bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Quick and Accurate Method to Determine Submicron Size Coating Thickness Using Micro-Indentation along with a Mathematical Model
Authors: Nadeem Irfan , Khan Aamir Nusair , Tauqir Anjum
Published: February 2021

Hard and adherent wear-resistant thin surface coatings are synthesized on an aerospace alloy AA2219-T6 alloy using plasma-assisted physical vapor deposition. Submicron size TiN coatings with Ti interlayers are deposited and evaluated as a function of different deposition temperatures varying from 100 °C to 200 °C. Features of deposited surface layers are evaluated using different techniques; these include field emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Mathematical models developed by Yu. A. Bykov and S. Hogmark are considered to estimate the coating thickness using the Composite Hardness measurements. The values predicted by Bykov’s model grossly underestimated the thickness values and thus a correction factor is proposed. The actual coating thickness is measured by sandwiching the thin coating between the substrate and electrolytically deposited nickel layer; the observations are made using field emission scanning electron microscope. The present study successfully used corrected Bykov’s Model along with micro-indentation proved to be an easy, quick and accurate method to estimate the coating thicknesses of thin hard coatings on the soft substrate over a wide range coating thicknesses.
Synthesis and Characterization of CsPbBr3 for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ali Saqib , Javed Sofia , Adnan Muhammad , Usman Muhammad , Akram Muhammad Aftab
Published: February 2021

Perovskite solar cells are emerging as highly potent and efficient devices as sustainable energy source. The stability issue of hybrid perovskite methyl ammonium lead bromide can be improved by all inorganic perovskites like cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3). The present work is about the synthesis and characterization of CsPbBr3 for efficient perovskite solar cells. The synthesis is carried out using hot injection method. The resulting nanocrystals (NCs) are characterized using XRD, SEM, AFM, UV/Vis Spectroscopy, PL spectroscopy and Hall Effect measurements. The NCs are tested for their performance in solar cells.
Evaluation of Potential of Uncoated Mesoporous Silica Particles for Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Khan Tayyab Ali , Ul Hassan Syed Mujtaba , Waqas Hassan , Ahmad Jamil , Khurshid Ahmat , Mehmood Mazhar , bin Ahmed Muhammad , Naz Sumaira
Published: February 2021

The drug loading capability and inherent cytotoxicity of mesoporous silica particles are two prime considerations for targeted drug delivery applications. In current study, uncoated mesoporous silica (UMS) carrier particles were synthesized by sol-gel emulsion approach. The morphology and structure of UMS was thoroughly characterized using atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements reveal that mono dispersed silica particles have an average size of 250 nm with narrow size distribution. The pore size was measured as 47nm. Concentration dependent biocompatibility of UMS was evaluated using MTT assay with Hep-2c cancer cell line and cell viability of ~65% at concentrations of 7.5 nM was observed. Finally, the drug loading capability of UMS carrier was studied using ibuprofen as a model drug.
Characterization of NiCrMo Dental Restoration Alloy
Authors: Haider Ali , Azam Omar Farooq , Talha Muhammad , Akhtar Saleem
Published: February 2021

Restorative material is a class of dental materials used for direct filling and fabrication of indirect restoration. NiCr alloy is a restorative material frequently used for dental prostheses due to its properties and economic reasons. In present work beryllium free NiCrMo alloy was developed and studied for dental restoration application. The alloy have unique characteristics of resistance to oxidation and biocompatibility; the requisites for dental prostheses. NiCrMo alloy is found to possess mechanical strength and fabrication properties suitable for dental repairs. In this study the developed alloy was tested for its mechanical properties, biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. An in-vitro biocompatibility study was carried out. No signs of toxicity and no signs of cell growth inhibition, in presence of NiCrMo alloy specimen, were observed. Mechanical properties and corrosion resistance are found in the range that is suitable for dental prostheses and easy fabrication.
Imaging Insights Into Eisenmenger Syndrome
Authors: Adhyapak Srilakshmi M. , Anand Preethu , Rao Tarun , Shaikh Jabraan U. , Varghese Kiron
Published: February 2021

We describe an unusual case of a large aortopulmonary window which was not very symptomatic and presented as Eisenmenger syndrome at the age of 20 years in a male patient. We take this opportunity to highlight some of the basic investigations like chest X-ray and contrast echocardiography which can delineate the level of the shunt. Attention should be given to the subtle bedside clinical signs which can give clues to the diagnosis. We did a cardiac computed tomography scan for confirmation of the diagnosis.
Impact of Training Module for Paramedics in Disinfection (MoPDis) of COVID-19 on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Scores Among Health-Care Workers of a Tertiary Care Hospital in India
Authors: Yadav Arun Kumar , Teli Prabhakar , Kumar Surinder , Ghosh Subhadeep , Khune Sudhir
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Health-care workers (HCWs) need to have adequate knowledge, the right attitude, and should practice disinfection procedures diligently. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of HCWs and the role of training in KAP of HCWs. Materials and Methods: The study population consists of all HCWs undergoing training for disinfection. A structured training module for paramedicals, i.e., module for paramedics in disinfection (MoPDis), was designed. The knowledge, attitude, and practice were assessed before and after the training. Results: A total of 183 male HCWs participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 31.33 ± 6.8 years and ranges from 21 to 49 years. The mean years of experience were 11.5 ± 7.1 years. The mean pretraining and posttraining scores were 8.1 ± 2.4 and 10 ± 1.9, respectively. The score increases from 53% pretraining score to 66.6% posttraining score. Age, experience, and specialty did not have any association with the gain in knowledge.

Conclusions:

The training program had significantly increased the KAP levels of the HCWs and hence may improve disinfection practices in hospitals, thus preventing the spread of infection.
Editorial Book Critique: A Grammar of Kusaal
Authors: Duah Reginald Akuoko
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we review Musah’s (2018) Grammar of Kusaal – a modern, carefully researched study of Kusaal, a Central-East Mabia language spoken in the Bawku Municipality and surrounding towns, and in parts of Burkina Faso and Togo. The review covers major topics in the book such as phonology, morphological affixes, syntax of nouns, verbs and modifiers, temporal and aspectual marking, argument structure and grammatical relations, serialization, and focus constructions. The author makes an effort to situate the Kusaal language in the larger Mabia cluster in the analysis of the data. More importantly, he provides fresh data and analysis of Kusaal that incorporates ethnolinguistic knowledge. The book is written in a clear language and effort is made to limit theoretical labeling and jargon to a minimum thus, making it accessible to those with limited background in linguistics.
Molecular diagnosis for the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2: lessons learnt from the Ghana experience
Authors: A. Asante Ivy , Adusei-Poku Mildred , K. Bonney Humphrey , Y. Bonney Evelyn , K. Odoom John , Obodai Evangeline , Aboagye James , N. Kotey Erasmus , Nyarko Stephen , Boatemaa Linda , Magnusen Vanessa , Lamptey Helena , B. Kyei George , K. Ampofo William
Published: February 2021

Background: A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 is currently causing a worldwide pandemic. The first cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were recorded in Ghana on March 12, 2020. Since then, the country has been combatting countrywide community spread. This report describes how the Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) is supporting the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to diagnose infections with this virus in Ghana.Methods: The National Influenza Centre (NIC) in the Virology Department of the NMIMR, adopted real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) assays for the diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 in January 2020. Samples from suspected cases and contact tracing across Ghana were received and processed for SARS-CoV-2. Samples were ‘pooled’ to enable simultaneous batch testing of samples without reduced sensitivity.Outcomes: From February 3 to August 21, the NMIMR processed 283 946 (10%) samples. Highest number of cases were reported in June when the GHS embarked on targeted contact tracing which led to an increase in number of samples processed daily, peaking at over 7,000 samples daily. There were several issues to overcome including rapid consumption of reagents and consumables. Testing however continued successfully due to revised procedures, additional equipment and improved pipeline of laboratory supplies. Test results are now provided within 24 to 48 hours of sample submission enabling more effective response and containment.Conclusion: Following the identification of the first cases of SARS-CoV-2infection by the NMIMR, the Institute has trained other centres and supported the ramping up of molecular testing capacity in Ghana. This provides a blueprint to enable Ghana to mitigate further epidemics and pandemics.
“Colonial Virus”: COVID-19, creative arts and public health communication in Ghana
Authors: De-Graft Aikins Ama , Akoi-Jackson Bernard
Published: February 2021

Since March 2020, Ghana’s creative arts communities have tracked the complex facets of the COVID-19 pandemic through various art forms. This paper reports a study that analysed selected ‘COVID art forms’ through arts and health and critical health psychology frameworks. Art forms produced between March and July 2020, and available in the public sphere - traditional media, social media and public spaces - were collated. The data consisted of comedy, cartoons, songs, murals and textile designs. Three key functions emerged from analysis: health promotion (comedy, cartoons, songs); disease prevention (masks); and improving the aesthetics of the healthcare environment (murals). Textile designs performed broader socio-cultural functions of memorialising and political advocacy. Similar to earlier HIV/AIDS and Ebola arts interventions in other African countries, these Ghanaian COVID art forms translated public health information on COVID-19 in ways that connected emotionally, created social awareness and improved public understanding. However, some art forms had limitations: for example, songs that edutained using fear-based strategies or promoting conspiracy theories on the origins and treatment of COVID-19, and state-sponsored visual art that representedpublic health messaging decoupled from socio-economic barriers to health protection. These were likely to undermine the public health communication goals of behaviour modification. We outline concrete approaches to incorporate creative arts into COVID-19 public health interventions and post-pandemic health systems strengthening in Ghana.
Presentation and outcome of COVID-19 in HIV patients with high viral loads and opportunistic infections: a case series
Authors: O. Hardy Yasmine , A. Amenuke Divine , A. Hutton-Mensah Kojo , R. Chadwick David , Larsen-Reindorf Rita
Published: February 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is especially severe in patients with underlying chronic conditions, with increased risk of mortality. There is concern that people living with HIV (PLWH), especially those with severe immunosuppression, and COVID-19 may have severe disease and a negative clinical outcome. Most studies on COVID-19 in PLWH are from Asia, Europe and America where population dynamics, antiretroviral treatment coverage and coexisting opportunistic infections may differ from that in sub-Saharan Africa. We report on the clinical profile and outcome of three cases of PLWH co-infected with SARS-CoV-2. They all presented with fever, cough and breathlessness and also had advanced HIV infection as evidenced by opportunistic infections, high HIV viral loads and low CD4 counts. The patients responded favourably to the standard of care and were discharged home. Our findings suggest that PLWH with advanced immunosuppression may not necessarily have an unfavourable disease course and outcome. However, case-controlled studies with a larger population size are needed to better understand the impact of COVID-19 in this patient population.
COVID-19 autopsy reports from the Ga-East Municipal and the 37 Military Hospitals in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Attoh Seth , P. Segborwotso Roxana , K. Akoriyea Samuel , Teddy Gina , Edusei Lawrence , Hobenu Frederick , Agyemang-Bediako Kwasi , Toppar Alfred , D. Fatchu Raymond , K. Akakpo Patrick
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Since the declaration of COVID-19 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a global pandemic on 11th March 2020, the number of deaths continue to increase worldwide. Reports on its pathologic manifestations have been published with very few from the Sub-Saharan African region. This article reports autopsies on COVID-19 patients from the Ga-East and the 37 Military Hospitals to provide pathological evidence for better understanding of COVID-19 in Ghana.Methods: Under conditions required for carrying out autopsies on bodies infected with category three infectious agents, with few modifications, complete autopsies were performed on twenty patients with ante-mortem and/or postmortem RT -PCR confirmed positive COVID‑19 results, between April and June ,2020.Results: There were equal proportion of males and females. Thirteen (65%) of the patients were 55years or older with the same percentage (65%) having Type II diabetes and/or hypertension. The most significant pathological feature found at autopsy was diffuse alveolar damage. Seventy per cent (14/20) had associated thromboemboli in the lungs, kidneys and the heart. Forty per cent (6/15) of the patients that had negative results for COVID-19 by the nasopharyngeal swab test before death had positive results during postmortem using bronchopulmonary specimen. At autopsy all patients were identified to have pre-existing medical conditions.Conclusion: Diffuse alveolar damage was a key pathological feature of deaths caused by COVID-19 in all cases studied with hypertension and diabetes mellitus being major risk factors. Individuals without co-morbidities were less likely to die or suffer severe disease from SARS-CoV-2
Synthesis of n-alkylated azabenzimidazoles, the base catalyzed isomerization of n-propagyl-allenyl azabenzimidazole and 1 their characterization
Authors: Oluwafemi Kola A.
Published: February 2021

N-Allyl, N-pentyl, N-propiophenone, N-benzyl, N-p-nitrobenzyl, N-3,4-dichlorobenzyl and N-propargylsubstituted 7-azabenzimidazoles were prepared through a convenient method. Under basic condition, the Npropargyl substituted azabenzimidazole isomerized to its N-allenyl substituted isomer. It is believed that the Nallenyl isolated can serve as a vital precursor for the future preparation of medicinally bioactive cycloaddition derivatives of azabenzimidazole.

Key words: Azabenzimidazoles, N-Alkylation, Propargyl, Allene, Isomerization.
Diversity, antimicrobial characterization and biofilm formation of Enterococci isolated from aquaculture and slaughterhouse sources in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Igbinosa E.O. , Beshiru A. , Odjadjare E.E.O.
Published: February 2021

The present study was designed to characterize Enterococci isolates obtained from water samples at aquaculture and slaughterhouse facilities in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of 144 water samples were collected from aquaculture and slaughterhouse facilities. All samples were analyzed using classical microbiological and molecular-based methods. Enterococci were identified using specific primer sets (genus and species specific primers) and are as follows: E. faecalis 36 (25.5%); E. faecium 39 (27.7%); E. durans 19 (13.4%); E. casseliflavus 13 (9.2%); E. hirae 14 (9.9%) and other Enterococcus species 20 (14.2%). The resistance profile of the bacterial strains to antibiotics was as follows: [tetracycline (n=67, 47%)]; [vancomycin (n=74, 52%)]; [erythromycin (n=91, 64%)] and [penicillin (n=141, 100%)]. Enterococci virulence genes detected include: [gelE (n=120, 85.1%)]; [cylA (n= 52, 36.9%)]; [hyl (n=96, 68.1%)]; [esp (n=135, 95.8%)]; [ace (n= 127, 90.1%)] and [agg n=118, 83.7%)]. Antibiotic-resistant gene detected from the phenotypic resistant isolates were 55/74 (74.3%) vanA; 61/67 (91.1%) tetC; 122/141 (86.5%) blapse1 and 62/91 (68.1%) ermA. Antibiotic-resistant coupled with biofilm formation potential of Enterococcus species include penicillin+biofilm 116 (82.3%); erythromycin+biofilm 85 (60.3%); and vancomycin+biofilm 74 (52.3%). Findings from this study reveal that strains with the ability of forming biofilms have enhanced antimicrobial resistance. Continuous monitoring of slaughterhouses and aquaculture facilities is necessary to guarantee food safety.

Key Words: Aquaculture, Biofilm,Enterococcus, Environments, Resistance, Slaughterhouse
Assessment of the choice of malaria diagnostic methods among household heads of the Nkwen village in Bamenda-3 municipality
Authors: Nfor Omarine Nlinwe
Published: February 2021

Malaria remains a major threat to life in Bamenda in particular and Cameroon in general. Despite numerous and relatively affordable malaria diagnostic and treatment methods, accurate choice of diagnosis remains a major challenge to the inhabitants of the almost 14,285 households in the Nkwen village of the Bamenda 3 municipality. This study was designed to investigate the key determinants of the choice of malaria diagnostic methods (demand side analysis) in the Nkwen village of the Bamenda 3 municipality. A purposive and randomized sampling method was employed to recruit of 560 household’s heads from the 46 quarters of the Nkwen village. The Multinomial Logistic Regression Model and Chi-Square analysis were used to analyze the collected data. The findings reveal that gender, marital status, educational level, income, household size, age, religion and health insurance policy contribute to the choice of malaria diagnostic methods in the study area. Therefore, the integration of socio-economic factors into malaria control policies will feasibly contribute to malaria decrease in the study area.
An investigation of an overlap in penalty calculations: profit commission in reinsurance treaties versus profit commission in binder agreements for underwriting managers
Authors: Kilian Cornelius G.
Published: February 2021

Reinsurance treaties and binder agreements regulate penalty calculations in the event the insurer and underwriting manager is unprofitable and/or profitable. The formulae and different premium terminologies are investigated to calculate loss ratios and whether there is an overlap in sliding scale penalty calculations/formulae relevant to loss ratios of treaties and binder agreements. Treaties and binder agreements generally use sliding scale penalties to calculate reinsurance commission or sharing in the insurer’s profits by an underwriting manager and is in conflict with the Conventional Penalties Act 15 of 1962 of South Africa. The Conventional Penalties Act 15 of 1962 must guide reinsurers and insurers in their profit calculations formulae to prevent any form of sliding scale penalties relevant to loss ratios. It is therefore suggested that a standard template of profit calculations and terminologies should be used in binder agreements to prevent different calculations of loss ratios in the short term insurance landscape. This will guide the Financial Conduct Authority Services (previously the Financial Services Board) to understand loss ratios of affordable short term financial products when compared to loss ratios of other short term financial products in South Africa.

Keywords: Reinsurance commission; loss ratio; risk premium; penalties; underwriting manager
The change of metal pollution in the water and sediment of the Bartın River in rainy and dry seasons
Authors: Gunes Gulten
Published: February 2021

In this study, it was aimed to determine the heavy metal pollution and the factors causing this pollution in the water and sediment of the Bartın River during rainy and dry periods. Concentrations of Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, As and some other metals in water and sediment samples collected from 4 different points during rainy and dry periods were investigated. It has been determined that both natural sources (soil erosion) and anthropogenic sources (runoff in urban and agricultural areas) affect metal concentrations in water and sediment during the rainy period. Heavy metal accumulation was less at the point with the least water depth (≈ 2 m). Higher concentrations were determined at the point where soil transport was highest during the rainy period. Since EF values of As, Pb, Zn and Li were greater than two in both periods, it was determined that they were affected by anthropogenic sources (wastewater discharges, agricultural and urban activities). EF values less than one showed that Co, Cr, Ba, Ni, Mn were related to lithogenic actions and riverbank runoff. Non-carcinogenic effects caused by metals did not pose a risk to adults and children.
Kalkınma İçin Bölgesel İşbirliği Teşkilatı Üyesi Ülkeler Arasında Turizmi Geliştirme İşbirliği
Authors: ERKMEN Ayşe
Published: February 2021

Çalışmanın amacı 1964 yılında Türkiye, Pakistan ve İran arasında kurulan Kalkınma İçin Bölgesel İşbirliği Teşkilatı (RCD)’nın turizm konusundaki çalışmalarını araştırıp belirlemektir. Bu doğrultuda yapılan literatür araştırmaları sonucunda elde edilen bilgiler ele alınmıştır. RCD üyesi üç ülke turizm alanında faydalanılacak tarihi, kültürel ve coğrafi mirasa sahip ülkelerdir. Üç ülkenin çeşitli alanlarda turizmi gerçekleştirme potansiyelleri mevcuttur. Uluslararası turizm talebinde yaşanan artış ve turizmi geliştirmenin maliyetinin diğer alanlara göre düşük seviyede olması gelişmekte olan ülkeleri uluslararası turizmi geliştirmeye sevk etmiştir. 1960’larda RCD üyesi ülkelerin de bu düşünceden hareketle hem RCD bölgesi içinde turistik hareketliği artırma hem de bölge dışındaki turisti bölgeye çekme yönünde gayret sarf ettiği görülmektedir. 1964 yılında RCD’nin kurulmasıyla bölgede turizmi geliştirme ve yaygınlaştırma konusunun toplanan komitelerde, Planlama Teşkilatı ve Bakanlar Konseyi toplantılarında ayrıntılı olarak ele alındığı bir çalışma süreci başlatılmıştır. Ekim 1964’te Tahran’da gerçekleştirilen ilk Bakanlar Konseyi toplantısında üç ülkenin bir turizm anlaşması imzalaması ve karşılıklı vizelerin kaldırılması kararı alınmıştır. Bunda amacın bölgede kolayca seyahat edilmesini ve üç ülke halkının birbirine yakınlaşmasını sağlamak olduğu belirtilmiştir. Daha sonraki toplantılarda, üye ülkelerin karşılıklı turist büroları açması, diğer ülkelerden seyahat yazarlarının ve seyahat acentaları temsilcilerinin davet edilmesi, üç ülkenin yol ve trafik işaretlerinin BM kuralları ile uyumunun sağlanması gibi kararlar alınmıştır. Gümrük yasasının BM Sözleşmesine uygun hale getirilmesi, bagaj muayene kurallarının basitleştirilmesi, turizmi teşvik için fuarlar ve sergiler açılması, kültür olaylarına katılım ve turizm propagandası yapmak gibi uygulamalara gidilmesi çalışmaları başlatılmıştır. Bir ülkenin diğer iki ülkede yapmak istediği yatırımlar konusunda kolaylık sağlanması, turizm amaçlı yayınların ortak hazırlanması ve turizm alanında ortak yatırımlar yapılması gibi düzenlemelere gidilmiştir. Gençliği turistik gezilere teşvik çalışmaları yapılmıştır. Belli bir süre turizm konulu çalışmaların bölgede turizmi geliştirmek amacını taşıdığı, ancak daha sonraki süreçte bölge turizminin dışına çıkılmak ve bölgeyi dünya turizmine açmak için çalışmalar başlatıldığı görülmektedir. Bunun için tüm bölgenin turizm potansiyelinin belirlenmesi ve sahip olunan potansiyelin değerlendirilmesi için çalışmalar başlatılmıştır. 1970 yılına gelindiğinde, RCD sekretaryasının bölgeler arası esaslar kapsamında bir turizm araştırması yapılması için BM organlarından uygun olan birinden mali ve teknik yardım sağlama imkânlarını araştırması kararı alınmıştır. Bu şekilde, RCD kapsamında üç ülke arsında çalışmalar 1979 yılına kadar sürdürülmüştür. Çalışmada, RCD’nin Birinci ve İkinci Adalet Partisi Hükümetleri Dönemi turizm çalışmaları araştırılmıştır.
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Some Forms of InvestorRiskTolerance in Investing: Review Theory
Authors: Saputra Jumadil
Published: February 2021

Investors in investing are always accompanied by a sense of tolerance for the risk of funds invested in an asset. Each investor has a different form of risk tolerance, depending on the function of the utility. This paper aims to conduct a theoretical study of the forms of investor risk tolerance for several utility functions. This study is carried out by reviewing several utility functions which include: square root utility, cubic fraction utility, quadratic utility, exponential negative utility, and logarithmic utility. Based on the results of the study for each of these utility functions, successively obtained risk tolerance in the form of linear, linear, linear, constant, and linear. Linear risk tolerance illustrates that an investor changes the value of his investment in line with changes in the level of risk faced.
Advanced Proficiency: A Practitioner’s Perspective on this Special Issue
Authors: Carreira Maria
Published: February 2021

The papers in this issue seek to shed light on the role that these and other factors play in the development of heritage languages and the achievement of high-level proficiency by heritage language learners (HLLs). Addressing three general areas of inquiry: (1) the linguistic knowledge and needs of advanced heritage language speakers, (2) assessment, and (3) instruction and curriculum and program design, these papers alert us to the complexity of the issues surrounding the development of advanced proficiency and orient us to key considerations in the design of effective instructional practices.
Expanding Language and Cultural Competence in Advanced Heritage- and Foreign-Language Learners through Community Engagement and Work with the Arts
Authors: Parra Maria Luisa
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this article is to describe the methodology and pedagogical practices of an advanced language course, Spanish and the Community,that addresses the strengths and needs of both Spanish heritage language learners and foreign language learners in classrooms that contain both populations, i.e., in mixed classrooms. Focused on the Latino experience in the United States, the course’s main goals are to advance translingual competence, transcultural critical thinking, and social consciousness in both groups of students. Three effective and interrelated pedagogical approaches are proposed: (a) community service as a vehicle for social engagement with the Latino community; (b) the multiliteracies approach (New London Group,1996), with emphasis on work with art; and (c) border and critical pedagogy drawn from several authors in the heritage language field (Aparicio, 1997; Correa, 2011; Ducar, 2008; Irwin, 1996; Leeman, 2005; Leeman &Rabin, 2001; Martínez &Schwartz, 2012) and from Henry Giroux and Paulo Freire’s work. The effectiveness of this combined approach is demonstrated in students’ final art projects, in which they: (a) critically reflect on key issues related to the Latino community; (b) integrate knowledge about the Latino experience with their own personal story; (c) become aware of their relationship to the Latino community; and (d) express their ideas about their creative artifact in elaborated written texts in Spanish (the project’s written component).
The Linguistic Vitality of Chinese in the United States
Authors: Liu Na
Published: February 2021

This article examines the current status of Chinese as a heritage language (CHL) in the United States, referring to the Capacity-Opportunity-Desire (COD) framework (Grin, 1990, 2003; LoBianco, 2008). After briefly describing the linguistic profile of Chinese immigrants in the United States, the current status and future prospects of CHL in the United States are discussed. Thearticle concludes that a wide variety of programs are available to CHLspeakers, compared to those available decades ago. However, heritage speakers’ capacity in Chinese will be developed only when they have opportunities to use thelanguage and a desire to learn it.
Attitudes and Motivations of Adult Spanish Language Learners: A Comparison of Heritage Language Learners and Second Language Learners
Authors: Oh Janet S. , Nash Bertha A.
Published: February 2021

Research on background factors in adult language learners’ success has largely focused on first-time learners of a second language. In this study, we utilize a well-established second language learner model (the Socioeducational Model; Gardner, 1985a) to compare heritage language and second language learners in a first-semester college Spanish class. Participants (31 heritage language learners; 80 second language learners) completed a survey at the end of the semester assessing their ethnic identity, language backgrounds, attitudes and motivation toward learning Spanish. Course grades were collected as a measure of language learning success. Results indicate that heritage language learners and second language learners are similar on most background factors, but that the background factors predicting each group’s language learning success are quite different. Implications for our understanding of language learners and future research directions are discussed.
Expressing Causation in Spanish: A Functional Analysis of Heritage Speakers’ Written Production
Authors: Zyzik Eve
Published: February 2021

The current study examines the various linguistic means that heritage speakers of Spanish use to express the concept of causation. In Spanish causation can be expressed lexically with verbs such as tirar ‘knock over’ or syntactically via two distinct constructions with the verb hacer ‘to do/make’: hacer-infinitive and hacer que-subjunctive. The data set consists of over 1,400 causative sentences produced on a written task by heritage speakers from different proficiency levels (n=58) and a baseline group of native speakers (n=22). The results reveal that heritage speakers and native speakers produced the same range of causative constructions, although there were significant differences in frequency and conventional patterns of usage. The native speakers showed an overwhelming preference for the hacer-infinitive construction whereas the heritage speakers did not. A secondary aim of the study was to examine word order in the hacer-infinitive construction given cross-linguistic differences between English and Spanish causatives. This analysis revealed that 89% of heritage speakers’ causative sentences reflected Spanish word
order, suggesting a limited role for dominant language transfer.
Foreign Accent in Adult Simultaneous Bilinguals
Authors: Kupisch Tanja , Barton Dagmar , Hailer Katja , Klaschik Ewgenia , Stangen Ilse , Lein Tatjana , van de Weijer Joost
Published: February 2021

The study reported in this paper examines foreign accent (FA) in adult simultaneous bilinguals (2L1ers). Specifically, we investigate how accent is affected if a first language is acquired as a minority (heritage) language as compared to a majority (dominant) language. We compare the perceived FA in both languages of 38 adult 2L1ers (German-French and German-Italian) to that of monolingual native speakers (L1ers) and late second language learners (L2ers). Naturalistic speech samples are judged by 84 native speakers of the respective languages. Results indicate that the majority language is always spoken without an FA, while results for the heritage language fall between those of L1 and L2 speakers. For the heritage language, we further show that a native accent correlates with length of residence in the heritage country during childhood but not during adulthood. Furthermore, raters have comparatively more difficulties when judging the accent of a heritage speaker. The results of this study add to our current understanding of what factors shape the phonology of a heritage language system in adulthood.
Approaches to Language Variation: Goals and Objectives of the Spanish Heritage Language Syllabus
Authors: Beaudrie Sara M.
Published: February 2021

Traditionally, teaching standard Spanish has been at the center of Spanish as a heritage language (SHL) instruction (Bernal-Enríquez & Hernández-Chávez, 2003; Hidalgo, 1990, 1997; Leeman, 2005; Martínez, 2003; Valdés, 1978, 1997; Villa 1996, 2002). A growing number of SHL scholars, however, have advocated for shifting the focus of instruction to the students’ language varieties and to dialect awareness (Bernal-Enríquez & Hernández-Chávez, 2003; Leeman, 2005; Villa, 2000). In the fall of 2011, a total of 62 SHL syllabi were collected from four-year public and private universities located in 15 different U.S. states. A content analysis of the course goals and objectives was employed to determine the approach to language variation that each course adopted (eradication, expansion, appreciation, appropriateness-based, or critical). In order to establish reliability, two coders independently categorized the course goals and objectives in all syllabi, obtaining an acceptable inter-rater agreement level. Findings show that earlier eradication approaches have almost disappeared while appreciation approaches are gaining popularity. Other more recent approaches have been adopted in only a small number of syllabi. The results corroborate prior research showing that the teaching of the standard continues to be a central goal in SHL education (Valdés et al., 2006). In addition, SHL courses have been slow to adopt sociolinguistically rich practices.
Nominal Reference in Korean Heritage Language Discourse
Authors: Lee EunHee , Zaslansky Matthew
Published: February 2021

This study investigates nominal reference in Korean narrative discourse by heritage speakers of Korean whose dominant language is English. In particular, the study tests the Interface Hypothesis, which states that language structures involving an interface between syntax and other cognitive domains are difficult to acquire completely or are highly susceptible to attrition. Unlike previous studies, the results from a film retelling task reveal that heritage speakers used zero anaphora as frequently as L1 speakers. However, unlike L1s, heritage speakers employed more frequent topic/subject shifts across sentences and used zero anaphora for topic shifts. The overall results support the processing account for the Interface Hypothesis.
Highly Bactericidal Silver () against Bacteria and Anti-Cancer Activity of Ag+ ions for Regulation of Cancer/Tumor Cell Growth
Authors:   2-3-6, Saido, Midori-Ku, Saitama-Shi, Saitama-Ken, Japan, Tsuneo Ishida
Published: February 2021

Since highly bactericidal silver (I) ions against bacteria have been obtained, as highly accurate results, prospect effects of silver (I) ions for regulation of cancer and tumor cell growth can be expected to occur even at apoptotic conditions. This mini-review article is reported that as an availability for most highly bactericidal effect of Ag+ ions, the regulation of cancer cell growth may be able to be achieved by Ag+ ions-mediated hydrolyzing and degrading functions. Bactericidal effects of silver (I) ions on bacteriolyses of bacterial cell walls by activation of peptidoglycan (PGN) autolysins and silver ion-mediated cancer cell hydrolyzing and degrading activity by endolysins have been analyzed. Bacteriolysis against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) PGN cell wall by Ag+ ions is caused by the inhibition of PGN elongation due to regulation of PGN synthetic transglycosylase (TG) and transpeptidase (TP), and the enhancement of activation of PGN autolysins of amidases. On the other hand, bacteriolysis and destruction against Escherichia coli (E. coli) cell wall by Ag+ ions are caused by the destruction of outer membrane structure due to degradative enzymes of lipoproteins at N- and Cterminals, and by the inhibition of PGN elongation owing to inactivation of PGN TP synthetic enzyme endopeptidase and enhancement of the activations of PGN hydrolases and autolysins of amidase, peptidase, and carboxypeptidase. Ag+ ions-mediated cancerous cell hydrolyzing enzyme that binds to and degrades intact cancer cells of the producing organism are classified as autolysins or endolysins (phage lysin), resulting that the hydrolase activity is an essential as regulator of cancer and tumor cell growth and hydrolase activation may be promoted the apoptosis and the necrosis of cancer cells, and subsequently lead to cancer cell death by this hydrolase. Thus, highly bactericidal Ag+ ions against bacteria and effect of Ag+ ions for cancer cell growth regulation or cell death can be able to realize at the same time. Silver ions induced ROS generations such as O2 - , H2O2,･OH, OH- producing in bacterial and tumorous cells occur and lead to oxidative stress. DNA damages may be due to linear coordinated Ag+ complex formations by Ag+ substitution within double and triple hydrogen bonds in DNA base pairs.
Maladaptive Immunity and Metastasizing Cancer
Authors:   827 Iroquois Ave, St Paul, MN 55119, USA, Michael J Dochniak
Published: February 2021

The ability of innate immunity to inhibit metastatic cells is limited, based on Stage IV cancer survival rates. The dysregulation of the immune system through acquired immunity may result in pathological conditions that alter metastatic cells. Immunoglobulin-E (IgE) antibodies developed by the humoral immune system are a significant contributor to maladaptive immunity. Hypersensitivities are maladaptive immune reactions against harmless allergens. Forced allergen-specific immune responses may provide immediate-type allergies that affect the incidence and prevalence of endogenous proteins essential for metastasizing cells. Furthermore, allergies may shift the body’s resource allocation away from metastasizing cells to IgE-primed effector-cell proliferation. Therefore, research efforts need to explore if hyper-allergenic skin creams can be used to starve-out metastatic cells, wherever they are in the body, to determine if maladaptive immunotherapy is a viable treatment for Stage IV cancer.
COVID-19 and Cancer Patients
Authors:   Department of Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra and Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, USA, Rajvi Patel , Jennifer Park ,   Department of Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra and Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, USA, Ankit Shah ,   Department of Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra and Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, USA, Muhammad Wasif Saif ,   Department of Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra and Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, USA
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 has now been declared a global pandemic with evolving incidence rates and fatalities. It is important to identify vulnerable populations who will be impacted most by this pandemic leading to higher mortality rates compared to the general healthy population. Although older patients and patients with co-morbidities fall into this vulnerable group, patients with hematologic and oncologic malignancies on active cytotoxic treatments are at even greater risk as they are both myelosuppressed and immunosuppressed. In addition to following the universal guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is important to also institute guidelines for cancer centers to help protect this vulnerable population. We review the current data, risks, and recommendations for COVID-19 in cancer patients.
Effectiveness of Hypoxia-Induced Accumulation of Cancer Stem Cells in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors:   Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), Medical School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, MAS Bezerra , LAM Ferreira ,   Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), Medical School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, RS Kawasaki-Oyama ,   Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), Medical School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, MCA Nascimento ,   Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), Medical School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, CI Cuzziol ,   Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), Medical School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, MMU Castanhole-Nunes ,   Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), Medical School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, EC Pavarino ,   Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), Medical School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, JM Maniglia ,   Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, EM Goloni-Bertollo ,   Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit (UPGEM), Medical School of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
Published: February 2021

INTRODUCTION: The small number of cancer stem cells, which correspond to only 0.01% - 0.1% of total tumor cells, has been the biggest obstacle in understanding their biology and role in the origin and maintenance of tumors, their metastatic and recurrence potentials, and resistance to radio-chemotherapy. Therefore, promoting its accumulation will enable further studies and future advances in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma. OBJECTIVE: To induce cancer stem cell accumulation in primary cell cultures of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using a hypoxia chamber. METHODS: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma samples were cultured and subjected to hypoxia. Oxygen deprivation aimed to induce cancer stem cell accumulation. RESULTS: Immediately after hypoxia, the percentage of O2-deprived cancer stem cells increased 2-fold as compared to control. Surprisingly, new phenotyping performed 45 days after hypoxia showed a 9-fold increase in cancer stem cell percentage in cells that suffered hypoxia. Hypoxic cells showed an increase in spheroid formation when compared to control cells, as well as enhanced abilities in invasion and migration. CONCLUSION: Hypoxia was efficient in cancer stem cell accumulation. As cancer stem cells are a small number of cells within the tumor, promoting their accumulation will enable further studies and future advances in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer.
BRAND APPEAL AND CUSTOMERS’ PATRONAGE OF FAST FOOD FIRMS IN PORT HARCOURT
Authors: Horsfall Harcourt
Published: February 2021

In theory, brand appeal represents an integrated notion employing a broad stretch of routes, methods and tools that may be considered as a strategy for achieving sustainable customer patronage. Although this concept has been thoroughly examined in various studies there is a research gap regarding its usage in generating customer patronage in the fast food industry. The aim of this research project is to examine and evaluate the degree of the application of brand appeal in customer patronage in fast food firms in Rivers State of Nigeria. The population of the study was 65 fast food firms, from which a sample of 39 was drawn based on the Taro Yemen’s formula. The simple random sampling technique was employed to select 200 respondents from 39fast food firms in Rivers State of Nigeria. The data were gathered by questionnaire survey on 200 respondents. 200 copies of questionnaires were received useful, obtaining a 93 percent response rate. The simple regression statistics was used to test the hypotheses. The results illustrates that emotional brand appeal has a strong, positive and significant influence on patronage intention, and a very strong, positive and significant influence on patronage action. The study also found that rational brand appeal has a strong, positive and significant influence on patronage intention and patronage action. The study therefore, concludes that brand appeal significantly influences customer patronage of fast food firms in Rivers State. The study recommends amongst others that fast food managers should focus particularly on emotional brand appeal to ensure that their companies address adequately, patronage intentions and patronage action.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION: A REMEDY TO YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IN NIGERIA
Authors: OYEJOKE AKINPADE
Published: February 2021

In a developing nation, entrepreneurship education has been and would likewise continue to be a great economic stimulation to serve as a remedy to the youth unemployment in Nigeria. This paper focused on entrepreneurship education as a remedy to youth unemployment. Some issues discussed include the youth unemployment, causes of youth unemployment, effects of youth unemployment, the concepts of entrepreneur, importance of entrepreneurship education as a remedy to youth employment, as well as often encountered challenges of entrepreneurial education and the strategies/solutions for effective entrepreneurship education. On the basis of these and other auxiliary discourses, conclusion was reached and recommendations were raised for consideration. These include a call for all stakeholders to allow the entrepreneurship education to reach out to the youth, regardless of theirethnic, cultural, religious, geographical or political affiliations by establishing good scheme aimed at encouraging youths to spend their free times positively. Finally, government should create friendly, social political and economic environments so as to encourage investors in entrepreneurial ventures with good financial assistance and motivation.
SUCCESSION RIGHT OF THE CHILD BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK: AN APPRAISAL OF THE NIGERIAN LAW ON LEGITIMIZATION AND THE ISLAMIC LAW
Authors: Kayode Jamiu
Published: February 2021

Succession is a common social challenge. Different people have different approach to it. Pluralism is a feature of Nigerian Legal system due to the presence of people of diverse culture, religion and language. Inheritance of a child born out of wedlock is especially knotty. The law had denied him the right to inherit from his putative father until 1979 when the Nigeria Constitution proscribed discrimination against any Nigerian on the basis of the circumstances of their birth. The same provision is preserved in the 1999 Constitution. The effect is that once the putative father acknowledges the child he is entitled to succeed to his father’s estate after his demise. Shari’ah, the Islamic law, is another system of law in Nigeria which is applicable to the Muslims. Most Muslim jurists hold the opinion that a child born out of wedlock can only inherit from his mother. This opinion is not consensual though. A significant minority has held that the child can inherit from his biological father after acknowledgement. Views of the two schools of thought in this matter were examined in this paper. It was discovered that the opinion that the child born out of wedlock can inherit both parents after legitimation through acknowledgement is preponderant and in tandem with the provision of the Nigerian Constitution and natural justice.