bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O criador e a criatura: Friedrich Hayek e a rede transnacional de think tanks na América Latina
Authors: Onofre Gabriel da Fonseca
Published: July 2021

O presente trabalho examina a trajetória do intelectual Friedrich Hayek e seu papel na formação de uma rede transnacional de think tanks neoliberais na América Latina entre as décadas de 1950 e 1980. O sucesso do livro O caminho da servidão contribuiu para o reconhecimento internacional do filósofo austríaco e tornou possível concretizar seus esforços para o estabelecimento de uma comunidade internacional de defensores do liberalismo econômico. Para isso, o engajamento e apoio do empresariado foram fundamentais, com destaque para a participação do empresário britânico Antony Fisher e do brasileiro Donald Stewart. A partir de fontes do arquivo de Hayek e de sua organização, a Sociedade Mont Pelerin, disponíveis no acervo da Hoover Institution, na Universidade de Stanford, bem como da documentação do arquivo do Instituto Liberal do Rio de Janeiro, procuramos demonstrar, em uma perspectiva transnacional, a importância das conexões e intercâmbios entre indivíduos e organizações estadunidenses, europeias e latino-americanas da rede organizada por Hayek para a divulgação de uma agenda neoliberal no continente. Por fim, o trabalho ancora-se em uma perspectiva distinta da história tradicional das ideias ao buscar historicizar e conectar as ideias neoliberais a seus agentes e contextos de operação.
Neoliberalismo e violência produtiva - uma gramática em construção durante a ditadura civil-militar
Authors: Longhi Carla Reis
Published: July 2021

Neste artigo discutimos o lugar da violência no processo de construção do neoliberalismo no Brasil e, para tanto, trabalhamos com uma perspectiva conceitual e histórica. Na perspectiva conceitual, destrinchamos os conceitos de violência e neoliberalismo, refletindo sobre suas inter-relações; na perspectiva histórica, buscamos reconstituir o processo de construção do neoliberalismo no Brasil, partindo do golpe de 1964 e sua política de modernização e percorrendo a ditadura civil-militar no intuito de reconstituir as práticas de violência que corresponderam aos interesses da lógica neoliberal. Partimos de diferentes fontes para a reconstituição deste processo, articulando produção intelectual e fontes documentais institucionais e audiovisuais de produção do IPES, todas em diálogo com reflexão bibliográfica sobre o tema. Nossa argumentação e, logo, conclusão são de que o processo de construção do neoliberalismo foi possível e esteve amplamente assegurado pela vigência e intensificação de diferentes formas de violência impostas tanto pelo Estado quanto pela disseminação de uma racionalidade técnica, que esteve a seu serviço. Ao mesmo tempo, a implementação da lógica neoliberal no Brasil alimentou a manutenção da violência e o esvaziamento da política.
El “experimento chileno”. Las reformas económicas y la emergencia conceptual del neoliberalismo en la dictadura de Pinochet, 1975-1983
Authors: Casals Marcelo , Estefane Andrés
Published: July 2021

A inicios de la década de 1980, el concepto “neoliberalismo” era escasamente utilizado. En las décadas siguientes, sin embargo, se convirtió en una categoría indispensable para caracterizar los programas de liberalización y privatización económica implementados en distintas partes del mundo. En este artículo planteamos que el origen de la resemantización y difusión del concepto neoliberalismo radicó en la experiencia de las reformas económicas aplicadas en Chile por los “Chicago Boys” durante la dictadura militar que encabezó Augusto Pinochet. Basándonos en la producción de intelectuales y centros de investigación conservadores, socialcristianos y socialistas, proponemos que entre 1981 y 1982 tuvieron lugar los primeros intentos por describir y criticar el proyecto refundacional de la dictadura a partir de la categoría de neoliberalismo, precisamente en el momento en que dicho modelo entraba en una profunda crisis. La pertinencia de este concepto como eje articulador de un espacio de oposición política e intelectual heterogéneo se explica por los propios efectos de las reformas económicas de la dictadura. La clausura y contracción del Estado como parte de las exigencias de liberalización económica radical impuestas por los “Chicago Boys” produjo desafecciones importantes que terminaron quebrando la alianza social contrarrevolucionaria que apoyó inicialmente al régimen. No es casualidad, entonces, que en la crítica al modelo desde la noción de “neoliberalismo” hayan coincidido pensadores conservadores, socialcristianos y socialistas en procesos de “renovación”.
Dívida, dependência e neoliberalização: o receituário do Council of the Americas para a América Latina dos anos 1980
Authors: Hoeveler Rejane Carolina
Published: July 2021

A relação intrínseca entre a explosão das dívidas externas latino-americanas nos anos 1980 e a generalização do receituário neoliberal no continente é sobejamente conhecida, embora tenha ainda alguns aspectos pouco explorados. Geralmente, atores internacionais de faceta pública como o Banco Mundial (BM) e o Fundo Monetário Internacional (FMI) têm seu papel ressaltado. Talvez menos observados, entretanto, estão aparelhos privados de hegemonia que não apenas disseminaram determinadas leituras da crise latino-americana como também propuseram e elaboraram planos de contrarreformas neoliberais junto ao governo estadunidense e ao BM/FMI, organizaram uma ação política de classe voltada para os grandes empresários, principalmente os credores privados norte-americanos e europeus das dívidas, sem excluir parte importante das elites proprietárias latino-americanas. Neste artigo, pretendemos demonstrar de que maneira o Council of the Americas, entidade privada criada por David Rockefeller e associados ainda em 1965, foi um importante lócus de elaboração e difusão ideológica do programa neoliberal para a América Latina. Pretende-se, para isso, analisar detalhadamente relatórios e documentos produzidos por esse aparelho privado de hegemonia, cotejando-os com outras fontes primárias como a imprensa brasileira e estadunidense, documentos de órgãos públicos dos Estados Unidos, como a House of Representatives e os Presidential Archives, entre outros. Nossa conclusão central é a de que a atuação do Council of the Americas, enquanto entidade privada, foi fundamental para o aprofundamento do neoliberalismo na América Latina nesse período essencialmente em seu papel de alinhavar o programa neoliberal de ajustes estruturais junto com setores significativos das classes dominantes latino-americanas.
La Escuela Normal de Preceptoras del Sur. Inicios de la formación de “maestras de primeras letras” en contexto regional: Chile en el siglo XIX
Authors: Turra-Díaz Omar
Published: July 2021

El artículo estudia la institucionalización de la formación del profesorado en el país, en un contexto de expansión de la instrucción primaria pública durante la segunda mitad del siglo XIX. Su propósito es exponer las características histórico-educativas de la Escuela Normal de Preceptoras del Sur, como primera institución formadora de docentes establecida en regiones, específicamente en la ciudad de Chillán, provincia de Ñuble a la época. Queda establecido en el estudio el carácter pionero de esta institución normalista, tanto por los avances en su plan formativo como por ser iniciadora de la profesionalización docente en perspectiva regional.
Cumulative effects of resource development on mining-impacted watersheds
Authors: Desbarats A
Published: July 2021

Renewed exploration or development in historical mining districts, such as Cobalt, presents unique challenges for proponents and government regulators because of the cumulative nature of environmental impacts. To increase capacity to carry out or review
environmental assessments, this project will develop geoscience methods for distinguishing environmental effects of new mining activity from complex existing background conditions in affected watersheds. Specifically, the project will develop means of unraveling the history of accumulated
polymetallic contamination from multiple sources over multiple periods. This information and new data from mine wastes and mine drainage will be synthesized in the first geoenvironmental model for Ag-Ni-Co-As vein type deposits. Project results will be disseminated to key end users in order to
improve the environmental assessment process and to ensure that decision makers have a better understanding of the cumulative nature of environmental impacts for sustainable mineral resource development.
Environmental impacts of permafrost degradation
Authors: Duchesne M J
Published: July 2021

Permafrost underlies ~50% of the Canadian landmass.
Permafrost degradation: natural release of contaminants (e.g. heavy metals), trapped greenhouse gases and saline pore fluids into the environment.
Project objectives: 1. assess the environmental implications of permafrost degradation; 2. provide a baseline to better appraise the environmental consequences of resource development.
Infrastructure impacts on permafrost geochemistry
Authors: Gammon P
Published: July 2021

The geochemistry resulting from permafrost freeze-thaw processes are poorly understood. This EGP activity aims to refine our current understanding of these processes, and how they are impacted by infrastructure development. This study will investigate the impacts
on permafrost geochemistry associated with the construction of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH). It will investigate both the ITH development itself, and a gravel pit used as source material for ITH construction. However, COVID19-related restrictions meant that no fieldwork was possible in
2020-21. This situation means that there is no data to report for this fiscal year in terms of results and interpretations. This will continue until access to field sites is again permitted. Nonetheless, there were significant achievements for this project in the 2020-21 fiscal year, which include:
1) purchasing, through combined EGP - GEM-GeoNorth funding, arrays of sensors that will facilitate understanding of the geochemistry of permafrost active layer freeze-thaw processes; 2) development of a companion project within GEM-GeoNorth that aims to look at a wider array of permafrost processes;
3) continued engagement with Inuvialuit stakeholders to keep them up-to-date with respect to this project; 4) SLN capital purchase, in response to this projects request, of a cryogenic stage for laser ablation of ice - which will greatly advance the geochemical investigative
arsenal.
Project MOSS: Marine Oil Spill Studies
Authors: Bringué M
Published: July 2021

Context: Active port of Kitimat (BC's North Coast) is a gateway for the export of Canada's energy resources (LNG etc.) to international markets. Current and future projects translate into dramatically increased tanker traffic in Douglas Channel for decades to
come.
Objectives are to determine: a baseline of natural variability in Douglas Channel (e.g., temperature, productivity) on seasonal to millennial time scales; the capacity of in-situ microbial communities to mitigate accidentally-released petroleum products under reduced O2 and lower pH
conditions.
Ring of Fire: reconstructing long-term environmental records to support regional assessment
Authors: Jautzy J
Published: July 2021

Ring of Fire (RoF) = large mineral deposits of Ni/Cu/Zn/Cr and PGM: Located in one of the world's largest peatland system; Sensitive to climate change (Hadley et al., 2019) and anthropogenic stresses (Leclair et al., 2015).
Additional knowledge on environmental conditions required: Pre-mining - Natural presence/behavior of metal(loid)s needs to be carefully assessed; Baseline conditions response to climate change + remote anthropogenic stresses. Post-mining initiation - Changes to groundwater flow dynamic, geochemical
fate of metal(loid)s in surface storage of tailings and waste rocks over time; Explore and develop environmental indicators adapted to the monitoring of RoF environment.
Assessment of serum L-carnitine level in children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Morgane Dalia S. , Abougabal Khadiga M. , AbdelAziz Manar M. , El-Gayed Ahmed S. , Othman Aliaa O.A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Carnitine is essential for lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and proper glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), with a potential impact on long-term complications.

Aim

The study aims to evaluate serum levels of free L- carnitine (LC) in children with T1DM compared with healthy age- and sex-matched children.

Patients and methods

This case-controlled study was conducted on 40 children, including 20 children with T1DM (group A) and 20 healthy age- and sex-matched children (group B). Serum samples were used to assay the biochemical parameters: fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in blood by high-performance liquid chromatography, serum triglycerides and cholesterol determined by commercial kits, and serum LC level was assessed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The mean FBG, triglycerides, and total cholesterol were significantly higher in children with long-standing T1DM than in the newly diagnosed patients and healthy controls. Mean serum LC was significantly lower in T1DM children than in healthy controls (P<0.01). LC had a significant negative correlation with serum cholesterol and triglycerides and a positive correlation with FBG and HbA1c in T1DM children.

Conclusion

Children with T1DM showed a deficiency of serum-free LC. This deficiency is time related and patients with long-standing T1DM are prone to carnitine alterations affecting glycemic and lipid profiles. Larger studies are required for conclusions on the precise mechanism of carnitine deficiency and the possible benefit of carnitine supplementation in diabetic patients.
Prevalence and classification of childhood epilepsy in Alexandria
Authors: Elsakka Elham E. , Fahmy Shaimaa M. , Anwar Shimaa A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Approximately 75% of epilepsy begins during childhood.

Aim

The aim of this work was to study the prevalence of epilepsy and its types and classifications among children with neurological disorders attending the Outpatient Neurology Clinic, Alexandria University Children’s Hospital.

Patients and methods

This is a retrospective study. All children with a diagnosis of epilepsy attending the clinic between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018 were included. Patients’ data were collected from records.

Results

The prevalence of epilepsy among neurological disorders was 16.4% (88 cases from a total of 537 cases with neurological disorders). The age of the patients ranged between 1 and 14 years; 52.3% were females. 77.3% had genetic epilepsy, 15.9% had structural epilepsy, 3.4% had infectious epilepsy, 2.3% had metabolic epilepsy and 1.1% had mixed epilepsy. 52% had generalized tonic–clonic seizures, 29.5% had focal seizures, 9.1% had focal to bilateral seizures, 4.5% had absence seizures, 3.4% had atonic seizures and 1.1% had myoclonic seizures. 60.2% underwent interictal electroencephalography (EEG); 75.5% of them had abnormal EEG findings. 87.5% of the patients were on antiepileptic drugs: 60.2% of them were on monotherapy and 27.2% were on polytherapy. 52.8% of patients on monotherapy were treated by Na Valproate, 53% by Carbamazpine, and 11.3% by Levetiracetam. Seizure control was achieved in 28.4% of treated patients. Correlations between the etiology of epilepsy and computed tomography, MRI, and EEG findings were statistically significant.

Conclusion

The prevalence of epilepsy among patients with neurological disorders is considered to be mild to moderate. Generalized tonic–clonic seizures, genetic etiology, and monotherapy control of the attacks are considered the most prevalent characteristics of the disease.
Is there a role for upper gastrointestinal contrast study to predict the outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy? Lessons learnt from a prospective study
Authors: Misra Shivanshu , Balasubramanian Shankar , Srikanth B. , Kumar Saravana , Christinajoice S. , Nandhini Deepa , Raj P. Praveen
Published: July 2021

Context:

The importance of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast study following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is equivocal. It can, however, yield anatomical and functional details, the significance of which mostly remains unknown.

Settings and Design:

This prospective, single-center study included SG patients between January 2018 and January 2019.

Materials and Methods:

UGI contrast study was done on post-operative day 1. The findings of the study namely gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) holdup time, presence of fundus, gastroduodenal emptying (GDE) time, and sleeve shape were compared with weight loss, improvement of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up.

Results:

There were 138 patients with 100% follow-up. Radiological sleeve patterns observed were: tubular (62.3%), superior (16.0%), and inferior (21.7%) pouches. GEJ holdup time had no effect on percentage total weight loss (%TWL) (P = 0.09) or HbA1c improvement (P = 0.077). The absence of fundus led to greater %TWL at 6 months (P = 0.048). GDE time <15 s led to higher %TWL (P = 0.028) and lower HbA1c (P = 0.010) at 12 months. Antrum size <2 cm was associated with higher %TWL (P = 0.022) and lower HbA1c level (P = 0.047) at 12 months. Vomiting and regurgitation were common with tubular sleeves.

Conclusion:

UGI contrast study can predict weight loss, HbA1c improvement, and GERD symptoms. The absence of fundus, small antrum, and rapid GDE are associated with better weight loss. HbA1c improvement is better with small antrum and rapid GDE. Tubular sleeve predisposes to vomiting and regurgitation.
Laparoscopic giant hiatal hernia repair with absorbable mesh
Authors: Ardu Massimiliano , Bisogni Damiano , Bruscino Alessandro , Tucci Rosaria , Falchini Massimo , Valeri Andrea , Prosperi Paolo
Published: July 2021

Background:

The best operative approach to large hiatal hernias still remains controversial between suture cruroplasty and prosthetic hiatal herniorrhaphy. This study aims at analysing results from a single institution in Italy in terms of subjective and objective outcomes.

Methods:

Retrospectively collected data of all patients that underwent laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair since 2011 were considered. Sixty-five patients were included overall; 17 of them fit the criteria of large hiatal hernia. Follow-up (FU) was assessed by visit, questionnaires and X-ray imaging.

Results:

No major complications occurred in the post-operative course. No patient was lost during the FU period. Out of all the patients included, 13 agreed to have an X-ray with water-soluble contrast. The questionnaires showed a 76.5% rate of satisfaction (13 patients), and the recurrence rate demonstrated by radiology was 29.4% (five patients). There were no major mesh-related complications.

Conclusion:

The best operative approach for large hiatal hernias remains far from standardised: There is a lack of evidence on the use of a mesh for this kind of surgery as well as substantial controversy over the definition of what a giant hiatal hernia is. Nevertheless, the results from this study and the main studies in the literature seem to be encouraging in improving giant hiatal hernia repair outcomes.
Prevention of vertebral fractures in primary osteoporosis with once-weekly teriparatide
Authors: Pal Rimesh , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Dhiman Vandana
Published: July 2021

Aims:

The present meta-analysis was undertaken to summarize the data from hitherto available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the prevention of incident fractures in patients with primary osteoporosis following the use of once-weekly teriparatide.

Methods:

PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched till May 21, 2021, to identify RCTs with duration ≥72 weeks, evaluating the efficacy of once-weekly teriparatide (at a dose of 56.5 μg/week or 28.2 μg/week) in the prevention of incident fractures as compared to placebo or active comparator.

Results:

We identified 3 eligible RCTs, pooling data retrieved from 1643 participants with primary osteoporosis. Pooled data showed that the risk of incident morphometric vertebral fractures was significantly lower with once-weekly teriparatide compared to placebo/active comparator (RR 0.33, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.12,0.90,P= 0.03; I
2
=86%). Sensitivity analysis after exclusion of the study where an active comparator had been used instead of placebo also showed a similar result (RR 0.20, 95% CI: 0.11,0.37,P< 0.00001; I
2
=0%). Data on clinical vertebral fractures or nonvertebral fractures were inadequately reported across the RCTs and hence could not be pooled together. Nevertheless, all the RCTs did not find any significant difference in the risk of incident nonvertebral fractures.

Conclusions:

The present systematic review and meta-analysis show that once-weekly teriparatide leads to a 67% reduction in the risk of incident morphometric vertebral fractures. Considering the reasonable efficacy, once-weekly dose, and reduced cost, the formulation can be an important antiosteoporotic drug, especially in resource-constraint settings, like India.
Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma of the Orbit
Authors: Musa ZY , Askira BH , Zarami AB , Pindiga UH
Published: July 2021

Background:

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) of the orbit is a very rare neoplasm with an uncertain histogenesis. The tumor has an indolent clinical course that requires close and long-term follow-up due to late recurrence and metastasis. Surgery is the primary treatment option with adjunct radiotherapy.

Case Report:

We present the case of a 25-year-old male who presented with a 5-year history of progressive left eye swelling and loss of vision. He underwent left eye exenteration and histology diagnosed ASPS of the orbit.

Conclusion:

Orbital ASPS is an uncommon soft tissue tumor. Its prognosis is determined by patient’s age, tumor size, and presence of metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Close and long-term monitoring of the patient is required as recurrence is known to occur up to 10 years after treatment.
Asymptotic first boundary value problem for elliptic operators
Authors: Falcó Javier , Gauthier Paul M.
Published: July 2021

In 1955, Lehto showed that, for every measurable function
$\psi $
on the unit circle
$\mathbb T,$
there is a function f holomorphic in the unit disc, having
$\psi $
as radial limit a.e. on
$\mathbb T.$
We consider an analogous problem for solutions f of homogenous elliptic equations
$Pf=0$
and, in particular, for holomorphic functions on Riemann surfaces and harmonic functions on Riemannian manifolds.
Post-Discharge Symptoms among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Nigeria: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Ogoina Dimie , James Hendris Izibewule , Ogoinja Stanley Zikeyi
Published: July 2021

There is a paucity of studies on post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) among hospitalized COVID-19 survivors from Nigeria. We describe the frequency, types, and duration of post-discharge symptoms suggestive of PCS among previously hospitalized COVID-19 patients in a treatment center in Nigeria. We conducted a retrospective review of admission and post-discharge follow-up medical records of COVID-19 survivors admitted between April and December 2020. A standardized checklist was used to document post-discharge symptoms. PCS was defined as persisting or new post-discharge symptoms lasting at least 3 weeks after initial COVID-19 symptoms. The relationship between study variables and development of PCS was ascertained by univariate analysis. Thirty of 51 previously hospitalized COVID-19 patients (median age, 46 years; male, 66.7%) were studied. Seventeen (56.7%) of the 30 patients developed features suggestive of PCS. Approximately three post-discharge symptoms were reported per patient over a follow-up period of ranging from 3 weeks to 9 months after initial COVID-19 symptoms. Cough, fatigue, and dyspnea were the most common post-discharge symptoms reported. A few patients had symptoms suggestive of thrombosis and COVID-19 reinfection. Among all study variables, baseline COVID-19 severity was the only significant variable associated with the development of PCS. PCS is common in our setting and is characterized by multisystemic signs and symptoms that require vigilance by clinicians for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Long-term multicenter prospective studies are needed to characterize fully the burden of PCS among COVID-19 survivors in Nigeria.
Application Layer - Generator Sets and Industrial
Authors:   Truck Bus Control and Communications Network Committee
Published: July 2021

SAE J1939-75 defines the set of data parameters (SPs) and messages (PGs) for information predominantly associated with monitoring and control generators and driven equipment in electric power generation and industrial applications.

The data parameters (SPs) and messages (PGs) previously published within this document are published in SAE J1939DA. Applications using the SAE J1939-75 document must refer to SAE J1939DA for the SAE J1939 parameters and messages for monitoring and controlling the power units, e.g., engines and turbines, that power the generators and driven industrial equipment.
Physicochemical evaluation of groundwater near Ikot Effanga dumpsite, Calabar, South eastern Nigeria
Authors: Ugbaja Anthony N. , Ugbaja Uduak A. , Nwosu Stanley U. , Nyong Victor E.
Published: July 2021

The Ikot Effanga area of Calabar, Southeastern Nigeria, is located close to a municipal waste dump. The area is defined by latitudes 050001N and 050251N and longitudes 0080201 E and 0080251 E. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the waste dump on the groundwater resources of the area. Groundwater samples were obtained from 10 boreholes located around the dump site. The samples were collected during the peak dry season and peak rainy season for comparison. Physicochemical parameters were analyzed. Static water level and surface elevation of the boreholes were used to determine the groundwater flow direction. Results obtained were compared with the NSDWQ and WHO standards. From the result, it was observed that groundwater in the area is acidic as the mean pH values were 4.03 and 3.57 for dry and wet season respectively. Other physicochemical parameters analyzed showed that there were no significant variations between the dry and wet season. Also, groundwater from the area was classified as fresh and suitable for domestic and agricultural purposes. The general flow direction of groundwater in the study area is NW-SE. While the present study showed that the dumpsite does not have significant impact on the groundwater resources either due to geology or natural attenuation
Adsorptive removal of methylene blue dye from soapnut shell & pineapple waste derived activated carbon
Authors: Patel Ratnesh Kumar , Prasad Ram , Shankar Ravi , Khare Prateek , Yadav Maharshi
Published: July 2021

The methylene blue (MB) adsorption from the aqueous solution on activated charcoal from soapnut shell & pineapple waste were studied in batch mode. The influence of a major parameter determining the efficiency of the process, such as the initial concentration, the adsorbent dose and the contact time on the removal process, was studied. Experimental studies have shown that the adsorption capacity of methylene blue increases with the increase of the adsorbent dose and decreases with the increase of the initial concentration. The equilibrium time of 120 min was observed. The considered optimal dose for removing methylene blue from aqueous solutions from soapnut shell & pineapple waste were 0.6 g & 1g respectively. The equilibrium data corresponds precisely to the Langmuir isotherm.
Static analysis of wind turbine blade using 1D FE model
Authors: Sharma Tushar , Murari V. , Shukla K.K.
Published: July 2021

The study presents a unique technique to determine the static response of wind turbine (WT) blade. A 1D Finite element (FE) beam model of WT blade is developed using thin-walled beam theory coupled with PreComp tool used to compute crosssectional stiffness with elastic coupling effects. A realistic 9.2 m long, WT blade is developed using different aerofoils with fourth order polynomial variation for twisting angle of blade span. Three different aerfoil sections NREL S818, NREL S825, and NACA 2412 are employed in the current study. For validation, the results of 1D model developed using MATLAB are compared with that of 3D WT blade model which is analyzed in ANSYS using NuMAD..
Incremental conductance MPPT in grid connected PV system
Authors: Mishra Praveen Kumar , Tiwari Prabhakar
Published: July 2021

PV (photovoltaic) system input is irradiation and ambient temperature. The solar radiation is varying in nature so efficiency is low of PV system. The various maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods are used to enhance effectiveness of solar PV system. The  incremental conductance(IC) algorithm is one of the MPPT algorithms which is extensively employed because, at steady state it has high tracking correctness and high productivity at quickly varying atmospheric circumstances. In this proposed system a combination of IC algorithm and integral regulator (IR) is used to obtain MPPT in PV system. This combination gives high accuracy, stable operation in PV module entire region and it also eliminate oscillations near about the peak power operating point. A 100kw PV system is design in MATLAB software 2016a version. This PV system consist proposed IC-IR algorithm to obtain maximal power operating point.
Market power analysis of the Indian power market
Authors: Raj Aniket , Gupta Utkarsh , Tiwari Prabhakar , Singh Asheesh K.
Published: July 2021

Emerging electricity reforms in the power market aims at removing the monopolistic oligopoly power market and promoting competition in the market by providing opportunities to more producers. This paper seeks to investigate various existing structures of the Power Market. Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) and Power Exchange India Limited (PXIL) facilitates transparent trading of electricity, a larger market spectrum and allows the participation of other players in the market. Market power is an indicator of an non-competitive market, that is increase in the market power will result in the degradation of competition. This research will help modify the current parameters (HHI Index and Concentration ratio) which are used for measuring the market power of the power markets. As there is always deviation in unconstrained cleared volume and actual cleared or scheduled volume, deviation arises due to the volume of electricity that could not be cleared because of congestion in the power exchange. The researchers have also examined the Indian Power market and analyzed  different developed power markets of the world like the US Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection (PJM) and the Nordpool.
Physicochemical characterization of biochars from Eucalyptus maiden Entandrophragma cylindricum (Liboyo), Milicia excelsa (Muvula.) and Ocotea michelsonie (licheche) used in Goma city, DR Congo for water treatment potentials
Authors: Muhiwa Amboko Benjamin , Fonteh Mathias Fru , Njoyim Estella Buleng Tamungang , Gapgue François N.
Published: July 2021

In recent years, research on biochar as an eco-friendly material and cost-effective means for water treatment, soil amendment and carbon sequestration has gained more attention due to the availability of feedstock, the simplicity of the preparation methods, and their enhanced physico-chemical properties. Given that pyrolysis temperature and resident time amongst other factors have significant effect on biochar’s pollutant removal efficacy, this study focused on the evaluation of some properties of biochars produced by pyrolysis (500 - 600 °C) from Entandrophragma cylindricum (ECB), Eucalyptus maiden (EMB), Milicia excelsa (MEB) and Ocotea michelsonie (OMB) sawdusts for their water treatment potentials by using standardized methods. Biomass generated from wood mill in the city of Goma (DR Congo) is valorised for the first time as potential water  purifier. The highest yield was obtained from OMB (36.6%) which was found to be significantly greater that those of ECB and EMB (p<0.05). All the biochars had neutral to weakly alkaline pH (7.10-7.90), very high porosity (92-94%, with EMB having the highest value) and ash content between 9.40 and 18.40%, with the highest value attributed to OMB). Most physical and chemical characteristics of biochars varied significantly due to different wood species. Potential toxic elements were far belowenvironmental threshold values and exchangeable cations were equally detected in the biochars. The obtained biochars are therefore seen as good media for water treatment.
Erosive investigation of various erosion models for vibro cleaner developed based on ultrasonic technique using COMSOL multiphysics
Authors: Rokad Vipulkumar , Pandya Divyang H.
Published: July 2021

The ability of ultrasound to produce highly controlled erosion phenomenon was investigated and various erosion models have been compared by considering various parameters. In cleaning industry, Vibro Cleaner (VC) has been used to remove contaminations from the surface of metal components. This process is most preferable to out of reach or critical surface of the objects. The novelty of this research is to compare various erosion models and to identify appropriate model for ultrasonic cleaning application to get meaningful results of metal removal rate. The computational model of Vibro Cleaner has been developed using pressure acoustic transient in COMSOL Multiphysics software. Acoustic and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modules have been coupled together to investigate erosion rate. In acoustic approach, acoustic pressure and sound pressure level have been studied by means of piezoelectric transducer through tank wall transience. In CFD approach, Bubbly fluid flow has been applied to get turbulence in acoustic streaming. Also, particle tracing has been coupled to understand the particle trajectories and motion of fluid flow. Erosion terms are also introduced at a surface of metal parts which need to be clean. The Erosion rate has been evaluated by using cavitation erosion phenomenon in which cavitation bubbles strike and implode over the metal surface and clean the dirt, dust, oil and other contaminations. Various Erosion models like Finnie, E/CRC, Oka and Det Norske Veritas (DNV) have been studied and results have been compared to identify appropriate erosion model towards the ultrasonic cleaning application by considering 28 kHz frequency and PZT-4 piezoelectric transducer. Comparative study leads to conclude that the Finnie erosion model have given stringent results as compare to other erosion model.
Modeling the dynamics of a real biological system
Authors: Lixandru-Petre I.O.
Published: July 2021

Infectious cells are and will continue to be a global problem, regarding the alteration of the health of individuals, the motivation for choosing this topic being the major implication the infectious cells has within the public health system and the way it acts, managing to successfully overcome barriers which the body raises to maintain cellular stability. The article brings new contributions related to the topic of dynamic modeling the immunity system, by determining a mathematical model of the interaction between the cells of the immune system and the cells of the infectious agent. Different types of behaviors are presented taking into account the entry of viral particles into the target cells, behaviors of the model without delay time, followed by time predictions for the delay time model. Finally, we compared the models and concluded that the delay time model is much more realistic, through the oscillations and fluctuations in the three components in the primary stages of infection.
Patients’ Perspectives on Their Safety: A Qualitative Study in Two Public Health Facilities in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Lawal B.K. , Mohammed S. , Ladan M.A. , Maiha B.B. , Aliyu A.A. , Mande A.T.
Published: July 2021

Background: Safe healthcare environments influence patients’ valuation of care received and impact on better health outcomes. It has been recognized that patients can contribute invaluably in improving the quality and safety of healthcare services they receive.Objective: To explore the perspectives of patients on their safety in healthcare.Methods: A qualitative study comprising of four (4) focus group discussions (FGDs) with six to eight participants was conducted in two public health facilities in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Patients admitted in medical wards (male and female) were recruited through a purposive sampling technique after obtaining their verbal informed consent to participate. A topic guide, containing open ended questions that explored patients’ opinions on their safety in healthcare was used for the discussions. All FGD sessions were recorded, transcribed and coded using thematic analysis.Results: The participants consisted of 15 females and 13 males in FGD sessions that lasted between 55 to 90 minutes. All participants were Hausa speaking, with varying levels of education. Six (6) themes were generated which the patients perceived to play a role in their safety in healthcare. These themes are: choice of hospital, patient satisfaction, patient experiences, patient engagement, communication openness and suggestions by patients for improvement.Conclusion: The findings of this study have highlighted both positive and negative perspectives of patients regarding their safety in healthcare. The patients provided some recommendations for areas where improvements are required for improved patient safety. These include infrastructural improvements, staffing, and availability of medicines, amongst others.
Perceived Stress Levels and Stressors in Undergraduate Pharmacy Students’ at a Nigerian Tertiary Institution
Authors: Auwal F.I. , Tukur Z.A. , Abdu-Aguye S.N. , Ma’aji H.U.
Published: July 2021

Background: While everyone can be affected by stress, there is evidence to suggest that students might be more prone.Objective: To assess perceived stress levels and well-being among undergraduate pharmacy students’ of Ahmadu Bello University, in addition to identifying common stressors and coping mechanisms used by the students.Methods: A survey was conducted on second to fifth year undergraduate pharmacy students of the institution from August to November 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data about the students’ socio-demographic characteristics, stress levels (Perceived Stress Scale-10), well-being (World Health Organization-5 well-being index), stressors and coping strategies. Student t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson’s bivariate correlation were used to compare means and correlations between variables. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: Of the 350-questionnaire distributed, 328 were returned producing a 93.7% response rate. Majority of respondents were males (63.1%), and in their third year of study (29.3%). The mean PSS-10 score was 18.4 ± 4.9, and a statistically significant difference in scores were seen across gender (p= 0.001). Over half of the participants (72.8%) also scored 51% or higher on the WHO-5 index. Their most common stressors were volume of course materials 184 (56.1%) and financial constraints 158 (48.2%) respectively. More than half of respondents (64.5%) also sought for emotional support from their families to cope with stress. A statistically significant (p<0.001) negative weak correlation (-0.3) was seen when PSS-10 and WHO-5 scores were compared.Conclusion: Perceived stress levels in female undergraduate pharmacy students were higher than those in their male counterparts, and most of the students had at least good well-being.
Cross Talk on SARS-CoV-2 and Human Immunity
Authors: Chukwuma I. F , Apeh V.O. , Emaimo J.
Published: July 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now the leading cause of death globally. This review elaborated the human immune response to SARSCoV-2 and its immune evasion mechanisms as well as factors that determine the case fatality rate and effective immunity using articles selected from PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar and Science Direct that provided an in-depth knowledge of the immunopathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. Findings from the forty eligible reviewed articles revealed that the host-viral interaction to SARS-CoV-2 involves the recognition of SARS-CoV-2, recruitment of adaptor proteins and antigen presentation which activates both innate and adaptive immunity involved in inhibition of viral replication (interferons), destruction of virus-infected cells (natural killer cells and CD8 cells) and viral clearance. However, SARS-CoV-2 subverts human immunity using multiple strategies such as production of double membrane vesicles, repression of adaptor proteins, interferons and antigen presentation. Accumulating shreds of evidence have shown that several factors such as age, sex, comorbidities, obesity, and lifestyle factors affect immune responsiveness to SARS-CoV-2. Hence, better knowledge of the viral interactions with the host and factors determining prevalence and severity is fundamental to the management and development of effective and biocompatible prophylactic and therapeutic options.
Evaluating the Trend in Managing Human-Wildlife Conflicts in and around Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Authors: Banamwana Celestin , Dukuziyaturemye Pierre , Rwanyiziri Gaspard
Published: July 2021

Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) makes wildlife conservation more difficult and threatens the endangered species and human livelihood in adjacent protected areas. While the cases of existing conflicts are often evaluated, their trend vis-à-vis the mitigation measures such as an electric fence has been frequently overlooked. This study aimed at evaluating the trend of human-wildlife conflicts in and around Akagera National Park (ANP) by comparing the situations before and after its electric fencing. This study used both secondary and primary data. Secondary data used exiting literature while primary data has been obtained by using field observation, household questionnaire survey, and Key Informant Interview with park managers and local leaders.The findings revealed that both illegal activities from local population and damages from wild animals have significantly reduced if we compare the situations before and after the establishment of an electric fence around ANP in 2013. In fact, between 2011 and 2020, illegal activities in the park have reduced to 70 %, 80 %, 85 %, and 80 % for captured cows, caught poachers, found traps, and killed animals respectively. However, this electric fence has not yet eradicated all forms of human-wildlife conflicts to the extent of zero case. In this regard, a set of sustainable community-based conservation strategies such as revenue sharing scheme, insurance scheme, compensation measures, etc., is highly encouraged.
Characterization and Removal of Nickel (II) from Paint Industry Effluent by Rice Husk Adsorbent
Authors: Obianyo Jude Iloabuchi
Published: July 2021

Rice husk adsorbent was studied to assess its efficiency in adsorption of nickel from paint industry effluent and to derive vital parameters that would assist in making timely decisions in tertiary treatment of wastewater. Standard methods were used in conducting the experiments. Results showed that significant adsorption of 84.77% of nickel was removed by carbonized rice husk (CRH) in 10 minutes and 98.42% in 60 minutes, a difference of 13.65%. Optimum pH of 8 was observed as 98.91% of nickel was adsorbed. Slight change in the adsorption efficiencies was noticed between 0.2 g and 0.4 g doses of CRH adsorbent, but reasonable and insignificant change occurred between 0.4 g and 1.0 g doses. Langmuir isotherm plot showed that separation factor was 0.998 an indication of favorable adsorption and a good fit for the Langmuir isotherm model. Therefore, the adsorption process was better described by the Langmuir equilibrium isotherm model. Adsorption intensity of 2.02 was observed in the Freundlich model, a value greater than 1.0 an indication of unfavorable adsorption. Lagergren pseudo first- and second-order plots showed that R2 = 0.799 for pseudo first-order and R2 = 0.969 for pseudo second-order reactions, an indication that adsorption of nickel by CRH follow Lagergren second-order kinetic. FTIR spectra identified N-H, O-H, C=H, C=O, C=C-C, C-Cl, P-O-C, and cis-C-H out-of-plane bend stretching bands as the functional groups involved in nickel adsorption by CRH adsorbent. It was concluded that rice husk is a good adsorbent in tertiary treatment of wastewater.
Influence of Ammonium Sulphate from anaerobic pasteurization digester latrines (APDLs) effluent on soil pH
Authors: Musabwa Edith , Dukuziyaturemye Pierre , Nkurunziza Jean Baptiste , Simiyu Gelas Muse , Kiptoo Kipkorir
Published: July 2021

Improper disposal of human waste is one of the most serious health problems in developing countries due to pollution of the  environment. The use of chemical fertilizers for agriculture increase the plant growth to meet the food security of the world, but also causes environmental problems including lowering of soil pH. On the other hand, anaerobic pasteurization digester systems enable the recovery of nutrients from human faces and urine for the benefit of agriculture, thus helping to preserve soil fertility. Therefore, the present work aims to assess the potential of using ammonium sulphate processed from anaerobic pasteurization digesters latrines  (APDLS) effluent to stabilize soil pH. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with four treatments replicated four times. The treatments were Ammonium sulphate, Compost manure, Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and control. The results showed that soil pH increased significantly (p<0.05) from 4.7 -4.9 before planting to 5.6 - 5.7 after planting. The organic and inorganic fertilizers as well as the interaction between the fertilizer and time did not have significant effect on soil pH (p > 0.05). The Ammonium sulphate recovered from APDLs final effluent could act as effective as a chemical fertilizer without significant reduction in the yield.
Divisorial contractions to codimension three orbits
Authors: Boissière Samuel , Floris Enrica
Published: July 2021

Let $G$ be a connected algebraic group. We study $G$-equivariant extremal contractions whose centre is a codimension three $G$-simply connected orbit. In the spirit of an important result by Kawakita in 2001, we prove that those contractions are weighted blow-ups.

Comment: 22 pages, 2 figures
Reciprocal Transformations in Relativistic Gasdynamics. Lie Group Connections
Authors: Meleshko Sergey V. , Rogers Colin
Published: July 2021

Reciprocal transformations associated with admitted conservation laws were
originally used to derive invariance properties in non-relativistic gasdynamics
and applied to obtain reduction to tractable canonical forms. They have
subsequently been shown to have diverse physical applications to nonlinear
systems, notably in the analytic treatment of Stefan-type moving boundary
problem and in linking inverse scattering systems and integrable hierarchies in
soliton theory. Here,invariance under classes of reciprocal transformations in
relativistic gasdynamics is shown to be linked to a Lie group procedure.