bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Clinically Trained Facilitators’ Experiences of Remote Psychosocial Interventions for Older Adults with Memory Loss and their Family Carers
Authors: Renouf Philippa , Budgett Jessica , Wyman Danielle , Banks Sara , Poppe Michaela , Cooper Claudia
Published: November 2022

ObjectivesWe aimed to explore how non-clinically trained facilitators experienced delivering remote video-call and telephone, one-to-one and group-based psychosocial interventions with older adults with memory loss and their family carers, under training and supervision.MethodsWe conducted a secondary thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with non-clinically trained facilitators, employed by Universities, NHS and the third-sector. Participants had facilitated either of two manualised interventions; the APPLE-Tree group dementia prevention for people with mild memory loss; or NIDUS-Family dyadic intervention for people living with dementia and their family carers.ResultsThe overarching theme of building confidence in developing therapeutic relationships was explained using subthemes that described the roles of: learning by experience (subtheme 1); developing clinical skills (subtheme 2); peer support (subtheme 3) in enabling this process; and remote delivery as a potential barrier to it (subtheme 4). ConclusionNon-clinically trained facilitators can have a positive experience delivering psychosocial interventions with older adults. Gaps in life experience between clients and younger facilitators could compound initial feelings of being ‘in at the deep end’ and fears of being ‘exposed’ as lacking expertise in the intervention area. These fears were allayed by experiences of positive therapeutic relationships and outcomes for clients, and by growing confidence at the usefulness of their work as a non-expert facilitator. For this to happen, teams need to ensure appropriate support (including peer support), training and supervision is in place, and that these need to account for the challenging contexts of remote delivery.
Ethno-veterinary methods used by the poultry producers in the Kymore Plateau region of Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Sharma Pramod , Khare Ankur , Aharwal Bhavna
Published: November 2022

A study was conducted to know about the ethno-veterinary methods used by poultry producers (commercial and backyard) in the Kymore Plateau region of Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur district. A prestructured questionnaire was developed for this purpose and 132 poultry farmers from the Shahpura, Kundam, Patan, and Jabalpur blocks of the Jabalpur district were interviewed directly. Direct perception, town walks, meeting passers-by, group meetings and gatherings with critical sources were also used to obtain information (i.e., customary pioneers, augmentation specialists and executives of village improvement advisory groups). The interviews were conducted in Hindi, the local language. Herbs/plants/parts of plants such as turmeric, garlic, guava, custard apple, ginger, pomegranate, sahjan, bamboo, and tobacco are used by poultry farmers for the treatment of different diseases, according to ethno-veterinary information and traditional managemental practice. The main constraints of poultry producers in the research study areas were poor disease prevention, control, and lack of disease awareness and management abilities. Programs should be designed in such a way that research and extension activities are focused on identified constraints. Aside from that, farmer skill development through training and farm service enhancement are critical. However, further research, documentation, and validation are required before these ethno-veterinary methods can be implemented on a large scale.
Microscopic Assistance in Cold Dissection Tonsillectomy – Does it Improve Surgical Outcome?
Authors: Dhakal Ashish , Shrestha Bikash Lal , Pokharel Monika , Shrestha Krishna Sundar , Khadka Laxmi
Published: November 2022

Background: Tonsillectomy is one of the commonest surgical procedure carried out by ENT surgeon. In the post-operative period, rate of life-threatening post-operative bleeding varies between 0 and 20 % of the patients. The use of magnifying devices like microscopes or magnifying glasses is still in the focus of clinical investigation as it is hypothesized that precise vision of vessels during surgery allows precise coagulation and therefore reduces post-operative bleeding. Furthermore, precise coagulation should reduce post-operative pain too. The study aims to compare the surgical outcome between microscopic assisted tonsillectomy and traditional cold dissection tonsillectomy.
Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 32 patients who had undergone tonsillectomy from March 2020 to December 2021. The patients included in the study underwent cold dissection tonsillectomy where one tonsil was removed with Microscopic assistance and other with traditional cold dissection method with unsupported vision. Intraoperative blood loss was calculated. Post-operative pain score was measured with Wong- Baker FACES® Pain rating scale till 7th post-operative day. Post-operative complications if present were noted.
Results: Total of 32 patients were enrolled in the study with age ranging from 16-42 years. There were total 18 male (56.3%) and 14 females (43.8%) in the study. Intraoperative time for Microscopic assisted cold dissection (16.44 ± 3.46 minutes) was longer than Conventional dissection technique (13.94 ± 2.86 minutes) (p=0.04). Amount of blood loss during MCD technique was 16.47 ± 4.58 ml whereas in CD group it was 18.22 ± 4.54 ml (p=0.02). Pain score in both methods were higher during early post-operative period and gradually decreased with time. During rest, there was no statistically significant difference in pain between the two methods during first three post-operative days, after which pain was significantly reduced in MCD through day 4-7 (p <0.05). None of the patient had post- operative hemorrhage requiring intervention in operation room.
Conclusions: Microscopic assisted cold dissection showed statistically significant results for reduced intraoperative blood loss and post-operative pain score than Conventional dissection method.
Influence of Aging on HbA1C: A Cross-Sectional Study on Diabetic Population Attending a Tertiery Care Center of Central Nepal
Authors: Adak Manoranjan , Upadhyay Hari Prasad
Published: November 2022

Background: Diabetes mellitus is increasing day by day throughout the globe. So, early diagnosis of diabetes is crucially important in reduction of the complications. This study was conducted to determine the correlation between glucose monitoring by fasting blood glucose and two hours postprandial blood glucose with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in diabetic patients and evaluate whether glycohemoglobin levels increase with age in both sexes
Methods: A hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2020 to December 2021 in diabetic patients attending at outpatient department (OPD) of College of Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan. The total number patients was 696 people. HbA1c, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and postprandial blood sugar (PPBS) were analyzed.
Results: Both postprandial blood glucose and fasting blood glucose significantly correlated with HbA1c. Postprandial blood glucose showed better correlation to HbA1c than fasting blood glucose (r = 0.630, P <0.001 vs. r =0.452, P = 0.05).
Conclusions: These results show that postprandial blood glucose correlated better than fasting blood glucose to HbA1c. Thus, postprandial blood glucose predicted overall glycemic control better than fasting blood glucose. Based on our study, we may concluded a significant correlation exist between age and HbA1c in Nepalese population.
Functional And Radiological Outcome of Schatzker Type V and VI Tibial Plateau Fracture Treated with Closed Reduction and Ilizarov Fixation with or without Minimally Invasive Screw Supplementation
Authors: Pandey Suresh , Bidary Suraj
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Controversy exists as to the best treatment approach for high-velocity tibial plateau fractures. This study was done to assess the functional and radiological outcome of Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures treated with closed reduction and Ilizarov ring fixation with or without cancellous screw supplementation.
Methods: An analytical cross sectional study was conducted among 25 cases of both closed and open Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures treated with closed reduction and Ilizarov ring fixation with or without minimally invasive cannulated cancellous screw supplementation. The outcome variables analyzed were union time, knee range of motion, American Knee Society Score (AKSS), Rasmussen’s Radiological Score (RRS), and complications. Data analysis was done using SPSS-20. P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Results: There were 15 type V fractures, 10 type VI fractures, 21 closed fractures, and 4 open fractures. All the fractures united with a mean union time of 15.88 weeks (range 12-24). The mean American Knee Society score was 77.8 (range 68-95), Rasmussen’s radiological Score (RRS) 15.12 (range 10-18), and mean range of motion was 112.40 (range 90-135). Superficial pin site infection was present in 7 (28%) of the cases. There was no case of nonunion, deep infection, repeat surgery other than implant removal, or nerve palsy.
Conclusions: Closed reduction and Ilizarov ring fixation with or without minimally invasive screw supplementation give rise to good to excellent functional and radiological outcomes in most of the cases in the treatment of Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures with minimal bone or soft tissue related complications.
Peritonsillar Infiltration of Ropivacaine and Pain Control in Immediate Postoperative Period Following Tonsillectomy Surgery in Adult Patients
Authors: Bhandari Chhanya , Pokharel Apar , Mayya Naganavalachil Jayaprakash , Thapa Ajay Singh
Published: November 2022

Introduction: To study about the efficacy of Peritonsillar infiltration of Ropivacaine and pain control in immediate postoperative period following tonsillectomy surgery in adult patients.
Methods: 80 patients were included in the study of age 18 to 50 years. After informed consent, patients were divided into two groups. In Group R 0.5%Ropivacaine with 1:100000 Adrenaline and in Group C 0.9%normal saline with 1:100000 Adrenaline was injected into the tonsillar fossa following tonsillectomy. Surgery duration, blood loss, time to demand for 1st analgesia, analgesic consumption in 24 hours, and VAS score in 1hr, 2hr, 4hr, 6hr, 12hr, 24hr were noted.
Results: We observed significant pain control during first 4 post-operative hours with Value of <0.01, <0.01 and 0.019 respectively in first, second and fourth post-operative score. We also observed significant difference in the time for first analgesia request in two groups with the study group requesting for first analgesic at 518±175 postoperative minutes and control group at 132±47.95 postoperative minutes (P value <0.01). Total analgesia requirement was 61±22.48 in the study group and 102±27.84 in control group (P value < 0.01).
Conclusions: It is concluded that intraoperative Peritonsillar infiltration of Ropivacaine causes analgesia in the immediate postoperative hours with the decrease in the requirement of analgesia in the first 24 postoperative hours. It is therefore recommended to use it in adult patient undergoing Tonsillectomy.
Intraoperative Infusion of Magnesium Sulphate does not Reduce Laryngospasm and Agitation during Emergence from Anaesthesia in Children
Authors: Khatiwada S. , Pokharel K. , Subedi A.
Published: November 2022

Background Laryngospasm and agitation during emergence from general anaesthesia are frequent in children. Magnesium sulphate may have the potential of reducing both of these adverse events. In addition, magnesium has analgesic and anaesthetic properties.

Objective To find out the effectiveness of magnesium sulphate in reducing the occurrence of emergence laryngospasm and agitation and other adverse events if any in children.

Method Randomized, placebo controlled study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in 132 children, aged 3-12 years undergoing general anaesthesia for hernia and hydrocele surgery. Children with American Society of Anaesthesiologist Physical Status > II were excluded. After insertion of laryngeal mask airway, 20 ml of either magnesium sulphate 15 mg/kg (Group M) or normal saline (Group N) was infused at the rate of 1 ml/min. The severity of laryngospasm and agitation was assessed. We also noted other adverse events, if occurred.

Result Laryngospasm occurred in 7(10.6%) patients of group M and in 10(15.1%) patients of group N(p=0.40). While 14(10.6%) patients developed laryngospasm immediately after removal of LMA, only 3(2.2%) patients developed it in the post anaesthetic care unit. Two (3.0%) patients of group M and four patients (6.0%) of group N were agitated (p=0.40). Three (4.5%) patients of group M and 14(21.2%) patients of group N coughed during emergence (p=0.004).

Conclusion Intraoperative infusion of 15 mg/kg magnesium sulphate, does not reduce the occurrence of emergence laryngospasm and agitation in children. However, it significantly reduce emergence cough.
Localization of Mental Foramen in Panoramic Radiographs of 18-30 Year Olds: A Hospital Based Study
Authors: Luitel A. , Rimal J. , Maharjan I. K. , Shrestha A. , Tamang R.
Published: November 2022

Background The position of the mental foramen demonstrates anatomical variations, although typically it is reported to be either between the apices of the first and second premolars or below the apex of the second premolar.

Objective To determine the radiographic position of mental foramen in relation to Premolar crown and apex, in panoramic radiographs.

Method Following ethical approval a retrospective study was conducted in 510 panoramic radiographs of 18-30 year olds from archives of Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. The position of mental foramen was scored using crown and apex scores according to scoring criteria given by Jasser and Nwoku, 1998. Descriptive statistics was calculated and Chi-square test was applied to assess variation in position of mental foramen between genders and right and left side of mandible. Kappa statistics was applied to assess intra-observer reliability.

Result The most common scoring for position of mental foramen on right side crown and apex was 3 (49.4%) followed by 4 (45.9%). Similarly, on left side the most common score for crown and apex was 3 (50.8%) followed by 4 (44.3%). There was no statistically significant difference in position between the genders. Comparing the right and left sides, the position was symmetrical in 83.3% for crown and apex scores. The Kappa values indicated good agreement for intraobserver reliability.

Conclusion The most common position for the mental foramen is between the first and second premolar teeth; though, anatomical variations are seen.
Analysis of Antimicrobial Drugs Usage Pattern and it’s Cost Analysis in the Pediatric Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Shrestha R. , Koju P. , Silwal S. , Karmacharya B. M. , Shakya Shrestha S.
Published: November 2022

Background Antimicrobials agents are the most widely and often imprudently used therapeutic drugs globally. The pediatric population comprises 20-25% of the total world population, and various acute and chronic diseases are prone to this group. It is also estimated that 50% to 85% of children are prescribed with antimicrobials in developed and developing countries. The misuse of antimicrobials not only contributes not only to the development of antimicrobial resistance but also results in economic burden on the health care system.

Objective To analyze the antimicrobial usage and its cost analysis in the Pediatric department of a tertiary care hospital at sub-urban area.

Method A hospital based retrospective study was conducted among patient (aged 1 to 18 years) admitted in pediatric ward and intensive care unit for at least 24 hours and dispensed at least one antimicrobial drug from January 2018 to December 2019. Data were collected from electronic medical record using a structured data collection form. The data was entered and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. A descriptive analysis was presented as mean ± (standard deviation) for the continuous variables and frequencies and proportions for categorical variables.

Result Among the 1,281 patients, the antimicrobials were prescribed mostly in the respiratory tract infection (39.6%), followed by sepsis (19.75%), enteric fever (11.94%), seizure (10.07%), urinary tract infection (4.29%). Penicillins (1238 times) were highly prescribed followed by Cephalosporin (733 times), Nitro-imidazole (292 times), Aminoglycosides (180 times) and Fluoroquinolones (144 times). During study period in the Pediatric Department, approximately NRs. 1,619,121.11 was spent in the antimicrobial drugs and the highest expenditure was found to be in the Cephalosporin group of antimicrobials (NRs. 530,988.6), followed by Penicillin group of drug (NRs. 3,81,842.2).

Conclusion The study concludes that the Penicillin groups of drugs were the most commonly prescribed drug and the highest cost was found to be in Cephalosporin group drugs followed by Penicillin group of drugs.
Pregnancy Complicated by Acute Pancreatitis with Ascariasis
Authors: Thakur S. K. , Dangal G. , Karki A. , Pradhan A. , Shrestha R. , Bhattachan K. , Bajracharya N. , Tiwari K. , Bharati S. , Maharjan O. , Maharjan S.
Published: November 2022

Ascariasis lumbricoides infections are common in tropical and sub-tropical countries. As it is one of the common causes for common bile duct obstruction. But in pregnancy is a rare entity. It may present with complications like acute pancreatitis. Here we present a case of 24 year female gravida 2 para 1 at 34 weeks of pregnancy presented with chief complain of pain over epigastric region radiating to back and associated with two episodes of vomiting, non bilious, not mixed with blood. Ultrasonography showed long tubular hyperechoic structure in gallbladder lumen most likely ascariasis and then she was diagnosed as a case of acute pancreatitis with alive ascariasis.
BUILDING A HYDRAULIC MODEL TO RAISE THE LEVEL OF THE TIGRIS RIVER IN THE SCARCITY PERIOD
Authors: Dhafer Abed Ali , Md Azlin Md Said
Published: November 2022

Due to the flow’s lack from Turkey and Iran, the Tigris River has recently been suffering from a decrease in water elevations and the emergence of dry areas in some parts of the river.   This drought impacts the water levels needed by the liquefaction station and agricultural area, making it a research problem. Therefore, the Tigris River needs to find an effective technical means to increase its water level to a level that does not cause dry areas to appear in any part of the river and does not lead to water flooding in neighboring areas, to be considered a research objective. The research followed the simulation methodology, in which a hydraulic model was built to simulate the river's water levels to detect critical levels. Another hydraulic model was designed and gated weirs were proposed that increased the water level to reach the required levels. The most important finding is that the design of a weir with dimensions of 10 * 3 m of the gated Inline type and in the shape of the Ogee Spillway Crest downstream of the river can contribute to raising the water level in times of scarcity by 1.92 m from its original level. In times of flood, the design of a 5-gate weir of dimensions of 10 * 4 m will maintain a water level between 26.8- 35.2 m along the course of the river and will contribute to raising the water level by 2.23 m from its original level in the estuary.
CHARACTERIZATION OF SAGO PALM-CARBON FIBRE REINFORCED EPOXY HYBRID COMPOSITES
Authors: Binti Saad Safinaz , Salman Suhad D. , Leman Zulkiflle , Faraj Alkbir Munir
Published: November 2022

Natural fibers are potential alternatives to synthetic fibers.  Sago palm is a new type of natural fiber and has the potential same as other existing natural fibers.  In this study, the mechanical properties of sago palm/carbon fiber reinforced with epoxy hybrids were studied.  Impact tests were conducted to study the impact properties of sago palm-carbon fiber-reinforced X hybrid composites.  The hybrid composites contain woven sago palm fiber and carbon fiber reinforced with epoxy resin produced by the vacuum compaction method. Each sample was prepared with different volume fractions such as 40%, 64%, and 91% of composition sago palm fiber. After the preparation of composite material, mechanical properties tests were studied on the prepared sample. In addition, by using Scanning Electron Microscope Tests, the failure mode is investigated. It can be concluded that 40% of sago palm fiber contains the best impact behavior compared to 64% and 91% of sago palm fiber loading because it’s high in impact resistance.
THE EFFECT OF NOISE EXPOSURE IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS ON STUDENT E-LEARNING DURING CORONA PANDEMIC
Authors: AJ. Ibrahim Shatha , Abd Hassan Suzan , Ali Rasheed Mohammed
Published: November 2022

During the past decades, environmental noise and its negative effects on humans in its entire social, economic, and health aspects have been addressed. However, the study of the impact of noise in residential buildings on E-learning for university students during the lockdown period due to the Corona pandemic, specifically in Iraq, had not been sufficiently studied, which is the research problem. The research aims to explain the acoustic insulation and the negative impact of noise exposure in residential buildings on E-learning for university students during the quarantine period. A questionnaire was conducted for several Iraqi university students. The questionnaire has detected many indications (noise sources, use of headphones, duration of use, effects of noise exposure, and noise insulation control). The results showed the negative effects of noise that the students may feel, such as hearing difficulty, lack of concentration, raising the voice when speaking, discomfort, tinnitus, headache, and nausea; and determining the student’s knowledge of noise and their opinions. The research recommends the adoption of acoustic insulation in residential buildings to reduce the negative effects of noise exposure on E-learning education.
Audit SI Safety And Quality Assurance Pada PT. Jasa Angkasa Semesta Menggunakan COBIT 5
Authors: Silaen Yohanna Natasha , Sagala Norince Ideloide , Supriyadi Muhammad , Kholil Ishak
Published: November 2022

Memasuki era society 5.0 dimana semua teknologi adalah bagian dari manusia, hampir seluruh perusahaan memanfaatkan teknologi dalam proses bisnisnya. PT. Jasa Angkasa Semesta ialah salah satu perusahaan yang menggunakan teknologi informasi yang secara keseluruhan pengelolaannya telah terintegrasi dengan cakupan enterprise dengan sistem yang berjalan yaitu KTS (Keyword To Safety). Namun dengan adanya peran teknologi informasi tersebut tata kelola dan manajemen perusahaan semakin kompleks sehingga pihak perusahaan harus mengantisipasi kelemahan dari sistem informasi tersebut. Penelitian dilakukan guna mengimplementasikan tata kelola teknologi informasi pada PT. Jasa Angkasa Semesta menggunakan framework COBIT 5 dengan sub domain APO01, BAI01, DSS01, MEA01 dan MEA03. Metode yang digunakan ialah kualitatif dan kuantitatif, pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik purpose sampling, serta teknik analisis data menggunakan metode analisis deskriptif. Dari hasil perhitungan penyebaran kuesioner didapatkan perhitungan rata-rata maturity level yaitu 149% yang menandakan fully achieved yang berarti pendekatan yang telang lengkap dan sistematis serta pencapaian yang penuh. Lalu, dari skala pembulatan indeks pemetaan kondisi capability model ialah performed process dimana proses dari sistem informasi safety and quality assurance sudah mencapai tujuan yang direncanakan. Sementara dari hasil perhitungan GAP bahwa untuk semua domain belum mencapai target level dan membutuhkan perbaikan serta peningkatan kembali.
The Prevalence of Physical and Mental Health Conditions Among Fathers of Refugee Background: A Systematic Review
Authors: Giallo Rebecca , Riggs Elisha , Fogarty Alison , Lynch Claire , Yelland Jane , Szwarc Josef , Brown Stephanie J.
Published: November 2022

There is growing recognition of the critical role that refugee fathers have in helping their children and families adjust to starting life in a new country, and the contribution of their mental and physical health to settlement and family health outcomes. The aims of this systematic review were to summarize and critically appraise the quality of research reporting on estimates of mental and physical health conditions among refugee fathers. Electronic databases were systematically searched to identify peer-reviewed studies reporting on the mental and/or physical health of refugee fathers of children aged 0–18 years, who had settled in a host country. Study details and estimates of mental and/or physical health conditions were extracted, and a critical appraisal of study quality conducted. Ten studies reporting estimates of post-traumatic stress (2–86%) and general psychological distress, anxiety, depression, stress and prolonged grief (25–50%) were identified. Only one study reported on physical health. Study quality and variability in recruitment, samples, data collection methods and outcomes across studies made it difficult to estimate the overall prevalence of mental and physical health difficulties. Despite marked heterogeneity across studies, this review highlights that mental health difficulties among refugee fathers are common, identifying them as a specific cohort of socially and culturally diverse fathers at risk of poor health. The findings underscore the need for health and social policy and service delivery specifically focussed on promoting the mental health of refugee fathers and their families.
Slam Poetry in Chad
Authors: de Bruijn Mirjam
Published: November 2022

How can we explain the increasing popularity of slam poetry among youth in societies colored by long histories of conflict and political repression? This article explores this question for the rise of slam poetry in Chad, since 2014, a conflict-ridden country with an authoritarian regime and deep poverty, characteristics of a society in duress. In Francophone Africa we can speak of a slam poetry movement, where slam as a form of expression and the organization of (inter)national festivals has become a space of belonging for young people in Africa who must cope with societies in duress. The article is the result of my long engagement with the slam scene in francophone Africa.
Shifting Patterns from Defined Benefit to Defined Contributions: An Empirical Analysis of Selected OECD Countries
Authors: Qayyum Arslan , Arslan Aniqa , Ayyubi Shariq
Published: November 2022

The goal of the study is to find out how the growth of pension funds and their accumulation factors are related. Step-wise regression approach was utilized on a dynamic panel data model to verify the individual significance of included variables in the model systematically in order to bring out the core accumulation elements which are driving the pension fund's development, and R2-change was observed for this purpose. The study explores that OECD economies behave differently on the bases of their growth perspective i.e., Defined Benefits, and Employers' Contributions are positively contributing to pension funds in HGO economies and negative in LGO ones, showing that DB is hardly practised in the latter ones and is replaced by DC plan. The approach utilized in this article could be of practical value to policymakers and data analysts in OECD pension funds departments when making decisions on pension fund governance and the underlying fundamental drivers.
Excessive Sales Promotions Impact on Clothing Brand Equity
Authors: Bhutto Sanam , Marvi Hina , Kumar Raj
Published: November 2022

This study identifies how consumer wants and needs are always shifting, which has a significant effect on businesses' sales and public perception. Study It is clear from a brand or product image analysis that businesses make an effort to create a distinctive perception of their brands. Different facets and characteristics of a brand can draw people in and aid them in forming opinions about the products. The purpose of this study is to examine and assess how excessive sale promotion affects brand equity. To gather accurate and appropriate data for the study, a survey method was used. The use of the Anova Sample Test to study and evaluate people's opinions and perceptions of the influence and effect of sales promotion on brand equity was made possible thanks to statistical analysis. Results show that the effects of sales and promotions on customers' purchase decisions are comparable.
Deconstructive Intertextual Presentation of Psychological Fragmentation and Alienation in the Selected plays of Edward Albee
Authors: Zaheer Faiza , Aryan Ayaz Ahmad , Shah Bahramand
Published: November 2022

This paper explores the deconstructive analysis of trauma and alienation keeping in view Julia Kristeva’s Theory of Intertextuality and Jacques Derrida's Theory of Deconstruction to analyze the selected plays of Edward Albee. This paper tries to establish a relationship among various aspects of old and new American Dreams, thematic explorations of different American Playwrights and the existential approaches of Albee and other contemporary American playwrights. This paper has tried to offer an analysis of the selected plays of Edward Albee (1928-2016) to depict the social, personal, and familial emptiness, psychological fragmentation and stagnation while exploring the multiplicity of the texts. This paper will help future researchers to appreciate the texts of different authors while applying deconstructive intertextuality. This paper will also help them to understand the multiple approaches of the texts to develop different theoretical interpretations.
Leptomeningeal metastases in glioma revisited: incidence and molecular predictors based on postcontrast fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging
Authors: Park Yae Won , Han Kyunghwa , Park Ji Eun , Ahn Sung Soo , Kim Eui Hyun , Kim Jinna , Kang Seok-Gu , Chang Jong Hee , Kim Se Hoon , Lee Seung-Koo
Published: November 2022

OBJECTIVE

Leptomeningeal metastases (LMs) in glioma have been underestimated given their low incidence and the lack of reliable imaging. Authors of this study aimed to investigate the real-world incidence of LMs using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)–sensitive imaging, namely postcontrast fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging, and to analyze molecular predictors for LMs in the molecular era.

METHODS

A total of 1405 adult glioma (World Health Organization [WHO] grade 2–4) patients underwent postcontrast FLAIR imaging at initial diagnosis and during treatment monitoring between 2001 and 2021. Collected molecular data included isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation, 1p/19q codeletion, H3 K27 alteration, and O6-methylguanine–DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status. LM diagnosis was performed with MRI including postcontrast FLAIR sequences. Logistic regression analysis for LM development was performed with molecular, clinical, and imaging data. Overall survival (OS) was compared between patients with and those without LM.

RESULTS

LM was identified in 228 patients (16.2%), 110 (7.8%) at the initial diagnosis and 118 (8.4%) at recurrence. Among the molecular diagnostics, IDH-wildtype (OR 3.14, p = 0.001) and MGMT promoter unmethylation (OR 1.43, p = 0.034) were independent predictors of LM. WHO grade 4 (OR 10.52, p < 0.001) and nonlobar location (OR 1.56, p = 0.048) were associated with LM at initial diagnosis, whereas IDH-wildtype (OR 5.04, p < 0.001) and H3 K27 alteration (OR 3.39, p = 0.003) were associated with LM at recurrence. Patients with LM had a worse median OS than those without LM (16.7 vs 32.0 months, p < 0.001, log-rank test), which was confirmed as an independent factor on multivariable Cox analysis (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

CSF-sensitive imaging aids the diagnosis of LM, demonstrating a high incidence of LM in adult gliomas. Furthermore, molecular markers are associated with LM development in glioma, and patients with aggressive molecular markers warrant imaging surveillance for LM.
The role of neurosurgeons in global public health: the case of folic acid fortification of staple foods to prevent spina bifida
Authors: Shlobin Nathan A. , Roach Jordan T. , Kancherla Vijaya , Caceres Adrian , Ocal Eylem , Ghotme Kemel A. , Lam Sandi , Park Kee B. , Rosseau Gail , Blount Jeffrey P. , Boop Frederick A. , _ _
Published: November 2022

OBJECTIVE

The global neurosurgery movement arose at the crossroads of unmet neurosurgical needs and public health to address the global burden of neurosurgical disease. The case of folic acid fortification (FAF) of staple foods for the prevention of spina bifida and anencephaly (SBA) represents an example of a new neurosurgical paradigm focused on public health intervention in addition to the treatment of individual cases. The Global Alliance for the Prevention of Spina Bifida-F (GAPSBiF), a multidisciplinary coalition of neurosurgeons, pediatricians, geneticists, epidemiologists, food scientists, and fortification policy experts, was formed to advocate for FAF of staple foods worldwide. This paper serves as a review of the work of GAPSBiF thus far in advocating for universal FAF of commonly consumed staple foods to equitably prevent SBA caused by folic acid insufficiency.

METHODS

A narrative review was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases.

RESULTS

In this review, the authors describe the impact of SBA on patients, caregivers, and health systems, as well as characterize the multifaceted requirements for proper spina bifida care, including multidisciplinary clinics and the transition of care, while highlighting the role of neurosurgeons. Then they discuss prevention policy approaches, including supplementation, fortification, and hybrid efforts with folic acid. Next, they use the example of FAF of staple foods as a model for neurosurgeons’ involvement in global public health through clinical practice, research, education and training, and advocacy. Last, they describe mechanisms for involvement in the above initiatives as a potential academic tenure track, including institutional partnerships, organized neurosurgery, neurosurgical expert groups, nongovernmental organizations, national or international governments, and multidisciplinary coalitions.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of neurosurgeons in caring for children with spina bifida extends beyond treating patients in clinical practice and includes research, education and training, and advocacy initiatives to promote context-specific, evidence-based initiatives to public health problems. Promoting and championing FAF serves as an example of the far-reaching, impactful role that neurosurgeons worldwide may play at the intersection of neurosurgery and public health.
Role of the basic soil tillage in the culture of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the dry steppe zone of the Lower Volga region of Russia
Authors: SHEVYAKHOVA E. A. , SEMINCHENKO E. V. , BELYA-KOV A. M.
Published: November 2022

When growing crops in the Lower Volga region, where the main factors limiting yields are soil moisture and air drought, it is important to select the optimal method of tillage in order to maximize moisture conservation and increase the productivity of cultivated crops. Therefore, in the conditions of the dry-steppe zone of the Right Bank of the Volga in 2018-2020, we on light chestnut soils in the crop rotation black fallow - winter wheat - spring wheat, studies were carried out to identify the optimal method of basic tillage (FNC Agroecology RAS, Russia, Volgograd). The water regime of the soil, the structural elements of the crop, the level of productivity were analyzed. A statistical analysis of the obtained data was carried out. It has been established that the use of a chisel tillage tool contributes to a better preservation of productive moisture by the end of the spring wheat growing season (4.4-5.5 mm), greater payback of precipitation (5.5 kg/mm), the maximum number of productive stems (247 pieces/m2), the number of grains in ear (26 pcs.), weight of 1000 grains (26.7 g) and obtaining the maximum grain yield (1.34 t/ha) compared with the control (without the main treatment) and moldboard plowing.
Interactive effects of drenched triterpenoid phytonematicides on sugar content and plant growth of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) under microplot conditions ​
Authors: MALEKA K. G. , MASHELA P. W. , POFU K. M.
Published: November 2022

Globally, sweet sorghum is being used as source of ethanol. However, its sugar content is highly variable, and nematodes are suspected as the potential cause of the variability. Two cucurbitacin-containing phytonematicides were on various occasions shown to improve sugar content and plant growth of sweet sorghum cultivars, with cucurbitacins chemically classified as terpenoids. The terpenoids being tested during 2020 and 2021 as phytonematicides at the University of Limpopo, South Africa, include Nemarioc-AL, Nemafric-BL and Mordica. Although the interactive effects of Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL on sugar content and plant growth had been widely investigated, the interactive effects of the products with Mordica on the test plant variables had not been documented. The eight factorial treatments, namely, untreated control, Nemarioc-AL alone Nemafric-BL alone, Mordica alone, Nemafric-BL + Mordica, Nemarioc-AL + Mordica, Nemafric-BL + Mordica and Nemarioc-AL + Nemafric-BL + Mordica, arranged in a randomised complete block design, were replicated six times in a microplot trial. At 150 days after initiating the treatments, the second order interaction increased degree Brix by 66 and 48% in the middle and bottom internodes, respectively, but without affecting plant growth variables. The latter were significantly affected by the first order interactions which excluded Mordica. In conclusion, Mordica should not be included in cropping system of sweet sorghum, where the intention includes increasing sugar content.
Epidemiology studies of stem rot of groundnut caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc in Andhra Pradesh ​​﻿
Authors: DEEPIKA D. SANDHYA , BABU G. NARENDRA , RAVIKIRAN S.
Published: November 2022

Stem rot in groundnut is one of the major diseases significantly affecting the crop yields leading to 10 to 25 per cent yield loss annually. Favourable weather parameters influence development and spread of the disease and the present study was conducted to quantify their role in disease development. Study conducted at Banavasi village of Yemmiganur in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh during rabi 2020 and 2021 to know the influence of weather parameters on stem rot disease progression and the relation between leaf spot and stem rot disease development using correlation and regression analysis. A positive correlation of the stem rot with weather parameters like T max, Rainfall, Relative Humidity in rabi, 2020, Relative humidity during rabi, 2021 and negative correlation with Tmin and Wind speed in rabi, 2020, and Tmax, Tmin and rainfall in rabi, 2021 was observed. A regression analysis of the data inferred that the weather parameters as a whole contribute about 66.00% and 60.00% to disease incidence in rabi 2020 and 2021 respectively, of these Tmax (62.37%) and Rainfall (26.12%) in rabi 2020 and Tmin and rainfall during rabi, 2021. Highest stem rot incidence was recorded in 4th standard week (22nd to 28th January) with a per cent disease incidence of 6.78 during rabi, 2020 and in 52nd standard week (24th to 31st December) with a percent disease incidence of 3.6 during rabi, 2021. Initiation of leaf spot has started early i.e., 48th standard week during rabi, 2020 and 49th standard week during rabi, 2021. A non-significant positive correlation between the stem rot and leaf spot in both the years reveal that the diseases developed were solely due to influence of weather parameters on the individual disease and both the diseases are not interrelated or interdependent in causing the other.
Supply chain risk identification for improving sustainability of straw mushroom in Karawang Regency, Indonesia
Authors: . SUHAENI , WULANDARI YENI SARI , UMAIDAH YUYUN , SUMEKAR YAYAN
Published: November 2022

Straw mushroom turns out to be the leading commodities in Karawang Regency in Indonesia. This district has been called as the highest production district/city in West Java besides West Bandung, Bogor, Subang and Cianjur. The demand for straw mushrooms is always increasing every year. However, still, there are some risks in mushroom supply chain. This study aims at identifying the actors involved and recognizing the types of risks in the straw mushroom supply chain. The respondents used in this study are experts consisting of government representatives, academic representatives, and practitioners involved in the mushroom supply chain. The research method used is descriptive method with survey research techniques. The data used are primary and secondary data. The sample was determined by purposive sampling with consideration of expertise. The analytical method used is Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model; it is used to identify the types of risks in the straw mushroom supply chain. The results demonstrated that there were five actors involved in the six supply chain channel patterns covering farmers, dealers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. The AHP model indicates that production risk (16.3%) is the major risk and needs more attention, and then followed by price risk (14.4%), quality risk (12.3%), capital risk (10.3%) and market risk (10.1%).
Response of strawberry (Fragaria x anannasa) genotypes under protected condition
Authors: . ANMOL , SINGH SANJAY , BAKSHI MANISH , SINGH SHAILESH KUMAR
Published: November 2022

Strawberry is mainly a temperate fruit crop but now it is being grown under subtropical and tropical conditions as well due to existence of wide range of genotypes. These genotypes need to be evaluated for their performance under different growing environment preferably under protectedconditions. The experiment was carried out at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab during 2018-19 to determine the role of growing conditions and the genotype × growing conditions interaction for commercial cultivation of strawberry under two growing conditions,polytunnel and shade net for twenty-six quantitative traits. The data confirms significant difference among genotypes for plant height and plant spread where better growth was reported under polytunnel at early phase, while in later phase the growth was better under shade net. ‘Winter Dawn’, ‘Hadar’, ‘E1-13#32’, ‘Barak’, ‘San Andreas’, ‘Sweet Charlie’ and ‘Camarosa’ failed to produce runners while in other genotypes, the runner production was reported to be significantly better under shade net than polytunnel. The chlorophyll index, leaf area index, average fruit yield per plant and all the quality attributes were significantly affected by genotypes, growing conditions and their interaction. The genotypes grown under polytunnel outperformed that of shade net with highest mean yield per plant in ‘Winter Dawn’followed by‘Hadar’ and ‘Camarosa’.
Preliminary comparison of WEMA maize (Zea mays) variety and maize hybrid under different irrigation frequencies and soil types
Authors: ADEBAYO A. R. , MOLEBATSI D. J. , SEBETHA E. T.
Published: November 2022

Water scarcity and soil fertility have been long recognized as the most crucial factors limiting maize production. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was conducted during 2021 planting season at North-West university Research Farm to investigate the comparison of Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) maize and hybrid maize varieties under different irrigation frequencies and soil types. The experiment was a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment fitted in a randomized complete block design in four replicates. The treatment factors consist of irrigation frequency (1, 2 and 3 times in a week), soil types (Sandy and Sandy loam) and maize variety (WEMA and PANNAR varieties). Results indicated that the tallest plant height (41.99 and 56.38 cm) was recorded with three times irrigation frequency at 46 and 53 DAP. The maize variety sown in the sandy loamy had a higher number of leaves (6.50 and 7.75) at 46 and 53 DAP, respectively. The WEMA variety had higher chlorophyll content (13.73 SPAD) at 46 DAP. The PANNAR maize variety had higher chlorophyll content (16.65 SPAD) at 53 DAP. Highest shoot dry weight (4.30 g) was obtained in sandy loam soil type. WEMA variety had highest total dry matter weight (20.90 g). The result indicated that sandy loam, maize variety and irrigation frequency three times enhanced the growth of WEMA variety and PANNAR hybrid. WEMA maize produced the highest dry matter compared to PANNAR. This showed that WEMA variety could tolerate water deficit compared to the PANNAR hybrid.
Molecular characters of a bark beetle, Xylosandrus crassiusculus associated with avocado using 28S rDNA from regions of South Africa
Authors: AMINISARTESHNIZI MEHRNOUSH
Published: November 2022

South Africa is a significant producer and exporter of avocados in the world. Xylosandrus crassiusculushas was found on mainland Africa for many years but the present study represents the first record of bark beetle in South Africa in Limpopo Province. Its presence infesting important agronomic tree crops such as avocado suggests that it requires further study. Therefore, this molecular study was conducted in 2022 at the University of Limpopo to identify the bark beetle in the South African avocado orchard. The recovered bark beetle was isolated from the bark of avocado in Magoebaskloof region in Limpopo Province. Then its DNA was extracted using the Chelex method, and the phylogenetic position of the beetle was studied using 28S rDNA. The Nblast analysis based on the large subunit ribosomal DNA showed 99% similarity with a population of Xylosandrus crassiusculus from South Africa (MT229960), USA (GU808593), and Taiwan (MT120970). In addition, phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood method as implemented in mega x software was done. The phylogenetic analysis put the South African populations of X. crassiusculus together with other X. crassiusculus with a 100-bootstrap value. In conclusion, the results showed that 28S could detect the X. crassiusculus, and was verified by the molecular method.
Evaluating the use of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seeds for ethanol fermentation
Authors: MINH NGUYEN PHUOC
Published: November 2022

Jackfruit seed is commonly considered as waste from fruit processing. This research was conducted at STNanotech Laboratory in 2021 to evaluate the possibility of using jackfruit seed as a good carbohydrate source for saccharification and ethanol fermentation. Different fungi species such as Rhizopus oryzae, Penicillium oxalicum, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus awamori were examined on the efficacy of saccharification to produce the reducing sugar. The ratios of yeast affected on the ethanol fermentation were verified. The starch hydrolysis was performed on the cooked jackfruit seed powder with different fungi as starter culture using Rhizopus oryzae, Penicillium oxalicum, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus awamori at different ratios (6-14%). The starch hydrolysis and alcohol fermentation were performed on the cooked jackfruit seed powder with fungi species at ambient temperature for 72-168 hrs. Water was added into the saccharification batch at different time points (24-120 hrs). Results showed that jackfruit seed should be simultaneously treated by Aspergillus oryzae and Saccharomyces cereviceae at 8% : 4% ratio, time point of water addition at 96 hrs, total time of ethanol production for 144 hrs to obtain 24.08±0.00 g/L of ethanol. Jackfruit seed with abundant carbohydrate content would be a promising candidate for ethanol fermentation.