bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional properties ofOryctes rhinoceros larvae protein hydrolysates affected by different enzyme concentration and hydrolysis time
Authors: Wahyuningtyas W.S. , Santoso U. , Wagiman F.X. , Ningrum A.
Published: August 2022

Oryctes rhinoceros larva has the potential to be developed into protein hydrolysates. In this study,O. rhinoceros larva was hydrolysed with crude papain protease extract at different concentrations (1, 2, and 3% w/w) and hydrolysis time (60, 120, 180 min). The objective of this study was to investigate the functional properties of protein hydrolysates fromO. rhinoceros larva affected by different papain concentrations and hydrolysis time. Yield, protein concentration, and functional properties were measured and compared with whey protein. The result showed that the yield and protein concentration increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing papain concentration. The water holding capacity varied between 1.66-4.23 g/g and OHC varied in the range of 2.61-5.24 g/g, higher than control (P<0.05).O. rhinoceros protein hydrolysate has good emulsifying activity and stability, ranging from 8.38 to 45.88 m2/g and 12.09 to 30.87 min, respectively, while foam capacity ranged from 21.11% to 59.78% and foaming stability up to 25.11%. Generally, the functional properties ofO. rhinoceros larva protein hydrolysate improved with the increase of the crude papain concentration and hydrolysis time. Several improved functional properties showed potential for developingO. rhinoceros larva protein hydrolysates as an alternative functional protein source in food ingredient formulation.
Economic viability of insect meal as a novel ingredient in diets for broiler chickens
Authors: Tavares M.N. , Pereira R.T. , Silva A.L. , Lemes L.R. , Menten J.F.M. , Gameiro A.H.
Published: August 2022

The study aimed to evaluate the economic efficiency of supplementation of Tenebrio molitor meal in the diet for broilers, from 1 to 35 days of age. For that, data from a preliminary study were used to evaluate the inclusion of T. molitor meal in the broiler production performance. Four treatments were adopted: a control group and three experimental diets with 4, 8 and 12% levels of inclusion of this meal. The economic viability indicators were calculated considering the cost of the feed (R$/kg), the price of live broiler (R$/kg), feed intake (kg) and body weight (kg) of the birds. The feed cost increased proportionally with the inclusion of insect meal in poultry diets while the gross margin decreased from 93 to 98%, with 4 to 12% of inclusion of this ingredient, compared to the control diet. In the previous study, the level of 4% resulted in better performance of the birds, so, to enable the inclusion of 4% meal in the diet, this ingredient should be priced at R$ 4.53/kg.
Modelling the financial viability of centralised and decentralised black soldier fly larvae waste processing units in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Grau M.G.P. , Dortmans B.M.A. , Egger J. , Virard G. , Zurbrügg C.
Published: August 2022

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) waste processing has proven to be a promising approach, which can be applied in centralised or decentralised settings. Financial considerations however still remain undisclosed given business secrecy. Building on the experiences of a facility and operational setup in Indonesia, this study conducted an in-depth cost analysis using methods such as time motion studies, activity based costing and a mass flow balance to evaluate business models. Thereafter followed an analysis of different scenarios on how to integrate the approach into the solid waste management system of Surabaya, Indonesia assuming different degrees of decentralisation with market rates and prices from 2020. Results show that a centralised plant, managing all steps of the BSFL process (Scenario 1), achieves the highest net present value (NPV), mainly through the economy of scale. When BSFL waste treatment is conducted using a decentralised approach, close to the waste sources, and the nursery and post-processing of larvae remains at a central location (Scenario 3), other benefits besides the still positive NPV can be shown. Such a scenario for instance would reduce the spatial footprint of the central facility, create jobs within the communities and reduce the transport costs and total costs for the municipality. Another scenario (Scenario 2) hypothesises a decentralised waste treatment as well as post-processing of larvae at the same decentralised location increasing storability and the value of products. Although this achieves higher NPV values compared to Scenario 3, it requires larger scale units to achieve financial viability. Coordination and facilitation by local government can further strengthen a network of decentralised BSFL treatment plants, as the city authorities could focus on operating a centralised nursery (Scenario 2), supplying young larvae at low cost or free of charge to increase the financial viability of the decentralised plants treating the waste.
Lightweight blockchain fuzzy decision scheme through MQTT and Fibonacci for sustainable transport
Authors: Yang Zhongxue , Bao Yiqin , Liu Yuan , Zhao Qiang , Zheng Hao , Xu Wenbin
Published: August 2022

The unprecedented progress in field of IoT enabled rapid developments in the vehicle intelligent transportation systems and most of these provide services in a centralized way. However, the centralized system architecture is vulnerable to the external attacks as a result both information and equipment are prone to eavesdropping and destruction. Therefore, there is a trend to apply blockchain technology to the vehicle intelligent transportation systems in order to achieve sustainable transportation. Nevertheless, the system is so great and very sophisticated and the ultimate task will be harder to implement. In view of this, an attempt is made in this paper to propose a lightweight fuzzy decision blockchain scheme through MQTT and Fibonacci, and through this scheme, the extent of blockchain server can be scaled and easy to deploy. Also through MQTT, reliable communication and transmission of blockchain can be realized. LF-BC is formed by using DH and Fibonacci transformation to enhance security, and F-PBFT consensus algorithm can reduce the communication overhead and improve the fault tolerance tremendously. Using LF-BC scheme, the experimental results show that the fault tolerance rate is significantly improved by 22.3%, and the sustainable safety and reliability of the vehicle intelligent transportation system is increased consumedly. At the same time, the feasibility of the scheme is also verified by taking specific cases.
The value of process in racial equity work: Reflections from a faculty learning community
Authors: Shamash Emily R. , Berrett-Abebe Julie , Smith LaTasha , Storms Stephanie , Regan Michael , Novella Jocelyn , Grupp Laurie L. , Smith Emily , Martin Alyson
Published: August 2022

This article explores how one higher education faculty learning community engaged in reflective practices in pursuit of their commitment to the inclusion of anti-racist content and pedagogy across their multidisciplinary curriculums. As a key initial step in engaging in this collaborative, cross-disciplinary work, they set out to consider collective definitions of key terms that are deemed critical to anti-racist pedagogy. This group engaged in a collaborative exploratory process to explore definitions and understanding of the following terms: whiteness, racism, race, racial equity, racial injustice/inequity, white supremacy, and anti-racism and document the reflective process by which the determination took place. Themes among the definitions and dynamics within the group process are identified and analyzed. The discussion focuses on the challenges and learning within the reflective process and the implications for faculty learning communities and for the anti-racist preparation of professionals in education and mental health contexts.
De l’indifférence à l’expérience d’une compassion interculturelle
Authors: Mougin Mathilde
Published: August 2022

Cet article propose d’étudier l’expression des émotions des voyageurs face au spectacle des supplices orientaux dans plusieurs récits de voyage du xviie siècle. Si la violence des traitements réservés aux voleurs et aux criminels est un invariant relevé par les voyageurs parcourant les pays d’Orient (l’Empire ottoman, la Perse et l’Inde moghole), la modalité du regard porté sur le patient du supplice varie de la compassion à l’indifférence. L’objet de cet article est d’interroger plus spécifiquement les implications politiques, axiologiques et anthropologiques de l’expression de la compassion des voyageurs, ainsi que celles de leur apparente indifférence. Sera notamment envisagé le pouvoir de relativisation des frontières géographiques et morales attaché à cette émotion. Notre étude s’appuiera sur les récits de Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1676) et Pierre-Martin de La Martinière (1674), deux contemporains ayant voyagé en Orient, proposant une abondante description de supplices.
Paysages, mobilisations citoyennes et acceptabilité sociale de projets éoliens terrestres
Authors: Hamman Philippe
Published: August 2022

Cet article confronte les appels de principe et les équipements techniques de la transition énergétique à leur mise en œuvre concrète à travers des projets d’énergies renouvelables inscrits dans les territoires locaux et leurs jeux d’acteurs, à l’exemple des projets éoliens terrestres en perspective comparée France-Allemagne. L’analyse se fonde sur un point de littérature comparée en sciences sociales, à partir de publications récentes francophones, germanophones et anglophones. Elle propose une mise en débat et en perspective, à la fois sur un plan théorique et plus opérationnel, des enjeux de conflit et de participation, des échelles d’action et d’une pluralité de représentations socio-économiques, environnementales, mais aussi esthétiques et sensibles de l’éolien. Nous visons à dégager des perspectives d’analyse des « nouveaux paysages » autour de projets éoliens, à partir de controverses autour des participations et mobilisations citoyennes et de l’acceptabilité sociale. Ces débats sont eux-mêmes resitués dans ce que nous apprennent les recherches sur la transition / Wende énergétique à l’échelle des territoires, en mettant en parallèle les cas français et allemand. La discussion de travaux scientifiques repose sur une approche qualitative, et non pas bibliométrique ; elle ne vise pas l’exhaustivité, et s’appuie sur des publications de chercheurs plutôt que sur la littérature grise ou praticienne ; elle veille à un équilibre entre études françaises et allemandes et retient des publications facilement accessibles, des articles ou des ouvrages, plutôt que des thèses ; enfin, en guise d’illustrations destinées à rendre concret le propos, elle privilégie les espaces frontaliers du Rhin supérieur, sans que ce soit exclusif.
Étude des modes d’approvisionnement en eau potable et des stratégies de réhabilitation des points d’eau modernes ruraux en zone tropicale humide : cas de la Commune de Mvangan au Cameroun
Authors: Mvongo Victor Dang , Fonkou Théophile , Defo Célestin
Published: August 2022

Le présent article vise à fournir les informations locales sur l’accès à l’eau potable et les modèles de gestion des services dans la Commune de Mvangan (Région du Sud-Cameroun). De manière spécifique, l’article dresse l’état des lieux de l’accès à l’eau potable dans la Commune de Mvangan, identifie les facteurs qui influencent la durabilité des modèles de gestion, et propose un modèle de gestion durable des services d’eau dans la Commune de Mvangan. Les données ont été collectées à partir de la visite de terrain, des observations directes, des entretiens avec les utilisateurs des points d’eau, du diagnostic des points d’eau, et de 100 fiches d’enquêtes administrées au comité de gestion des points d’eau. Les résultats ont révélé que le parc hydraulique de la Commune de Mvangan compte cent vingt-sept (127) points d’eau modernes dont quatre-vingt-quatre (84) puits, onze (11) forages et trente-deux (32) sources aménagées. Environ 62% des points d’eau fonctionnent, 75% des pompes à motricité humaine sont en bon état, et 74,34% des besoins en points d’eau sont couverts. La maintenance des points d’eau s’effectue en régie communale. Les résultats révèlent également que l’irrégularité du suivi, la faible fonctionnalité des comités de gestion des points d’eau (CGPEs), la faible structuration de la chaîne de maintenance, les faibles flux financiers générés par la vente de l’eau, et l’absence de la culture de la vente de l’eau sont des facteurs qui affectent la pérennité des services d’eau dans la Commune de Mvangan. Ces insuffisances sont le résultat de la mise en œuvre incomplète du processus de décentralisation en cours au Cameroun et dans la plupart des pays d’Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre. Aussi, la réalisation des travaux de maintenance des ouvrages en régie et plus généralement la mutualisation des services d’eau à l’échelle de plusieurs communes constituent une piste d’action prometteuse permettant d’améliorer la durabilité des services au Cameroun et en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre.
Application Research of IICA Algorithm in a Limited-Buffer Scheduling Problem
Authors: Duan Bin , Jiang Yongqing
Published: August 2022

An improved imperialist competition algorithm (IICA) was proposed to resolve the problem of flexible flow shop scheduling that with limited buffer (LBFFSP). The IICA algorithm adds the elite personal retention strategy, reform operation and the discrete processing on the basis of ICA algorithm. This paper uses an individual selection mechanism based on Hamming distance to improve the ability of initial solution. The prospect is to use the IICA to work out related problems in cloud computing environment. The scheduling problem in the cloud-computing environment needs to consider the optimization of the completion time and cost of using cloud resources. At last, simulation tests and example tests are used to check the usefulness of improved imperialist competition algorithm in solving LBFFSP problem. Compared with standard ICA, the improved ICA has improved in the algorithm evolution process. As such, scheme 4 has a better ability to evolve, and its evolution time is greater than that of scheme 3. Scheme 5 has the best algorithm optimization performance.
An Evaluation System Based on User Big Data Management and Artificial Intelligence for Automatic Vehicles
Authors: Shanshan Pei , Chao Ma , Haitao Zhu , Kun Luo
Published: August 2022

As artificial intelligence technique is widely used in the automatic driving system, the safety evaluation of automatic vehicles is considered to be the most important demand. Under this context, in this paper, an evaluation system, which is composed of several important evaluation projects is proposed based on big data. These indicators reflect the performance of the automatic driving system. Besides, the principle of the evaluation index and the data management scheme are explained. In terms of the evaluation projects, the online test and the offline test are included, when the former focuses on the function design that is as expected, while the latter aims to ensure the actual driving experience of the automatic driving system. The evaluated results provide optimization direction of the algorithm index. Furthermore, based on AI technology and user big data management, the system saves lots of test cost and guarantees algorithm performance and system stability.
Identifying Extreme Behaviour and Fitting Empirical Models for Dengue Incidents of Selected Regions in Sri Lanka
Authors: Nisansala S. M. J. H. , Wijekoon P.
Published: August 2022

Dengue fever is one of the most significant mosquito-borne diseases caused by a virus. Numerous methods available to predict dengue incidents are mainly focused on the mean features of events. However, understanding the extreme behaviour of dengue incidents is important, and that will allow sufficient time to take the necessary decisions and actions to safeguard the situation for local authorities. Therefore, this study mainly focuses to model the risk of rare dengue events, that is, extreme dengue events, and to identify the best-fitted distributions for the study areas. Further, the weather-based dengue empirical models for dengue incidents were fitted using climatological factors to forecast potential outbreaks. The weekly dengue incidents and climatology data (rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity) from January 2010 to December 2018 for seven administrative districts were collected from the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health (MoH), and the Meteorology Department of Sri Lanka, respectively. The Extreme value theory (EVT) was used to analyse the extreme dengue incidents, and the negative binomial generalized linear model was used to fit weather-based dengue empirical models. Various lag times between dengue and weather variables were analysed to identify the optimal dengue forecasting period. The best fitted empirical models for dengue incidents were identified for the selected districts. The Generalized Linear Negative Binomial (GLNB) models with monsoon season as a covariate, lag 0 model is the suitable model for Colombo and Gampaha districts, and lag 1 model is the suitable for Kurunegala whereas lag 2 model is the best for Anuradhapura with highest prediction accuracy. For Badulla district, lag 2 model without having monsoon season as a covariate shows highest prediction accuracy. The prediction accuracy is the same for the models with or without having the monsoon season as a covariate for Kandy (lag 2) and Ratnapura (lag 3) districts.
Errata - Journal of the University of Ruhuna, 9(1) 2021
Authors: Editor-in-Chief .
Published: August 2022

Erratum 1
Wijesooriya, M.M., Widanagamage, S.M.K. and Masakorala, K., 2021. Biological control of Freshwater Cyanobacterial blooms; A Review. Journal of the University of Ruhuna, 9(1), pp.06–27. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jur.v9i1.7966
Erratum 2
Bandara, M.M.N.T., Dahanayake, N., Subasinghe, S. and Perera, P.C.D., 2021. A Review on In vitro Propagation of Turmeric (Curcuma longa Ln.). Journal of the University of Ruhuna, 9(1), pp.39–46. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jur.v9i1.7975
Duct stenting in an ELBW infant with aortic arch interruption
Authors: Anagnostopoulou Andriana S. , Karanasios Evangelos S. , Eleftherakis Nicholaos G.
Published: August 2022

Aortic arch interruption is a rare cardiac malformation. In some cases, it is part of a more complex congenital heart disease. Survival of extremely low birth weight infants with this cardiac disease is very rare. Surgical correction is the only treatment. Ductal stenting as a bridge procedure in small affected infants is a good alternative.
Ethical and legal issues concerning COVID 19 vaccinations in persons with mental illness in India
Authors: Philip Sharad , Suhas Satish , Nirisha P. Lakshmi , Pandey Praveen , Manjunatha Narayana , Kumar Channaveerachari Naveen , Math Suresh Bada
Published: August 2022

Mental healthcare in India faces severe challenges amid the ongoing pandemic. India runs the largest vaccination drive globally, including booster doses to rapidly vaccinate its population of over a billion. As persons with mental illness are at greater risk of adverse outcomes from COVID 19, they need prioritized access and administration of these vaccines. This manuscript examines the current legislation and identifies how the legal and ethical frameworks can prioritize COVID 19 vaccinations for persons with mental illness in India through a review of the various legislations of India concerning persons with mental illness and judicial judgments concerning the pandemic and vaccination. Subsequently, we discuss ethical and legal challenges associated with vaccination in this vulnerable population and possible solutions. Based on the current review, the authors recommend the guidelines for capacity assessment for vaccination decisions and discuss existing legal frameworks relevant to the vaccination of persons with mental illness.
Self-Medication with Modern and Complementary Alternative Medicines in Patients with Chronic Pain
Authors: Jangra Indu , Dubey Ashok Kumar , Arora Ekta , Peerzada Basit Iqbal
Published: August 2022

Objective:

The study aimed to assess the prevalence, pattern, and determinants of the self-medication practices with modern and/or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in patients with chronic pain.

Methods:

The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2021 and January 2022 and assessed a representative sample of chronic pain patients visiting outpatient departments in India by administering a semi-structured questionnaire. The survey questionnaire consisted of forty multiple response items, including ten questions that assessed the subjects’ sociodemographic profile, for example, age, sex, education, marital status, employment status, residence, and distance of home from any health care facility. The next part of the questionnaire evaluated the practice and determinants of self-medication for chronic pain with modern or CAM therapies. It included thirty questions assessing the reasons, duration, sources of information, procurement methods, preference for a particular system of medicine, knowledge about risks or drug interactions, rationality, perception of the subject, and communication with the physician, among other aspects of self-medication for pain.

Findings:

Out of the 325 respondents with chronic pain, those who practiced self-medication (237) were significantly more in number than those who did not (P < 0.05). Among those who self-medicated, the practice was significantly higher in urban participants living closer to healthcare facilities, with better economic backgrounds and higher education (P < 0.05). Modern medicine was the predominant choice of self-treatment for chronic pain compared to various CAM therapies (P < 0.05). Among the alternatives, homeopathic and ayurvedic systems of medicines were preferred. The main reasons for self-medicating were urgency, ease, previous prescriptions, and presumed mildness of the underlying disease. More than one-third of the respondents opined in favor of continuing self-medication in the future.

Conclusion:

The prevalent practice of self-medication for chronic pain may not be hazardous, but it can turn into a serious problem if not based on correct information. The inherent risks need to be minimized by increasing awareness, health education, and pharmacy regulations.
Development of a Web-Based Virtual Simulated Learning Environment for Pharmacy Practice Education
Authors: Najimi Arash , Badri Shirinsadat , Azizkhani Mahdiyeh , Zolghadr Samaneh , Roofeh Shaghayegh , Sepehr Sayyed Ali , Mohammadi Sajjad
Published: August 2022

Objective:

In the present study, we aimed to develop a virtual simulation that allows pharmacy students to play through actual prescriptions and pharmacy practice scenarios productively and on a personal computer. If designed properly, this program may serve as a supplementary educational tool without the need for an existing human tutor that could provide learning outcomes as good as those resulting from traditional paper-based pharmacy practice tutorials.

Methods:

A computer-based simulation of a community pharmacy was developed. This program mainly targeted three basic learning needs of pharmacy students: drug dispensing, patient counseling, and dealing with clinical situations related to the patients’ prescription or demand for over-the-counter (OTC) recommendations. Fundamental design decisions were based on breaking down the dispensing process into logical components to provide discrete development elements. For teaching patient counseling and clinical skills, instructors wrote scenarios covering the most prevalent pharmacy practice issues, mainly focused on medication use during pregnancy or lactation, OTC recommendations, information related to drug interactions and adverse drug reactions, and interactions between prescription drugs and patient's underlying disease.

Findings:

Based on the primary curriculum topics, the development team designed exercises for pharmacy practice units presented to year 5 pharmacy students. Accordingly, exercises were developed to authentically reflect tasks and challenges a community pharmacist would regularly face in the workplace. To fulfill this part, over 2000 real prescriptions were scanned and categorized based on the main drugs included. These prescriptions were used for both activities, namely medication dispensing and clinical scenarios. Furthermore, five senior pharmacy students wrote more than 200 clinical scenarios under a clinical pharmacist's supervision. The main objectives of pharmacy practice courses were followed to cover the most important must-to-know clinical tips, whether related to giving relevant advice as an OTC recommendation, referring the patient to a primary care physician, or just providing a piece of general health advice, which is expected to be comprehensively learned by pharmacy students.

Conclusion:

This program was designed as a simulated learning environment to help students develop prescription dispensing and clinical skills. To be considered a success, this simulation needed to provide equivalent or better learning outcomes than the current practice approach, which should be assessed in the future evaluation of the software, and then be promoted accordingly.
Assessment of safe and gross total resection of intra-axial brain tumors
Authors: Baz Mahmoud Adel , Balaha Ahmed Mohammed , Elmahallawy Magdy AbdelAziz , Amer Mohamed Amer Ibrahim
Published: August 2022

Background

Safe and gross total resection (GTR) of intra-axial brain-tumor surgery is associated with improving functional outcomes, reducing symptoms, and decreasing the incidence of postoperative complications. Intraoperative imaging helps in achieving the maximum extent of resection. Intraoperative evaluation of the neurological function provides safe tumor resection in eloquent areas.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the achievement of GTR of intra-axial brain tumors guided by neuronavigation and intraoperative ultrasound and to evaluate the safety of tumor resection in eloquent areas with the use of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring or awake craniotomy.

Patients and methods

This study included 30 patients with intra-axial brain tumors in the period from September 2019 to February 2021. Neuronavigation and intraoperative ultrasound were used for all cases, while intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring or awake craniotomy was used for intra-axial brain tumor in eloquent area. Operative details, outcomes, and final results had been recorded and analyzed.

Results

The mean age was 42 years (4–75 years). GTR was achieved in 18/30 (60%) of all cases. GTR was achieved in 4/10 (40%) of tumors located in the eloquent area, while GTR increased to 14/20 (70%) in noneloquent areas. The mean Karnofsky performance status for all cases has improved from 80 preoperatively to 86.67 postoperatively.

Conclusion

Neuronavigation and intraoperative ultrasound provides maximization of the extent of resection of intra-axial brain tumors. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring or awake craniotomy provides safe tumor resection in eloquent areas.
Impact of severe nasal obstruction due to nasal septal deviation and hypertrophic inferior turbinates on Eustachian tube function and middle ear ventilation
Authors: Abou Elsoud Mohammed G.I. , Al Rahman Amer Mohamed Abd , Elsherif Hossam S. , Shileb Walaa H.A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Eustachian tube (ET) function and middle ear ventilation is affected by severe chronic nasal obstruction.

Aim

To study the effect of severe nasal obstruction due to nasal septal deviation and hypertrophic inferior turbinate and their correction on ET functions and middle ear ventilation.

Patients and methods

This prospective study involved 50 patients with severe nasal obstruction along with complaints of ear fullness. The nasal pathologies were surgically managed. Preoperative and postoperative impedance audiometric evaluation and nasal endoscopy were done to assess ET function.

Results

Patients included 28 (56%) males and 22 (44%) females. The age of patients ranged between 15 and 41 years, each group was divided into subtypes according to middle ear affection: group 1: severe nasal obstruction with type C: 18 ears, type B: four ears, and type A: 18 ears. Group 2: severe nasal obstruction with type C: eight ears, type B: nine ears, and type A: 17 ears. Group 3: severe nasal obstruction with type C: 17 ears, type B: five ears, and type A on tympanogram: four ears. Tympanogram was done preoperatively, and postoperatively the results were a significant improvement in ET dysfunction (P<0.05).

Conclusions

ET function and middle ear ventilation are affected by severe chronic nasal obstruction caused by deviated nasal septum and hypertrophic inferior turbinate. After septoplasty and inferior turbinate reconstruction, there was a signification improvement in nasal airway and ET function but insignificant improvement in cases with OME (Otitis Media with Effusion).
Study of hepatitis B core-related antigen as a predictor marker of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Yousri Fatma A.-Z.A. , Hamam Sarah M.A. , Ziada Dina H. , Abo-El Enein Amany M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer are the most common complications of chronic hepatitis B and therefore it is necessary to avoid these complications in high-risk patients with high replicative capability. Conventional serum indicators are insufficient for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma in these patients early.

Aim

The goal of this study was to see if hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) could be used as a marker for hepatocellular cancer in people who had hepatitis B.

Patients and methods

This research was conducted on 90 people who attended the Hepatitis Outpatient Clinics at the Department of Tropical Medicine and Tanta University Educational Hospital between January 2019 and August 2020.

Results

In comparison to the control group, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients had a marked decline in hemoglobin, serum albumin, white blood cells count, and platelet count. Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine aminotansferase (ALT), bilirubin, and international normalization ratio (INR) levels all increased considerably. Hepatocellular carcinoma and CHB patients had relatively high levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alpha-feto protien (AFP) than the control group. In both patient groups, there was a strong whereas ALT. Levels was within normal values. In the HCC group, HBcrAg levels were closely linked with ALP, AFP, and DNA levels. In both patient groups, the AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) score indicated a strong association.

Conclusion

As an excellent biomarker of intrahepatic cccDNA, HBcrAg demonstrated encouraging results as a potential biomarker of HCC incidence in CHB patients.
Distribution and assessment of the environmental risk of heavy metals in Aguada Blanca reservoir, Peru
Authors: Espirilla Alfonso Torres , Gómez Trinidad Betty Paredes de
Published: August 2022

Sediments containing high concentrations of heavy metals in reservoirs, lakes and rivers, can resuspend into aquatic environments and negatively impact water quality. The concentrations of 10 elements were studied in surface sediments and water from the Aguada Blanca Reservoir, Peru, an important water source to 1,080,000 people in the arid province of Arequipa. Sediment and water samples were collected from nine points in 2019. The enrichment, accumulation, ecological risk and distribution of metals in sediment were determined, and the information on heavy metals in water was used to assess the quality of the aquatic system. Spatially, heavy metals showed variations throughout the study area, with an increase for most elements near the deepest part of the reservoir. The average concentration of Cd in sediment was 4 times higher than the natural background. In water, As was the only element that exceeded Peruvian regulations (As > 10 μg L-1). The Enrichment Factor (EF) and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) of metals in sediment presented the following order: Cd> As> Pb> Zn> Cu> Ni> Cr, with Ni and Cr being the only elements that did not present enrichment. The most considerable Igeo was Cd (1.21 ± 1.45), presenting a classification of moderately to heavily contaminated. The integrated potential ecological risk (RI) of Cd presented high values in 5 points of the reservoir. The information developed will assist in establishing effective control strategies for the quality of the aquatic system.

Keywords: heavy metals, reservoir, sediments, water quality.
Water scarcity footprint of cocoa irrigation in Bahia
Authors: Olegário Kelly Félix , Andrade Edilene Pereira , Sampaio Ana Paula Coelho , Matos Joan Sanchez , Figueirêdo Maria Cléa Brito de , Neto José Adolfo de Almeida
Published: August 2022

This study simulated the water scarcity footprint (WSF) of cocoa irrigation in municipalities considered suitable for cocoa growing in the state of Bahia, according to agro climatic zoning. Irrigation demand was calculated using the model proposed by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). Subsequently, impact on water scarcity was calculated using the product of crop irrigation demand and water scarcity characterization factors of the regionalized AWARE method for Brazil. The WSF in Bahia ranged between 0.28 and 646.5 m³ of water per kilo of cocoa produced. From the defined scale, of the 417 municipalities in Bahia suitable for growing cocoa, 59% have a 'low' footprint, 18% 'medium', 10% 'high', and 12% have a 'very high' footprint. Based on these results, it is suggested that areas with lower WSF are a priority in the expansion of cocoa to avoid a possible compromise of other essential demands of the municipalities. In addition, irrigation should avoid waste, especially in regions with high levels of water scarcity. The results show that the inclusion of the WSF in agroclimatic zoning can contribute to the process of identifying potential and critical regions for new crops and the expansion of others.

Keywords: agriculture, agroclimatic zoning, AWARE, environmental indicator.
Analyzing the impact of agricultural water-demand management on water availability in the Urubu River basin – Tocantins, Brazil
Authors: Volken Nicole John , Minoti Ricardo Tezini , Alves Conceição Maria de Albuquerque , Vergara Fernán Enrique
Published: August 2022

The Urubu River is part of the Formoso River Basin located in Tocantins State in northern Brazil. It is an important agricultural region where irrigation has an important role in rice and soybean crops, cultivated during the rainy and the dry seasons, respectively. The high levels of irrigation associated with below-average precipitation in 2016 and in the following years resulted in a water crisis in the Urubu Basin, with serious consequences to the environment and the economy of the region. This work evaluated the impact of reducing irrigation on environmental flows in the Urubu River Basin using hydrological modeling in WEAP. Irrigation water demand scenarios were simulated and analyzed from July 2018 through June 2019. Results indicated the need to reduce 35% of all water withdrawls in order to avoid the interruption of flow in the Urubu River Basin. This percentage was even greater when only some of the farmers cooperated. The paper emphasized that it is important that all farmers be involved and cooperate to reduce their water withdrawal by any means, including improving their irrigation system efficiency. The water regulator may also motivate water withdrawal reduction by modifying water permits and applying water withdrawal restrictions during the dry season.

Keywords: hydrological modeling, scenario analysis, water balance.
A randomised controlled trial of tranexamic acid versus misoprostol in reducing blood loss during caesarean section
Authors: O. Ogah Christian , C. Anikwe Chidebe , C. Ikeoha Cyril , B.I. Dimejesi Okechukwu , C. Okorochukwu Bartholomew , O.U. Esike Chidi
Published: August 2022

Objective: To determine the efficacy of intravenous tranexamic acid versus rectal misoprostol in decreasing in-traoperative blood loss during caesarean section (C/S)Design and Setting: Randomised controlled study involving pregnant women undergoing C/S at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki in NigeriaParticipants and Interventions: Five hundred and fourteen women undergoing elective C/S were assigned randomly (257 patients per group) to receive either pre-operative 1000 μg rectal misoprostol or 1000mg intravenous tranexamic acid after spinal anaesthesia. Data from 248 patients were analysed in the misoprostol group, while data from 250 patients were analysed in the tranexamic acid group. Sixteen patients were excluded from analysis; nine had incom-pletely filled proforma, while seven were lost to follow-up.Main outcome: Intraoperative blood loss.Results: The mean intraoperative blood loss was not significantly different between the misoprostol group and the tranexamic acid group (547 ± 183.75ml vs. 551.66 ± 21.74ml, P = 0.157). The mean difference in pack cell volume (PCV) changes was not significant between the groups (2.41±0.95% vs. 2.36±0.56%, P = 0.474). The side effects profile was similar for both groups except for shivering, which was statistically higher among the misoprostol group (RR = 0.70; 95%CI 0.40 - 0.91, P = 0.028).Conclusion: Intravenous tranexamic acid was comparable to rectal misoprostol in the reduction of blood loss during C/S. Tranexamic acid could act as a good alternative to misoprostol for prophylaxis for blood loss during elective C/S.
Influence of Land Use Types on Physical and Chemical Properties in Oba Hill Forest Reserve, Iwo, South-western Nigeria
Authors: Akintola O. O. , Abodunrin E. K. , Odeyale O. C. , Falana A. R. , Ogunbanjo A. R. , Adeniran T.
Published: August 2022

Ecosystems have been affected by series of activities that occurred on lands. The effects of land use change on the physical and chemical properties of the soil in Oba Hill Forest Reserve have been studied using standard instrumentation techniques. Results obtained showed that the texture of the soils ranged from loam to sandy loam while the pH of the soils from the four land use types ranged from 4.92 (acidic) to 7.80 (alkaline).The bulk densities in soils from the four land use types are natural forest (1.01 g/m3), teak plantation (1.21 g/m3), farmland (1.55 g/cm3) and residential (1.66 g/m3). Concentration of Mn in soils are higher than Zn, Cu and Fe from the all the studied land use types. Higher mean concentration values of Mn is recorded in soils from natural land (98.12±0.99 mg/kg) followed by plantation land with mean value of 74.32±0.52 while soils from residential land had lowest mean value of 19.59±0.13mg/kg. Soils from the natural land also have the highest mean concentrations value of Fe (69.04±0.26 mg/kg), Zn (21.48±0.11mg/kg) and Cu (15.43±0.04 mg/kg) while least mean concentration values of Fe (25.46±0.03 mg/kg), Zn (8.59±0.01mg/kg) and Cu (3.55±0.01mg/kg) are recorded in residential land. The results revealed that changing in land use types from natural forest to residential land decrease the organic matter, available nitrogen, soil moisture, porosity exchangeable cations, micronutrients and increased the bulk density in the soils. This study has shown that land use types can affect soil properties and existence of essential nutrients in the soils.
Effects of Varying Wind Angles and Increasing Concentration on Air Pollutant Dispersion from Cooling Towers to Urban Area using Computational Fluid Dynamics Software
Authors: Ehi-Eremosele F. , Maclaine A. , Osadolor A. O. , Bilqees D. M.
Published: August 2022

Managing and improving the air quality across urban areas can be achieved by studying the transport behaviour of air pollutants. In this work, the effects of varying wind angles and increasing concentration on air pollutant dispersion from cooling towers to urban area were investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software; OpenFOAM and the modified k-ω SST turbulence closure to acquire the steady-state flow field based on Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes Equation (RANS) approach. The results showed that varying the wind direction for the wind velocity profile from (1 0 0) to (Cos30 0 Sin30) and (Cos45 0 Sin45) affected the pollution dispersion across the urban area with the worst scenario being (1 0 0). In addition, reducing the diffusivity constant (Dt), thus increasing the pollution concentration, from 0.02 to 0.001 increased the pollution transport across the urban area considerably. This research shows the benefit of applying CFD approach toward managing the challenges of air pollution dispersion.
International institutions in the mechanism for the protection of human rights and freedoms in the national security context
Authors: Bilousov Yevhen , Chyzhov Denys , Osaulenko Andriy , Perelyhina Raisa , Derevianko Serhii
Published: August 2022

The objective of the article was to determine how effective international institutions are in the mechanism for the protection of human rights and freedoms in the context of national security. The methods of statistical analysis, correlation analysis, generalization and analogy, hypothetical-deductive model were used to achieve the proposed objective. In addition, international institutions were identified that are directly concerned with the protection of rights and freedoms in the event of their violations at the regional level. The correlation was established between the level of human rights protection and the level of national security, the number of international human rights treaties ratified, the number of cases brought before international regional human rights courts. It concludes that international institutions are effective in the mechanism for the protection of human rights and freedoms in regions with a weak national system for the protection of human rights and freedoms. Identifying factors affecting the level of protection of human rights and freedoms in the context of national security in countries with a weak national protection system may be the prospect of further investigation.
Legal regulation of the institute of control in the field of housing construction in the conditions of armed aggression of the Russian Federation
Authors: Buha Volodymyr , Iakubin Oleksii , Mazur Tamara , Rezvorovich Kristina , Daraganova Nina
Published: August 2022

Housing and social infrastructure have suffered significant damage during the Russian armed aggression, and it needs to be restored in a short time.So,the aim of the study was to analyses the legal background for construction control and determine its importance for the development of the construction industry. The chosen topic was comprehensively studied through empirical and theoretical methods of scientific knowledge, as well as the comparative analysis. The legal basis of control in the field of housing construction in the conditions of armed aggression is determined. It is established that сconstruction control is exercised by inspecting construction sites, issuing construction permits, conducting examinations of construction projects for compliance with building codes, rules and standards, and identifying violations of construction legislation in order to eliminate them. The mechanism of legal regulation of construction control consists of construction and legal rules that ensure control in the construction industry; subjects of architectural and construction control; construction control tools; the control procedure. The prospect of further research is the organizational support of effective control in the field of housing construction in the context of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation in order to restore the quality of housing in Ukraine.
Problematic aspects of the serving of sentences by specific groups of convicted persons
Authors: Hrechaniuk Serhii , Shchyhol Yurii , Udalova Larysa , Khablo Oksana , Terekhov Vitalii
Published: August 2022

The objective of the article was to analyze problematic aspects of the execution of the sentence by certain groups of prisoners. The research methodology includes hermeneutics, formal and logical method, dogmatic method, synergistic method, system method and generalization method. In the proceedings of the investigation, the terms «serving a sentence» and «serving a sentence» are revealed and their differences are determined. The bodies of execution of sentences and their classification are considered. It clarifies the opinions of scientists on the classification of convicts, provides legislative consolidation of groups of convicted on various grounds (age, sex, severity of crime, recidivism, recidivism, illness). Decisions of the European Court of Human Rights on improper detentions analyzed. The main problematic aspects of the execution of the sentence by certain groups of prisoners, such as men, women, minors and tuberculosis patients, are presented. In the practical signified investigation, they identify some problematic issues that arise during the serving of sentences by certain groups of prisoners.
Specific characteristics of corporate rights under Ukrainian legislation
Authors: Tsikalo Volodymyr
Published: August 2022

The article is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of the exercise of corporate rights under the civil law of Ukraine in order to identify their specific characteristics. Through a documentary methodology, close to legal hermeneutics, it was concluded that the participant of a legal entity (company) may have not only corporate rights but also other rights over this legal entity (company). Therefore, it is not enough to say that the rights of a person whose participation is defined in the authorized capital are corporate. It is important that the content of these rights is due to the ownership share (share, number of shares) in the authorized capital of the legal person (company). It was also found that intangible corporate rights must be distinguished from the personal intangible rights of the individual. The concepts of “non-economic rights” and “non-economic personal rights” are not identical. In relation to a person, intangible rights should be divided into two types: non-economic rights that are not closely related to a person (e.g., non-economic corporate rights); intangible rights that are closely related to a person and are inseparable from a person (personal intangible rights).