bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Underwater Acoustic Image Denoising Using Stationary Wavelet Transform and Various Shrinkage Functions
Authors: Ravisankar Priyadharsini
Published: November 2021

Underwater acoustic images are captured by sonar technology which uses sound as a source. The noise in the acoustic images may occur only during acquisition. These noises may be multiplicative in nature and cause serious effects on the images affecting their visual quality. Generally image denoising techniques that remove the noise from the images can use linear and non-linear filters. In this paper, wavelet based denoising method is used to reduce the noise from the images. The image is decomposed using Stationary Wavelet Transform (SWT) into low and high frequency components. The various shrinkage functions such as Visushrink and Sureshrink are used for selecting the threshold to remove the undesirable signals in the low frequency component. The high frequency components such as edges and corners are retained. Then the inverse SWT is used for reconstruction of denoised image by combining the modified low frequency components with the high frequency components. The performance measure Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) is obtained for various wavelets such as Haar, Daubechies,Coiflet and by changing the thresholding methods.
Ungureanu, Camil and Monti, Paolo (2018). Contemporary Political Philosophy and Religion: between Public Reason and Pluralism
Authors: Popartan Lucia Alexandra
Published: November 2021

Ungureanu, Camil and Monti, Paolo (2018)Contemporary Political Philosophy and Religion: between Public Reason and PluralismNew York: Routledge, 349 p.ISBN 9780415552196
Das Bollwerk des Katholizismus wankt
Authors: Vetter Reinhold
Published: November 2021

Even in Poland, the Catholic Church is in deep crisis - in a country that used to be considered one of the last bastions of Catholicism in Europe. Women are demonstrating by the tens of thousands against abortion legislation and combining this with sharp criticism of the Church. Polish cardinals are being reprimanded by Pope Francis, even the late Polish Pope John Paul II has been caught in the maelstrom of criticism from his countrymen.

Reinhold Vetter analyses the historical, political, and social background for the belated onset of secularisation in this country: from Christianisation in the Middle Ages to the special path under communism, to current developments.
Auf wandelbarem Grund
Authors: Haag Saskia
Published: November 2021

In der deutschsprachigen Literatur des 19. Jahrhunderts sind Häuser mit ihren verschiedenen Räumlichkeiten und Einrichtungen allgegenwärtig. Allerdings machen sich gerade dort, wo ein geschlossenes »ganzes Haus« imaginiert wird, auffällige Instabilitäten in seinem baulichen Gefüge bemerkbar: Seine Fundamente tragen nicht, einzelne Zimmer gehen auf Reisen und Bücher ersetzen den Grundstein. Diese Studie geht anhand von Erzählungen Adalbert Stifters und anderer literarischer Texte jenen Konflikten nach, die um 1850 in der Materie des Hauses auftauchen, und versucht auf diese Weise, ein überaus wirksames kulturelles Phantasma in seinen kulturhistorischen Zusammenhängen zu beschreiben.
Artificial intelligence and big data in the Maritime Silk Road Initiative: The road towards Sea Power 2.0
Authors: Hlongwa Lungani Nelson
Published: November 2021

Chinaâ€™s Belt and Road Initiative continues to attract considerable attention from scholars and observers in diverse fields. However, students of the Belt and Road Initiative (â€˜the Initiativeâ€™) have focused extensively on the land and sea dimensions of this grand project while only tentatively touching on its other dimensions. This article draws attention to the digital and maritime dimensions of the Initiative, which are respectively known as the Digital Silk Road Initiative and the Maritime Silk Road Initiative. Specifically, the article focuses on how artificial intelligence and big data, as promoted under the Digital Silk Road Initiative, intersect with the Maritime Silk Road Initiative to produce what the author refers to as Sea power 2.0. To contextualise this intersection, the article draws on patent data to show how artificial intelligence and big data are adopted in supply chains. The results from the patent analysis show that artificial intelligence and big data will play a crucial role in future supply chains, and hence, the Maritime Silk Road Initiative. Although the article focuses mostly on the commercial side of Sea power 2.0, it concludes by pointing out how artificial intelligence and big data could serve military objectives. Keywords: artificial intelligence, big data, supply chain, sea power, Maritime Silk Road Initiative
Physical control, transformation and damage in the First World War: War bodies
Authors: Delport Anri
Published: November 2021

Nearly a century after the conclusion of the First World War of 1914â€“1918, the British military historian Ian FW Beckett expressively stated, â€œ[h]istorians walk with ghosts.â€577 As an explanation, he descriptively noted, â€œ[t]hey are privileged â€¦ to see what others do not as they tread the deserted banquet-hall of the past, endeavouring to repopulate it with those who have gone before and who might otherwise be forgotten.
Kansvatter: Die rustelose lewe van Ben Viljoen
Authors: Coetzee Emile
Published: November 2021

To write a biography is a daunting task but if done correctly and fairly, it can be a magnificent piece of historical literature. A biography, and especially an autobiography, is a literary genre that can assist any historian to see past events directly through the eyes of the person about whose life is being written. Some historical figures can boast a long list of biographies due to their popularity during their lifetime or shortly after it. Others are either merely mentioned briefly in other publications or their biographies are limited due to a variety of external factors. When it comes to Benjamin Johannis (or is it Barend Johannes?) Viljoen, his life story is finally explained thoroughly for the first time by the Stellenbosch historian, Dr Carel van der Merwe.
Which one Affects More to Clinical and Radiological Outcomes in Pediatric Calcaneus Fractures? Is the Severity of Trauma or the Applied Surgical Technique?
Authors: YİGİT Seyhmus , OZKUL Emin , ATİC Ramazan , KANDEMİR Veysel , TURGUT Ali , YILDIRIM Azad
Published: November 2021

Objective: The aim of our study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of pediatric calcaneus fractures treated in our hospital in terms of age, treatment techniques and trauma severity and to compare with the literature

Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted on 22 pediatric patients (28 calcaneus fractures) treated with surgery for calcaneus fractures in our hospital from March 2005 to January 2020. There were seven patients (patients between 3 and 6 years old) in group 1 and 15 patients (between 7 and 16 years old) in group 2.

Results: 17 fractures were treated with the CRPP technique, 11 fractures were treated with the ORIF technique. The mean age was 11.4 months (range 3–16). Average follow-up time 81.54 months (range 12-156). There is a significant relationship between age and CRPP(p:0.000), but not with ORIF(p:0.10). The most important result of our study is that there is no significant difference between AOFAS scores with CRPP and ORIF techniques (P: 0.167 and p: 0.20, respectively). The second most important result in our study was that there was a significant relationship between Essex Lopresti and Sanders classification to AOFAS score(p: 0.013 in both.).

Conclusion : Immature calcaneus fractures are rare, and those without anatomical reduction, as in adults, have poor results. In pediatric calcaneus fractures, fragmentation due to the severity of trauma, cartilage damage, cancellous bone loss and their consequence may cause circulatory disorders between the fracture parts. As a result, post-traumatic arthritis may develop even if anatomical reduction is made. The most important thing that determines the result in pediatric calcaneus fractures is how high energy the fracture occurs rather than the surgical technique to be chosen.
Effect of Aspirin Dose on Preeclampsia Prevention and Fetal-maternal Complications: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Chamani Maryam , Shahrabi Saeid , Malmir Ali , Hassanzadeh Fereshteh
Published: November 2021

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a disease characterized by abnormalities in the placenta and endothelial cells. The pathogenesis is not fully understood; however, aspirin prescription can be effective to treat the disease and prevent fetal developmental disorders. Methods: This study was performed as a clinical trial in Shahid Akbrabadi Hospital in Tehran city. Eighty patients participated in two groups (n = 40). The first group of patients received the dose of 80 mg, and the second group received the dose of 160 mg aspirin. Then, the fetal-maternal and treatment process complications were examined in the patients. Results: The results showed that the incidence of fetal-maternal complications, including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) was lower in patients treated with 160 mg aspirin than in the other group, but this difference was not statistically significant (P-value > 0.05). Aspirin complications such as bleeding were more in the second group than in the first one (P-value < 0.05). Conclusions: Although the increasing dose of aspirin reduces fetal-maternal complications in PE patients, the problems such as aspirin-induced bleeding should be considered.
A reappraisal of the taxonomy of Neotropical Sialidae (Insecta: Megaloptera): with the description of a new genus from Cuba
Authors: Ardila-Camacho Adrian , Rivera-Gasperín Sara Lariza , Martins Caleb Califre , Contreras-Ramos Atilano
Published: November 2021

The unique Neotropical species of the alderfly genus Protosialis van der Weele, 1909, P. bifasciata (Hagen, 1861), is herein transferred to the newly described genus Caribesialis gen. nov. This new taxon is proposed to be sister to the clade Protosialis + Sialis Latreille, 1802, after a phylogenetic analysis that included male genital characters scored on a previous morphological matrix of the family. Also, Ilyobius nigrocephalus sp. nov., a remarkable new species from Ecuador, is described and its phylogenetic position is discussed. Furthermore, Ilyobius bimaculatus (Banks, 1920) from Bolivia, known solely from the female holotype, is redescribed. Based on the present study, the Neotropical fauna of Sialidae is proposed to be constituted by two genera, one insular (Cuba) and one continental (Mexico to Chile and Argentina).
Sur la présence en France de Trocheta taunensis Grosser, 2015 (Hirudinida, Erpobdellidae)
Authors: LECAPLAIN Benoît
Published: November 2021

Depuis les années 1950, une espèce de sangsue du genre Trocheta est citée de France et désignée comme Trocheta bykowskii Gedroyć, 1913. Des travaux de Košel en 2004 puis de Grosser en 2015 sur les populations de l’est de l’Europe ont permis de mieux connaître la taxonomie de ce taxon qui s’est avéré être un synonyme junior de Trocheta cylindrica Örley, 1886. Cette espèce, dont la répartition est restreinte aux Carpates, n’est de fait pas présente en Europe de l’Ouest. L’espèce unicolore désignée comme bykowskii à l’ouest de l’Europe a été récemment décrite sous le nom de Trocheta taunensis Grosser, 2015. Cet article montre que les exemplaires français sont à rattacher à cette sangsue.
FOOD PRODUCTS PLACEMENT DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Vučenović Sonja , Nuševa Daniela , Marić Dražen , Maric Radenko , Vukmirović Goran , Leković Ksenija
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has entirely changed the patterns of behavior in the market. Physical distance, quarantine measures, safety and security protocols, and shortages along the entire supply chain, have particularly affected the placement of food products. In this regard, the paper aims to define the impact of various indicators on the placement of food products during the COVID-19 pandemic. An empirical study was conducted on a sample of 248 final consumers. The analysis was performed specifically for four groups of essential food products in a pandemic: meat and meat products, fruit and vegetables, milk and dairy products, cereals, and cereal products. The results showed a statistically significant impact of indicators such as safety and security standards, hygiene, price, product freshness, nutritional composition, chain transparency, and product quality. The impact of these indicators differs significantly depending on the analyzed product group. The obtained results indicate to the supply chain management which negative impacts need to be minimized to ensure timely placement of food products and more efficiently meet the needs of final consumers in a pandemic. Guidelines for future research are listed in the paper.
When dark humor and moral judgment meet in sacrificial dilemmas: Preliminary evidence with females
Authors: Brigaud Emmanuelle , Blanc Nathalie
Published: November 2021

The influence of dark humor on moral judgment has never been explored, even though this form of humor is well-known to push the boundaries of social norms. In the present study, we examined whether the presence of dark humor leads female participants to approve a utilitarian response (i.e., to kill one to save many) in sacrificial dilemmas. The effects of two types of humorous contexts were compared (i.e., dark vs. nondark) on dilemmas, which differed according to whom benefits from the crime (i.e., oneself and others vs. others only). In addition to collecting moral responses, individuals’ emotional states were assessed at three critical steps: Before and after reading the jokes and also after performing the moral judgment task. Our results revealed that dark and nondark humor similarly elicited a positive emotional state. However, dark humor increased the permissiveness of the moral violation when this violation created benefits for oneself. In self and other beneficial dilemmas, female participants in the dark humorous condition judged the utilitarian response more appropriate than those in the nondark condition. This study represents a first attempt in deepening our understanding of the context-dependent nature of moral judgment usually assessed in sacrificial dilemmas.
Assessment of Oncology Provider Knowledge and Cardiovascular Screening Practices: A Call for Heightened Screening
Authors: Albert, DNP, FNP-BC, AOCNP Katherine , Pollard, PhD, RNC-OB, CNE, IBCLC Deborah , Klemp, PhD, MPH, MA Jennifer , Kondapalli, MD Lavanya , Tuffield, DNP, FNP-C, CCRN Deborah
Published: November 2021

Cardiac risk factors are known to compound the development of cardiotoxicities (CTx) in patients exposed to anthracycline (ANT) chemotherapy agents. National oncology and cardiology organizations have published recommendations for cardiovascular risk stratification and screening cancer patients following exposure to ANTs. The frequency with which oncology providers are integrating these principles into practice is unknown. This knowledge-based quality improvement (QI) project was designed to heighten oncology provider competencies such that screening frequency of cancer patients for CTx in the post-ANT setting aligns more closely with national guidelines for care. A web-based educational intervention, cardiac screening tool, and evidence-based literature were shared with 20 oncology providers over the course of 5 months. Retrospective chart reviews and pre- and post-project surveys were performed to assess competencies and practice trends. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed to illustrate whether the interventions improved knowledge and changed practice. Findings revealed an increase in the number of provider-perceived percentage of high cardiac risk patients and the number of patients screened, knowledge did not improve, and the frequency by which oncology providers ordered echocardiograms increased minimally. Factors such as organizational system changes, time constraints, and change fatigue limited effective and consistent implementation of the project interventions. The trajectory of cancer survivorship is affected by cardiovascular disease. Cardiac screening of cancer patients is a critical component of cancer care that has the potential to positively impact economic and health outcomes of this susceptible population.
LOS EFECTOS DEL PLAN DIRECTOR URBANÍSTICO DEL SISTEMA COSTERO CATALÁN EN LA REORDENACIÓN DEL AGLOMERADO TURÍSTICO DE LA COSTA BRAVA
Authors: Pié Ricard , Vilanova i Claret Josep Maria , Porfido Enrico
Published: November 2021

En este artículo se evalúan los efectos del Plan Director Urbanístico del Sistema Costero (PDUSC) catalán en la reordenación del litoral turístico, una evaluación que necesita una mínima perspectiva histórica para validar sus resultados. Por ello, este repaso se centra en uno de los tramos más estudiados, la Costa Brava, en el que verificar los impactos que se han producido desde la aprobación de los primeros planes de los sesenta a las protestas reivindicativas de algunos movimientos sociales, pasando por los debates cívicos tales como los de los Debat Costa Brava (I y II) o la defensa dels Aigüamolls. La conclusión de este repaso es que el PDUSC es el final de un proceso de protección que debería aprovecharse para transformar el aglomerado urbanístico del turismo en ciudad. Los casos del Parc dels Estanys de Platja d’Aro y de La Pletera de L’Estartit (Torroella de Montgrí) son dos buenos ejemplos de lo que debería ser el planeamiento futuro de la costa.
Exploring the Transformative Power of Play in African Children’s Games
Authors:   Griffith University, Australia, Chinyowa Kennedy C.
Published: November 2021

The transformative power of indigenous African children’s games can be demonstrated by how they were framed by the aesthetics of play such as imitation, imagination, make-believe, repetition, spontaneity, and improvisation. Such games could be regarded as ‘rites of passage’ for children’s initiation into adulthood as they occupied a crucial phase in the process of growing up. Using the illustrative paradigm of indigenous children’s games from the Shona-speaking peoples of Zimbabwe, this paper explores the transformative power of play as a means by which children engaged with reality. The paper proceeds to argue that the advent of modern agents of social change such as Christianity, formal education, urbanization, industrialization, scientific technology, and the cash economy not only created a fragmentation of African people’s cultural past but also threatened the survival of African cultural performance traditions. Although indigenous African children’s games were disrupted by modernity, they have managed to survive in a modified form.
Do Bulgakov’s Hella (Gella), Azazello, Behemoth, and Abadonna Have Ancient Near Eastern Origins?
Authors:   University of Tartu, Estonia, Sazonov Vladimir , Kupp-Sazonov Sirje ,   College of Foreign Languages and Cultures, University of Tartu, Estonia
Published: November 2021

This paper focuses on the issue of the possible Ancient Near Eastern origins of famous Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov’s demonic characters, such as the vampire Hella (Gella), the cat-human Behemoth, and the demons Azazello and Abadonna from the novel The Master and Margarita. The nature of the members of Woland’s court have been analysed in several works; however, their roots are usually considered to go back to biblical times and context. Our aim is to try to shed some light on their possibly more ancient origins, since it is a well-known fact that Bulgakov was deeply interested in the Ancient Near East and used several of its elements in his novel. Therefore, in order to establish any potential Ancient Near Eastern impact on the essence of those characters, we need to look into Akkadian and Sumerian mythology and Mesopotamian religious texts (e.g., incantations).
Study of the Bactericidal Effect Clove, Cinnamon, and Sodium Benzoate in the Haden Mango and Melon Preservation
Authors: Torres Mejía Juan Alexander , Romero Elyn Antonieta , Barahona Maribel Medina , Mejía Fredy Torres , Galindo Henry Edgardo Maradiaga
Published: November 2021

An experimental study was conducted to determine inhibition and / or destruction of pathogens in the following; Controls, M-EC, MS, Me-EC, Me-S, Treatments M-EC-LC, LC-MS, LC-EC-I, Me-S-CL, M-EC-C, M-S-C, Me-EC, Me-SC, M-EC-B, M-S-B, Me-EC-B and Me-S-B. Where: M = mango, Me = melon, EC = Escherichia coli, S = Salmonella sp, CL = clove, C = cinnamon, B = sodium benzoate. Qualifying each treatment according to the bactericidal power, as: non-effective, minimum, and fulminant lethal effect on days 0 (t0), 7 (t7) and 15 (t15); the bactericidal effect of aqueous extracts of cinnamon, clove in concentrations of 2.5% and sodium benzoate at concentrations permitted by FDA 0.1% was evaluated using the method of quantification or counting of forming colony units (FCU), on two bacterial strains, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis, were inoculated in samples of tropical fruits, mango Haden (Mangifera indica) and Cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo). The bactericidal effect of clove was different in the two fruits treated; in the mango inoculated with E. coli was observed a minimal effect and in the other hand, the sample inoculated with Salmonella spp. there was no bactericidal effect. In the melon sample inoculated with both bacteria, the bactericidal effect of clove was observed. The effect of cinnamon was minimal in both fruits inoculated with E. coli. In the mango inoculated with Salmonella spp. there was no bactericidal effect. In the melon, it was a lethal effect. The use of sodium benzoate had a bactericidal effect, in both, the mango and in the melon inoculated with both bacteria. The analysis found that the mango inoculated with E. coli had a devastating effect (death at day 0). Dry matter, matter balance and sensory analysis were determined to have a better conclusion of the investigation.
Economic Analysis of Pearl Millet Cultivation in Rainfed Ecosystem of Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Sreedhar R. , Kumar R. Senthil , Muralidharan C. , Selvi R. Gangai
Published: November 2021

The Pearl millet is the staple and nutritive diet of farm households in developing and underdeveloped countries. It is grown as dual-purpose; grain and forage in drylands, marginal lands, and unirrigated lands of the Indian subcontinent. This study analysed the cost and returns, profitability, and resource productivity of the pearl millet growing farmers in a rainfed ecosystem of Thoothukudi District. Primary data were collected in selected blocks namely Vilathikulam and Pudur, based on the maximum area under pearl millet cultivation. The sampling design used in the study was Purposive random sampling. Totally 61 farmers were personally interviewed using a well-structured questionnaire. The Cost-C was Rs. 41115.65 per hectare. The proportionate expenditure of Hired Human Labour was 19.05 per cent to total costs. The net income was Rs. 4974.2 per hectare. The BCR was higher in small followed by medium and large farms. The partial regression coefficient of hired labour and fertilizers was 0.103, and 0.793 respectively, which were positive and highly significant. It indicated that gross return was increased by 0.793 per cent by increasing one per cent of expenses on fertilizers. The summation of all partial coefficients was 0.656 which indicated a decreasing return to scale. When the production function's returns to scale decrease, the average cost of production rises. Input prices have a significant impact on the economic profitability of farmers' crop cultivation. Rainfed pearl millet cultivation is unprofitable at market values in the Thoothukudi district. The current scenario requires the revising of minimum support prices and regulation in input market, particularly for crops grown in rainfed ecosystems.
Scientific Management Practices Followed by Sheep Rearing Farmers in Raichur District of Karnataka, India
Authors: Channappa . , Shashidhar K. K. , Goudappa S. B , Hulagur Basavaraj , Sreedhara J. N.
Published: November 2021

Livestock is one of the most remunerative enterprises among the farming community the present study was undertaken to know the scientific sheep management practices by sheep owners in Raichur and Lingasugur taluks of Raichur district. For this purpose, 6 villages from each taluks were selected on the basis of highest sheep population. Ten respondents drawn from each selected village with 120 sample size. The data was collected through structured schedule and the data were analyzed by using appropriate statistical methods. The findings of the study indicated that a large majority of the sheep owners (85.00%) administer the drugs for de worming in lamb management, followed by providing of fresh and clean water (83.33%) and proper bedding material (80.00%) in winter season. With regards feeding management of the sheep, a large majority of the respondents (85.00%) allowed their sheep for grazing in community land Nearly one fifth of the respondents provided green fodder throughout the year as their land comes under the canal irrigation provision, in addition to bore well facilities. Further, 100% of the respondents had proper floor space for the sheep size with cleaning padlock regularly in housing management practices. It is worth to note that 83.00 per cent of them monitor heat detection in sheep and provided treatment to the animals which were suffering from reproductive disorder (87.50%).This is mainly due to the availability of veterinary services in the locality. With regards health management practices, cent percent of the respondents check up the health of the sheep regularly and administer vaccination as scheduled (4/annum) and disinfection of the padlock in order to prevent the disease.
Investigating Online Learning Satisfaction in Jordan Schools during the COVID-19 Outbreak: The Student Perspective
Authors: Jebril Hayfaa
Published: November 2021

In the past two years, the flare-up of the COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan has turned traditional education into online teaching, which impacted the education quality. This studyuses an integrated model of UTAUT model, ISS model, and quality of interaction to study the online learning satisfaction in Jordan from the students' point of view during the COVID-19 outbreak. For such purpose, a questionnaire survey was distributed among students from five different Jordanian schools to gather the data, and the SmartPLS tool was used to analyze this data. The results showed that all the employed factors in the proposed model significantly influenced the students' satisfaction with online learning throughout the COVID-19 pandemic proliferation. Thus, these research results will be a significant reference for educational institutes, decision-makers, developers, and researchers on the significant factors that influence students' satisfaction with online learning, which in turn can improve the development of online learning systems.
Characterization of Surimi Based Edible Film from Mackerel Tuna Dark Muscle
Authors: Fu’ada Syifa Tsamratul , Rostini Iis , Junianto . , Pratama Rusky Intan
Published: November 2021

This research aims to determine the best concentration of surimi made from mackerel tuna dark muscle to produce edible film with characteristics according to JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) and to determine the characteristics of edible film product. This research was carried out in March to April 2021 at the Fishery Product Processing Laboratory, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Padjadjaran University and Soil Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University. The method used was experimental with Completely Randomized Design (CRD), and treatment with surimi concentration consisted of three treatments with three replications including 8%, 10% and 12%. Parameters observed were thickness, tensile strength, percent elongation and transparency. The resulting data were analyzed using ANOVA and continued with Duncan's test (α=5%). The results showed that an increase in the concentration of surimi made from dark muscle of mackerel tuna had a significant effect on thickness and percent elongation, but an increase in surimi concentration had no significant effect on tensile strength and transparency. Edible film with the addition of 8% concentration of surimi made from mackerel tuna dark muscle had the best characteristics based on the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) and statistical analysis, with a thickness of 0.096 mm, tensile strength 486.78 kgf/cm2 percent elongation 211.67%, transparency 5, 72 and 94.28% clarity.
Effect of Red Ginger Essential Oil (Zingiber officinale Var. Rubrum) Addition on Chitosan Based Edible Coating towards Organoleptic Characteristics Pempek
Authors: Pratiwi Nabila Ayu , Rostini Iis , Yustiati Ayi , Pratama Rusky Intan
Published: November 2021

This study aims to determine the best concentration of red ginger essential oil addition (Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum) edible coating to chitosan on the organoleptic quality of pempek. The research method was experimental which consisted of 5 treatments, namely control, addition of red ginger essential oil with concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% with 20 panelists as replicates. Parameters observed included organoleptic characteristics (appearance, texture, aroma, taste, tooth test, and folding test) based on the panelists' preference level using hedonic tests and chemical analysis (moisture content and fat content) and the shelf life of pempek. The data from the water content and fat content tests were analyzed descriptively, while the organoleptic test results were analyzed using non-parametric statistics with the test Friedman, if the test Friedman gave a rejection, multiple comparisons were performed and test was performed Bayes for decision making. The results showed that the best treatment in extending the shelf life of pempek was treatment D with the addition of 1% red ginger essential oil with a moisture content of 55.30% on the first day and 55.31% on the fourth day. While the fat content on the first day was 1.42% and on the fourth day it rose to 2.72% with the characteristics of appearance, texture, aroma, and taste still favored by the panelists.
Prevalence and Determinants of Psychiatric Morbidities in Nigerian Men with LUTS Due to Prostatic Diseases
Authors: Dada M. U. , Adegun P. T. , Idowu A. A. , Omonisi A. E. , Oluwole L. O. , Obadeji A.
Published: November 2021

Aims: This study aimed at determining the prevalence and significant factors associated with psychiatric morbidity in men with LUTS secondary to prostatic diseases in a tertiary health centre in a developing country.

Study design: This is a prospective, cross-sectional study.

Place and duration: The urology unit of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti. Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study period was from 1stJanuary2018 to 31stDecember2019.

Methodology:  Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess for   psychiatric morbidity among 224 patients with LUTS. While,  International prostate symptom score (IPSS) was used to assess the severity of LUTS.  The data was analysed using SPSS version 20.

Results:  The prevalence of depression and anxiety were 17% and 9.8% respectively. The mean IPSS and PSA scores of the respondents were 19.95±8.06 and 31.48±37.03 respectively. The only factors found to be significantly associated with depression were use of alcohol by the respondents (T-test = .058, P = .01, CI = -2.885 ˗˗ -0.391) and high scores on IPSS (T-test = .765, P value = .003, CI = 1.436 ˗˗ 6.995).  While the factors found to be associated with anxiety disorders were alcohol use by the respondents (T-test =2.661, P = .033, CI = -2.519 ˗˗  -0.103) and high PSA  scores (T-test =9.473, P value = .036, CI = -28.942 ˗˗ -1.068).

Conclusion: This study shows that there is a high rate of psychiatric morbidity among patients with LUTS. Main factors associated with these morbidities were alcohol use, severity of the LUTS and high PSA scores. Assessment of psychiatric morbidity in patients with LUTS using simple psychological instruments will help in early detection and prompt treatment of psychological morbidities.
Orbital Cellulitis in Children: Experience of the Pediatric Service at Mohammed v Military Hospital
Authors: Elmahi Jihane , Radi A. , Kmari M. , Hassani A. , Abilkasseme R. , Agadr A.
Published: November 2021

Background: Orbital cellulitis is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency, jeopardizing the  vital and functional prognosis. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological, therapeutic and evolutional aspects of orbital cellulitis cases treated at the pediatric service at Mohamed V military hospital.

Patients and methods: retrospective study including all the children aged between 1 month and 15 years treated for orbital cellulitis at the pediatric service of the Mohamed V Hospital over a period of 3 years (1st January 2016-31st December 2019).

Results: 24 cases of orbital cellulitis were gathered. Age varied between 1 month and 15 years with a median of age of 6. years. Feminine predominance (58%) was noted .

The disease mainly involved the sinus (32%).Clinically, fever was present in 10 patients (41%),palpebral edema was universal, proptosis was noted in 5 cases(20.8%),chemosis and ptosis were noted in 4 cases(16.6%),bacteriological

testing identified micro-organisms in 3 cases. An orbital CT scan was performed in all cases of our study, showing preseptal cellulitis in 14 cases (58.3%), orbital cellulitis in 3 cases(12.5%),and orbital abscess in 7 cases.

The medical treatment consisted of ceftriaxone, metronidazole and aminoside or amoxicilline clavulanic acid, corticosteroid therapy prescribed in 5 cases. Surgical treatment was indicated in 3 patients.

The outcome of All cases was favorable.

Conclusion: The majority of our cases had a positive evolution highlighting the advantage of an early diagnosis, and adapted antibiotic and a multidisciplinary patient care making the need for surgery rarely necessary.
Biodegradation Capacity and Activity Enzymatic of Bacillus subtilis against Low-Density Polyethylene
Authors: Rojas Ivana Ortega , Pérez Adriana Rodríguez , González Juan Fernando Cárdenas , Martínez Juárez Víctor Manuel , Domínguez Erika Enriquez , Oviedo Juana Tovar , Rodríguez Ismael Acosta
Published: November 2021

Aims: The objective of this work was to determine the degradation capacity of low-density polyethylene by the bacterium Bacillus subtilis and analyze the production of extracellular laccase activity.

Methodology: The experiments was realized in 50 mL of culture medium, added with a fragment of known dry weight (1 cm2 colorless polyethylene bag squares), and were incubated at 28°C, pH 6.5, for 6 months under static conditions, determining the growth of the bacterium by dry weight (68, 75, and 91 mg), the production of extracellular protein (271, 234, and 326.1 mg/mL), and the degradation of the substrate by dry biodegraded (8.57%, 5.88%, and 11.76%).

Results: The production of extracellular laccase enzyme was analyzed in presence of polyethylene, finding an enzymatic activity of laccase of 2.06, 1.49, and 2,03 U/mL, while in the control without substrate, no enzymatic activity was observed, which suggests that this enzyme may participate in the degradation of polyethylene. In addition, some characteristics of the extracellular enzymatic activities were analyzed, such as stability at 4oC and 28oC, optimal pH and temperature, the effect of protein and substrate concentration.

Conclusion: The extracellular protein production and dry weight of the bacterium are higher in the presence of low-density polyethylene. The laccase activity is very stable at 4oC and 28oC, the most effective pH and temperature, were 4.5 and 28oC, and present an incubation time of 5 minutes, and this data suggest that this enzymatic activitiy may participate in the degradation of low density polyethylene.
Effects of Some Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metal Ions on the Initial Reaction Rates of Congregibacter litoralis KT71 β-lactamase Hydrolysis of 4-Nitrophenyl Myristate
Authors: Iniaghe O. M. , Ibukun O.
Published: November 2021

The effects of some alkali metal ions (Na+ and K+) and alkaline earth metal ions (Mg 2+ and Ba2+) on the initial reaction rates of Congregibacter litoralis KT71 β-lactamase hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl myristate was investigated by varying the concentrations of the metal ions in the assay mixture which comprised of 100 µl of standard enzyme solution, 200 µl of varying concentration of metal ions, 500 µl of 50 mM sodium phosphate buffer pH 7.5 and 200 µl of 4-nitrophenyl myristate (substrate) which was added last to the assay mixture after an incubation time of 10 minutes at 44 oC. The enzyme activity was measured spectrophotometrically using a UV-780 recording spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 405 nm. The hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl myristate to yield 4-nitrophenol was monitored by reading the absorbance at 25 minutes. Results showed that the alkaline earth metal ions (Ba2+ and Mg2+) had higher enzyme activation effect than the alkali metal ions (K+ and Na+) Also, all metal ions except Mg2+ showed enzyme stimulatory effect at low concentrations (<2 mM) but inhibitory at higher ion concentrations (2 mM - 3 mM). Mg 2+ caused a proportionate decrease in enzyme activity from its peak (when metal ion concentration was lowest). Results from this research is of great significance to the industrialist especially where the search for novel lipases with unique characteristics suitable for the industries are inevitable.
Affordable ML Based Collaborative Approach for Baby Monitoring
Authors: Naz Taiba , Shukla Ravi , Tiwari Krishna
Published: November 2021

There are numerous baby-monitoring devices available in the market that parents use to keep an eye on babies while they are away. The majority of them are reliant on the installation of expensive hardware, which many parents cannot afford. Another issue with these devices is that they detect high-pitched sounds and frequently give false alarms, causing both children and parents to be disturbed. The majority of smartphone applications in the market work on sound wave and only sound an alarm when the infant start crying. In this project, we proposed the design of a mobile application to detect the status of a baby inside a crib/ on a bed. The application will alert parents when their child requires assistance, will be able to determine whether the child is sleeping in a safe or hazardous position, and will keep track of the child's sleeping patterns. It is less reliant on hardware, making it less expensive. Here the only requirement is two paired mobile phones with the application installed instead of expensive hardware (IoT-based devices). The application is utilizing the transfer-learning technique on tensor flow lite Mobilenet classification and SSD_mobilenet_V1_coco object detection models. The accuracy of the model is 97% for the Mobilenet classification model and 98% for the object detection model.
Growth Response, Carcass Yield and Meat Quality of West African Dwarf Sheep Fed Graded Level of Shea Cake Meal
Authors: Okunlola D. O. , Amuda A. J. , Shittu M. D. , Olatunji O. O. , Ojoawo O. T. , Olaniyan O. S. , Olateju B. O. , Fasola A. A. , Alao A. J.
Published: November 2021

Growth response, carcass characteristics and meat quality of West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep fed Shea Cake Meal (SCM) supplement was investigated. A total of 24 WAD sheep of average body weight ranges from 11-12.65 kg comprising of twelve (12) males and twelve (12) females were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with six animals per treatment in a completely randomized design in a twelve (12) weeks experimental period. Treatment 1 was control and had no inclusion of SCM. Treatments 2, 3 and 4 had 10%, 15% and 20% inclusion of SCM. Results were significantly different (P<0.05) across treatments. Average weight gain ranged from 10.0 kg (SCM-10) to 13.12 kg (SCM-15). T3 recorded highest values for average feed intake (AFI) at a record value of 63.50 kg. T2 had the least feed conversion ratio of 4.81. The carcass quality and sensory evaluation were significantly affected (P<0.05) across the treatments. Hot carcass weight (HCW) ranged from 18.90 kg (SCM-10) to 20.85 kg (SCM-15). Cold carcass weight was recorded 18.05 kg (SCM-10) and 19.95 kg (SCM-20), respectively. Minimum chilling loss of 3.96% was recorded at SCM-15 inclusion level. Animals on SCM-15 inclusion recorded the highest value of 7.55, 7.25 and 7.25 respectively for appearance, tenderness and overall acceptability. SCM-20 had highest value of 7.50 for juiciness compared to SCM-10 and SCM-15 with recorded values of 6.80 and 7.20, respectively. The study showed that all the dietary inclusion was satisfactory as feed for small ruminants without any deleterious effect on their performance as well as on carcass yield and meat quality. Inclusion level of SCM-15 supplement had highest overall performance when fed to (WAD) sheep.
Antimicrobial Activity and Toxicity of Sophorolipids Produced by Candida haemulonis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae against Some Selected Microorganisms
Authors: Williams K. F. , Agwa O. K. , Abu G. O. , Akaranta O.
Published: November 2021

Sophorolipid have been identified to possess varying antagonism relationship to a number microbiota, although having been identified as being ecologically friendly. The biosafety of biologically synthesized materials has been identified as a major challenge to commercialization and scale-up. Sophorolipid was produced by Candida haemulonis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Palm oil mill effluent impacted soil in Emohua, Rivers State. Submerged fermentation was employed in the production of the sophorolipid while the Well-in-agar approach was employed in the antimicrobial susceptibility was conducted using 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% on both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria and fungi namely Staphylococcus sp, Nitrobacter sp, Klebsiella sp, Bacillus sp while the fungal flora were Aspergillus sp, Penicillium sp, Rhizopus sp, Candida sp, Mucor sp and Saccharomyces sp. Acute toxicity was conducted using Nitrobacter sp, Nitrosomonas sp and Thiobacillus sp. Probit based determination of acute toxicity after a 48hr and 96hr exposure to the test organisms. Antagonistic nature of the sophorolipids showed there was little or no antagonistic activity on the bacterial isolates than the fungal isolates. The sophorolipid formulation synthesized from both isolates were observed to have a zone of inhibition between 10 mm to 24 mm for Nitrosomonas sp. while to Aspergillus sp it had a range between 4.0 mm to 13.0 mm. Acute toxicity of sophorolipid produced by Candida haemulonis against Nitrosomonas sp 0.054 mg/L while to Thiobacillus sp it had an acute toxicity index of 0.107 mg/L.  This study identified that the sophorolipid produced by the yeast isolate had the potential of being employed in a number of sectors. This study has pioneered the untapped benefits in the POME-induced flora and how they can be veritable tools in the biotechnology industry.
Screening, Characterization and Identification of Sophorolipid-Producing Yeast Isolated from Palm Oil Effluent Polluted Soil
Authors: Williams K. F. , Agwa O. K. , Abu G. O. , Akaranta O.
Published: November 2021

Aim: This study investigated the screening, characterization and identification of sophorolipid-producing yeast isolated from palm oil effluent polluted soil.

Place and Duration: Two soil samples impacted with palm oil mill effluent were obtained from Elibrada and Rumuche in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, between March 2020 and September 2021.

Methodology: The soil samples were analyzed for physicochemical, geotechnical and microbiological qualities. The yeast isolates were identified using biochemical and 16S ITS molecular approaches. The isolates were screened for hydrocarbon degradation and sophorolipid production. The sophorolipid production was evaluated using emulsification index (E24), haemolytic activity, oil spread activity, drop collapse and blue agar plate assay (Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide CTAB Method).

Results: The pH of the Palm oil mill effluent -impacted soil ranged between pH 6.18 to 6.34 the electrical conductivity value for Elibrada and Rumuche were 20.84 µS/cm and 80.19 µS/cm respectively while that of the unpolluted soil was 220.13 µS/cm. Permeability of the soil from Elibrada was 2.7 cm/s, Rumuche had 1.3 cm/s while the unpolluted soil had 5.6 cm/s. Total organic carbon for soil samples from Rumuche was 4.92%, Elibrada had 6.13% while the unpolluted soil had 8.74%. Oil and grease component for the Rumuche soil was 10500 mg/kg, Elibrada had 7200 mg/kg and the unpolluted soil had 28.0 mg/kg. Total fungal count for Rumuche soil samples was 3.8 × 104 CFU/g while Elibrada had 3.2 × 104 CFU/g. Eighty percent (80%) of the isolates were Candida spp. while 20% were Saccharomyces sp. There were four bands separated which were denoted as ITS 600bp and a Ladder L which was 500bp. The phylogenetic construct showed that the Y8 was 70.2% similar to Candida parapsilosis. The isolate Y3 was 95.8% similar to Candida haemulonis. Isolate Y9 had 100% similarity with Pichia kudriavzevii while Y13 had a 97.4% identity with Saccharomyces cerevisiae the GENBANK accession numbers were Candida haemulonis MW182014, Candida parapsilosis MW182015, Pichia kudriavzevii MW182016 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae MW182017.

Conclusion: There is an increasing concern to develop a process for microbial isolation and characterization for effective biotechnological advancement using impacted environmental media as a bioresource.
Antiplatelet Effect of Aspirin in Ischemic Stroke: A Hospital-based Study
Authors: Hussain Masaraf , Khonglah Yookarin , Sharma S. R. , Synmon Baia , Hynniewta Yasmeen
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Aspirin is widely used for the treatment of stroke. Therefore aspirin resistance can lead to a significant increase in the burden of stroke. Platelet aggregation studies can evaluate platelet function, and this may help to detect anti-platelet resistance.

Methods: This is a hospital-based study of the antiplatelet effect of aspirin in ischemic stroke, during a duration of one year.

All first-time ischemic stroke patients >18 years of age were included. Platelet aggregometry test was done by LTA (Light transmission optical aggregometer), after starting the patients on oral aspirin.

Results: A total of 113 ischemic stroke patients were included for the antiplatelet effect of the aspirin study.  Aspirin resistance was found in 18.58% of patients. Patients with aspirin resistance had higher mortality, and less improvement on follow-up, as compared to aspirin-sensitive patients. They had more incidence of smoking, alcohol abuse, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, as compared to the aspirin-sensitive group. The results reveal that there is a non-statistically significant trend in both mortality and prognosis between the two study groups compared: aspirin-resistant versus aspirin-sensitive patients.

Conclusion: Aspirin resistance can lead to loss of functional improvement and more mortality than aspirin-sensitive patients. However, further study for drug interactions, adequate risk factor control, the genetic profile of the population is needed, to come to a definite conclusion.