bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A retrospective study to analyze treatment of post traumatic cerebro spinal fluid rhinorrhea and role of trans cranial pedicled pericranial repair in present day context
Authors: Shashivadhanan  , Mishra Abhishek
Published: January 2022

: Skull base fractures are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in head injury. Anterior cranial Fossa (ACF) skull base fracture, leading to Cerebro Spinal Fluid (CSF) Rhinorrhea is one of the most commonly encountered presentation in ACF base fractures. The key to successful management of such cases lies in early diagnosis and surgical management before it leads to meningitis and avoidable mortality.

To evaluate the cases of post traumatic CSF rhinorrhea and analyze the parameters utilized to guide the management strategies. An attempt was made to come up with guidelines for its management in a tertiary care hospital.

This was a retrospective study in which all cases of traumatic CSF Rhinorrhea admitted to Tertiary care hospital were included. Patients were divided into three groups. First group was conservatively managed in which the rhinorrhea and serial imaging findings showed favourable response.In thesecond group patients were subjected to endoscopic repair by the ENT surgeon based on anatomical considerations. The third group included patients who were had failed the trial of conservative management and the site of leak did not favor endoscopic repair.The outcomes in all these groups were analyzed and conclusions drawn.

A total of 54 patients were included in the study which was conducted between Jan 2014 to 2020. 24 were successfully managed conservatively,10 were managed with endoscopic repair and 20 were managed by bifrontal craniotomy and pedicled pericranial ACF Base repair. There was one case from the first group who developed CSF leak after one month necessitating ACF base repair. There was no recurrence reportedin the cases managed endoscopically, whereas one case subjected to craniotomy had recurrence requiring lumbar drain placement. With each transcranial surgery there was a refinement in the technique further minimizing complications. We have elaborated on the surgical nuances to ensurebetter outcomes.

: Pedicledpericranial flap ACF base repair is an elegant approach which requires an understanding of the mechanism of CSF leak from skull base fractures. This procedure can easily be mastered and when performed correctly provides best results for cases where there are multiple ACF defects, those not accessible by endoscope and also in those cases where imaging is not able to localize the exact site of defect leading to CSF rhinorrhea. Anosmia is an in evitable complication of this procedure. However, the trade off between mortality resulting from meningitis versus anosmia makes it a viable and attractive treatment option.
Determination of sex of the dry skull using Interstyloid distance and its Medicolegal implications in Tamil Nadu population
Authors: A H Shivakumar , R Sumana , B G Maheshkrishna , R Yasodai
Published: January 2022

Determination of sex using Skeletal remains is a challenging topic with so many tools being used for the sex determination of Skull in this study. The interstyloid process distance were studied in 64 Skulls and were tabulated and analysed. There is a significant difference between the distance in Female skull and Male skull, the former being lesser compared to the later. Further study in this regard may help using Interstyloid process distance as a important tool in identification of the Sex of the Skull.
An interesting case of reruptured endovascularly coiled aneurysm managed with clipping
Authors: Kapoor Bhavuk , Kansal Anil , Bansil Rohit , Sharma Dhawal , Mittal Siddharth , Rustogi Amit
Published: January 2022

Endovascular treatment has proven to be effective in the management of intracranial aneurysm, and can achieve permanent occlusion in up to 85% of cases, reducing the bleeding or rebleeding rate. A paradigm shift from microsurgical clipping to endovascular intervention has been observed since the publication of the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial. Aneurysm recurrence after coil embolization remains both a major shortcoming of endovascular treatment and a daunting challenge for neurosurgeons without optimal management strategies.

: We present a case report of a patient with history of previously endovascularly coiled and presenting with aneurysmal bleed.

Microsurgical clipping is an effective intervention for managing reruptured previously coiled intracranial aneurysm.
Impact of covid-19 on quality of life in COVID recovered patients: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Chaudhary Jigna , Shah Sarfraznawaz F
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 pandemic has affected India to a great extent. Till date total of 3.30 crore peoples has been cured and discharged and 44.6 lakh are died due to covid -19 in India. COVID-19 has a long-term systemic effect on lungs, liver, spleen, anxiety and depression and persistence of inflammatory response even after getting cured or COVID negative. Which may affect quality of life. So, there is a need to evaluate quality of life in post COVID patients.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on the 100 COVID-19 recovered Participants. Participants were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criterion. Basic assessment of symptom history, medical history and hospitalisation was done by investigator. A quality of life was evaluated using short form-36 questionnaire (SF-36). Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft excel-2019.

A total of 100 participants 61% were male and 39% were female participants. We found that general health component was greatly affected with 68.50%. Following general health emotional well-being (69.68%), social functioning (68.14), pain (64.38%), limitation due to emotional problems (64.19%), energy/fatigue (63.3%), limitation due to physical health (59.61) and physical functioning (48.27%) were affected.

We found that there was mild – moderate affection in quality of life in covid recovered subjects. There was more affection in quality of life in participants with other comorbidities. We also found that there were persistence of breathlessness and fatigue after recovery.
Quality of life among caregivers of thalassaemic children, attending at Thalassaemia control unit of a rural tertiary care hospital, in a sub-Himalayan district of West Bengal
Authors: Saha Tushar Kanti , Bhandari Kallol , Gazi Eashin , Rout Arup Jyoti , Dasgupta Samir
Published: January 2022

Thalassaemia is a disease of abnormal development of red blood cells which manifests as anaemia. This chronic disease may cause mental, social, financial burdens on the families, care givers and also on health care system.

To assess the quality of life (QOL) of the caregivers of thalassaemic children and to identify the predictors of quality of their physical and mental health.

Institution based descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the Thalassaemia Control Unit (TCU) of North Bengal Medical College (NBMC) from December 2018 to April 2019. Total 136 caregivers of children (≤12 years) with thalassaemia were included by complete enumeration method. Physical and mental health of the caregivers were reported in Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey. Collected data were entered into MS-Excel, analysed with the help of SPSS (Version 22).

Mean age of caregivers was 34.3 (SD ± 1.4 years). Most of caregivers were female (89%) and had educational qualification up to Primary school (45.6%). Majority (70.6%) of the caregivers were the mothers of the children. Most of the study participants (60.3%) had favourable Physical health Component Summary (PCS) but 64.7% of the caregivers had unfavourable Mental health component Summary (MCS). Educational status was found to be the predictor for PCS but age and relationship with the child were the predictors for MCS.

Counselling, psychotherapy, social support for family members or caregivers of the thalassaemic children and community involvement with their full participation should be emphasized to reduce stigma related to thalassaemia.
Study of Seroprevalence of SARS CoV2 antibodies in children in a diagnostic centre of Central India-a retrospective study
Authors: Hawaldar Ranjana , Sodani Sadhna , Sodani Varsha , Sodani R K
Published: January 2022

It is said that children are less affected by SARSCoV2 infection because of their young immune system, so they have relatively milder symptoms as compared to adults. So the true incidence of SARSCoV2 is not known in this age group. Serosurveys in the paediatric age group can give a much better estimate of the incidence of SARSCoV2 infection in asymptomatic and symptomatic children

The present study was undertaken to study the seroprevalence of SARSCoV2 antibodies in children below 18 years of age, by measuring the S1RBD domain of spike protein neutralizing IgG antibody levels.

This was a retrospective study carried out from August 2020 to August 2021 in a private diagnostic centre of Central India. 539 children of both genders from newborn babies upto 18 years of age were included in the study. US FDA Emergency Use Authorized [EUA], Atellica Solution SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay that detects anti S1-RBD antibodies including neutralizing IgG against SARS-CoV-2 was used for antibody estimation. Antibody level ≥1 was termed reactive or seropositive and below 1 were considered to be non reactive or seroneagtive

There were 321 males and 218 females with a male to female ratio of 1.47 :1. 57% male children were seropositive while 61.9% female children showed seropositivity with an overall positivity rate of 58.99%.

The findings of our study suggest that chidren below 5 years and adolescents exhibit higher antibody responses as compared to children between 5-10 years of age. The results of our study would be of help in formulating surveillance and vaccination strategies for children and in implementing public safety guidelines.
The pandemic and its impact on occupational health and safety among mechanical engineering industries in India
Authors: Christian Donald S , Christian Anjela D
Published: January 2022

Workplace health and safety has been of paramount importance for any nation and the stakeholders- authorities, employers and workers – must have reasonable sensitization for the same. During the COVID 19 pandemic, lots of policy formulations and regulations had to incorporate within the industries for the health and welfare of the workers. The “new normal” will take some time for adjustments, challenges and implications to be implemented effectively and consistently. Certain processes in the workplace, especially in the mechanical engineering companies, are likely for high close contact incidences. Special situations pertaining to workers’’ health, like crowded accommodations, travel risks as well common canteens, all need to be reconsidered for providing safer environment to the workers, as far as the current pandemic is concerned. This requires coordinated efforts from all the stakeholders within the mechanical field through subconscious acceptance of the norms of safety and hygiene at all levels.
Evaluación de desempeño de un sistema radiante
Authors: Paz Penagos Hernán
Published: January 2022

Medir la razón de onda estacionaria de voltaje, las pérdidas de retorno y la distancia a la falla del sistema radiante es una estrategia para evaluar el desempeño de un sistema. Ya sea para verificar la instalación correcta de una nueva estación base o la ampliación de una celda ya existente. Si los valores medidos por el operador no están dentro de los límites establecidos por la agencia reguladora, la antena asociada evidenciará un desempeño bajo por las pérdidas altas de potencia, la eficiencia de potencia baja y una energía reflejada hacia el transmisor. Dicha energía no solamente distorsionará la señal, sino que afectará el nivel de potencia transmitida, el patrón de radiación y, a su vez, el área de cobertura de la estación base. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar los resultados de mediciones de campo de las variables indicadas anteriormente en un sistema radiante eNodeB ubicado en Envigado (Antioquia) para evaluar su desempeño. La metodología que se llevó a cabo fue el análisis de un estudio de caso por sectores y subsectores. Los hallazgos encontrados evidencian un desempeño alto para el sistema radiante de la estación base eNodeB. Lo anterior, se determina mediante razón de onda estacionaria de voltaje de 1,1, pérdidas de retorno de -31,67 y distancia a la falla de 5 m que desarrollan un |Γ|=0,05, una eficiencia de potencia de 99,8 %. Lo que se encuentra dentro de los rangos límite establecidos por la Agencia Nacional del Espectro.
Singular integral equation for an electric dipole taking into account the finite metal conductivity from which it is made
Authors: Klyuev Dmitriy S. , Sokolova Yulia V.
Published: January 2022

A singular integral equation for an electric dipole has been obtained, which makes it possible to take into account the finite conductivity of the metal from which it is made. The derivation of the singular integral equation is based on the application of the Greens function for free space, written in a cylindrical coordinate system, taking into account the absence of the dependence of the field on the azimuthal coordinate, on a point source located on the surface of an electric dipole. Methods for its solution are proposed. In contrast to the well-known mathematical models of an electric dipole, built in the approximation of an ideal conductor, the use of the singular integral equation obtained in this work makes it possible to take into account heat losses and calculate the efficiency.
Quasi-harmonic self-oscillations in discrete time: analysis and synthesis of dynamic systems
Authors: Zaitsev Valery V. , Karlov Alexander V.
Published: January 2022

For sampling of time in a differential equation of movement of Thomson type oscillator (generator) it is offered to use a combination of the numerical method of finite differences and an asymptotic method of the slowl-changing amplitudes. The difference approximations of temporal derivatives are selected so that, first, to save conservatism and natural frequency of the linear circuit of self-oscillatory system in the discrete time. Secondly, coincidence of the difference shortened equation for the complex amplitude of self-oscillations in the discrete time with Eulers approximation of the shortened equation for amplitude of self-oscillations in analog system prototype is required. It is shown that realization of such approach allows to create discrete mapping of the van der Pol oscillator and a number of mappings of Thomson type oscillators. The adequacy of discrete models to analog prototypes is confirmed with also numerical experiment.
Features of generation and propagation of the extremely low frequency waves excited in the ionosphere under the powerful HF radioemission influence
Authors: Belov Alexey S.
Published: January 2022

The experimental results of the extremely low frequency emission characteristics excited in the outer ionosphere under the ionospheric plasma heating by high-latitude EISCAT facility are presented. The experiments have been conducted in the period of 20062010 yr. using two main schemes of extremely low frequency generation including the impact of the heating facility amplitude modulated emission and two unmodulated pump waves with the frequency detuning. In-situ measurements of the plasma wave disturbances were performed at the outer ionosphere heights using on-board equipment of DEMETER microsatellite. In work the spatial, amplitude and spectral characteristics of the generated extremely low frequency emissions are determined. It is shown that the characteristic size of the extremely low frequency emission is about 400600 km along the trajectory of the DEMETER microsatellite. The registration area spatial position is determined by both the applied generation scheme and the background plasma density distribution. The extremely low frequency emission electric field strength at the Earths outer ionosphere heights is 50330 V/m.
Ellipsometry of thin films of biological objects under conditions of total internal reflection
Authors: Yatsishen Valeriy V.
Published: January 2022

An analysis of the ellipsometric parameters of the reflected light from the prism test material air system is carried out when circularly polarized light is incident on it under the conditions of the onset of the phenomenon of total internal reflection. At the onset of total internal reflection, the ellipsometry parameter shows high variability with the angle of incidence, in contrast to the parameter r0. It is shown that TIR occurs when the angle of incidence is not equal to the critical angle of the adjacent media for two different materials, these angles differ from each other. In the case of a film, the TIR phenomenon occurs at an angle equal to the critical angle at the prism-air interface and does not depend on the film material. The results obtained show the high efficiency of using the ellipsometric method together with circularly polarized incident radiation for diagnostics of thin films made of biological material.
Algorithmic solutions to the problem of assessing the information impact on the electorate during election campaigns
Authors: Polyanskii Ivan S. , Polyanskaya Inna V. , Loginov Kirill O.
Published: January 2022

In the article, to solve the problem of assessing the information impact on the electorate during election campaigns, algorithmic solutions, including a mathematical model, a numerical scheme and algorithmic implementations, are formed. This assessment is reduced to determining the instantaneous values of the number of voters who prefer a candidate (party), taking into account: the positive or negative stochastic nature of the impact of mass media; interpersonal interaction; two-step assimilation of information; the presence of a variety of mass media, social groups and a list of candidates. The mathematical model is based on a generalized model of information confrontation in a structured society and, with the introduction of stochastic components in the intensity of agitation, it is reduced to solving the FokkerPlanckKolmogorov equation. For its study in the formulation of the Galerkin method, a numerical scheme is proposed and the order of its convergence is determined. In relation to the basic procedures of the numerical scheme, the features of the algorithmic implementation are clarified.
Vulnerability Analysis against Natural and Technological Threats: A Comparative Assessment in Tehran Metropolis Gas Supply Network
Authors: SHOJA ESMAEIL , CHERAGHALI MOHAMMAD HASSAN , REZGHI ROSTAMI ALIREZA , DERAKHSHANI ALIREZA
Published: January 2022

Resilience as a counterpoint to vulnerability can reduce the vulnerability of various natural, man-made, and technological threats in complex technical systems. The present study was designed and conducted with the aim of comparative assessment of the vulnerability of a gas supply network to natural and technological threats. This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was carried out in Tehran metropolis gas supply network including town board stations, gas supply, and distribution networks in 2019-2020. The study was based on the vulnerability analysis method including three factors of likelihood, severity of consequences, and the degree of preparedness for threats. Comparative vulnerability assessment in these three sections of the gas supply network was performed using IBM SPSS software v. 23.0. Out of eleven identified hazardous elements, the vulnerability index for three hazardous elements was estimated as a weak level threat; four hazardous elements as a medium level threat and the vulnerability index for four hazards were evaluated as a severe threat. The results of comparative vulnerability assessment based on three parts of gas supply network showed that the highest vulnerabilities related to the gas distribution network (133.66±24.63), gas supply network (115.0±35.35), and town board stations (79.49±68.51. In addition, the results of Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the vulnerability difference in these three sections was not significant (p>0.05). The findings of the comparative assessment of vulnerability between   different parts of the gas supply network including town board stations (TBS), gas supply and distribution network indicated that the resilience of these parts is relatively low and requires special attention in order to reduce vulnerability in Tehran metropolis gas supply network.
Evaluating Ports Environmental Performance based on the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP)
Authors: AKBARI ALIJAN ALI , BABAEI SAMIROMI FARZAM , ARJMANDI REZA , SHOJAEI MASOUMEH
Published: January 2022

Appropriate environmental performance is considered one of the most important indicators in the sustainable development of organizations and industries. Evaluating the environmental performance in ports as one of the two main parts of the maritime transport system is of particular importance. Therefore, the current study was designed and conducted to develop a method for evaluating the environmental performance of ports based on the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP). In the present study, 22 experts in the field of environment and marine sciences were selected in 2020. Firstly, various studies on the factors affecting the environmental performance of ports were reviewed. Secondly, a questionnaire was designed to assess ports’ environmental performance. Thirdly, this questionnaire was developed using the Delphi technique. Finally, by determining the weight of each parameter, the method of environmental performance assessment in ports was developed based on the FAHP. The final normalized weights for six environmental performance factors including reactive and proactive performance, sustainability, socio-cultural, economic, and governance were estimated 0.202, 0.241, 0.226, 0.070, 0.080, and 0.182. Additionally, it was found that each of the parameters had a different weight and impact on these factors. The highest and lowest impact on the environmental performance index belonged to environmental risk assessment (weight=0.217), cultural effects, and justice (weight=0.107). In the current study, a new method was developed for evaluating the environmental performance of ports based on six factors, 32 parameters, and FAHP. Therefore, this method may provide an effective step in reducing environmental impacts and improving the level of environmental performance in ports to achieve the goal of green port.
A Survey of Shift Work and Work Ability Index among Nurses: A Case Study in Educational Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran
Authors: IBRAHIMI GHAVAMABADI1 LEILA , FOULADI DEHAGHI BEHZAD , JAFARI BEHNOUSH
Published: January 2022

Shift work is a social phenomenon with adverse effects on the lives and health of people in various aspects. This adverse effect decreases shift workers’ ability over a time period. The aim of the present study was to survey disturbances due to shift work and some disorders associated with work ability index among nurses in educational hospitals, Ahvaz, Iran. This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 33 nurses at the Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. The survey of shift workers questionnaire (SOS) and the Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire was used as data collection tools. The related data was analyzed based on the descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation test, and Spearman correlation test using IBM SPSS software version 19. The results showed that 97% of problems related to the effects of shift work on the individuals’ lives, families, and musculoskeletal disorders, 87.9% related to insomnia and social problems, and 75.8% related to mental disorders. Although it showed a significant relationship between the workability index with the variable of experience and mental disorders, it showed no significant relationship between the prevalence of insomnia and musculoskeletal disorders variables. The results of this study showed that shift working disrupts mental, social, and physical health that ultimately adversely affect the ability of shift workers. Therefore, it was recommended to adjust working hours and allocate the appropriate shifts to improve the workability of individuals.
Descriptive Study of Safety and Health Training Content in Iranian Universities and Higher Education Institutes
Authors: VAHABI MASOOMEH , POUYAKIAN MOSTAFA , MOHAMMADI ZAHRA , HESAM GHASEM , AFIFEHZADEH KASHANI HOSSEIN
Published: January 2022

The root cause of many workplace incidents is the lack of knowledge on occupational safety and health principles. Despite the safety and health authorities in organizations, safety and health is the general responsibility of all other experts working in an organization. Experts and managers are expected to think, decide and work safely in workplaces. However, we don’t have enough information about the level of safety and health-related education when they were in universities. In addition, there is not too much reliable published reports on the academic teaching of safety and health courses and syllabus in higher education in Iran. Therefore, the current study was aimed to provide a general view of the status of occupational safety and health teaching subjects in different academic disciplines (excluding specialized fields in occupational safety and health) in the Iranian higher educational system. Firstly, the latest edition of the entire program (curricula) of all academic disciplines held in Iranian universities was downloaded. Secondly, the required information, including discipline title, program’s degree, number of required (core) and elective (non-core) courses, and program’s date of approval, were recorded in an Excel sheet. Every course’s title and syllabus were then studied to find out any safety and health-related topics. Finally, data were analyzed and reported. 251 academic disciplines in the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) and 771 disciplines in the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT) were investigated. Most of the curriculums have been revised by both ministries since 2011. Results showed that 20 percent of the MOHME‎ ‎disciplines and 10.4 percent of MSRT‎ disciplines were included in the occupational safety and health courses. The number of courses with health and safety content (syllabus outline) in the MOHME ‎‎and the MSRT‎ were 168 and 173. Most health and safety courses presented in the MOHME academic majors were in the basic medical sciences category of disciplines. A majority of MSRT covered academic safety and health courses and topics were presented in the engineering category of disciplines. Presenting lessons with health and safety content at the MOHME ‎was more practical than that of the MSRT. The quality and quantity of teaching on safety and health topic were not at satisfactory levels. Revising the course syllabus of the academic disciplines and adding theoretical and practical courses related to each field's specific health and safety curriculum can make a significant contribution in improving the general knowledge of the safety and health of the university graduates. In turn, it improves future workplace safety and health conditions, managers’ insights and decision-makers on the importance of safety and health at work. It protects the people's life and the property of the organization.
Fuzzy Logic in HEART and CREAM Methods to Assess Human Error and Find an Optimum Method Using a Hierarchical Fuzzy System: A Case Study in a Steel Factory
Authors: BOROUN REZIE , TAHMASBI BIRGANI YASER , MOSAVIANASL ZEINAB , SHIRALI GHOLAM ABBAS
Published: January 2022

Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the role of human errors in accidents in different industries. Human reliability analysis (HRA) has drawn a great deal of attention among safety engineers and risk assessment analyzers. Despite all technical advances and the development of processes, damaging and catastrophic accidents still happen in many industries. Human Error Assessment and Reduction Technique (HEART) and Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method (CREAM) methods were compared with the hierarchical fuzzy system in a steel industry to investigate the human error. This study was carried out in a rolling unit of the steel industry, which has four control rooms, three shifts, and a total of 46 technicians and operators. After observing the work process, reviewing the documents, and interviewing each of the operators, the worksheets of each research method were completed. CREAM and HEART methods were defined in the hierarchical fuzzy system and the necessary rules were analyzed. The findings of the study indicated that CREAM was more successful than HEART in showing a better capability to capture task interactions and dependencies as well as logical estimation of the HEP in the plant studied. Given the nature of the tasks in the studied plant and interactions and dependencies among tasks, it seems that CREAM is a better method in comparison with the HEART method to identify errors and calculate the HEP.
Advanced Materials in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Sahajwani Ritika , Srivastava Manish , Srivastava Anamika , Parashar Chanchal , Singh Agrima , Kaur Prabhjot , Dwivedi Jaya
Published: January 2022

The overview of this review article depends on the various techniques of formation of silver nanoparticles and different application take place in medicinal point of view.

The branch of nanotechnology plays an important role in medical science research. In this different nanoparticle is synthesized which have various application in gene delivery, drug delivery and reduce the toxic effect of drugs in the human body and also act as an antibacterial in pharmaceutical industries.

In recent days silver nanoparticles have had an important role due to their optical and catalytic properties. A large number of different particles or methods are used to prepare the different shapes of silver nanoparticles used in drug delivery. Different shapes of nanoparticles have increased their demand in various researches depend on medicinal uses. Silver nanoparticle preparation can be studied by 3 techniques related to irradiations, chemicals, bacteria, fungi, and plants. 

Nanomedicine have a large number of advantages in treating various chronic diseases by using biological agents, chemotherapeutic agents, and used to deliver the drug to a specific site of the body. A silver nanoparticle is prepared for detection tool to detect the adverse effect of diseases on the target cell. Nanoparticles are used in cancer therapy to remove the damaged cell of the body.
Assessment of heavy metals and crude protein content of molluscs and crustaceans from two selected cities in Nigeria
Authors:   Analytical/Environmental Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, Ogundiran MB , Fasakin SA
Published: January 2022

Crabs, shrimps, periwinkles and land snails form a source of aquatic food which is widely consumed in Nigeria. Therefore, there is need for comparison of nutritional information and heavy metals accumulation potentials of these organisms. The aim of this study was to quantify heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) and crude protein content of these species that are sold in markets in Ibadan and Lagos, Nigeria. In addition, the influence of location, organism species, organism age, and processing on the levels of the analytes were also investigated. The results showed that mean Cu concentrations ranged from 4.88±0.54µg/g in edible land snail (Gabiella africana) to 34.1±3.0µg/g in raw guinea shrimp (Parapenaeopsis atlantica) and Zn concentrations from 21.4±1.6 in African giant snail (Archarcantina marginata) to 190±21µg/g in raw pink shrimp (Penaeus notialis). The concentration of Zn in all species was below the WHO maximum permissible limit of 100µg/g except in crabs and raw shrimps. Cu concentrations in all the samples except dry shrimps and snails were higher than the WHO permissible level of 10µg/g. Furthermore, highest Pb levels were found in crabs (Callinectes pallidus) (2.74±0.45µg/g) and the minimum mean level of 0.66±0.07µg/g was observed in G. africana. All the samples except dried shrimps contained Pb above the EC limit of 0.5µg/g. The highest mean level (0.20±0.17µg/g) of Cd was detected in crab while the least (0.03±0.01µg/g) was found in periwinkle. However, these levels were lower than the EC limit of 0.5µg/g. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd in the organisms differed a little between the two sampling locations. The concentration of heavy metals (HMs) varied with studied organisms. For instance, gladiator swim crab (Callinectes pallidus) and raw pink shrimp (P. notalis) bioconcentrated remarkably higher levels of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd than the other organisms. The process of drying significantly decreased bioavailable HMs in shrimps. Matured snails contained highest concentrations of Cu and Pb while baby snails contained highest levels of Zn. About 63% Cu, 70% Pb, 87% Zn and 10% protein content appeared to be lost during the drying process in shrimps. Crude protein contents ranged from 35.7±2.5% in crabs (C. pallidus) to 79.5±2.0% in snails (G. africana), implying that shrimps, crabs, periwinkles and snails are good sources of animal protein if they are found in contamination free environment.
Efficiency of non-vector methods of cassava brown streak virus transmission to susceptible cassava plants
Authors:   Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania, Rwegasira GM , Chrissie MER ,   University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Published: January 2022

Several etiological and epidemiological studies have been undertaken to determine the disease causal agent and the mechanism of spread of Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) . Until recently, two distinct potyviruses have been reported to cause the disease. These are Cassava brown streak virus (originated in Tanzania but most widely spread) and Ugandan Cassava brown streak virus (reported in Uganda and a few areas in Tanzania). Limited knowledge on the transmission mechanisms of the virus curtailed the designing of practical CBSD management techniques. Transmission by the whitefly vector, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), and dissemination of virus -infected cuttings are the reported mechanisms through which Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) is mostly spread. However, the occurrence and subsequent spread of the disease in originally un -infected stock and in absence of B. tabaci is not uncommon. Thus, the need to explore further, other transmission mechanisms and their efficiency was paramount . In the current study, CBSV was successfully transmitted through a series of non -vector techniques. Subsequent detection and confirmation of CBSV infections were done by RT -PCR using coat protein gene -specific CBSV primers. In replicated screen -house experiments, transmission of CBSV was achieved through cutting tools (22 %) using susceptible cassava cv. Albert as test plants. Up to 54 % transmission efficiency was achieved through sap inoculation of CBSV from infected cassava to CBSV -free cv. Mreteta. Grafting CBSV -free susceptible scions onto CBSV - infected rootstocks was the most efficient CBSV transmission technique with up to 100 % of scions infected within 4- weeks. The infected plants developed characteristic foliar vein chlorosis and blotches on the previously symptomless CBSV -free scions. The virus was not transmitted from infected root debris to cassava seedlings or virus -free cuttings. The findings suggest that the non- vector methods, such as sap transmission, cutting tools and leaf harvesting , could contribute significantly to CBSV spread in field and non- field conditions, such as in propagation nurseries or cassava leaf handling for food. Moreover, grafting was justified to be an effective technique to quickly test for susceptibility or resistance of any newly bred cultivar for CBSD resistance.
Association between lifestyle and health variables with nutritional status of the elderly in the northern region of Ghana.
Authors:   District Health Directorate, P. O. Box 82, Duayaw Nkwanta, Tano North -Brong Ahafo Region, Ghana, West Africa, Aganiba BA , Owusu WB ,   University of Ghana, Ghana, Steiner-Asiedu M ,   University of Ghana, Ghana, Dittoh S ,   University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
Published: January 2022

With fertility and mortality steadily declining, a remarkable shift in the world’s population age structure toward older ages is expected in the coming decades . The elderly population is at particular risk of malnutrition. The presence of malnutrition could be the result of, and also lead to, social, medical and other health problems . Currently, Ghana has the highest proportion of persons aged 60 years and above in sub- Saharan Africa and little attention has been given to this segment of the population. A cross -sectional study of 400 (177 males and 223 females) individuals who are 65 years and above was carried out in urban areas in the Northern Region of Ghana to evaluate the nutrition and health situation of the elderly . Socio -demographic and economic data, dietary patterns, state of health, level of physical activity and lifestyle variables were collected using a questionnaire. Anthropometric data (weight and height) were measured using standard procedures. More than half of the participants (56.2%) were married and living with their spouses. These were mostly the males. Most of the participants (93.5% ) had no formal education while over half of them (57.2%) relied on family members and friends for their financial needs . Slightly over half (53.2%) of the subjects had fair health status with females experiencing more disease conditions than males. Almost all the respondents were independent in performing all daily activities. Using Body Mass Index ( BMI ) in kg/m 2 as an indicator for nutritional status, 18.0% of the participants were underweight, 60.5% had normal weight and 21.5% were overweight. Alcohol consumption and sight problems were found to have significant negative association with BMI (p=0 .007 and p=0.005, respectively). Malnutrition is, therefore, an important public health burden among the elderly in the region and therefore deserves attention . The formulation and implementation of a national policy on the elderly and nutrition education targeting the whole populace is urgently needed in Ghana to ensure healthy aging.
Processing Erroneous Situations in Large Blockchain Networks by a Consensus Algorithm Based on the Byzantine Generals’ Problem Solution
Authors: Bardin A.P. , Novitsky A.V. , Shumilov Yu.Yu.
Published: January 2022

Blockchain networks built on the basis of PoS, DPoS, LPoS, PoE, PoIT, pBFT algorithms have certain limitations associated with the reduction of the new transactions inclusion rate in the blockchain when the number of blockchain network nodes participating in block creation increases. The developed stake distributed Byzantine Fault Tolerant (sdBFT) algorithm of consensus achievement allows to increase by several orders of magnitude the number of network nodes participating in consensus achievement in comparison to existing BFT algorithms, while maintaining the speed f transactions inclusion in the blockchain. The main erroneous situations in large blockchain networks are investigated in terms of their processing by the sdBFT algorithm. The processing of seven main erroneous situations in a blockchain is given: a master node is not available; an escort node is not available; an incorrect transaction is received; different number of closed blocks on different nodes of a blockchain network at the same time; a node rejects a new blockchain block; a network rejects a new blockchain block; two blocks with identical numbers appear in the network. It is shown that the correct interaction of the sdBFT algorithm with the blockchain network enables not only high performance with a large number of nodes and high transaction arrival rate, but also the ability of the blockchain using this algorithm to work out all the major error situations that arise in the operation of the blockchain network
Reliability Model of Multiprocessor Hardware-Software Complexes of Real-Time Control Systems with Multi-Version Software
Authors: Efimov S.N. , Terskov V.A. , Galushin P.V. , Yarkov K.V.
Published: January 2022

Reliability is a critical parameter of real-time control systems. In practice, the reliability of hardware and software complexes included in such systems, is ensured by creating redundancy of hardware components and a multi-version approach to software development. But the redundant reservation of hardware devices and too many versions of software can lead to unjustified growth in the cost of creating and operating the projected control system. A rational approach to the design requires the creation of a model, which allows evaluating the reliability of different hardware and software complex configurations at the design stage. We proposed a mathematical reliability model of hardware and software complexes of real-time control systems, built with the use of mathematical apparatus of the queueing theory, which is a system of differential equations for the probability of finding states in the system, in which one or another component of the hardware and software complex is faulty. From the system of differential equations, the system of linear algebraic equations for probabilities of states in a steady-state mode was obtained. An analytical solution of this system is given, which allows us to evaluate the reliability of multiprocessor hardware-software complexes with multi-version software without significant expenditure of computational resources. Possibilities of using the results obtained to optimize the reliability of multiprocessor hardware-software complexes with multi-version software are presented and directions for further research are proposed
LEITURA E REPRESENTAÇÃO DE UM DRAMA: o espaço no sistema de ensino
Authors: Reis Carlos
Published: January 2022

O presente artigo parte de um testemunho pessoal e assume deliberadamente a literatura como campo de referências e de imagens. Acredita-se que se ela serve para alguma coisa será também para nos dar testemunhos em discurso ficcional, note-se, do que são e significam espaços, volições, representações e valores, em sinuosa conexão com a nossa vida e com o nosso trânsito social. A “leitura e representação de um drama” que aqui se desenvolve implica uma problematização do espaço em função de várias dimensões, variavelmente envolvidas em práticas de ensino. Numa acepção particular que merece  especial atenção, os espaços do ensino são objetos de representações literárias, modelizando fraturas sociais, culturais, pedagógicas muito importantes, também por delas serem indissociáveis valores e atitudes ideológicas.Palavras-chave: literatura; espaço no sistema de ensino; representação.LECTURA Y REPRESENTACIÓN DE UN DRAMA: el espacio en el sistema de enseñanzaResumenEl presente artículo parte de un testimonio personal y asume deliberadamente la literatura como campo de referencias e imágenes. Se cree que, si sirve para algo, será también para darnos testimonios en discurso ficcional de lo que son y significan espacios, voluntades, representaciones y valores, en sinuosa conexión con nuestra vida y con nuestro tránsito social. La “lectura y representación de un drama”, que aquí se desarrolla, implica una problematización del espacio en función de diferentes dimensiones, variablemente relacionadas con prácticas de enseñanza. En una acepción particular que merece atención especial, los espacios de enseñanza son objetos de representaciones literarias, modelizando fracturas sociales, culturales y pedagógicas muy importantes, también porque son indisociables sus valores y actitudes ideológicas.Palabras clave: literatura; espacio en el sistema de enseñanza; representación.READING AND REPRESENTATION OF A DRAMA: space in the education systemAbstractThis article starts from a personal testimony and deliberately assumes literature as a field of references and images. It is believed that if it is somehow useful, it will also be to give us testimonies, in fictional discourse, of what spaces, volitions, representations and values are and mean, in a sinuous connection with our life and with our social transit. The “reading and representation of a drama” that is developed here implies a problematization of space in terms of several dimensions, which are variably involved in teaching practices. In a particular sense that deserves special attention, teaching spaces are objects of literary representations, modeling very important social, cultural and pedagogical fractures, also because they are inseparable from ideological values and attitudes.Keywords: literature; space in education system; representation.
Investigating Field Efficacy and Safety of Conjunctival Brucella abortus S19 Vaccine in Cattle
Authors: Gurbilek S. Erdenlig , Karagul M.S. , Saytekin A.M. , Baklan E.A. , Saglam G.
Published: January 2022

Background: Vaccination is the most fundamental strategy in the control and eradication of brucellosis. Several vaccination programs with different vaccines have been carried out in many countries in which brucellosis continues to be a problem in livestock. One of the recommended vaccines against brucellosis in cattle is the live Brucella abortus S19 vaccine. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of field safety and efficacy trials for the conjunctival Brucella abortus S19 vaccine prior to the mass vaccination program. Methods: In this study, 81 female cattle were vaccinated with a reduced dose of Brucella abortus S19 vaccine with the conjunctival route. The immune response after vaccination was investigated by suggested serological tests; namely, Rose Bengal Plate Test, Serum Agglutination Test and Complement Fixation Test. Result: No adverse effect was observed within the scope of safety. Isolation of vaccine strain was observed only in a milk sample of lactating animals. Excluding the diagnosis criteria of the serological tests, humoral immune response was observed in most of the animals by all the serological tests one month after vaccination. Antibody levels lasted approximately 4 months after vaccination. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that besides vaccine-induced antibodies, the vaccine including changes in dose and administration way in this study did not cause any significant risks for the target animals.
Effect of pH on Soil Chemical Properties and Maize Performance in Abakaliki, Nigeria
Authors: Nwite J.N. , Ajana A.J. , Alinchi I.
Published: January 2022

Background: Low soil productivity in Nigeria and Africa sub sahara is considered as one of the major causes of food insecurity and under nutrition. This area is considered among the most regions affected by acidity on soil nutrients optimization. Despite of its severity, there is limited knowledge about limiting effect of pH on nutrients availability and maize yield in the state. Evolving a technology that does not depend on traditional system of amendment for pH assessment for increased soil productivity must first of all go through a good knowledge of the nature and distribution of soil studied. The present study aimed to evaluate three pH (4, 7 and 9) values on soil chemical properties in the state and assess maize performance under these conditions in order to control and manage pH related problems. Methods: In the field-laboratory investigation during 2018-2019 at different localities of Ebonyi State were surveyed. Three sampling localities were selected based on geographical situation, climate and local condition. In the laboratory, the soil samples of natural stock collected were processed for mean pH values and confirmed with pH meter using standard laboratory method. Maize was used as test crop to assess effect of pH on its performance. Result: Our investigations in Ebonyi State have allowed us to inventory three pH values. Among the inventoried pH values, some are regarded adverse for soil productivity. The implication of soil pH on nutrients availability and maize performance was discussed. The current work will be a complementary contribution of detailed study of effect of pH on soil productivity.