bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Touching to Transgress and Transgressing to Touch
Authors: Roy Sneha
Published: August 2022

Dalit feminist poet and author Meena Kandasamy's poetry collections Touch (2006) and Ms. Militancy (2010) are daring explorations of how the flesh can inscribe its desires in all of its impulsive and unhindered spontaneity in the text – tender and violent at the same time, with the text treading across wired fences of gendered and segregated spaces only to return back to the flesh. This chapter acknowledges Sangari and Vaid's sociological insight into how women's sexuality has served as a pivotal gateway for the maintenance of caste-based and sex-based inequalities and attempts to critically explore the pathway Kandasamy cuts to overturn the Dalit female body's very trajectory of “utility” in a society obsessed with purity and patriarchal hegemony. Locating Kandasamy in the socio-political matrix to read her poetry, an inter-disciplinary approach is adopted in scrutinizing the need to study the language she uses in her poetry, taking into purview its apparently “sexually provocative” content and its maneuverings around the notion of “touch” in the text.
Gender Roles Portrayed in A Room of One's Own and Orlando
Authors: Naha Antara
Published: August 2022

Virginia Woolf has raised her voice through her works on the challenges of women and freedom of thought. This chapter focuses on the gender roles as portrayed in the works of Virginia Woolf, focusing on A Room of One's Own and Orlando. She states through A Room of One's Own that the strongest creative minds are the ones with the balance between masculine and feminine components, and through Orlando, she presents the idea of gender through an androgynous view, using a character who changes genders in their lifetime of 300 years. The theoretical focus of the chapter will be through Judith Butler's theory on gender, which relies on the action of gender interconnected with the identity of the person. The chapter will aim to present the idea of gender representation through a broader view for achieving wider acceptance for different gender identities.
Reading Ishmat Chughtai's “Lihaaf” From the Perspective of Alternative Sexuality
Authors: Bora Ashmita
Published: August 2022

Gender binary is a concept that is deeply entrenched into the Indian way of thought throughout generations. Analyzing Indian life and relationships through history, we would arrive at an understanding that heterosexuality has come down to become the preferred sexual orientation, and heterosexual relations are seen as not only the traditional way of life, but at the same time is considered the only normative way. In the Indian context, the idea of sexuality has been framed over a period of eras, out of traditions and a belief structure of society that has come into contact with forces like modernization, colonization, and globalization. This chapter attempts to raise queries about the nature of sexuality in relation to portrayal of queer relationship and traces the individual's search for alternative sexuality in Ishmat Chughtai's Lihaaf, which is a pioneering work in representation of homosexuality. The chapter also deals with questions raised in relation to sexual orientation, gender crisis, and desired sex.
An Approach to Measure Tool Wear through Image Processing in Incremental Sheet Metal Forming
Authors: Oraon Manish
Published: August 2022

The Incremental sheet metal forming (ISF) is come into the light due to its unique forming technique. In ISF, the metal sheets are transformed into the final product without using dedicated died. The plastic deformation of metal sheets is conducted through a simple forming tool. Its processing time resembles that the ISF is suitable for the formation of customized products, prototypes, and low volume production. Tool life in manufacturing processes is an important consideration for productivity. The present study is an approach to use image processing techniques to measure the exact location and amount of tool wear in the ISF tool which is made of 440C steel. Presently the complex histogram plot is under study. Therefore to predict the tool wear, feed-forward backpropagation (FFB) algorithm is utilized. It is reported that the maximum predicted tool wear of 0.0663mm is found in the trail run 05 with an error of 0.0104mm. The best-fitted value of the FFB model is observed at the epoch 05 with the value of 5.922e-005. The overall coefficient of performance i.e. R2 of FFB modeling is reported as 90.52 % with the mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0042 which shows a good agreement of the prediction model.
Electrochemical Sensor Applications of Nanoparticle Modified Carbon Paste Electrodes to Detect Various Neurotransmitters: A Review
Authors: Mahale Rayappa Shrinivas , Shamanth Vasantha Kumar , Hemanth Krishna , Shashanka Rajendrachari , Sharath P.C. , Sreekanth N.V.
Published: August 2022

Neurotransmitters are synapses transmitting messengers that are vital towards human wellness. Any abnormality in their behaviour can lead to huge psychological ailments such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Schizophrenia. During diagnosing and assessing mental diseases, it is critical to discover distinct measures of different neurotransmitters present. A combination of nanomaterials, proteins, and polymers are employed to create suitable detecting and sensing component systems. Electrochemical detection has been widely employed for in-vivo detection, with FSCV emerging as the most promising technology to date due to advantages such as high sensitivities, simple device structure, and facile downsizing. Excessive background noise and signal, restricted target selectivity, declination with time, and the device fouling are all issues that in-vivo electrochemical neurotransmitter indications encounter. Nanomaterials have sparked a tremendous focus in recent years owing to their diverse properties. CPEs are amongst the safest and most ecologically beneficial electrodes with a vast scope of applications due to their incredibly simple and rapid manufacturing method, lower back - ground current, relatively inexpensive, adaptability to numerous modifiers and modifying techniques, so on and so forth.
Optical phase contrast microscopy in reporting anisopoikilocytosis in stained blood smears; a pilot study
Authors: Wickramaratne K. A. C. , Mannapperuma S. L.N. A. , Wijewickrama D. C.
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Conventionally, to examine stained blood smears, bright field microscope (BFM) is used. Appreciation of outlines and three-dimensional images of cells is possible with optical phase contrast microscope (OPCM) in wet smears Methods: This study was performed to determine applicability of OPCM in reporting anisopoikilocytosis in stained blood smears. Leishman-stained blood smears were assessed using bright field microscope (BFM) and OPCM and findings related to anisopoikilocytosis were compared with corresponding red cell indices (RI) of complete blood count. Results: There were 25 and 24 samples with normal and abnormal RI respectively. Mean anisopoikilocytosis percentage of both groups reported with OPCM were significantly higher than those of BFM. Anisopoikilocytosis percentage reported with BFM and OPCM were significantly positively correlated. Mean corpuscular volume and microcyte percentage and mean corpuscular haemoglobin and hypochromic cell percentage were significantly negatively correlated (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Optical phase contrast microscopy could significantly improve quantification and reporting of anisopoikilocytosis in stained blood smears.
Review, change and innovation towards better patient care; lessons through thyroid disease
Authors: Goonesinghe Satish K. , Waidyarathne Eisha I.
Published: August 2022

No abstract available
A review of surgical management of retrosternal goitre in a single tertiary care referral centre in Sri Lanka
Authors: De Silva S. , Niyaz I. , Udupihilla J. , Siththique F. , Darmapala A. D. , Galketiya K. B.
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Retrosternal goitres require surgical removal due to compressive symptoms as well as risk of malignancy. In a majority, the retrosternal part can be removed through the neck incision, while 5-10% requiring a sternotomy. An alternative to sternotomy is thoracoscopy, which is associated with reduced morbidity. Methods: The surgical approach used to resect retrosternal goiters in our unit over a period of two years was evaluated. Results: In fifty four patients out of sixty (90%) with retrosternal extension, resection was feasible from neck. Out of the remaining six, two had median sternotomy while four had thoracoscopy. The operating time, blood loss, post-operative analgesic requirement and hospital stay were less in the thoracoscopy group. Conclusions: Majority of retrosternal goitres can be removed via neck. For those who require access in to chest, thoracoscopy is associated with reduced morbidity and hospital stay, when compared to median sternotomy.
Malignant sigmoid colon tumour causing a large bowel obstruction in a morgagni hernia: an unusual presentation in an elderly lady
Authors: Caunter G. M.
Published: August 2022

No abstract available
The pulsatile bulge on the oesophagus: rare cause for hematemesis
Authors: Vinojan S. , Mathievaanan S. , Giridaran S. , Karunarasan D. , Ratnajothy S.
Published: August 2022

No abstract available
Healthy lifestyles in childhood cancer survivors in South Korea: a comparison between reports from children and their parents
Authors: Kang Kyung-Ah , Kim Shin-Jeong , Song Inhye
Published: August 2022

Purpose: This study investigated childhood cancer survivors' behavior related to a healthy lifestyle during their survival period by comparing reports between childhood cancer survivors and their parents.Methods: In this comparative descriptive study, a survey was conducted with a 33-item questionnaire and one open-ended question about areas for improvement. The participants comprised 69 childhood cancer survivors and 69 of their parents, for a total of 138.Results: The total mean healthy lifestyle score, on a 4-point Likert scale, reported by childhood cancer survivors was 2.97, while that reported by their parents was 3.03. No significant differences in children's healthy lifestyles were found between childhood cancer survivors' and their parents' reports (t=0.86, p=.390). For the open-ended question, the main keywords based on the results of degree and eigenvector centrality were "exercise", "unbalanced diet", and "food". These keywords were present in both the children's and parents' responses.Conclusion: Obtaining information on childhood cancer survivors' healthy lifestyles based on reports from themselves and their parents provides meaningful insights into the improvement of health care management. The results of this study may be used to develop and plan healthy lifestyle standards to meet childhood cancer survivors' needs.
Awareness, Knowledge and Attitude of Teledentistry among Dentists in Kanchipuram District – A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Kamalakannan R , Nagappan C , Krishnaveni M , Prasad Arun , Kumar S Vinoth , Mahesh J
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

A highly infectious and life-threatening novel coronavirus Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) has been spreading worldwide, causing severe medical complications and practising dentistry is becoming difficult. To reduce the risk of spread of coronavirus infection between dentist and patient, teledentistry, an innovative digital tool, has the potential to reach patients straightforward without direct contact.

Materials and Methods:

A self-structured standard questionnaire was framed and distributed among dentists from July 2021 to August 2021. The survey consisted of 15 closed-ended and multiple-choice questions related to awareness, knowledge and attitude of teledentistry during this COVID 19 pandemic. After proper validation of the questionnaire from the experts and evaluating reliability, the survey was conducted by forwarding the link of the Google Form through social media. Totally 520 participants responded to the survey. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software version 21. All statistical analyses were carried out at a significance level of P < 0.05. The descriptive data were analysed and compared using the Chi-square test.

Results:

Among specialists, general practitioners, postgraduate students and undergraduate students, specialists have better awareness, knowledge and attitude of teledentistry. Almost all participants have 50% knowledge about teledentistry and have a high (80%) attitude towards teledentistry.

Conclusion:

From this study, it is clearly understood that it is high time to increase the use of teledentistry practice by spreading knowledge among dentists and dental students. It is potentially an innovative digital tool in this new era of dentistry. It is an effective tool not only in the current pandemic situation but also in emergencies. Thus, teledentistry is a satisfied boon in the field of dentistry through the use of digital technology.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunctions Due to Mask among Quarantined Health-Care Professionals During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Phulsunga Rohit Kumar , Kumar Sunil , Surana Avinash , Gupta Vikas
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

The most effective preventive measures against COVID-19 among health-care personnel (HCP) are personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene. The documented side effects of continuous use of mask or PPE are dermatitis, but side effects on the Eustachian tube are untouched areas. The aim of this study was to investigate the Eustachian tube dysfunctions among HCP due to the continuous use of masks.

Materials and Methods:

This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 217 eligible HCP. The sample size was calculated as 97, considering the unknown prevalence of Eustachian tube dysfunctions among HCP (50%), so all HCP were included in the study. A structured questionnaire with close-ended responses was developed to collect study participants' responses.

Results:

Out of 217 participants, only 207 participants provided their written consent after understanding the study objectives and 206 were included in the analysis as one subject has pre-existing ear disease. The daily hours of mask usage among 52.4% of participants were between 4 and 8 h. About 2.6% of doctors experienced severe pain and pressure in the ear. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Patient Questionnaire-7 score was significantly higher among females and masked usage of four or more hours (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The present study revealed that 42.3% of participants had Eustachian tube dysfunctions. The study findings might help local administration to provide practical recommendations for medical workers prior head supported masks instead of ear-supported masks, use of ear protectors.
Haematological manifestations in primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Kır Seher , Polat Cafer
Published: August 2022

Background & objectives

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder caused by the elevated secretion of the parathormone (PTH). The aim of this study was to evaluate the haematological manifestations of PHPT in patients with normal renal functions who were treated surgically for parathyroid adenomas.

Methods

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 134 patients with normal renal functions who underwent parathyroidectomies for PHPT were included. The haematological manifestations were evaluated in the total study cohort and in the two groups of different calcium (Ca) levels (Group 1 ≤11.2 mg/dl and Group 2 >11.2 mg/dl).

Results

The overall prevalence of anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia was 20.1, 6.7 and 6.0 per cent, respectively. Normocytic anaemia was present in 19 (14.2%) patients. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia between the two groups. There were no correlations between the PTH levels and the leukocyte, haemoglobin or platelet values. Six to 12 months after the parathyroidectomy (PTX), 35.7 per cent of the patients with anaemia, 85.7 per cent of the patients with leucopenia and 100 per cent of the patients with thrombocytopenia had recovered.

Interpretation & conclusions

In the present study, anaemia was seen with a variable frequency in PHPT, but there was no relationship between anaemia and high PTH or Ca levels. The development of anaemia can be seen regardless of the PTH levels in PHPT patients with normal renal functions. High-resolution rates after PTX indicate a possible association between PHPT and thrombocytopenia or leucopenia, although their prevalence is low in PHPT.
Carbohydrate profiling & glycaemic indices of selected traditional Indian foods
Authors: Shobana Shanmugam , Geetha Gunasekaran , Bai Mookambika Ramya , Vijayalakshmi Parthasarathy , Gayathri Rajagopal , Lakshmipriya Nagarajan , Unnikrishnan Ranjit , Anjana Ranjit Mohan , Malleshi Nagappa Gurusidappa , Krishnaswamy Kamala , Henry C.J.K. , Mohan Viswanathan , Sudha Vasudevan
Published: August 2022

Background & objectives

Consumption of high glycaemic index (GI) food is associated with a high risk for diabetes. There is a felt need to understand the GI of common Indian traditional foods using standard GI protocols. The present study was aimed to analyse the carbohydrate profile of common traditional Indian food preparation and to determine their GI using standardized protocols.

Methods

Twelve food preparations made of millets, wheat, maize and pulses were evaluated for nutrient composition including detailed carbohydrate profiling and tested for GI in healthy volunteers using standard methodology. Capillary blood glucose responses for the test foods containing 50 g available carbohydrates were recorded and compared to the reference food (50 g glucose). GI was calculated from the incremental area under the curve (IUAC) for the test and reference foods.

Results

Available carbohydrate content of the food preparations ranged between 13.6 and 49.4 g per cent. Maize roti showed the highest total dietary fibre (7.5 g%). White chick pea ‘sundal’ showed highest resistant starch content (3.95 g%). Amongst the 12 test foods, five fell in the high GI category (finger millet balls, sorghum, pearl millet and maize roti), four in the medium GI category (sorghum idli, wheat dosa, methi roti and adai) and three in the low GI category (broken wheat upma, white peas sundal and white chick peas sundal).

Interpretation & conclusions

Merely being a whole grain-based food does not qualify for a lower GI. The method of processing, food structural integrity and preparation could influence the GI. The type and quality of fibre are important than the quantity of fibre alone. Judicious planning of accompaniments using low GI legumes may favourably modify the glycaemic response to high GI foods in a meal.
Peripheral lymphocyte subset alteration in patients with COVID-19 having differential clinical manifestations
Authors: Tripathy Anuradha S. , Trimbake Diptee , Suryawanshi Poonam V. , Tripathy Srikanth P. , Gurav Yogesh K. , Potdar Varsha A. , Chaudhary Manohar L. , Athavale Prachi , Mokashi Nitin D. , Patsute Sudhir D. , Kakrani Arjun L. , Abraham Priya
Published: August 2022

Background & objectives

The COVID-19 disease profile in Indian patients has been found to be different from the Western world. Changes in lymphocyte compartment have been correlated with disease course, illness severity and clinical outcome. This study was aimed to assess the peripheral lymphocyte phenotype and subset distribution in patients with COVID-19 disease from India with differential clinical manifestations.

Methods

Percentages of peripheral lymphocyte subsets were measured by flow cytometry in hospitalized asymptomatic (n=53), mild symptomatic (n=36), moderate and severe (n=30) patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, recovered individuals (n=40) and uninfected controls (n=56) from Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Results

Percentages of CD4+Th cells were significantly high in asymptomatic, mild symptomatic, moderate and severe patients and recovered individuals compared to controls. Percentages of Th memory (CD3+CD4+CD45RO+), Tc memory (CD3+CD8+CD45RO+) and B memory (CD19+CD27+) cells were significantly higher in the recovered group compared to both asymptomatic, mild symptomatic patient and uninfected control groups. NK cell (CD56+CD3-) percentages were comparable among moderate +severe patient and uninfected control groups.

Interpretation & conclusions

The observed lower CD4+Th cells in moderate+severe group requiring oxygen support compared to asymptomatic+mild symptomatic group not requiring oxygen support could be indicative of poor prognosis. Higher Th memory, Tc memory and B memory cells in the recovered group compared to mild symptomatic patient groups might be markers of recovery from mild infection; however, it remains to be established if the persistence of any of these cells could be considered as a correlate of protection.
Safety & effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines
Authors: Chirico Francesco , Silva Jaime A. Teixeira da , Tsigaris Panagiotis , Sharun Khan
Published: August 2022

There are currently eight vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 that have received Emergency Use Authorization by the WHO that can offer some protection to the world’s population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though research is being published all over the world, public health officials, policymakers and governments are collecting evidence-based information to establish the public health policies. Unfortunately, continued international travel, violations of lockdowns and social distancing, the lack of mask use, the emergence of mutant strains of the virus and lower adherence by a sector of the global population that remains sceptical of the protection offered by vaccines, or about any risks associated with vaccines, hamper these efforts. Here we examine the literature on the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines, with an emphasis on select categories of individuals and against new SARS-CoV-2 strains. The literature shows that these eight vaccines are highly effective in protecting the population from severe disease and death, but there are some issues concerning safety and adverse effects. Further, booster shots and variant-specific vaccines would also be required.
NDM-beta-lactamase-1: Where do we stand?
Authors: Bose Protiti , Rangnekar Aseem , Desikan Prabha
Published: August 2022

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) have been playing havoc in the field of nosocomial as well as community-acquired infections. Of particular concern are the carbapenem-resistant GNBs, belonging to Enterobacteriaceae and encoding for New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) gene. These strains spread rapidly and horizontally in the population, thus exhibiting MDR traits as these can harbour several resistance encoding genes to almost all antimicrobial groups. Several predisposing factors are responsible towards its spread, viz. excessive antibiotic usage, improper aseptic conditions by healthcare workers, lack of awareness, abruptly discontinuing medication course, alternative medications and vector-borne factors contributing to the unchecked harbouring of these super bugs in India. Thus, a bugle call has already been sounded worldwide especially in India, where the country has taken serious cognizance to build up strategy via implementation of several national programs to combat antimicrobial resistance covering human, animal, agriculture and environmental aspects. As there is an exponential rise in variants of NDM-1 harbouring strains, molecular epidemiological investigations of these strains using genotyping techniques are of paramount importance for a better understanding of this rampant spread and curbing resistance thereafter. This review explores the urgent need to develop a cost-effective, rapid molecular assay, viz. the loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for field detection of MBL harbouring bacterial strains, especially NDM-1 and its variants, thus targeting specific carbapenemase genes at a grass root level even to the remote and rural regions of the country.
Home-based care of persons with dementia during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Vasanthra Cicil. R. , Ammapattian Thirumoorthy , Antony Sojan , Rao Girish N , Prasad Krishna Muliyala , Anu Kanjirakattu Madom. NarayananUnni. , Issac Thomas Gregor , Thangaraju Sivakumar Palanimuthu
Published: August 2022

Background:

Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder that contributes to a high caregiver burden. This article describes caregivers' experiences in providing care at home for persons with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic had brought the world to a standstill that no one alive had experienced before.

Methods:

Cross-sectional focus group discussion with 17 caregivers of persons living with Alzheimer's disease was conducted using video conferencing software.

Results:

The significant issues reported by the caregivers were changing routine, an increase in demanding behavior, an increase in the tendency of wandering behavior, increased frustration among caregivers, intolerance, and overall burden. However, some caregivers were also able to adapt to emerging situations and design a new set of daily living activities.

Conclusion:

Understanding caregiving experiences and guiding caregivers to build their resilience would prevent caregivers' burnout.
Effect of prone positioning on gas exchange according to lung morphology in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Kim Na Young , Yoon Si Mong , Park Jimyung , Lee Jinwoo , Lee Sang-Min , Lee Hong Yeul
Published: August 2022

Background: There are limited data on the clinical effects of prone positioning according to lung morphology. We aimed to determine whether the gas exchange response to prone positioning differs according to lung morphology.Methods: This retrospective study included adult patients with moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The lung morphology of ARDS was assessed by chest computed tomography scan and classified as “diffuse” or “focal.” The primary outcome was change in partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio after the first prone positioning session: first, using the entire cohort, and second, using subgroups of patients with diffuse ARDS matched 2 to 1 with patients with focal ARDS at baseline.Results: Ninety-five patients were included (focal ARDS group, 23; diffuse ARDS group, 72). Before prone positioning, the focal ARDS group showed worse oxygenation than the diffuse ARDS group (median PaO2/FiO2 ratio, 79.9 mm Hg [interquartile range (IQR)], 67.7–112.6 vs. 104.0 mm Hg [IQR, 77.6–135.7]; P=0.042). During prone positioning, the focal ARDS group showed a greater improvement in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio than the diffuse ARDS group (median, 55.8 mm Hg [IQR, 11.1–109.2] vs. 42.8 mm Hg [IQR, 11.6–83.2]); however, the difference was not significant (P=0.705). Among the PaO2/FiO2-matched cohort, there was no significant difference in change in PaO2/FiO2 ratio after prone positioning between the groups (P=0.904).Conclusions: In patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS, changes in PaO2/FiO2 ratio after prone positioning did not differ according to lung morphology. Therefore, prone positioning can be considered as soon as indicated, regardless of ARDS lung morphology.
Education Financing through Volunteering Resource Networking in Tanzania: Supporting the Disadvantaged Students
Authors: W. Msuya Ombeni
Published: August 2022

Education has never been free in human history. There are various costs associated with its access and management.  In some countries, governments have waived or abolished school fees, yet families take care of indirect or other supportive school requirements. Although the government of Tanzania abolished fees from primary to Secondary education in 2016, parents have been paying school fees at advanced secondary education. As a result, students from disadvantaged communities have been facing a great challenge in attaining advanced secondary education.  Hence, in January 2018, Dr. Msuya Scholarship Award was founded to support disadvantaged students. This study used the mixed research approach to collect data.  A total sample of 91 participants was used including 64 beneficiaries, 11 heads of secondary schools, 15 parents and 1 scholarship coordinator from Dr. Msuya Foundation. The findings indicated that the scholarship successfully supported 111 students who were able to complete their advanced secondary education. Out of those, 93 passed and joined various higher learning institutions for further learning. The scholarship raised community awareness on undertaking collective responsibility in financing education. It promoted the spirit of unity and charity. The study recommends collaborative approaches to finance education through mobilized community resources.
Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Seventh-day Adventist College of Education Students in Ghana: Did the Lockdown Status of a District Matter?
Authors: Ofori Atakorah Peter , Honlah Emmanuel , Frimpong Eric , Atta Poku Jnr Patrick
Published: August 2022

This article examined the economic effects of the coronavirus disease on college of education students based on their location in the lockdown and non-lockdown districts.  A total of 198 students from the Seventh-day Adventist College of Education, Agona-Ashanti, Ghana, were selected using a simple random sampling. A questionnaire and semi-structured thematic guide were used for data collection.  Quantitative data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS (version 25) while direct quotes from in-depth interviews were used to support quantitative data. The results show that students and parents mainly engaged in trading and farming as their main sources of income. The chi-square test of independence showed no statistically significant differences in the self-supporting livelihood activities pursued by students from lockdown and non-lockdown districts (P˃.05). It also showed no statistically significant differences in the effect of the pandemic on both parents' and students' livelihood activities based on their location (P˃.05). The economic consequences of the pandemic on students’ academic activities in both lockdown and non-lockdown districts were, thus, similar. It is recommended that the Ghanaian government's measures to mitigate the economic effects of the pandemic should not be limited to the lockdown districts but should be extended to all districts across the country.
The Role of Early Childhood Mathematics Teachers during Play in the Mathematics Classroom in Bongo District of Ghana
Authors: Abedu Grace , Appiah Essuman Stanley , Frimpong Kwarteng
Published: August 2022

The study sought to find out the role of early grade mathematics teachers during play in the mathematics classroom. The study adopted the quantitative approach of research with a descriptive survey as a design. A simple random sampling and census sampling were used to select 410 respondents for the study. The data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that teachers played such roles as and facilitators to guide and provide the materials necessary for the play, thereby creating a conducive environment for effective play in the early childhood mathematics classroom. It was recommended that play-based learning should be fully integrated into the early childhood Mathematics curriculum, and intensive workshops or in-service training should be organized for the teachers to know and appreciate their roles during play in the classroom. Also, workshops are seminars organized for teachers should concentrate on how to assist teachers to prepare play materials using local materials to bridge the deficit gap of play materials.
Compliance of Pre-Packed Juice to Labelling Requirements and Use of Food Labelling Information for Purchasing Decision Among Consumers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Kokobe Tsega , Marew Tesfa , Fenta Teferi Gedif
Published: August 2022

With the changing in consumers’ lifestyles and industrialization, pre-packaged food products have become standard. Information on food labels on pre-packaged food products is considered a means to help consumers make informed food choices. In Ethiopia, there has been a limited information on food labels' compliance with food labeling requirements and customers' use of labeling information for purchasing decision making. This study was designed to fill this information gap. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa in 2019. Thirty-one juice products and 403 consumers from 15 supermarkets were included in the study. Compliance was assessed using the 17 standard requirements for food labeling information. On the other hand, the use of food labeling information by consumers was measured by considering the ten essential food labeling information, and frequent use of labeling information was considered as a "good practice". Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and a checklist. Data were entered into Epi data entry and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were performed. From the consumers included in the study, 204 (50.6%) were males, 248 (61.5%) attended college, and 105 (26.1%) reported frequently using food labeling information. Sex, marital status, monthly income, and level of awareness were associated (p < 0.05) with the use of food labeling information. Only 6 (19.4%) pre-packed juice products fulfilled all standard labeling requirements, while 1 (3.2%) fulfilled only 50% of the requirements.  In consideration of the increasing use of pre-packed food products and associated public health risks, the study demonstrated the need for improving public awareness about the use of food labeling information, and strengthening regulatory enforcement practices.
Intellectual Property Rights Protection in Nigeria: Issues and Perspectives
Authors: Afolayan Oluyinka Titilope
Published: August 2022

Intellectual property right protection is of growing importance in most countries of the world due to its role in the development of any nation. However, intellectual property rights protection in Nigeria has not yielded any positive results as expected due to the problem of weak enforcement and non-implementation of protection laws. In view of this, the main purpose of this paper is to unravel the challenges militating against the protection of intellectual property rights of creators and inventors in Nigeria. This paper further discussed the benefits of intellectual property rights protection. In conclusion, intellectual property rights protection in Nigeria should be given the highest priority by government to aid National development as well as promoting creativity and innovation on the part of creators and inventors.
Marketing Strategies and Use of Library Information Services in Academic Libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Otuu Florence Ogbonnie , Unegbu Vincent Enyeribe
Published: August 2022

Despite the avalanche of works done on library service utilization, there is a research gap on the role of marketing strategies in enhancing the utilization of information services in academic libraries in Lagos State. Therefore, this study examined the influence of marketing strategies on the use of library information services (LIS) in academic libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design. The study population comprised 473 librarians. Total enumeration was used. A validated structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The reliability coefficients values ranged from 0.681 - 0.937. A response rate of 92.9% was achieved. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that marketing strategies significantly influenced the use of LIS in academic libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria (R2 = 0.211, β = .460, t (179) = 6.948, p<0.05). Library information services in academic libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria was sometimes utilized (average weighted mean = 2.38, on a scale of 4). The extent of marketing strategies utilized in marketing LIS in Lagos State academic libraries, was high (Average Weighted Mean =3.09, on a scale of 4). The study has shown that the 'Seven Ps' marketing strategies are vital to enhancing use of library information services (LIS) in academic libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study recommended that management of the academic libraries should pay attention to low usage of radio services, extension services, teleconferencing, TV shows, indexing and abstraction services, book talk, display and exhibition, CD-ROM services and exhibition display services.
The Experience of Managers of Private Optometry Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria.
Authors: Osayamwen Oghosa W.
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To provide an in-depth understanding of the experience of managers of private optometry practice in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: The study adopted a qualitative research design with a phenomenological research strategy. Through semi-structured interviews, the experiences of six managers of private optometry practice in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic were studied and thematically analysed.Results: Data collected through the interviews identified interesting themes and sub-themes. ‘Impact of COVID-19’ emerged as a central theme, while ‘workplace safety’, ‘reduced income’, ‘digital integration’, ‘supply chain and staffing issues’ emerged as sub-themes. The result shows that the participants faced challenges such as the cost of maintaining a safe working space, reduced income, supply chain and staffing issues. The need for digital integration in private optometry practice, versatile staff, and the diversification of supplier networks emerged as key strategies to overcoming the challenges.Conclusion: Managers of private optometry practice have been faced with some challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study has identified strategies that can help minimise the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other future crises.
Optimization approaches to generation dispatch problems: Review of Nigerian power system
Authors: Tijani M. A. , Adepoju G. A. , Okelola M. O.
Published: August 2022

Fossil fuels are very important fuel for electricity generation. These fuels are limited in availability and produce emissions that are hazardous to the environment, hence, their usage are required to be minimized. The power system analysis that minimizes the consumption of fossil fuels by generating units in a power system is termed Generation Dispatch. This is a power system planning problem that need to be solved accurately considering different factors and constraints. The Nigerian power system was deregulated more than a decade and half ago and a critical review of its Generation Dispatch Problem (GDP) solutions was carried out in this work. The review x-rayed the types of GDP, factors and/or constraints considered, and the optimization method employed for GDP solutions of Nigerian power system. Results of the review revealed that not much has been done and suggested research directions for work on the GDP of Nigerian power system.
Extraction and physicochemical characterization of cashew nut-shell liquid in metal forming
Authors: Sekunowo O. I. , Uduh G. U.
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT: Effective lubrication during metal working is critical to mitigating undesirable tool wear and poor surface finish of formed components. This paper investigated the physicochemical characteristics of cashew nut-shell-liquid (CNSL) with a view of determining its suitability for the development of an eco-friendly lubricant used in metal forming. The cashew nut shell oil (CNSO) was extracted by soxhlet method and characterised to determine its physicochemical properties including density, free fatty acid (FFA), and viscosity. In addition, the saponification value, iodine value, pH, flash point and friction coefficient were determined using relevant analytical tools. The results showed that CNSL yield from soxhlet solvent extraction is 45.6%, which is adjudged to be relatively substantial with regard to other extraction processes. Furthermore, the CNSL exhibited critical lubrication characteristics in terms of density (0.94 g/cm3), moisture content (3.96%), acid value (11.32 mg.KOH/g), FFA (3.7%), ester value (127.92 mg.KOH/g), saponification value (139.24 mg.KOH/g), pH value (4.61), iodine value (40.21 gI2/100 g), viscosity at 100 oC (14.12 Pa.s), friction coefficient (0.001) and flash point of 286.63 oC. Given these outcomes in comparison with commercial Chevron soluble oil, it is concluded that CNSL is suitable for use as a viable metal forming lubrication fluid.
Analysis of decomposing wood wastes in the Lagos Lagoon using terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism and illumina sequencing platform
Authors: Buraimoh O. M. , Adewumi G. A. , Akinyemi N. M. , Amund O. O. , Ilori M. O. , Michel Jr. F. C.
Published: August 2022

Indiscriminate disposal of wood shavings and sawdust into the Lagos lagoon usually constitute environmental hazard and varying degree of threats to marine biotic communities. In this study we applied terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) and illumina sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA gene, to describe the microbial ecology of decomposing wood wastes in the Lagos lagoon, Nigeria. The terminal restriction fragments (TRFs) generated corresponds to over 100 bacterial genera and numerous uncultured bacterial clones. Phylogenetic analysis of the TRFs of 16S rRNA gene sequences and cultured bacterial sequences established genetic relatedness and divergent relationships. T-RFLP in combination with illumina sequencing platform identified bacterial species (Acinetobacter sp., Clostridium sp., Planctomyces sp., Escherichia coli, Pantoea agglomerans, Dyella japonica, Ochrobactrum sp., Prevotella sp., Runella slithyformis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Gordonia amicalis, Klebsiella sp., Thalassospira sp. and Serratia sp.) not previously accounted for in culture-dependent analysis. Bacterial strains such as Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Simiduia agarivorans, Microbulbifer sp. and Cellulomonas fimi further identified in illumina sequences were found to be involved in the biodegradation of lignin and lignin derivatives. Hence, understanding of the diverse autochthonous microbiota of decomposing wood wastes in the Lagos lagoon is essential in the development of effective biotechnology programme, to tackling the menace of sawdust pollution.
High impedance fault arc analysis on 11 kV distribution networks
Authors: Obi P. I. , Amako E. A. , Ezeonye C. S.
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a study of high impedance fault (HIF) arc analysis on 6 km 11 kV distribution network from New Haven to New NNPC, Enugu State. These HIF currents have low fault current ratings and are not readily detected by the distribution sub-station relays and protective equipment. This was realized with the aid of MATLAB. Firstly, the HIF was modelled based on the electric arc theory method for single line-to-ground and double line-to-ground faults, when the 11 kV New-haven to New NNPC Enugu distribution line interfaces with a dry asphalt ground surface. The HIF was incident on the midpoint of the distribution line between the switching times of the circuit breaker from 0.02 to 0.05 seconds. The results showed that for single line-to-ground and double line-to-ground faults, a peak current magnitude of 12.4 A and 2280 A were seen respectively and initial spikes due to arcing in the system voltages at the initial switching times of 0.02 seconds. The corresponding residual currents Ib and Ic are very small with a peak spike of 0.3 A and 1.9 A for double line-to-ground fault (BC-G). These spikes are because of the impact of the initial transients caused by the arc flames as its quenches and re-ignites.
Radiomorphometric studies of the thorax in Nigerian indigenous dog: Novel thoracic measurements
Authors: Ukaha R.O. , Kene R.O.C. , Agwu K.K.
Published: August 2022

Evaluation of the heart in terms of its silhouette size and shape and the morphometry of other thoracic organs cannot be ignored diagnostically in small animal practice when history and or results of general examination of a patient reveal clinical signs of cardiothoracic diseases. However, there is a paucity of published work on the radiologic appraisal of cardiac and thoracic dimensions in the Nigerian indigenous dog. The research aimed to establish new reference indices for improved diagnosis of cardiothoracic pathologies in the Nigerian indigenous dog. A total of 120 thoracic radiographs of thirty healthy Nigerian indigenous dogs, comprising right lateral, left lateral, dorsoventral and ventrodorsal projections, were obtained and evaluated. Biometric parameters were taken of each research radiographs, recorded, and used to generate cardiothoracic measurement indices for the Nigerian indigenous dog. In the dorsoventral versus ventrodorsal projections, ratios established and described as means plus or minus standard errors of means were as follows: cardiac width/cardiac length ratio 0.75±0.01/0.73±0.01; cardiac length/thoracic diameter 0.64±0.01/0.70±0.01; and heart width/costocostal distance ratio 0.58±0.01/0.60±0.01, respectively. The mean results obtained in the right lateral versus left lateral radiographs were: postcava-to-long axis ratio 0.14±0.00/0.15±0.00; cardiac axes ratio 0.75±0.01/0.81±0.01; cavocardiac ratio 0.19±0.01/0.19±0.01; aorticocardiac ratio 0.22±0.0/0.21±0.00; short axis/sternovertebral distance 0.63±0.01/0.63±0.01; and aortic diameter/long axis ratio 0.17±0.00/0.17±0.00, respectively. The cardiac axes ratio and aorticocardiac ratio showed a positive and significant (p≤0.05) relationship with the cardiac short axis in the lateral projections. The indices established in this study are reproducible and easy to use, allowing objective thoracic assessment. All the results are efficient and generated in the present investigation, probably, for the first time in veterinary radiology. The clinical relevance of this research is related to the management of cardiothoracic anomalies.
Tameness and the power of programs over monoids in DA
Authors: Grosshans Nathan , Mckenzie Pierre , Segoufin Luc
Published: August 2022

The program-over-monoid model of computation originates with Barrington's
proof that the model captures the complexity class $\mathsf{NC^1}$. Here we
make progress in understanding the subtleties of the model. First, we identify
a new tameness condition on a class of monoids that entails a natural
characterization of the regular languages recognizable by programs over monoids
from the class. Second, we prove that the class known as $\mathbf{DA}$
satisfies tameness and hence that the regular languages recognized by programs
over monoids in $\mathbf{DA}$ are precisely those recognizable in the classical
sense by morphisms from $\mathbf{QDA}$. Third, we show by contrast that the
well studied class of monoids called $\mathbf{J}$ is not tame. Finally, we
exhibit a program-length-based hierarchy within the class of languages
recognized by programs over monoids from $\mathbf{DA}$.
Point-free Construction of Real Exponentiation
Authors: Ng Ming , Vickers Steven
Published: August 2022

We define a point-free construction of real exponentiation and logarithms,
i.e.\ we construct the maps $\exp\colon (0, \infty)\times \mathbb{R}
\rightarrow \!(0,\infty),\, (x, \zeta) \mapsto x^\zeta$ and $\log\colon
(1,\infty)\times (0, \infty) \rightarrow\mathbb{R},\, (b, y) \mapsto
\log_b(y)$, and we develop familiar algebraic rules for them. The point-free
approach is constructive, and defines the points of a space as models of a
geometric theory, rather than as elements of a set - in particular, this allows
geometric constructions to be applied to points living in toposes other than
Set. Our geometric development includes new lifting and gluing techniques in
point-free topology, which highlight how properties of $\mathbb{Q}$ determine
properties of real exponentiation.
This work is motivated by our broader research programme of developing a
version of adelic geometry via topos theory. In particular, we wish to
construct the classifying topos of places of $\mathbb{Q}$, which will provide a
geometric perspective into the subtle relationship between $\mathbb{R}$ and
$\mathbb{Q}_p$, a question of longstanding number-theoretic interest.