bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal mental health and caregiver competence of HIV-positive and negative women caring for their singleton newborns in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
Authors: Rencken G , Govender P , Uys C J E
Published: July 2022

Background. Maternal mental health during the perinatal period has been of interest to many researchers, with antenatal depression and postnatal depression (PND) being a leading cause of morbidity. The adverse effects of maternal depression on the offspring throughout infancy, childhood and adolescence are well documented. Studies on the mental health of persons living with HIV have also reported a high prevalence of depression.

Objectives. To describe the prevalence of PND in a sample of HIV-positive and HIV-negative mothers delivering healthy singleton infants at one obstetric unit in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province, South Africa, and the subsequent factors influencing neonatal behaviour and perceptions of caregiver competence. Correlations between the presence of PND and perceptions of caregiver competence (with the mother as caregiver), and between infant behaviour, the mother’s confidence in her competence as caregiver, and demographic and medical variables, were also examined.

Methods. Demographic and clinical data were collected from 132 mothers at initial contact and from 32 mothers at the 6-week follow-up appointment. Mothers independently completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at each time point, and the Mother and Baby Scales (MABS) at the 6-week follow-up appointment.Results. The prevalence of depression among all mothers at initial contact was 72.0%, remaining high (68.8%) among the mothers who returned for follow-up. There was a statistically significant correlation between depression and employment at follow-up (p=0.013), and between depression and delivery method (p=0.030). The majority of mothers reported being ‘able to laugh and see the funny side of things’ and ‘looking forward with enjoyment to things’ at initial contact and follow-up. Thoughts of self-harm were reported by 44.7% of mothers at baseline, and by 53.1% at follow-up. Although most infants scored in the average clinical band for neonatal behavioural factors in the MABS, mothers reported lack of confidence, globally and in caring for their infant.

Conclusion. This study of maternal mental health of a sample of HIV-positive and HIV-negative mothers of infants in KZN revealed a higher prevalence of PND than reported in other studies. This population of mothers and infants is at risk of adverse outcomes of maternal depression, in addition to other possible risk factors.
New developments with the Health Promotion Levy in South Africa
Authors: Boachie M K , Thsehla E , Hofman K
Published: July 2022

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Where to now?
Authors: Farham Bridget
Published: July 2022

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THE NOVELTIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NA-ION BATTERIES
Authors: Mentus Slavko
Published: July 2022

Today Li-ion batteries dominate as the power sources for portable electronics (mobile phones, lap-top calculators) as well as for electric cars. The main problem with their use is limited sustainability: the raw materials for their production: lithium, cobalt and nickel, are deficient in the earth’s crust. Potential exhaustion of mining resources treats to disable the production of Li-ion batteries in near future. On the other hand, Na-ion batteries, which work on similar principles to Li-ion batteries, present a real sustainable alternative. Namely, the abundance of sodium in the earth’s crust is far higher in comparison to lithium, and Na-ion batteries may be produced from very abundant metals, excluding cobalt and nickel. Thus, the development of Na-ion batteries is the subject of interest of a broad number of research groups worldwide. Currently, the main flaw of Na-ion batteries is lower energy density (~ 50 % that of Li-ion ones), thus the competitiveness in the market is still always relatively low, enabling the first generation of these batteries only complementary use in low-demanding areas, (for example in grid voltage stabilization). However, recently a number of improvements is realized, promising a rapid increase in the competitiveness of Na-ion batteries in all areas of use. In this work, the survey was made on the properties of commercial versions of first-generation batteries. Also, recent advances in improvements of anode and cathode materials which may lead to the second generation of Na-ion batteries are summarized.
THERMALLY GUIDED DEHYDRATION OF BINUCLEAR [Ni2(en)2(H2O)6(pyr)]·4H2O COMPLEX: A FURTHER INSIGHT
Authors: Stojanović Nemanja N. , Janićijević Aleksandra A. , Janićijević Aco J.
Published: July 2022

Thermally prompted dehydration of binuclear [Ni2(en)2(H2O)6(pyr)]·4H2O complex occurs within a 326 K to 410 K temperature region, presenting an asymmetrical DSC peak. The process is endothermal and results in the loss of 10 molecules of water accounting for 26.8% of the total mass of the sample. Values of the apparent activation energy of 71 kJ/mol and 93 kJ/mol were determined by using Kissinger's and the isoconversional KAS approach, respectively. The probable reaction mechanism was determined by Dollimore's analysis. Deconvolution of the experimental DSC peak on different heating rates shows that the mechanism of dehydration changes with the change in the heating regime. Using the linear compensation effect, values of invariant activation energy of 61 kJ/mol as well as of Arrhenius pre-exponential factor of 6·107 min-1 were determined.
La traducción audiovisual como estrategia de enseñanza-aprendizaje transversal en un programa de traducción
Authors:   Departamento de Lenguas, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Carreño Sahara Iveth , Zegpi María Alejandra ,   Departamento de Lenguas, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad Católica de Temuco
Published: July 2022

En el marco de un proyecto de innovación docente y del proceso de actualización curricular del itinerario formativo Traducción Inglés-Español de la UC Temuco, ambos realizados entre 2019 y 2020, se diseñaron e implementaron diversas actividades pedagógicas en torno a la traducción audiovisual. El trabajo tuvo como objetivo principal incorporar temáticas y tecnología de la TAV, con énfasis en la subtitulación, en los cursos teóricos y prácticos del itinerario. Como resultado, se rediseñaron cursos centrales, los de teoría de la traducción, el de tecnología aplicada a la traducción y algunos cursos prácticos de traducción. Así, desde 2020, el estudiantado de nuestro programa recibe formación teórico-práctica en subtitulación como modalidad de TAV. En una segunda instancia, y con base en propuestas como las de Bruti (2016), Díaz-Cintas (2008), Lertola (2015), Talaván (2013), Zabalbeascoa (2012), entre otros, se determinó que el estudio de la TAV en sus diversas modalidades también podría apoyar el desarrollo de otras competencias relacionadas con la traducción —además de la instrumental-profesional y la de transferencia—, como la lingüístico-comunicativa, la sociocultural-extralingüística y la de investigación. Por ello, se incorporaron diversas actividades de enseñanza-aprendizaje en cursos de lengua inglesa, lingüística y terminología. Concluimos que estas actividades relacionadas con el ejercicio profesional de la TAV han constituido un aporte importante para el desarrollo de competencias y conocimientos en actividades variadas como análisis textuales y discursivos, análisis contrastivos de estrategias de traducción, elaboración de tutoriales para diferentes contextos, y en una reflexión mejor fundamentada de la relevancia de los factores extralingüísticos y culturales en procesos traslativos.
Nuevas tareas asociadas a la traducción automática y su incorporación al currículo de traducción
Authors:   Escuela de Traducción e Interpretación, Facultad de Comunicaciones y Artes, Universidad de las Américas, Castro San Martín Karina
Published: July 2022

La explosiva generación de contenidos, que a su vez requieren ser traducidos, exige herramientas que produzcan traducciones rápidas y de buena calidad. Los proveedores de servicios lingüísticos han asumido este desafío y han adoptado tecnologías aplicadas a la traducción automática, lo que, consecuentemente, obliga a los traductores a especializarse en este ámbito. Sin embargo, las instituciones de formación de traductores parecen no estar al mismo ritmo de esta tendencia. Por esto, el presente estudio busca describir el estado de la TA y sus usos, tareas y aplicaciones didácticas, con el fin de fomentar la discusión sobre su incorporación o perfeccionamiento en el currículo de traducción.
Percepciones formativas, relevancia de asignaturas y contenidos presentes en las carreras de traducción e interpretación de idiomas: una mirada desde la perspectiva de los estudiantes
Authors:   Facultad de Humanidades y Educación, Departamento de Idiomas, Universidad de Atacama, Aguilar Didier
Published: July 2022

El siguiente artículo describe la metodología, los procedimientos y resultados de un estudio llevado a cabo para recolectar, describir y actualizar información basado en la percepción de estudiantes en formación, egresados y titulados de las carreras de traducción e interpretación de idiomas, sobre sus preferencias acerca de contenidos, talleres y cursos que deberían ser obligatorios, o al menos estar disponibles, en sus respectivas mallas curriculares y la relevancia de cada uno de ellos. Los datos aportados por los participantes de este estudio permiten clasificar en orden de importancia dichos contenidos e indican los que son transversales a todas las carreras de traducción o interpretación de idiomas. El enfoque de este estudio es cuantitativo y el alcance de la investigación es de tipo descriptivo puesto que se analizan los datos obtenidos y la implicancia declarada por las votaciones de los participantes. La recolección de los datos se hizo por medio de una encuesta electrónica que fue difundida en línea a través de grupos y redes de traducción e interpretación nacionales y extranjeros. La encuesta fue respondida por 175 participantes, distribuidos entre los países de Chile, Argentina, España, Venezuela y México, entre los meses de junio y agosto del año 2021, y los resultados son utilizados como instrumento de evaluación para apoyar actuales o futuros programas de estudio.
Análisis de requerimientos de los mercados sostenibles que interpelan al traductor a desarrollar competencias: investigación exploratoria correlacional
Authors:   Área Humanidades y Educación, Universidad Tecnológica de Chile, INACAP, Soto Milem , Salas Angelo ,   Área Humanidades y Educación, Universidad Tecnológica de Chile, INACAP
Published: July 2022

El tipo de mercado emergente sostenible tiene requerimientos particulares; ergo, demanda competencias técnicas y genéricas, que no están, necesariamente, explicitadas en el perfil de egreso del traductor inglés-español, mención Negocios Internacionales. Estas podrían no ser suficientes para desenvolverse eficientemente en los mercados con base en el desarrollo sostenible (vinculado a los 17 objetivos de desarrollo sostenible del Grupo de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo de América Latina y el Caribe) —considérense también sus proyecciones—. Esto vislumbra un potencial punto de convergencia entre la realidad y las proyecciones, que bien puede traducirse en un objetivo concreto: analizar los requerimientos proyectados hasta el 2030, que interpelan al traductor a desarrollar competencias, por parte de los mercados con base en el desarrollo sostenible. Los autores emplean un enfoque cualitativo, un alcance, por su naturaleza, exploratorio y, por sus variables, correlacional (los requerimientos de los mercados basados en el desarrollo sostenible proyectado hasta el 2030 [independiente] y las competencias del traductor en cuestión [dependiente]). La muestra se divide en cuatro categorías: empresarios, administrativos, académicos de traducción en Chile, estudiantes seminaristas y exalumnos de la carrera (considérense los dos últimos como una sola categoría). Para presentar las competencias se emplea un modelo de cuatro aristas, que en las técnicas se compone de la traducción, la edición, la terminología y los proyectos, mientras que en las genéricas se integra de la neutralidad laboral, el liderar procesos, el trabajo multidisciplinario y la competencia emocional. En efecto, se coligió que los egresados sí poseen las competencias demandadas por este tipo de mercado emergente, que conviene realizar un trabajo multidisciplinario para posteriores estudios y que sería útil realizar estudios similares en otras casas de estudios que estén abiertas al cambio.
Las prácticas profesionales de traducción en universidades chilenas: descripción y análisis
Authors:   Departamento de Traducción e Interpretación, Instituto de Literatura y Ciencias del Lenguaje (ILCL), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Araya Cristián
Published: July 2022

En el presente artículo se exponen los resultados de un trabajo descriptivo que indaga sobre el proceso de práctica profesional en los programas de formación de traductores en universidades chilenas con el primer objetivo de conocer cómo se desarrolla esta etapa formativa de pregrado y cuáles son sus particularidades. El segundo objetivo apunta a analizar tres aspectos que intervienen en esta etapa formativa: la evaluación, la supervisión y la retroalimentación, como pilares fundamentales del prácticum de traducción. Los datos que se presentan fueron recopilados mediante una entrevista y una encuesta administrada a directores de carrera o coordinadores de práctica profesional en 12 universidades que imparten el pregrado de traducción en Chile. En este artículo también se presenta el modus operandi del prácticum en la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso para ofrecer un ejemplo más detallado de esta modalidad a modo de referencia respecto de la información recogida en otras instituciones a través de la encuesta. Los resultados muestran diferencias y similitudes notorias en el modo de implementación y ejecución del prácticum en cada una de las entidades consultadas, así como también en el grado de actuación de los tres pilares y la importancia de estos en el prácticum.
The Critics Of The Tabiûn's Anti-Stance On Scripture
Authors: İNAN Sait
Published: July 2022

Hadis kitâbeti konusunda yazı karşıtı tutum ve söylemlerin zikredildiği rivâyetler kendi dönemindeki kitâbet algısını ve yazıyla ilgili alışkanlıkları ortaya koymaktadır. Ayrıca bu rivâyetler hadislerin bilgi değeri konusunda eleştiriler
sunan yaklaşımlar için de önemli bir referans olmuştur. Konuyla ilgili yapılan çalışmalar genellikle Hz. Peygamber ve sahabe dönemindeki rivâyetleri ele alıp incelerken, tabiûn dönemi rivâyetler yeteri kadar incelenmemiştir. Tedvin
öncesi dönemde, önemli ilmi faaliyetlerde bulunan isimlerin hadislerin yazıya geçirilmesi ile ilgili menfi tutum ve söylemlere sahip olması izah edilmesi gereken bir durumdur. Resmi tedvin faaliyeti öncesinde tabiûndan 14 ismin
kitâbet aleyhinde rivâyeti vardır. Ancak bu isimlerden on üçünün kitâbet lehinde de rivâyetleri bulunmaktadır. Bu durum hem hadis kitabetinin karşısında olmak hem de hadis yazmak şeklinde bir görünüm arz etmektedir. Birbirine muhalif
yönde gelişen bu tutumu anlamlandırabilmek kitâbet karşıtı duruşun nedenlerini tahlil etmekle mümkün olacaktır. Tabiûndan bazı isimlerin hadislerin yazılması aleyhinde bir duruş sergilediği görülse de konuyla ilgili rivâyetlerin
büyük kısmında hoş karşılanmayan husus hadislerin yazılarak kayıt altına alınması değildir. Kitabet karşıtı rivayetler çoğu zaman direkt hadislerin kayıt altına alınmasından değil, kayıt altına alma yönteminin, şartlarının, zamanlamasının
doğuracağı sıkıntılardan kaynaklanmaktadır. Hadis musanniflerinin kitâbet aleyhindeki rivâyetleri herhangi bir ayrıştırmaya tabi tutmadan, hadis kitâbeti aleyhindeki başlıklar altında toplaması, kitâbet aleyhindeki tutumu olduğundan
daha belirgin hale getirmiştir.
The Identity Problem of the Person in Immortality
Authors: POLAT Sait
Published: July 2022

Makalemiz ölümsüzlük düşüncesi ekseninde kişinin kişisel kimlik problemini felsefî-teolojik bir perspektiften ele alarak şümullü bir şekilde tartışmayı hedeflemektedir. Kişinin kimliği, bir bireyin kişi sayılabilmesi için ne gibi kıstasların
gerekli olduğunu, başka bir ifadeyle kişisel özdeşliğe sahip olabileceğini konu alan dinî ve felsefî bir sorundur. Ölümsüzlük düşüncesinde kişisel kimlik problemi; özsel olarak ölen kişiyle ölümden sonraki hayatta var olan kişinin
devamlılığını sürdürmesi gerekir ki aynı kişi sayılabilsin. Burada kimlik, bir kişinin zaman içinde özdeşliğini/devamlılığını belirten özellikler bütünü olarak ortaya çıkmaktadır. Bu problemde çözümlenmesi gereken temel şey, bir
kişinin aynı ya da farklı kişi olduğunun belirlenmesini sağlayan ölçütlerin neler olduğunun belirlenmesidir. Bu durum felsefede kişinin kişisel kimlik problemi olarak görülmektedir. Kişinin kimliğinin tespit edilebilmesi için kişinin
ontolojik mahiyetinin temel referansı nedir? sorusu hususunda farklı yaklaşımlar vardır. Bu kuramlar: Kimliğin temel referansını bedensel unsurlara dayandıran materyalist öğretiler, kimliğin temel kıstasını hafıza/psikolojik bilinç
olarak kabul eden hafıza kuramı, kişiliğin temel kıstasının ancak zihin/ruh olabileceğini iddia eden dualist bakış açıları ve son olarak teist yaklaşımların dinî değerler üzerinden şekillenen yeniden diriliş/yaratılış yaklaşımlarıdır.
Ölümsüzlük problemi geniş uzantıları olan, Tanrı’nın varlığı, insanın özgürlüğü ve nihai varoluşumuzla ilgili felsefî-teolojik sorunların başta gelen problemlerinden biridir. Bu problem hakkında belli bir görüşe sahip olmanın,
yalnız nihai mukadderatımız açısından değil, dünyada ve ölüm sonrası yaşamda var olan hayatımız açısından da kapsadığı durumlar vardır. Bu durumlar/hususlar kişiliğimiz, kişisel kimliğimiz ve dünyaya yönelik görüşlerimiz açısından
son derece önemlidir. Söz konusu konuya herkesin ilgi duyduğu, önem verdiği ve varoluşsal değer taşıdığı problemin başka bir yönüdür. Ölümsüzlük düşüncesi açısından ele alacağımız kişinin kimlik problemini ruh-beden ilişkisi bağlamında
ele alarak felsefi bir bakış açısıyla tartışmayı amaçlamaktadır.
Rose Bengal Staining, Microbiopsy and Scalpel Biopsy as a Cytology-cumHistopathology based Diagnostic Scheme for Oral Dysplasias- A Pilot Study
Authors: Malik Shilpa Dutta , Malik Upender , Sunil MK
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Most Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is preceded by Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDS). These disorders if diagnosed early can be prevented from converting into full blown malignancies. This points towards an ever increasing need for a more accurate, less invasive diagnostic tool to detect these lesions early. Aim: To analyse and compare the accuracy of 1% Rose Bengal (RB) dye and oral microbiopsies (using dermatologic ring curettes) with conventional scalpel biopsy in diagnosing oral epithelial dysplasias. Materials and Methods: This crosssectional pilot study, included a total number of 26 male patients, 40-60 years old, with oral white and red mucosal lesions attending the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental College, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. Thorough clinical examination, 1% RB staining, microbiopsy, and scalpel biopsy was performed on all included participants. Parameters assessed included clinical signs indicative of dysplasia in red and white lesions such as increase thickness, nodularity, atrophic mucosa, erosion,ulcers and change in colour of mucosa with positive history of tobacco smoking. Hyperchromatic areas owing to increase stain intake (due to increased nuclear cytoplasmic ratio) were obtained after staning with RB dye and histopathological indicators of epithelial dysplasia (cellular and architectural changes) were observed after both microbiopsy and scalpel biopsy. Chi-square test was done to compare results of 1% RB staining and microbiopsies with scalpel biopsies. Results: Total 26 male patients were included with a mean age of 50 years. There was no statistically significant difference in the accuracy of microbiopsies (p=0.913) and 1% RB dye (p=0.393) as compared to conventional scalpel biopsy in delineating the epithelial dysplastic changes associated with OPMDS. Conclusion: Oral microbiopsy, is a relatively novel, accurate, and less invasive diagnostic tool. It has proved to be as effective as scalpel biopsy in diagnosing and grading epithelial dysplasia. Through this article, it was proposed that 1% RB staining, microbiopsy, and scalpel biopsy can be used in conjugation as a part of cytology-cum-histopathology based diagnostic scheme for oral clinically suspicious lesions
Microbial Assessment of Indoor Air of the Applied Microbiology Laboratory, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Authors: Ezemba A. S. , Nwabisi C. M. , Udemezue I. O. , Osuala O. J. , Ezeokoli E. M. , Ezemba C. C.
Published: July 2022

Air is made up of enormous number of microorganisms mainly fungi and bacteria spore. Their estimation is important as an indication of cleanliness of any particular environment. The present study was carried out to assess microorganisms in indoor air of Applied Microbiology laboratory of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Prepared plates of Sabouraud Dextrose agar (SDA), Nutrient agar (NA), and Blood agar were exposed for ten minutes for culturing of microorganisms. The NA and Blood agar plates were incubated at 37oC for 24h while the SDA plate was incubated at room temperature for 48h. A total of ten (10) microorganisms were isolated from the samples. These include six (6) bacteria and four (fungal) species. The bacterial isolates include; Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus sp. and Proteus sp. The fungal isolates include Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp. and Rhizopus sp. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus sp. with 25% and 35% occurrence. Proteus sp., Streptococcus sp., E. coli. and P. aeruginosa had 20%, 10%, 5% and 5% percentage occurrence respectively. Aspergillus and Penicillium sp. were the most frequently isolated fungal isolates with 40% and 30% occurrence respectively. Fusarium sp. and Rhizopus sp. both had 20% and 10% occurrence respectively. With this result, attention must be given to control those environmental factors which favor the growth and multiplication of microbes in indoor air of the laboratory to safeguard the health of users and workers.
The Demographical Prevalence of Malaria in Pregnant Women in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Kehinde S. O. , Ukoha C. C. , Ezemba C. C.
Published: July 2022

This study evaluated the prevalence of malaria in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Delta state. Thick-film microscopy was used to detect parasitaemia while polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to confirm positivity. Statistical method used were Chi square, Paired Sample T test and Pearson Correlation test at 5% level using SPSS version 23.0. Out of three hundred and fifty (350) HIV-negative and asymptomatic pregnant women examined at first antenatal registration, one hundred and twenty-two (122) were found positive for malaria parasite. The percentage prevalence of malaria positive cases recorded using microscopy was 34.86% (122/350) while PCR confirmed the positivity of 84% (21/25) for both positive and negative samples derived from microscopy. Prevalence of malaria in relation to age, gravidity, and educational qualification were statistically significant while prevalence in relation to occupation, the hospital they attended were not statistically significant. Participants within the age group of 15-19(66.6%), primigravidae (42.6%), primary education (100%) and traders/businessmen had the highest prevalence of malaria. It is therefore recommended that malaria test should be one of the routine tests compulsorily done on pregnant women to avoid complications and public awareness campaign programs on preventive measures against malaria should be regularly conducted to make the journey to eradication of malaria from Nigeria an easier one.
The Effect of Debt on Earnings Per Share Using Manufacturing Companies in Nigeria from 2011 to 2021
Authors: Tunji Siyanbola, Tirimisiu , Olakunle Okedina, Olusola , Eyibio Okon, Edet , Kafayat Aliu, Arinola
Published: July 2022

This research work analyzed the effect of debt on earnings per share using manufacturing companies in Nigeria from 2011 to 2021. The data for the study were obtained from the financial statements of these listed firms using purposive and stratified sampling procedures. Before conducting the analysis of the effect of debt on earnings per share using SPSS 28, the data used were examined to comply with basic assumptions of linearity, homogenity and outliners. The result obtained indicated that short term debt has no significant effect on earnings per share (p = 0.651, DW = 1.008, R=0.108). This outcome of this study is in disagreement with Sriyono & Fatmasari [1] which opined that short term debt enhances earning per share. Also the study found out that long term debt exert significant positive effect on earnings per share (p=0.025, DW=1.234, R=0.498). The findings is in line with Efuntade, Efuntade, & Akintola, [2]. Siyanbola, Olaoye, & Olurin [3] and Sriyono & Fatmasari [1] as they all suggest that long term debt increase earnings per share. Further findings from this research indicated that there is a significant effect of total debt on earnings per share (p=0.0194, DW= 1.064, R=0.303). This result is in tandem with Badruzaman [4], Efuntade, Efuntade, & Akintola, [2]. Siyanbola, Olaoye, & Olurin [3], Sriyono & Fatmasari [1] among others. This study concluded that while short term debt exert insignificant effect on earnings per share, long term debt and a mix of short term debt and long term debt do. This study further supports the Perking Order Theory which helps in explaining that management elects to finance their investment in the cheapest means available using options that better their lots.
Effect of Cucumis sativus and Prunus armeniaca Juices on Blood Glucose, Insulin and Electrolytes of Alloxan Induced Diabetic Male Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Odoemelam Chinweike UntoGod , Obisike Uchechukwu Achor , Tamuno-Emine Davies
Published: July 2022

Aims: To investigate the effects of Cucumis sativus and Prunus armeniaca juices on blood glucose, insulin and electrolytes of alloxan-induced Diabetic male Sprague Dawley rats.

Study Design: An experimental study involving a total of eighty (80) male Sprague Dawley rats was used.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Nigeria, between January 2021 and February 2022.

Methodology: 80 male Sprague Dawley rats were grouped into eight groups of ten rats each and housed in separate cages in an animal house. They were induced for diabetes with 150 mg/kg alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally apart from group 1. They were then treated with various doses of apricot and cucumber juices. The juices were extracted by blending the pulp of each fruit using an electric blender and the juice sieved into a water bottle. Group 1 was the positive control, group 2 negative control, group 3 high dose apricot, group 4 low dose apricot, group 5 high dose cucumber, group 6 low dose cucumber, group 7 a combination of apricot and cucumber juices, group 8 metformin. The rats were treated for a period of 5 weeks and sacrificed. Blood glucose was estimated using the glucose oxidase method, electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride) measured using serum electrolytes analyser, insulin was measured using Crystal Chem’s Rat insulin ELISA method. Phytochemical analysis was done using Cleg Anthrone method for carbohydrate, Boham and Kocipaiabyazari test for flavonoid and Harbone method for alkaloids. Statistical analysis was done using GraphPad prism and results expressed as mean ±SD (P < 0.05).

Results: The results showed that high dose cucumber significantly reduced (P = 0.03) blood glucose level (5.4 mmol/L) compared to positive control (10.5 mmol/L); apricot and cucumber juices improved insulin level significantly (2.03 µIU/ml) (P < 0.01) compared to positive control (0.77 µIU/ml); a combination of apricot and cucumber juices improved potassium level (3.73 mmol/L) significantly (P = 0.03) compared to control (3.4 mmol/L). High Dose Cucumber also significantly reduced blood glucose level better than high dose apricot (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: Cucumber juice therefore improved diabetic condition in diabetic male Sprague Dawley rats and a combination of apricot and cucumber juices boosted potassium level in diabetic rats.
Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Yield of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)
Authors: Lakshmi Gundala Jansi , Singh Devi , Raja Gara
Published: July 2022

This investigation was undertaken to study “the effect of plant growth regulators on growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) during Kharif season of 2021 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P), India. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 10 treatments and each replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of plant growth regulators GA3 at 10, 20 and 30 ppm, NAA at 10, 20 and 30 ppm and 2,4-D at 2,3, and 4ppm and a control plot. The results showed that among all the treatments, foliar application of GA3 (30 ppm) had positive impact on growth, yield and quality parameters i.e., plant height (81.68 cm), number of clusters per plant (36.66), days to 50% flowering (63.11 days), flowers per plant (72.22), fruits per plant (55.33), fruit yield per plant (3.90 kg), fruit yield per hectare (58.5 t), total soluble solids (4.20 Brix) and acidity (0.41%) were obtained. Foliar application of GA3 (30 ppm) was found to be productive as it recorded major growth and yield attributes as compared to other treatments.
Genetic Variation, Correlation and Metroglyph Analysis in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Grain Yield Characters
Authors: Sravani D. Venkata , Tiwari Vinay , Lavanya G. Roopa
Published: July 2022

Rice is the only cereal crop cooked and consumed mainly as whole grains, and quality considerations are more important. Rice has been reported to possess diverse therapeutic properties capable of treating diabetics to neurotic ailments as evidenced by ancient literatures apart from its nutritional importance as a major source of calories for a majority of the world population. The present investigation was taken up to study the total of 20 lines of rice including a check variety were evaluated in randomized block design for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance by using 13 quantitative traits by metroglyph and index score method. Analysis of variance for various quantitative characters revealed that the mean sum of squares due to genotypes showed high significant difference for all characters under study at 1% level and 5% level of significance. Scattered diagram revealed that 20 genotypes were grouped in to 5 complexes and maximum number of genotypes 11 was found in complex-1. High index score observed was 33 for a genotype SHIVA-555.
Thyroid Hormones and Red Cell Indices of HIV Subjects at Enugu
Authors: Martina Ngwu Amauche , Basil Ugwu Ifeanyichukwu , Afoma Ene , Chinweike Okolo Raphael
Published: July 2022

Background: Thyroid hormones act on nearly every cell in the body including red blood cells. Thyroid hormones are also important to proper development and differentiation of all cells of the human body. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that destroys certain cells in the immune system. The aim of this study was to determine free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (T4) and red cell indices level of HIV subjects attending clinic at Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital.

Study Design: Case control study.

Place and Duration of Study: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)  clinic and Haematology Laboratory both of Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, between August and October 2021.

Methodology: Sixty HIV subjects and thirty apparently healthy individuals within the age range of 30 - 60 years were recruited for this study. Free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), hemoglobin (HGB), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width standard deviation (RDW-SD), red cell distribution width coefficient of variation (RDW-CV) were determined in HIV subjects and apparently healthy individuals. 

Results: There was significant difference in MCV (125.79+/- 7.57 vs 78.89+/- 5.71 fl), MCH (23.17+/- 2.10 vs27.21+/- 3.68 pg), MCHC (25.08+/- 2.74 vs30.09+/- 3.27 g/dl), RDW-SD (61.52+/- 7.55 vs46.23+/- 5.87 fl), RDW-CV (23.06+/- 5.78 vs43.87+/- 1.28 fl) and PCV (39.38+/- 3.06 vs31.75+/- 2.44 %) between patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and ART-naïve patients respectively. There was significant difference in T4 (8.29+/- 1.29 vs 6.12 µg/dl), MCV (78.89+/- 5.71 vs 84.47 +/- 3.79 fl), MCH (27.21+/- 3.68   vs 29.20 +/- 2.27 pg), RDW-CV (43.87+/- 1.28 vs 12.51 +/- 1.08 fl) and PCV (31.75+/-2.44vs 37.63+/-2.95 %) on ART-naïve patients and apparently healthy subjects respectively. There was a positive correlation between FT3 and MCH in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (p= 0.016).

Conclusion: In people taking antiretroviral therapy, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration and red cell distribution width coefficient of variation significantly reduced, as well as raised mean cell volume and red cell distribution width standard deviation. This study also observed reduced mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin concentration and mean cell volume in ART- naïve subjects.
Resistance Profile of Mycobacterial Strains Causing Cluster Pulmonary Infection in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Silas Goodluck , Ollor Ollor, Amba , Agi Vivian Nkemkanma , Nwokah Easter Godwin , Wokem G. N. , Enoch Amala Smart
Published: July 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to profile the anti-microbial resistant of Mycobacterial strains causing cluster pulmonary infections in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Study Design: Cross sectional facility based.

Place and Duration: This study was carried out in all the in tuberculosis centers in all the eight local government area in Bayelsa State, Nigeria between January 2019 to February 2021.

Materials and Methods: A total of 102 tuberculosis patients who had been previously diagnosed of Tuberculosis (both new and old cases) participated in the study. Two sputum samples were collected from each subject in a wide mouth screw cape container and falcon tube container respectively. The first was used for GenXpert technique while the second was used for culture on Lowenstein Jensen solid Media. The visible and confirmed Mycobacterium growth was subjected to Line Probe Assay (MTBDRplus assay) and genetic sequencing. The DNA of the isolates where extracted using Genolyse method. The extracted DNA was used to perform a gene mutation profiling using MTBRplus Assay. The 16Sr RNA sequencing was done on the amplified genes using the BigDye terminator kit on a 3510 AB1 sequencer.

Results: Out of the 102 sputum samples analyzed a total of 91(89.2%) were GeneXpert positive. Drug resistant profiling by GeneXpert shows 8(7.8) strain mutation at the rpoB gene only while the resistant profiling of the isolated on Lowenstein Jensen solid media had 14(13.7) strain with mutation on genes responsible for first and second line drug resistant. Two non-tuberculosis Mycobacterium species which are Mycobacteriode abscessus subsp. abscessus st and Mycobacterium Kansasii strain FDAARGOS_1534 where isolated among Tuberculosis patients, both are multidrug-resistant strains. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in circulation causing cluster TB infection in Yenagoa especially and other parts of Bayelsa State, Nigeria are MG003 and R2092 strains, but the most predominant strain that is traced to cluster TB infection is MG003. The extraction of MTB gene from a pure culture of a Lowenstein Jensen selected media reduced the possibility of contamination and enhanced the reliability of gene sequencing and Bioinformatics analysis which includes comparing strains of MTB with the once in the National center for Biotechnology information (BLAST) data base.

Conclusion: The resistance profiling of MTB reveals that most strains were resistant to rifampicin. This means that there were more mutation on the rifampicin activation gene (rpoB) than any other gene. Most cases of multi drug resistance is associated with rifampicin resistance while cases of extensive drug resistance is not common.
Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus
Authors: Kraus Christina N.
Published: July 2022

This Patient Page describes the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus.
Achieving High Thermoelectric Performance in Severely Distorted YbCd2Sb2
Authors: Zhang Zongwei , Yao Honghao , Wang Qi , Xue Wenhua , Wang Yumei , Yin Li , Wang Xinyu , Li Xiaofang , Chen Chen , Sui Jiehe , Lin Xi , Chen Yue , Liu Xingjun , Mao Jun , Xie Guoqiang , Zhang Qian
Published: July 2022

Alloying scattering of phonons is particularly effective in reducing the thermal conductivity. The alloying model considers the mass and strain fluctuations but the substitutional atoms are assumed to be positioned at the ideal lattice point, i.e., without lattice distortion. In the real case, the existence of the lattice distortion in the alloy is inevitable, and it should have an additional contribution to the phonon scattering. Such an effect, however, is usually ignored and can be partially ascribed to the difficulty of experimentally identifying and quantifying the lattice distortion. In this work, significant distortion of the crystal lattice is directly observed by the scanning transmission electron microscopy in YbCd2Sb2 with multiple elements alloying. These results show that the plane distance of adjacent Ytterbium atoms along the direction b fluctuates in the range between 0.34 and 0.46 nm, a distortion from ≈−11.7% to ≈16.0%. The lattice distortion plays a remarkable role in phonon scattering and substantially reduces the lattice thermal conductivity to ≈0.45 Wm–1 K–1 at 700 K. As a result, a peak zT of ≈1.4 is achieved in (Yb0.9Mg0.1)Cd1.2Mg0.4Zn0.4Sb2. These results indicate that tuning the lattice distortion can be a promising strategy for enhancing thermoelectric performance.
Dual‐Mode Switching E‐Paper by Negative Electrorheological Fluid with Reversible Silica Networks
Authors: Yang MingYang , Liu Guangyou , Zeng Zheng , Zhang Shuhao , Liu Jie , Qin Zong , Chen Zhihe , Yang Bo‐Ru
Published: July 2022

Human–machine interaction will be revolutionarily different in the future Internet of Things (IoT) environments. Many displays will be adopted onto electronic devices to enhance human–device communication, even under a very bright sunlight ambience. Thus, power consumption and sunlight visibility are important attributes for this application. Electrophoretic displays (EPDs) have the inherent advantages of ultra‐low power consumption and high sunlight visibility, which are perfectly suitable for IoT applications. The low power consumption resulted from the balance of viscosity, gravity, and other complicated forces involved in the electrophoretic dispersion. This force balance is generally termed “bistability,” meaning the particle‐packing can be stable without external power at black and white image states. However, good bistability implies a slow image updating rate, significantly degrades users’ experience. In this work, a 3D network structure that undergoes disruption and reorganization with the particles’ movement is utilized in the electrophoretic ink dispersion. Dynamic viscosity modulation enables the bistable and fast‐response dual‐working modes. The newly developed design can increase the response speed of EPDs by a factor of 2.38, simultaneously maintaining the bistability. The electronic ink with this reversible network provides a promising solution for the future video‐rate e‐paper displays.
Designable Multiple Structural Colors Using Alkaline Periodate Oxidated Cellulose Nanocrystals and Gold Nanorods
Authors: Xu Dan , Song Qun , Wu Chenchen , Zhang Kai
Published: July 2022

Structural colors originating from ordered microstructures are popularly applied due to their versatile intrinsic advantages compared to dyes/pigments. Since the emergence of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) via alkaline periodate oxidation (PO‐CNCs) in 2019, here, their great potential as one‐dimensional nanomaterials for tunable optical materials combining with gold nanorods (GNRs) for the first time is demonstrated. The hybrid nanocomposite films with embedded and well‐organized PO‐CNCs and/or GNRs were prepared from hydrogel precursors after uniaxial stretching and air drying. In comparison with the solitary films containing pristine PO‐CNCs or GNRs, the birefringence of PO‐CNCs and surface plasmon resonance of GNRs synergistically expands the resulting color space. Based on their contributions, the solitary films containing only PO‐CNCs or GNRs can be stacked for widely spanning structural colors, such as red, green, and blue colors. Moreover, the relative angle between the stacked films can also be varied to manipulate the structural colors, providing a flexible method to construct designable optical materials. In brief, this study provides a general strategy for combining PO‐CNCs and GNRs into a novel series of nanocomposite materials and demonstrates their promising application potential in optics.
Silver‐Bismuth Based 2D Double Perovskites (4FPEA)4AgBiX8 (X = Cl, Br, I): Highly Oriented Thin Films with Large Domain Sizes and Ultrafast Charge‐Carrier Localization
Authors: Hooijer Rik , Weis Andreas , Biewald Alexander , Sirtl Maximilian T. , Malburg Julian , Holfeuer Rico , Thamm Simon , Amin Amir Abbas Yousefi , Righetto Marcello , Hartschuh Achim , Herz Laura M. , Bein Thomas
Published: July 2022

Two‐dimensional (2D) hybrid double perovskites are a promising emerging class of materials featuring superior intrinsic and extrinsic stability over their 3D parent structures, while enabling additional structural diversity and tunability. Here, we expand the Ag–Bi‐based double perovskite system, comparing structures obtained with the halides chloride, bromide, and iodide and the organic spacer cation 4‐fluorophenethylammonium (4FPEA) to form the n = 1 Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) phases (4FPEA)4AgBiX8 (X = Cl, Br, I). We demonstrate access to the iodide RP‐phase through a simple organic spacer, analyze the different properties as a result of halide substitution and incorporate the materials into photodetectors. Highly oriented thin films with very large domain sizes are fabricated and investigated with grazing incidence wide angle X‐ray scattering, revealing a strong dependence of morphology on substrate choice and synthesis parameters. First‐principles calculations confirm a direct band gap and show type Ib and IIb band alignment between organic and inorganic quantum wells. Optical characterization, temperature‐dependent photoluminescence, and optical‐pump terahertz‐probe spectroscopy give insights into the absorption and emissive behavior of the materials as well as their charge‐carrier dynamics. Overall, we further elucidate the possible reasons for the electronic and emissive properties of these intriguing materials, dominated by phonon‐coupled and defect‐mediated polaronic states.
Infrared Localized Surface Plasmon with Curved Electron Trajectory
Authors: Liu Miao , Zhang Xinping , Mu Yunyun , Fu Yulan , Li Jiajun , Liu Yue , Hu Jingyun
Published: July 2022

The construction of 3D localized surface plasmons (LSPs) in infrared using curved gold nanoshell (AuNS) cylindrical ridges is reported, where the LSPs are found to be established through electronic oscillation in curved trajectories along the perimeter of the cross‐sectional profile of the AuNS cylindrical ridges. Such a design is equivalent to an extension of the electronic trajectory length or plasmonic electron‐oscillation distance by the curvature length and by the enhanced electronic scattering. Strong LSPs are measured for the transverse magnetic polarization perpendicular to the extending direction of the AuNS cylindrical ridges in the spectral range from 1.1 to beyond 2.5 µm, which are not observed for the transverse electric polarization. Such LSPs are strongly dependent on the perimeter length, the curvature angle, and the thickness of AuNSs. The corresponding mechanisms are verified convincingly by both the experimental and theoretical results. These discoveries explore new approaches to designing plasmonic devices in the infrared using nanoscale structures. The 3D scheme with large modulation depth not only facilitates equivalent extending of the dimensions of the metallic nanostructures, but also enlarges interaction volume between plasmons and molecules, implying applications of them in micro‐/nano‐cavity lasers, sensors, or optoelectronic devices based on plasmonic enhancement.
A Review on Photothermal Conversion of Solar Energy with Nanomaterials and Nanostructures: From Fundamentals to Applications
Authors: Cheng Pengfei , Wang Dong , Schaaf Peter
Published: July 2022

Solar energy is a green, sustainable, and de facto inexhaustible energy source for mankind. The conversion of solar energy into other forms of energy has attracted extensive research interest due to climate change and the energy crisis. Among all the solar energy conversion technologies, photothermal conversion of solar energy exhibits unique advantages when applied for water purification, desalination, high‐temperature heterogeneous catalysis, anti‐bacterial treatments, and deicing. In this review, the various photothermal conversion mechanisms based on different forms of heat release are summarized and some of the latest examples are presented. In addition, the necessary prerequisites for solar‐driven photothermal materials toward their practical applications are also discussed. Further, the latest advances in photothermal conversion of solar energy are discussed, focusing on different types of photothermal applications. Finally, a summary is given and the challenges and opportunities in the photothermal conversion of solar energy are presented. This review aims to give a comprehensive understanding of emerging solar energy conversion technologies based on the photothermal effect, especially by using nanomaterials and nanostructures.
A Transfer Learning‐Based Method for Facilitating the Prediction of Unsteady Crystal Growth
Authors: Dang Yifan , Kutsukake Kentaro , Liu Xin , Inoue Yoshiki , Liu Xinbo , Seki Shota , Zhu Can , Harada Shunta , Tagawa Miho , Ujihara Toru
Published: July 2022

Real‐time prediction and dynamic control systems that can adapt to an unsteady environment are necessary for material fabrication processes, especially crystal growth. Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of machine learning in predicting an unsteady crystal growth process, but its wider application is hindered by the large amount of training data required for sufficient accuracy. To address this problem, this study investigates the capability of transfer learning to predict geometric evolution in an unsteady silicon carbide (SiC) solution growth system based on a small amount of data. The performance of transferred models is discussed regarding the effect of the transfer learning method, training data amount, and time step length. The transfer learning strategy yields the same accuracy as that of training from scratch but requires only 20% of the training data. The accuracy is stably inherited through successive time steps, which demonstrates the effectiveness of transfer learning in reducing the required amount of training data for predicting evolution in an unsteady crystal growth process. Moreover, the transferred models trained with relatively more data (no more than 100%) further improve the accuracy inherited from the source model through multiple time steps, which broadens the application scope of transfer learning.