bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact and Mitigation Strategies for Flash Floods Occurrence towards Vehicle Instabilities
Authors: Mustaffa Zahiraniza , Hamid Hussein Al-Qadami Ebrahim , Muzzamil Hussain Shah Syed , Wan Yusof Khamaruzaman
Published: June 2020

This chapter presents a flood risk management system for vehicles at roadways, developed from extensive experimental and numerical studies on the impact of flash floods towards vehicle instabilities. The system, easily addressed as FLO-LOW, developed to contradict the assumptions that a vehicle would be able to protect the passengers from the flood impact. Herein the hydrodynamics of flows moving across these roads coupled with the conditions of a static car that would result in vehicle instabilities has been studied. In an attempt to prevent fatalities in commonly flooded areas, permanent structures are installed to warn users regarding water depth at the flooded areas. The existing flood monitoring system only focuses on water conditions in rivers or lake in order to determine risks associated with floods. Thus, there is a need for a better system to understand and quantify a mechanism to determine hydrodynamics instability of a vehicle in floodwaters. FLO-LOW enables the road users to input their vehicle information for a proper estimation of safety limits upon crossing the flood prone area. Preferably, the system enables road users to describe and quantify parameters that might cause their vehicles to become vulnerable to being washed away as they enter the flooded area.
A Bipartite Graph-Based Recommender for Crowdfunding with Sparse Data
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Chen Shiqin
Published: June 2020

It is a common problem facing recommender to sparse data dealing, especially for crowdfunding recommendations. The collaborative filtering (CF) tends to recommend a user those items only connecting to similar users directly but fails to recommend the items with indirect actions to similar users. Therefore, CF performs poorly in the case of sparse data like Kickstarter. We propose a method of enabling indirect crowdfunding campaign recommendation based on bipartite graph. PersonalRank is applicable to calculate global similarity; as opposed to local similarity, for any node of the network, we use PersonalRank in an iterative manner to produce recommendation list where CF is invalid. Furthermore, we propose a bipartite graph-based CF model by combining CF and PersonalRank. The new model classifies nodes into one of the following two types: user nodes and campaign nodes. For any two types of nodes, the global similarity between them is calculated by PersonalRank. Finally, a recommendation list is generated for any node through CF algorithm. Experimental results show that the bipartite graph-based CF achieves better performance in recommendation for the extremely sparse data from crowdfunding campaigns.
Presentación Vol 10 No 19
Authors: Castillo-Esparcia Antonio , Moreno Ángeles , Capriotti-Peri Paul
Published: June 2020

Presentation of the new issue by Dr. Antonio Castillo-Esparcia (University of Malaga, Spain), Dra. Ángeles Moreno (University Rey Juan Carlos, Spain) y Dr. Paul Capriotti-Peri (University Rovira i Virgili, Spain).
A mountain of millipedes IX: Species of the family Gomphodesmidae from the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania (Diplopoda, Polydesmida)
Authors: Olsen Sissel Anna , Rosenmejer Trine , Enghoff Henrik
Published: June 2020

A new genus and six new species of the family Gomphodesmidae from the Udzungwa Mts are described, including Pogoro alopias Rosenmejer & Enghoff sp. nov., Pogoro siren Rosenmejer & Enghoff sp. nov., Pogoropsis prolixopes Rosenmejer & Enghoff gen. et sp. nov., Emphysemastix frampt Olsen & Enghoff sp. nov., Agrophogonus hamulus Olsen & Enghoff sp. nov., and Agrophogonus pusillokiellandi Olsen & Enghoff sp. nov. Emphysemastix dracarys Olsen & Enghoff sp. nov. from Iringa city is described. Descriptive notes are given for Pogoro scharffi Hoffman, 2005, and Agrophogonus mwanihana Hoffmann, 2005. General gomphodesmid gonopod morphology is described and illustrated. A key to Udzungwa gomphodesmids is presented, as well as revised keys to all species of Emphysemastix and Agrophogonus. All gomphodesmid species from the Udzungwa Mts are mapped.
Apical Sealing Ability of Different Endodontic Sealers Using Glucose Penetration Test: A Standardized Methodological Approach
Authors: LİN Galvin Sim Siang , NİK ABDUL GHANİ Nik Rozainah , NOORANİ Tahir Yusuf , KAMARUDİN Aimi
Published: June 2020

Objectives: To compare the apical sealing
ability of four endodontic sealers based on glucose penetration method and validate
the uses of contralateral teeth to provide a well-balanced experimental group.

Materials and methods: One-hundred-and-twenty
(sixty pair) extracted contralateral lower premolars were selected and
undergone strict radiographic protocol. Root canal anatomy of each pair contralateral
teeth was matched buccolingually and mesiodistally according to inclusion
criteria (single canal, mature apical foramen, canal type, canal width, length,
and curvature). Matched-pair contralateral teeth were then reevaluated using
CBCT and divided into right and left sides (n=60, each side). Next, all canals
were instrumented up to size 30, taper 0.06. Subsequently, teeth were
subdivided into five groups for each side and obturated with single cone gutta-percha
(GP) and various sealers: Group 1 - GP only (control); Group 2 - EndoRez; Group
3 - Sealapex; Group 4 - EndoSeal MTA and Group 5 - BioRoot RCS. All samples
were placed in an incubator at 37°C, 100% humidity for 72 hours. Four
matched-pair teeth from each group were then subjected to thermocycling for 100
cycles, 1000 cycles and 10000 cycles, respectively. After that, they were
decoronated, coated with three layers of nail varnish, and used for glucose penetration test. The
concentrations of glucose (mmol/L) were measured after 24 hours. Data analyzed
using One-way ANOVA complemented by post hoc Dunnett T3 Test and Paired sample
T-Test.

Results: EndoSeal MTA demonstrated statistically significant (p<0.05)
lowest glucose penetration followed by BioRoot RCS, Sealapex, EndoRez, and
lastly control group. Apical sealing ability decreased as the number of
thermocycles increased. No significant difference (p>0.05) was found
between matched-pair contralateral teeth.

Conclusions: Bioceramic
sealers demonstrated better sealing ability than resin and calcium hydroxide
sealers. Using matched-pair contralateral teeth provided a well-balanced
experimental group.
Perspectivas actuales en los estudios teatrales hispánicos
Authors: Burgos Segarra Gemma
Published: June 2020

Presentation
A Matlab-based toolbox for characterizing behavior of rodents engaged in string-pulling
Authors: Inayat Samsoon , Singh Surjeet , Ghasroddashti Arashk , Qandeel  , Egodage Pramuka , Whishaw Ian Q , Mohajerani Majid H
Published: June 2020

String-pulling by rodents is a behavior in which animals make rhythmical body, head, and bilateral forearm as well as skilled hand movements to spontaneously reel in a string. Typical analysis includes kinematic assessment of hand movements done by manually annotating frames. Here, we describe a Matlab-based software that allows whole-body motion characterization using optical flow estimation, descriptive statistics, principal component, and independent component analyses as well as temporal measures of Fano factor, entropy, and Higuchi fractal dimension. Based on image-segmentation and heuristic algorithms for object tracking, the software also allows tracking of body, ears, nose, and forehands for estimation of kinematic parameters such as body length, body angle, head roll, head yaw, head pitch, and path and speed of hand movements. The utility of the task and software is demonstrated by characterizing postural and hand kinematic differences in string-pulling behavior of two strains of mice, C57BL/6 and Swiss Webster.
3,6’-dithiopomalidomide reduces neural loss, inflammation, behavioral deficits in brain injury and microglial activation
Authors: Lin Chih-Tung , Lecca Daniela , Yang Ling-Yu , Luo Weiming , Scerba Michael T , Tweedie David , Huang Pen-Sen , Jung Yoo-Jin , Kim Dong Seok , Yang Chih-Hao , Hoffer Barry J , Wang Jia-Yi , Greig Nigel H
Published: June 2020

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes mortality and disability worldwide. It can initiate acute cell death followed by secondary injury induced by microglial activation, oxidative stress, inflammation and autophagy in brain tissue, resulting in cognitive and behavioral deficits. We evaluated a new pomalidomide (Pom) analog, 3,6’-dithioPom (DP), and Pom as immunomodulatory agents to mitigate TBI-induced cell death, neuroinflammation, astrogliosis and behavioral impairments in rats challenged with controlled cortical impact TBI. Both agents significantly reduced the injury contusion volume and degenerating neuron number evaluated histochemically and by MRI at 24 hr and 7 days, with a therapeutic window of 5 hr post-injury. TBI-induced upregulated markers of microglial activation, astrogliosis and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, iNOS, COX-2, and autophagy-associated proteins were suppressed, leading to an amelioration of behavioral deficits with DP providing greater efficacy. Complementary animal and cellular studies demonstrated DP and Pom mediated reductions in markers of neuroinflammation and α-synuclein-induced toxicity.
Preoperative Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy Improves Postoperative Pain and Reduces Opioid Consumption After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Comparative Study
Authors: Barral Pierre , Klouche Shahnaz , Barral Nathalie , Lemoulec Yves-Pierre , Thés André , Bauer Thomas
Published: June 2020

Context

Pain is a therapeutic challenge after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and it could lead to the overuse of opioids. Few methodologically robust clinical studies have been performed to assess the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMTh; manipulative care performed by non–US-trained osteopaths) for postsurgical pain.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of standardized preoperative OMTh on early postoperative pain and opioid consumption after TKA.

Methods

This comparative, nonrandomized study took place from 2013 to 2015 and included patients who had primary unilateral TKA for osteoarthritis in a knee that had not undergone any previous surgery. Patients were divided into 2 consecutive groups: 1 group received traditional preoperative management, and the other group received associated preoperative OMTh (general OMTh [rhythmic mobilization of all the body joints, from the ankles to the skull, using long-lever manipulation] and myofascial relaxation). The primary evaluation criterion was knee pain at rest 1 month after surgery: 0 (no pain) to 100 (the worst imaginable pain). The secondary evaluation criteria were: (1) knee pain while walking 1 month after surgery, (2) average weekly knee pain during the first month after surgery, (3) the presence of night pain and the consumption of sleeping pills and opioids or morphine at least once per week, (4) the International Knee Society scores and the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis index at postoperative 6 months and 1 year. The number of patients needed for a superiority trial was determined.

Results

No eligible patient refused OMTh when proposed. Seventy patients were evaluated (mean [SD] age, 75 [8] years; 47 women and 23 men). The 2 treatment groups contained 35 patients each. At postoperative month 1, the OMTh group had significantly less pain at rest (mean [SD], 6.8 [6] vs 20.9 [17.3]; P=.00001) and while walking (7.9 [9.4] vs 23.5 [20.6]; P=.0001) compared with the group that received traditional preoperative management. The consumption of opioids during the first postoperative week was significantly lower in the OMTh group (P=.0001). No statistically significant difference was found in the International Knee Society or Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis scores between the 2 groups at 6 months and 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusion

Standardized preoperative OMTh was found to be effective in reducing pain in the first month after TKA for osteoarthritis and significantly reduced opioid consumption during the first postoperative week.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and Psychosocial Management of Dysmenorrhea
Authors: Matsushita Starr , Wong Bonnie , Kanumalla Raghu , Goldstein Leonard
Published: June 2020

Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is a common cause of acute pelvic pain that affects approximately two-thirds of women who are postmenarchal in the United States. Dysmenorrhea pain is frequently severe enough to disrupt daily activities and often accompanied by other symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. Primary dysmenorrhea is likely due to an excess of prostaglandins and is traditionally treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hormonal therapy. Secondary dysmenorrhea can have multiple origins and requires targeted therapy. Currently, musculoskeletal dysfunction and psychosocial factors are not listed as causes of secondary dysmenorrhea. The authors present a case in which the cause of secondary dysmenorrhea was thought to be related to both musculoskeletal dysfunction and emotional stress. Osteopathic manipulative treatment and lifestyle changes helped resolve secondary dysmenorrhea.
Phylogenetic comparison between Type IX Secretion System (T9SS) protein components suggests evidence of horizontal gene transfer
Authors: Emrizal Reeki , Nor Muhammad Nor Azlan
Published: June 2020

Porphyromonas gingivalis is one of the major bacteria that causes periodontitis. Chronic periodontitis is a severe form of periodontal disease that ultimately leads to tooth loss. Virulence factors that contribute to periodontitis are secreted by Type IX Secretion System (T9SS). There are aspects of T9SS protein components that have yet to be characterised. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the phylogenetic relationship between members of 20 T9SS component protein families. The Bayesian Inference (BI) trees for 19 T9SS protein components exhibit monophyletic clades for all major classes under Bacteroidetes with strong support for the monophyletic clades or its subclades that is consistent with phylogeny exhibited by the constructed BI tree of 16S rRNA. The BI tree of PorR is different from the 19 BI trees of T9SS protein components as it does not exhibit monophyletic clades for all major classes under Bacteroidetes. There is strong support for the phylogeny exhibited by the BI tree of PorR which deviates from the phylogeny based on 16S rRNA. Hence, it is possible that the porR gene is subjected to horizontal transfer as it is known that virulence factor genes could be horizontally transferred. Seven genes (porR included) that are involved in the biosynthesis of A-LPS are found to be flanked by insertion sequences (IS5 family transposons). Therefore, the intervening DNA segment that contains the porR gene might be transposed and subjected to conjugative transfer. Thus, the seven genes can be co-transferred via horizontal gene transfer. The BI tree of UgdA does not exhibit monophyletic clades for all major classes under Bacteroidetes which is similar to the BI tree of PorR (both are a part of the seven genes). Both BI trees also exhibit similar topology as the four identified clusters with strong support and have similar relative positions to each other in both BI trees. This reinforces the possibility that porR and the other six genes might be horizontally transferred. Other than the BI tree of PorR, the 19 other BI trees of T9SS protein components also exhibit evidence of horizontal gene transfer. However, their genes might undergo horizontal gene transfer less frequently compared to porR because the intervening DNA segment that contains porR is easily exchanged between bacteria under Bacteroidetes due to the presence of insertion sequences (IS5 family transposons) that flank it. In conclusion, this study can provide a better understanding about the phylogeny of T9SS protein components.
Shannon diversity index: a call to replace the original Shannon’s formula with unbiased estimator in the population genetics studies
Authors: Konopiński Maciej K.
Published: June 2020

Background

The Shannon diversity index has been widely used in population genetics studies. Recently, it was proposed as a unifying measure of diversity at different levels—from genes and populations to whole species and ecosystems. The index, however, was proven to be negatively biased at small sample sizes. Modifications to the original Shannon’s formula have been proposed to obtain an unbiased estimator.

Methods

In this study, the performance of four different estimators of Shannon index—the original Shannon’s formula and those of Zahl, Chao and Shen and Chao et al.—was tested on simulated microsatellite data. Both the simulation and analysis of the results were performed in the R language environment. A new R function was created for the calculation of all four indices from the genind data format.

Results

Sample size dependence was detected in all the estimators analysed; however, the deviation from parametric values was substantially smaller in the derived measures than in the original Shannon’s formula. Error rate was negatively associated with population heterozygosity. Comparisons among loci showed that fast-mutating loci were less affected by the error, except for the original Shannon’s estimator which, in the smallest sample, was more strongly affected by loci with a higher number of alleles. The Zahl and Chao et al. estimators performed notably better than the original Shannon’s formula.

Conclusion

The results of this study show that the original Shannon index should no longer be used as a measure of genetic diversity and should be replaced by Zahl’s unbiased estimator.
Highly diverse root endophyte bacterial community is driven by growth substrate and is plant genotype-independent in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Barraza Aarón , Vizuet-de-Rueda Juan Carlos , Alvarez-Venegas Raúl
Published: June 2020

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important grain legume in the human diet with an essential role in sustainable agriculture mostly based on the symbiotic relationship established between this legume and rhizobia, a group of bacteria capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen in the roots nodules. Moreover, root-associated bacteria play an important role in crop growth, yield, and quality of crop products. This is particularly true for legume crops forming symbiotic relationships with rhizobia, for fixation of atmospheric N2. The main objective of this work is to assess the substrate and genotype effect in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) root bacterial community structure. To achieve this goal, we applied next-generation sequencing coupled with bacterial diversity analysis. The analysis of the bacterial community structures between common bean roots showed marked differences between substrate types regardless of the genotype. Also, we were able to find several phyla conforming to the bacterial community structure of the common bean roots, mainly composed by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, and Firmicutes. Therefore, we determined that the substrate type was the main factor that influenced the bacterial community structure of the common bean roots, regardless of the genotype, following a substrate-dependent pattern. These guide us to develop efficient and sustainable strategies for crop field management based on the soil characteristics and the bacterial community that it harbors.
Consumer Characteristics and Preferences of Rice Attributes Based on the Income Levels in Palembang
Authors: Yunita . , Lifianthi . , Arbi Muhammad
Published: June 2020

The study was conducted on 150 respondents living in Palembang city that were randomly selected based on the assumptions of community groups that have high income groups (50 respondents), medium income groups (50 respondents), and low income groups (50 respondents). The purpose of the study is to describe the characteristics of consumers and analyze consumer preferences for rice attributes based on the level of household income in Palembang city. This showed that the characteristics of households from the three level groups, both from the high, medium, and low income groups are very diverse which can influence the decision to choose and buy rice to be consumed. Rice attributes include the level of rice extinction, rice retention, taste of rice, aromatic, type of rice, volume of development, head rice, broken grains, grain groats, lime grains, and color. Household consumer preferences based on the importance level of rice attributes for the very important category most selected in the high and medium income groups are the quality before the rice becomes rice, while the low income group is a resilience factor in rice. Household consumer preferences based on the level of preference for the attribute of rice for the category of very like the most chosen in the high income group is the taste of rice, for the medium income group is rice cake and the low income group is rice and head rice.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Waste Management among Primary School Children
Authors: Sulistyawati Sulistyawati , Sukesi Tri Wahyuni , Mulasari Surahma Asti , Tentama Fatwa , Djannah Sitti Nur
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Waste is becoming a problem until recently in many countries. Globally, the amount of wastes has increased with the growing population and the level of consumerism in society. One investment in the future to control waste production is by providing the value of waste treatment from an early age of children. The purpose of this study was to describe the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding waste management among primary school children.

Study Design: Pre-experimental, with a one-shot case study design, was used in this study.

Methodology: Forty children in primary school, aged between 11 and-12 years, were sampled in this study. The intervention was delivered through an oral presentation and play video followed by a survey using tested questionnaires contained knowledge, attitude and practice towards waste management questions.

Results: More than 70% of respondents answered with a satisfying score in all questions. However, respondents had less than 70% in knowledge about waste type. Most of the respondents said there was no waste treatment facility in their schools. Respondents disliked the enactment of punishment for those who did not imbibe the spirit of waste disposal effectively and efficiently.

Conclusion: Our result implies respondent knowledge about waste management is sufficient, but it is essential to push them to practice the knowledge in their daily life.
The Role of Fishermen’s Wives to Increase the Incomes of Traditional Fishermen Households (A Case Study at Pangandaran Sub District, Pangandaran District, Indonesia)
Authors: Wantini Santi Ayu , Nurhayati Atikah , Bangkit B. S. Ibnu , Handaka Asep Agus
Published: June 2020

This research aimed to analyze working time of fishermen’s wives, the income of traditional fishermen households and the contribution fishermen’s wives to increase the income of fishermen households. This research was conducted at Pangandaran and Pananjung Villages, Pangandaran Sub-District, Pangandaran District, Indonesia in October 2019 until March 2020. The method used in this research was a case study with the fishermen’s wives as the analysis unit. Primary data were obtained from 35 respondents who were selected using purposive sampling method. The data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative descriptive methods. The results showed that the type of works fishermen’s wives are salted fish processor, “jambal roti” processor, seller fish and net puller. The average of working hours in economy activities (productive activities) is 6.9 hours or 28.6% per day, working hours in domestic activities is 3.8 hours or 15.7% per day  and working hours in social activities is 2.5 hours or 10.4% per day. The average of total household income IDR 3,867,560,- or US$ 266.73. The contribution of fishermen’s wives to household income is 36% and categorized as “low”.
Studies on Male Adolescent Health-Risk Behaviors in East Kassala Locality - Kassala State, Sudan
Authors: Ali Abdallah Moneer , Lavinia Braiar Sara , Yousif Hammad Almoeiz
Published: June 2020

Adolescent health risk behaviors are becoming a serious health care as adolescents engage in health-compromising behaviors at a high frequency in several crucial domains. One domain involves tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use. This is a cross section study covered 405 adolescents recruited randomly from Kassala locality, Kassala state, Sudan 2016, data was collected via closed ended standardized questionnaires. Pre testing was done to ensure quality survey instruments and fieldwork procedures were conducted. The fieldwork was coordinated by the Research Team Members, who will also provide the overall supervision during fieldwork to ensure quality and consistency among the teams. Ten data collectors was carrying out the fieldwork. Adolescent participating in the study showed variations in information about behavioral and psychological changes associated with adolescence, concerning the knowledge of the male adolescences regarding the associated with health changes with adolescences, about 89.5% knew those change and effects in general and 44% of them thought that the changes are physical while 25.2% thought that these changes are Psychological & emotional.
A Qualitative Exploration of Access and Utilization of Focused Antenatal Care among Pastoral Community in North Eastern Kenya
Authors: Ahmed Ismail , Mwanzo Isaac , Agina Okello
Published: June 2020

Background: Ministry of Health Kenya has adopted new guidelines for FANC services emphasizing on four antenatal care visits, birth planning and emergency preparedness. In North eastern Kenya predominately occupied by Somali pastoralist Communities only 37% of women of reproductive age receive ANC service at least 4 times during pregnancy, which is considerably lower than the national rate of 58%. There is limited utilization of healthcare services among nomadic pastoralist compared to general population, this is due to several constraints stemming from their migratory way of life, poor social services and spatial disparities. Limited studies have adopted qualitative approaches to explore access and utilization FANC among pastoralist communities. The study explored access and utilization of FANC service among pastoralist community of North Eastern Kenya.

Methodology: The study is an exploratory qualitative study, using a purposive sampling       method forty eight women who give birth two years prior to the study were selected, sixteen male partners and three ANC providers. Data was collected using FGDs and KIIs and analyzed thematically.

Results: There is low utilization of FANC among pastoralist communities, the proportion of respondents who had utilized was 83.3% but only few 39.6% had utilized the required four visits (FANC). There is delayed initiation of uptake of FANC services where majority respondents 55.0% had attended ANC in their second trimester while only 17.5% had utilized in their first trimester as recommended. Barrier that hampered FANC uptake are: long distance to health centre, transport cost, low level of FANC knowledge, TBAs practice, low income and harmful cultural practices. Major facilitators identified are free FANC charges, good attitude of a care giver and fear of pregnancy complication. Access challenges range from inadequate infrastructure, lack of skilled health attendants and logistical constraints to harmful cultural practices.

Conclusion: There is need to reduce travelling time to the health facility by conducting regular outreach services targeting nomads with no near facility, improve culturally sensitive FANC to increase accessibility, involving all health stakeholders and community representatives to increase cultural acceptability and also help priorities policies that increases FANC service uptake.
Migrant Health: Healthy Migrant Effect and the Need to Prioritize Migrant Health
Authors: Sserwanja Quraish , Kawuki Joseph
Published: June 2020

Globally, the number of international migrants is about 258 million with over 60% of these living in Asia and Europe and the rest of the 40% living in Northern America, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Oceania. We aimed to describe the healthy migrant effect, the public health challenges faced by migrants and approaches that host countries can adopt to improve migrant health. We used literature searched from key databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, among others, to collect relevant and recent information about migrant health. Several studies have shown recent migrants to be healthier than native-born populations. Several studies have concluded that with a longer stay in a host country, the health of migrants tends to deteriorate which could be as a result of low living and working conditions and adoption of risky health behaviour. Communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental and social problems, contribute significantly to the morbidity burden of new migrants in host countries.  Migrants in host countries are less likely to access or fully benefit from the healthcare system as they face various challenges such as language barrier, denial of access basing on the lack of documentation, and negative healthcare provider attitudes. This mini-review identifies that in order to ensure the health of migrants, host countries have to effectively coordinate and collaborate with other countries and sectors. Furthermore, it highlights a need to promote migrant-sensitive health policies aimed at improving the health of migrants, promoting equitable access to health protection and care for migrants and advocating migrants’ health rights.
Biotechnology and Drought Stress Tolerance in Plants
Authors: Ishaku Gali Adamu , Tizhe Daniel Thakuma , Bamanga Raji Arabi , Afolabi Elizabeth Toyin
Published: June 2020

Drought stress in plants has become one of the major abiotic stress that limits the growth and development of plants which also contributes to low yields. Biotechnology which has new and emerging techniques can be use to solve the problem of drought stress in plants. This review aimed at identifying drought stress tolerance in plants at different stages, how plants respond to drought stress using different methods and the application of different biotechnology methods to improve drought tolerance in plants. Some important parameters about drought stress in plants such as drought tolerance mechanisms, plants responses to drought stress, gene regulation for drought stress tolerance in plants, effects of drought stress at different stages of plant growth and biotechnology methods in developing drought tolerance in plants was reviewed. The use of biotechnology methods such as classical breeding, use of genetic manipulation, genes from resurrection plants and Protoplast fusion was discussed. Drought stress affects our plants seriously and it leads to wilts, reduction of yields and death of plants at different developmental stages. Plants have developed different mechanisms to respond to drought stress but these mechanisms are not sufficient enough without the application of biotechnology to greatly improve the growth, development and increase yield in pants. The use of biotechnology greatly improves plants ability to tolerate drought stress depending on the plant species and period of exposure. The use of biotechnology methods has become very vital in improving plants drought stress so as to overcome the major problems of plants which includes increase in population and climatic change.
Microbiology and Safety of Ogi Fermentation: A Review
Authors: Margaret Adisa Abosede , Enujiugha Victor N.
Published: June 2020

Ogi a widely consumed breakfast cereal in Nigeria and other West African countries plays an important role in the nutrition and economy of many of the populace, especially among the under-privileged as its consumption cut across all age groups. It is significant for its application as a cheap and convenient weaning food for children, breakfast and soft meal for adult, convalescents, pregnant and nursing women. This paper is aimed at reviewing the production of ogi from different cereals, which maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and millet (Penisetum glaucum). The microflora of ogi is mainly dominated by lactic acid bacteria which are generally regarded as safe with Lactobacillus plantarum dominating and certain beneficial fungal species which belong to the genus Saccharomyces and Aspergillus niger. The safety of the potential microorganisms which are responsible for the fermentation of the product from the various substrates is also of vital importance.  The importance of good hygiene practice to reduce post production re- contamination of the product which could possibly lead to food poisoning especially at the grassroot level is also considered. The widespread use of ogi as a weaning food for children in sub-Saharan Africa makes this review very significant and relevant.
Sorghum Grains: Nutritional Composition, Functional Properties and Its Food Applications
Authors: Abah C. R. , Ishiwu C. N. , Obiegbuna J. E. , Oladejo A. A.
Published: June 2020

This review work is on the composition, functional properties and food applications of sorghum grains. The review shows that this cereal grains is a rich source of carbohydrate and starch, with little of proteins, fat, vitamins and other nutrients. The functional properties of sorghum were also explored and the findings gotten from various authors shows that sorghum has good functional properties in terms of its bulk density, oil absorption capacity, water absorption capacity, least gelatinization temperature and host of others. The food applications of the grains such as sorghum ball “Fura”, tuwo, gruel, alcoholic beverages such as pito, burukutu and non-alcoholic beverages such as “kunu zaki” were extensively explored to understand and appreciate the profound benefit of sorghum as a diversely rich and nutritious source of food especially in Africa.
Rice Blast Disease (Magnaporthe oryzae): A Menace to Rice Production and Humanity
Authors: Agbowuro G. O. , Afolabi M. S. , Olamiriki E. F. , Awoyemi S. O.
Published: June 2020

Rice blast disease is one of the major constraints to rice production, threatening food security globally. Rice grain production losses due to the disease leads economic losses to the farmers, and to an increase in global rice price as a result of the supply that is far below the consumer demand. The losses from the disease annually was estimated to feed over 60 million individual. The disease has been studied comprehensively by researchers due to the importance attached to rice and its vast spread and destructiveness across the globe. A good understanding of the pathogen causing the disease, its life cycle and development, epidemiology, symptoms, management strategy will offer a good insight into the disease incidence and give an appropriate and effective decision-making in its management. Different control measures have been adopted managing the disease, including the use of resistant varieties. Integrated disease management strategies coupled with good agronomy practices are required for successful control of rice blast for food security. This review, therefore, examined the fundamentals of rice blast disease (Magnaporthe oryzae) and offered strategies to minimize the disease activities to ensure proper production and increase the supply of rice grains.
Influence of Anthropic and Topographic Factors on the Physicochemical Properties of the Soil around Temporary Pools in Ferlo, North Senegal
Authors: Faye Ndiabou , Diallo Mariama Dalanda , Peiry Jean Luc , Diallo Aly , Guisse Aliou
Published: June 2020

The temporary ponds at Ferlo constitute wetlands whose pastoral activity is of paramount importance in the economy of Senegal. These zones are characterized by a fairly specific microclimate (soft and humid), a shallow depth of the water table, alternating phases of submersion and exudation whose functioning is linked to the soil. Thus the restoration and conservation of these wetlands requires a good knowledge of the soil factors.

The objective of this study is to compare the physico-chemical parameters of the soil around temporary pools in grazed and ungrazed areas and different topographical units in order to determine their relative similarities.

The samples taken at different horizons from seven soil pits (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6 and P7) opened in the different morpho-pedological facies of two grazed ponds and one ungrazed pond were analyzed in the laboratory.

The results obtained show that the soils of Ferlo have a sandy texture and low fertility in the slopes and plateaus. However, they have a balanced texture and average fertility in ponds and ungrazed areas. The factorial analysis made it possible to highlight three distinct soil classes. A class of sandy texture soil with very low chemical fertility comes from the plateau. A class of soil with a balanced texture which is rich in cation and calcium exchange capacity found in the low zones of strong mineralization. A last class rich in chemical element with a silty texture which is found in wooded areas.

These results thus reveal the predominant influence of anthropic and topographic factors on the evolution and physico-chemical composition of the soil.
Penetrating Scrotal Injury: Two Unusual Case Reports in Children and Brief Review of Literature
Authors: Owusu Ofori Emmanuel , Bin Alhassan Baba Alhaji , Essoun Samuel , Asante-Asamani Alvin , Maison Patrick
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Scrotal trauma is a rare surgical emergency that accounts for less than 1% of all traumatic injuries. They are more prevalent in 15-40 years age group. Blunt scrotal trauma contributes to about 80% of all scrotal injuries whilst penetrating scrotal injuries constitute the remaining 20%. Penetrating scrotal injuries are however, more rare in children but can result from bicycle handlebars, falls with impalement, and animal bites.

Case Reports: We did a retrospective review of our records over a 7-year period for penetrating scrotal injuries and report two (2) cases involving 13-year old and 14-year old males who sustained injuries from a tree branch and an iron rod respectively after falling from heights.

Discussion: Penetrating scrotal trauma can present with complex injury patterns involving the testes and other surrounding structures, and all invariably need urgent scrotal exploration. Consequently, both of our cases had immediate surgical exploration with conservative debridement of non-viable tissue and surprisingly both were spared any testicular injury.

Conclusion: Penetrating scrotal trauma may spare the testis and the scrotal contents despite the gravity of the injury.
The Role of Augmented and Virtual Reality Technologies in Developing Logistics Processes
Authors: Veres Péter , Cservenák Ákos , Skapinyecz Róbert , Illés Béla , Bányai Tamás , Akylbek Umetaliev , Tamás Péter
Published: June 2020

Nowadays, manufacturing and service companies are increasingly using new IT-based methods and solutions. Two of these areas are the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Kyrgyz National Agrarian University named after K.I. Skrybian (KNAU) and Kyrgyz State Technical University Named After Iskhaak Razzakov (KSTU) established VR laboratories with the support of an European project, in which the Institute of Logistics of the University of Miskolc played a key role. In this publication, we present the basics of VR and AR technology, with the current market and research shares and lastly its application in laboratories and industrial environments.
Application of Geoelectric Methods for Groundwater Depths in Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Segun Lawal Rasheed , Muyideen Kolawole Salami , Taufiq Suleiman , O. Ramon Sanusi
Published: June 2020

This paper presents the result of the geophysical investigation carried out at Igbogbo Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria. The geophysical investigation was done using the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and 2D electrical resistivity imaging techniques, with the aim of accessing the groundwater potential and delineate the subsurface layers of the study area. A total of twenty-four (24) VES were conducted at different points along four (4) traverses using Schlumberger electrode configuration with half-current electrode spread (AB/2) varying from 1 to 270 m. In the 2D electrical resistivity imaging, Wenner electrode configuration was adopted. Geoelectric sections made from the sounding curves revealed three geoelectric layers with resistivity values ranging from 53Ωm to 764 Ωm. These resistivity ranges were lithologically inferred to be topsoil, sand and sandy-clay, clayey-sand, dry-sand with corresponding Q, H and K – curve type. The first geoelectric layer represent the topsoil with resistivity values varying from 117 Ωm to 825 Ωm and thickness of 1.0 m to 2.0 m, the aquiferous unit was represented as the second geoelectric layer composed of sand with electrical resistivity values ranging from 130 Ωm to 238Ωm with thickness of 12.8 m to 30.7 m having a depth of 14.1 m to 31.8 m, while the third geoelectric layer represent sandy-clay, clayey-sand and dry-sand with resistivity values from 53 Ωm to 764 Ωm. The geophysical results shows that good aquifer unit is located in the sand layer of the study area with a depth range of 14.1 m to 31.8 m.
Sample Size Determination in Survey Research
Authors: Adam Anokye M.
Published: June 2020

Obtaining a representative sample size remains critical to survey researchers because of its implication for cost, time and precision of the sample estimate. However, the difficulty of obtaining a good estimate of population variance coupled with insufficient skills in sampling theory impede the researchers’ ability to obtain an optimum sample in survey research. This paper proposes an adjustment to the margin of error in Yamane’s (1967) formula to make it applicable for use in determining optimum sample size for both continuous and categorical variables at all levels of confidence. A minimum sample size determination table is developed for use by researchers based on the adjusted formula developed in this paper.
Education, ancient Near East
Authors: Podany Amanda H.
Published: June 2020

Apprentice scribes in the ancient Near East were taught by master scribes to read and write the cuneiform script, and to master literary forms and use mathematical tables. During the Ur III period, education probably took place in an edubba or “tablet house” sponsored by a temple or palace, but later scribes were often educated in the home of a master scribe. The curriculum tablets used to train the scribes were remarkably consistent everywhere, and exercises took place in more or less the same sequence. Some women were also educated, as indicated by the names and activities of female scribes.
Scribes, ancient Near East
Authors: Podany Amanda H.
Published: June 2020

Few people were literate during most of ancient Near East history. Scribes were trained in a fairly standard curriculum, and many of the students were sons of scribes. They were responsible for all record keeping and most long‐distance communication. Scribes generally wrote on rectangular clay tablets, indeed, the ancient Sumerian and Akkadian terms for a scribe meant “tablet writer.” Inscriptions on stone and metal are also known. Many scribes served on the administrative staffs of temples and palaces, or as diplomats, royal secretaries, translators, merchants, businessmen, judges, physicians, and teachers. Elite women in the palaces and temples sometimes employed female scribes.
Seals, Byzantine
Authors: Karagiorgou Olga
Published: June 2020

Sigillography studies all forms of sealing implements and their impressions. The sealing media
par excellence
during the early Byzantine period were clay and especially lead, imprinted (from the fourth century onwards) with the use of a
boulloterion
. Byzantine lead sealings up to 700
ce
bear the name, title(s), and office of their owner (in Greek and/or Latin) in linear inscriptions or in monograms and are usually decorated with depictions of the Theotokos, various saints, eagles, or (in the special case of the
kommerkiarioi
seals) with portraits of the emperor(s).
Arginousai (Arginusae), battle of
Authors: Hunt Peter
Published: June 2020

Arginousai was an Athenian naval victory in the last phase of the Peloponnesian War. It is best known for its aftermath, the mass trial and execution of the victorious generals.
Aristocracy, Greek
Authors: Duplouy Alain
Published: June 2020

Greek aristocracy is no longer conceived as a kind of ancien régime nobility, but as a highly unstable form of elite, whose members achieved their status through a series of prestige‐generating behaviors.
Poppy
Authors: Hnila Pavol
Published: June 2020

Ancient Greek
mekon
and Latin
papaver
refer primarily to the opium poppy (
Papaver somniferum L
.), and occasionally to other plant species of the genus
Papaver
or plants bearing certain similarities to the
Papaveraceae
family.
Toll
Authors: van Tilburg Cornelis
Published: June 2020

In Greek and Roman society, several types of tolls were in use. The most important Greek tax was the so‐calledpentekoste. The majority of Roman taxes were situated at the frontiers of the Roman Empire and its harbors; besides these points, there were also tolls at city gates, roads, province boundaries, mountain passes, and bridges. The Latin word for toll isportorium, a word connected withportus, “harbor.” Livy cites this word at first in 508bce. There is discussion about the importance of (local) tolls. Some groups of people and some goods were exempt from toll. For thepublicaniortelonai, the investigation was a problem.
Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos Auletes
Authors: Nadig Peter
Published: June 2020

Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos Auletes was a son of Ptolemy IX Soter II, who became king after the death of Ptolemy XI Alexander II in 80bce. He gained the support of Roman politicians through extensive bribes. He fled to Rome after the Roman annexation of Cyprus but got back his throne in 55bcethrough military help from the proconsul of Syria, Aulus Gabinius. Ptolemy XII made his daughter Cleopatra VII his co‐regent and died in the spring of 51.
Sempronius Asellio
Authors: Clark Jessica H.
Published: June 2020

Sempronius Asellio (ca. 160–90
bce
), Roman historian, witnessed the turbulent late second century in Rome and wrote about his own times.
Town planning
Authors: Owens E. J.
Published: June 2020

Town planning can be defined as the creation of an ordered and aesthetically and visually pleasing urban environment, through which the different components of a city are systematically organized and services provided.
Kellia and Scetis, monastic archaeology at
Authors: Davis Stephen J.
Published: June 2020

An updated history of archaeological work at the monastic settlements of Kellia/Pherme and Scetis (Wādī al‐Naṭrūn) in Lower Egypt. with special attention to fieldwork conducted from the early twentieth century to the present.
Raqqa
Authors: Genequand Denis
Published: June 2020

Al‐Raqqa is a town of modern Syria situated on the left bank of the Euphrates River. It was the site of a city during Antiquity and Late Antiquity. It gained in importance in the early Islamic period and first became the place of a garrison city called al‐Rāfiqa under the Abbasid caliph al‐Mansūr. Later on, during the reign of the Abbasid caliph Haār
ū
n al‐Rashīd, for about twelve years (796–808
ce
), al‐Raqqa became temporarily the capital of the empire when the caliph decided to settle there. It resulted in the building, to the north of the town, of a huge palatial area.