bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vesical Calculus Around Neglected Foley’s Catheter: Case Report
Authors: Maison P. , Yenli E.
Published: July 2023

Background: Long term bladder catheterization is complicated by bacteriuria, encrustation by mineral salts, stone formation etc. In the presence of an indwelling catheter, the development of bacteriuria is inevitable and the colonization of the catheter withurease producing organisms alkalinizes the urine, promoting the precipitation of calcium phosphate salts and a biofilm of bacteria on the surface of the catheter. Aseptic techniques at catheter insertion and prompt treatment of urinary tract infections will thereforeminimize the occurrence of intravesical calculi formation. A review of literature suggests that the longest reported case of retained bladder catheter with intravesical calculus formation is two years. We report two cases of long term indwelling catheter, five yearsand two years respectively, with intravesical calculus formation around the catheter.Case Report: Case 1. A 44 year old man with urethral strictures retained a latex suprapubic Foley’s catheter for five years and reported with pericatheter leakage of urine A stone found to have formed around the catheter was removed at open suprapubic cystolithotomy. Case 2. A 61year old man retained his urethral cathetern assed for urine retention for two years. He presented in acute retention and a vesical calculus found to be around the catheter was removed at suprapubic cystolithothomy.Conclusion: Long term indwelling catheter usually gets complicated by urethral encrustation and stone formation. Aseptic techniques at urethral catheterization and proper patient education on regular catheter change are required to minimize stone formation around urethral catheter.
HIV in Ghana
Authors: Biritwum R.B.
Published: July 2023

HIV in Ghana
Sex and Rural-urban Disparities in Prevalence of Self-reported Chronic Non-communicable Diseases and Health Risks among Older Adults in Ghana: Implications for the National Aging Policy
Authors: Yawson A.E. , Dako-Gyeke P. , Hewlett S. , Calys-Tagoe B.N.L. , Malm K.L. , Hagan-Seneadza N.A. , Agyei- Baffour P. , Baddoo N.A. , Martey P. , Mensah G. , Minicuci N. , Naidoo N. , Chatterji S. , Kowal P. , Biritwum R.B.
Published: July 2023

Objective: Differences exist in the composition and morbidity/mortality patterns of older persons. This analysis determined sex differences and rural-urban disparities in common chronic diseases and health risks among older persons in Ghana.Methods: This work was based on World Health Organization’s (WHO) multi-country Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), conducted in six countries including Ghana. Nationally representative sample of 4725 persons ≥50 years was involved in this analysis. Data were obtained on eight self-reported chronic diseases and analysed by sex and location.Results: Women ≥50 years in rural-urban locations self-reported more ill-health than men of comparable age. Educational levels, household incomes and possession of health insurance were lower among rural residents. Alcohol and tobacco use were significantlyhigher in rural locations (61% vs. 55.3%) and (29.6% vs. 20.9%) respectively, while obesity was significantly higher among urban residents (17.5% vs. 4.5%). Sex differences in prevalence of chronic conditions were statistically significant for-Angina (F:M 1.8), Arthritis(F:M 1.7), Depression (F:M 2.9), Diabetes (F:M 1.3), Hypertension (F:M 1.8) and Stroke (F:M 1.2). Urbanrural disparities were significant for chronic lung disease (1% vs. 0.4%), diabetes (6.4% vs. 2.2%), hypertension (22.8% vs. 7.3%) and stroke (4% vs1.7%).Conclusions: Preventive health programmes and provision and targeting of social protection (improved access to health care and pensions) should consider sex and location of vulnerable older persons as the country implements the national aging policy.
Predictors of Pre-eclampsia: A Hospital Based Study in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Otu-Nyarko S. , Quansah Asare G. , Sackey S. , Tagoe E.A.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Pre-eclampsia is a medical condition which develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy, where blood pressure is elevated to 140/90mm/Hg or more, with significant amounts of protein in the urine. It is a pre-cursor of eclampsia and leads to increased morbidity and mortality in the affected mother and fetus or baby. The only cure for pre-eclampsia involves delivery of the placenta. Pre-eclampsia is asymptomatic and difficult to predict in the first trimester of pregnancy.Methods: This was a case control study done at the Police Hospital in Accra, using secondary data which were antenatal clinic records from 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2010. We sought to determine the number of deliveries complicated with pre-eclampsia,the proportion of deliveries complicated by preeclampsia, and risk factors of pre-eclampsia.Results: The proportion of deliveries complicated by pre-eclampsia was 2.5%. We found no association between pre-eclampsia and season of delivery, maternal blood group, history of previous abortions, maternal infections of syphilis, HIV and Hepatitis B. We found maternal age of 25 years and above, parity of one and systolic blood pressure of 130mm/Hg or more at booking were statistically significant predictors of pre-eclampsia.Conclusion: These three variables could be used to select pregnant women in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy for focused surveillance, and as a tool for selecting women for early referral for specialist care. We however recommend larger studies with the addition of lifestyle variables in further studies.
Visual Impairment in Ghanaian Patients with Brain Tumours, Factors Affecting This and Their Prognostic Significance
Authors: Tagoe N.N. , Essuman V.A. , Fordjuor G. , Akpalu J. , Bankah P. , Ndanu T.A.
Published: July 2023

Background: Anecdotally, Ghanaians with brain tumours present late with visual impairment. Contributory factors are unclear.Purpose: To determine the degree of visual impairment in Ghanaians with brain tumours, factors affecting this and their prognostic significance.Methods: A prospective study of 70 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with brain tumours seen from November 2010 to July 2013, at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital(KBTH), Accra, Ghana. Patients had clinical diagnosis of brain tumour with confirmation by Computerized tomography(CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI).Outcome measures: presenting visual acuity, prepresentation symptom interval (PPSI), tumour size and location at presentation.Results: Data on 70 patients was analyzed. Ages ranged from 8 days to 70 years, mean(SD) 41.8±1.8. Fortyseven (67.1%) were females. Histology was confirmed in 22(75.9%) of 29 who had surgery, comprising: pituitary adenoma, 17(77.3%) meningioma, 2(9.1%)craniopharyngioma, 2(9.1%) and combined pituitary adenoma and meningioma,1(4.5%). Common presenting symptoms were blurred vision, 65(92.9%), headache, 51(72.9%) and ocular pain, 22(31.4%). Common signs were impaired colour vision in 97(79.5%) of 122 eyes and optic atrophy in 49(35%) of 140 eyes. Fourteen (20%) patients were visually impaired and 18(25.7%) blind. Visual impairment20(14.3%) and blindness, 61(43.6%) were present in 140 eyes. Pre-presentation symptom interval(PPSI) was longer in the blind than the visually impaired. However, no significant association was found between PPSI and visual impairment or blindness (p=0.660). Noassociation was found between diagnosis and visual status at presentation (p=0.629)Conclusions: Early detection of brain tumours to avoid blindness and visual impairment is needed in this population since majority (57.9%) of eyes were blind or visually impaired at presentation.
Pattern of Breast Cancer Referral to Palliative Care and the Complimentary Role of a Palliative Care Unit in A Resource-Limited Country
Authors: Agodirin S.O. , Rahman G.A. , Olatoke S.A. , Durojaiye A.O.
Published: July 2023

Background: Poor quality of end of life care is an information problem. Information about palliative and end of life care is sparse from developing countries. Only 10 percent of the information in this field of care emanates from developing countries where about 85%of annual deaths due to cancerous diseases occur. We present review of breast cancer patients referred to Palliative unit of our hospital between May 2009 and June 2013. This article demonstrates challenges to palliative care and the complementary role of thepalliative unit to palliative care in developing countries
Method: The records of the Palliative unit University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital were reviewed for information about the stage of the disease at referral, performance status of the patients, the support given by the palliative unit and outcome of care.Result: One hundred and one patients were reviewed for breast cancer by the Palliative unit during the study period. Most of the referrals were from one of a general surgery units in the hospital. The number of referrals per year showed no sustained commitment to referral for palliation. The palliative unit provided counselling, home visitation and source of psychosocial and financial support. The median survival duration was 3 months. 59 percent of the recorded deaths were at homeConclusion: This report demonstrated that even though the palliative unit filled a void in the management of breast cancer patients, palliative care is still not widely accepted.
Operative Laparoscopy
Authors: Clegg-Lamptey Joe-Nat A.
Published: July 2023

Editorial
Emergency Ear, Nose and Throat Admissions in Northern Ghana
Authors: Adjeso T. , Damah M.C. , Murphy J.P.
Published: July 2023

Background: Ear, nose and throat (ENT) emergencies are common in the north of Ghana; however, there are no published reports. We conducted a retrospective study of ENT emergencies at the ENT Unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH).Methods: This was a four-year review of patients admitted for emergency care at the ENT Unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital between January 2013 and December 2016. Analyzed parameters included age, sex, diagnosis and outcome of treatment.Results: A total of 390 patients were admitted for ENT emergency treatment during this period. Thirty-eight patients were excluded on account of incomplete information with 352 patients included in the final analysis. The sex distributions of patients were 209 males and 143 females with a male to female ratio of 1.46:1. The age range was 6 months to 81 years with a mean age of 27.2 ± 21.2 (median age of 25.5) years. Peak age incidence was in 0-10 age group. The most common indications for ENT emergency admissions were maxillofacial injuries (22.7%), foreign body ingestion (17.9%), deep neck (multi-)space abscesses (14.5%) and upper airway obstruction (8.2%). Fifteen patients (4.7%) admitted for emergency care died.Conclusion: The most common indications for ENT emergency admissions from our study were throat related conditions and maxillofacial injuries that were treated successfully in 89.4% cases.
Interventional Radiology Practice In Ghana: The Current And The Future
Authors: Sakodie D.B. , Awuku Y.A.
Published: July 2023

The interventional radiologist (IR) uses radiological image guidance to target therapy. Despite the ranges of services that IR offers to patients, it is still a mirage to many of our patients. This is as a result of lack of trained personnel, the high cost of procedures andconsumables and low knowledge among health professionals on the benefit of IR services. For many developing countries like Ghana IR is in the infantile stage and now taking off. The aim of this paper is to highlight the scope of IR services and discuss the future of this subspecialty in Ghana. This paper will sensitize health professionals on the scope of interventional radiology practice in Ghana now and the future.
Maternal Obesity and the Risk of Hypertensive Disease In Pregnancy
Authors: Boafor Theodore K.
Published: July 2023

Editorial
Maternal Body Mass Index And The Risk Of Hypertensive Disease In Pregnancy - A Study Of An Urban Population Of Ghana
Authors: Buckman C.J.
Published: July 2023

Background: Hypertensive disease in pregnancy accounts for about 10-15% of maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The relationship between maternal BMI and Hypertensive disease in pregnancy has received limited attention especially in these lowandmiddle-income settings. This study aimed to quantitatively describe the relationship between maternal BMI in the first half of pregnancy and the risk of developing hypertensive disease later in pregnancy.Methodology: A prospective cohort of pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at 37 Military Hospital, Accra between 15 June 2015 and 22nd March 2016 was conducted. A total of 196 consenting expectant mothers in the first half of pregnancy who met the inclusioncriteria were recruited based on their BMI classification as normal or abnormal. They were followed up at regular antenatal visits till delivery. At these visits, repeated measurements of weight and blood pressure were taken. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis taking into account the other risk factors for hypertensive disease in pregnancy was performed. Level of significance was set at p<0.05.Results: Maternal BMI in the first half of pregnancy was significantly associated with developing hypertensive disease in pregnancy in second half of pregnancy. About 10 % of normal BMI mothers and 14% of abnormal BMI mothers developed hypertensive disease respectively. An increase in BMI within each BMI category was associated with an increased risk of developing Hypertensive disease in pregnancy.Conclusion: Promoting a healthy maternal BMI in the first half of pregnancy may help reduce the risk of hypertensive disease later in pregnancy.
Risk Factors, Ascribed Causes And Effects Of Obstetric Fistula Among Women In Northern Ghana: A Case Control Studies
Authors: Nuertey B.D. , Sackey S.O. , Gandau B.B.N. , Aikin M.S.S.
Published: July 2023

Background: Obstetric fistula is a demoralizing maternal morbidity. In Ghana, majority of the fistula occur in the northern sector. This study sought to identify the risk factors, ascribed causes and effect of obstetric fistula.Methods: A matched case control study was conducted from April to June 2013. The fistula patients were taken from the Fistula Centre in Tamale whiles the controls were from the Tamale Teaching hospital. Eligible cases were confirmed fistula patients admitted for fistula repair while controls were women who have delivered but without obstetric fistula. Cases and controls were matched on year, region and district of index delivery.Results: the following factors were associated with obstetric fistula; age below 20 years, total labour duration more than 24 hours, height 150 cm and below, still birth, operative delivery, residence in a rural area and lack of formal education. Divorce rate among cases over the period was 55.3% while that among the controls was 2.3%. About 20% of cases were likely to be currently using alcoholic beverages compared to 6% in controls (OR=5.3, 95% CI= 1.4 – 19.7). 40% of cases currently have no living child compared to 2% ofcontrols. Majority of fistula patients blame lack of health facilities and an act of God as a cause of fistula.Conclusions: Majority of women who suffer obstetric fistula are young, poor, of short stature, illiterate and resident in remote areas. There is widespread lack of understanding of the causes of Obstetric fistula among women.
The Impact of Rotavirus Vaccine on Diarrheal Diseases Among Children Under Five Years: A Retrospective Analysis of Data From 2012 To 2015 In the Yilo Krobo Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Owusu-Sarpong A. , Agbeshie K. , Teg-Nefaah P.T.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Diarrhea is an important childhood disease with high morbidity and mortality among children under 5 years of age in developing countries such as Ghana. Rotavirus vaccine was introduced in Ghana in 2012 to reduce the incidence of diarrhea among children in Ghana. The objective of the study is to assess the impact of rotavirus vaccines on the burden of diarrheal diseases among children under five years reported in the Yilo Krobo Municipality from 2012 to 2015.Methods: A retrospective analysis of routinely collected and reported data on the monthly outpatient department (OPD) morbidity returns and vaccination reports from health facilities in the Yilo Krobo Municipality was done.Results: The burden of diarrheal diseases in children under five years declined from 2012 to 2014 with a slight increase in 2015. Diarrhea formed 9.71% of OPD cases in children under five years in 2012 with a reduction to 7.73% between 2013 and 2015.Conclusion: The rotavirus vaccine has had some impact on the incidence of diarrheal diseases reported at the outpatient departments.
Pattern of Congenital Central Nervous System Anomalies Among Newborns at A Regional Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria
Authors: Eseigbe E.E. , Ochoga M. , Abah R. , Dabit O. , Eseigbe P. , Ekuma G.
Published: July 2023

Background: Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) are important causes of childhood mortality, chronic illness and disability. They have significant implications for childhood growth and development particularly in resource limited settings. Areview of their occurrence is valuable to instituting preventive and curative health care services.Objective: To document the pattern of congenital CNS anomalies in our practice Subjects and Method: A retrospective study of all neonatal admissions with congenital anomalies of the CNS (Patients) admitted into the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi-Nigeria, between June 2013 andJanuary 2016. The anomalies were classified according to the ICD 10 Classification. Other parameters assessed were: age at admission, gestational age at delivery, family history of congenital anomalies, maternal age, social class, history of ante natal care, and admission outcome.Results: A total of 73 (9.3%) out of the admitted 785 neonates had congenital anomalies and majority (28, 38.4%) were of the CNS. The affected patients had a male preponderance (20, 71.4%). Myelomeningocele was the commonest CNS anomaly (20, 71.4 %). Poor antenatal care, lack of periconceptional folic acid (pFA) intake, late folic acid supplementation, low socio economic class, and late presentation were all associated with the incidence of congenital CNS anomalies. The patients had a neonatal mortality rate of 7.1% over the study period of 30 months (2.8% per year).Conclusion: Congenital CNS anomalies were the predominant congenital anomalies, and myelomeningocele was the commonest. The study underscores the need to institute a comprehensive healthcare programme for the prevention and management of congenital anomalies of the CNS in our practice.
Sleeping Sickness (trypanosomiasis)
Authors: Editor-In-Chief
Published: July 2023

Sleeping Sickness (trypanosomiasis)
Prevalence And Factors Associated With Self-Reported Hearing Loss Among Registered Pensioners In Ghana
Authors: Nuertey B.D. , Addai J. , Nuertey A.D. , Kabutey C. , Adongo V. , Mensah I.A.
Published: July 2023

Background: Hearing loss affects quality of life. Prevalence of hearing loss varies across various geographical regions. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported hearing loss among the registered pensioners in Ghana Method: the study was a cross-sectional nation-wide study among members of the national pensioners association. It was carried out in thirteen study sites with at least a study site in each region capital of Ghana. Questionnaire administration, physical examination,urine and blood examinations were the method for data collection.Results: Overall prevalence of self-reported hearing loss among the pensioners was, 4.1%. Pensioners below 65years of age had a prevalence of 3.6% (95% CI, 2.7 – 4.5) whiles those above 80 years of age had an overall prevalence of 5.6% (95% CI, 1.5 – 9.6). Also, 14pensioners per 10,000 pensioners in Ghana use hearing aids whereas 31 pensioners per 1000 reporting hearing loss, use hearing aid. The following factors were found to be associated with hearing loss; raised urine nitrates (AOR 2.3, 95% CI, 1.1 – 5.0), history of allergies (OR 1.9, 95% CI, 1.2 – 2.8), history of chronic bodily pain (OR 1.7, 95% CI, 1.3 – 2.4), use of eyeglasses (OR 1.8, 95% CI, 1.3 – 2.6) current alcohol intake (OR 1.5, 95% CI, 1.0 – 2.2) underweight (OR 1.7, 95% CI, 1.0 – 2.9)Conclusion: The prevalence of self-reported hearing loss is low in Ghana compared to its regional and global estimates. The uptake of hearing aid use among pensioners in Ghana is very low.
The Role Of The Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Physician In Health Care Delivery
Authors: Osafo T.D.
Published: July 2023

Special Article
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia in Pregnancy in a 32yr Old Woman
Authors: Sayibu S.S. , Sefogah P.E. , Coleman J.
Published: July 2023

Background: Generally a disease of the elderly, Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) very rarely occurs in pregnancy with an estimated incidence of 1 in 75,000 - 100, 000 pregnancies1, 2. There is hardly any data on the difference in its incidence between pregnant women and non-pregnant women in the reproductive age. However, management options are more in the non-pregnant, asthey are in the elderly. Because there is yet no globally agreed standard way of managing this clinical dilemma in pregnancy, various institutions have proposed different management protocols depending on the AML type, degree of symptomatology, gestational age at diagnosis and the patient’s wishes. The objective of this publication is to present our experience with this condition at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, to bring attention to the possibility of the condition in our environment as part of differential diagnoses of anaemia or coagulopathy in pregnancy. Case: We report the case of a 32yr old G3P1+1A, at 32weeks 2days gestation diagnosed with and managed for Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and review of the available literature on this condition in pregnancy.Conclusion: Acute Myelogenous Leukemia is a very rare condition in pregnancy that lacks universally accepted treatment protocols. Management can pose a challenge to clinicians, patients and their relatives. Early accurate diagnosis is difficult in resource-constrainedsettings, and management options are limited when trying to save both fetus and mother. Early accurate diagnosis and prompt referral for appropriate interventions are key in improving outcomes, even in the face of other obstetric complications.
Criminal Liability Against Defendants for the Crime of Participating in Gold Mining Without a Permit
Authors: Fitriati Fitriati , Tamsir Tamsir
Published: July 2023

Criminal liability for the accused of a crime of participating in gold mining without a permit based on the decisions of the Teluk Kuantan District Court Number: 98/Pid.B/LH/2021 and Number: 99/Pid.B/LH/2021 namely imprisonment and a fine against the Defendant Sugeng Arianto alias Sugeng bin Siswanto and the Defendant Sungkono alias Pak De bin Katam, because the conditions that the defendant can be held criminally responsible for, the defendant was sentenced to a criminal sentence in the form of imprisonment for 1 (one) year and a fine of Rp. 800,000,000.00 (eight hundred million rupiah) provided that if the fine is not paid, it is replaced with imprisonment for 3 (three) months. Second, the judge's consideration of the decisions of the Teluk Kuantan District Court Number: 98/Pid.B/LH/2021 and Number: 99/Pid.B/LH/2021 in the criminal act of mining gold without a permit, namely the Judge in making the decision will consider the things that juridical and non-juridical, however, in general, judges in imposing crimes against perpetrators of illegal gold mining are more likely to use juridical considerations than non-juridical considerations, as referred to in the decision of the Teluk Kuantan District Court Number: 98/Pid.B/LH/2021 and Number 99/Pid.B/LH/2021 in the crime of mining gold without a permit.
Infection Prevention Behavior Level of Dental Technicians in Dental Laboratories Yogyakarta
Authors: Putriani  , Kusumastiwi Pipiet Okti
Published: July 2023

Working in a dental laboratory risks exposure to chemicals or infectious materials. One of the activities in the dental laboratory is denture manufacturing. Dental impressions, prostheses, or improper handling of clinical materials in the dental laboratory might contaminate dental technicians with pathogenic microorganisms. Dental technicians should have basic knowledge of the transmission of infection through the dental laboratory to prevent the transmission of infectious agents from dental impressions. This research aimed to discover the level of infection prevention behavior of dental technicians in dental laboratories in Yogyakarta. This research is observational descriptive research that employs a cross-sectional design. The samples were 55 dentaltechnicians working in the three Dental laboratories in Yogyakarta. The instrument was a questionnaire used to measure the level of knowledge. The data were analyzed using univariate (descriptive). According to the findings, almost half of the respondents (42%) had a low infection-prevention behavior level. The conclusion of level infection prevention behavior among dental technicians in Yogyakarta's dental laboratories was common.
Habakkuk: An Exegetical-Theological Commentary
Authors: Rutherford J. Alexander
Published: July 2023

It is all too common to find commentaries that miss the forest for the trees, commentaries that get so caught up in the minutiae of scholarly controversies that they miss what God is saying for His church today. This is especially evident when it comes to the book of Habakkuk. The Teleioteti Old Testament Commentaries series is an attempt to attain theological depth, to pay attention to the forest, without neglecting the details of the text, without missing the trees. To do this, a Teleioteti Old Testament Commentary seeks to bring scholarly rigour and thoughtfulness together with faithful attention to the purpose and significance of each book for God’s people today. It strikes a balance between technicality, working through the Hebrew text and its difficulties, and practicality, applying each major section of the text to contemporary needs. Habakkuk is a book that especially needs such an approach. After an extensive introduction discussing the significant issues and laying the groundwork for interpreting Habakkuk, this commentary walks through the text stanza by stanza and line by line. With a balance of theological reflection and exegetical depth, a wide variety of readers will find something to take away. Habakkuk is a book of discipleship, a book written to bring its reader to a deeper faith in Yahweh in the presence of His unthinkable deeds. In the midst of oppressive evil at the hands of their Judahite brothers, the righteous of Judah cry out to God for salvation. His response is the invasion of fearsome Chaldea. What appears to be horrid judgment is actually His plan to save those who trust in Him. All His people are called to extraordinary faith, to believe Him when His deeds are unbelievable. In this way, and only this way, will they be delivered from their oppressors and enjoy God’s blessings: only by faith can they have life.
A BRIEF REVIEW ON ALGAE BASED BIOFUEL
Authors: Zahra Ramsha , Khan Frisba
Published: July 2023

This Utilization of algae as a sustainable biofuel source is summarized in this critical assessment.Biohydrogen is a third-generation feedstock for the manufacture of biofuels(bioethanol, biodiesel,orbiogas)biofuel made from the gas cannot reach its maximum potential because of the higher Costs of farming,reaping, extraction other stages. Consequently, this evaluation grants Deriving biofuels starting from algaebiomass is explained in great detail systems such as raceway ponds and photobioreactors along with theirbottlenecks. Evolution of biofuel The first section of this manuscript addressed feedstock, from edibleoils to algae. Here are some insights into the various generation of biofuels. Ultimately, Algal cultivationpretreatments and future dimensions. These steps were explained in detail in order to makecarefully practical algal biofuel.
Le composite comme outil critique
Authors: Arnaud Jean
Published: July 2023

Le compositing permet aux artistes de jouer avec des effets documentaires et fictionnels selon des combinaisons infiniment variables dans leurs œuvres. Ils interrogent ainsi le spectateur sur l’instabilité, la transitivité et le pouvoir des images dans le monde actuel, en commentant la confusion médiatique entretenue par les appareils socioculturels dominants. Il s’agit ici d’analyser les évolutions actuelles du composite comme outil critique dans l’art. Ces questions seront envisagées en analysant l’importance du composite dans l’image métamorphique, d’une part. D'autre part, une définition du « transcomposite » sera proposée à partir de l’étude d’images composites qui sont transférées d’un médium à un autre.
Fendre les images, fendre les choses
Authors: Cannock Alejandro Léon
Published: July 2023

Partant du fait historico-idéologique qui détermine l’appareil photographique -- sa nature et ses fonctions -- comme un dispositif inventé pour donner à voir ce qui est (« l’actuel »), et donc soumis à la logique de la représentation (« documentaire »), cet article affirme la possibilité, à l’instar de Vilém Flusser, de faire un usage contraire au programme de l’apparatus, c’est-à-dire un usage critique qui nous invite à voir ce qui pourrait être (« le virtuel »). Donc, à penser. Ainsi, en affirmant hypothétiquement l’existence d’un type particulier d’image qualifiée de « pensive », cet article retrace synthétiquement, en soulignant les similitudes et les différences, quelques efforts théoriques (Jacques Rancière, Gilles Deleuze, Roland Barthes, Régis Durand, Georges Didi-Huberman) faits pour cerner cette puissance très singulière des images. Enfin, l’article se demandera si les techniques de compositing (au sens large du terme : collage, patchwork, mosaïque, etc.) constituent un moyen efficace de produire ces images rebelles capables de nous donner à penser et, par conséquent, susceptibles de fendre notre image du monde (critique de l’iconologie) pour fendre le monde (critique de l’idéologie).
Territoires du capitalisme numérique
Authors: Wormser Gérard
Published: July 2023

Mobilisant à plein des ressources quasi-gratuites – des routes à la main d’œuvre –, Amazon surfe sur la concurrence entre territoires pour obtenir des aides financières et des exemptions fiscales à l’appui de ses équipes commerciales, avides de stocks livrables. Catalogage, interfaces client, stockage de données, entrepôts, logistique, l’entreprise accentue l’écart entre les quartiers de l’économie de la connaissance où elle installe son cloud et les friches postindustrielles où une population déqualifiée sert ses entrepôts. Récemment installée à Washington et acteur-clé des clivages sociaux américains, Amazon ne contribue pas à les réduire.
Sheila Jeffreys : sens et légitimité d'une critique « totale » de la pornographie aujourd'hui
Authors: Roszak Romain
Published: July 2023

J'aimerais mettre en relation ici les analyses de la philosophe féministe anglaise Sheila Jeffreys et un certain nombre de discours contemporains francophones sur la pornographie. L'enjeu est multiple. Il s'agit d'abord, bien modestement, de donner à lire Jeffreys dans la mesure où elle n'est pas traduite en français à ce jour. Par là, de donner à voir un féminisme antipornographie vivace, et qui ne se fonde pas sur une vision réductrice de la pornographie, c'est-à-dire sur son catalogue le plus manifestement machiste, hétérocentré, brutal voire sadique. La critique « totale » que mène Sheila Jeffreys, et dont il faudra définir le sens, compliquerait heureusement le débat francophone sur le sort à faire à la pornographie ; il est, en l'état, très incomplet, puisque les seules figures médiatiquement reconnues qui s'opposent à l'enthousiasme queer sur le sujet sont des conservateurs qui tiennent les identités sexuelles pour naturelles et figées ; et puisque la seule opposition, dans le champ intellectuel, qui structure le débat, est celle de la défense de la pornographie en général et de la défense d'une certaine pornographie critique (et d'une manière ou d'une autre « progressiste »). Les analyses de Sheila Jeffreys permettent non seulement de rendre raison du statut et de l'extension de la pornographie aujourd'hui, mais encore de renvoyer les études pornographiques à leur fonction idéologique, sans que cela relève d'un procès d'intention.
Peuples indigènes et la pandémie au Brésil
Authors: Prado Júnior Manoel
Published: July 2023

Cet essai présente un bref aperçu des problèmes auxquels sont confrontés les peuples indigènes pour garantir leurs droits au Brésil. D'un point de vue temporel, on peut constater que les peuples indigènes ont souffert de difficultés dans la réalisation de leurs droits fondamentaux pendant des décennies, une situation qui a été considérablement aggravée par la pandémie actuelle. Il est entendu que la récupération de cette histoire de violations, ainsi que l'histoire de la mobilisation autour de leurs droits, est fondamentale pour comprendre les dimensions des impacts actuels.
Peuple Pataxó
Authors: Costa Txàmãgay Leonarda ,   Collectif Pataxó
Published: July 2023

Le peuple Pataxó habitait la région qui est aujourd’hui le sud de la Bahia bien avant l’arrivée des Portugais. Entre autres territoires, ils occupent toujours le district de Cumuruxatiba, dans la municipalité de Prado, où se situe la Terre indigène de Comexatiba. Ce territoire ancestral est actuellement le théâtre de disputes entre les fermiers et les indigènes pour la propriété de la terre. Au milieu du conflit, les Pataxó mènent leur vie quotidienne du mieux qu’ils peuvent. La communauté s’est organisée pour écrire et parler en son propre nom. Elle dénonce les attaques qu’elle subit, elle s’expose aussi et présente sa culture.
UNIVAJA - Union des peuples indigènes de la vallée du Javari
Authors: Marubo Eliésio
Published: July 2023

La vidéo présente l’une des plus grandes terres indigènes du Brésil, située dans la vallée du Javari, avec ses attraits et ses défis. Récemment, la vallée du Javari a été le théâtre de l’assassinat de l’indigéniste brésilien Bruno Pereira et du journaliste britannique Dom Phillips, engagés dans des causes liées à la préservation de l’Amazonie et à la protection des peuples indigènes de la région. La vidéo apporte également le témoignage important de l’indigène Eliésio Marubo, procureur d’Univaja, qui parle de sa difficile lutte pour garantir les droits des peuples autochtones de la région.
Povos indígenas e a pandemia no Brasil
Authors: Prado Júnior Manoel
Published: July 2023

Este ensaio apresenta um breve levantamento das questões enfrentadas pelos povos indígenas para a garantia de seus direitos no Brasil. A partir de uma perspectiva temporal, verifica-se que povos indígenas sofrem dificuldades para a concretização de seus direitos fundamentais há décadas, situação sensivelmente agravada pela atual pandemia. Compreende-se que resgatar esse histórico de violações, mas também o de mobilização em torno de seus direitos é fundamental para a compreensão das dimensões dos impactos atuais.
No Taxation for Menstruation: The Book’s Role in Menstrual Activism
Authors: Barth Ellen
Published: July 2023

This article addresses the role of books about menstruation in twenty‑first century menstrual activism. It argues that such books support and inspire transnational activist efforts by increasing public visibility of a taboo topic and by influencing perceptions about menstruation through their contents. Books on menstruation localize issues for specific linguistic, political, and cultural arenas, while still connecting to and bolstering the transnational movement. After providing an overview of current book trends, the article examines a single book, The Tampon Book, which protested the German tampon tax by hiding tampons in a book—a good with a lower tax rate than tampons. Materially embodying menstrual discrimination, the book contributed to activist efforts that led to the elimination of the tampon tax in Germany. Moreover, through engagement in the post‑digital publishing field, the book helped bring greater visibility to this internationally relevant issue.
Binding Transnational Lesbian‑Feminist Print Constellations: Exploring Feminist
Print Cultures and Its Transnational Travels
Authors: Enszer Julie R.
Published: July 2023

A series of publishing interventions by lesbian-feminists document the
transnational aspirations of the U.S. women’s liberation movement in the 1970s, 80,
and 90s. The argument about how lesbian‑feminist publishers contributed to
transnational feminist attentions unfolds in three parts. First, I examine how
feminists built international publishing networks in the 1980s and 1990s. Second, I
examine how three lesbian-feminist periodicals, Connexions, Sinister
Wisdom, and Ikon, demonstrated commitments to transnational publishing
and reading practices. Third, a constellation of five transnational texts published
by independent lesbian-feminist publishers reveal the literacies imagined by
feminist publishers and how lesbian‑feminist publishers worked to reshape American
feminist imaginaries to be more transnational. In a final section, I speculate about
how focusing on lesbian‑feminist publishing in the past might illuminate
contemporary studies of publishing and inspire new publishing activists.
Exploring Transnational Dimensions of Activism in Contemporary Book Culture: Ons Klyntji and Afrikaner Activism
Authors: Klingenberg Jana , Miller Samantha
Published: July 2023

Afrikaans developed in South Africa out of an interaction among a variety of peoples. In the beginning, Afrikaans was considered a language spoken by the lower classes, but it rose from this low position to become an official language in 1925. After the National Party started to govern South Africa in 1948, Afrikaans became the language of the oppressor during apartheid. Post‑apartheid, Afrikaners questioned their identity, feeling conflicted between pride and shame.

The magazine Ons Klyntji was established in 1896 to foster a literary culture and shape Afrikaner identity, and still exists today. Throughout its publication history, the magazine was used to promote progressive causes: first in the creation of an Afrikaans literature, and then as a vehicle for protest by Afrikaners against apartheid. Both these causes developed out of a need to find a distinct identity amongst Afrikaners. The researchers argue that the publishing of Ons Klyntji has contributed positively to progressive political and social change with regards to Afrikaner identity, particularly in the post‑apartheid period.
Awareness and Utilization of Public Physiotherapy Health Care Services to Support People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Health Care Service Audit
Authors: Jasin-Pathiranage Saduni , Grech Lisa B. , Scroggie Charlotte , Sansom Phoebe
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

To maximize functioning and well-being in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), physiotherapy consultation is recommended at the point of diagnosis and throughout the disease course. We wanted to determine whether patients with MS being managed through a large metropolitan hospital in Australia accessed physiotherapy input as part of their MS management consistent with evidence-based recommendations and to identify patients’ self-reported physiotherapy requirements, including symptom management, information needs, and service delivery preferences.

METHODS:

Surveys were sent to 597 MS clinic patients, and 160 responded. Data were analyzed using descriptive methods to derive frequencies and percentages. The survey consisted of 16 questions plus 2 optional questions related to sociodemographics (age and postcode).

RESULTS:

Of 160 respondents, 142 completed all 14 nonoptional questions. One-third of participants (n = 53) were aware of the hospital MS clinic physiotherapy services, with 21.3% (n = 34) saying that they had accessed these services. Conversely, 40.1% of respondents (n = 61) reported having consulted a private physiotherapist. Combined, 52% of respondents reported seeing a physiotherapist. There was a clear preference (94.7%; n = 144) for access to the MS clinic physiotherapy service. The presence of at least 1 current MS-related physiotherapy problem was reported by 82.2 2% of respondents (n = 125). The top ways to access MS-related information were via a specialist MS website (57.6%) and a mobile app (55.6%).

CONCLUSIONS:

There is an unmet need for physiotherapy, and many participants may have foregone services due to unawareness. Improved awareness and uptake of physiotherapy at the point of diagnosis is needed to maximize functioning and well-being in people with MS.
Characteristics of the Patient's Internet Account (IKP) users in Poland between 2019 and 2021
Authors: PŁACISZEWSKI KRZYSZTOF , WIERZBA WALDEMAR , OSTROWSKI JANUSZ , PINKAS JAROSŁAW , JANKOWSKI MATEUSZ
Published: July 2023

Objective This retrospective database analysis aimed to characterize Patient's Internet Account (IKP) users in Poland, before and after the COVID-19 pandemic onset. Methods Data were received from the e-Health Centre – public administration office tasked with the digitization of healthcare in Poland. Data on the number of newly created Patient's Internet Accounts between January 2019 and December 2021 were collected. Moreover, data on the gender and age of the users were also analyzed. Results Between January 2019 and December 2021, the cumulative number of Patient’s Internet Account users increased from 32.6 thousand to 14.1 million. In 2021, December 2021, the cumulative number of Patient’s Internet Account users more than doubled (from 5.6 million in January to 14.1 million in December). In 2019, the monthly number of newly created Patient’s Internet Accounts varied from 17 thousand in February to 180 thousand in December. In the last quarter of 2020 (lifting major anti-epidemic restrictions), a significant increase in the monthly number of newly created Patient’s Internet Accounts was observed (500 thousand accounts per month). The highest number of newly created Patient’s Internet Accounts (over 1.25 million) was in April and July 2021. In December 2021, the highest number (3.3 million) of active Patient’s Internet Accounts was among children aged 0-17 (parental access) and Individuals aged 31-40 years (2.7 million). Conclusions This study revealed high interest in Patient’s Internet Accounts during the COVID-19 pandemic. An increase in the number of Patient’s Internet Account users was related to the new service functionalities such as COVID-19 test results and COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
Conformación material y discursiva del paisaje forestal actual de las áreas irrigadas del centro norte de la provincia de Mendoza, Argentina
Authors: Mafferra Luis Eduardo , Saldi Leticia , Besio Laura
Published: July 2023

In the irrigated areas of Mendoza province, located in the central-west region of Argentina, trees play a central role in the construction of places and the definition of identity. The landscape, understood in a relational and historical sense, emerges as an interesting category for analyzing how material and discursive phenomena and dynamics shape environments that are considered characteristic of an identity. Based on a study of historical and current discourses and materialities regarding the formation of the forest landscape in the central-northern region of the province (currently known as the northern oasis), our objective is to analyze the role of these plants in the shaping and consolidation of distinctive environments, ways of experiencing these landscapes, and ethnic and provincial identities. The historical analysis is approached through a synthesis of archaeological and documentary data, which allows for the delineation and distinction of indigenous, colonial, and modern landscape formations. Current materialities are analyzed through agronomic studies, environmental reports produced by state agencies or provincial legislations, and own records. Discourses are examined through research in local media, web forums, and public debates. This article provides a synthesis and new insights on the topic, particularly by discussing various previously isolated sources. This holistic and historically informed analysis allows us to observe how narratives and materialities are intertwined in the unique construction of the forest landscape in Mendoza’s irrigated areas, shaping a distinct environment, experience, and identity in the study region, impacting various fields of knowledge and practice.
Improvement of natural convection simulation based on energy conservation dissipative particle dynamics
Authors: Lu Wei , Chen Shuo , Yu Zhi-Yuan , Zhao Jia-Yi , Zhang Kai-Xuan ,   Department of Mechanics, School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China,   School of Energy and Power Engineering, Shanghai University of Technology, Shanghai 200093, China,   School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
Published: July 2023

Energy conservation dissipative particle dynamics (eDPD) is a mesoscale numerical simulation method of studying the heat transport process. In previous studies, when the Boussinesq assumption was introduced into the eDPD system to study the natural convection, the system was generally considered to be incompressible, and the effect of the thermal expansion of the eDPD system itself on the simulation results was often neglected, which would cause errors in the simulation. In the present study, the thermal expansion characteristic of the eDPD system is first investigated, and the thermal expansion coefficient β of the eDPD system is obtained by eDPD simulation. Then, based on the thermal expansion characteristic of the eDPD system itself, the natural convection is simulated with different values of Rayleigh number Ra and different geometries, specifically, square cavity, concentric rings, and eccentric rings, and reasonable temperature and velocity fields are obtained, and they are in agreement with the simulated results by the finite volume method (FVM). The error between the eDPD simulation, in which the natural convection is driven by thermal expansion of the eDPD system itself, and FVM simulated result is considerably smaller than the errors observed in previous studies where Boussinesq assumption was directly adopted to simulate natural convection phenomena while neglecting the thermal expansion effect of eDPD system. It is shown that the effect of the eDPD system’s own thermal expansion characteristic needs to be considered when introducing the Boussinesq assumption in the eDPD system, and further, the calculation of the Ra number is modified in this paper.
Metabolic memory of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure in pluripotent stem cells and primordial germ cells-like cells
Authors: Verdikt Roxane , Armstrong Abigail A , Cheng Jenny , Hwang Young Sun , Clark Amander T , Yang Xia , Allard Patrick
Published: July 2023

Cannabis, the most consumed illicit psychoactive drug in the world, is increasingly used by pregnant women. However, while cannabinoid receptors are expressed in the early embryo, the impact of phytocannabinoids exposure on early embryonic processes is lacking. Here, we leverage a stepwise in vitro differentiation system that captures the early embryonic developmental cascade to investigate the impact of exposure to the most abundant phytocannabinoid, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). We demonstrate that Δ9-THC increases the proliferation of naive mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) but not of their primed counterpart. Surprisingly, this increased proliferation, dependent on the CB1 receptor binding, is only associated with moderate transcriptomic changes. Instead, Δ9-THC capitalizes on ESCs’ metabolic bivalence by increasing their glycolytic rates and anabolic capabilities. A memory of this metabolic rewiring is retained throughout differentiation to Primordial Germ Cell-Like Cells in the absence of direct exposure and is associated with an alteration of their transcriptional profile. These results represent the first in-depth molecular characterization of the impact of Δ9-THC exposure on early stages of germline development.