bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (COVID-19) Infection and Its Impact on Cancer Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy
Authors: Venkatesan Kannan , Vivek Anand J , Sudesh Deshpande , Prakash Umbarkar , Bajpai Ranjit , Kabre Rohit , Hinduja Ritika , Alurkar Priyanka , Naidu Suresh , Chauhan Kamalnayan , Shinde Sandeep , Parmar Neeta , Jejurkar Ashwini , Kamble Prashant , Ullagaddi Santosh , Jadhav Omkar , Tawde Madhvi , Nambiar Jyothy , Rohekar Ravindra , Goraksha Preeti , Dharia Rajasi
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

COVID-19 illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. It had an overwhelming effect on health-care delivery in India. We report the 5 months, April–September 2020, experience in our radiotherapy (RT) department.

Methods:

Since April–September 2020, we registered 184 cancer patients with various site diseases for RT/chemoradiation treatment for curative/palliative therapy. Preregistration and weekly once during treatment period all underwent throat/nasopharynx swab testing with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Dedicated infection prophylaxis was carried for patients and staff.

Results:

Of the 184 patients, 10.9% (20/184) swab results were positive for SARS-CoV-2. With appropriate COVID-19 care and quarantine, 18 patients completed the planned RT. Two died with COVID-19 infection illness and progressive locoregional cancer. We observed no excess acute RT/chemoradiation effects in this group due to infection.

Conclusions:

Our 5-month experience in this COVID-19 pandemic period reveals that RT treatment, COVID-19 care, and quarantine can be done with dedicated infection protective measures.
Anxious? Don’t Forget… So Is Grandpa
Authors: Adhia Ankita
Published: April 2021

Despite the support systems that may be available, the scope of the recent pandemic is debilitating on a multitude of levels including, but not limited to, psychological, social, and financial. Older people already coping with mental distress on the sidelines of chronic illness, may be further compromised. The older person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often struggles to withstand the anxiety and depression that is intertwined with symptoms of worsening respiratory function.
The universal Boolean inverse semigroup presented by the abstract Cuntz–Krieger relations
Authors: Lawson Mark V. , Vdovina Alina
Published: April 2021

This paper is a contribution to the theory of what might be termed 0-dimensional non-commutative spaces. We prove that associated with each inverse semigroup

S

is a Boolean inverse semigroup presented by the abstract versions of the Cuntz–Krieger relations. We call this Boolean inverse semigroup the tight completion of

S

and show that it arises from Exel's tight groupoid under non-commutative Stone duality.
A Novel Time - Efficient Method for PMSM Efficiency Maps Calculation
Authors: Oliveros Pablo , Yeksan Ahmet , Arabbo Jacob , Makam Sandeep
Published: April 2021

Accuracy of efficiency maps for permanent magnet synchronous machines depends on loss and torque calculations. Losses that occur in the stator or rotor core material as well as copper loss that occurs in the winding at high speeds are non-linear, and can be predicted by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) precisely. Though prediction is precise with FEA, the technique introduces substantial computational overhead. Replacing FEA with analytical estimates of the losses expedites loss modeling, but reduces precision of loss estimates, making efficiency calculations less precise as well. The prediction method proposed in this paper potentially offers accuracy similar to that attained using FEA while reducing the computational overhead typically required. The prediction method requires a small number of finite element solutions of the torque and the losses at different operation points which can then be utilized to accurately predict the value of the torque and losses in the machine’s operating range of interest. In this paper, the prediction method is compared to full FEA for estimating the efficiency of a permanent magnet synchronous machine. The prediction method is shown to closely predict the efficiency while requiring one third of the computational resources required by full FEA.
Resource use efficiency of small scale poultry egg production in Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas of Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Lawal H , Alfred B
Published: April 2021

This study analyse resource use efficiency of small scale poultry egg production in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. The objective of this study is to determine if resources are efficiently utilized in small scale poultry egg production in the study area. A total of one hundred respondents were randomly selected for this study. The data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that the coefficient of determination (R2) was 96.33%. The overall model was highly significant at 1% level of probability as shown by the magnitude of the F-statistics. The coefficient of flock size was positive (0.5794) and statistically highly significant at 1% level of probability. The positive coefficient implied that on the average, a 1% increase in the number of birds will increase poultry egg production by about 57.94%. Findings from the study indicated that flock size X1 was under utilized since the ratio obtained is greater than unity. The results showed that poultry egg farmers in the study area are not efficient in their production as regards the four important resources (flock size, feeds, family and hired labour) that were used in this analysis. One important point to note is that of all the resources, none has a negative MVP signifying that these farmers are still producing within economically rational range. The study recommends that poultry egg industry in the study area should be reorganized in such a way that labour input is used only for the necessary activities. Also, increasing the number of birds per flock and feeding rate with high quality feed can improve the resource use efficiency of the poultry egg farmers in the study area.Keywords: Efficiency, Flock size, Poultry egg
An overview on significant human genetics modification in the protection against severe Falciparum malaria
Authors: Ahmad Usman
Published: April 2021

This paper was aimed at expatiating the relevance to which falciparum malaria are protected due to various genetically modified factors which include Hemoglobin S, Hemoglobin E, Hemoglobin C, Hemoglobin F, Alpha and beta thalassemia, ovalocytosis, Glucose – 6- Phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) – BW53, DRBI 1302, DQBI 0501, Pyruvate kinase or PKLR gene. However, human genetics is one of the elements can be used in planning of co- ordinated attack on disease, since it sometime give an avenue to differentiate those groups or individual who are susceptible from those who are not.Keywords: malaria, hemoglobin, genetically modified factors
Phytochemical screening and antibacterial susceptibility of whole plant of Euphorbia heterophylla crude extracts against selected bacteria pathogens
Authors: Oloninefa S.D. , Abalaka M.E. , Daniyan S.Y. , Mann A
Published: April 2021

No Abstract
The Debate on the Use of Genetic Technology and Production of GM Foods in Ghana: Ethical Perspectives
Authors: Appiah Simon Kofi
Published: April 2021

As has been the case in other parts of the world, recent attempts to pass a bill on the use of genetic technology for food production in Ghana have naturally led to intense debates between those who favour the technology and sceptics. This concept paper points out that both sides of the divide rely on arguments that have been used in other places without sufficiently considering how such arguments relate to the overall political aspirations of Ghana. Using a basic Aristotelian principle of the importance of applying appropriate means for the attainment of an end (phronesis), the paper attempts to contextualize the debate and concludes that gene technology can be used in Ghana, if it is purged of the “genomythology” on which it rests and, if the nation will engage in the search for alternatives.Keywords: phronesis, Ghana, GM Foods, biotechnology, ethics
Mainstreaming the Discourse on Restitution and Repatriation within African History, Heritage Studies and Political Science
Authors: Apoh Wazi , Mehler Andreas
Published: April 2021

The recent upsurge of interest in restitution and repatriation debates by practitionersand scholars might offer appropriate chances for true interdisciplinary research.Not only should historical, anthropological and legal studies take part in such aconversation, but also, political science, archaeology and heritage studies. Resolutelyand systematically giving voice to both African stakeholders and African researchersis an imperative. In this introduction, the fresh start of a rich debate is traced, providingthe framework for processing and understanding current debates and practices ofrestitution. Essential and neglected questions are formulated. Detected voids call forthe mainstreaming of a new discourse on restitution and repatriation to play a pivotalrole in the epistemology of these allied disciplines and training
Demands for restitution – a recent phenomenon? Early histories of human remains violations in Namibia
Authors: Henrichsen Dag
Published: April 2021

Current demands by Namibian families and communities for restitution of humanremains and so-called ethnographic objects in European collections are rooted inmuch longer traditions of restitution demands than is generally anticipated. In thispaper I discuss pre- and early colonial human remains violations and African protestand resistance, which triggered principal restitution, demands and fostered a critiqueof colonial scientific practices, all of which resonate in current restitution politics.
Looted Nigerian heritage – an interrogatory discourse around repatriation
Authors: Gundu Zacharys Anger
Published: April 2021

The colonial assault on African culture and heritage culminated in the indiscriminate looting of African cultural resources, many of which are icons in public and private museums and institutions in Europe and North America. Many more are in auction houses and art galleries outside the continent. While there is no comprehensive audit of these materials, they are estimated to run into hundreds of thousands. In this paper, attempts are made to identify the different genres of looted Nigerian materials in Europe and North America. Factors that have continued to exacerbate the looting of the country’s cultural resources are identified and attempts are made to suggest possible strategies for the repatriation of these looted treasures.
The restitution debate and return of human remains: implications for bioarchaeological research and cultural ethics in Africa
Authors: Lamptey Pearl S.N.O. , Apoh Wazi
Published: April 2021

The calls for repatriation and restitution of African objects and human remains in unlawful Euroamerican custody are gaining global momentum. This paper examines how bioarchaeological analyses are done on legitimately excavated or acquired human remains. Such studies are assessed in tandem with the negative eugenicist practices associated with the looted African human remains that were studied in Europe and America during the periods of slavery and colonization in Africa. It further examines the issues surrounding the repatriation of human remains and discusses the implications of this practice on the ethics and cultural rights of societies in Africa. Excavated human skeletal remains from Begho are examined within their culturalcontext as a Ghanaian case study. By exploring these issues, we are of the view that the complexities in the nature of acquisition and return of human remains requires a holistic comprehension from multiple points of view rather than from a single subjective perspective. Such multiple approaches must include the need for adequate provenance and bioarchaeological research to bear on the contexts and practices associated with the anthropology of death in the societies of origin.
Posterior mediastinal Castleman’s disease with vascular malformation
Authors: Tamire Ayalew T.
Published: April 2021

Castelman’s disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown aetiology, with the unicentric form usually involving the chest. Posterior mediastinal involvement is uncommon, exceedingly so when associated with vascular malformation. We report the case of a young female patient who presented with 9 months of left-sided, dull chest and flank pain associated with weight loss and a subjective tingling sensation. Imaging reveled a well-circumscribed hyper-enhancing posterior mediastinal para-oesophageal mass. She underwent a right posterolateral thoracotomy, mass excision. Histopathologic examination confirmed Castleman’s disease (CD) with arteriovenous malformation. CD with vascular malformation is a very rare condition that can only be diagnosed histopathologically. Surgical resection is effective and has a good prognosis. Keywords: Castleman’s disease; AV malformation; posterior mediastinum
Prevalence of acute deep vein thrombosis according to HIV status following major orthopaedic surgery at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: West Collin , Mulla Yakub , Munthali James
Published: April 2021

Background: Hypercoagulable states and immobilization following lower limb, pelvic, and spinal surgery increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is also suggested that HIV alone increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis. However no study has been done to determine the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis in HIV seropositive individuals who have undergone lower limb orthopaedic surgery in the Zambian context. We therefore conducted this study to determine the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis in patients who are HIV seropositive in comparison to those who are HIV seronegative after undergoing lower limb orthopaedic surgery. Methods: A total of 42 Patients were enrolled. Of these 23 (54 %) were HIV negative controls and 19 (46 %) were HIV positive patients who underwent lower limb surgery or spinal surgery. Demographic and HIV status data was collected prior to surgery. After surgery a blood sample was tested for fibrinogen degradation products (D-dimer) levels. The patients were then monitored for the development of clinical DVT and those that developed clinical DVT had an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. Results: The majority (81%) of the study population were under the age of 50 years. The mean values of D-dimers were 2.33 ± 1.65 μg/ml for the HIV negative group and 2.55 ±1.50 μg/ml for the HIV positive group. The number of positive D-dimer results was similar in the two groups, 94.7% for the HIV cohort and 95.7% in the negative group (X 2 0.19 p=0.89). There was a positive correlation between the D-dimer value and the type of surgery done in both the HIV positive group (R 0.390 p = 0.049) and the HIV negative group (R 0.398 at p = 0.03). In both group’s hip and knee surgeries gave higher values of D-dimers. There was no statistical difference in the occurrence of a positive D-dimer and CD4 count (X2 0.95 p=0.89). The combined prevalence of clinical DVT confirmed by compression ultrasonography in the entire study population was 4.8%. The prevalence in the HIV seropositive group and HIV seronegative groups were 5.3% and 4.3% respectively (X2 0.19 p= 0.89). None of the patients received preoperative DVT prophylaxis due to cost but both patients that developed DVT received antithrombotic treatment. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the prevalence of DVT between patients who were HIV seronegative and seronegative following major lower limb and spinal orthopaedic surgery. Both groups had raised D-dimer values. Keywords: deep vein thrombosis; HIV; D-dimer; Doppler ultrasound
Detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HER2, MUC1, ESR1, and BRCA1 genes associated with canine mammary cancer
Authors: Carvajal-Agudelo Juan D. , Giraldo-Chalarca Laura , Cortes-Mera Diana M. , Ossa-López Paula A. , Morales-Álvarez Edwin D. , Rivera-Páez Fredy A.
Published: April 2021

Worldwide, canine mammary cancer (CMC) is the most frequent type of neoplasia in female dogs, and it is three times more frequent in dogs than in humans. In Colombia, CMC is the second most frequent type of cancer, after skin neoplasia. Genetics is one of the most important factors in- volved in any type of cancer, and the genetic ba- sis of this disease is reflected through line breed- ing due to changes in allelic frequencies that are traceable using molecular markers. This study aimed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with CMC in blood samples collected from collected from healthy and CMC female dogs at Diego Villegas Toro Veterinary Hospital of Universidad de Caldas (Manizales, Colombia). We designed primers using Primer- BLAST and Primer3, and gene fragments from HER2, MUC1, ESR1, and BRCA1 were amplified to identify SNPs through genome mapping using the UCSC Genome Institute genome browser. We used the genome of Canis lupus familaris Boxer breed [GCF_000002285.3, (CanFam 3.1)] as a refer- ence to compare the gene fragments and SNPs. We associated SNPs with the CMC and control groups by testing odds ratios (OR) through Fish- er’s exact tests to determine an association or risk for CMC. We detected two SNPs for ESR1, three for MUC1, six for HER2, and one for BRCA1. MUC1 was the only gene to display an SNP in an exonic region that resulted in an amino acid substitution (Pro>Thr). No significant differences based on the OR were found, though the majority of SNPs, with the exception of four, were found in females with CMC. We report a novel molecu- lar marker for HER2 that amplifies exons 25–26 and introns 24–25, and highlight the importance of conducting further studies on MUC1 and elu- cidating the role of introns and splicing in candi- date genes associated with CMC.
X-ray micro-tomographic data of live larvae of the beetle Cacosceles newmannii
Authors: Lehmann Philipp , Javal Marion , Du Plessis Anton , Tshibalanganda Muofhe , Terblanche John S.
Published: April 2021

Quantifying insect respiratory structures and their variation has remained challenging due to their microscopic size. Here we measure insect tracheal volume using X-ray micro-tomography (μCT) scanning (at 15 μm resolution) on living, sedated larvae of the cerambycid beetle Cacosceles newmannii across a range of body sizes. In this paper we provide the full volumetric data and 3D models for 12 scans, providing novel data on repeatability of imaging analyses and structural tracheal trait differences provided by different image segmentation methods. The volume data is provided here with segmented tracheal regions as 3D models.
ALÇI KALIP İLE SERAMİK OBJE ÜRETİMİNDE ÜÇ BOYUTLU YAZICI KULLANIMI
Authors: TURGUTOĞLU KAYGISIZ Nazlı Nurcay , KAYGISIZ Hüseyin
Published: April 2021

Seramik objelerin üretiminde; alçı kalıp çok yaygın kullanılan bir uygulamadır. Bu uygulamada öncelikle; üretimi yapılmak istenilen objenin ana modeli (çekirdek) oluşturulur. Bir sonraki aşamada ise üretilen ana modelin alçı kalıbı oluşturulur. Alçı kalıp üzerine açılan döküm ağzından, döküm çamuru (sıvı çamur) kalıba dökülür. Alçı kalıp döküm çamurundaki fazla suyu emdiğinde alçı kalıp içindeki döküm çamuru üretimi yapılmak istenilen objeye dönüşür. Bir ya da birden çok parçadan oluşan alçı kalıp, açılarak içindeki obje çıkartılır. Alçı kalıp yöntemi ile üretimi yapılmak istenilen obje elde edilmiş olur. Bu süreçteki en kritik aşamalardan ilki ana modelin üretilmesidir. Bu üretim aşamasının başarılı ya da başarısız olması; ana modeli oluşturan kişinin yetenek ve el işçiliği ile doğru orantılıdır. Günümüzde üç boyutlu bilgisayar destekli tasarım programları makine tasarımından mimariye birçok sektöre girmiş, tasarım ve üretim süreçlerini ciddi oranda kısaltmıştır. Sanatsal üretim sürecine bu programların dahil olması ile sanatçıların iş gücü ve zaman kayıpları minimuma inecektir. Alçı kalıp üretiminde en önemli aşama olan ana model üretiminin üç boyutlu yazıcı kullanılarak üretilmesi çalışmada özgün bir nitelik taşımaktadır. Sonuç olarak; bu çalışmanın temel amacı günümüzde hızla gelişen üç boyutlu bilgisayar destekli tasarım ve üretim teknolojileri ile geleneksel seramik obje üretim süreçlerini entegre etmektir. Çalışma kapsamında ana model üç boyutlu bilgisayar destekli tasarım programlarında tasarlanmış ve üç boyutlu yazıcı ile üretilmiştir. PLA+ malzemeden üretilen objenin alçı kalıbı alınmış, döküm yöntemi ile form başarılı bir şekilde üretilmiştir.
Farklı Taşıma Yükleri Altında Kompleks Kesitli Esnek Bir Kirişin Deneysel ve Nümerik Titreşim Analizi
Authors: DİRİLMİŞ Mehmet
Published: April 2021

Bu çalışmada, kompleks kesitli ankastre bir kirişin titreşim analizi deneysel ve nümerik olarak incelenmiştir. Kompleks kesitli kiriş olarak 20 x 20 mm Aluminyum Sigma profil kullanılmıştır. İncelenen kirişin farklı konumlarına uygulanan taşıma yüklerinin kirişin doğal frekanslarına olan etkileri titreşim analizi ile elde edilmiştir. İncelen sistemin deneysel titreşim cevabını elde etmek için bir çekiç yardımıyla kiriş uyarılmıştır. Kirişin uç noktasından ivmemetre sensörü ve lazer deplasman sensörü ile anlık ivme ve konum değerleri kaydedilmiştir. Elde edilen titreşim cevapları Matlab programında yazılan sinyal işleme programı ile filtrelenmiş ve frekans spektrumları elde edilmiştir. İncelenen ankastre kiriş Euler-Bernoulli kiriş teorisine göre sonlu elemanlar yöntemi ile modellenmiştir. Analizlerde kirişin bir ucu ankastre ve taşıma yükü eklenen diğer ucu serbest olarak kabul edilmiştir. Kirişe monte edilen taşıma yükünün konumu değiştirilerek titreşim cevabına ve doğal frekanslara olan etkileri deneysel ve nümerik olarak incelenmiştir. Taşıma yükü konumu kök kısma doğru yaklaştıkça yapının doğal frekanslarının arttığı, serbest uca doğru yaklaştıkça doğal frekansların düştüğü görülmüştür. Analizlerden elde edilen deneysel ve simülasyon sonuçlarının birbiri ile uyum içinde olduğu görülmüştür.
Class Struggle in “The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy (A Marxist Analysis of the Novel)
Authors: Bibi Ambreen , Ashfaq Saimaan , Ullah Qazi Muhammad Saeed , Abbas Naseem
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study is to give a glimpse of class conflict depicted in the novel of Arundhati Roy “The God of Small Things”. Arundhati Roy seems to show that Marx perception of life is not without faults, having this conception Marxists believe that the proletariat class is nothing to lose but their unity. In this perspective the predominant view is that proletariat class has no privileges in India and this is the basic purpose of the study to reveal that it creates a sense of insecurity in the minds of those who are less considered in that society and they are mostly behaved less than the level of human. This research highlights that in the conception of Marxism all the workers should be united and there should be equality in the society.
In-vitro Evaluation of Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities of Antlion Larvae Extracts
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, Adeyanju Muinat , Shodiya Balqees ,   Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, Abayomi Olufemi ,   Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, Awofeso Adewale ,   Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, Akinlade Ayodele ,   Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, Adebisi Oluwatayo ,   Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, Ugwu Basil ,   Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, Ashidi Joseph ,   Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye Ogun State, Nigeria, Obuotor Efere ,   Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
Published: April 2021

Antlion is used in traditional medicine by natives of the southern part of Nigeria particularly the Yorubas for memory enhancement. The progress made so far in the use of this organism as a memory booster lead to investigating the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) (the key enzymes in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease) inhibitory activities of methanolic and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) extracts. The activities of these enzymes were investigated using Ellman’s method. The kinetics of the inhibition patterns was also studied using eserine as the standard inhibitor. The concentration of the extract required for 50% inhibition (IC50) of the AChE was 49.00 ± 1.20 and 271.40 ± 0.10 µg/mL, for the PBS and methanolic extracts respectively, compared to Eserine with IC50 of 2.25 x 10-2 ± 0.15 x 10-2 µg/mL. Similarly, the IC50 for the BuChE was 66.30 ± 0.40 and 216.70 ± 1.10 µg/mL respectively, for the methanol and PBS extracts, compared to Eserine with IC50 of 1.10 ± 0.30 µg/mL. The pattern of inhibition of the BuChE in the presence of the extracts was non-competitive, while AChE exhibited non-competitive and competitive inhibitions for the methanolic and PBS extracts respectively. It is therefore evident that extracts of the antlion larvae contained cholinesterase inhibitors which might be binding to AChE and BuChE; with the PBS extract inhibitory activity towards AChE being more potent than the methanolic extract. Suggesting a beneficial effect in cognitive deficit and related dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Influence of Antidepressant Medication on Short Term Memory in Chronic Mild Stress Mouse Model of Depression
Authors:   Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Federal University, Dutse, Nigeria, Mustapha Saeed , Oshafu Majidat ,   Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, Adam Umar ,   Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, Yusha’u Yusuf ,   Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, Daku Abubakar ,   Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Federal University, Dutse, Nigeria
Published: April 2021

Depression is among the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Researchers have identified a link between depression and different types of memory loss, including short term memory (STM). Also, the memory impairment in depression is a function of severity. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of antidepressant medication on short term memory in chronic mild stress (CMS) mouse model of depression. A total of eighteen female mice were randomly divided into three groups of six mice each (n=6). Group I served as normal control, group II were exposed to CMS for 14 days, group III were exposed to CMS for 14 days, and thereafter treated with paroxetine at a dose of 20 mg/kg for 14 days. Short term memory was assessed using batteries of cognitive tests including the Y-maze and novel object recognition. Further antidepressant effect was measured using the tail suspension test (TST). The results showed that paroxetine at 20 mg/kg significantly improved the short term memory of the depressed female mice (p<0.05) in the Y-maze and novel object (recognition) tasks after CMS. Therefore, paroxetine might be used to enhance short term memory in depressed individuals, although clinical studies are required to confirm this finding.
Renewable Energy Use, Real GDP, And Human Development Index In Bangladesh: Evidence From Simultaneous Equation Model
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of EconomicsUniversity of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh, Basri Rabeya
Published: April 2021

This paper tries to seek out the correlation between renewable energy use, real GDP, and HDI in addition to trade openness, urbanization, and environmental aspects in the case of Bangladesh during the phase of 1990-2015. In persuasion of the objective, time-series data of the given period is analyzed by means of the 2SLS approach. We also apply the VECM Granger causality technique in order to find the underlying relationship between the given variables. Findings of the study suggest that real GDP, CO2 emissions, and use of renewable energy have positive consequences on the human development index while trade liberalization and urbanization have insignificant impacts on it. The study finds renewable energy use improves human development processes. Therefore, the government should emphasize on renewable energy production and the use of renewable energy.
Effects of TQM Practices Against Outsourcing Employee Satisfaction and Loyalty Electricity Sector
Authors:   Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Jambi (STIE Jambi), Indonesia, Ferzi Noviardi
Published: April 2021

This study examines the relationship of Total Quality Management (TQM) to the satisfaction and loyalty of Outsourcing PT employees. PLN Bungo area, Indonesia. The TQM variables used include employee training, employee empowerment, teamwork, employee compensation, and management leadership. The research results are poured into a theoretical model that shows the satisfaction and loyalty of outsourcing employees. This study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) with the Partial Least Squares (PLS) approach. The computer program used is SmartPLS version 3.0. The number of samples used was 176 respondents. The results showed that employee empowerment, employee compensation, teamwork, and management leadership were significant positive predictors of employee satisfaction, and employee loyalty can be increased through employee satisfaction.
Repensando as Posições de Gênero na Atualidade: dos sólidos à constante fluidez
Authors: Nobre Júlio Cesar De Almeida
Published: April 2021

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo estudar as posições de gênero como processamentos fluidos, a partir do entendimento da atualidade como imersa em um constante estranhamento que esvazia qualquer pretensão de um “algo em estado sólido e puro”. Tal concepção se revela bastante diferenciada em relação a uma imagem moderna, na qual as relações de gênero se resumiriam a uma simples oposição hierárquica entre as masculino e feminino. Esse olhar oposicionista moderno registra uma dicotomia onde uma posição – fixa – se legitima perante a deslegitimação da outra – opositora e também fixa. A diferença não tem espaço senão como inimigo em um campo de batalha. Masculino e feminino, dentro de uma perspectiva moderna, configuram dessa forma, todo um jogo de oposições entre estruturas rigidamente delimitadas.
Perfil Higiênico de Carne Bovina Moída Comercializada na Cidade do Rio de Janeiro e Adjacências, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Authors: Ferreira Maria Célia , Norberg Antonio Neres , Torres Ana Carolina , Ribeiro Paulo César , Sanches Fabiano Guerra , Queiroz Margareth Maria De Carvalho , Carvalho Raimundo Wilson de
Published: April 2021

Foi avaliada a ocorrência de soro-grupos do gênero Salmonella em 150 amostras de carne bovina moída comercializada em açougues da cidade do Rio de Janeiro e adjacências. Após as coletas, as amostras de carne foram mantidas sob-refrigeração até serem feitas as semeaduras em Tetrationate Broth. Posteriormente foram repicadas em Eosin-Methilen-Blue Agar e Salmonella-Shigella-Agar. O crescimento obtido foi identificado através de caracteres morfológicos, culturais, provas bioquímicas e sorológicas. O resultado mostrou que 52% das amostras estavam contaminadas por Salmonelas. Os soro-grupos  B e D apresentaram as maiores incidências e nenhuma amostras apresentou-se contaminada pelo soro-grupo A, soro-grupo exclusivo de humanos.
Fatores Preditivos no Tratamento Cirúrgico Vídeotoracoscópico da Hiperidrose Primária
Authors: Lima e Paula Aurilio Garcia , Mota Lívia Oliveira Delgado , Baptista Marco Antônio Ferraz de Barros , Filho Jobson Bortot , Saccomani Tassius Borsatto , De Souza Mauro césar Tavares
Published: April 2021

Este artigo apresenta e discute os fatores preditivos no tratamento cirúrgico videotoracoscópico da hiperhidrose primária através do estudo de vinte pacientes e a análise dos resultados obtidos com os mesmos.
Iluminação de Ambientes Tridimensionais Virtuais com Traçado de Raios Virtual Three-Dimensional Environment Illumination With Tracing Of Rays
Authors: Junior Jason Paulo Tavares Faria
Published: April 2021

Neste trabalho será desenvolvido um software que permite a visualização tridimensional de ambientes externos e internos utilizando para iluminação destes cenários a técnica Ray Tracing (traçado de raios), envolvendo várias disciplinas com computação gráfica, arquiterura, eletromagnetismo, matemática, topografia, linguagem de programação e física. Este projeto é dirigido aos alunos dos últimos anos de graduação e de iniação científica com o objetivo de desenvolver este procedimento automatizado com a finalidade de comercialização.
Estudo dos Perfís Compostos em Fibra de Vidro pelo Processo de Fabricação por Pultrusão Combinando as Vantagens do Plástico com a Madeira e o Aço.
Authors: Guimarães Alexandre José De Athayde
Published: April 2021

A madeira é, provavelmente, o material de construção mais antigo utilizado para compor as estruturas das coberturas e dos telhados das edificações. As primeiras aplicações dos perfis metálicos em coberturas e telhados são do século XIX. Os perfis em plástico reforçado com fibras surgiram no mercado nacional nos anos 80 do século XX. Entretanto, a aplicação de perfis em PRF tem sido insignificante face à potencialidade desse produto. Além disso, a consciência ambiental desenvolvida na sociedade ecologicamente correta tem limitado o desmatamento e impedido a derrubada de determinados tipos de árvores reduzindo acentuadamente a oferta de perfis de madeira no mercado da construção habitacional. Por esta razão, as treliças em perfis em plástico reforçado com fibras de vidro em coberturas e telhados, bem como os tipos de ligação, são os objetivos deste artigo.
As Novas Biotecnologias da Reprodução e a Subjetividade na Atualidade: caminhando entre a técnica e o humano
Authors: Nobre Júlio Cesar De Almeida
Published: April 2021

O objetivo do presente trabalho é tematizar a condição instável de nossa atualidade – a subjetividade que está sendo produzida na chamada Pós-Modernidade – e sua implicação com as novas biotecnologias – mais especificamente as biotecnologias da reprodução. Primeiramente visamos apresentar uma atualidade caracterizada, por muitos autores, como campo de intensa artificialização do sujeito, intensa mistura a desvirtuar aquilo que se concebe por humanidade. Ao entendermos que a atualidade se permeia por tais práticas, buscamos uma concepção diferenciada sobre tais temáticas que parecem ter como pressuposto uma dicotomia fundamental entre humanidades e tecnologias. Neste terreno, procuramos entender tal quadro de intensa turbulência interfronteiras por meio do modelo das redes sociotécnicas do sociólogo das ciências Bruno Latour. “Humanidade”, a partir de tal concepção, parece estar sendo re-constituída incessantemente em meio aos intensos agenciamentos híbridos atuais.
Monetary Policy, Equity Markets and the Information Effect
Authors:   Reserve Bank of Australia, He Calvin
Published: April 2021

Central banks analyse copious amounts of information to assess the economic outlook to then set monetary policy. So, could changes in monetary policy reveal some additional information about the economic outlook to the public? This channel is known as the 'information effect'. The information effect posits that, in addition to the usual effects of monetary policy, agents interpret an interest rate increase as signalling some additional positive economic information. This effect, if strong enough, could then lead to dynamics where an increase in interest rates causes an expansion in economic activity. I evaluate whether the information effect can be detected in Australia through the lens of equity markets. I find that, contrary to the predictions of the information effect, a surprise monetary tightening from a monetary policy announcement causes equity prices to fall. I also show that this response in equity prices is, at least in part, driven by downward adjustments in expected earnings growth. These responses are consistent with conventional views of the effects of monetary policy. However, looking beyond monetary policy announcements yields some evidence that an information effect could be present through other forms of Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) communication. I find speeches delivered by the RBA Governor generate responses in equity prices and earnings forecasts consistent with the information effect. But this result appears to be the exception rather than the rule. For most monetary policy communication, at least in equity markets, the information effect is not an important channel of monetary policy.
Assessment of Mycological Quality of Groundwater in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Richard Glory , Rebecca Aseibai Ebinyo
Published: April 2021

This study examined the mycological quality of groundwater in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Triplicate water samples were obtained from 8 locations in the metropolis, and the fungi quality analyzed following standard microbiological procedures. Results showed that total fungi density ranged from 5.2±1.00 x102 to 8.50±0.56 x103 CFU/ml. Analysis of variance indicates statistical variation (p=0.001) across locations with total fungi density exceeding the limit of 102 CFU/ml specified by World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization for potable water in 62.50% of samples. Eight fungi isolates (species) were identified in the study with frequency across the locations as follows: Aspergillus flavus (20.59%), Aspergillus fumigatus (20.59%), Aspergillus niger (20.59%), Cladosporum (5.88%), Fusarium (2.94%), Mucor (8.82%), Penicilium (14.71%) and Rhizopus (5.88%). Of these, Aspergillus species were predominant across the locations. Since groundwater meets diverse purposes, it is essential that it is suitable for the desired use, and this can be done using appropriate technology to make groundwater potable for human consumption.
Multi-moving Loads Induced Vibration of FG Sandwich Beams Resting on Pasternak Elastic Foundation
Authors: SONGSUWAN Wachirawit , PIMSARN Monsak , WATTANASAKULPONG Nuttawit
Published: April 2021

The dynamic behavior of functionally graded (FG) sandwich beams resting on the Pasternak elastic foundation under an arbitrary number of harmonic moving loads is presented by using Timoshenko beam theory, including the significant effects of shear deformation and rotary inertia. The equation of motion governing the dynamic response of the beams is derived from Lagrange’s equations. The Ritz and Newmark methods are implemented to solve the equation of motion for obtaining free and forced vibration results of the beams with different boundary conditions. The influences of several parametric studies such as layer thickness ratio, boundary condition, spring constants, length to height ratio, velocity, excitation frequency, phase angle, etc., on the dynamic response of the beams are examined and discussed in detail. According to the present investigation, it is revealed that with an increase of the velocity of the moving loads, the dynamic deflection initially increases with fluctuations and then drops considerably after reaching the peak value at the critical velocity. Moreover, the distance between the loads is also one of the important parameters that affect the beams’ deflection results under a number of moving loads.
Role of Internet and Social Media in Socio- Economic Transformation
Authors: Kanwar Dr. Geetanjali Rana
Published: April 2021

The use of Internet and social media have changed the style of existing life for every people. The physical gatherings now turned to online social gatherings resulting in different use of social apps all over the world. Internet is one of the magical tool for the Web World which connect an individual to the whole world without any physical boundaries. In terms of economically transformation, the Internet and Social Media have opened opportunities for young talented dynamics to create new software's, hardware's and tools to develop information technology levels up to beyond extent. But, it creates concern also for future generation as it miss out the actual physical presence of people. The people are now not needing friends to go out, to chat in physical presence or to have a feel of presence of physical gatherings. People are now becoming alone in advancement of Internet world and missed the feeling of togetherness physically. Fraudulent cases are also at high risk zone for people all over the world using Internet and social- media which needs to be cared. Due to advancement in techno and socio- media, the physical activities are reduced in professional and personal environment among people in society resulting in reduction of manpower requirements and employment opportunities for the young generation. Lack of physical activities in professional and personal environment has raised many health issues among the people in current society. So, changes are definitely expected under socio- economic transformation while using Internet and Social Media as a part of living in future human society.
AIoT - Artificial Intelligence of Things
Authors: K M Prathima , B S Navya
Published: April 2021

The Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things are powerful technologies. Artificial Intelligence is a process in which machines get to work and act like humans. Internet of Things is an enormous network which connects the devices. These devices gather and share data about how they are used and the environment in which they operated. In this research paper we are discussing the differences between the Internet of things and Artificial Intelligence, the need of blending Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things. What is the main reason behind this combining Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things?
Composição gravimétrica e a taxa de geração per capita de Resíduos Sólidos Domiciliares
Authors: Santos Jerffeson Araujo dos , Santos Daniel de Lira , Silva Dayane  Kelly da , Santos Maria  Hilma dos , Santos Claudimary Bispo dos
Published: April 2021

A composição gravimétrica de resíduos sólidos é essencial para identificação do melhor programa de gestão e gerenciamento dos resíduos no âmbito municipal. Portanto, dados sobre a composição gravimétrica permitem o conhecimento dos fatores que determinam a origem e formação desses resíduos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a composição gravimétrica e a taxa de geração per capita dos resíduos sólidos domiciliares. A metodologia utilizada consistiu na coleta, separação e pesagem do resíduo orgânico e inorgânico, durante 14 dias, em três municípios Alagoanos: Teotônio Vilela, São Sebastião e zona rural de Arapiraca. Em Teotônio Vilela e São Sebastião, uma residência por município, com 04 residentes por domicílio; e no município de Arapiraca foram duas residências, uma com 05 e a outra com 04 residentes. O cálculo da taxa de geração per capita foi realizado após obtenção dos valores dos pesos dos resíduos, dividido pelo número de moradores de cada localidade. Em relação aos resultados, na composição gravimétrica das amostras analisadas, metade apresentou o percentual do resíduo orgânico superior ao do resíduo inorgânico, média de 57,2%, acima da média nacional; e a taxa de geração per capita dos resíduos sólidos domiciliares, a maior taxa foi 0,57kg/hab./dia e a menor 0,1kg/hab./dia. Conclui-se que as diferenças encontradas estão associadas à localidade da residência e hábitos dos moradores.
Bridging Conversations
Authors: van der Weele Simon
Published: April 2021

Both Judith Butler and Eva Kittay have formulated an ethics centered
around concepts of dependency and vulnerability. However, they take
these concepts into divergent normative directions. I trace these differences
back to the contrasting empirical examples that inform their
respective takes on dependency. Borrowing the words of Eva Kittay, I
analyze their arguments in terms of “paradigm cases” of dependency.
For Kittay, the paradigm case supporting her thought is a person with
profound intellectual and multiple disabilities; for Butler, it is a refugee.
Drawing out these paradigm cases brings the theoretical tensions between
Butler and Kittay into sharp relief. Rather than resolving them, I suggest
using the paradigm cases as heuristic devices to examine dependency
in actual care practices.
Chinese National Image and Global Leadership
Authors: Ho Benjamin Tze Ern
Published: April 2021

This chapter looks at the national image that President Xi Jinping is
attempting to project on the world stage vis-à-vis China’s global interactions.
By studying Xi’s speeches, this chapter identifies the ways
China tries to distinguish itself from the West in the space of domestic
governance and the extent to which these ideas reflect the Chinese
political worldview and belief in Chinese exceptionalism. Three main
themes form the key narratives of both the promoted national image
of China and Chinese exceptionalism, namely: (I) the “Chinese dream”
and image of China as a flourishing civilization; (II) a progressive and
peaceful China; and (III) China as a moral example which should be
internationally emulated.
The Belt and Road and the Path to Chinese Greatness
Authors: Ho Benjamin Tze Ern
Published: April 2021

This chapter looks at the Belt and Road Initiative as a case study of
China’s claim to exceptionalism in global affairs. I argue that, as a form
of economic statecraft, the BRI is conceived with the primary goal of
generating Chinese political influence abroad. Through a study of the
existing scholarship, I argue that three key themes frame Chinese IR
scholars’ discussion of the BRI: (I) the rules of the international system;
(II) the competition for regional influence; and (III) China’s own domestic
affairs and responsibility to its own people. Taken together, these themes
provide important clues about how the BRI is conceptualized to promote
a sense of Chinese exceptionalism.
Fostering Success and Motivating EFL Learners Using Zoom Meeting: A Synchronous Learning Strategy
Authors: Nuryanto Muhammad
Published: April 2021

Due to the rapid advancement of technology, teachers were forced to integrate technological equipment and method in educational strategies, for the main purpose of facilitating the learning experience. Accordingly, this study aimed to answer two main questions namely; 1) How can Zoom Meeting enhance high school students at Salatiga to gain success in ELT? 2) To what extent does use the Zoom Meeting as an asynchronous learning strategy affect the motivation of high school students at Salatiga? For that purpose, the researcher implemented an experimental design with a mixed approach to conduct the current study using a pre-test, and a post-test to measure the change in the levels of EFL learners’ English skills, the researcher also spread questionnaires to examine the attitude of the students towards the Zoom meeting. The participants of the current study were 60 high school students at Salatiga who were divided into two groups namely the control and experimental group. The findings indicated that zoom meeting enhanced EFL learners’ English skills and motivation

Keywords: Zoom Meeting, Synchronous Learning Strategy, Zoom Meeting Learning