bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Variations of Site Diversity Along Earth-Space Paths in Nigeria
Authors: Jane O. Achor , Kufre M. Udofia , Akaninyene B. Obot
Published: April 2024

Site diversity (SD) is an effective technique for mitigating rain attenuation in satellite communications, especially in regions where rainfall rates are high. Nigeria is characterised by the tropical climate, this implies that rainfall rates are generally high. This paper presents a study of the seasonal variation of site diversity technique in Nigeria at Ka-band frequency of 20 GHz. Rainfall data obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) over a period of five years (2010 to 2014) were analysed to derive the one-minute rainfall rate distribution for four selected earth stations (University of Uyo, Uyo (UNIUYO); Akwa Ibom International Airport, Uyo (AKIA); Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar (MEIA); and Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt (PHIA)) within the South-South Nigeria. The link parameters of Nigerian Communication Sattelite-1R (NigComSat-1R) were incorporated into the ITU-R model for rain attenuation to estimate the rain attenuation distribution through a seasonal cumulative distribution and percentage of outage time between 0.01 to 100%. Site diversity was implemented, taking University of Uyo as the reference site. The results obtained show that SD technique is most effective between the months of March and May and least effective between September and December.
The Professional Performance of the Teacher of Pedagogical Careers with a Technical Profile in the Integration of ICT to the Professional Pedagogical Process
Authors: Jesus Valle Rivera Jose , Serrano Herreria Nadia
Published: April 2024

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is becoming increasingly evident and necessary for updating, streamlining and disseminating professional training processes. Higher education is not exempt from this situation, so its institutions must provide methodological preparation and professional development in this regard. Consequently, there is a need to develop in teachers an improvement that enables the improvement of professional performance by integrating ICT into the professional pedagogical process. The following article addresses in its generality, some of the theoretical references that support the professional performance of the professor of pedagogical careers with a technical profile in the integration of ICTs into the professional pedagogical process, from which it exposes the definition of this process in the pedagogical careers of technical profiles. It is the result of the theoretical systematization carried out on the contents around the use of technologies in the training of education professionals in specialties of this type. In this way, it proposes to the interested researcher, to reflect on the particularities of professional performance, taking into account the integration of ICT, as well as the potential that these offer for its improvement.
Digitalization of Hindu Temples in India in Google Cloud and SerpAPI Automation in Python
Authors: Valavandan Ramamurthy , Jagathambal Subramanian , Balakrishnan Gothandapani , Balakrishnan Malarvizhi , Valvandan Valavandan , Gnanavel Archana , Kangalakshmi Subramanian , Savitha Ramamurthy
Published: April 2024

The study on scraping the Google Search Engine via the SerpAPI and automatically generating a dataset of the temple name, location of the temple, temple description, the state of India, longitude and latitude coordinates, and distance from the major cities in India is demonstrated. The workload orchestration is controlled by Google Composer in Apache Airflow. Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) categorizes applications into microservices under each container. The docker image is created in the GKE control plane, API scheduler segments the granular levels of microservices in the DevOps operation of GitHub, Jenkins. YAML provides the configuration of the pod, of GKE carrying multiple containers, of the main type of input for Kubernetes configurations. Python application creates the YAML for GKE configuration data to define the Kubernetes object and the business rule. The Google native artificial intelligence VertexAPI picks the keyword of the temple name and the location of every state in India. The SerpAPI application digitized the Hindu temples in India for the complete project life cycle for requirement gathering, design, development, and deployment in Google Cloud. The search parameters are designed for Google Search Engine for the collection of historians, and architectural details of the Hindu temples in India. The Google Search application uses the Google Compute Engine, Big Query, Google Kubernetes Engine, Cloud Composer, and big data services of Data Fusion, Dataproc, and Dataflow. The solution uses Google cloud services of Web Hosting, Load balancing, Google Storage, and the compute engine performance tuning in Big Query optimization. The Google search results are in JSON format of every state in temple details and a python application parses the facts on the Search API algorithm. The temple images are visualized in Python Application and integrated for the data visualization of Google inbuilt Google Studio.
Multi-Drug Resistant Gonorrhea: An Emerging Global Threat
Authors: Nekahiwot Solome , Debela Negeri
Published: April 2024

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the bacterial culprit behind gonorrhea, a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) found worldwide. Despite over 1 million daily cases, many infections are asymptomatic, contributing to its widespread transmission. The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains poses a significant challenge to public health, limiting treatment options and increasing the risk of complications. Key aspects covered include the bacterium's transmission dynamics, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, laboratory diagnosis methods, and epidemiology. Transmission primarily occurs through sexual contact, with the bacterium thriving on mucous membranes in various parts of the body. Clinical presentations range from urethritis and cervicitis to more severe complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and disseminated gonococcal infection. Laboratory diagnosis relies on culture, nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), and Gram staining, with NAATs offering high sensitivity. However, antimicrobial susceptibility testing is essential to guide treatment decisions, given the rapid emergence of resistance. Gonorrhea's epidemiology varies globally, with higher prevalence rates in low- and middle-income countries. Surveillance programs play a crucial role in monitoring antimicrobial resistance trends and informing treatment guidelines. The economic burden of gonorrhea is substantial, with potential increases in medical expenses and the challenge of managing outbreaks. Despite these challenges, there is hope for the development of new treatments and vaccines. Promising candidates such as zoliflodacin and solithromycin have shown efficacy in clinical trials, while vaccine development faces obstacles due to the bacterium's antigenic variation. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of N. gonorrhoeae, covering its basic features, transmission, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, laboratory diagnosis, epidemiology, challenges of drug-resistant gonorrhea, and prospects for the development of new treatments and vaccines. The paper underscores the urgent need for continued research, surveillance, and development of effective strategies to combat drug-resistant gonorrhea. Investment in new treatments and vaccines is crucial to mitigate the spread of the infection and its associated complications.
Deepfake Detection and Classification of Images from Video: A Review of Features, Techniques, and Challenges
Authors: Bale Dennis , Ochei Laud , Ugwu Chidiebere
Published: April 2024

The proliferation of deepfake technology poses significant challenges to the integrity and authenticity of visual content in videos, raising concerns about misinformation and deceptive practices. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of features, techniques, and challenges related to the detection and classification of deepfake images extracted from videos. Existing literature has explored various approaches, including feature-based methods, machine learning algorithms, and deep learning techniques, to mitigate the adverse effects of deepfake content. However, challenges persist, such as the evolution of deepfake generation methods and the scarcity of diverse datasets for training detection models. To address these issues, this paper reviews related work on approaches for deepfake image detection and classification and synthesises these approaches into four categories - feature extraction, machine learning, and deep learning. The findings underscore the importance of continued research efforts in this domain to combat the harmful effects of deepfake technology on society. This study provides recommendations for future research directions, emphasizing the significance of proactive measures in mitigating the spread of manipulated visual content.
Evaluation of Approaches for Early Stroke Detection and Diagnosis Using EMG Data: Features, Techniques, and Challenges
Authors: Chile-Agada Bob , Ochei Laud , Egbono Fubara
Published: April 2024

This paper provides a thorough analysis of the use of electromyography (EMG) data in early stroke diagnosis and detection. Stroke continues to be a major global cause of disability and death, which emphasises the critical need for an accurate diagnosis made quickly to improve patient outcomes. Early detection is still difficult to achieve, even with improvements in medical imaging and testing technologies. By detecting minute variations in muscle activity linked to stroke symptoms, EMG data analysis offers a viable method for early stroke identification. The review delves into the diverse methodologies and strategies utilised to leverage EMG data for the purpose of stroke diagnosis, encompassing the application of deep learning models and machine learning algorithms. The paper proposes a structured framework for classifying approaches for early stroke detection and diagnosis using EMG data, providing a systematic way to categorize and compare different methodologies. The paper concludes by highlighting the revolutionary potential of EMG-based techniques in improving the diagnosis of strokes earlier and urging more study to address current issues and make clinical application easier.
Romanticism and Nonviolence: Percy Bysshe Shelley Exhumed
Authors: Ngide George
Published: April 2024

This paper posits that in his prose and poetry, Percy Bysshe Shelley (an English poet of the Romantic period) articulates both the philosophy and methodology of nonviolence as a response to oppression, repression and marginalisation. It also contends that although his theory significantly impacted the formation of the philosophies and socio-political campaigns of later nonviolence activists, especially the Indian Civil Rights Activist Mahatma Gandhi, Shelley has not been sufficiently credited for the ground-breaking political philosophy of nonviolence. This article thus explores Shelley’s philosophy of nonviolence in his poetry, prose, dramas and pamphlets. It compares the nonviolence philosophies of Gandhi and Shelley and brings out Shelley’s unquestionable influence on Mahatma Gandhi. The article raises questions about why Shelley was not credited with the philosophy of nonviolence and suggests possible reasons for this apparent near lack of global consideration for the English Romantic poet despite his pioneering the philosophy. Having proceeded thus and upon thorough academic investigation, the article irresistibly concludes that contrary to popular socio-political opinion, Percy Bysshe Shelley is the unrivalled father of nonviolence as an ethical and pragmatic philosophy for socio-political mutation. By this study, Shelley is given his rightful position in matters of nonviolence and thus exhumed as a poet-philosopher whose philosophy has outlived his existence and practised to date by activists to press for reform.
A Study of Interactive Alignment in EFL Reading-to-Writing Continuation Tasks
Authors: Xiaofang Qian , Yashu Lu
Published: April 2024

The reading-to-writing continuation task has been used in the Chinese national matriculation English test due to its apparent interactive alignment effect. But empirical studies of the alignment effect and how it happens are limited. Herein, this paper reports on a study following Wang’s (2015) research to investigate whether this interactive alignment effect actually occurs in EFL learning and how it functions in continuation tasks with the think-aloud method to collect qualitative data from two participants. The participants’ continuation works were analyzed and interviews were carried out to obtain information about their thinking process. The results show that there are strong connections between what students read and their continuation writing. The results confirm that there is an alignment effect at both the content and language levels in continuation tasks. Readers consciously tend to align the content of their writing with that of the original text across five dimensions: entity (person and object), time, space, causation/causality, and motivation/intentionality. Meanwhile, language alignment is highly related to the act of rereading, which enables the would-be writer to look for the certain vocabulary, learn the grammatical structures, and check for the unknown words. The continuation task facilitates various interactions among the text, the reader, and their resulting writing work. Furthermore, learners use strategies like rereading and “mining” that enable them to engage in creative expression in the writing tasks. This study theoretically highlights the importance of alignment effect in language learning and has practical implications for using CT in reading-to-writing task design and writing pedagogy in EFL classrooms. Teachers can design and use continuation tasks to promote students’ reading ability and overall language development.
Electron Microscopic and Histopathological Studies of the First Viral Infection Reported in Ipomoea Cairica (L.) Sweet
Authors: Rauniyar Neha , Srivastava Deepa
Published: April 2024

Viral infections pose significant threats to plant health, impacting agriculture and medicinal plant production. This study focuses on diagnosing viral infections in Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet using advanced techniques such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Microtomy. Phenotypic symptoms, anatomical changes, and the confirmation of Gemini virus through TEM are investigated. Transmission studies reveal multiple vectors, including Bemisia tabaci, highlighting the importance of understanding viral spread mechanisms. Host range studies demonstrate widespread susceptibility among various plant families. The research emphasizes early diagnosis and management to mitigate economic losses and preserve medicinal metabolites. Future efforts will employ PCR and DNA sequencing for precise viral strain identification and targeted management strategies. The findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and management of viral infections to safeguard plant health and preserve essential metabolites. Future research aims to utilize PCR and DNA sequencing for precise identification and targeted management of viral strains, enabling effective disease control strategies for Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet and similar plant species. This study underscores the necessity for proactive measures to protect plant species like Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet from viral infections, ensuring sustainable agriculture and medicinal plant production.
Abdominal CT Scan Role out of Fatty Liver Disease: A Study in a Selected Hospital
Authors: Abedin Mohammad , Rahman Mohammad , Sumon Sohel , Akanda Abdur , Ahamed Marzuk , Rahman Mohammad , Sikder Mohammad
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Fatty liver is a hepatic manifestation that can occur as a result of many medical problems and the use of certain drugs. The global prevalence of fatty liver is on the rise due to the escalating obesity epidemic. CT scans have proven to be useful in noninvasively identifying the presence and determining the degree of liver fat. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of CT scan in the diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in individuals. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of CT scan in identifying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in individuals. Methodology: The research was carried out in the Radiology and Imaging department of IbnSina Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, spanning from January 2023 to June 2023. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional prospective design. This study encompassed a cohort of 300 individuals, all of whom were above the age of 18 and sought medical attention at the hospital for an abdominal CT scan. These individuals were suspected to have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The hepatic fat level in the patients was assessed using a typical CT scan methodology. The acquired data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, especially version 23.0. The study gained ethical clearance from the Ethics Committee of the School of Public Health & Life Science at the University of South Asia in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Findings: The study included a cumulative total of 300 individuals who were suspected to have the condition. According to age distribution, the maximum 203 (67.66%) of the patients were above 52 years and minimum 3(1%) were between (18-22) years, and followed by 44 (14.66%) (43-52) years, 36(12%), (33-42) years and 14(4.66%) (22-32) years. The majority of the patients were male 160(53.33%) and 140(46.66%) were female. Distribution by clinical presentation, the patients were suffering from Abdominal pain, Nausea-50(16.66%) Abdominal pain, Vomiting- 39(13%), Follow Up-60(20%), U. Abdominal pain-91(30.33%) U. Abdominal pain, Jaundice-53(17.66%) and U. Abdominal pain, Nausea-7(2.33%). According to the evaluation of CT scan, 189(63%) patients had fatty liver and 111(37%) patients had normal liver. Conclusion: This study investigated 63 % of the study patients were suffering from fatty liver diseases. Therefore, early detection may help them to medicate in a standard approach and to remove health effect in their day to day life.
Radiology Department Disaster Preparedness: Practice, Strategies and Emergency Response
Authors: Kumar Gupta , Mamta Panda , Varshdeep Kour , Kumar Jha , Dalbir Singh
Published: April 2024

In order to respond effectively to any radiological emergencies, the implementation of disaster management practices is an essential and invaluable aspect. It can be difficult to know in advance exactly what you will be facing when you go to help people in a disaster situation brought about by hurricanes, earthquakes and other events, but the more compact medical technology you can bring in with you, the more you can accurately diagnose and assist those in need. Our disaster plans need to be programmatic, flexible, and should be continuously reviewed and updated. Within a few minutes of a disaster operationalize hospital support for the initial treatment of several injured patients and for ongoing care up to many hours is required. The Radiology Department is at the forefront of patient care in emergency situations, such as mass casualty incidents and natural disasters, providing critical diagnostic services to prioritize and triage patient needs. Radiological imaging is critical for improving patient outcomes and lowering morbidity and mortality, from detecting potentially fatal injuries to guiding surgical procedures. Radiologic technologists, radiologists, nurses, and other paramedic staff must actively participate in patient care. This paper provides an overview of the comprehensive strategy needed to maximize the radiology department’s preparedness and response for disasters.
Surface Modification of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy by Polycaprolactone-Graphene Oxide Composite Coating
Authors: Fazlali Paria , Tahernejad Mahrokh , Biglari Leila , Eslami Mahla
Published: April 2024

In this research, Polycaprolactone-graphene oxide Nanocomposite coating was synthesized and characterized by Electrospinning on Ti6AL4V alloy. In order to create a uniform coating with optimal thickness, the effective parameters of Electrospinning coating, including solvent, polymer concentration, and bioceramic percentage, were investigated. Also, the cytotoxicity and corrosion tests were evaluated by the electrochemical polarization test method of the created coating in comparisons and different percentages. In order to characterize the coating, a test such as a scanning electron microscope was used. The results showed that as much as the amount of Graphene oxide is increased, the diameter of Nanofibers decreases. The diameter of Polycaprolactone Nanofibers was 1.3 micrometers, which increases to 56.0 micrometers by adding Graphene oxide. The results of the corrosion test showed that the use of Nano composite coating increased the corrosion resistance to the size of the coating. The nanocomposite coating consists of polycaprolactone nanofibers and graphene oxide, which mimics the behavior of the extracellular matrix and improves the biological and antibacterial behavior of the titanium surface. So far, there has been no report on the creation of this fibrous nanocomposite coating on titanium. The results of the cytotoxicity test showed that the use of Nanocomposite coating has effectively reduced the cytotoxicity on the scaffolds. By creating a polycaprolactone-graphene oxide nanofiber composite coating, the biological and antibacterial properties of titanium alloy will be improved and its corrosion resistance will probably change. In this project, the main question is extracting effective parameters in creating a composite coating on titanium surface by electrospinning method and characterizing and biological evaluation of the created coating.
Periventricular and Intraventricular Tumors in a Low-Income Country: Hard Learning Curve and Outcome of a Young Neurosurgeon from Burkina Faso
Authors: Dao Ibrahim , Kièmtoré Aminata , Ouattara Ousmane , Bako Frédéric , Traoré Jacques , Biogo Joseph , Yameogo Serge , Sanou Abdoulaye , Kienou Eustache , Comboigo Louis , Tossou Arsène , Thiombiano Abdoulaye , Taoko Lassané , Lankoandé Henry , Nassoum Elie , Ouédraogo Narcisse , Adéniran Sosthène , Somda Astride , Zabsonré Delwendé , Kabré Abel
Published: April 2024

Background: Periventricular and Intraventricular processes are life-threatening conditions because of their propensity to obstruct Cerebrospinal fluid pathways and to compress highly functional and vital structures. There are deep-seated lesions requiring rigorous microsurgical technic for their resection. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the profile and outcome of Periventricular and intraventricular processes operated by the same author since his return in his country in 2015, after graduated abroad in WFNS Rabat training center program 2023. Result: We defined 15 patients operated over 8 years. There were 4 processes in lateral ventricle (26.6%), 1 in third ventricle (6.6%), 2 thalamus processes (13.3%), 4 in fourth ventricle (26.6%) and finally 4 in cerebellar hemisphere and violating the fourth ventricle (26.6%). Various surgical approaches were used, such as contralateral interhemispheric transcallosal, classical interhemispheric transcallosal, Subfrontal transbasal translamina terminalis, Frontal Transcortical, Temporal trans T2, ventriculoperitoneal shunting, endoscopy, cerebellar transcotical approach and Telovelar approach. Surgical procedure duration was more than 10 hours in 12 cases (80%) and one third of the patients have been operated in 2018. When neurosurgical operative microscope was not available, ophthalmologic microscope or binocular with headlight were used to achieve the resection. Pathological examination revealed High-grade glioma, subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA), central neurocytoma, Subependymoma, Hemangioblastoma, pilocytique astrocytoma, Medulloblastoma, gemiocytic astrocytoma, atypical papilloma of choroid plexus, craniopharygioma and cyst of septum pellucidum. We reported good postoperative outcome in 10 cases (66.6%), moderate postoperative deficit in 1 case and 4 cases of postoperative death (26.6%) among which 3 cases of postoperative meningitis. Conclusion: Periventricular and intraventricular processes can be safely approach in low-income country with acceptable result. However young African Neurosurgeon should be trained to be comfortable with multiple surgical approaches and also with binocular as well as with microscope. WFNS training program is a strong basement for the take-off of young African neurosurgeon. Backing home should be the rule after training, to develop neurosurgery.
Therapeutic and Evolutionary Profiles of Children Aged 0-59 Months: A Case Study of Severe Acute Malnourished Treated at Hôpital Notre Dame Des Apôtres, N'Djamena
Authors: Aristide Kemoral , Doutoum Abdelsalam , Nazal Alhadj , Abakoura Barka , Laurent Kodji , Elysée Gondimo , Allanidjimte Tog-Yangue , Tidjani Abdelsalam
Published: April 2024

According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition is a pathological condition resulting from the relative or absolute insufficiency or excess of one or more essential nutrients, whether manifested clinically or detected only by biological, anthropometric or physiological analyses. It remains a major public health problem. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the therapeutic and evolutionary profiles of Severe Acute Malnutrition patients at Notre Dame des Apôtres Hospital in N'Djaména (Chad). This was a prospective, descriptive study carried out on 7 months, from January 1 to July 31, 2023. This included all severely acutely malnourished children with medical complications admitted to the hospital's therapeutic nutrition unit. The variables studied were therapeutic and evolutionary. Data were entered and analyzed using Excel 2016 spreadsheet and SSPS 18.0 software. Among the 1454 children admitted to the unit during our study, 41.82% were stabilized, 6.75% cured and 0.79% abandoned, with an average length of stay of 8.67 days. The mortality rate was 1.76%. Children on F75 accounted for 46%, 37% on plumpy nut and 10% on F100. Antibiotics and multivitamins are routinely used in the management of malnourished children. The results of this study show that parent education could be an asset in the management of severe acute malnutrition.
The Contralateral Ear in Unilateral CSOM, Endoscopic, Audiologic and Radiologic Evaluation
Authors: Zaghloul Ahmed , Mohamed Ahmed , Younes Ahmed , Elsheikh Ahmed , Mahmoud Ahmed , El-Hamid Elsayed , Esmail Hesham , Shawky Mahmoud
Published: April 2024

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the contralateral ears in patients with unilateral CSOM with and without cholesteatoma, clinically (using otoendoscpy), auiologically and radiologically, then analyzing and comparing results between the 2 types of CSOM in a trial to examine the continuum theory for the development of the disease process in CSOM. Patients and methods: A prospective, observational study including 85 patients with unilateral COM (with or without cholesteatoma), the study was conducted at the Otorhinolaryngology Department, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Egypt between August 2020 and December 2021. Results: In the present study (30.59%) of cases were having a unilateral squamous disease and (69.41 %) were mucosal CSOM, (70.6%) of patients having a diseased contralateral ear, of which (76.9%) having squamous disease and (67.8%) having mucosal CSOM. Pars tensa retraction was the most common abnormality (60%) seen in cases with squamous OM while thin TM was the most common abnormality (50%) of cases with mucosal CSOM. Pars tensa retraction was more severe in CLE of patients with squamous disease, (41.7%) were grade 4, while in mucosal type (50%) were grade 1. HRCT of mastoid reveled abnormalities in (24.7%) of all CLEs, more prevalent (62%) in the CLEs of cases with squamous disease than cases with mucosal COM. Audiologic examination of the CLE revealed (47%) having conductive hearing loss CHL of average 32.1 dB {36.5 dB average hearing loss in (70%) of cases with squamous type and 27.7 dB average hearing loss in (30%) of cases with mucosal CSOM}. Tympanometric evaluation of the CLEs revealed (50.6%) having abnormal curve {(73%) of cases with squamous type where type C curve was found in (84.2%) and type B curve in (15.8%)}, and in (40.7%) of cases with mucosal CSOM. where type C curve was found in (83.33%) and type B curve in (16.7%). Conclusions: The present study has confirmed the presence of high incidence of abnormalities in the CLEs of unilateral squamous and mucosal COM which is more in squamous type, it emphasizes the importance of considering both ears as a pair. Disease in one ear especially in squamous type needs a close follow up of other ear, as in most cases there a hidden pathology which needs attention for complete cure. Otoendoscopy can be helpful in diagnosing and documenting masked pathologies.
Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma: A Case Report from Mali
Authors: Elansari Mohamed , Sangare Mariam , Keita Moussa , Dienta Lassine , Keita Lassana , Traore Kadidiatou , Ouattara Mamadou , Dramé Diaffé , Coulibaly Kalifa , Camara Nagnouma , Diallo Mamadou , Guindo Boubacary , Koné Fatogoma , Singaré Kadidiatou , Soumaoro Siaka , Keita Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Inverted papilloma (IP) or also called Schneiderian Papilloma is an unusual and rare type of nasal tumor. Generally benign, but can have osteolytic powers and the possibility of transformation into malignancy during its evolution. Several hypotheses emerge in the literature, however the most frequent remains viral origin with the involvement of human papillomavirus (HPV). This is a case of bilateral inverted papilloma in a 60-year-old male patient at the Reference Health Center of the VI commune of the Bamako-Mali district. The symptoms appeared about 14 months ago, marked by a bilateral anterior rhinorrhea, of gradual appearance, associated with nasal obstruction, epistaxis, headaches and anosmia. Thus the diagnosis was made using physical examination and additional examinations such as the scanner of the facial massif, the anatomopathological examination of the operating room, and the test of the human papillomavirus, which turned out to be positive for HPV16 and HPV18. The management consisted of endonasal surgery, with the complete macroscopic removal of the mass and an average meatotomy accompanied by two years of follow-up after the surgical procedure. Since the PI is an aggressive tumor, its management must require long-term surveillance due to the possibility of recidivism and malignant degeneration finally to act early for these eventualities.
Lemierre's Syndrome and Nasopharyngitis in Children: DIAGNOSIS and Treatment
Authors: Djibril Samaké , Youssouf Sidibé , Maimouna Kanté , Ya Traoré , Oumar Kéita , Ghislaine Ngniée , El-Mehdi El , Issa Koné , Karim Timbo , Amadou Kéïta
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Lemierre’s syndrome (LS) is a rare but serious infectious emergency. It can be life threatening. It is a sepsis difficult to recognize and most often due to Fusobacterium necrophorum. The purpose of this case report was to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of Lemierre syndrome in children. Observation: A three-year-old child consulted for rhinopharyngitis complicated by an abscessed cervical adenophlegmon. The symptomatology had been evolving for 7 days with a notion of self-medication. The blood cell count showed hyperleukocytosis at 14.06.103 elements/mm3, anemia at 8.2.106 elements/mm3, and platelets at 102.103 elements/mm3. CRP was 258.5 mg/dL. HIV serology was negative. Bacteriological culture of the biological fluids collected (abscess pus, blood and joint fluid) was sterile. The CT scan revealed a collection of abscesses in the right sub-angulo-mandibular region. It was associated with thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, as well as pulmonary and joint infections. The diagnosis of Lemierre syndrome was done. Cervicotomy allowed drainage of the abscess. A triple parenteral antibiotic therapy (Ceftriaxone, Metronidazole, Gentamycin) with per-os relay by Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid allowed to obtain the cure in one month of treatement without complications. Conclusion: LS is difficult to diagnose due to its non-specific clinical presentation and low incidence. Early clinical and imaging diagnosis guarantees a good outcome by allowing adequate treatment.
Defining Poverty in Liberation Theology: Poverty as Religio-Historical Realidad
Authors: Trudeau George
Published: April 2024

Poverty is a complex, embodied reality comprising the existential, social, material, and spiritual. This paper draws from liberation theologies from North and South America, defining poverty as a religio-historical realidad. Martin Luther King Jr. observed a disembodied spirituality in many American churches who remained apathetic or antagonistic during the Civil Rights Movement. Conversely, James Cone reversed the issue by providing a theological system which utilizes hyper-materialistic presuppositions. By examining the broader Liberation tradition, a more robust theological definition of poverty can be construed. Systems of poverty are systems of death, whereas enrichment are processes of life. Embodiment was used during colonial Christianity as a market identity in order to justify conquest. Liberation theologians reclaim creatureliness in their fight against poverty, and fight for restored identity. Each section of the paper addresses major trajectories within the broad Liberation tradition. North American liberationists analyze poverty from the perspective of racial oppression enforced through visible bodies. South American liberationists created a systematic, biblical definition of poverty while primarily addressing economic exploitation. Feminists addressed their male-dominated worlds addressing quality and quantity of life issues. Both North American and South American theologians agree that Christ identifies with the poor and understands their plight. In the end, Christ is understood as a liberator who is Lord over the material, spiritual, personal, and social.
Assessment of Design Values in Designing Product Standards: A Design Study on a Sport PPE
Authors: Giusti Gestri Lisa
Published: April 2024

Participation in sports requires using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to preserve athletes’ well-being. Although equipment may negatively impact performance, governing bodies often impose standards on participants subject to their jurisdiction. Although the vast majority of new products are incremental innovations, radical innovation still attracts design researchers' and professionals' attention. The design of complex systems needs the expertise of various kinds: designers are fundamental in conceiving innovations in response to developing ways of product use and customer needs, despite they must face product standards, which often act against product innovation. Despite product innovations benefiting consumers in many markets, they do not necessarily benefit consumers in sports PPE markets. In this paper, the author reflects on an ethnographic case study and the importance of the involvement of end and co-dependent users in the design of sports PPE. For this study, the design of the Australian safety vests for jockeys, frequently overlooked, was examined for incremental innovation and its relationship with its standards. This was inspiring to consider an assessment of design values in designing product standards in the sports field. As co-design is increasingly applied across multiple sectors, there is a huge need for practical design guides to support product development and co-designing with users. Further research in this field is highly recommended.
Challenges Facing TVET in Saudi Arabia and Road Map to Reform
Authors: Algassem Fahed , Hassan Asma
Published: April 2024

TVET Technical and Vocational Education and Training is an important component of several manpower development programs in Saudi Arabia but faces many obstacles which prevent it from fully realizing the government’s aims. When a country wishes to reform TVET radically, it is helpful to draws on comparative research on the implementation of new models in other countries and to be informed of any debates regarding these. Detailed review of the literature has been carried out by the author to ascertain the role that TVET plays in Saudi Arabia. The author also identified the most significant challenges which TVET encounters along with critical success factors (CSFs) relating to improving TVET in Saudi Arabia. In addition, the author has examined international TVET practices and thus take advantage of the experiences of other countries, and then has suggested solutions to tackle challenges and to remove them. This study lists various challenge which impact on TVET in Saudi Arabia and ways to overcome them, such as mismatch between the skills of TVET graduates and the labor market, a shortage of good quality training and experience, programs which are not designed to meet the country’s needs, enrollment numbers too low, and a general perception of vocational training as being undignified and not prestigious, all issues which date back to the early days of industrial-vocational education in Saudi Arabia.
A Bicentric, International, Retrospective Study to Assess Steelex Sternum Set for Sternal Closure in Cardiac Surgery – STERCCAS a Cohort Study
Authors: Rufa Magdalena , Ursulescu Adrian , Baumann Petra , Ferrer Manel
Published: April 2024

Sternal fixation with steel wires or cerclages, is the gold standard for closing a midline sternotomy, the standard incision in cardiac surgery. Rare wound complications can occur following a sternotomy wire closure. The objective of this study is to establish that the clinical efficacy of the Steelex Sternum Set is equivalent to the results documented in existing literature. The cohorts of the previously conducted OPTICABG and PREMIVALVE studies served as a foundation for the design of this retrospective, bicentric, international, single-arm study. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical performance of the Steelex Sternum Set for sternal closure after coronary artery bypass grafting or cardiac valve replacement/reconstruction surgery. The primary endpoint was the incidence of a composite consisting of sternum instability, sternum dehiscence, superficial and deep sternal wound infection up to six months after surgery. A quantitative summary of the available clinical literature has been conducted for comparison purposes. There were 229 patients in total (89 PREMIVALVE and 140 OPTICABG). The combined rate of surgical site infection and sternal dehiscence/instability was 3.49%, compared to 1.5 - 20% described in the literature. Severe complications such as mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, and mediastinitis occurred in about 0.8 - 2% of cases. The Steelex Sternum Set is a safe and appropriate method for sternal closure in a diverse patient population undergoing cardiac valve replacement and/or reconstruction, as well as coronary artery bypass graft surgery, in routine clinical settings.
On the Performance of Some Estimation Methods in Models with Heteroscedasticity and Autocorrelated Disturbances (A Monte-Carlo Approach)
Authors: Ayansola Olufemi , Adejumo Adebowale
Published: April 2024

The proliferation of panel data studies has been greatly motivated by the availability of data and capacity for modelling the complexity of human behaviour than a single cross-section or time series data and these led to the rise of challenging methodologies for estimating the data set. It is pertinent that, in practice, panel data are bound to exhibit autocorrelation or heteroscedasticity or both. In view of the fact that the presence of heteroscedasticity and autocorrelated errors in panel data models biases the standard errors and leads to less efficient results. This study deemed it fit to search for estimator that can handle the presence of these twin problems when they co- exists in panel data. Therefore, robust inference in the presence of these problems needs to be simultaneously addressed. The Monte-Carlo simulation method was designed to investigate the finite sample properties of five estimation methods: Between Estimator (BE), Feasible Generalized Least Square (FGLS), Maximum Estimator (ME) and Modified Maximum Estimator (MME), including a new Proposed Estimator (PE) in the simulated data infected with heteroscedasticity and autocorrelated errors. The results of the root mean square error and absolute bias criteria, revealed that Proposed Estimator in the presence of these problems is asymptotically more efficient and consistent than other estimators in the class of the estimators in the study. This is experienced in all combinatorial level of autocorrelated errors in remainder error and fixed heteroscedastic individual effects. For this reason, PE has better performance among other estimators.
Pilot Research for the Assessment of Neuroanatomical Correlates in Relation to Brain Talents Identified Through the Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence Assessment
Authors: Alfredo Iannoccari , Tania Cariani , Rega Domenico , Lorenzo Fariselli , Ilaria Iseppato
Published: April 2024

The current research is centered on investigating the neurophysiological correlates associated with various talents, with the goal of determining whether specific brain areas are activated during the expression of these talents. The study specifically investigates individuals with different occupational roles, distinguishing between social/healthcare and non-healthcare (administrative) positions. The research was conducted in three phases. The initial phase involved the selection of 60 employees from the Piccola Opera Caritas of Giulianova. Participants were administered the Brain Talent Profile questionnaire to gather information about their talents. The second phase focused on identifying neuroanatomical correlates using the BrainBit helmet. Participants engage in various brief activities while wearing the EEG headband, suitable for both neurofeedback and brain activity measurements. The final phase was dedicated to analyze the data collected through the Brain Brief Profile, which comprises three domains: Perception, Evaluation, and Action. Our hypothesis suggests significant correlations between participants' talents and recorded EEG patterns. To validate this hypothesis, the outcomes derived from the Social and Emotional Intelligence (SEI) test were compared with EEG measurements. This research holds potential applications in the recruitment phase, providing insights into the neurological basis of talents in prospective employees. It may offer advantages in training initiatives dedicated to enhancing talents and skills across diverse organizational roles. The emphasis on various job roles, particularly in the social/healthcare and administrative sectors, strengthens the practical relevance of the study for talent assessment and development within organizational contexts. In summary, our research aims to bridge the gap between talents and neurophysiological correlates, with potential implications for recruitment and training strategies within organizational settings.
Study on the Transport and Transformation Law of CO2 Marine Storage in Reservoirs with Various Permeability Anisotropy
Authors: Xia Yongqiang , Gao Peng , Jiang Zhibo , Fan Qi , Wei Rupeng , Li Qingping , Zhang Lunxiang , Yu Tao , Yang Lei , Song Yongchen
Published: April 2024

There is an international consensus to reduce the pace of global warming caused by greenhouse gases, such as CO2.The geological storage of CO2 plays a crucial role in reducing the atmospheric CO2 concentration, and hydrate-based CO2 storage is an important geological storage technology applied to seabed sediments, which has attracted increasing attention due to its advantages of high safety and large storage capacity. In this study, a large-scale numerical simulator applicable to CO2 hydrate storage is developed, which considers the two-phase flow process including hydrate formation and realizes the coupling of the thermal-fluidic-chemical three fields, and further investigates the transport and transformation behavior of CO2 in the reservoir with anisotropic permeability during the injection period and at the cessation of injection. The results show that the formation of CO2 hydrate can easily generate local high-pressure zones and local high-temperature zones inside the reservoir; the CO2 hydrate cap formed above the wellhead can limit the vertical transport distance of CO2 and ensure the safe storage of CO2. In addition, this study also analyzed the efficiency of CO2 hydrate storage in different permeability anisotropic reservoirs and found that high Khv reservoirs are more conducive to CO2 conversion in the long term. This study can provide scientific value for the hydrate-based CO2 storage in the ocean and a theoretical basis for the transport behavior of CO2 in submarine reservoirs.
Assessment of CD4, CD8 and White Cell Parameters Amongst HIV Seronegative Pregnant Subjects in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Akevwighome Solomon , Chinko Bruno , Ojeka Sunday , Green Kinikanwo , Dapper Datonye
Published: April 2024

Pregnancy involves maternal immunological adjustments to accommodate the fetus and maintain a strong immune defense against potential pathogens. The present study evaluated the changes in CD4, CD8, white blood cell (WBC) and total lymphocyte count (TLC) amongst HIV seronegative pregnant subjects in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A total of 302 female subjects (18-39 years) were recruited for the study. They consisted of 205 pregnant subjects and 97 non-pregnant subjects which served as the control. All subjects were screened for HIV type 1 and type 2 using standard test kits. Total and differential white blood cell counts were determined using a haematology auto analyzer while the total lymphocyte count (TLC) was obtained by multiplying total white blood cell count (TWC) with percentage lymphocyte count. The CD4 and CD8 cell counts were analyzed using the automated flow cytometry analyzer while the CD4:CD8 cell count ratio was obtained by dividing the CD4 cell count value by that of CD8. The result of the study shows a statistically significant decrease in CD4 and CD8 cell counts, lymphocyte and total lymphocyte counts and an increase in neutrophil count in all the trimesters of pregnancy when compared to the non-pregnant control (p<0.05). Also, there was a significant increase in WBC during the third trimester and a similar decrease in monocyte count in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. The evidence from the present study concludes that pregnancy modifies the maternal immune response to ensure fetal survival and the protection of the mother from invading pathogens as reported in the increase in total WBC, neutrophil and monocyte counts and a reduction in TLC, CD4 and CD8 counts. The study recommends routine assessments of these crucial cellular immune markers for pregnant women during antenatal visits.