bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The curious case of milk collection under skin graft over the breast: Lessons learned!
Authors: Karmakar S , Kala PC , Humnekar A
Published: January 2024

Raw area on the breast, especially when it is lactating, can lead to complications, including hyperprolactinemia and development of milk fistulae. A 25-year-old female presented with raw area over the left breast after 2 months of childbirth. She had history suggestive of necrotizing disease, which had primarily been managed elsewhere with debridement and dressings. We excised the raw area and applied split thickness skin grafts with minimal meshing. Bulky dressing prevented breastfeeding. On postoperative day 3, there were blebs containing milk underneath the graft. The blebs were drained and oral cabergoline was administered for 3 months. The skin graft healed well. If expression of breast milk is not possible then suppression of lactation should be considered before definitive cover of the raw area of breast.
Comparison of the efficacy of micropulse diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation using different energy protocols
Authors: Chen Kuan-Yu , Chang Shirley H. L.
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE:

This study aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of laser treatment settings of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation treatment in glaucoma patients and to evaluate the relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and different treatment parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A total of 74 eyes in 64 glaucoma patients with IOP over 21 mmHg or under 20 mmHg with visual field progression who underwent micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation treatment were included. Patients were divided into success and failure groups based on criteria of 20% IOP reduction rate. The predictive factors of IOP reduction between success and failure groups and the IOP reduction rates in the different treatment duration groups were evaluated. Predictive factors for IOP reduction were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression models.

RESULTS:

Patients in the success group had significantly higher baseline IOP (median: 28.0 vs. 23.0 mmHg; P = 0.016) and longer treatment times (median: 240 vs. 160 s; P = 0.001). Treatment duration range between 200 and 240 s achieved significantly higher intraocular pressure reduction rates (47.8 ± 17.4%) than durations under 140 s (23.1 ± 14.2%). Univariate analysis showed that baseline IOP and treatment duration were significant contributing factors in IOP reduction. Multivariable analysis further demonstrated that treatment duration over 200 s was the significant predictive factor for IOP reduction.

CONCLUSION:

Treatment duration settings were the most significant factor of IOP reduction rates in micropulse cyclophotocoagulation. Customized therapy according to the target IOP reduction rate can be applied with different treatment duration settings to achieve optimal outcomes.
Hölder estimate for a tug-of-war game with $1\lt p\lt 2$ from Krylov–Safonov regularity theory
Authors: Arroyo Ángel , Parviainen Mikko
Published: January 2024

We propose a new version of the tug-of-war game and a corresponding dynamic programming principle related to the

p

-Laplacian with

1\lt p\lt 2

. For this version, the asymptotic Hölder continuity of solutions can be directly derived from recent Krylov–Safonov type regularity results in the singular case. Moreover, existence of a measurable solution can be obtained without using boundary corrections. We also establish a comparison principle.
Evaluation of Extenders for Cryopreservation of Cirrhinus mrigala Milt
Authors: Aziz Insherah , Bibi Shaista , Rakha Bushra Allah , Amir Sobia , Awan Muhammad Amjad , Arshad Javeria , Akhter Shamim
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of different extenders for the cryopreservation of Cirrhinus mrigala milt. The extenders under investigation included Kurokura-2 + DMSO (KD), Alsever`s solution + DMSO (AD), Kurokura-2 + Methanol (KM), and Alsever`s solution + Methanol (AM). Sperm quality assessments encompassed critical parameters such as sperm motility, motility duration, viability, and DNA integrity. The initial analysis of fresh milt revealed motility rate of 88.33±1.66%, pH of 7.52±0.76, a volume of 7.83±0.44 mL, a sperm count of 3.55±0.40 x 1010/mL. Upon thawing, it became evident that the KD extender yielded significantly higher post-thaw sperm motility (%) at 68±1.67, compared to the KM (40.00±2.89), AD (38±1.67), and AM (41.67±4.40). Additionally, sperm motility duration (seconds) exhibited a notable increase in the KD extender (78.67±10.413) in comparison to the KM (52.00±5.291), AD (46.66±1.66), and AM (41.67±1.667) extenders. The KD extender also contributed to higher sperm viability (%) at 66.00±1.00, whereas KM and AM exhibited similar values at 59.00±3.00 and 55.33±6.38, respectively. Furthermore, DNA integrity (%) remained consistently high for KD, KM, and AM (98.67±0.66, 98.00±1.52%, and 97.33±1.20%), while a lower percentage was observed for AD (88.00±1.15). In conclusion, the modified Kurokura extender, supplemented with 10% DMSO, showcased a pronounced positive impact on the cryopreservation of Cirrhinus mrigala milt.
Targeting the Major Capsid Protein of Rock Bream Iridovirus by Trapa Natans Phytochemical Compounds; a Molecular Docking Approach
Authors: Wikumpriya Gunasekara Chathura , LGTG Rajapaksha , BPDM Bandara , Prabhatha Madhuranga Walawedurage Srinith
Published: January 2024

Asian rock bream aquaculture is challenged by iridovirus, a pathogen with no effective vaccines or antiviral agents. The present study aimed to identify natural antiviral compounds from Trapa natans, an aquatic plant, with potential to target the activities of major capsid protein in rock bream iridovirus (RBIVmcp). The investigation commenced by constructing a novel 3D homology structure for RBIVmcp using I-TASSER server, followed by refinement and validation through galaxy refiner, ModRefiner, PDBSum, ProSA, and ERRAT servers. Active binding regions of refined protein structures were employed for molecular docking simulations using PyRx and AutoDock Vina tools. Leveraging IMPPAT and PubChem servers, a total of 13 phytochemical compounds from Trapa natans were identified in silico and subjected to docking analysis against RBIVmcp. Among them, Ellagic acid, Galactoarabinan, and Thiamine exhibited the most favorable docking scores of -5.1 kcal/mol, -6.4 kcal/mol, and -5.9 kcal/mol, respectively. Assessment of compounds' toxicity and ADME properties by Swiss-ADME and ProTox-II servers indicated their non-hepatotoxic, non-carcinogenic, non-immunotoxic, and non-mutagenic nature within environments. These findings suggest aforementioned compounds might act as promising antiviral agents against RBIV by interacting with its major capsid protein. However, in vitro and in vivo studies are essential to validate their efficacy.
Attractors. Then and now
Authors: Zelik Sergey Vital'evich
Published: January 2024

This survey is based on a number of mini-courses taught by the author at the University of Surrey (UK) and Lanzhou University (China). It discusses the classical and modern results of the theory of attractors for dissipative PDEs, including attractors for autonomous and non-autonomous equations, dynamical systems in general topological spaces, various types of trajectory, pullback and random attractors, exponential attractors, determining functionals and inertial manifolds, as well as the dimension theory for the classes of attractors mentioned above. The theoretical results are illustrated by a number of clarifying examples and counterexamples.
Bibliography: 248 titles.
Case Report: Fatal Rickettsiosis in Pregnancy
Authors: Ponce Nájera Eduardo , Lozano Lazcano Valeria , Ploneda González César , Montoya Hinojosa Marcela , González Oropeza Diego
Published: January 2024

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a tick-borne infection caused by Rickettsia rickettsii. We present a series of two cases of pregnant patients who showed up at the emergency room of a hospital in Nuevo León, Mexico. Both patients lived in environments where R. rickettsii is endemic and they presented with several days of symptoms, including fever. Both patients developed a rash and had stillbirths during their hospital stay. Treatment with doxycycline was delayed, with fatal results in both patients. Diagnosis of RMSF was confirmed via polymerase chain reaction assay postmortem. The need to link epidemiological clues with clinical data is critical in the diagnosis and early treatment of RMSF to prevent maternal deaths.
Case Report: Cryptococcal Meningitis in a Previously Immunocompetent Patient with Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Kim Hyunkyu , Kim Subin , Ahn Mi Young , Oh Dong Hyun , Choi Jae-Phil , Yang Eunmi
Published: January 2024

Cryptococcus neoformans infections occur most frequently in immunocompromised patients. Here, we report a case of cryptococcal meningitis in a previously immunocompetent 78-year-old female patient after treatment of COVID-19. Underlying diseases included hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. The patient was critically ill and was treated with remdesivir, baricitinib, and dexamethasone. During hospitalization, her mental state changed, and C. neoformans was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid. She died despite receiving antifungal treatment. Treatment of COVID-19 may be a predisposing factor for C. neoformans infection. There is a need for concern and countermeasures for opportunistic fungal infections that may accompany COVID-19.
Improvement of Traction Force Estimation in Cornering through Neural
Network
Authors: Marotta Raffaele , Strano Salvatore , Terzo Mario , Tordela Ciro
Published: January 2024

Accurate estimation of traction force is essential for the development of
advanced control systems, particularly in the domain of autonomous driving. This
study presents an innovative approach to enhance the estimation of tire–road
interaction forces under combined slip conditions, employing a combination of
empirical models and neural networks. Initially, the well-known Pacejka formula,
or magic formula, was adopted to estimate tire–road interaction forces under
pure longitudinal slip conditions. However, it was observed that this formula
yielded unsatisfactory results under non-pure slip conditions, such as during
curves. To address this challenge, a neural network architecture was developed
to predict the estimation error associated with the Pacejka formula. Two
distinct neural networks were developed. The first neural network employed, as
inputs, both longitudinal slip ratios of the driving wheels and the slip angles
of the driving wheels. The second network utilized longitudinal slip ratios of
the driving wheels and longitudinal and lateral accelerations of the vehicle as
inputs. The training of the neural networks was performed using data from
straight-line accelerations, circuit maneuvers, and a sinus steering maneuver.
Both neural networks were designed as multi-output networks capable of
simultaneously estimating longitudinal force errors for both driving wheels. The
estimator was tested by making two laps on the Hockenheim circuit in the
opposite direction. The initial root mean square error (RMSE) was substantially
reduced using corrective neural networks. These findings affirm the
effectiveness of the neural network-based approach in improving traction force
estimation under combined slip conditions, overcoming the limitations of the
Pacejka formula in cases of non-pure slip, thereby paving new avenues for the
implementation of more advanced and secure vehicle control systems.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Field-Programmable Gate Array
Accelerator for Electric Vehicles Battery Management System
Authors: Nagarale Satyashil D. , Patil B. P.
Published: January 2024

The swift progress of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
has driven advancements in battery management systems (BMS). However, optimizing
the algorithms that drive these systems remains a challenge. Recent
breakthroughs in data science, particularly in deep learning networks, have
introduced the long–short-term memory (LSTM) network as a solution for sequence
problems. While graphics processing units (GPUs) and application-specific
integrated circuits (ASICs) have been used to improve performance in AI-based
applications, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) have gained popularity due
to their low power consumption and high-speed acceleration, making them ideal
for artificial intelligence (AI) implementation. One of the critical components
of EVs and HEVs is the BMS, which performs operations to optimize the use of
energy stored in lithium-ion batteries (LiBs). Due to the nonlinear
electrochemical nature of these batteries, estimating states of charge (SoC),
states of health (SoH), and remaining useful life (RUL) is challenging. This
article proposes an advanced AI-based BMS that uses LSTM to accurately estimate
LiB states, providing crucial information for battery performance optimization.
The proposed design is implemented in Python for training and validation. The
hardware prototype is synthesized using Xilinx Vitis High-Level Synthesis (HLS)
and implemented on Xilinx Zynq System-on-Chip (SoC) PYNQ Z2 board, achieving low
root mean squared error (RMSE) values of 0.3438 and 0.3681 in training and
validation, respectively.
Choosing to study geography and the career aspirations of future graduates and postgraduates
Authors: Resnik Planinc Tatjana , Stefanovski Sašo
Published: January 2024

Several factors are bound to influence a young person’s decision to study a particular study programme, including his or her interests and commitment, abilities and skills, career prospects, family expectations, social pressure and peer influence, the information and advice available to him or her and financial constraints. To find out what factors contribute to adolescents’ decision to study geography and the career aspirations of future graduates and postgraduates, a survey was conducted in 2017 and 2020 at the Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana involving a total of 155 students in their first year of the first cycle and the first and the second year of the second cycle. The results will be of great help in the further development of the geography study, as knowledge of the factors influencing their decisions to study, as well as their career aspirations and expectations, will allow us to understand the low enrolment figures in geography studies in recent years (which are not comparable to those of the past in all three Slovenian departments of geography) and to find potential solutions or ways to improve the current situation.
La conquista espiritual de Europa. Miguel de Unamuno y el papel de España en Occidente: un diálogo con sus remitentes internacionales
Authors: Erquiaga Martínez Cristina
Published: January 2024

La relación Europa-España tiene una importante presencia en el pensamiento de Miguel de Unamuno. El intelectual vasco considera que  el papel que España ha de desempeñar en el contexto occidental del momento es el de despertar al resto de naciones a una vida  espiritual que él ve amenazada por una corriente central de pensamiento que se abandona únicamente a las seguridades del  materialismo y el cientificismo. En su epistolario internacio- nal encontramos testimonios de cómo esta reflexión caló en diversos  individuos que pasaron a establecer un diálogo en torno a estas ideas desde sus propias posturas y circunstancias. El presente artículo  ofrece un estudio de estas misivas para mostrar, por un lado, la vitalidad de este plantea- miento unamuniano que ejerce su influjo más  allá de las fronteras nacionales y, por otro, su vinculación con otros movimientos intelectuales de la Europa del momento.

 

English title: The Spiritual Conquest of Europe. Miguel de Unamuno and the Role of Spain in the Western Word: a Dialogue with his International Correspodents

The relationship between Europe and Spain is one of the main topics in Miguel de Unamuno’s thought. He considers that Spain’s role in  the Western context of his time is to awaken the rest of the nations to a spiritual life, one that he finds threatened by the central current  of European thought, solely devoted to the securities of materialism and scientism. His international correspondence contains various  testi- monies of how this thought reached different people who dialogued around these ideas from their positions and circumstances.  This article offers a study of these letters aiming to show, on the one hand, the vitali- ty of Unamuno’s approach, which exerted its  influence beyond national borders and, on the other, its links with other intellectual movements in Europe at the time.
Intracranial aneurysms in Ghanaian adults
Authors: D. Sarkodie Benjamin , B. Jimah Bashiru , H. Mohammed Abdullah , Akpalu Albert , K. Brakohiapa Edmund , Anim Dorothea , O. Botwe Benard
Published: January 2024

Objective: To document the location, size, and multiplicity of intracranial aneurysms in Ghanaians who have undergone digital subtraction angiography (DSA) at a single centre in Accra, Ghana.Design: We conducted a retrospective observational review of the medical records of all patients diagnosed with intracranial aneurysms on DSASetting: Patients’ medical records at Euracare Advanced Diagnostic and Heart Centre were reviewed between March 2018 and March 2020.Participants: Thirty-one patients were identified with various intracranial aneurysms (IAs) within the study period. Patients’ ages, sex, and types of IAs were extracted using a checklist and analysed using Microsoft Excel for Windows 2016.Interventions: NoneMain outcome measures: The prevalence of types and distribution of intracranial aneurysms.Results: The age range of the patients was 26-76 years, with a mean age of 45.5±14.3 years. The mean age of men and women with IA was 45.5 ±15.9 years and 46.7 51.3±12.9 years, respectively. The most common IAs were located in the posterior communicating artery (PCOM) at 54.8% (95%CI: 36.0, 72.7), followed by the anterior communicating (ACOM), which constituted 32.3% (95%CI: 16.7, 51.4). The majority, 89.2% (33/37) of these aneurysms were less than 7mm in diameter. Single aneurysms were present in 25 (80.6%).Conclusion: The most common IAs were found in the PCOM and ACOM, and IAs tend to rupture at a younger age and smaller size among the Ghanaian adults examined. Early detection and treatment of IAs less than 7mm in diameter is recommended.
Retraction of published article
Authors: Kudzi William
Published: January 2024

We would like to retract a published article titled “Hypertension and associated factors among patients attending HIV clinic at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital” by Edmund T. Nartey, Raymond A. Tetteh, Francis Anto, Bismark Sarfo, William Kudzi and Richard M. Adanu in the March 2023 issue of the Ghana Medical Journal
A three-year review of lung cancer patient characteristics in a tertiary hospital
Authors: S. Afriyie-Mensah Jane , Kwarteng Ernest , Tetteh John , Gbadamosi Hafi , Dadzie Mary-Ann , Boakye Mensah Yaw , Entsua-Mensah Ekow
Published: January 2024

Objective: The study sought to determine clinical characteristics and histologic subtypes of a cohort of lung cancer patients in a tertiary facility.Design: Retrospective review of the medical records of histology-confirmed lung cancer cases at the respiratory clinic over a 3-year period.Setting: Respiratory Clinic, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, GhanaParticipants: All adult patients with histologically diagnosed lung cancer were enrolled.Main outcome measures: Lung cancer histological typesResults: The proportion of lung cancer cases was 12.4%. The majority were women (57.8%) and the mean age at diagnosis was 55.8±16.0 years. The patients were predominantly non-smokers (61%). Common symptoms were chronic cough and chest pain. More than two-thirds of the cases presented in clinical stages III and IV with the pre-dominant histological subtype being adenocarcinoma in smokers and non-smokers. Genetic testing for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Anaplastic Lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutations were largely absent.Conclusions: The majority of lung cancer patients presented late with advanced disease. Adenocarcinoma was the predominant histological subtype in a predominantly non-smoking population, with an increased prevalence among women less than 60 years. This should encourage testing for genetic mutations to improve patient survival.
Plasma concentration of fucosyltransferase 7 is not associated with the number of clinically overt vaso-occlusive events in sickle cell disease
Authors: E. Okpala Iheanyi , E. Eze Onyinye , A. Ezekekwu Chinedu , D. Nnakenyi Ifeyinwa , U. Ilechukwu Gladys , O. Akpa Chinedu , I. Nwani Emmanuel , J. Maduka Collins , O. Anigbogu Ikechukwu , D. Muoghalu Ebele , I. Ugwu Ngozi , C. Ajuba Ifeoma , C. Aneke John , C. Okoye Helen , C. Nonyelu Charles , N. Duru Augustine
Published: January 2024

Objective: To determine if the number of vaso-occlusive events in SCD relates to plasma concentration of fucosyl-transferase 7 (FUT7), which catalyses the synthesis of selectin ligands.Design: A prospective, analytical study.Setting: Haematology and Chemical Pathology Departments of tertiary healthcare centersParticipants: Steady state HbSS individuals aged 13-45 years, 20 had 3 or more vaso-occlusive crises that required hospital admission in the previous year (with or without complications of SCD); 17 other HbSS persons had 0-1 vaso-occlusive crisis that required hospital admission in the previous year and no disease complications.Intervention: Steady-state plasma concentrations of FUT7 measured by ELISA were compared between SCD patients who had one vaso-occlusive crisis requiring hospital treatment in the previous year but no disease complications and those who had >3 crises with or without complications.Main Outcome Measures: Plasma level of FUT7and the number of vaso-occlusive events in each HbSS patientResults: Mean + standard deviation plasma concentration of FUT7 was 8.6 + 2.7 ng/ml in patients with >3 vaso-occlusive crises in the previous year and 7.3 + 1.7 ng/ml in those with 0-1 crisis and no complications; independent sample t-test, p > 0.05, not significantly different.Conclusion: Plasma concentration of fucosyltransferase7 is not associated with the number of vaso-occlusive events in sickle cell disease.
Time to treat the climate and nature crisis as one indivisible global health emergency
Authors: Abbasi Kamran , Ali Parveen , Barbour Virginia , Benfield Thomas , Bibbins-Domingo Kirsten , Hancocks Stephen , Horton Richard , Laybourn-Langton Laurie , Mash Robert , Sahni Peush , Mohammad Sharief Wadeia , Yonga Paul , Zielinski Chris
Published: January 2024

Over 200 health journals call on the United Nations, political leaders, and health professionals to recognise that climate change and biodiversity loss are one indivisible crisis and must be tackled together to preserve health and avoid catastrophe. This overall environmental crisis is now so severe as to be a global health emergency. The world is currently responding to the climate crisisand the nature crisis as if they were separate challenges. This is a dangerous mistake. The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP) on climate change is about to be held in Dubai while the 16th COP on biodiversity is due to be held in Turkey in 2024. The research communities that provide the evidence for the two COPs are unfortunately largely separate, but they were brought together for a workshop in 2020 when they concluded that: “Only by considering climate and biodiversity as parts of the same complex problem, can solutions be developed that avoid maladaptation and maximise the beneficial outcomes.
Gustatory dysfunction in euthyroid primary hypothyroidism
Authors: Z. Hasan Afshan , B L Preethi , Kalra Pramila
Published: January 2024

Objectives: The study assessed gustatory functions in patients with primary hypothyroidism who are euthyroid on supplemental hormone therapy with levothyroxine over six months’ duration and to evaluate the association of gustatory dysfunction, if any, with the serum TSH levels.Design: This analytical community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2021, following participants’ ethical approval and written informed consent.Setting: The study was conducted in a tertiary health care centre in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.Participants: Sixty-eight subjects participated in this study: 34 primary hypothyroid patients and an equal number of healthy controls.Interventions: Gustatory sensations were assessed by the triple drop test, and scores were given depending on the identification of the tastants (sweet, sour, salty, and bitter). The taste scores were compared, and the association between TSH levels and gustatory parameters were evaluated.Results: Overall taste scores were lesser in hypothyroid patients. This finding depicted that their taste thresholds were increased and were statistically significant (p < 0.001), though the association between the degree of hypogeusia and TSH levels was not statistically significant.Conclusion: Patients with primary hypothyroidism can suffer from hypogeusia, which may revert to normal once they achieve euthyroid status with levothyroxine supplementation. However, this has not been conclusively shown in studies. Our study concluded that hypogeusia was present in primary hypothyroidism despite patients being euthyroid on hormone supplementation, and it was not dependent on the serum TSH levels.
Real life applications of mathematical model of Kifilideen trinomial theorem distribution of positive powers of n with mathematical induction of the constituents of its negative powers of n counterpart
Authors: Osanyinpeju K. L.
Published: January 2024

Binomial system is a system of analysis which involves two chances or possible outcomes of event which are the extreme ends of such event. In real life, there exist the mid or intermediary chances or possible outcomes of some events, if not all events, making the possible outcomes of such events to be three. In any such scenario or instance of three possible outcomes, a trinomial system of analysis would be applicable. There is need to develop a model to analysis such scenarios of trinomial system. This research work presents real life applications of mathematical model of Kifilideen trinomial theorem distribution of positive powers of n with mathematical induction of negative powers of n counterpart. A mathematical model of the Kifilideen trinomial theorem distribution was formulated. This research work also develops alternate Kifilideen power combination formula, alternate Kifilideen term formula and alternate Kifilideen position formula for the negative powers of n, which conform but not the same, with the one developed for the positive powers of n counterpart. The formulated mathematical model of the Kifilideen trinomial theorem distribution was utilized to analysis real life events having three possible outcomes. The model invented in this paper can be used to determine the probability of the combination of different n outputs involving three possible categories of outcomes of events. The mathematical induction helps to support and prove that the developed Kifilideen formulas for the constituents of Kifilideen trinomial theorem of negative powers of n are valid and true.
Bacterial degradation of phenol: a review of the current state of knowledge
Authors: Adetitun D.O. , Tomilayo R.B.
Published: January 2024

Phenol is a toxic and recalcitrant contaminant widely used in various industries, including petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical industries. Bacterial degradation of phenol is a promising method for treating phenol-contaminated wastewater. The biodegradation of phenol by bacteria can effectively remove it from the environment, making it a valuable alternative to traditional chemical treatment methods. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the bacterial biodegradation of phenol, including those in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical sectors, the metabolic pathways involved in phenol degradation, and the factors that influence the efficiency of phenol biodegradation. This paper also discusses the challenges and limitations of using bacteria for the biodegradation of phenol, including the need for further research to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the process. The outcome of this review demonstrates that bacterial biodegradation is a promising and effective method for treating phenol-contaminated wastewater and provides a foundation for future research to improve the efficiency and continuous use of this process.
Embedding the developmental approach in social work with older persons: Prospects and challenges for Lesotho
Authors: Dr DHEMBA Jotham  , Prof. MAKOFANE Mankwane Daisy Maria  , Dr MABETOA Maria
Published: January 2024

Although social work has evolved greatly since its inception in the late 19th century, it is faced with the need to adopt more appropriate interventions to address the needs of service users. This is mainly because of the shift of interest towards service user involvement in the assessment of the services they require and the rise of evidence-based practice. The paradigm shift in the orientation of Lesotho’s Ministry of Social Development in 2012, from welfare to the developmental approach presents opportunities for holistic and comprehensive service delivery for vulnerable people, older persons included. Furthermore, the establishment of the Department of Elderly Care Services in 2013, in the Ministry of Social Development was a strategic move in the implementation of the developmental approach in service delivery for older persons. However, progress in the implementation of the developmental approach in service delivery for older persons is constrained by inadequate financial and human resources, lack of specialised training for social workers on this strategy, and political instability that has resulted in frequent changes in government.
How to cite this article using ASWNet style
Dhemba J., Makofane M. D. M. and Mabetoa, M. (2023). Embedding the developmental approach in social work with older persons: Prospects and challenges for Lesotho. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 8(2), 23-29. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v8i2.1
Visit journal website: https://jda.africasocialwork.net
The influence of ujamaa policy in realization of developmental social work in Tanzania – Ubuntu perspective
Authors: Meinrad Haule Lembuka
Published: January 2024

The study applied desk research method to analyse literatures to gain a broader perspective on the influence of Ujamaa policy in developmental social work; it was developed by the late Dr. Nyerere’s in post-colonial Tanzania in the process of decolonization and restore development approach relevant to African context. Review shows that Ujamaa became the social development model (Developmental social welfare or the developmental approach) with a broad approach that promoted collective and holistic well-being of a nation. Ujamaa embraced values that entail African history, cultural values and ecology, applicability of Ujamaa policy marked the essence and applicability of developmental social work in Africa. Despite of various challenges, Ujamaa succeeded to achieve collective development through strengthening people and their communities’ livelihood capabilities, ameliorate social and economic problems. The model integrated families, kinships and groups into community participation and empowerment to achieve collective development in human face. Ujamaa’s principle of universal welfare, communalism, interdependence, shared resources, human dignity and participatory development, is widely studied in the world today. Based on the success of Ujamaa model, in October 2009 the UN General Assembly named Dr. Nyerere ‘a World hero of social justice’ and August 2014 he was awarded as Ubuntu Champion by the National Heritage Council of South Africa for his practical contribution in African Ubuntu. Conclusively, application of Ujamaa model in realization of SDGs by 2030 is vital. It’s recommended for social workers to demonstrate how developmental social work could contribute to building a better Africa and a better world.How to cite this article using ASWNet styleLembuka M. H. (2023). The influence of ujamaa policy in realization of developmental social work in Tanzania – Ubuntu perspective. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 8(3), 83-90. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v8i3.5

Visit journal website: https://jda.africasocialwork.net
Gonadal sperm reserves and testosterone profile of Wistar rats treated with Taurine following Cypermetrin toxicity
Authors: Ubah S. A. , Abah K. O. , Abalaka S. E. , Idoko I. S. , Akande M. G. , Okoronkwo S. , Akumka D. , Mohamed A. , Hassan R.
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Taurine (TAU) on sperm/spermatid reserves and testosterone profile of Wistar rats exposed to Cypermethrin (CYP) toxicity. Male rats weighing between 150 - 200 g age 10-11 weeks old were used. The experiment was divided into 7 groups, which included; Group A distilled water, Group B soya oil at 2 ml/kg, Group C TAU 50mg/kg, Group D TAU 100mg/kg, Group E CYP at 20 mg/kg Group F TAU at 50 mg/kg with CYP at 20 mg/kg and Group G TAU at 100 mg/kg with CYP at 20 mg/kg respectively. The treatments were administered once daily by oral gavage for 60 days. At termination, the rats were decapitated. Sera samples were obtained. The epididymis was separated into head, body and tail, testicular and epididymal filtrate volumes were measured. Paired gonadal and epididymal sperm/spermatid reserves were determined using a haemocytometer and light microscope. Testosterone assay was done with testosterone ELISA Kits. Results showed that testicular sperm/spermatid reserves of groups A and B were 11.50 ± 0.87b x106 /g of testes and 16.00 ± 3.08a x106 /g which were significantly higher than the rest groups (p<0.05). Sperm reserves of the tail epididymis was significantly higher in groups A, B, E and F (p<0.05). The values were 15.75 ± 2.95a x106 /g, 15.25 ± 2.81a x106 /g, 11.50 ± 1.50a x106 /g and 10.0 ± 0.0a x106 /g respectively, Sperm reserves of the head epididymis was significantly higher in groups D and E (p<0.05). The values were 10.25 ± 3.68a x106 /g 9.25 ± 1.89a x106 /g. It was concluded that taurine at 50mg and 100 mg/kg did not show any significant positive effect on serum testosterone, testicular sperm/spermatid reserves, tail and body epididymal sperm reserves. Taurine effect may be dose dependent and influenced by osmoregulation. It was recommended that higher doses of taurine be tested.
Feminismos e Engajamento de Jovens Mulheres do ABC Paulista
Authors: Sanches Hamasaki Angélica Aparecida , Nunes Guedes de Oliveira Rebeca
Published: January 2024

Buscando compreender a constituição da identidade feminista e as formas de organização que se articulam entre jovens, preceitos analisados por Hooks (2018) e (2019), Hollanda (2018) e (2019), Gavo (2020) e Fraser et al. (2019) foram trabalhados. A pesquisa, de caráter exploratório, foi desenvolvida em abordagem qualitativa, sendo o tipo de estudo interpretativo na coleta e análise de narrativas, obtidas a partir de entrevistas. O movimento feminista é apontado pelas entrevistadas como plural, mas sua divisão em vertentes foi levantada como um divisor.  O diálogo foi levantado como ferramenta de promoção do feminismo, não somente para discussão ou problematização de pautas, mas como uma forma de ouvir as vivências e “ir aonde as pessoas estão”, acessando diversas mulheres de maneira ponderada. Foi possível observar um diálogo forte do feminismo concebido pelas jovens com ondas anteriores, como as reuniões presenciais e rodas de conversa ou divulgação através de jornais próprios.
Morte, telejornalismo e transformações culturais
Authors: Negrini Michele , Dalmaso Silvana
Published: January 2024

A morte é assunto cotidiano na pauta jornalística. Personalidades famosas e celebridades, quando falecem, geralmente são alvos de grandes coberturas televisivas, que são transmitidas em programas jornalísticos e telejornais, como o Jornal Nacional. Assim, este artigo tem como objetivo analisar as transformações do Jornal Nacional a partir de mortes de pessoas famosas. Vamos nos deter na morte do líder e vocalista da banda Queen, Freddie Mercury, ocorrida em 1991; do piloto de Fórmula 1 brasileiro Ayrton Senna, que se deu em 1994; do astro do pop, Michael Jackson, ocorrida em 2009; e da cantora brasileira Marília Mendonça, em 2021. A base teórica para ancorar as discussões será sobre gênero televisivo com categoria cultural (MITTELL, 2001). A pesquisa tem caráter exploratório e observacional (GIL, 2008).
Pantanal em memes
Authors: Scabin Nara Lya Cabral , Nabeiro Ana Lucia Pinto da Silva , Ferraraz Rogério
Published: January 2024

O artigo busca compreender o papel desempenhado por memes – conteúdos digitais virais compartilhados no âmbito de comunidades online (SHIFMAN, 2014; SARMENTO; CHAGAS, 2020) – na circulação da telenovela Pantanal, remake exibido pela Rede Globo entre março e setembro de 2022. Como hipótese, discutimos o papel dos memes no circuito cultural (JOHNSON, 2007; ESCOSTEGUY, 2007) da obra televisiva como atrelado à atualização do papel da telenovela brasileira enquanto espaço de discussão de temas de interesse público na contemporaneidade. Por meio do mapeamento temático de memes reunidos pela página @remakepantanal no Instagram, a pesquisa observa uma alta incidência de publicações sobre as temáticas acesso à educação, homofobia e direitos da mulher. Por fim, com base nas reflexões apresentadas, o trabalho discute o papel dos memes como formas de mediação da recepção da telenovela a partir de ritualidades e socialidades (MARTÍN-BARBERO, 2009) próprias das redes sociais digitais.
TAXONOMIA DE BLOOM: UMA REVISÃO LITERÁRIA DAS ADAPTAÇÕES E DOS INSTRUMENTOS PARA DEFINIR OBJETIVOS INSTRUCIONAIS
Authors: Silva Gabriel Bezerra
Published: January 2024

Taxonomia de Bloom é uma das inúmeras ferramentas que dão alicerce ao planejamento acadêmico, assim como, a estruturação, a organização, a definição dos objetivos instrucionais e a seleção dos instrumentos de avaliação didático-pedagógico. Este artigo objetivou-se em apresentar a Taxonomia de Bloom e como ela funciona no decorrer dos últimos anos, além de, ilustrar como esse sistema pode ser utilizado no contexto pedagógico. Utilizando-se da revisão de literatura como instrumento para identificar e enunciar os objetivos relacionados ao desenvolvimento cognitivo, no qual, no contexto deste artigo incluem a aquisição do conhecimento, das competências e de suas atitudes. Observou-se que a Taxonomia de Bloom facilita a compreensão do planejamento no ensino e seus processos de aprendizagem, e embora que seja uma ferramenta útil para os diversos níveis de ensino, poucos educadores a utilizam por não conhecerem a maneira correta de aplicá-la. Concluindo que essa ferramenta é essencial e precisa ser construída de forma concisa, com objetivos claros (gerais e específicos), além de, possuírem uma definição de conteúdo, seleção de estratégias e ferramentas de avaliação bem elaboradas, isto é, o que é aprendido e ensinado pelos docentes se encaixe de alguma forma pela reflexão da pirâmide de Bloom.
Impact of Financial Inclusion Efforts Among the Tribal Groups in Wayanad-Kerala
Authors: Fazal P , Mohanadasan T , Sini VT
Published: January 2024

This examination explores the effect of monetary consideration drives on ancestral gatherings in Weaned, explicitly zeroing in on their admittance to formal financial administrations. Notwithstanding the ubiquity of money, ancestral networks in Wayanad display a hesitance to completely embrace monetary innovation, credited to their one-of-a-kind social design. In any case, a mind-boggling 94.8% of ancestral families in the locale have ledgers, mirroring a significant mix into the formal monetary area. Remarkably, support in the MGNREGS program arises as a critical driver, with 54.5% of clans referring to it as the essential inspiration for getting ledgers. In any case, the review highlights that monetary consideration alone doesn't resolve the basic issue of financial weakness. Clans, as other low-pay gatherings, face difficulties in getting credit from formal banks because of rigid circumstances. Thusly, casual monetary players, common in regions with low monetary proficiency, assume a pivotal part in gathering the credit needs of these monetarily denied networks. These 'non-status moneylenders' in many cases exploit the monetary weaknesses of clans, propagating their desperate conditions. The exploration features the unavoidable dependence on casual sources and highlights the current holes in the conventional credit market, encouraging the requirement for fitted monetary answers for elevate monetarily denied networks.
MOVEMENT AND DEFORMATION CONTROL IN SURROUNDING ROCK MASS
Authors:   Institute of Mining SB RAS, BARYSHNIKOV V.D. ,   Institute "Yakutniproalmaz" AK "ALROSA", BARYSHNIKOV D.V. ,   Institute of Mining SB RAS
Published: January 2024

The paper describes implementation of geomechanical monitoring of movements and deformations in rock mass and mine structures in hybrid open pit/underground mining. The case-study of extraction ofAikhal kimberlite pipe reserves under bottom of an open pit ofAL- ROSA allows examining the pitwall rock mass stability control using subsurface check points arranged in boreholes in underground roadways. The authors assess the occurrence time of dynamic deformation in pitwall rock mass, duration of the dynamic deformation period and the limit displacements at the moment of slope falls. The developed assessment method of the rock mass stress-strain behavior uses the data of borehole measurements of check point displacementsThe proposed method is included in integrated projects of hydrogeomechanical monitoring of crown pillars under pit bottoms in Aikhal andInternatsionalny Mines of ALROSA.
MODELING OF THE DIFFUSION OF POLLUTANTS ON THE TERRITORY OF THE CHAGODOSHCHENSK GLASS PLANT (VILLAGE OF CHAGODA, VOLOGDA REGION)
Authors:   Tula State University, KACHURIN N.M. , LUSKIN G.G. ,   «Roscontract» LLC, GRYAZNOV YU.N. ,   JSC "YUMATEX", AMBARTSUMOV D.A. ,   LLC "NPP "Ruskhimsintez"
Published: January 2024

The processes of transfer of resin waste components and migration of pollutants in the geological environment considered, taking into account the variety of conditions for the formation and transformation of resin lakes. The results of mathematical modeling of vertical migration of the pollutant into the soil and further into the underlying rocks are satisfactorily described by a one-dimensional convective diffusion equation taking into account the kinetics of sorption of the pollutant by the solid phase of soils and underlying rocks.
Tenun Rembitan Go Digital: Merajut Masa Depan dengan Inovasi
Authors: Utami Karina Juniarti , Saksono Herie
Published: January 2024

Desa Rembitan di Kecamatan Pujut Kabupaten Lombok Tengah merupakan salah satu desa wisata yang terkenal dengan Kain Tenun Tradisional Khas Lombok. Kain Tenun ini merupakan warisan budaya yang telah dilestarikan turun-temurun oleh masyarakat Desa Rembitan. Namun, di era modern ini, Kain Tenun Tradisional Khas Lombok di Desa Rembitan menghadapi berbagai tantangan, terutama dalam hal pemasaran produknya. Sebagai upaya mempertahankan eksistensinya, Desa Rembitan melakukan berbagai inovasi, berupa pemasaran digital. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi inovasi desa tenun tradisional khas Lombok sebagai upaya mempertahankan tradisi di era modern. Studi ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologi. Data penelitian diperoleh melalui wawancara mendalam dengan informan kunci yang terdiri dari tokoh masyarakat, perajin tenun, dan konsumen tenun. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa inovasi desa tenun telah berhasil meningkatkan daya saing Desa Rembitan dan keberlanjutan kain tenun tradisional khas Lombok. Pemasaran digital dipandang efektif untuk mempromosikan dan mengomersialisasikan produk kain tenun tradisional khas Lombok dari Desa Rembitan, sehingga lebih memikat dan mudah dikenali konsumen modern. Pelatihan yang berpijak pada praktik-praktik baik, literasi digital, dan pemasaran berbasis platform digital semakin mengukuhkan eksistensi Desa Tenun yang memproduksi kain tenun berkualitas dan mampu menjangkau pasar yang lebih luas. Inovasi Desa Tenun telah menjadi strategi penting untuk mempertahankan tradisi di era modern. Inovasi dapat membantu tradisi untuk tetap relevan dan sesuai dengan tuntutan zaman.
GENETIC ADVANCEMENT IN BREAD WHEAT VARIETIES RELEASED FOR THE BAJÍO REGION (MEXICO) UNDER NORMAL AND RESTRICTED IRRIGATION
Authors: Ledesma-Ramírez Lourdes , Solís-Moya Ernesto , Mariscal-Amaro Luis Antonio , Gámez-Vázquez Alfredo Josué , Buenrostro-Rodríguez Juan Francisco , González-Figueroa Sarahyt Santamaria , Quiñones-Martinez Isnelda Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) provides approximately 20 % of the proteins and calories consumed globally. Genetic advancement in yield is crucial to satisfy the demand of the growing world population. The aim of this study was to estimate genetic progress in agronomic traits of varieties released in El Bajío (Mexico) between 1975 and 2016 under normal and restricted irrigation. The hypothesis was: with the breeding of wheat varieties for over 40 years for the region of El Bajío, advances have been made in grain yield. The genotypes planted were Salamanca S75, Cortazar S94, Bárcenas S2002, Urbina S2007, Alondra F2014 and Cisne F2016 during the 2016-17 and 2020-21 agricultural cycles in three irrigation schedules, two at 0 and 55 days after planting, three at 0-45 and 75 and four at 0-45-75 and 100 days after planting. Phenology, yield and its components were measured, and the treatment design followed a randomized complete block design with arrangements in subdivided plots and three replications. Using the weighted phenotypic model and its graphical representation through the SREG biplot, it was determined that recently released varieties outperformed the grain yield of older varieties in all three irrigation schedules. The varieties released between 1975 and 2016 displayed no changes in days to heading and maturity, since only early genotypes were advanced in the selection process. For grain yield, a genetic progress was obtained of 26.3, 41.6 and 37.6 kg ha-1 year-1 for the two, three and four irrigation schedules, respectively, which was related to an increase (p ≤ 0.01) in aerial biomass and a higher number of spikes and grains per unit area.