (39.21 g), pod yield (2773.30 kg/ha), seed yield (1494.67 kg/ha), Haulm yield (5907.67 kg/ha), harvest index (20.18%), oil content (48.26%). The treatment 6 with (Zn 15 kg/ha + 30×10) also recorded significantly the maximum cost of cultivation (50,449.50 INR/ha), gross return (119218.55 INR/ha), net return (68769.05 INR/ha) and B: C ratio (1.36).
Risk Factors Associated with Occupational Injuries Among Motor Vehicle Repair Workers: A Case Study of Kigandaini Juakali Sector Thika, Kenya
Authors: Njoroge Harrison Chege , Odongo Alfred Owino , Karenga Samuel M. , Maureen Koech J. , Willy Kipyegon
Published: April 2022

Aim: The study aimed to determine the associated factors for occupational injuries at Kigandaini Juakali sector, Thika town, Kenya

Method: An occupational injury refers to a physical injury that a worker encounters while working, they include body cuts, burns, body punctures, and body abrasions. An analytical cross-sectional study design was applied. A stratified random sampling method was applied to recruit 260 respondents. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques of data collection were applied, whereby a semi-structured questionnaire, KII, and FGDs were used to collect data. To enhance data quality, Cronbach’s alpha was applied for quantitative data while word cloud was used for qualitative data. Chi-square and logistic regression were applied to determine the degree of association between occupational injuries and associated risk factors.

Results: The annual prevalence rate of work-related injuries was (43.5%) and (39.8%) for the past two weeks. Body cuts at 78.8%  were the most reported injuries. PPEs in suitable working condition (OR=39, 95%CI=12.73-119.66), whether PPEs were worn properly (OR=59, 95%CI=16.94-209.84), provision of occupational health and safety information (OR=2.5, 95%CI=1.23-5.28), Use of PPEs (OR=8.1, 95%CI=0.037-0.42), presence of safety information boards(OR=3, 95%CI=1.08-8.08) reduced the odds of work-related injuries while poor working condition (OR=2.5, 95%CI=0.19-0.85) increased the odds of having a work-related injury.

Conclusion: The study reported a high prevalence of occupational injuries among motor vehicle repair workers.  Poor working conditions increased the odds of having an occupational injury while the provision of occupational safety information, presence of safety boards, proper wearing of protective gears, use of full protective gears, use of protective gears in good working condition, and good perception on mandatory use PPEs reduced the odds of having an occupational injury. There is need to safeguard the necessary safety measure which will result to a safer working environment.
Evaluation of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in ‎Axial High Myopic Patients after Uncomplicated Phacoemulsification
Authors: Fadda Ahmed Awad , Shalaby Said Mohammad , Seht Rabab Mohamed El , Khater Mohamed Mostafa
Published: April 2022

Background: ‎On examining the RNFL thickness by OCT, the media opacity caused ‎by cataract will increase light scattering

and absorption, so the RNFL thickness measurement can be increased after uncomplicated cataract surgery also, inflammatory reaction by mechanical injury of phacoemulsification ‎surgery, traction reaction of optic nerve head induced by parts of vitreous liquefaction in ultrasonic emulsification process, with the addition of optic ‎neuropathy from ultrasonic energy. For all above, these factors could increase NFL thickness.‎

Aim: Evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in axial high myopic ‎patients after uncomplicated phacoemulsification.‎

Patients and Methods: Our patients collected from outpatient clinic of Ophthalmology ‎department; Tanta University and outpatient clinic at Ophthalmology ‎department of Matarya Teaching Hospital during the period from December 2019 to June 2020 and extended to December 2020 due to Covid_19 ‎pandemic.‎

‎Results: This study including 20 eyes of high axial myopic  cataracts patients (group Ⅰ) and 10 eyes of normal cataracts patients (group II)  from which age range between (50-70) years old , males were (30%) and females were (70%) in group Ⅰand males (50%) were equal to female (50%) in group II.

Conclusion: There is a significant increase in thickness of peripapillary RNFL measured by OCT after 1 week of uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery. ‎This increase in thickness occurs as the media opacity caused by cataracts increases the light scattering and absorption thus affects the quality ‎of measurements which improves after cataract extraction.‎
Role of Diffusion Weighted Magentic Resonance Imaging in Evaluation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Post Chemoembolization
Authors: Ali Moustafa Ahmed Hassan , Mohammed Saleh Hanan Ahmad Nagy , Teama Atef Hammad
Published: April 2022

Background:  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common type of cancer in the world and the third most prevalent frequent death reason in patients who suffers from malignant tumors. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) is a method for measurement of  the water movement within tissues. Tumors that are viable have a high cellularity, and the cells' membranes are intact which water molecules' mobility is restricted, leading to a small ADC. But from the other hand, necrosis increases the permeability of the cell of the membrane, permitting water molecules to circulate freely and resulting in an elevation in the ADC's relative value. This study aimed to describe the use of diffusion weighted MRI to evaluate hepatocellular carcinoma in the setting of trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods: This study was carried out on 30 patient (males: 22, eight females) aged 42 to 75 years with biopsy-proven HCC, candidate for trans arterial hepatic chemoembolization as a plan of treatment. They were referred from Oncology Department to MRI unit in radiology department over a period of 1 year starting in June 2018 to June 2019.

Results: According to diffusion weighted Imaging (DWIs) and ADC values, there were 4 TP (13.33%), 22 TN (73.33%), 2 FP (6.66%) and 2 FN (6.66%) studies. The P-value by Fisher’s Exact was <0.05 denoting agreement between the DWI and ADC findings and the standard of references. Regarding the false negative studies by diffusion MRI, On diffusion images, there was a loss of signal or a mild sustained hyperintensity with a bright ADC map, so it was considered as well ablated lesion. Follow up triphasic CT or dynamic MRI after 3-6 months shows lesion enhancement at arterial phase and wash out at both venous and delayed phases with restricted diffusion. The optimal cutoff value for sensitivity and specificity is 1.069; at this ADC value, the sensitivity is 66.66 percent and the specificity is 91.66 percent.

Conclusions: ADC obtained from diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging has developed into a a useful biomarker for the response of tumours to therapy.  Analysis of the ADC value is helpful in detecting the presence of residuals in non-successfully ablated lesions.
Recent insights into the structure and function of coronavirus ribonucleases
Authors: Frazier Meredith N. , Riccio Amanda A. , Wilson Isha M. , Copeland William C. , Stanley Robin E.
Published: April 2022

Coronaviruses use approximately two‐thirds of their 30‐kb genomes to encode nonstructural proteins (nsps) with diverse functions that assist in viral replication and transcription, and evasion of the host immune response. The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic has led to renewed interest in the molecular mechanisms used by coronaviruses to infect cells and replicate. Among the 16 Nsps involved in replication and transcription, coronaviruses encode two ribonucleases that process the viral RNA—an exonuclease (Nsp14) and an endonuclease (Nsp15). In this review, we discuss recent structural and biochemical studies of these nucleases and the implications for drug discovery.
A feasibility study of a modified treatment strategy combined external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy for cervical cancer
Authors: Fu Qi , Li Wei , Zuo Jing , Yang Xi , Xu Yingjie , Huang Manni , An Jusheng , Jia Shuangzheng , Wu Lingying
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of a modified treatment strategy combined external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy (BT) for cervical cancer through a dosimetry analysis.

Material and methods

This study retrospectively selected 12 cervical cancer patients treated with the conventional treatment strategy, which consisted of 45─50 Gy/25 fractions of EBRT using volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and image‐guided BT with a fraction dose of 5─7 Gy. The modified treatment strategy decreased the central EBRT dose while increasing the number of BT fractions. New target volumes were additionally contoured, and new VMAT EBRT plans were generated for the modified treatment strategy. The dosimetric parameters for evaluation included the doses to the most irradiated 2 cc (D2cc) of the organs at risk (OARs) and doses to at least 90% (D90) of the gross tumor volume (GTV) and high‐risk clinical target volume (HR‐CTV). The total doses to OARs and targets obtained by adding the equivalent doses in 2 Gy fraction (EQD2) from the EBRT and BT plans were used for quantitative comparison between the modified and conventional treatment strategies.

Results

Comparison to the conventional treatment strategy, the modified treatment strategy resulted in a higher bladder D2cc, a slightly lower rectal D2cc and a similar HR‐CTV D90, all with no significant differences (p > 0.05). The GTV D90 of the modified treatment strategy was significantly higher than that of the conventional treatment strategy (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The modified treatment strategy can significantly increase the BT dose while remaining the total doses to the bladder and rectum basically unchanged, demonstrating its feasibility and promising prospect in clinical use.
Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of 2219 Aluminum Alloy Deposited by Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Jin Peng , Ren Huisheng , Liu Yibo , Sun Qingjie
Published: April 2022

Thin‐walled specimens of 2219 aluminum alloy are fabricated at different deposition speeds using the wire + arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) method. The effects of deposition speed on the microstructure, growth rate of columnar grains, and tensile strength of WAAM‐printed Al–Cu alloys are investigated. The fraction of columnar grains decreases from 86.7% to 12.2%, and the average grain size decreases from 147 to 65.3 μm as the deposition speed increased. Also, the fraction of θ phase gradually decreases as the deposition speed increased. Specifically, the growth rate of columnar grains varies from 1.02 × 10−3 to 2.05 × 10−3 m s−1, which possesses two orders of magnitude higher than the growth rate of equiaxed grains. With increasing the loading stress, the cracks first form on the dendritic θ phases located at the grain boundaries, reducing the effective loading area. With the deposition speed increased, the typical dimple‐like structures are presented at the fracture surfaces, attributing to a decrease in Cu content at the grain boundaries and the producing of the spot‐like θ phase inside the matrix. The specimen with a deposition speed of 250 mm min−1 possesses a tensile strength around 274 MPa, and the corresponding elongation reaches to 12.6%.
Dirac Fermion Cloning, Moiré Flat Bands, and Magic Lattice Constants in Epitaxial Monolayer Graphene
Authors: Lu Qiangsheng , Le Congcong , Zhang Xiaoqian , Cook Jacob , He Xiaoqing , Zarenia Mohammad , Vaninger Mitchel , Miceli Paul F. , Singh David J. , Liu Chang , Qin Hailang , Chiang Tai‐Chang , Chiu Ching‐Kai , Vignale Giovanni , Bian Guang
Published: April 2022

Tuning interactions between Dirac states in graphene has attracted enormous interest because it can modify the electronic spectrum of the 2D material, enhance electron correlations, and give rise to novel condensed‐matter phases such as superconductors, Mott insulators, Wigner crystals, and quantum anomalous Hall insulators. Previous works predominantly focus on the flat band dispersion of coupled Dirac states from different twisted graphene layers. In this work, a new route to realizing flat band physics in monolayer graphene under a periodic modulation from substrates is proposed. Graphene/SiC heterostructure is taken as a prototypical example and it is demonstrated experimentally that the substrate modulation leads to Dirac fermion cloning and, consequently, the proximity of the two Dirac cones of monolayer graphene in momentum space. Theoretical modeling captures the cloning mechanism of the Dirac states and indicates that moiré flat bands can emerge at certain magic lattice constants of the substrate, specifically when the period of modulation becomes nearly commensurate with the supercell of graphene. The results show that epitaxial single monolayer graphene on suitable substrates is a promising platform for exploring exotic many‐body quantum phases arising from interactions between Dirac electrons.
Self‐Powered Active Sensing Based on Triboelectric Generators
Authors: Khandelwal Gaurav , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: April 2022

The demand for portable and wearable chemical or biosensors and their expeditious development in recent years has created a scientific challenge in terms of their continuous powering. As a result, mechanical energy harvesters such as piezoelectric and triboelectric generators (TEGs) have been explored recently either as sensors or harvesters to store charge in small, but long‐life, energy‐storage devices to power the sensors. The use of energy harvesters as sensors is particularly interesting, as with such multifunctional operations it is possible to reduce the number devices needed in a system, which also helps overcome the integration complexities. In this regard, TEGs are promising, particularly for energy autonomous chemical and biological sensors, as they can be developed with a wide variety of materials, and their mechanical energy to electricity conversion can be modulated by various analytes. This review focuses on this interesting dimension of TEGs and presents various self‐powered active chemical and biological sensors. A brief discussion about the development of TEG‐based physical, magnetic, and optical sensors is also included. The influence of environmental factors, various figures of merit, and the significance of TEG design are explained in context with the active sensing. Finally, the key applications, challenges, and future perspective of chemical and biological detection via TEGs are discussed with a view to drive further advances in the field of self‐powered sensors.
Preparation of Amorphous SnO2‐Encapsulated Multiphased Crystalline Cu Heterostructures for Highly Efficient CO2 Reduction
Authors: Yin Peng‐Fei , Fu Jiaju , Yun Qinbai , Chen Bo , Liu Guigao , Li Lujiang , Huang Zhiqi , Ge Yiyao , Zhang Hua
Published: April 2022

Controlling the architectures and crystal phases of metal@semiconductor heterostructures is very important for modulating their physicochemical properties and enhancing their application performances. Here, a facile one‐pot wet‐chemical method to synthesize three types of amorphous SnO2‐encapsulated crystalline Cu heterostructures, i.e., hemicapsule, yolk–shell, and core–shell nanostructures, in which unconventional crystal phases (e.g., 2H, 4H, and 6H) and defects (e.g., stacking faults and twin boundaries) are observed in the crystalline Cu cores, is reported. The hemicapsule Cu@SnO2 heterostructures, with voids that not only expose the Cu core with unconventional phases but also retain the interface between Cu and SnO2, show an excellent electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) selectivity toward the production of CO and formate with high Faradaic efficiency (FE) above 90% in a wide potential window from −1.05 to −1.55 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)), and the highest FE of CO2RR (95.3%) is obtained at −1.45 V (vs RHE). This work opens up a new way for the synthesis of new heterostructured nanomaterials with promising catalytic application.