bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective effect of and ascorbic acid in brain against high fat diet and stress induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Vaderav Rajesh , Kavitha K  , Velichety Subadhra Devi , Acharya Anand
Published: December 2021

Chronic exposure to stress and diet rich in saturated fat is one of the major reasons for the development of dementia and neurodegenerative disorders. The present study aims to examine the neuroprotective potential of and Ascorbic acid against high fat diet and stress induced neurotoxicity in brain.

Animals were randomly divided into five groups. Group I received normal diet, Group II received high fat diet along with stress, Group III were treated with 100mg/kg body weight, and Group IV were treated with Ascorbic acid 100mg/kg body weight, Group V were treated with 100mg/kg body weight and Ascorbic acid 100mg/kg body weight. After the treatment all rats were sacrificed and brains were removed. Golgi staining was done and dendritic branching points and dendritic intersections were quantified with the help of cameralucida.

There was a significant increase in dendritic length and branching points was observed in brain in rats treated with and Ascorbic acid.

Present study concludes that and Ascorbic acid have neuroprotective role against high fat diet and stress induced Wistar rats.
Morphometric study of sacrum and its clinical implications in population in Bihar
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Kumar Binod , Ranjan Sinha Rajiv , Akhtar Md Jawed , Kumar Avanish
Published: December 2021

The sacrum is a large triangular bone formed by fusion of five sacral vertebrae and wedged between two hip bones. Dimension of sacrum varies from region to region therefore morphometric study of sacrum in population of Bihar is important for proper fixation during orthopedic procedure in trauma patients.

: The objectives of this study was to evaluate the morphometric parameters of sacrum so that a data can be generated from local population.

M: The present study was done on 110 human sacra of known sex (62 male and 48 female) collected from department of Anatomy, IGIMS, Patna and also from other medical colleges of Bihar. Maximum length of sacrum, curved length of sacrum, maximum breadth of sacrum, antero-posterior diameter of the body of first sacral vertebra, transverse diameter of the body of first sacral vertebra and maximum length of articular surface of sacrum were measured.

Mean value of sacral straight length were 104.55 cm in male and 94.66 cm in female, Curve length 112.03 cm in male and 103.98 cm in female, Width of sacrum 101.53 cm in male and 105.67 cm in female. Transverse diameter of body of 1st sacral vertebra were 46.53 cm and 40.85 cm in male and female respectively, antero-posterior diameter of body of 1st sacral vertebra were 29.89 cm and 27.73 cm in male and female respectively, Length of auricular surface were 56.08 cm and 54.77 cm respectively. Sacral index, curvature index, index of body of first sacral vertebra, corpora-basal index and auricular index were calculated.

Morphometric study of sacrum in population of Bihar is important because dimension of sacrum varies from region to region and this is important for proper fixation during orthopedic procedure in trauma patients.
The Design and Evaluation of Online Faculty Development for Effective Graduate Supervision
Authors: Jacobsen Michele , Alharbi Hawazen , Taylor Lisa , Bairstow Les , Roberts Verena
Published: December 2021

This design-based research aims to improve the quality of graduate supervision using a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). The Quality Graduate Supervision MOOC brings interdisciplinary faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and expert supervisors together in an online learning community to discuss and consider effective supervision practice, strategies for relationship building, supports for academic writing, mentoring for diverse careers, and how to combine excellence and wellness. The survey, interview, and system data were analyzed to inform and assess the design and development of the QGS MOOC, to gain insights into learner experience and engagement, and to assess the impact of the online learning community on graduate supervision practices. Through ongoing design and evaluation of this online learning course for graduate supervisors, the research team found the learning community influenced faculty members’ awareness, collective knowledge building, goal setting, and actions for graduate supervision practice. We present results from our evaluation of the design components in the QGS MOOC, the learning benefits for supervisors, impacts on graduate supervision practice, and make several recommendations for research and practice.
Sexsomnia in a patient with lichen planopilaris and pulsed corticosteroid prescription
Authors: Panahi Somayeh , Azadi Hossein , Bidaki Reza , Asadi Mohadeseh , Zabihi Mohsen
Published: December 2021

Sleep sex or sexsomnia is a relatively new disease that is considered an unusual sexual experience and behavior. Many facts about sexsomnia, including its causes, symptoms, and exact prevalence, are still unknown. Given that the symptoms of the disease occur accidentally during the night, it is tough to study this disease in the long run. This study reported a case of a 30-year-old man with sexsomnia who had no recollection of the sexual behavior he exhibited while asleep.
He had lichen planopilaris and was not receiving any psychiatric medication at the time of the study. However, he was under treatment with corticosteroids for six months, which eventually worsened his depression. This behavior attracted his wife's attention, and he was referred to a doctor due to infertility.
Pharmacotherapy in a patient with a foreign body in the rectum and mental retardation: A brief report
Authors: Bidaki Reza , Seyedoshohadayi Asrin , Cheraghali Hamed , Zarnegar Fatemeh
Published: December 2021

Certain types of behavior in people with a history of mental disorders and psychosis can engender harm. These behaviors can include rectal and vaginal use of foreign bodies by the patient.
A 54-year-old married man from a low socio-economic level finished school just with grade 2 and suffering from mental retardation disorder, inserted a foreign body into the rectum and, after a week, and due to problems such as bleeding and lack of defecation, referred to the hospital and underwent an operation. During the psychiatric consultation, the patient showed to be ashamed of his unusual act.
The cause of such behavior could not exactly be identified. Risperidone and Citalopram were prescribed for the patient, and behavior therapy and sex therapy were advised to prevent recurrence.
Pattern of albumin consumption in patients hospitalized in intensive care unit of two teaching hospitals in Iran
Authors: Valapour Hadis , Jarrahzadeh Mohammad Hossien , Sohrevardi Seyed Mojtaba
Published: December 2021

Aims: The goal of this study was to evaluate the consumption pattern of human albumin according to the available and reliable guidelines.
Methods:  This research was a descriptive-analytical study. The study sample consisted of patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) of Shahid Sadoughi and Rahnemoon Yazd Teaching Hospitals. In this study, 67 patients were selected. The study was carried out over three months. During the study, the albumin request by ICUs was investigated. Along with observing albumin orders' para-clinic findings were evaluated. The specific form of albumin consumption and prescription prepared by the Hospital Steering Board of Pharmacy was completed for each patient individually.
Results: In this study, 65.7% of prescribed albumin was infused for approved cases by the US food and drug administration (FDA). Administration after burn injury with 32.8% and hypoalbuminemia with 19.4% of cases were the most frequently reasonable prescribed albumin. About 34.3% of prescribed albumin (18 cases) did not have FDA-approved indications. Albumin infusion after patients edema in 14.9% of cases, nutritional support 6 % and Major surgery 6% have been the most frequently incorrect prescribed albumin.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, the prescription of albumin in patients admitted to ICUs of Sadoughi and Rahnemoon teaching hospitals from October to December 2015 was not completely in accordance with the guidelines. So , consulting with relevant health care professionals can be helpful to improve the proper administration of this essential and expensive drug.
An assessment of the underlying relationship between land transportation and climate change: Case study Mauritius
Authors: Sunkur Reshma , Naiko Kushal , Agundhooa Ajay , Jhugroo Rischay , Bokhoree Chandradeo
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Land transportation encompasses the movement of people and goods and is therefore a major contributor of global greenhouses gases. The main share of such emissions is mostly from the release of carbon dioxide into the air as a result of burning transportation fuels obtained from petroleum, a major driver of climate change. While today the defining issue is a changing climate, the number of vehicles on roads keep on rising around the world.
Materials and methods: This study assessed the relationship between land transportation and climate change using a system dynamics model based on a 3-layered taxonomy using Mauritius Island as case study. Over 100 papers were analyzed and the variables that link land transportation and climate change in the Mauritian context were selected and a taxonomy divided into sub-units was built.
Results: This innovative taxonomy was divided into 3 sections related to the land transportation sector including a vehicle layer, transport system layer and society layer. Using these variables, three stock and flow diagrams were constructed on Vensim, namely climate change impacts, transport related carbon dioxide and socio-economic models.
Conclusion: While there is a complex relationship between land transportation and climate change globally, Mauritius must find ways to become more climate friendly in the land transportation sector.
Rising domestic violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic: what is the role of the healthcare system?
Authors: Khanizade Abed , Moslehi Shandiz
Published: December 2021

The article's abstract is not available.
Publicidad para enfermar: restricciones al mercadeo de productos alimenticios ultraprocesados dirigido a niños y niñas en la Constitución colombiana
Authors: Guarnizo Peralta Diana
Published: December 2021

La publicidad de productos alimenticios ultraprocesados, generalmente altos en grasas saturadas, sal y azúcares libres, dirigida a niños y niñas es una práctica común en Colombia y en muchos lugares del mundo. Este artículo analiza la necesidad y legitimidad de las medidas que limitan la publicidad de estos productos en el marco constitucional colombiano. El artículo argumenta que, de acuerdo a la jurisprudencia vigente en materia de tabaco y otros casos relevantes, estas medidas no limitan el principio de libertad de empresa, no son desproporcionadas, ni paternalistas, y no violan la libertad de expresión de las industrias. Al contrario, los principios de prevención y precaución establecen que estas medidas son necesarias para prevenir y precaver los efectos nocivos que la publicidad puede tener sobre la salud de niños y niñas.
La jurisprudencia sobre la responsabilidad estatal por la prisión provisional en España y en Colombia: ¿hacia extremos problemáticos?
Authors: Pacheco Reyes Ronald
Published: December 2021

Los reclamos de indemnización de quienes han sufrido detención preventiva legalmente ordenada y después resultan absueltos, incluyendo entre las razones de la absolución la presunción de inocencia, han generado en España y en Colombia recientes decisiones judiciales con efectos opuestos. En el primer país, como consecuencia de la Sentencia STC 85/2019, se ha generado una tendencia a una indemnización, calificada por algunos como automática. En el segundo país, por el contrario, después de la Sentencia SU 46947 de 2018 del Consejo de Estado, la tendencia a la indemnización parece reducirse. Lo cierto es que ambos extremos pueden generar problemas. Por un lado, la automatización puede conducir a restarle importancia a la teoría general de la responsabilidad y, por otro lado, la restricción puede llevar a dejar de indemnizar supuestos de daño injustos.
La responsabilidad precontractual en la actividad contractual del Estado
Authors: Expósito Vélez Juan Carlos
Published: December 2021

En el presente escrito se estudia la responsabilidad que se deriva para quien ha frustrado las tratativas por su acción, omisión o extralimitación en la etapa precontractual, y que, de esta manera, ha causado un daño. De este modo se intenta responder importantes interrogantes: ¿dónde se ubica la responsabilidad precontractual del Estado?, ¿cuál es el fundamento de dicha responsabilidad? y, aún más, ¿dónde empieza y dónde termina la responsabilidad precontractual de la Administración pública? Para esto, se revisan los antecedentes históricos de la institución, pasando por sus fundamentos mediatos e inmediatos, así como su radio de acción en situaciones concretas de responsabilidad precontractual en las que puede incurrir la Administración pública o el proponente.
Responsabilidad e impactos a las partes por la comisión de errores en la etapa precontractual
Authors: Duque Botero Juan David
Published: December 2021

A partir de la Constitución Política de 1991 se ha establecido que el Estado tendrá a su cargo el cumplimiento de los fines esenciales, con el propósito de asegurar a la sociedad la prestación adecuada de bienes y servicios; prestación que se materializa mediante la celebración de contratos entre el Estado (a través de las autoridades administrativas competentes para ello) y particulares. Sin embargo, se ha demostrado que las partes del contrato estatal se han mostrado en algunas ocasiones omisivas frente al cumplimiento del de la Constitución y del Estatuto General de Contratación de la Administración Pública, por tanto, resulta pertinente identificar la responsabilidad que le asiste a las partes en cuanto al negocio jurídico celebrado con vulneración a presupuestos legales de orden público.
Demand for non-alcoholic beverages among urban households in southwest Nigeria
Authors:   Federal University of Agriculture, Nigeria, Phillip BB , Shittu AM , Ashaolu OF
Published: December 2021

This study examined the roles of income, prices and household demography in household demand for non-alcoholic beverages (NABs) in two cities – Abeokuta and Ibadan in Southwest Nigeria. The study was based on primary data obtained from a cross-section of 407 households (211 from Abeokuta and 198 from Ibadan) drawn by multistage sampling technique across six Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 60 National Population Commission (NPC) enumeration areas (EAs). A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on households NABs expenditure, income, prices and other relevant socio-economic variables. The data were analysed within the framework of a linear approximation of an Almost Ideal Demand System. The study found that an average household, consisting of five (5) members, expended an average N5, 235.89 per month on NABs (approximately US$34.21 at N153.06/US$1 exchange rate in 2010). The bulk (67%) of the NABs expenditures were devoted to purchase of dairy products (36%) and cocoa-based products used in preparing chocolate drinks (31%). The estimated income elasticity of demand for the six categories of NABs studied were positive while all the own price elasticity of demand were negative. Demand for dairy products and cocoa based drinks were found to be price elastic, while those of carbonated drinks, malt drinks, fruit juice and other NABs were price inelastic. Increase in education of the household heads was found to be associated with significant increase in the budget shares of dairy products (p<0.01) and fruit juice (p<0.10), but a significant reduction in budget shares of cocoa-based products (p<0.05), carbonated drinks (p<0. 01) and malt drinks (p<0.05). The study concludes that policies aimed at promoting increased demand and healthy choices of NABS must pay some attention to raising real income and increasing level of education among the citizenry. Profitability of business enterprises involved in dairies and cocoa-based products would also be better enhanced if the firms adopt cost saving strategies as against price hikes in a bid to enhance performance.
Evaluation of physico-chemical, nutritional and microbiological quality of raw cow's milk usually consumed in the central part of Côte d'Ivoire
Authors:   Félix Houphouet-Boigny University, Kra KAS , Mégnanou RM , Akpa EE , Assidjo NE , Niamké LS
Published: December 2021

Cow’s milk is by far the principal type of milk used throughout the world. Three systems of husbandry in Côte d’Ivoire produce raw milk. This production is always consumed directly by people, mainly children (orphans) although it presents real sanitary risks. In order to evaluate quality of these cow’s milks, several samples were collected during a three month period (April to June 2009) at three cattle farms from where consumers got supplies. Physicochemical, nutritional, microbiological properties of the milks were studied. Results showed that viscosity, dry matter, fat and chloride contents of milk of traditional cows, N’dama and Zebu are higher than the standard values. pH values and acid content of N’dama milks are identical to those of standards. Zebu milk values for these two parameters are higher than standards: 6.59 ± 0.30 > 6.50 ± 0.30 %; 21.0 ± 1.0 > 17.0 ± 1.0 °D, respectively. However, conductivity, protein content, lactose and ash content of these milks are lower than those of standards. Comparing the characteristics of milks from various farms showed that farm C had higher content of fat (5.00 ± 1.18 > 3.25 ± 0.25), titrable acidity (20.40 ± 0.68 > 17.0 ± 1.00), dry matter (174.00 ± 18.42 > 127.50 ± 2.50), chloride (2.66 ± 0.56 > 1.60 ± 0.20) and viscosity (1.60 ± 0.20 > 2.00 ± 0.30) compared with the standard values. There is no significant difference (p >0.05) in viscosity value, chloride and protein contents among the milks of the three farms. Conductivity, ash and protein content showed lower values than those of the standards. Microbiological result showed that all of the raw milks were contaminated, but the milks from farms B and C were more contaminated. Staphylococcus aureus count in milk of these farms were 8 x10 2 and 65 x10 2 cfu/ml, 5.1 x10 5 and 251.2 x10 5 cfu/ml for TVBC and total coliform were 3.85 x10 3 and 6.91 x10 3 cfu/ml. These values are higher than those of the standards . In short, milk produced in the farms has acceptable physico-chemical, nutritional and properties but bad microbiological qualities.
Levels of major, minor and toxic metals in tubers and flour of Dioscorea abyssinica grown in Ethiopia
Authors:   Dilla University, Ethiopia, Aregahegn A , Chandravanshi BS ,   Addis Ababa University, Atlabachew M ,   Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
Published: December 2021

Dioscorea abyssinica, commonly known as yam, is an indigenous plant in Ethiopia. Its root tuber is used as staple and co-staple food in South Nation Nationality People and Regional State of Ethiopia. This study was carried out to analyze the selected mineral nutrients in the tuber and flour of D. abyssinica grown in different parts of the country for human consumption. Samples collected from five different areas were analyzed for eleven metals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Cr Ni, Cd and Pb) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and two metals (K and Na) by flame emission spectrometry. Known weight of oven-dried sample was wet-digested using 3 mL of (69–72%) HNO3 and 1 mL of (70%) HClO4, for 2 h at variable temperature (120–270 oC). The validity of the optimized procedure was evaluated by the analysis of spiked samples whose recovery was in the range of 92–105%. The mean concentration range (in μg/g) of each metal in D. abyssinica samples were K (8,469–13,914), Na (133–405), Ca (172–448), Mg (180–354), Fe (28.3–144.5), Mn (12.0–14.5), Zn (12.3–44.5), Cu (7.26–17.6), Co (1.91–8.68), Cr (0.86–3.41) and Ni (2.43–5.31). D.abyssinica could be good sources of essential trace metals to the individuals, more particularly Fe and Zn were higher than the entire trace metals in the samples investigated while Cd and Pb were in minor quantities and hence the plant is free from toxic heavy metals. Consuming 100 g of this tuber per day contribute the following concentration range of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Ni and Cr in mg/100 g per day:2.8–14.4, 1.2–4.5, 0.73–1.8, ND–1.5, ND–0.87, 0.24–0.53 and 0.09–0.34 mg/100 g, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that significant variations in metal concentrations among the sampling sites were observed for some of the metals when pair wise test was made while insignificant variation were seen for the remaining metals. D. abyssinica could be a better source of K, Ca, Fe and Zn to human compared to the common cereal flours (barley, wheat and red teff flour) as well as tuber food products like potato, cassava, yam, and enset (Ensete ventricosum), while it could be an alternative source of the other essential mineral nutrients to the individual daily mineral intake.
Basal metabolic rate and energy expenditure or rural farmers in Magubike village, Kilosa district, Tanzania
Authors:   Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania, Ocan HN , Kinabo JL , Mamiro PS , Nyaruhucha CN
Published: December 2021

Measurement of basal metabolic rate (BMR) provides an important baseline for the determination of an individual’s total energy requirement. The study sought to establish human energy expenditure of rural farmers in Magubike village in Tanzania, through determination of BMR, physical activity level (PAL) and total energy expenditure (TEE). In addition, the study intended to provide an indication of the level of energy requirement for the rural people of Tanzania. The objective of the study was to determine energy expenditure of farmers in comparison to the mean caloric intake per capita and the WHO/FAO recommended energy requirements for developing countries. A cross-sectional study design involving 33 male and 31 female farmers was conducted on randomly selected households. Basal Metabolic rate and household activities were measured by indirect calorimetry, using the Douglas bag technique. Physical activity Level was measured by twenty-four hour activity diary and TEE calculated as a product of BMR and PAL. Men’s BMR was 4.7 MJ/day while that of women was 4.3 MJ/day. Farmers mean PAL was 2.20 ± 0.25 in men and 2.05 ± 0.23 in females and TEE was 10.24 MJ/day in men and 8.57 MJ/day in women. Both BMR and TEE were higher in men than in women. The measured energy expenditure for digging and weeding were 1.57 ± 0.3 kJ/min; 1.36 ± 0.31kJ/min in men and 1.58 ± 0.3 kJ/min; 1.49 ± 0.33 kJ/min in women. It was revealed that total energy expenditure of farmers in Magubike village was high with the values being above the mean daily calorie requirement per capita for Tanzania (8.15 MJ/day) but within the WHO/FAO recommended energy requirements (11.26 MJ/day) for developing countries. High energy expenditure was attributed to high energy levels spent in farm activities which were manual and labour intensive. This is likely to be the situation in many rural areas of Tanzania. More work on measurement of costs of farm activities and farmers work capacity are necessary to provide recommendations on energy needs of rural farmers.
Utilization of cocoyam in rural households in southwestern Nigeria
Authors:   Olabisi Onabanjo University AgoIwoye, Nigeria, Agbelemoge A
Published: December 2021

Cocoyam is a traditional crop and a cultural foodstuff in Nigeria. It has not received much research attention in spite of its great adaptability to varying farming systems and its nutritive and commercial food values. The crop is a yam substitute that occupies an inferior food status in the study area. It is mainly cultivated by women and in most cases planted as an intercrop in a previously established farm. It is, therefore, regarded as a lazy man’s crop and consequently a poor man’s food. The aim of this study was to revive the acceptability of cocoyam as foodstuff in order to solve the food crisis, which Nigeria has been experiencing since 1978. A structured interview schedule was used to obtain information from randomly selected 322 respondents from 24 cocoyam producing communities in four states in the region: Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun and Lagos states. The question items included personal and socioeconomic characteristics of respondents and cocoyam utilization. The data were described using frequency counts, means and percentages while multiple regression analysis was used as inferential statistics to determine the relationship of the independent variables to the dependent variable. Results revealed that 64% of the respondents were males and 84% were married. Their ages ranged from 20-70 years with a mean of 44±16 years. About 68% of them were literate with 58% of their spouses literate. They were mostly (39%) farmers and artisans (12%) with no secondary occupation, only 28% of the farmers produced cocoyam but almost all (97%) of the respondents consumed cocoyam. Cocoyam was utilized in 24 different ways in three categories of unprocessed solid, processed solid and powder in the study area and utilization level was 20%. The multiple regression analysis was significant at p< 0.05 and R=0.3469, meaning that the independent variable:socio-economic characteristics had jointly accounted for 35% of cocoyam utilization level. F value was 5.334. The variables that contributed positively to utilization level were producers of cocoyam, sources of cocoyam and cocoyam being brought home from journey while cosmopolitan, flexibility on food choice and decision makers on menu contributed negatively. Commercial processing of cocoyam to flour for baking, canned foods, baby food formulae and other cocoyam products are recommended to increase utilization. Farmers were advised to increase cocoyam production in the study area.
Effect of soybean/cassava flour blend on the proximate composition of Ethiopian traditional bread prepared from quality protein maize
Authors:   Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, Mesfin W , Shimelis A
Published: December 2021

The effect of soybean and cassava flour blend on the proximate composition of Ethiopian traditional bread prepared from quality protein maize (QPM) was tested . Normal maize and quality protein maize grains were dried , cleaned and milled using a laboratory -scale mill. Similarly, soybean seeds were roasted, boiled, decorticated, and milled into the required particle size flour sample. Cassava tubers were also peeled, chopped, dried and milled in a similar fashion. Eventually, the soybean and cassava flour samples were blended individually with the quality protein maize flour in three different proportions : 5:95, 10:90 and 15:85, respectively. Normal maize flour was used as a control for the quality protein maize flour . Then bread samples were prepared from the respective composite flours using the sponge and dough method of bread making commonly used in the country . Both the composite flours and t he respective bread samples were then analyzed for their proximate compositions : moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and carbohydrate. The proximate analyses indicated that there is a significant difference ( p ≤ 0.05 ) in proximate composition of the plain quality protein maize bread (QPMB) and the soybean- or cassava -supplemented quality protein maize bread samples (SSBs and CSBs). The ash, crude protein, crude fat and crude fibre contents of the soybean -supplemented breads increased with progressive increase in the proportion of soybean flour addition. In the case of the cassava- supplemented bread samples , the highest proximate composition values were recorded for the 10% substitution. Moreover, highest values of carbohydrate , 39.83% and 44.08% , were obtained for the 10% soybean - supplemented breads and 10% cassava- supplemented bread s, respectively. The use of these locally available and easily produced grains through blending technology of flours can contribute to combat the widespread protein- energy malnutrition (PEM) in Ethiopia. This approach can also serve as an alternative means for having balanced diet especially for the low -income groups of the most food- insecure people in the country .
Agriculture extension service delivery in a semi-arid rural area in South Africa: The case study of Thorndale in the Limpopo province
Authors:   Platinum Consult, Ghana, Akpalu DA
Published: December 2021

Poverty, geographical isolation and being poorly served by agricultural workers, education, health, transport, communication and other services characterise the rural environment in most developing countries. Agricultural productivity and its associated agricultural extension services are important to the livelihood activities of rural communities. As a result rural communities require access to productive services information on input supply, new technologies, early warning systems for drought (pests and diseases), credit, and market prices. Agricultural extension service has been identified as an important part of the intended transformation of the agricultural sector. In South Africa, farmers consider the effectiveness of extension services in relation to receiving technological information and advice for purposes of crop and livestock production. The paper discusses the role of agricultural extension services in agricultural production in Thorndale, situated in the Savannah biome of the Bushbuckridge region in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. A questionnaire survey was used in the collection of data. The results indicated that the majority of the farmers do not have access to the services of extension officers. Yet, some farmers have infrequent contacts with extension officers and information, and the magnitude of extension services have been restricted to verbal instructions rather than demonstrative, innovative and hands on practical guidance to farmers. The majority of the respondents approximately 97% are farmers who engage in agricultural production, consisted of small-scale approximately 97% and commercial 3% farmers. The approximately 38% of households who have had contacts with extension officers indicated that the advice and assistance they received entailed farming practices such as buying seeds needed for crop production and storage of the produce harvested for eventualities such as drought or famine. Others include nursery making, correct crop spacing and fertilizer application, planting, transplanting, herbicide application, timely planting and early weeding. The study concluded that extension officers need to visit and guide rural farmers regularly with improved farming technologies and services. Further, capacity development and logistical assistance should be strengthened towards improving the current extension services to the rural communities.
Can integrated livestock-fish culture be a solution to East Africa’s food insecurity: A review
Authors:   Kenya Marine & Fisheries Research Institute, Kenya, Ogello EO , Mlingi FT ,   Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania, Nyonje BM ,   Kenya Marine & Fisheries Research Institute, Mombasa Station, Kenya, Charo-Karisa H ,   National Aquaculture Research Development & Training Centre, Kenya, Munguti JM ,   Kenya Marine & Fisheries Research Institute, Kenya
Published: December 2021

Integrated livestock -fish culture approach envisages the integration of fish farming with cattle, sheep, goat s, poultry, pig s or rabbi t husbandry in a design allowing wastes from one system to be used as input s in another system . The aim is to conserve resources while increasing farm returns . This paper reviews integrated livestock -fish culture in Asia and some Africa n countries towards stimulating growth in East Africa’s livestock -fish integration practices . Livelihood challenges and current status of integrated livestock -fish culture in some segment s of East Africa are discussed . Economic analyses of integrated livestock -fish farming in selected places are presented. Challenges facing integrated livestock -fish aquaculture in the region include: government neglect of aquaculture sector, weak aquaculture research and applications, political interferences as well as social and religious challenges. Poor publicity, poor infrastructure , lack of clear legislations and policies and high illiteracy among potential fish farmers have also been mentioned as bottlenecks to the growth of integrated fish farming in the region. So far, fish -poultry integration is the most popular across Africa and Asia while fish -cattle integration is unpopular in many countries. Livestock manure as source of organic fertilizer for fish ponds and biogas production can help reduce cost of investment in purchasing inorganic fertilizers . With the present high cost of pelleted fish feeds , integrated fish farming stands to reduce the cost of feeding fish while simultaneously increasing the yield , leading to high economic returns. This paper concludes that livestock -fish integration is one of the most practicable solutions to food insecurity and malnutrition in the East African community despite its current poor status. In fact, it could be the forgotten asset that can guarantee present and future aquaculture sustainability in the region. The paper recommends capacity building among stakeholders to recognise integrated aquaculture as a ‘self feeding’ biotechnology unit, which deserves special attention in East Africa.
Variability in biochemical composition and cell wall constituents among seven varieties in Ghanaian yan (Dioscorea SP) germplasm
Authors:   University of Ghana, Afoakwa EO , Polycarp D , Budu AS , Mensah-Brown H , Otoo E ,   Crops Research Institute of Ghana
Published: December 2021

This work characterized the most cultivated and consumed yam ( Dioscorea ) cultivars within the Ghanaian yam germpla sm based on their biochemical and cell wall constituents to assess their potential alternative food and industrial processing applications. Samples were analyzed for their biochemical composition - starch, amylose, amylopectin, total sugars, reducing sugar s and non- reducing sugars along the head, middle and tail regions of each tuber using standard analytical methods. Cell wall constituents - acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose of each tuber were also determined using standard analytical methods. The results showed no significant differences at p<0.05 in biochemical compositions along the length of the studied cultivars. D. cayenensis (Pure -yellow), D. rotundata (Pona) and D. alata (Matches) were found to have high starch contents (63.16- 65.69%, 63.54- 65.30% and 63.24- 65.17% respectively). Amylose content was observed to vary along the length of the tubers for the varieties studied. D. alata (Matches) was observed to contain the highest amylose con tent of 19.66- 20.64%. No identifiable trend was however, observed for the amylopectin content along the length between the varieties investigated. D. bulbifera recorded the lowest amylopectin content of 41.29%, 43.59% and 44.63% while D. esculenta had the highest with 49.84%, 50.24% and 50.13% along the tail, middle and head sections respectively. Total sugar content varied significantly (p<0.05) along the lengths of all the varieties investigated. It was higher at the tail portions for all the varieties studied than the head regions; the middle portions recorded the least. D. bulbifera recorded highest total sugar contents (4.74- 4.84%) and total sucrose (3.58 -3.64%). There were significant differences ( p<0.05) in the cell wall constituents of the yam varieties. Cellulose was found to be the most common cell wall component with D. rotundata having the highest level of 3.36% whilst D. dumetorum had the least (1.56%). Hemicellulose content ranged between 0.42 g/100g in D. alata to 4.58 g/100g in D. esculenta while lignin content ranged from 1.56 g/100g in D. dumetorum to 2.87 g/100g for D. praehensalis . There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the neutral detergent fibre found in Dioscorea esculenta and the other yam species . It ranged from 1.18 g/100g in D. alata to 5.46 g/100g in D. esculenta . Less than 1% of acid detergent fibre was identified in the yam varieties , suggesting varied levels of biochemical composition and cell wall constituents in the different yam varieties .
Evaluation of fish handling techniques employed by artisanal fishers on quality of lethrinids and siganids fish genera at landing time along the Kenyan coast using sensory and microbiological methods
Authors:   Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Mombasa, Odoli OC , Oduor-Odote PM , Ohowa B , Onyango SO
Published: December 2021

In artisanal fishery, traditional handling methods such as tossing fish onto the boat bottom or into woven mat baskets and gunny bags after capture are commonly employed. These practices accelerate fish spoilage due to cross contamination and exposure to high ambient temperature. This study aimed at investigating the effect of non-icing (onboard handling methods) on the quality of Lethrinids (Emperor fish, local name: Changu) and Siganids (Rabbitfish, local name: Tafi) landed along the Kenyan coast in comparison to iced fish. Monthly, samples were assessed by sensory methods using Quality Index Method (QIM), Total Viable Counts (TVC) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) producing bacteria considered as specific spoilage organisms (SSO) counts for raw fish; Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) and Torry score for cooked fillets. Iced fish was characterised by better freshness quality attributes at landing time compared to non-iced at both landing sites. According to the QIM, iced treatment recorded better quality scores that were significantly different from non-iced groups (p<0.05) throughout the study with regard to fish genera. Cooked fillets showed both treatments to be within human consumption limits although non-iced fish were characterised by marginal quality attributes. Microbial assessment depicted TVC to be on average 102- 103 CFU/g and 103- 104 CFU/g in iced and non-iced Lethrinids respectively at both sampling sites. In Siganids higher numbers of 104- 105 CFU/g were recorded in non–iced group, with H2S producing bacteria constituting a higher proportion of TVC. Iced Siganids recorded 102 - 103 CFU/g throughout the study. Fish quality was reported to be inconsistent over the sampled month which reflects the large pressure systems of the Western Indian Ocean and the two distinct monsoon periods considered to differ in warmth. The major cause of deteriorated fish quality observed at landing time in the fishery was attributed to bacterial proliferation accelerated most importantly by non-icing onboard handling practises reported such as tossing fish onto the boat bottom or into woven mat baskets and gunny bags employed by the fishers. Sensory evaluation of cooked fillets and microbiological analysis showed fish was acceptable for human consumption regardless of handling method employed. This assures consumers of acceptable fish quality at landing time as long as good hygienic practices are observed at subsequent stages to consumption.
Outdoor living wall systems in a developing economy: A prospect for supplementary urban food production?
Authors:   University of Pretoria, Botes Karen , Breed Christina
Published: December 2021

Green wall systems have greatly advanced over the past few decades and hold important potential for the future in light of predicted urban population growth, densification, and climate change. This article provides a brief background to living walls, followed by a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the four types of systems that are currently available in South Africa. It makes use of a case study review of three recently implemented edible living walls in Gauteng to reflect on the challenges currently experienced and the future potential benefits, with specific focus on system resilience, economic feasibility, and edible plant possibilities. Interviews were conducted with clients and client representatives, contractors and/or designers on each project. The findings suggest that living walls have indirect commercial value through customer experience and satisfaction, as well as educational value. Should the scale, economic feasibility and resilience of living wall systems be enhanced, they can improve urban food production. The article concludes that this could be achieved in the Global South by using simplistic technologies with lower cost living wall infrastructure systems. When deployed on a large scale, with climate-tolerant indigenous and edible plants in exterior systems, productivity will be improved.
Prospects, challenges and evaluation of the BSc in EEE programme for diploma in engineering holders
Authors: Bhuyan Muhibul Haque
Published: December 2021

The acquisition of a BSc in EEE is a requirement for a successful career in engineering. However, not all students in Bangladesh have the opportunity to gain admission into degree programmes. The aim of this research is to report the challenges that the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering faced in attracting students to the BSc in EEE programme, as well as how they assessed and evaluated the students. The research was a case study conducted in the fall semester of 2020 during the period of online education due to the COVID-2019 pandemic. Various examination and assessment tools were used for the student performance evaluation. Some of the statistical parameters like average, maximum and median were used for the comparative analysis of the student performances on online quizzes, assignments and the obtained letter grades of the regular and evening programmes. It was found that in most of the cases evening programme students performed better in the same course.
Keywords: Diploma in Engineering, evening programme, online teaching–learning, performance assessment and evaluation.
Does Exercise Affect Mental Health? (Study Sample: Athlete and Non-Athlete)
Authors: Pashaki Hossein Karimi , Khodaparast Siavash , Bakhshalipour Vahid
Published: December 2021

Aim: Promoting health and ensuring health in the community is one of the important pillars of the development of societies and it seems that important factors play a role in promoting the mental health of the community. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of exercise on mental health. Methodology: This study was a causal-comparative research that has been conducted through field method. The statistical population of this study was all students in Tarbiat Modares University that its non-athlete population was 6032 and its athlete population was 298. 680 non-athlete students and 204 athlete students were selected as Morgan’s table. The instrument of this study was included General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). The collected data were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis Test and Mann-Whitney U test. Findings: The results showed that there was a significant difference between male and female athlete students and between female athlete and non-athlete students in social dysfunction subscale, so that female athlete students’ social function had a better position in both groups. On the other hand, the difference between non-athlete female and male students was not significant in any of the subscales, but the difference between male athlete and non-athlete students was significant in all subscale of mental health. Other results of this study showed that there was a significant difference between married and single students’ mental health (p <0.05), so that married students had higher mental health than single students in somatic symptoms, social dysfunction, and depression subscales. Conclusion: Therefore, the increasing of motivation should be considered through the culture building and the promotion of general knowledge about the benefits of physical activity.
Stworzenie z niczego, czyli słów kilka o monografii Jacka Zielińskiego „Koncepcja creatio ex nihilo w myśli Apologetów greckich II wieku”
Authors: Szczerba Wojciech
Published: December 2021

The monograph of Jacek Zieliński, The Concept of Creatio ex Nihilo in the Thought of the Greek Apologists of the 2nd century, published by Wroclaw’s Atut in 2013, discusses an important problem of the theory of creation from nothing. It also asks an important question, how far the elements of the concept, articulated in its final form only by Augustine of Hippo can be found in the writings of the Christian apologists of the 2nd century. It is an important question, especially that the Bible in its canonical form, the early extra-biblical Jewish literature or – even more – Greek tradition does not unambiguously advocate the concept creatio ex nihilo. Hence the question how, when and why the concept was articulated, since it played such an important role in the Christian thought of later centuries. In addition, the book of Jacek Zielinski is important in Polish market, because there are only a few serious publications dealing with the issue. The article gives a description and short analysis of the book, pinpointing its strong sights and showing areas, which could be strengthened in this and — hopefully — following publications on creatio ex nihilo by Jacek Zieliński.
Seguimento de Doentes com Carcinoma Diferenciado da Tiróide nos Cuidados de Saúde Primário: Estamos a Postos?
Authors: Oliveira Ana Catarina , Fino Patrícia , Fernandes Vera , Monteiro Ana Margarida
Published: December 2021

N/a.
PENGETAHUAN DAN PERILAKU MAHASISWA TERKAIT COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME (CVS) SERTA PENGGUNAAN DAN PENYIMPANAN OBAT TETES MATA SEBAGAI PENANGANANNYA
Authors: Prihandoyo Ariffio Dava , Putra Gede Parisudha Tegeh , Gunawan Lavinia , Al Khalifi Nadia Natsya , Ma'rufah Nurul A'ilda , Saraswati Putu Anindita , Karunia Rifqi Anindita , Sari Romandani Puspita , Astuti Selvia Febriana , Khotijah Siti , Mufarrihah Mufarrihah
Published: December 2021

Adanya COVID-19 di Indonesia menyebabkan pemerintah menetapkan kebijakan untuk melakukan kegiatan pembelajaran jarak jauh (daring). Kondisi ini dapat memicu masalah pada mata dan meningkatkan risiko terkena Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengidentifikasi pengetahuan dan perilaku mahasiswa mengenai CVS serta mengidentifikasi profil pengetahuan mahasiswa mengenai penyimpanan dan penggunaan obat tetes mata terkait CVS. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif cross-sectional. Metode pengambilan data melalui survei online. Subjek penelitian adalah mahasiswa yang berkuliah di perguruan tinggi di Kota Surabaya yang sedang melakukan pembelajaran jarak jauh. Penentuan subjek penelitian menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Kuesioner berisikan pertanyaan tentang pengetahuan terkait CVS, perilaku terkait CVS, dan pengetahuan mengenai penggunaan obat tetes mata. Didapatkan total 133 responden dengan perolehan 100 responden (75,19%) memiliki pengetahuan mengenai CVS yang cukup baik, 69 responden (51,88%) memiliki perilaku yang menyebabkan risiko tinggi terkena CVS dan 71 responden (53,36%) memiliki pengetahuan yang cukup baik dalam penyimpanan dan penggunaan obat tetes mata terkait CVS. Berdasarkan hasil survei dapat disimpulkan sebagian besar responden memiliki pengetahuan yang cukup baik terkait CVS serta penyimpanan dan penggunaan obat tetes mata namun masih banyak responden memiliki perilaku yang menyebabkan risiko tinggi terkena CVS.