bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Development of the Management Competences at the Postgraduate Level in the Context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Authors: Espinosa Edgar Oliver Cardoso
Published: April 2021

The objective of the chapter is to describe the main managerial competences to be formed at the graduate level, according to the characteristics established in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. From this perspective, individual knowledge, experience, initiative, and creativity are recognized as the unlimited resource of organizations and countries, so that the talent of the people is the basis of the competitiveness and survival of the organizations of any type that require a manager. Five axes of training at the graduate level are identified: personal competences, strategic competences, intra-personal competencies, personal efficacy competencies, and investigative competences.
Employer's Role Performance Towards Employees' Satisfaction
Authors: Abd Halim Siti Noorjannah , Abd Halim Siti Noorhaslina
Published: April 2021

The wave of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) is a phenomenon in which one or more technologies are replaced by another technology in a short amount of time. In small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), some internal and external problem are occurring that suggest change from classical to technological approach. Thus, this chapter aims to establish the relationship between the employees' satisfaction toward their employer's role performance. Based on the power-dependence and agency theories, this study contributes to the SMEs industry in Malaysia and will involve IR4.0 by offering a much more comprehensive theoretical perspective to aid understanding and prepare for the revolution internally. The sample of this study comprises of employees who are working in various sectors of the SMEs industry. G-power technique was employed to find the minimum sample size in this study. Meanwhile, the SPSS and PLS will be used to analyse the data. The practical implication of this research concerns the factors that can enhance employee satisfaction if their company jumps into the IR4.0. Thus, the employer should play the right role to make sure the employees are ready and well prepared for the revolution despite there being environmental uncertainty happening in the process.
Industry 4.0 Privacy and Security Protocol Issues in Internet of Things
Authors: N. Jayapandian
Published: April 2021

The main objectives of this chapter are to discuss the basics of IoT and its applications and to solve data security and privacy issues in Industry 4.0. Industry 4.0 is mainly focus on IoT technology. The IIoT is generating digital data, and that data is stored in cloud server. There are two major issues in this IIoT. The first one is data storage, and the second one is data security. Industry 4.0 is not only involved in the manufacturing industry. It is also in the transportation and automobile industries. Electrical, electronic, mechanical, and computer technology fields are involved in Industry 4.0. This chapter enhances the hybrid security protocol in Industrial IoT. This hybrid mechanism combines lightweight protocol and the probabilistic encryption (LPP) algorithm.
Information Literacy and the Circular Economy in Industry 4.0
Authors: Ottonicar Selma Leticia Capinzaiki , Cadieux Jean , Mosconi Elaine , Carolina da Silva Rafaela
Published: April 2021

Industry 4.0 contributes to the increase in technological production and the use of environmental resources. Because of that, researchers need to discuss circular economy issues in the context of I4.0. To understand the circular economy, people need to know how to access, evaluate, and use the information (information literacy). The purpose of this chapter is to discuss how information literacy has been studied for the development of the circular economy. The methodology implies a review of the literature on circular economy, information literacy, and Industry 4.0. Subsequently, the document connects the information literacy and BNQ21000 standard (Québec) focusing on sustainability. The review showed that there are only a few documents that analyze the circular economy in the context of Industry 4.0. In addition, the information literacy needs to be studied in the circular economy and Industry 4.0 so that managers, students, and researchers can contribute to that revolution in a critical and sustainable way.
Fatigue and Abnormal State Detection by Using EMG Signal During Football Training
Authors: Cui Chunhai , Xin Enqian , Qu Meili , Jiang Shuai
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes to monitor and recognize the fatigue state during football training by analyzing the surface electromyography (EMG) signals. The surface electromyography (EMG) signal is closely connected with the state during sports and training. First, power frequency interference, motion artifacts, and baseline drift in the surface electromyography (EMG) signal are removed; second, the authors extract 6 features: rectified average value (ARV), integrated electromyography myoelectric value (IEMG), root mean square of electromyography value (RMS), median frequency (MF), average power frequency (MPF), and electromyography power (TP) to represent the surface electromyography (EMG) signal; lastly, the extracted features are input into a one-class support vector machine to determine whether the player has been fatigued and are input into a weighted support vector machine to determine the degree of fatigue if the player has been fatigued. The experimental results show that more than 95% of the fatigue state can be recognized by surface electromyography (EMG) signal.
On Detecting Abnormal Access for Online Ideological and Political Education
Authors: Yang Yuzhu
Published: April 2021

With the development and spread of networks, online education has become a new way in education. The online education platform encounters a large number of concurrent visiting, while the system must guarantee network security in the process of online education. The network visiting requests are real-time and dynamic in online education. In order to detect network intrusion and abnormal access in real time and adapt to the dynamic changes of network visiting requests, this paper adopts a data stream-based network intrusion detection method to monitor and manage online education visiting. First, a knowledge library is constructed by normal visiting mode and abnormal visiting mode. Second, the dissimilarity between data point and data cluster is used to measure the similarity between normal mode and abnormal mode. Lastly, the knowledge library is updated to reflect the changes of network in online education system by re-clustering. The proposed method is evaluated on a real dataset.
Frameworks for Querying Databases Using Natural Language
Authors: Bukhari Syed Ahmad Chan , Dar Hafsa Shareef , Lali M. Ikramullah , Keshtkar Fazel , Malik Khalid Mahmood , Kadry Seifedine
Published: April 2021

A natural language interface is useful for a wide range of users to retrieve their desired information from databases without requiring prior knowledge of database query language such as SQL. The advent of user-friendly technologies, such as speech-enabled interfaces, have revived the use of natural language technology for querying databases; however, the most relevant and last work presenting state of the art was published back in 2013 and does not encompass several advancements. In this paper, the authors have reviewed 47 frameworks that have been developed during the last decade and categorized the SQL and NoSQL-based frameworks. Furthermore, the analysis of these frameworks is presented on the basis of criteria such as supporting language, scheme of heuristic rules, interoperability support, scope of the dataset, and overall performance score. The study concludes that the majority of frameworks focus on translating natural language queries to SQL and translates English language text to queries.
Filter-Wrapper Incremental Algorithms for Finding Reduct in Incomplete Decision Systems When Adding and Deleting an Attribute Set
Authors: Giang Nguyen Long , Son Le Hoang , Tuan Nguyen Anh , Ngan Tran Thi , Son Nguyen Nhu , Thang Nguyen Truong
Published: April 2021

The tolerance rough set model is an effective tool to solve attribute reduction problem directly on incomplete decision systems without pre-processing missing values. In practical applications, incomplete decision systems are often changed and updated, especially in the case of adding or removing attributes. To solve the problem of finding reduct on dynamic incomplete decision systems, researchers have proposed many incremental algorithms to decrease execution time. However, the proposed incremental algorithms are mainly based on filter approach in which classification accuracy was calculated after the reduct has been obtained. As the results, these filter algorithms do not get the best result in term of the number of attributes in reduct and classification accuracy. This paper proposes two distance based filter-wrapper incremental algorithms: the algorithm IFWA_AA in case of adding attributes and the algorithm IFWA_DA in case of deleting attributes. Experimental results show that proposed filter-wrapper incremental algorithm IFWA_AA decreases significantly the number of attributes in reduct and improves classification accuracy compared to filter incremental algorithms such as UARA, IDRA.
A Nonlinear Weight-Optimized Maintainability Index of Software Metrics by Grey Wolf Optimization
Authors: Yenduri Gokul , Naralasetti Veeranjaneyulu
Published: April 2021

Maintainability index (MI) is a software metric that offers measurements of the maintainability before release of the software by facilitating several substantial features of the system. In general, there is a common formula for determining the MI for all the software metrics to ensure the system's reliability. As it does not provide appropriate results regarding the reliability of the system, it is essential to focus on the next level of MI of software. Hence, this paper intends to allot an optimal weight and a constant to each software metric, which is optimized by grey wolf optimization (GWO). As a result, it can provide a new variant of MI by proposed enhanced model-GWO (EM-GWO). This optimized MI can ensure the efficiency of the respective software in such a way that it can provide an enhanced score from the system. Further, the proposed method is compared with conventional models such as enhanced model-generic algorithm (EM-GA), EM-particle swarm optimization (PSO), EM-ant bee colony (ABC), EM-differential evolution (DE), and EM-fire fly (FF), and the results are obtained.
BeeRank
Authors: Irfan Shadab , Dhanaraj Rajesh Kumar
Published: April 2021

There is an incredible change in the world wide web, and the users face difficulty in accessing the needed information as per their need. Different algorithms are devised at each step of the information retrieval process, and it is observed that ranking is one of the core ingredients of any search engine that plays a major role in arranging the information. In this regard, different measures are adopted for ranking the web pages by using content, structure, or log data. The BeeRank algorithm is proposed that provides quality results, which is inspired by the artificial bee colony algorithm for web page ranking and uses both the structural and content approach for calculating the rank value and provides better results. It also helps the users in finding the relevant web pages by minimizing the computational complexity of the process and achieves the result in minimum time duration. The working is illustrated and is compared with the traditional PageRank algorithm that incorporates only structural links, and the result shows an improvement in ranking and provides user-specific results.
Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulations for Solid State Ionics: Case Studies with the MOCASSIN Program
Authors: Grieshammer Steffen , Eisele Sebastian
Published: April 2021

Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations are a useful tool to predict and analyze the ionic conductivity in crystalline materials. We present here the basic functionalities and capabilities of our recently published Monte Carlo software for solid state ionics called MOCASSIN, exemplified by simulations of several model systems and real materials. We address the simulation of tracer correlation factors for various structures, the correlation in systems with complex migration mechanisms like interstitialcy or vehicle transport, and the impact of defect interactions on ionic conductivity. Simulations of real materials include a review of oxygen vacancy migration in doped ceria, oxygen interstitial migration in La-rich melilites, and proton conduction in acceptor doped fully hydrated barium zirconate. The results reveal the impact of defect interactions on the ionic conductivity and the importance of the defect distribution. Combinations of these effects can lead to unexpected transport behavior in solid state ionic materials, especially for multiple mobile species. Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations are therefore useful to interpret experimental data which shows unexpected behavior regarding the dependence on temperature and composition.
Interplay between NOD1 and TLR4 Receptors in Macrophages: Nonsynergistic Activation of Signaling Pathways Results in Synergistic Induction of Proinflammatory Gene Expression
Authors: Budikhina Anna S. , Murugina Nina E. , Maximchik Polina V. , Dagil Yulia A. , Nikolaeva Anna M. , Balyasova Lyudmila S. , Murugin Vladimir V. , Selezneva Elizaveta M. , Pashchenkova Yulia G. , Chkadua Georgy Z. , Pinegin Boris V. , Pashenkov Mikhail V.
Published: April 2021

Interactions between pattern-recognition receptors shape innate immune responses to pathogens. NOD1 and TLR4 are synergistically interacting receptors playing a pivotal role in the recognition of Gram-negative bacteria. However, mechanisms of their cooperation are poorly understood. It is unclear whether synergy is produced at the level of signaling pathways downstream of NOD1 and TLR4 or at more distal levels such as gene transcription. We analyzed sequential stages of human macrophage activation by a combination of NOD1 and TLR4 agonists (N-acetyl-d-muramyl-l-alanyl-d-isoglutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid [M-triDAP] and LPS, respectively). We show that events preceding or not requiring activation of transcription, such as activation of signaling kinases, rapid boost of glycolysis, and most importantly, nuclear translocation of NF-κB, are regulated nonsynergistically. However, at the output of the nucleus, the combination of M-triDAP and LPS synergistically induces expression of a subset of M-triDAP– and LPS-inducible genes, particularly those encoding proinflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL1B, IL6, IL12B, and IL23A). This synergistic response develops between 1 and 4 h of agonist treatment and requires continuous signaling through NOD1. The synergistically regulated genes have a lower basal expression and higher inducibility at 4 h than those regulated nonsynergistically. Both gene subsets include NF-κB–inducible genes. Therefore, activation of the NF-κB pathway does not explain synergistic gene induction, implying involvement of other transcription factors. Inhibition of IKKβ or p38 MAPK lowers agonist-induced TNF mRNA expression but does not abolish synergy. Thus, nonsynergistic activation of NOD1- and TLR4-dependent signaling pathways results in the synergistic induction of a proinflammatory transcriptional program.
Conditional Deletions of Hdc Confirm Roles of Histamine in Anaphylaxis and Circadian Activity but Not in Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Morin Françoise , Singh Noopur , Mdzomba Julius Baya , Dumas Aline , Patenaude Alexandre , Pernet Vincent , Vallières Luc
Published: April 2021

Histamine is best known for its role in allergies, but it could also be involved in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. However, studies using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the most widely used animal model for multiple sclerosis, have reported conflicting observations and suggest the implication of a nonclassical source of histamine. In this study, we demonstrate that neutrophils are the main producers of histamine in the spinal cord of EAE mice. To assess the role of histamine by taking into account its different cellular sources, we used CRISPR–Cas9 to generate conditional knockout mice for the histamine-synthesizing enzyme histidine decarboxylase. We found that ubiquitous and cell-specific deletions do not affect the course of EAE. However, neutrophil-specific deletion attenuates hypothermia caused by IgE-mediated anaphylaxis, whereas neuron-specific deletion reduces circadian activity. In summary, this study refutes the role of histamine in EAE, unveils a role for neutrophil-derived histamine in IgE-mediated anaphylaxis, and establishes a new mouse model to re-explore the inflammatory and neurologic roles of histamine.
The right to exit the footnote: a story of rediscovery and revival of Fritz Jahr’s bioethics (with special regard to Italy)
Authors: Rinčić Iva , Buterin Toni , Doričić Robert , Eterović Igor , Gensabella Marianna , Muzur Amir
Published: April 2021

Despite the numerous works evaluating Fritz Jahr’s importance for bioethics, there is still a widespread practice at best to put his name in some of the footnotes. The similar practice is recognized in Italy and the full appreciation of his work – contrary to the reception of Van Rensselaer Potter’s work – is still to come. First part of this paper is concerned with the mentioned uncommendable practice as a main motive of the article. Second part shortly captures the main facts about life and work of Fritz Jahr. Third part is dedicated to summary of extensive work of Van Rensselaer Potter. Next part reveals the trends and practices in Italy concerning the reception of those two «fathers of bioethics» and delineate the lines of research based on their work. In conclusion the authors call for caution and attentive approach to history of bioethics because mixing those research lines could be at least deceptive if not completely unfruitful.
The slippery slope of euthanasia
Authors: Aznar Justo
Published: April 2021

It is argued that the “slippery slope” that could be created after the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide could open the door to euthanasia practices that go beyond those permitted by law. In this respect, we address three specific circumstances in which we believe this could occur: 1) euthanasia techniques could be applied in non-terminal psychiatric patients and likewise in those with mental disorders or intellectual disabilities; 2) it could also be carried out in adolescents, children and neonates; and 3) involuntary euthanasia may be performed. We provide specific data on these three situations that support the conclusion that all three are already taking place. At the same time, we conduct an ethical assessment of these practices, which we consider illicit.
Screening Tools Based on Nomogram for Diabetic Kidney Diseases in Chinese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Wang Ganyi , Wang Biyao , Qiao Gaoxing , Lou Hao , Xu Fei , Chen Zhan , Chen Shiwei
Published: April 2021

Background: The influencing factors of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were explored to develop and validate a DKD diagnostic tool based on nomogram approach for patients with T2DM.Methods: A total of 2,163 in-hospital patients with diabetes diagnosed from March 2015 to March 2017 were enrolled. Specified logistic regression models were used to screen the factors and establish four different diagnostic tools based on nomogram according to the final included variables. Discrimination and calibration were used to assess the performance of screening tools.Results: Among the 2,163 participants with diabetes (1,227 men and 949 women), 313 patients (194 men and 120 women) were diagnosed with DKD. Four different screening equations (full model, laboratory-based model 1 [LBM1], laboratory-based model 2 [LBM2], and simplified model) showed good discriminations and calibrations. The C-indexes were 0.8450 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8202 to 0.8690) for full model, 0.8149 (95% CI, 0.7892 to 0.8405) for LBM1, 0.8171 (95% CI, 0.7912 to 0.8430) for LBM2, and 0.8083 (95% CI, 0.7824 to 0.8342) for simplified model. According to Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, good agreement between the predicted and observed DKD events in patients with diabetes was observed for full model (χ2=3.2756, P=0.9159), LBM1 (χ2=7.749, P=0.4584), LBM2 (χ2=10.023, P=0.2634), and simplified model (χ2=12.294, P=0.1387).Conclusion: LBM1, LBM2, and simplified model exhibited excellent predictive performance and availability and could be recommended for screening DKD cases among Chinese patients with diabetes.
Clinical outcomes of moderate to severe COVID-19 patients receiving invasive vs. non-invasive ventilation
Authors: Jamil Zubia , Khalid Samreen , Abbasi Shahid Mumtaz , Waheed Yasir , Ahmed Jamal
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the in-hospital outcome of moderate to severe COVID-19 patients admitted in High Dependency Unit (HDU) in relation to invasive vs. non-invasive mode of ventilation.

Methods:

In this study, the patients required either non-invasive [oxygen ≤10 L/min or >10 L/min through mask or nasal prongs, rebreather masks and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP)] or invasive ventilation. For analysis of 30-day in hospital mortality in relation to use of different modes of oxygen, Kaplan Meier and log rank analyses were used. In the end, independent predictors of survival were determined by Cox regression analysis.

Results:

Invasive ventilation was required by 15.1% patients while 84.9% patients needed non-invasive ventilation. Patients with evidence of thromboembolism, high inflammatory markers and hypoxemia mainly required invasive ventilation. The 30-day in hospital mortality was 72.7% for the invasive group and 12.9% for the non-invasive group (1.8% oxygen <10 L/min, 0.9% oxygen >10 L/min, 3.6% rebreather mask and 4.5% BiPAP). The median time from hospital admission to outcome was 7 days for the invasive group and 18 days for the non-invasive group (P<0.05). Age, presence of co-morbidities, number of days requiring oxygen, rebreather, BiPAP and invasive ventilation were independent predictors of outcome.

Conclusions:

Invasive mechanical ventilation is associated with adverse outcomes possibly due to ventilator associated lung injury. Thus, protective non-invasive ventilation remains the necessary and safe treatment for severely hypoxic COVID-19 patients.
Expert consensus on emergency medicine procedure optimization guided by routine prevention and control strategy for COVID-19
Authors: Sheng Weiyong , Chen Biao , Fan Shanjie , Zeng Zhuanglin , Zhou Ying , Huang Kunpeng , Cheng Xing , Cao Chunyan , Da Banghong , Zhou Ning , Zhou Qidi , Wang Qinghua , Guo Jun , Sun Peng , Lv Chuanzhu , Fu Xiaoling , Zhang Jinxiang
Published: April 2021

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a global public health emergency on 31 January 2020. Emergency medicine procedures in Emergency Department should be optimized to cope with the current COVID-19 pandemic by providing subspecialty services, reducing the spread of nosocomial infections, and promoting its capabilities to handle emerging diseases. Thus, the Chinese Society of Emergency Medicine and Wuhan Society of Emergency Medicine drafted this consensus together to address concerns of medical staffs who work in Emergency Department. Based on in-depth review of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment plans, literatures, as well as management approval, this consensus proposes recommendations for improving the rationalization and efficiency of emergency processes, reducing the risk of nosocomial infections, preventing hospital viral transmission, and ensuring patient safety.
Argemone mexicana extract alleviates gastrointestinal disorders by stimulating muscarinic receptors and blocking voltage-gated L-type calcium channels
Authors: Iqbal Rabia , Hamid Irfan , Janbaz Khalid Hussain , Akhtar Muhammad Furqan , Saleem Ammara , Sharif Ali , Peerzada Sohaib , Akhtar Bushra , Sohail Kashif , Ali Sajid
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To investigate the pharmacological potential of Argemone mexicana in treating constipation and emesis by using in vitro and in vivo models.

Methods:

The spasmogenic and spasmolytic effects were evaluated on isolated rabbit jejunum fragments loaded in a tissue organ bath. The response was recorded with an isotonic transducer attached with Power Lab Data Acquisition System. The laxative and antiemetic activities were assessed in BALB-c mice and poultry chicks challenged with carbamylcholine and copper sulphate stimulated emesis, respectively.

Results:

The total phenolic and total flavonoids contents of the extract were (267.75 ± 5.77) mg GAE/g and (73.86 ± 6.01) mg QE/g, respectively. Argemone mexicana extract exerted spasmogenic effect on isolated rabbit jejunum segments with an EC50 value of 0.016 mg/ mL, which was blocked by atropine (0.3 μM). Argemone mexicana extract exerted spasmolytic effect in atropine treated jejunum fragments with an EC50 value of 2.185 mg/mL. Furthermore, Argemone mexicana extract relaxed potassium (80 mM)-induced contractions (EC50: 9.07 mg/mL), similar to a standard drug verapamil. The calcium channel blocker activity was confirmed by a rightward shift of concentration-response curve of calcium in the presence of Argemone mexicana extract (1-5 mg/mL) and verapamil (0.1-1 μM). In addition, the extract increased the distance travelled by a charcoal in the gastrointestinal tract and exhibited antiemetic effect on copper sulphate induced emesis in chicks.

Conclusions:

Argemone mexicana shows cholinergic agonist and calcium channel blocker activities, as well as antiemetic effect. It may be used as a potential agent for treating gastrointestinal disorders.
Rezensionen
Authors: Schneebeli H. R.
Published: April 2021

Rezension zu:
Herbert Hunziker:
Bondifaktoren, ein natürlicher Zugang zur speziellen Relativitätstheorie
. 84 Seiten, CHF 17.00/e-Book CHF 5.00, Springer Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2020, essentials, ISBN 978-3-658-32298-7, e-Book ISBN 978-3-658-32298-4.
Amlodipine besylate impairs the morphology of bone marrow in adult male wistar rats
Authors: Akinlolu AA , Ghazali OK , Ayantunji LB , Omotoso GO
Published: April 2021

Amlodipine is a long-acting calcium channel blocker used in the treatment of hypertension and angina. In adult man, the treatment regimen is 5 or 10 mg daily. This study evaluated the effects of prolonged oral administration of Amlodipine Besylate on the morphology of bone marrow in adult male Wistar rats. Sixteen rats (140 - 190 g) comprising of four groups were employed in the study. Rats of Control Group I received physiological saline orally while rats of Experimental Groups II - IV received oral administrations of 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg bodyweight of Amlodipine Besylate respectively for nine weeks. Histo-pathological examinations of the bone marrow showed normal cytoarchitecture of erythrocytes and leukocytes in rats of Control Group I. However, dose-dependent degeneration and lyses of erythrocytes and leukocytes were observed in amlodipine-treated rats. In conclusion, impaired morphology of the bone marrow were observed in amlodipine-treated adult male Wistar ratsKey words: Amlodipine Besylate, bone marrow, morphology, rats.
Testicular cytoprotective activities of Curcuma longa in STZ-induced diabetic adult male wistar rats
Authors: Olanrewaju A.J , Owolabi J.O. , Olatunji S.Y. , Desalu A.B.O. , Amaechi W.C.
Published: April 2021

This study was aimed at investigating the cytoprotective activities of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) on the histological structure of the testes in diabetic male rats. Turmeric is commonly called the golden spice, is used as a spice in cooking and also has a long history of medicinal use, dating back nearly 4000 years to the Vedic culture in India. Its major component is the curcumin that is found to be a natural antioxidant. Diabetes affects large number of young men of reproductive age. It is among a number of disorders associated with oxidative stress. There has been a relationship established between the reduction in glucose load and insulin resistance reduction and oxidative stress in people. Male wistar rats (n=24) were allocated randomly into six groups, 4 in each. Group 1: Control were given only water and standard rat chow; Group 2 and 3: turmeric (100mg/kg) and (25mg/kg) respectively; Group 4: induced with 30mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) for 3 days; Group 5: STZ with turmeric (100mg/kg); Group 6: STZ with turmeric (25mg/kg). At the end of the experiment (21 days), the testes were excised for histological analysis. The seminiferous tubules, seminiferous epithelium, Leydig cells were shown to be enhanced in the histoarchitecture of the testes of the treated diabetic groups and did not show any toxicity on the testes in the non-diabetic groups. In conclusion, this study has shown that turmeric does not only possess a non-toxic effect but has cytoprotective effects on the histoarchitecture of the testes in diabetic rats.Keywords: histo-architecture, leydig cells, diabetes, oxidative stress, testes, curcumin.
Occurrence of spina bifida in the Makerere University Galloway collection: an osteological anatomical study
Authors: William Buwembo , Obore Apolot Priscilla , Ziraba Samuel , Kange Mesarch , Munabi Ian Guyton , Okori Hilder , Namusoke Fatuma , Mwaka Erisa , Luboga Samuel A.
Published: April 2021

Spina bifida is one of the commonest neural tube defects. Though food fortification with folic acid has been reported to reduce spina bifida, the incidence of spina bifida and the benefits of taking folic acid have not been documented in many developing countries including Uganda. This study set out to determine the incidence of spina bifida and related skeletal neural tube defects in the skeletons currently housed in the Galloway skeletal collection at Makererere University College of Health Sciences, Anatomy department with the aim of using the data to extrapolate on the usefulness of food fortification with folic acid. This was a descriptive cross sectional study on 226 skeletons in the Galloway osteological collection examined by an experienced anatomist for features of neural tube defects that ranged from non-fusion of the spinal arches to total absence of vertebral structures. Of the skeletons examined 43/226 (19%) had spina bifida. Of these 38/43 (88%) were male, suggesting a higher incidence of spina bifida in males than in the females. Overall 55.2% of the skeletons were within the age range of 20-55 years. This historical study highlights possible differences in the maternal micro nutrient status in the early months of pregnancy for various African populations as shown by the differences in the prevalence rates of minor spina bifida defects in the Galloway osteological collection. There is need for baseline studies on folic acid levels during pregnancy and the various local dietary sources of folic acid for Africans.Key words: Neural tube defects, osteology
Cadaveric assessment of kidney dimensions among Nigerians- a preliminary report
Authors: Ajani Rotimi S. , Femi-Akinlosotu Omowumi
Published: April 2021

The usually paired human kidneys are retroperitoneal urinary organs with some endocrine functions. Standard text books of anatomy ascribe single value to each of the dimension of length, width and thickness. These values do not give consideration to racial and genetic variability in human morphology. They may thus be erroneous to students and clinicians working on Nigerians, hence the need to establish reference values for Nigerians. The length, width, thickness and weight of sixty kidneys harvested from cadavers of thirty adult Nigerians (Male: Female; 27: 3) were measured. Respective volume was calculated using the ellipsoid formula. The mean length of the kidney was 9.84±0.89 cm (9.63±0.88 {right}; 10.06±0.86 {left}), width- 5.18±0.70 cm (5.21±0.72 {right}; 5.14±0.70 {left}), thickness-3.45±0.56 cm (3.36±0.58 {right}, 3.53±0.55 {left}), weight- 125.06±22.34 g (122.36±21.70 {right}; 127.76 ±24.02 {left}) and volume of 95.45± 24.40 cm3 (91.73± 26.84 {right}; 99.17± 25.75 {left}). Though the values of the parameters measured were higher for the left kidney (except for the width), they were not statistically significant. The various parameters obtained by this study differ from those of similar studies from other continents. Stating single value for each of the parameter of length, width and thickness of the kidney as currently obtained in textbooks of anatomy may be incomplete information and hence misleading. Thus, there is the need to emphasize racial differences when stating the normal values of kidney dimensions in textbooks of anatomy.Key words: Adult Nigerians, Cadaveric estimation, Kidney dimensions.
Influence of age on gallbladder morphometry
Authors: Kariuki Brian Ngure , Saidi Hassan , Ndung’u Bernard , Kaisha Wycliffe , Ogeng’o Julius
Published: April 2021

Morphometric properties of the gallbladder such as length, diameter and volume are determinants of gallbladder function. These parameters are altered with age and may explain the age-related reduction in gallbladder contractility associated with gallstone formation. Ninety-two gallbladder specimens of subjects aged between 21 and 84 were sourced from City mortuary and the Department of Human anatomy during autopsy. For each gallbladder specimen, measurements of length and circumference were taken to the accuracy of 0.1millimetres (mm) and used to calculate the gallbladder volume. These measurements were standardized using measurements of liver length and weight. Data were recorded by age categories in age groups of 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60 and 61 or more years. The mean gallbladder volume was 47.948 (±19.080) cm3 and showed a statistically significant increase with age (p <0.001). There was also a significant increase of gallbladder length (p =0.01) and diameter (p <0.001). A positive correlation was observed between gallbladder length, diameter and volume; 0.282, 0.485 and 0.480 respectively (p = 0.01). The gallbladder volume which is a function of length and diameter, shows a statistically significant increase with age. Notably, there is a marked increase in these parameters after the fifth decade. This could explain the exponential increase in prevalence of cholelithiasis by 4 to 10 times after the fifth decade of life.Keywords: Gallbladder volume, Contractility, Age, Cholelithiasis
Ethnic differences in the morphology of the pinna
Authors: Mumin Amir , Olabu Beda , Ongeti Kevin , Saidi Hassan
Published: April 2021

Metric features of the ear are important for diagnosis of congenital malformations, pre-operative planning and design of hearing devices. Non-metric features including earlobe attachment is a marker of population genetics. Although these features vary with sex and populations, it’s unclear whether they show ethnic variations. This study describes ethnic differences in the morphology of the pinna. Both ears of one hundred and forty-eight (148) medical students (80males and 68 females) [recruited from four ethnic groups: Kenyan Indian, Kenyan Arab, Kikuyu and Luhya] were studied. Ear projection, heights and widths of ear, earlobe and concha were measured. For the Kenyan Indians, Arabs, Kikuyus and Luhyas respectively, proportion of free earlobes was 70.1%, 48.6%, 37.8%, 43.2%, attached lobes was 21.6% 27.1%, 42.9%, 32.4%. Mean earlobe height was 18.2mm, 16.7mm, 15.8mm, 15.8mm (p=0.001), ear projection at mid-tragus was 14.5mm, 13.5mm, 12.5mm, 12.6mm (p=0.035). Ethnic differences are present in earlobe height, attachment type and ear projection at mid-tragus. Earlobe height among indigenous Kenyans is significantly smaller compared to Kenyan Indians and Arabs. The attached earlobe is most prevalent among Kenyan indigenous while the free earlobe is most prevalent among Kenyan Indians. These features ought to be considered in aesthetic reconstruction of ear during earlobe rejuvenation and correction of projected ears.Keywords: Pinna morphology, Ethnic difference, Variations
Morphology of the anterior clinoid process in a select Kenyan population
Authors: Sibuor William , Cheruiyot Isaac , Munguti Jeremiah , Kigera James , Gikenye Gichambira
Published: April 2021

Knowledge of the morphological variations of the anterior clinoid process is pertinent during anterior clinoidectomy to prevent injury to the adjacent neurovascular structures as well as in the interpretation of skull base radiographs. Fifty-one open crania (102 anterior clinoid processes) were obtained from the Departments of Human Anatomy in three Kenyan Universities. Caroticoclinoid foramen was present in nine (17.6%) out of the 51 skulls studied. Of the 9 skulls, 2 had bilateral complete foramina while the remaining 7 had unilateral foramina, all on the left side. The mean length of the anterior clinoid process ranged between 5.0 and 18.8mm with a mean of 10.92±2.79 mm. The mean width was found to be 10.43±2.67 mm (range: 5.3-18.0mm) while the average thickness was 5.43±2.02mm (range: 1.3-11.9mm). There were no statistically significant side differences in the dimensions of the anterior clinoid process. Type IIIb anterior clinoid process was the commonest (47.1%) while type IIIa was the least common (7.8%). Compared to other populations, the anterior clinoid process in our setting shows some differences involving its type and the caroticoclinoid foramen. These features should be taken into account when interpreting skull base radiographs and planning for anterior clinoidectomies.Keywords: Clinoid Process, Kenya, Morphology
Comparison between the density of Langerhans’ cells in the prepuce of neonates and adult males
Authors: Mutale Felix , Kafumukache Elliot Bufuku , Trevor Kaile
Published: April 2021

Langerhans cells (LCs) in epidermis function as sentinel antigen-presenting cells that can capture invading viruses like Herpes Simplex Virus, Varicella-zoster virus and Human  Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This interaction between  Langerhans cells and viruses is highly variable depending on the virus. Herpes Simplex induces apoptosis in LCs but HIV does not, instead it presents the HIV to T-cells in lymph nodes which in turn get infected. Langerhans cells in the prepuce are therefore, a portal of entry for HIV. Hence, world health organisation  recommends male circumcision to reduce the densities of  Langerhans cells. Fifteen fresh foreskins were obtained from adult males aged 18 years and above after circumcision, five had past history of ulcerative STI and five fresh foreskins were obtained from neonates. The specimens were fixed using 10% buffered formalin and transported to the histopathology laboratory where the tissues were grossed examined and embedded using paraffin wax. The formalin fixed paraffin blocks were then sectioned into 3-5um sections and then followed by immunohistochemistry staining. The primary monoclonal antibodies (anti-CD1a) targeting Langerhans cells were used and LCs counting was done. The mean Langerhans cells density in neonates was  36.6±5.273/mm2,while adults without past history of ulcerative STIs was 69.4±8.847/mm2 and those with history of ulcerative STIs was 88.4±7.273/mm2.Both age and past history of ulcerative STIs have an influence on the density of Langerhans cell on the prepuce. The neonates showed lower densities than adults. Adults with history of ulcerative STIs had higher densities than those without. Uncircumcised individuals with history of ulcerative STIs maybe more susceptible to acquisition and transmission of HIV through the prepuce than those without such history due to greater LCs densities.Key words: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Langerhans Cells (LC),Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI).
Morphometry of Occipital condyles: Implications for transcondylar approach to craniovertebral junction lesions
Authors: Cheruiyot Isaac , Mwachaka Phillip , Saidi Hassan
Published: April 2021

Partial occipital condylectomies are commonly done in trans-condylar approach to craniovertebral junction lesions. Following such procedures, post-operative atlanto-occipital joint instability and hypoglossal nerve palsies have been reported and has been attributed to population-specific variations in the occipital condyle (OC) dimensions. Determination of these dimensions may aid in minimizing these complications. One hundred and four (104) OC from 52 skulls (27 males, 25 females) were obtained from the osteology department, National Museums of Kenya. Occipital condyle length (OCL), width (OCW), height (OCH), anterior (AID) and posterior (PID) intercondylar distances and the distance from posterior tip of OC to hypoglossal canal (HC) were obtained using a pair of digital Vernier calipers. The data obtained were entered into SPSS for analysis. The mean OCL, OCW and OCH were 20.59±2.05 mm, 12.23±1.28 mm and 8.65±1.08 mm respectively while AID and PID were 19.66±2.70 mm and 38.52±3.09 mm respectively. Moderate OC type was the most predominant (60.6%). Males and females had predominantly moderate and short OC type respectively (p=0.001). The HC was located 9.62±1.62 mm from the posterior tip of the OC. Males had significantly larger OCL (p<0.001), OCH (p=0.001), PID (p=0.002) and posterior tip of OC to HC distance (p=0.008). Our study population generally has smaller OC dimensions compared to other populations. Females had significantly smaller OCL, OCH, OC-HC distance and PID. Clinicians should therefore take this information into consideration during preoperative planning in craniovertebral junction surgeries among Kenyans and  particularly in females.Key Words: Occipital condyles, Morphometry, Transcondylar approach
Reliability of vernier caliper measurements of the thoracic pedicle transverse diameter
Authors: Muteti E.N. , ElBadawi M.G.Y.
Published: April 2021

The thoracic pedicle is generally cylindrical with various  indentations on its surface that may introduce an error in measurements, thus making the measurements unreliable. One hundred and eighty thoracic pedicle diameter measurements were carried out in five cadaveric human thoracic spine specimens, using a Vernier caliper. Coefficient of variation (CV) was used to evaluate the variation in measurements within and between  pedicles. Linear regression model was used to evaluate the  relationship between the variation in measurements and the average diameter of the bone per cadaver. The largest standard deviations in the five specimens were found at T2, T3, T6 and T12 levels. The least standard deviations were found at T1, T7, T9, T10 and T11. Four specimens demonstrated a negative linear relationship between the coefficient of variation and the average transverse diameter of the pedicle. This relationship was  significant (p<0.05) in two specimens. Vernier caliper measurements tend to be less reliable as the thoracic pedicle transverse diameter decreases. Caution is required when measuring the thoracic pedicle transverse diameter in the narrower mid-thoracic area of the spine with Vernier calipers.Keywords: reliability, thoracic pedicle morphometry
CT pelvimetry of variant pelvis and child birth prognosis
Authors: Lalèyè Christel Marie , Azonbakin Simon A. , Delmas Vincent , Agossou-Voyèmè Augustin-Karl , Douard Richard , Hounnou Gervais , Ami Olivier
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the threshold values of pelvimetry by scanning and to evaluate the ability of the pelvimetry alone to diagnose a fetal-pelvic disproportion. It was an observational retrospective study on 410 pregnant women who had a scanner pelvimetry for any reasons. Based on the fetal presentations, two subgroups (breech and cephalic -others) have been defined. Measurements of the main obstetric diameters (promonto-retropubic, median transverse and dual sciatica) were taken. The 5th and 10th percentile were calculated as well as the 90th and 95th to determine the threshold values of pelvimetry by scanner. The scanner values found on CT were compared with the standard X ray pelvimetry values. Referring to extreme values obtained by pelvimetry scanner, some pathological pelvic brim were reconstructed in 3D. Moreover, the delivery prognostic was analyzed by crossing the pelvic inlet dimensions (Magnin index) and pelvic outlet dimensions (bi-sciatic diameter) with the outcome of the delivery. The mean values of the scanno-pelvimetry measurement in our series were:m12,39 cm (± 1) for the promonto-retropubic diameter, 12.88 cm (± 1.01) for the transverse median diameter and 11 cm (± 1.32) for the bi-sciatic diameter. These measurements provided an accuracy less than 1 cm compared to the standard ray pelvimetry. Although Magnin index at 23 allows a vaginal delivery, 51% of oursample have failed. Moreover, for the Magnin index at 24 and 25, the vaginal delivery failure rate remains high:45.1% and 39.61% respectively. Compared to classical pelvimetry, pelvimetry by scanner provides additional precision and allows to study the geometry of the basin. However, the pelvimetry alone could not be effective to establish the prognosis of vaginal delivery.Keywords: scanno-pelvimetry, prognosis, delivery
Photogrammetric analysis of Petrus Campers facial angle among adult Urhobo subjects
Authors: Taniyohwo Enaohwo Mamerhi
Published: April 2021

Petrus Camper gained international repute among renaissance anthropologists, evolutionists and proponents of divisive scientific racism for his theory of the "facial angle" which they used as a vital cephalometric variable to validate their claim to racial and intellectual superiority. Standardized left lateral facial cephalograms of 1000 Urhobo subjects, between the ages of 18 – 60 years, were collected over a 3-year period and subjected to geometric angular analysis to determine the magnitude of their respective facial angles. The mean value of Campers facial angle among sampled Urhobo subjects, 100.27º±4.06 (males: 100.43º±4.34; females: 100.11º±3.78), was higher than that reported for European subjects (100º) by a numeric value of 0.27º. Analysis of obtained mean values of facial angle in this investigation showed that this craniometric variable was gender specific and may be show significant ethnic differences. These large numbers of cephalometric measurements provide a scientific basis for evaluation of physical variations in morphological human traits, not differences in human intelligence and brain complexity as was once proposed.Keywords: Petrus Campers, Facial Angle, Photogrammetric Analysis, Urhobo
Microanatomy of the trigeminal cavum: Meckel's cave
Authors: Konan Landry , N’dri Oka Dominique , Mbende Alban Slim , Kouakou Fulbert , Velut Stéphane
Published: April 2021

The anatomy of the trigeminal cavum also known as Meckel's cave is still poorly understood despite the number of various descriptions available in the literature. The new concept of parasellar compartment means that Meckel's cave and the cavernous sinus constitute a unique entity. We sought to understand anatomic organization of the trigeminal cavum through dissection of 5 previously frozen, formalin-fixed human heads under operating microscope and to gain further knowledge about pathological processes developed in this intracranial region. Meckel’s cave appeared as an invaginated fingered-glove structure tightly attached to the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus and is located in the ventro-lateral quadrant delineated by petro-clinoid folds. The trigeminal porus was observed to be located halfway between the back of the dorsum sellae and the porus of the internal auditory meatus. The trigeminal nerve is the main constituent of Meckel’s cave. The microanatomy of Meckel’s cave is described and the trigeminal cavum can be involved in pathological processes such tumors, meningiomas and trigeminal neuralgia.Keywords: Microanatomy, parasellar compartment, trigeminal cavum, cavernous sinus