bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Las metáforas en la deconstrucción del trastorno mental. Análisis del discurso metafórico de Radio Nikosia
Authors: Rojo Pardo María del Carmen , Iñiguez-Rueda Lupicinio
Published: September 2022

Desde una perspectiva pragmática y del desarrollo teórico de la metáfora como constituyentes de la realidad, las interacciones y las acciones comunicativas, el objetivo de este artículo es identificar el efecto de las estrategias argumentativas en la deconstrucción de la identidad del trastorno mental de personas diagnosticadas con un trastorno mental. El corpus de estudio está formado por materiales de dominio público de Radio Nikosia, y está compuesto por un conjunto de textos extraídos de varias fuentes de producción discursiva en las que se han inferido las metáforas conceptuales observando su correspondencia con el dominio destino. Los resultados han mostrado que el/la hablante organiza estrategias para desenmascarar los procesos de dominación que históricamente han influido en el discurso hegemónico de la psiquiatría. Así mismo, destaca estrategias discursivas en las que las personas participantes se autorepresentan ubicándose en el rol de enfermo/a mental. El estudio de la metáfora conceptual hizo posible mostrar su influencia en los procesos argumentativos y, en concreto, la emergencia de un discurso disidente que lucha contra el estigma social del trastorno mental.
From a pragmatic perspective and from the theoretical development of metaphor as constituents of reality, interactions and communicative actions, the objective of this article is to identify the effect of argumentative strategies in the deconstruction of identity in mental disorders. of people diagnosed with a mental disorder. The study corpus is made up of public domain materials from Radio Ni-kosia, and is made up of a set of texts extracted from various sources of discursive production in which conceptual metaphors have been inferred by observing their correspondence with the target domain. The results have shown that the speaker organizes strategies to unmask the domination processes that have historically influenced the hegemonic discourse of psychiatry. Likewise, it highlights discursive strategies in which the participants represent themselves by placing themselves in the role of mentally ill person. The study of conceptual metaphor made it possible to show its influence on argumentative processes and, specifically, the emergence of a dissident discourse that fights against the social stigma of mental disorders.
A Quantification of the Risk Reduction Potential of Autonomous Navigation
Authors: de Vos Jiri , Pruyn Jeroen , Hekkenberg Robert
Published: September 2022

Autonomous ships have become a topic of interest for an increasing number of researchers over the last years. Most of the research that is being performed focuses on autonomous navigation. An important driver for this research is the belief that autonomous navigation will increase safety at sea. In order to evaluate the possible safety benefit of autonomous navigation, it is essential to have an understanding of the risk associated with navigation-related accidents. In this paper a monetary quantification of the risk associated with navigation-related accidents will be presented. It is the intention to provide order-of-magnitude figures for the annual risk for different ship types and sizes. Although it is acknowledged that the analysis comes with uncertainties, the results provide an overview contribution that different damage cases make to the overall risk per year, associated with navigation-related accidents. It is found that the annual risk can be expected to be between €1.5 billion and €2.5 billion. Consequently, the maximum annual safety benefit of autonomous navigation is equal to this figure if autonomous navigation will be able to prevent all navigation-related accidents.
Vessel Design Considerations to Limit Motion-Induced Sickness and Interruptions
Authors: Ross Jonathan
Published: September 2022

By their very essence, modern vessels in general, and many of today’s advanced vessel in particular, forge new frontiers in hull form, propulsion, and materials. The resulting enhancements are enticing, but potential dangers lurk for the human passengers and crew when the new vessels put to sea. Problems can range from bothersome to debilitating, from seasickness to spinal injuries.

Vessel owners, operators, and designers are beginning to address these human element problems. In fact, two compelling trends combined in the first several years of the twenty-first century, pulling the human element from relative obscurity to the forefront of marine vehicle design and operation. The first of these trends, observed by all in the marine industry, was the move toward reduced crew sizes. This trend is driven by the high cost of qualified personnel and the increasing capability and availability of automation, used to replace people with remote sensors and controls. The trend is further advanced through enhanced maintenance practices, which focus on less maintenance at sea by the crew.

Along with the trend toward reduced crew sizes on marine vehicles, recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in computer modelling capabilities. These capabilities are impressive in the field of design in general, and equally so in the specialized fields of computer-aided modelling and simulation. Simulation enables the prediction of technical parameters such as speed, power, and vessel motions. Simulation also has advanced in the field of human performance, with models addressing task allocation among vehicle operators, as well as learning how people function when stressed by sleep loss, noise, and temperature extremes. Finally, the capability to link the myriad software programs has increased exponentially, enabling designers to link vessel behavior programs and human performance programs.

This paper focuses on how the vessel designer can address two particular categories of the human element: Motion Sickness Incidence and Motion Induced Interruptions. Not considered within the scope of the paper are sopite syndrome, fatigue, sleep loss, injury, and human error.
Development and Lessons Learned of New Modular Ship Design Activities for Graduate Education During COVID
Authors: Brans Sophia , Bronkhorst Philip , Charisi Nicole , Lupoae Laurentiu , van Lynden Casper , Kao I-Ting , le Poole Joan , Zwaginga Jesper
Published: September 2022

This paper describes changes that have been implemented to an obligatory MSc course on advanced ship design techniques at Delft University of Technology. These changes have been brought about due to three separate causes: 1) COVID and virtual learning, 2) the desire to introduce gamification into active teaching and learning of ship design, and 3) changing market needs. These three very different drivers meant that a new design activity had to be developed, which included a new case study, and new teaching methods incorporating both gamification and virtual learning. Two case studies will be discussed. First, a smaller case study will discuss the introduction of a new hybrid format (in-person and virtual participation) game designed to teach students modular design for offshore support vessels (OSVs). This hybrid game was developed by an MSc student and co-author, Laurentiu Lupoae, during an independent research assignment under the supervision of lead author Assistant Professor Austin Kana and ran during the original submarine design project for the fall of 2020. To support this game, a modular design Excel tool was developed and the details will be discussed in the paper. Second, after implementing lessons learned from the first case study, the course design project for the fall of 2021 was redeveloped to cover the design of a small fleet of modular offshore service vessels (OSVs) for offshore wind. The growth of the offshore wind market and industry push towards developing service vessels to support the energy transition, especially in North Sea, were some of the key reasons behind selecting this as a case study for the design project. The structure of the new design project and the bespoke educational design tools developed for the project will be discussed. Both developments were supported heavily by PhD researchers and MSc students working on either an independent research assignment or their MSc thesis. In this sense, both the development of these activities and the execution of them during the course were learning opportunities for the researchers and MSc students. The paper will conclude with lessons learned focused on improving graduate education for masters students studying ship design.
A Decision Making Process for the Selection of Better Ship Main Dimensions with the Fuel EEDI Requirements
Authors: Calisal Sander , Yurdakul Onur , Kucuksu Gozde , Saydam Ziya
Published: September 2022

Initial ship design necessitates the evaluation of main ship parameters in order to obtain a feasible design solution satisfying the design objectives. Traditionally, relationships between the main dimensions and design parameters of proven designs provided the basis of a successful and safe solution. This approach restrains the designer from improving the design with respect to possible conflicting design criteria. Pareto frontier technique has widely been utilized in the design of ships, mainly at the advanced design stages for multi-objective optimization problems. As the principal dimensions of a ship, are vital on the performance of a vessel, major improvements in performance may be achieved by selecting “better” principal dimensions. This paper proposes to integrate in the Pareto  technique studied earlier by the authors, the EEDI perspective at an early stage in the  a decision-making process for the selection of better  main dimensions with respect to multiple conflicting criteria. The previous work on the subject showed that rather promising results could be obtained for fishing boats, naval ships and planning hulls.  In this case additional requirements are included in the selection using the expected fuel consumption into the owner requirements. The study is now limited to displacement type vessels and well known and tested resistance, seakeeping and propeller algorithms.   A Pareto Front has been observed for all cases studied and is seen as a technological barrier for the ship performance with respect to main dimensions.

We believe that the procedure developed reduces future conflicts in the design along the design spiral and satisfying the EEDI fuel reduction requirements. The improved performance of the design with respect to the conflicting design criteria at the initial stage of design also serves as a better basis for further optimization.
Reshaping Digital Twin in Technology Developments for Enhancing Marine Systems Design
Authors: Garcia Agis Jose Jorge , Brett Per Olaf , Erikstad Stein Ove , Gaspar Henrique
Published: September 2022

The digital twin technology platform has not yet achieved the expected acceptance and wider implementation in the maritime industry. So far, most of the focus of the digital twin application discussions have centred around what to learn from big data in ship operation, and to a lesser extent, has anybody extended this discussion to include the benefits such new technology can contribute to the enhancement of the upstream ship concept and basic design activities, as well as detailed engineering. This paper particularly pays attention to this latter, partly forgotten, application area. There could be many reasons behind such a reluctance to take on new technology and utilize it to its full potential. It is hypothesized and argued by this article that the development has focused on applications that are too complex, too expensive and reflect, to a little extent, real-life needs. Lack of effective data transfer and transaction interphases among relevant stakeholders is another important factor creating these inefficiencies.  This paper document how and why such inefficiencies in novel digitization technology adoption and adaptation exist and hamper the progress of achieving noticeable benefits of such implementations and how such development hurdles can be eliminated.

Real-life user cases and several contributions in the professional literature suggest that more effective implementation of digital twin technology requires further discussions and investigations relating to three important aspects: i) a common and accepted definition of what is a digital twin; ii) an agreed-upon scalable and systemic approach to what is the solution space for a digital twin solution and iii) which systemic method to be used for digital twin development. Digital-twin technology must combine effective ship in operation and ship design feedback and feed forwarding, including their inherent people involvement and market behaviour.  This article reviews the status of digital twin technology in the maritime domain and proposes a common definition of the digital twin. The latter part of the article proposes a systemic perspective for effective digital twin development and a method for a goal-oriented digital twin development in the novel ship design domain as well for ships in operations. Real-life user-case examples are elaborated upon to support our suggestions for improvement.

The paper summarizes that, in its current form, the success rate of the digital twin technology implementation is so far, limited.  Thus, the short- and long-term benefits to be achieved from digital twin applications in relation to vessel operations and their designs are also limited. This paper advises ways for improvement of the present situation.
Naval Wargaming as a Teaching Tool for Warship Design Engineers
Authors: Bradbeer Nick
Published: September 2022

There is growing interest in the use of wargaming as an educational tool. Typically this has been used to train military personnel or students of defence or international relations, with a focus on the decisions made during a conflict. Wargaming offers several advantages as a pedagogical tool, in particular that it immerses students in a decision-making process in a way which can help develop deeper understanding. UCL has been using wargaming as a teaching tool within its Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering MSc programs for several years. They are used to develop student awareness of the naval domain, to explore the sensitivity of warship capabilities to various design choices, and to informally assess the capability of students’ final capstone designs. This requires wargames which reflect the impact of detailed design decisions like watertight subdivision, damaged stability performance and arrangement of auxiliary supplies and distribution networks. Since no commercially available wargames could be found that offered sufficient granularity in those areas, a family of architecture-focussed wargames was developed in-house between 2015 and 2021. These games were used in teaching seminars, in student study groups and in informal class-wide wargame nights at the end of design exercises. This paper presents a summary of the UCL wargame development program and draws out lessons learned and suggestions for educators considering a similar approach.
Impact of Life-Cycle Considerations on Internal Ship Layout for Damage Stability Protection
Authors: Vassalos Dracos , Paterson Donald , Papanikolaou Apostolos
Published: September 2022

Historically speaking, the primary driving force behind vessel layout has come in the form of rules and regulations. In such instances, change has occurred slowly, often in a reactive manner in the wake of accidents. The nature of internal layout that is favourable for operation is often in conflict with that for safety and hence objectives pertaining to each generally lie in antithesis. For this reason, the rate of safety progression has often been slowed due to industry resistance on the grounds that their ability to operate a viable business would be impaired. This, in turn, is indicative of a greater problem relating to the efficiency and variety of existing design changes for risk reduction and control. It would appear that there is an urgent need to start seeking alternative and more effective solutions, rather than continued sole reliance on conventional measures such as watertight subdivision. In order to achieve this aim, one must consider the vessel throughout its entire life-cycle (design, operation, emergency response) and understand the requirements within each stage. This would involve consideration of the constraints and conflicting requirements that each stage brings to the decision-making process in relation to the optimal configuration of the internal ship space. Only then, can one hope to provide solutions capable of achieving this aim.  The paper presents a framework to address this imbalance with specific applications on design, operation and emergency response on a large passenger ship.
Numerical, Experimental, and Full-Scale Investigations of a Passive Air-Lubrication System for High-Speed Craft
Authors: Koushan Kourosh , Aasheim Ingebjørn , Savio Luca , Jiang Fengjian , Östman Anders , Henry Pierre-Yves , Jenssen Yngve
Published: September 2022

There is an increasing interest in air-lubrication systems for high-speed craft and the high potential for optimisation to decrease further skin-friction and consequently greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper the focus will be on a passive air-lubrication system, which does not require dedicated energy extensive compressor system to pump the air. A low-pressure zone is created behind an interceptor when the vessel reaches certain minimum speed. The low-pressure zone is connected to the atmosphere through small holes on the hull, an air chamber, and an air pipe to provide air beneath the hull behind the interceptor. By increasing the speed (above 11 knots) then the air starts spreading beneath the hull providing air lubrication, higher the speed, more air is streaming through the system. The authors are collaborating on a research project studying the air-lubrication system in detail. The investigation includes laboratory testing, full-scale observations, and trials as well as numerical analysis. Two case vessels already equipped with the air-lubrication system participate in the investigation. In this paper results and findings of first phase of the project are presented, including CFD analysis, laboratory test results of different configurations of the air lubrication system performed in a cavitation tunnel, as well as visual underwater observations in full-scale. CFD analysis show sensitivity of the system to interceptor geometry. Existing interceptor adds approximately 5% to the bare hull resistance. For the air lubrication system to be effective, it needs to provide savings above the required energy to overcome the additional resistance due to the interceptor. Therefore, optimisation of the interceptor geometry is also part of the current study.
Factors Influencing the Economic Feasibility of Unmanned Ships
Authors: Kooij Carmen
Published: September 2022

The research effort into unmanned and autonomous ships has increased significantly over the last decade. Although not all required technology is currently commercially available, consensus is that from a technical standpoint, unmanned shipping is possible. The next question is: is it economically feasible to operate an unmanned ship. The article investigates which operation parameters influence the economic feasibility of differently sized unmanned ships the most.
Doping that it not a doping. Effects of ozone therapy in sportmen.
Authors: Tansel Turan Mustafa
Published: September 2022

Objectives
The primary objective of this study was measuring the contribution of ozone therapy to athletic performance.

Methods
At the beginning, we conducted a performance measurement (Astrand Treadmill Test) of the 30 (thirty) Football Players actively playing in the Turkish National League (men U19 Players of Premier League and 1st Football League Teams). After the primary measurement, 15 players were selected randomly and treated with 20 µg/ml to 30 µg/ml Major Ozone Autohemotherapy, 2 times a week for 5 weeks. The other 15 players were designated as the control group. At the end of the process, Astrand Treadmill Test was repeated with the same players on the 8th week, and their measurements were taken and compared with the first results. Results for first day average VO2 max was 51 mL/kg/min for each group. After 8 weeks, first group’s VO2 Max found averagely 61 mL/kg/min. Control group’s average VO2 Max was found 54 mL/kg/min. In the first measurement, max running time was average 25 min. for each group, and after 8 weeks it was measured as 32 min. average for the first group, and 28 min. average for the control group.

Conclusion
The difference in performance increase was found significant between football players who were treated and not treated with ozone therapy. All athletes performed the same training program for 8 weeks. VO2max was increased %28 in ozone therapy-treated athletes but it was increased %12 in the control group. Max running time was increased %20 at ozone therapy-treated athletes, and it was increased %6 in the control group. In terms of these results, we can say that ozone therapy will be very effective for increasing athletic performance before season or tournaments.
Models of Organization and Management of Passenger Public Urban Transport Systems
Authors: Gladović Pavle , Drašković Danislav , Railić Snježana , Injac Zoran
Published: September 2022

The paper gives an overview of the model of organization in the management of public urban passenger transport systems (JGTP), which are applied in world cities as well as in some cities in the region. These are complex systems with components of economic, technical, technological and organizational nature, as well as elements of planning, arrangement and organization of space and impact on the environment and its protection, at the same time, as a public service, it is a specific network of various organizational and spatial entities. Systems are open transport systems with stochastic state change.
Traffic Accident Expertise in Civil Procedure
Authors: Drašković Danislav , Vujanić Milan , Stanišić Dragan , Amidžić Goran
Published: September 2022

In the process of compensation for the damage suffered by the aggrieved party as a result of a traffic accident, it is often necessary to provide expertise to determine the cause of the accident, the aggrieved party’s contribution to the accident, or increase in the amount of damage. Formally and legally, it is necessary to observe the institute rule of shared responsibility. Shared responsibility is an institute rule that marks the contribution of the aggrieved party to cause damage or to be greater than it would otherwise be. Within the framework of this paper, the model of traffic accident expertise in civil procedure is investigated, primarily from the aspect of the contribution of the inadmissible action of the aggrieved party in the occurrence of the accident or increase of the damage.
The Impact of Freight Vehicle Load on the Condition of Roads in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Injac Zoran , Drašković Danislav , Amidžić Goran
Published: September 2022

The number of registered commercial freight vehicles in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been increasing over the years, which affects the traffic load and the condition of roads, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Vehicle overloading is considered to be one of the biggest causes of damage to part of the road surface, especially with regard to the load-bearing road substructure. The focus of the research is the vehicle overloading on the roads of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with special emphasis on determining the type and degree of overloaded vehicles and determining the equivalence factor (EF). In the research phase, data from weighing control stations were used, taking into account the total weight of vehicles, the distribution of total weight on vehicle axles and the equivalent standard axle load for a particular vehicle type over a period of two years. A high degree of overloading was found, especially 5-axle vehicles (58.7%). The level of overloading in the range of 10-20% in relation to the maximum allowed weight is especially apparent. The calculated EF is 3.64 and is higher than the standard EF.
Extrato rico em Curcumina do Brasil Central Curcuma longa protege células endoteliais de veias umbilicais humanas sob estresse oxidativo
Authors: Borges Juliana Carvalho de Almeida , Soares Nayane Peixoto , Graziani Daniel , Oliveira Júnior Edilson Ribeiro de , Lima Eliana Martins , Nepomuceno Leandro Lopes , Vieira Vanessa de Souza , Cruz Vanessa de Sousa , Saturnino Klaus Casaro , Arnhold Emmanuel , Araújo Eugênio Gonçalves de
Published: September 2022

Introdução: Em doenças vasculares, a interrupção do fluxo sanguíneo locale subsequente reperfusão de oxigênio pode causar efeitos deletérios e danos irreparáveis às células. Curcuma (Curcuma longa L.) neutraliza radicais livres além de apresentar efeitos preventivos e terapêuticos. Objetivo: Caracterizar os compostos bioativos e a capacidade antioxidante do extrato etanólico de cúrcuma (EEC); avaliar seu efeito nas células endoteliais da veia umbilical humana, e analisar a expressão de vias de sinalização celular. Métodos: As células foram expostas a diferentes concentrações de EEC por 24, 48 e 72 horas. Utilizamos o teste de Folin-Ciocalteau, análise por HPLC-Fluorescência e método DPPH para determinar os compostos fenólicos, conteúdo de curcumina e ação antioxidante, respectivamente; o método de redução de tetrazólio para viabilidade celular, a citotoxicidade e a concentração que inibe 50% da viabilidade celular; e a técnica de imunocitoquímica para analisar a expressão de caspase3, SIRT1 e mTOR. Resultados: Observou-se presença de polifenóis nas classes de ácidos fenólicos e curcuminóides no EEC, com teor de curcumina de 16,7%. A quantidade de antioxidante necessária para reduzir a concentração inicial de DPPH em 50% foi de 18,1 μmol/g. O extrato mitigou o dano celular na dosagem de 100 μg/ml, diminuiu a imunoexpressão da caspase3 e promoveu a sinalização das vias de sobrevivência SIRT1 e mTOR. Conclusão: O EEC teve efeito protetor nas células endoteliais de veia umbilical humana, submetidas ao estresse oxidativo, com diminuição da apoptose (caspase3) em concentrações mais baixas, citoproteção pela manutenção das funções celulares essenciais (mTOR) e sinalização da via de sobrevivência (SIRT1).
High frequency transcutaneous electrical stimulation in the immediate postoperative period of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Dohnert Marcelo Baptista , Novaski Nicole de Oliveira Cardoso , Deves Juliana Ribeiro , Soares Albertino Rennan de Oliveira , Silveira Marcelo Medeiros da , Santos João Victor Euzébio dos , Kuplich Paulo Afonso , Daitx Rodrigo Boff
Published: September 2022

Introduction: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an important structure for knee stability. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an electrical current applied for significant pain relief. Objective: To evaluate the effects of high-frequency TENS on the immediate postoperative period of ACL reconstruction. Methods: 46 patients in the postoperative period of ACL reconstruction were randomly assigned to a control group (CG=23) and a TENS group (TG=23). Knee range of motion (ROM), pain, muscle strength, and drug intake were assessed before surgery and 24 and 48 hours after surgery. The TENS intervention protocol started in the recovery room, shortly after surgery, and was maintained continuously for the first 48 hours after surgery. Results: The TENS group (TG) significantly controlled the increased level of postoperative pain (p<0.05) and significantly increased flexion ROM (p<0.05). When compared to the Control group (CG), the TENS group had a lower intake of ketoprofen (48.27%), diazepam (256.98%), and dipyrone (121.21%), morphine (320.77%), and tramadol (437.46%). Conclusion: Continuous high-frequency TENS significantly reduced pain intensity and significantly improved ROM, muscle strength, and drug intake in the postoperative period of ACL reconstruction.
Radiographic Outcomes from Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery in Australia: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of 169 Procedures Using the Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin (MICA) Procedure
Authors: Knox Andrew F. , Studdert Nicholas J. , Knox Natasha R.
Published: September 2022

Background: The emergence of minimally invasive techniques in foot and ankle surgery has aimed to reduce iatrogenic tissue insult by utilising the smallest possible incision area to achieve maximum correction of pathological structures. The objective of this study was to assess whether adequate hallux valgus correction can be achieved via the minimally invasive chevron akin (MICA) procedure.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for a single-surgeon case series of 169 MICA procedures between June 2018 and June 2021 in Australia. Radiographic parameters were evaluated independently by two researchers using 1-2 intermetatarsal angle (1-2 IMA) and hallux valgus angle (HVA) as key measures of procedural outcome.

Results: 95% of participant-operations resulted in normal 1-2 IMA and HVA being obtained post-operatively in a cohort that largely consisted of moderate hallux valgus deformities; 1-2 IMA Reduction: 6.38° ± 3.24 (95% CI 5.89 to 6.87) and HVA Reduction: 20.17° ± 7.69 (95% CI 19.01 to 21.33).

Conclusion: The results of this study help to further strengthen support for the use of minimally invasive bunion surgery as a primary treatment approach in mild to moderate hallux valgus.
Diffractive Entanglements and Readings with/of Data
Authors: Cannon Susan O.
Published: September 2022

Taking up Haraway’s (1997, 2016) and Barad’s (2007) diffraction I, co-constituted with theory, participant, audio, text, materials, perform an embodied diffractive analysis of the data from one research study.  I begin by reckoning with Barad’s objectivity in knowledge production connecting her thinking back through Heisenberg and Bohr. Then, I attend to the specific material arrangements of data production across interconnecting levels. Next, I describe a thought experiment in diffractive methodology. The result is my embodied engagement with and reading across and through the research productions to draw attention to and attend to the differences produced through various material arrangements (https://youtu.be/7JzIeiozzVM).
Optimization of Thermally Processed Bambara Groundnut Flour Nutrients using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Nzelu I. C. , Ishiwu C. N.
Published: September 2022

White/cream colourbambara groundnut (BGN) seed (Vigna subterranean L.) Was grouped into 12 portions and subjected to different processing methods by soaking in water at room temperature (280C) for 12- 48h and further boiling for different times (30 – 60min). The soaked-boiled seeds were dried and milled into flours. Proximate composition and functional properties of these processed flours were determined and significant (P = .05) differences among the samples recorded. Combination of soaking and boiling of the seeds for different times resulted to irregular functional properties and nutrient losses of the BGN. Optimization of the responses showed that the seed soaked for 12h and further boiled for 46.26min would yield flour with optimum nutrient properties, while soaking for 12h before boiling for 9.96 min would produce flour with optimum functional properties.
Internal Control in the Public Sector of Ghana: A Case Study
Authors: Bannerman Jacob , Ebenezer Nii Djan , Obeng Hollack
Published: September 2022

Internal control is considered to be a key corporate governance mechanism. The purpose of this study is to provide an account of the internal control activities and their challenges from the staff perspective and an insight into the process from the Internal Auditor within the context of the Kumasi Office of Ghana Highways Authority (GHA). The data was obtained from the staff through questionnaire administration and interviewing the Internal Auditor on the process.

The data analysis was descriptive and inferential statistics while the interview responses were analyzed via an interpretative approach. The results revealed that staffs are familiar with the existence of systems for internal control. The purpose of internal controls at GHA was the most critical aspect of its internal control activities. Internal control activities suggest that the tender committee formed to evaluate tender documents and goods bought through contracts are appropriately recorded in books had the majority consensus respectively. The internal auditor suggested that enforcing the formation of an Audit Committee in the region and provision of adequate logistics for internal auditors will improve the internal control activities of GHA. The study recommends that the management of GHA at the regional office must create an environment that can positively influence the control consciousness of entity personnel.
Body Mass Index (BMI) and Cutaneous Lesions among the Elderly Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Rivers State
Authors: Pepple E. F. , Amadi E. S. , Otike-Odibi B. , Bell-Gam H. I .
Published: September 2022

Aims:  The aim of the study is to highlight that cutaneous lesion can be markers of nutritional status in the elderly.

Study Design: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study took place within the wards of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital over a 3 month period.

Methodology: A sample of 126 elderly patients were calculated as the sample size to be assessed for cutaneous lesions, of which 122  were fit enough to have their BMI assessed using standardized protocol of measuring height and weight. The BMI was calculated using the formula -BMI = kg/m2.

Results: Out of the total, 55 of them representing 45.1% had normal BMI, 13 representing 10.7% were underweight, 33 (27%) over weight and 21(17.2%) obese. Underweight elderly patients were more likely than those with normal weight to have xerosis, itching, wrinkles, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis and ulcers. The elderly with overweight and obesity were more likely to have dermatosis papulosa nigra, signs of post-bleaching syndrome and surgical scars.

Conclusion: Complaints or observance of cutaneous lesions in elderly should be a reason to investigate nutrition and the solution may lie in nutrition based treatment. More research is however needed to further evaluate the association between cutaneous lesions and body mass index.
Qualitative Assessment of X-Ray Machines’ Mechanical Parameters at Some Selected Diagnostic Centres in Nigeria
Authors: R. Owoade Latifat , I. Akinlade Bidemi , P. Farai Idowu
Published: September 2022

Introduction: This study assessed the present status of conventional X-Ray machines used for common diagnostic X-Ray examinations in Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Total of 112 X-Ray machines from 106 diagnostic centres from six geopolitical zones in Nigeria were considered. Structured questionnaires and Diavolt Dosimeter were respectively used for data collection and measurements of parameters: Half-Value Layer (HVL), tube voltage (kVp) reproducibility, kVp accuracy and beam output linearity/stability.

Results: By zonal distribution of X-Ray units, the highest number (36%) and the least (7%) was from the south-west and south-south respectively. In all, 71% were owned by private institutions, 71% were non-mobile, 64% were operated on 3-phase generator and 35% were within the age of ten years. The HVLs of 97% of the X-Ray units were within the standard thickness of 2.3 mmAl (at 80 kVp, 100 cm FFD), 88% have acceptable kVp reproducibility and 51% have kVp accuracy within ±5%. Only X-Ray units (64%) operated on 3-phase generator produced beam output that are within acceptable stability.

Conclusion: This study showed that some (65%) of the X-Ray units considered are aged (>10 years) and about 49% of the units failed kVp accuracy test. This may be due to inconsistency in the quality assurance checks of X-Ray units by some diagnostic centres, especially those in the south-south region. The authors therefore recommended strict measures, to be put in place by the regulatory authority, that will make all diagnostic centres in Nigeria to comply with the requirements for peaceful radiation practices.
Comparison of Post-operative Pain in Patients with Platysma Muscle Suture versus no Suture for Wound Closure after Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Rehman Mehmood Ur , Taj Mazar , Ali Mehmood , Akbar Shakeel , Bashir Muhammad Zakaryya , Yasir Muhammad
Published: September 2022

Objective: To assess the post-operative pain in patients with platysma muscle suture versus without platysma muscle suture used for wound closure after thyroidectomy.

Study Design: Randomized clinical trial.

Duration: January 2020 to March 2021.

Setting: Department of General Surgery, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi.

Methods: A total number of 68 patients planned for primary thyroid surgery, aged 18-60 years of both genders were included in this study. Patients were divided into two equal groups using draw randomization. In Group I: platysma muscle suture was used during wound closure after thyroidectomy. In Group II: No platysma suture was used during wound closure after thyroidectomy. Postoperative pain score was noted at 24 hours after thyroidectomy.

Results: Mean age of patients was 39.25±11.68 years. Mean body mass index (BMI) of patients was 24.48±3.60 kg/m2. Mean duration of surgery was 88.81±15.22 minutes. Mean postoperative pain score was 2.78±1.37. There were 39 (57.35%) females and 29 (42.65%) female patients. There were 18 (26.47%) patients having ASA I, 44 (64.71%) having ASA status II and 06 (8.82%) patients having ASA status III. There were 18 (26.47%) patients with hemi-thyroidectomy and 50 (73.53%) with total thyroidectomy. Post-operative pain score was 3.26±1.50 in with platysma muscle suture and 2.29±1.03 in without platysma suture (p-value 0.003).

Conclusion: As per current research, postoperatively, there was less discomfort related to the incision when the platysma muscle suture was not used. Further studies with a larger sample size is warranted.
Outcomes 12 Months After Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Device Treatment of the Nasal Valve for Patients With Nasal Airway Obstruction
Authors: Han Joseph K. , Silvers Stacey L. , Rosenthal Jon N. , McDuffie Chad M. , Yen David M.
Published: September 2022

Importance

Nasal valve collapse is a primary cause of nasal airway obstruction (NAO). Patients with NAO and nasal valve collapse experience a variety of symptoms that lower their quality of life, such as nasal congestion, headache, sleep disturbance, daytime sleepiness, and snoring.

Objective

To determine if active treatment of the nasal valve with a temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) device, previously demonstrated superior to a sham procedure at 3 months, was safe and associated with sustained improvements in symptoms of NAO through 12 months.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In a prospective, multicenter, single-blinded, randomized clinical trial, patients in 16 centers in the US with index procedures between August and December 2020 were assigned to TCRF device treatment of the nasal valve or a sham control procedure (no RF energy). Patients had a baseline Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale score of 55 or greater with nasal valve collapse as the primary or substantial contributor to NAO. After primary end point evaluation at 3 months, eligible patients in the sham control arm crossed over to active treatment. Data analysis was performed between April and May 2022.

Interventions

Patients were treated bilaterally with the TCRF device at 4 or fewer nonoverlapping areas on the nasal mucosa at the junction of the upper and lower lateral cartilage on the lateral nasal wall.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point measure was responder rate, defined as 20% or greater reduction in NOSE Scale score or 1 or greater reduction in NOSE Scale clinical severity category.

Results

A total of 108 patients received active treatment (77 as index active treatment, 31 after crossover). The mean (SD) age of patients was 48.5 (12.3) years; 66 (61.1%) were women. The combined group of patients receiving active treatment had a mean baseline NOSE Scale score of 76.3 (95% CI, 73.6-79.1). At 12 months (n = 88), the responder rate was 89.8% (95% CI, 81.7%-94.5%). The NOSE Scale score improved from baseline (mean change, −44.9 [95% CI, −52.1 to −37.7]). No device/procedure-related serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this follow-up of a cohort from a randomized clinical trial, the minimally invasive TCRF device, previously demonstrated to be superior to a sham procedure, was safe and associated with improvement in symptoms of NAO through 12 months postprocedure.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04549545
STAT3 transcriptionally regulates the expression of genes related to glycogen metabolism in developing motor neurons
Authors: Gotoh Hitoshi , Chimhanda Tatenda Alois , Nomura Tadashi , Ono Katsuhiko
Published: September 2022

Motor neurons in the spinal cord are essential for movement. During the embryonic period, developing motor neurons store glycogen to protect against hypoglycemic and hypoxic stress. However, the mechanisms by which glycogen metabolism is regulated in motor neurons remain unclear. We herein investigated the transcriptional regulation of genes related to glycogen metabolism in the developing spinal cord. We focused on the regulatory mechanism of glycogen synthase (Gys1) and glycogen phosphorylase brain isoform (PygB), which play central roles in glycogen metabolism, and found that the transcription factor STAT3 regulated the expression of Gys1 and PygB via cis‐regulatory promoter sequences in the developing spinal cord. These results suggest that STAT3 is important for the regulation of glycogen metabolism during motor neuron development.
Vulnerability
Authors: Grove Kevin , Rhiney Kevon
Published: September 2022

The concept of vulnerability has been central to geographic research on human–environment relations. Three shifts in the concept's evolution alongside shifting forms of reason that prevail within the wider discipline are particularly important. First, that from early hazards scholars' positivism and behavioralism to the structuralist and materialist approach of radical disaster scholars helped usher in political ecology, and enabled geographers to focus on vulnerability as a socially produced condition. Second, the synthesis between political ecology and cybernetic and institutionalist approaches to systems thinking has given rise to sustainability science and vulnerability science, giving geographers new footholds in wider multidisciplinary global change research networks. Finally, a renewed focus on everyday vulnerabilities from scholars throughout the discipline is drawing attention to the normative assumptions that animate systems‐based vulnerability approaches. This work mobilizes the concept of vulnerability to continue opening geographic thought to core problems of in/security and environmental injustice.
Environmental Health
Authors: King Brian
Published: September 2022

Environmental health is concerned with how human health and wellbeing are affected by the natural and physical environment. Its study attends to the diverse conditions that shape health while considering differences within populations and regions. Most categories of diseases and injuries around the world are influenced by environmental factors. Thus healthy and sustainable environments are needed to reduce morbidity and mortality for human populations. Geographic studies have addressed the diverse factors shaping human and environment interactions and how they contribute to the spread of disease and possibilities for health and wellbeing. Public health research takes a holistic view of the environment by also considering the ways the social environment (neighborhoods, human networks, cultural dynamics, level of education) generate health outcomes. Geographic research on disease and health addresses the multifaceted and multiscalar interactions operating within and across social and ecological systems, in addition to identifying environmental inequities in exposure to toxins and pollutants.
Labor Geographies and the Corporation
Authors: Herod Andrew
Published: September 2022

The structure of corporations has often been understood to result from the investment decisions made by managers. Such a view sees workers in largely passive terms of being simply “factors of production.” However, in the past three decades a group of self‐described Labor Geographers has demonstrated that workers can forcefully shape corporate organization through their activities. This research community has shown how workers have impacted the structure of both individual corporations and of Global Production Networks containing numerous firms, together with how they have used the state to shape corporate organization legislatively. More recently, the COVID‐19 pandemic has led myriad corporations to restructure their operations, particularly concerning how their supply chains function and how they organize their workforces. Rather than being passive victims of such developments, however, workers are playing important roles in them, as they respond to corporations' efforts to reshape production and transform the labor process.
Landscape
Authors: Olwig Kenneth R. , Rose Mitch
Published: September 2022

Landscape was a central concept when geography began as a modern scholarly discipline during the nineteenth century, but within twentieth‐century mainstream Anglophone geography it was peripheralized by the narrowing of the field to a science of space. This weakened the unity of geography as a discipline concerned with the historically developing relationship between society, nature and place, as expressed in the phenomena of landscape, which was vital to the integration of physical and cultural geography. An overview of some of the dominant schools of landscape studies illustrates how each of these schools represent significant shifts in understanding of what the landscape is and its place in geographical discourse.
Geophilosophy
Authors: Woodward Keith , Gerlach Joe , Ginn Franklin
Published: September 2022

Geophilosophy employs a range of concepts to reimagine the discipline of philosophy. Invented by Gilles Deleuze (1925–1995) and Félix Guattari (1930–1992), the field has grown and been elaborated by many thinkers. After reviewing the genesis of geophilosophy and its uptake in human geography through the 1990s, several key aspects are described: becoming rather than being; affect, virtuality, and the nonrepresentational; space; and minor theory. Finally, new geophilosophies that are emerging from feminist, posthumanist, and decolonial scholarship are reviewed.
Endonyms and Exonyms
Authors: Perko Drago , Geršič Matjaž , Zorn Matija
Published: September 2022

Endonyms, together with exonyms, form toponyms or geographical names, which are the proper names of geographical features and part of the world's cultural heritage. An endonym is the native name of a geographical feature and is used by the local community, whereas an exonym is a foreign name for the same feature and is used by an external community if it differs from an endonym. The study of toponyms and their origins, meanings, use, and typology is called toponymy or toponomastics, and is an inherently political practice. At the global level, geographical names have been coordinated by the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN) since 1959. Accepted practice is that if a specific geographical name has been formally established by an authority of the area where this name is located, this name is taken as the standardized geographical name.