bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Affordable Analog OxygenMonitor forMaintaining Safe Oxygen Concentration in IndustrialEnvironments
Authors: Korj Basel Mohammad Anwar , Aslam Eiman Mohammad , Al Balushi Isehaq Bin Ibrahim Bin Mubarak , Aburub Laith Mohammad Helmi
Published: September 2020

As industrial fields become more intertwined and complex, there is an increasing demand for a suitable & reliable method of monitoring the concentration of Oxygen in the surrounding work environment. It is often required that these Oxygen levels retain consistent values in order to protect the workforce and the material in use. This paper proposes an analog system which uses a combination of operational amplifiers in different configurations. They have been designed to convert the current signals generated by an Electrochemical sensor and compare these signals to a reference voltage set by the user. Features of the system include long battery life, affordability compared to other monitors on the market, analog signal precision and a wide variety of preset configurations and calibration methods to use in confined spaces. Multiple tests were performed using the device to monitor the concentration of Oxygen outdoors. The device’s output is measured in volts using a voltmeter and converted to a concentration of Oxygen detected according to the formulas derived for the system. The results were then compared to the weather and humidity forecast data provided by internet sources and research done on the relationship between humidity and the concentration of Oxygen. This helped in fine tuning the circuit, fix previous issues with the prototype and implement more features. The system proposed was presented to and certified by Oman Chromite Company (SAOG) for use in their opencast and underground mines.
SOS Oman
Authors: AL Farsi Aysha Juma , Salam Rahma Mohammed Aal Abdul , AL Fazari Heba Ahmed
Published: September 2020

Providing first-aid on time can help in saving many lives, in 2015, specifically on the street between Ibri and Al-Rustaq, the weather was rainy, and suddenly one of the vehicle rollovers from the street. The passenger's injury was not so serious and his life could be saved if he had received proper first-aid on time, but because the accident happened in a rural area far from the city center, aiding him delayed, and because of that the passenger died on his way to the hospital. In such situation volunteer paramedics can be a helpful support for the emergency centers involved in the response to such accidents reports. In the project a mobile android application will be developed, through this application volunteer paramedic will be registered and their GPS coordinates will be included by one of the staff at the civil defense. The users of the application will be able send notifications in case of any emergency situation for the Civil Defense and for the nearest volunteer paramedics at the same time. The notification sent includes a brief description about the emergency situation, contact information of the sender and the GPS coordinates. The system will automatically detect the nearest volunteer paramedics and notify them about the emergency situation. This will be helpful in providing faster assistance at the emergency site by the volunteer paramedics and hopefully it will help in saving more lives. The system and the android application will be used by the civil defense in the sultanate of Oman, volunteer paramedics, residents and citizens.
Design and Development of IOT based Low Power Consumption in Employee Meeting Rooms
Authors: Al Rawahi Ammar Yasir Hamood , Hussain Shaik Mazhar , Frank Anilloy
Published: September 2020

In this paper, We design and implement IOT based low power system that can be used in employee meeting rooms. The design is based on number of employees entering and leaving the room and automates room AC, lights and room freshners using relay device. The system designed counts number of employees entering the room using IR device and updates the number using counter and automates electrical appliances of the room and when leaving automatically switches off the devices. The power consumed is updated using ESP 8266 in the cloud called thing speak where the data can be evaluated and analyzed per day and per month. The system has 20*4 LCD which displays the complete details of the employees and electrical appliances. The working of the system starts with the entering of an employee in the room, the buzzer beeps and LED turns on. Arduino Mega is used as a central processor that controls all the appliances. The code is written in C and simulation is done using Proteus ISIS. Finally, the implemented system shows the energy consumption per day and per month and a detailed comparative analysis is done with and without connecting the system which shows a better saving of energy in the employee room. The methodology adapted for our work is V-methodology.
Implementation of IOT Based Smart Energy Meter in Oman
Authors: Hassan Ali Alajmi  , Raid Rashid Ali Alsaidi  , Omar Abdullah Sultan AL-shibli  , Senthil Ramadoss
Published: September 2020

Managing the energy efficient and conserving it intelligently for appliances is very much important. On the other side, it may be possible events mistake cause while reading on energy meter, monitoring and keeping track of your electricity consumption for verification is a tedious task today. Our main objective of measuring the power consumption at homes using IOT with raspberry pi during period time, which can be controlled as well monitored through the raspberry pi across the IOT. We used Python programming language to control raspberry pi. It's based on raspbian which is operating system for all models of the raspberry Pi that subject to linux system. As we say before raspberry pi has inputs and we use it for connecting the supply, energy meter and load such as a lamp or Drill. The energy meter is connected to the raspberry pi. This allows user to easily check the energy usage along with the cost charged online using a simple web application connecting to Wi-Fi. Thus, the energy meter monitoring system allows consumer to effectively monitor electricity meter readings and bill amount in an easy way. It presents a low cost and flexible energy meter monitoring system using IOT. In addition, we use camera which is called camera pi. Camera pi takes picture from meter reading and communicates to consumer via email. All information on the energy meter screen will be taken by raspberry pi module. Using this data, the raspberry pi will calculate the bill amount then send to the consumer by email. Finally, this project will help for the proper and accurate reading of the billing process automatically. Also, it enables consumer to save the money for a long time. This technology offers new and exciting opportunity to reduce the work of workers.
Critique of the functional assignment architecture of Punjab’s local governance legislation of 2013 & 2019
Authors: Moazzam Ali Janjua  , Rainer Rohdewohld
Published: September 2020

In 2013 and 2019, the local government legislation of the province of Punjab in Pakistan saw two rounds of major changes – each of which led to a new local government Act being passed. In 2013 the changes were driven by constitutional and judicial requirements and in 2019 by the political will of Pakistan’s new coalition government. This article analyses and compares the functional assignment (FA) architecture of the two Acts against a set of parameters. The study finds that marginal improvements to the FA architecture introduced by the 2019 Act are offset by continuing inconsistencies and lack of clarity over ‘who does what’ in the functions assigned to local governments. The authors suggest that improving the functionality of local governments requires full implementation of the design features of the new system, including institutional strengthening of provincial-level entities which regulate and oversee the local government system.
Shared Decision-making in Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Wilson Charlie Dee , Probe Robert A.
Published: September 2020

Shared decision-making (SDM) is the process by which the physician and the patient collaborate to arrive at the evidence-based treatment that best aligns with the patient's individual goals of care. The implementation of SDM practices is especially important when an invasive surgical procedure is among the treatment options. Ideally, the variation in the patient treatment choice would mirror the variability in patient goals rather than variation in a physician's ability to communicate effectively. Potentially aiding in these communication efforts, decision aids are tools gaining popularity for their ability to help physicians facilitate the SDM process with patients. This article is intended to give the practicing orthopaedic surgeon an understanding of the concept of SDM and how it can improve physician-patient communication. We will explore the key elements of SDM, attendant benefits, indications, and barriers to implementation and propose steps to begin the incorporation of SDM into practice.
Saudi University Students’ Perceptions of Service Quality in Higher Education
Authors: Alhazmi Fatemah A.
Published: September 2020

Higher education institutions (HEIs), like any other organizations, consider the customer experience to be an intrinsic component of their strategic plans, decision-making processes, and development. In the higher education (HE) context, the students are the customers and demand high service quality to inform their decisions. This article evaluates the perception of quality of service (QoS) in a HE setting from the perspective of students studying at King Khalid University (KKU) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A modified service quality (SERVQUAL) instrument is used to measure five constructs: tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. The research also assesses whether there is a connection between the participants’ responses and key demographic variables. Permission was granted to distribute 500 questionnaires to all the students in the selected college. Of these, 350 questionnaires were returned, and 298 were deemed useful. The data collected to assess perceptions of QoS was analyzed using SPSS, a t-test, and a cutoff point (3.4). The table of variance analysis and ETA square identified relationships between the participants’ answers and the demographic variables. Evaluation of all the services was lower than predicted. The highest rated construct was assurance with mean (3.0116), responsiveness with mean (2.8465), tangibles with mean (2.7843), reliability with mean (2.6914), and empathy with mean (2.5558). There were statistically significant differences found in the students’ evaluation for the first dimension (tangibles) associated with gender difference, with the average evaluation by male students being (2.9532), and the average evaluation by female students (2.6685); otherwise demographic characteristics had no statistically significant influence on students’ evaluations.
Risk Factors for the Antibiotic Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli Associated Infections in Burn Patients and the In-Vitro Susceptibility of Colistin
Authors: Varshochi Mojtaba , Hasani Alka , Pour Shahverdi Parinaz , Ravanbakhsh Ghavghani Fateme , Matin Somaieh
Published: September 2020

Background: Burns patients are predisposed to infectious complications. Amongst microbial infections, Gram-negative bacilli are the most prevalent bacteria in the burn units. Objectives: The current study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacilli in hospitalized burn patients and determine the in-vitro susceptibility of these organisms to colistin. Methods: Two hundred burn patients hospitalized in the burn unit and ICU burn ward were allocated to two groups (each with 100 patients) of patients with antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacilli infections and the other with antibiotic susceptible Gram-negative bacilli associated infections. The susceptibility of Gram-negative bacilli was done towards various antibacterial agents by the Kirby-Bauer method. Susceptibility of colistin was performed using both E-test and disc diffusion methods. Results: The history of antibiotic usage, length of ICU stay, mechanical ventilation, and catheter usage were the most important risk factors for infections associated with antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacilli. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii were the most prevalent bacteria in the burn unit. Only one A. baumannii isolate was found resistant toward colistin by both disk diffusion and E-test methods. Conclusions: Burn patients are prone to infections, and Gram-negative bacilli predominates in patients harboring risk factors. These findings influence the choice of traditional therapeutic regimens in such patients. Colistin served as an appropriate antibiotic choice.
Conscience, Compromise, and Complicity
Authors: Eberl Jason T. , Ostertag Christopher ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: September 2020

Debate over whether health care institutions or individual providers should have a legally protected right to conscientiously refuse to offer legal services to patients who request them has grown exponentially due to the increasing legalization of morally contested services. This debate is particularly acute for Catholic health care providers. We elucidate Catholic teaching regarding the nature of conscience and the intrinsic value of being free to act in accord with one’s conscience. We then outline the primary positions defended in this debate and respond to critics of Catholic teaching. In so doing, we show how Catholic health care providers’ claims to conscientiously refuse to offer specific health care services are not essentially faith-based, but are founded upon publicly defensible reasons. We also address the question of whether conscientiously refusing health care providers may become complicit in moral wrongdoing or potentially cause scandal by means of disclosure or referral to another provider.
The status of reason in Shia thought and understanding of Islam
Authors: Alizade Amanalah
Published: September 2020

Reason has nonpareil role both for making the components of cognition and obtaining divine knowledge in Shia schools of thought. In epistemology, we would have very few certain prepositions which could be comprehended without mediation of intellect. It is intellect with which foundation of cognition will be formed and the constituents of cognition will be built. In obtaining divine knowledge, it also has a unique function alongside the holy book, tradition, intuition and consensus. Because of the crucial role of reason in Shia school of thought, scientific currents are more rational comparing to Sunni. Schools of philosophy, rational theology, exegeses and principles of jurisprudence are advent in Shia cultural context. We can even say: moderate rationality is the main stream of Shia current that is far from Akhbarits and Tafkiki School, which are exceptional in Shia school of thought. Therefore, religious beliefs, moral values and practical commandments in Shia thinking are more rational. Although reason and rational thoughts were not so important at the time of the Infallibles because they were considered as manifestation of truth, at the occultation age, reason obtained its necessity alongside the text. Thus, it can be said: moderate rationality is an outstanding feature of Shia in Islamic history.
Analysis of the fundamental principles of international law impacting oil and fat products trade
Authors: Antonova Daria , Kontorin Aleksandr Igorevich
Published: September 2020

There are principles and restrictions of the international trade influencing not only the export potential of the country, but also its internal market and food security. The object of research is foreign economic activity connected with the export of raw materials and processed products of the oil and fat industry. The research subject is the fundamental trade principles of the WTO which can have an impact on the volumes of export of the oil and fat industry established by the Federal project “Agricultural products export”. The authors consider trade regimes and principles common for all member-states, and the relatively recent changes in export financing. In the Russian Federation, the complex agricultural products export support system is functioning. This system is included in the National project “International cooperation and export”, and the project “Agricultural products export” is part of it. Within the federal project, various instruments of exporting agriculture producers support are used, both of financial and non-financial nature, which are implemented via various institutes for development. The key factor of the topical character of this research is the restriction of agricultural products export financing and the provision of Russia’s food security. The authors analyze tariff regulation of oil and fat products trade and formulate the variants of development of this sector.   
Totem symbols in decorative traditions of the peoples of pre-Columbian America: conflict or harmony?
Authors: Kabylinskii Boris Vasilievich
Published: September 2020

The object of this research is a totem symbol in decorative tradition of the peoples of pre-Columbian America. The subject of this research is the images of jaguar in the art of the Aztecs of Mesoamerica. The images of a human and jaguar are captured on the metal, stone and clay artifacts of pre-Columbian civilizations that are available to the public in Mexico City National Museum of Anthropology, Peruvian Museum of the Nation in Lima, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D. C. The research methodology is based on compilation of the results of fundamental research of the leading scholars of North American School of Anthropology. The article conduct a general systematization and brief analytics of scientific records on the specificity of Mesoamerican decorative tradition of totem symbols throughout an extensive period of time: 1500 BC – 400 AD (Olmec Civilization), III century BC – VII century AD (Teotihuacan Civilization), 900 BC – 200 AD (Chavín Civilization), 750 BC – 100 AD (Paracas Civilization), 2300 – 1200 BC (Kotosh Civilization), 1250 – 1470 AD (Chimú Civilization). The presented materials substantiate the thesis that jaguar as a totem symbol carried out the functions of unification and identification of ethnoses of Mesoamerica, reflecting relevant sociocultural trends at various stages of anthropogenesis. The novelty of this work consists in scientific systematization of the facts that the nuances of fusion of the images of human and jaguar in art objects of Aztec culture reflect a harmonious or turbulent frame of mind in pre-Columbian era.
Quantum-synergetic ontology of generalized corporeality: from anthropology of theatre to humanization of artificial intelligence. The question of boundaries
Authors: Budanov Vladimir Grigoryevich , Sinitcyna Tamara Andreevna
Published: September 2020

The question of understanding of corporeality in philosophy, science, medicine and culture goes back centuries and remains relevant until the present. This relates mostly to anthropological challenges of the crisis technogenic civilization that is trying to improve human nature, without understanding of its holism, taking into account existential issues of hybrid man-machine systems and socies, virtual and cyber-physical umvelts, within which corporeality becomes more of an atavism and a deterrent for the rapid worlds managed by the powerful artificial intelligence. In philosophy of the XX century, the understanding of generalized corporeality is associated primarily with the phenomenological project of E. Husserl and its advancement in the works of M. Merleau-Ponty, French poststructuralists A. Artaud, G. Deleuze, F. Guattari, who conceptualizes the idea of generalized corporeality in cultural terms, rather than in natural science. The author proposes the introduction of the ontologies of generalized corporeality based on differentiation of its functional manifestations in communication and theatrical art, referring to the modern representations on the mechanism and their potential implementation on the level of physiology and mental sphere of personality, as well as on the level of substantial factors of biology, psychophysics and robotics. For these purposes, the author attracts the concepts of synergetics and quantum theory as the grounds for such functional ontologies; at the same time, full ontology of generalized corporeality is presented by direct product of the ontologies of states and temporal ontologies of physical and mental processes of a human, which allows creating a semiotics of corporeality of acting or anthropomorphic avatar-robot. The article explores the boundaries of emulation of human corporeality by the modern means of IT technologies, and the question of unattainability of many creative and spiritual sub-bodies of a person using technical means.
Application of the Analects of Confucius in training scenic dialogue
Authors: Yu Yadong
Published: September 2020

The author examines four main things taught by Confucius: virtue, speech, political questions, and literature in the context of their use in teaching scenic art. The author claims that speech is extremely importance, as it is not only a criterion for assessing virtue, but also necessary means for participating in political affairs and mastering literature. The article describes asset of guidelines for speech practice, their application in teaching acting techniques, and significance for practicing “dialogue” in scenic speech class. Attention is focused on teaching improvisation dialogue to the actors. Such practical course is intended for logical organization of speech skills of the students. A conclusion is made that Confucius' understanding of speech practices allows teaching improvisation dialogue to the future actors. At the initial stage of teaching improvisation dialogue, it is important to instill  the sense of self-consciousness into students, dispose towards self-education, teach to be in a stable work condition, and only then organize speech based on the suggested circumstances. During this practical course, it is necessary to follow true emotions, mutual trust, sincerity of communication and, and how the student overcomes difficulties if logically structures the line of dialogue. The next step is to teach the future actor a rational attitude towards a situation.
Perception of Recipients of Agricultural Science Education of Agriculture and Agribusiness: A Survey
Authors: Owoade Olufemi Adeyemi
Published: September 2020

Effort of government at all levels to transform agricultural sector in Nigeria and diversify the economy from oil required that Nigeria educated youth should be persuaded to take active roles in the process. As youth have latent potential to overcome some major constraints to improving agricultural productivity. Major step in this direction is to encourage and support graduates of agriculture and related fields to take up career in agribusiness. On these premises this paper examined willingness of students of vocational agricultural education in colleges of education to take up career in agricultural-entrepreneurship. Questionnaires were given to 76 final year students in the department of Agricultural Science Education, The College of Education, Lanlate. The findings revealed that respondents have positive perceptions of agriculture and agribusiness and showed strong willingness to find their opportunity to contribute as leaders and participants in agricultural sector. Major challenges to willingness to actively participate in agribusiness were found to be limited-access to capital, land, agribusiness information and extension services, risk of uncertainty in agriculture, and high cost of inputs. The paper recommended strengthening of extension services and out of school agricultural knowledge, improve access to capital, land and information on government support and reinvigoration of agricultural-entrepreneurship education to make it relevant to needs of the recipients and address emerging challenges in agricultural sector.
Development, Implementation and Evaluation of a Smartphone-Based Study Guide for Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Eltouny Sarah , Nasser Asmaa Abdel , Hefny Mohamed , Hosny Somaya
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Most medical educators agreed that e-Learning is a necessity nowadays and not a luxury shift. Smartphones contribute to the educational process to a great extent. Integrating the use of smartphones in the curriculum has an important innovative role in medical education and health care services. Currently, medical students are using smartphones as part of their daily routine and learning activities. A study guide is a tool designed to facilitate students' interaction with the various components of the curriculum. The idea of using a mobile application in providing information through a study guide to facilitate learning was reported by different studies.

Aims: This study aims at designing, implementing and evaluating smart-phone based study guide using mobile enhanced learning technology for the 1st year medical students at Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University (FOM-SCU) in order to enhance students' learning experience.

The Study Objectives: Design a study guide using mobile application for the 1st year medical students. Implement the newly designed study guide on 1st year medical students (2017-2018). Evaluate the students' performance during PBL tutorial sessions before and after implementing Smartphone based study guide. Assess students' satisfaction regarding the study guide application. Identify challenges of using mobile application in medical education.

Study Design:  A quasi-experimental (pretest-posttest), using a non-probability convenience sampling, 105 students (response rate 84%), and 16 class tutors (response rate 100%).

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Education, FOM-SCU, Egypt during the academic year 2017-2018.

Methodology: Using a non-probability convenience sampling technique, 105 students (response rate 84%), and 16 class tutors (response rate 100%).

Results: Most of the students (94.3%) stated that smartphone (m-learning) is useful in Medical Education, 80.9% of them agreed that the module objectives can be met through m-learning and 61.9% of the students agreed on recommending m-learning as an innovative method of learning to others. The evaluation of students' performance in the context of Problem Based Learning (PBL) by their class tutors showed a statistically significant improvement in all items regarding the four factors assessed "independent study" (p-value <0.001), "group interaction" (p-value <0.001), "active participation" (p-value <0.001), and "reasoning skills" (p-value <0.001) when comparing pre and post-intervention scores. 

Conclusion: This study concludes the m-learning has a positive effect on the students’ performance in the PBL context. It is remarkably significant to integrate smartphone-based learning activities in the undergraduate Medical Education curriculum. Our results can encourage other health professions institutions to apply m-learning in different educational situations.
Chemical Composition of Fish Head Flavor Crackers
Authors: . Junianto , Amran Hanifah Nurul , Lili Walim , Rostini Iis
Published: September 2020

This study aims to determine the chemical composition of fish flavor crackers. This research was carried out in the laboratory of the Integrated Basic Science Program at Padjadjaran University in January 2020. The method used in this research was the experimental method. The parameters observed in this study were moisture content, ash content, protein content and fat content in the most favourite flavor powder crackers (10%) with control (0%). Data from the measurement of chemical composition in crackers were analyzed by a comparative descriptive . Based on the result of this study  it was found taht fish head flavor crackers had of moisture content of 4.17%, ash content of 2.94%, protein content of 0.40%, and fat content of 14.16%.
Dentistry during the COVID-19 Era: Safety Protocols and Considerations
Authors: Habashneh Rola , Alibrahim Anas , Alteen Tahani Abu , Al-Jabary Leen , Al-Omari Sawsen
Published: September 2020

Objective: The dental surgery, where healthcare personnel work in close proximity to patients and perform aerosol-generating-procedures, is classified as a high exposure risk environment. Dentists should have thorough knowledge about the correct protective measures during clinical practice to reduce transmission of disease. This narrative review proposes comprehensive evidence-based and content-specific guidelines on infection control and communication strategies to help workers in the dental setting mitigate the risks of COVID-19 until effective vaccines are available and to also enhance cross contamination measures generally.

Methods: A review of pertinent literature was carried out in PubMED and other global sites including: American Dental Association, Occupational Safety, Health Administration and British Dental Association, NHS England and Faculty of General Dental Practice, to determine and summarize the current recommendations and safety measures specific to the dental setting throughout the world.

Results: Safety measures are needed to control transmission of COVID-19 at the administrative, clinical and environmental levels. Clinic and appointments should be prepared and arranged in a way to maximize social distancing and minimize virus transmission. Preoperative measures should be taken to reduce the chance of viral exposure and transmission. Personal protective measures should be handled properly by clinical and non-clinical staff members. Engineering measures should also be employed, such as economic air purifiers and ventilation systems should also be considered if Coronavirus is proven to be airborne.

Conclusion: This outbreak should serve as a chance for healthcare authorities and providers to invest in precautionary additional cross contamination measures. These should become part of standard practice, as there are other transmissible diseases which place the dental practitioner at risk of infection.
Misclassification of Asymptomatic Infections of COVID-19
Authors: Orish Verner N. , Lopez Duniesky Martinez
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Several cases of asymptomatic infections of COVID-19 being reported by several countries in this pandemic and with the recent conflicting information of asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19, it is important to look critically on the true nature of these reported asymptomatic infections. There is a possibility most of the reported asymptomatic infections of COVID-19 are not truly asymptomatic but are either presymptomatic, mild infections or infections in the post-symptomatic phase.

Results: These infections misclassified as asymptomatic infections can result in misleading findings in studies attempting to understand asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19.

Conclusion: It is therefore crucial that rigorous and detailed data be collected during contact tracing to accurately identify and classify asymptomatic infections COVID-19.
Effect of Aqueous Extract of Khaya grandifoliola C. DC. Stem Bark on some Disaccharidases Activity in Iron-Deficient Weanling Rats
Authors: Ajiboye Emmauel Gboyega , Oladiji Temidayo Adenike
Published: September 2020

This study was aimed at investigating the effect of the aqueous extracts of Khaya grandifoliola stem bark on some disaccharidases (lactase and sucrase) in diet-induced anemia in weanling rats. Weanling rats of 21 days old were maintained on iron-deficient diets for four weeks to induce anemia before treatment. A total of 35 weanling rats were used, grouped into five rats per group of iron-deficient diet/distilled water, iron-sufficient diet/distilled water, change of iron-deficient diet after four weeks to iron-sufficient diet, iron-deficient diet/ Standard drug, iron-deficient diet/25 mg/kg body weight of aqueous plant extract, iron-deficient diet/50 mg/kg body weight of aqueous plant extract, and iron-deficient diet/100 mg/kg body weight of aqueous plant extract. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, anthraquinones and flavonoids. The extract administered orally produced significant increase in the activity of intestinal mucosa sucrase and lactase (P < .05). The change of diet from iron deficient diet to iron sufficient diet increased disaccharidases activities in the intestinal mucosa. However, the aqueous extract of Khaya grandifoliola showed a higher disaccharidases activity when compared to the group of rats that were fed iron-sufficient diet. This study revealed that plant extract administered increased disaccharidases activity in the intestinal mucosa in diet-induced anemic group of weanling rats and thus lends credence to Khaya grandifoliola use in folklore medicine in the management of anemia.
Influence of Ascorbic Acid, Gibberellic Acid and Moringa oleifera Extract for Alleviating Salinity Stress by Enhancing Antioxidant Enzymatic Activity and Some Physiological Studies on Two Tomato Cultivars
Authors: Alsudays Ibtisam Mohammed Ali , Sayed Hameda El Sayed Ahmed El
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to explain the influence of Ascorbic acid (ASA), Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract (MLE) for alleviating salinity stress by enhancing antioxidant enzymatic activity as follow: Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX), and Glutathione Reductase (GR); nitrogenous components (proline and total amino acids) and some inorganic mineral nutrient elements in two tomato cultivars, cv. Cobra (resistant) and cv. Newton (sensitive) under salinity stress. Germination tomato seeds after soaking in ASA (0.75 mM); GA3 (0.05 mM) and MLE (5%), transplanted to plastic containers containing a mixture of sand/peat-moss (1:2). The tomato seeds for both cultivars watering using distilled water until the true leaf appearance then irrigated with NaCl salinity concentrations (0.0, 50, 100, 150, 200 mM) alternative with Hoagland nutrient solution. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions with temperature 18oC±1oC (night) & 22oC±2°C (day) and relative humidity varied between 60 - 70%. Overall, the results indicated that the organic and inorganic components in tomato plants for both cultivars increased significantly in the present of ASA, GA3 and MLE under salinity stress respectively compared with control, there by reduces the harmful effects of salinity and increases resistance to salinity stress more than in the absent of ASA, GA3 and MLE. The data provide strong support to the hypothesis that exogenous application of ASA, GA3 and MLE reduced the harmful effects of NaCl concentrations and increases resistance to salinity in cv. Cobra and cv. Newton respectively. The evident recorded a significantly increased the antioxidant enzymes activity, proline, total amino acids and inorganic macro-mineral nutrient elements (N+3, P+3, K+, Ca+2 & Mg+2) and micro-nutrient mineral elements (Mn+2, Fe+3 & B+2) but after soaked the seeds in ASA, GA3 and MLE, these components tended to increase more compared with the control. Whereas, the tomato seeds soaked before planting in ASA, GA3 and MLE which leads to remarkably increasing more for all antioxidant enzymatic activity, nitrogenous components and inorganic mineral nutrient elements contents respectively. The relationship between compatible solutes (osmolytes) here are the strategies that plants have developed to tolerate salt stress and produced new strains adapted to salinity stress.
Simulation of a Deterministic Model of HIV Transmission between Two Closed Patches
Authors: Mirgichan James Khobocha , Ngari Cyrus Gitonga , Karanja Stephen
Published: September 2020

Numerical simulation of a deterministic model of HIV transmission between major cities in Kenya is carried out. The model considered two closed patches connected by the commuter movements of truck drivers being the agents of HIV transmission. The transmission kernel being the function of distance between the patches is ignored. The numerical algorithms are applied in the solution of a nonlinear first-order differential equations. The algorithms are implemented with the aid of MATLAB solver which has an in- built mechanism of Runge Kutta method of fourth order. Numerical simulation indicated the population dynamics of the patches, effect of migration on female sex workers and model reproduction number. The findings of the study were that the migration of the truck drivers between two closed patches contributed significantly to the spread of HIV. In this regard, it was recommended that, stakeholders should target the truck driving population and towns along the transport corridors to mitigate the growing HIV infections and integrate the truck drivers in the national health strategy
A Theoretical Model of Corruption Using Modified Lotka Volterra Model: A Perspective of Interactions between Staff and Students
Authors: Kawira Mercy , Ngari Cyrus Gitonga , Karanja Stephen
Published: September 2020

Corruption is the misuse of power or resources for private gain. This undermines economic development, political stability, and government legitimacy, the society fabric, allocation of resources to sectors crucial for development, and encourages and perpetuates other illegal opportunities. Despite Mathematical modeling being a powerful tool in describing real life phenomena it still remains unexploited in the fight of corruption menace. This study uses Lotka Volterra, predator-prey equations to develop a model to describe corruption in institutions of higher learning, use the developed model to determine its equilibria, determine the condition for stability of the equilibria and finally carry out the simulation. The corrupt students and staff act as predators while their non-corrupt counterparts act as prey in the paper. Theory of ordinary differential equations was used to determine steady states and their stability. Mathematica was used for algebraic analysis and Matlab was used for numerical analysis and simulation. Analytical result suggested multiple steady state however numerical result confirmed that the model has four steady states. Numerical bifurcation analysis suggests the possibility of backward of corrupt staff when  is about 39. Numerical simulation points to an increasing trend on corrupt staff and decrease trend on corrupt student. This study concludes that more focus should be put to staff than students in curbing the spread of corruption. Future study should strive to fit this model in real data.
A Review on Placental Tuberculosis
Authors: Trivedi Nupur , Gupta Deepti , Sood Ruchika , Singh Arti , Tewari Anjali , Agarwal Shefali , Agarwal Asha
Published: September 2020

Tuberculosis has re-emerged as a serious health concern as a result of AIDS epidemic, immigration from areas where the disease is endemic and multi drug resistance, with 8.8 million patients affected worldwide in 2010. Infections with mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb) are globally prevalent in many countries, yet descriptions of placental pathology in tuberculous patients are few. Moreover, the diagnosis of tuberculosis in pregnant patients can be missed or delayed owing to the insidious onset and variability of clinical presentation, often overlapping with non-specific symptoms common in pregnancy such as loss of appetite, malaise and lethargy. The exact incidence of tuberculosis in pregnancy is not readily available in many countries due to confounding factors. However, it is expected that the incidence of tuberculosis in pregnant women is high as in general population, with higher incidence in developing countries. Placental tuberculosis shows predominantly neutrophilic and histiocytic response in the form of villitis and intervillitis which is due to the innate immune response. This innate response contributes more to tissue injury than protection as proved in our case, where it led to intrauterine death of the fetus. We, hereby report a case of placental tuberculosis, diagnosed on histopathological examination of placenta showing caseating epithelioid cell granulomas with langhan’s giant cells and Acid Fast Bacilli on Zeihl Neilson stain.
Assessment of Drought across Kaduna State, Nigeria Using MODIS Dataset
Authors: Pius M. N. , Yelwa S. A. , Sanda A. B.
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Kaduna state in Nigeria is located within the Guinea Savannah of the African Continent. The state is susceptible to desertification and the risks of drought.

Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study is to access magnitude and extent drought in Kaduna state Nigeria using MODIS dataset.

Study Design: The study examined people’s perception; precipitation data and satellite imageries for assessing and monitoring drought. Descriptive statistics were used to present the some of the data.

Methodology: The dataset were analysed using Idrisi remote sensing and Geographical Information (GIS) softwares to determine the aerial coverage of drought and its magnitude. Furthermore, run off were determined, VCI calculated, cross-tabulation were made from classified imageries and the views of respondents were also sought to complement the analysis.

Results: The study revealed that there have been several episodes of drought in Kaduna state within the period under review. Runoff decreased from 72.50mm in 2000 to just about 48.00mm in 2009. The study also revealed that there is a positive relationship (0.72) between rainfall and vegetation vigour/biomas in the state. Similarly, vegetation condition index (VCI) revealed a value 10.2% indicating a severe drought in the state based on Kogans drought classification.

Conclusion: The study concluded that both rainfall and vegetation/biomas vigour are generally decreasing suggesting a strong positive correlation value of 0.71. While a better high spatial resolution satellite dataset be utilised for further studies in this direction, the study also recommends that individuals and organisations be encouraged to engage in the habit of tree planting in order to curtail the decrease in vegetation biomass in the state.  In addition, research and extension services should be strongly promoted in order to develop particular breed of seeds that can survive the drought in this period of food insecurity.
Assessment of Anti-Diabetic Medications Adherence among Diabetic Patients in Sana’a City, Yemen: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Othman Gamil , Ali Faisal , Ibrahim Mohamed Izham Mohamed , Al-Worafi Yaser Mohammed , Ansari Mukhtar , Halboup Abdulsalam M.
Published: September 2020

Background: Lack of adherence to anti-diabetic medications use is linked with suboptimal glycemic control which in turn leads to increase rate of diabetic complications. The adherence to anti-diabetic medications among adult diabetic patients in Sana'a city has not been yet evaluated.

Objective: This study, therefore, assessed the extent to which diabetic patients are adherent to their antidiabetic medications and explored the factors underlying such adherence attitude in Sana’a City, Yemen.

Methods: A cross-sectional method was conducted among a sample of 365 diabetic patients attending public and private hospitals from March to April 2017 in Sana'a City-Yemen. Random patients were selected and data regarding their treatment adherence were obtained using a questionnaire. Adherence to diabetes medications was measured using medication adherence index followed by structured interviews. Descriptive analysis was used to compare between different groups of diabetic patients. Bivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations between clinical variables.

Results: The cross-sectional study included 365 patients (263 males; 102 females). A high level of medication adherence rate to anti-diabetic drugs in the present study was (70%). The adherence rate was not similar in both genders where males were more adherent than females. The most common reason for non-adherence was forgetfulness (n= 67; 61%). While the lowest factor for non-adherence was associated with ineffective (n= 7; 6%). Adherence was strongly associated with diabetes duration, monthly income, blood sugar monitoring, communication with physician, and patient’s knowledge regarding importance of medication use (p <0.05).

Conclusions: The degree of adherence in patients with diabetes in Sana’a to anti-diabetic medication was shown to be mostly suboptimal. The medication adherence levels are still crucial strategy for optimal treatment against diabetes. However, additional studies on strategies to improve adherence rate and health care should be carried out in the future.
Heavy quark diffusion in an overoccupied gluon plasma
Authors: Boguslavski K. , Kurkela A. , Lappi T. , Peuron J.
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We extract the heavy-quark diffusion coefficientκand the resulting momentum broadening 〈p2〉 in a far-from-equilibrium non-Abelian plasma. We find several features in the time dependence of the momentum broadening: a short initial rapid growth of 〈p2〉, followed by linear growth with time due to Langevin-type dynamics and damped oscillations around this growth at the plasmon frequency. We show that these novel oscillations are not easily explained using perturbative techniques but result from an excess of gluons at low momenta. These oscillation are therefore a gauge invariant confirmation of the infrared enhancement we had previously observed in gauge-fixed correlation functions. We argue that the kinetic theory description of such systems becomes less reliable in the presence of this IR enhancement.
Hamiltonian derivation of dual gravitational charges
Authors: Godazgar Hadi , Godazgar Mahdi , Perry Malcolm J.
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We provide a Hamiltonian derivation of recently discovered dual BMS charges. In order to do so, we work in the first order formalism and add to the usual Palatini action, the Holst term, which does not contribute to the equations of motion. We give a method for finding the leading order integrable dual charges à la Wald-Zoupas and construct the corresponding charge algebra. We argue that in the presence of fermions, the relevant term that leads to dual charges is the topological Nieh-Yan term.
Cellular and molecular events of inflammation induced transdifferentiation (EMT) and regeneration (MET) in mesenteric mesothelial cells
Authors: Zsiros Viktória , Kiss Anna L.
Published: September 2020

In this review we summarize the cellular and molecular events of inflammation induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) and mesothelial-to-macrophage transition (MET) during regeneration. Since the receptor transmits the environmental stimulus, downregulating or upregulating the process on an epigenetic level, the intracellular localization of receptors (signaling organelles: early endosomes or lysosomal degradation: late endosomes) plays a crucial role in the signaling events regulating inflammation and regeneration. Therefore, we focused on the internalization of the receptors as well as the intracellular compartmentalization of signaling molecules during EMT and MET. The review draws the reader’s attention to the plasticity of mesothelial cells and supports the idea that during inflammation an ambient macrophage population might derive from mesothelial cells.