bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of the colour of straw fuel pellets to the compressive properties
Authors: Kubík Ľubomír , Kažimírová Viera , Božiková Monika , Giertl Tomáš , Mihina Štefan
Published: May 2021

The aim of the manuscript was the evaluation of the compressive properties of straw pellets in relation to the colour differences between them. Modulus of elasticity and failure strength of the pellets at the compression were determined. A testing machine Andilog Stentor 1000 (Andilog Technologies, Vitrolles, France) was employed for uniaxial compression tests. L*, a*, b* colour coordinates of CIE LAB 3D colour space were used for the characterization of the pellet's colour. Two sorts of pellets were measured: made from wheat straw and made from the mixed wheat and barley straw. Samples were measured by a spectrophotometer 3NH YS3020 and computed as the mean of twenty samples. The correlation of the pellet colour with the mechanical properties, mainly modulus of elasticity and failure strength of the pellets at the compression were realized to obtain a relation of the deformation process to the pellet's colour of different sorts of pellets.
Overview of the risk management framework of Inland transport of dangerous good
Authors: Adamov Milenko , Sremac Siniša , Kopić Miloš , Stojić Gordan
Published: May 2021

The paper defines dangerous goods, the concept of risk and presents a framework for risk assessment of Inland transport of dangerous goods. In order to improve the risk assessment of this area, a framework has been developed on the basis of which inequalities will be eliminated in practice and in the legal sense. The paper presents an overview of the steps of the case study description and risk assessment of the transport of dangerous goods, on the basis of which the necessary prevention measures are applied in order to reduce the risk to a tolerable level. Improving the functioning of the risk assessment framework is done by harmonizing the best methodology of the expert's work and based on the feedback of the results during its use.
Procurement audit process management
Authors: Milojević Ivan , Milanović Nikola , Miljković Miloš
Published: May 2021

The paper will present the way in which the procurement audit process takes place in a particular settlement entity. The paper is presented in nine parts in a way that at the beginning of the paper defines key concepts, so through segregation and identification of risks in the procurement process, it is necessary to define the necessary criteria that must be met in the process of controlling procurement procedures. in the audit of the financial statements of the entity. As one of the most important business processes in the company is the audit of the procurement process due to the fact that it represents a significant component of financial statements, both balance sheet and income statement, the authors are of the opinion that the work will contribute to persons performing procurement activities. to manage the procurement audit process, identify problems in the same as well as ways in which problems could be overcome.
La conjunción del Derecho y la ciencia para la determinación de la sostenibilidad de las energías renovables en el futuro paradigma energético de Europa
Authors: Pascual Núñez María , Sanz San Miguel Carlos
Published: May 2021

Una de las reticencias sociales más extendidas acerca del uso de combustibles de biomasa son las emisiones que producen. En el caso de la biomasa forestal, son puntos conflictivos para el sector ambientalista el recuento y la gestión del carbono absorbido, los posibles daños a la biodiversidad y a la calidad de los aprovechamientos forestales, y el posible aumento de emisiones. Por el contrario, el sector técnico apuesta por una gestión forestal sostenible, mediante el uso de técnicas avanzadas que permitan conocer cómo funcionan los mecanismos de los bosques como sumideros de carbono.
Los riesgos ambientales del uso energético de los biocombustibles pueden ser revertidos mediante el empleo de parámetros técnicos. La normativa europea establece criterios de sostenibilidad para la biomasa con destino energético, pero no fija parámetros acerca de la sostenibilidad del resto de fuentes renovables.
Este trabajo se basa en la necesaria imbricación entre la técnica normativa consagrada el programa europeo “Legislar mejor para obtener mejores resultados - Un programa de la UE” y la ciencia, por una mayor sostenibilidad del uso de fuentes de energía renovables.

One of the most widespread social reservations about the use of biomass fuels is the emissions they produce. In the case of forest biomass, points of conflict for the environmental sector are the counting and management of the absorbed carbon, the potential harm to biodiversity and the quality of forest harvesting, and the probable rise in emissions. On the other hand, the technical sector is committed to sustainable forest management, through the use of advanced techniques that allow us to understand how the mechanisms of forests work as carbon sinks.

The environmental risks of the energy use of biofuels can be reversed through the use of technical parameters. European regulations establish sustainability criteria for biomass for energy purposes, but do not set parameters for the sustainability of other renewable sources.

This work is based on the necessary imbrication between the regulatory technique enshrined in the European programme "Better Regulation for better results - An EU agenda" and science, for greater sustainability in the use of renewable energy sources.
Aportaciones y lagunas de la política marítima integrada para atajar la vulnerabilidad de los mares y océanos frente al avance del crecimiento azul
Authors: Aldaz Casanova Ana María
Published: May 2021

El presente trabajo se proyecta sobre la política marítima integrada diseñada por la Unión Europea, con miras a cotejarla desde los criterios de la sostenibilidad que la propia Unión se ha impuesto y contrastar su eficacia y utilidad para la consecución de unos objetivos de calidad medioambiental de los mares y océanos que a día de hoy se formulan con carácter imperioso y urgente.

This paper addresses the integrated maritime policy designed by the European Union to compare it against the criteria of sustainability that the Union has self-imposed. The aim is to test its effectiveness and usefulness in achieving the imperative environmental quality objectives of the seas and oceans.
Pasireotide treatment for severe congenital hyperinsulinism due to a homozygous ABCC8 mutation
Authors: Mooij Christiaan F. , Tacke Carline E. , van Albada Mirjam E. , Barthlen Winfried , Bikker Hennie , Mohnike Klaus , Oomen Matthijs W.N. , van Trotsenburg A.S. Paul , Zwaveling-Soonawala Nitash
Published: May 2021

ABCC8 and KCJN11 mutations cause the most severe diazoxide-resistant forms of congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). Somatostatin analogues are considered as secondline treatment in diazoxide-unresponsive cases. Current treatment protocols include the first-generation somatostatin analogue octreotide, although pasireotide, a second-generation somatostatin analogue, might be more effective in reducing insulin secretion. Herein we report the first off-label use of pasireotide in a boy with a severe therapy-resistant form of CHI due to a homozygous ABCC8 mutation. After partial pancreatectomy, hyperinsulinism persisted; in an attempt to prevent further surgery, off-label treatment with pasireotide was initiated. Short-acting pasireotide treatment caused high blood glucose level shortly after injection. Long-acting pasireotide treatment resulted in more stable glycemic control. No side effects (e.g., central adrenal insufficiency) were noticed during a 2-month treatment period. Because of recurrent hypoglycemia despite a rather high carbohydrate intake, the boy underwent near-total pancreatectomy at the age of 11 months. In conclusion, pasireotide treatment slightly improved glycemic control without side effects in a boy with severe CHI. However, the effect of pasireotide was not sufficient to prevent near-total pancreatectomy in this case of severe CHI.
Increasing prevalence of fasting hyperglycemia in adolescents aged 10–18 years and its relationship with metabolic indicators: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (KNHANES), 2007–2018
Authors: Yoo Seung Eun , Lee Ji Hyen , Lee Jung Won , Park Hye Sook , Lee Hye Ah , Kim Hae Soon
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Pediatric diabetes is a common health burden worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of fasting hyperglycemia in Korean youth aged 10–18 years and to evaluate its association with metabolic indicators.Methods: To assess the risk of diabetes in domestic children and adolescents, the prevalence of fasting hyperglycemia was calculated, a trend was evaluated using multi-year Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data, and multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the relationships between hyperglycemia and metabolic factors.Results: The prevalence of fasting hyperglycemia, defined as impaired fasting glucose (fasting glucose level > 100 mg/dL and < 125 mg/dL), or diabetes mellitus (fasting glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL) was estimated in Korean teenagers. The prevalence increased from the fourth (2007–2009) to the fifth (2010–2012), sixth (2013–2015), and seventh (2016–2018) KNHANES surveys, from 5.39 to 4.79, 10.03, and 11.66 per 100 persons, respectively. In multivariate analysis, systolic blood pressure and serum triglycerides were higher in the fasting hyperglycemia group; systolic blood pressures were 109.83 mmHg and 112.64 mmHg and serum triglycerides were 81.59 mg/dL and 89.60 mg/dL in the normal blood glucose and fasting hyperglycemia groups, respectively.Conclusion: The prevalence of fasting hyperglycemia among children and adolescents has increased over the past decade, and this increase is potentially associated with metabolic abnormalities such as hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia. Effort is urgently required to reduce this chronic medical burden in adolescence.
Review and Analysis of Selected Customer Value Measurement Methods
Authors:   Rzeszow University of Technology, Kubacka Maria
Published: May 2021

The methods of measuring customer value are of constant interest. This area is widely described in the literature, but nevertheless somewhat generally. It is important to analyse the different methods comprehensively in the context of the customer and the company. The aim of this paper is to analyse the methods of measuring customer value most often presented in the literature, as well as to assess the possibility of their reliable application and to indicate the limitations resulting from the construction of models of their calculations. One very important goal is to constructively propose solutions to the problematic issues in the methods analysed. In order to achieve the objectives of the paper, methods of measuring customer value are presented. On this basis, the author has identified problematic elements that constitute guidelines for further research. A literature review and analysis of studies carried out with the use of the methods discussed is applied. The conclusions of this research indicate ambiguity in the methods of measuring customer value, their diversity and, most importantly, the inability to reliably determine certain components of the methodology, especially for customer lifetime value. The analysis presented constitutes a proposal for a comprehensive look at the issue of customer value assessment and an element of further scientific and empirical discussion. The originality of the research consists in presenting a proposal for quantification of non-financial measures, which are a component of the methodology of measuring customer value.
The Implementation of Energy Policy in Polish Enterprises Registered in the EMAS System
Authors:   Faculty of Management, Rzeszów University of Technology, Nycz-Wróbel Jadwiga
Published: May 2021

The purpose of the article was to present the activities implemented and applied by Polish enterprises registered in the EMAS system, which are significant in the context of the enforcement of the energy policy assumptions. In order to achieve this goal, at the outset, selected assumptions of Poland’s energy policy were characterized and activities that could serve their implementation were presented. Then, the EMAS system requirements, relevant to the implementation of selected policy assumptions, were described. The rest of the article presents the results of own research. The basis of the research method used was the analysis of secondary sources in the form of environmental declarations of Polish enterprises registered in the EMAS system. Based on the analysis, it was found that the surveyed enterprises have taken actions that may be relevant to the implementation of the main directions of the energy policy regarding: improvement of energy efficiency, development of the use of renewable energy sources and reduction of the negative impact of the energy sector on the environment
S’agit-il d’une situation de violence sexuelle ?
Authors: Rousseau Catherine , Bergeron Manon
Published: May 2021

Les mécanismes qui sous-tendent l’identification ou non d’une situation en tant que violence sexuelle influencent la façon de comprendre et de qualifier l’évènement subi. Alors que des chercheures et chercheurs ont évalué la prévalence de la violence sexuelle malgré sa sous-déclaration, peu ont exploré le témoignage des personnes victimes, que ces dernières y réfèrent comme étant de la violence sexuelle ou non. En s’appuyant sur 247 récits, cette recherche propose une analyse qualitative des repères mobilisés par les étudiantes universitaires de premier cycle pour décrire et interpréter la situation vécue, selon la perception de son caractère inacceptable ou non. Les objectifs sont 1) de décrire les repères interpellés dans la description des situations de violence sexuelle en milieu universitaire subies par les étudiantes universitaires de 1er cycle ; et 2) d’explorer de quelle façon les discours associés aux mythes et aux scripts liés aux violences sexuelles peuvent moduler la façon de qualifier les situations de violence sexuelle en milieu universitaire subies par ces étudiantes. Cette recherche adopte un cadre d’analyse féministe de la violence sexuelle. Les résultats se déclinent en trois grandes catégories. D’abord, la majorité des récits font état du caractère inacceptable de la situation en se basant sur différents repères tels que l’absence de consentement sexuel, la répétition de comportements sexuels non désirés ou les répercussions vécues à la suite de la violence sexuelle (n = 162). Ensuite, des récits (n = 79) dévoilent des qualifications qui freinent l’identification du caractère inacceptable de la situation, que ce soit par des termes reflétant une minimisation ou une banalisation des comportements subis ou par une tolérance à l’égard de ce type de situation. Enfin, la troisième catégorie met en lumière l’incertitude de qualifier ce qui s’est produit comme étant une situation de violence sexuelle (n = 6). Ces résultats seront discutés à l’égard des repères théoriques choisis.
Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Patterns Across Weekdays and Weekend Days in Youth With Multiple Sclerosis and Controls
Authors: Sikes E. Morghen , Iruthayanathan Renisha , Grover Stephanie A. , Viguiliouk Effie , Kamani Zehra , Stephens Samantha , Berenbaum Tara , Noguera Austin , Ebrahimi Neda , O’Mahony Julia , Narang Indra , Weiss Shelly K. , Finlayson Marcia , Banwell Brenda , Marrie Ruth Ann , Yeh E. Ann , Motl Robert W.
Published: May 2021

Background:

This study quantified and compared weekday and weekend patterns of device-measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior between youth with pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) and controls for the purpose of informing future PA behavior change interventions.

Methods:

Participant data were obtained from 3 ongoing observational studies, and the sample included 40 participants with pediatric MS and 41 controls. Light PA (LPA), moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), and sedentary behavior data were collected using activity monitors (ActiGraph LLC) over 1 week. The main analysis involved a 2-way mixed factor analysis of variance with group as a between-subjects factor (pediatric MS vs control) and day as a within-subjects factor (weekday vs weekend day).

Results:

There was no group by day interaction from the analysis of variance for percentage of activity monitor wear time spent in LPA, MVPA, or sedentary behavior. There was no effect of group for LPA, MVPA, or sedentary behavior. There was an effect of day of week on percentage of day spent in LPA, MVPA, and sedentary behavior.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that youth with pediatric MS and controls were less physically active and more sedentary on weekends than on weekdays, but there were no differences between groups in PA and sedentary behavior overall or by day of the week. Physical activity interventions may be more successful by initially targeting weekend day activity.
Selected Topics on Business Information Systems Research: Editorial Introduction to Issue 26 of CSIMQ
Authors: Roelens Ben
Published: May 2021

Business Information Systems research deals with the conceptualization, development, introduction, maintenance and utilization of systems for computer-assisted information processing within companies and enterprise-wide networks.  This CSIMQ issue contains five articles that deal with various information system (IS) issues, including IS security, product-related ISs, blockchain technology and sensor technology. The call for this issue was particularly targeted towards extended articles of two workshops that were held in conjunction with the 13th IFIP WG 8.1 working conference on the Practice of Enterprise Modelling. The first is the BES 2020 workshop (i.e., 1st Workshop on Blockchain and Enterprise Systems), which has the ambition to change the way one thinks, designs and implements ISs. The second one is ManComp 2020 (i.e., 5th Workshop on Managed Complexity), which is focused on approaches and methods for managing the complexity of ISs and IS interaction within ecosystems.
Towards Using Sensors as Data Sources in Teaching: Requirements for School Curricula-Compatible Sensors
Authors: Saddiqa Mubashrah , Kirikova Marite , Magnussen Rikke , Larsen Birger , Pedersen Jens
Published: May 2021

The continuous innovation in modern technologies in various sectors of society has transformed everyday life. It becomes imperative for the educational community to equip the future generation with digital skills. In this article, using qualitative and quantitative research techniques, we define criteria for school curricula-compatible sensors (particularly, for secondary school students in grades 5 through 9). We also develop requirements models for sensor classes that satisfy the school curricula compatibility criteria using requirements engineering techniques. The results show that integrating sensors into schools can improve students’ digital and data skills. Additionally, requirements models can help in developing school curricula-compatible sensors or transforming existing sensors into curricula-compatible sensors.
A reliable and accurate model of photoelectron yield spectrum and its applications
Authors: Liu Chang-Shi ,   College of Information Science and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China
Published: May 2021

Experimental and theoretical research on photoelectron yield spectrum play a crucial role in electronic and photo-electronic materials and devices, and the reliable and precise estimation of photoelectron yield via photon energy is very important for detecting microscopic electrical information in photo-electronic materials and devices. Photoelectron yield is defined as the number of electrons emitted by per incident photon. Before this work, the technique was based on the interception of a plot of square root of photoelectron yield versus photon energy for metal-insulator hetero-junction, and that of a plot of cube root of photoelectron yield variation with photon energy for insulator-semiconductor hetero-junction. But, how to intercept the relationship between photoelectron yield and photon energy for semiconductor-semiconductor and metal-semiconductor hetero-junctions has not been known. Besides, many experimental plots of square root and cube root of photoelectron yield against photon energy are available, but none of them is a straight line. In order to obtain a more accurate and reliable barrier height, electrical structure of the junction, the energy level distribution of the energy band offset, defect density in the junction, and the valence band profile through the photoelectric yield spectrum, a reliable and accurate model of photoelectron yield spectrum is established via combining the solution to a differential equation and experimental results. A method is proposed to naturally determine the junction barrier height by using the experimental results of the internal current yield varying with the photon energy. The this method can be used to calculate the junction barrier height as accurately and reliably as possible, and the density and energy level distributions of the effective occupancy states of the electrons in the four junctions are obtained by using this photoelectric yield spectrum model, In addition, based on this model, this paper proves mathematically that the density and energy level distribution of the effective occupancy state of electrons present a peak shape. Therefore, the application prospects of this photoelectric yield spectrum model are demonstrated.
EXOC1 plays an integral role in spermatogonia pseudopod elongation and spermatocyte stable syncytium formation in mice
Authors: Osawa Yuki , Murata Kazuya , Usui Miho , Kuba Yumeno , Le Hoai Thu , Mikami Natsuki , Nakagawa Toshinori , Daitoku Yoko , Kato Kanako , Shawki Hossam Hassan , Ikeda Yoshihisa , Kuno Akihiro , Morimoto Kento , Tanimoto Yoko , Dinh Tra Thi Huong , Yagami Ken-ichi , Ema Masatsugu , Yoshida Shosei , Takahashi Satoru , Mizuno Seiya , Sugiyama Fumihiro
Published: May 2021

The male germ cells must adopt the correct morphology at each differentiation stage for proper spermatogenesis. The spermatogonia regulates its differentiation state by its own migration. The male germ cells differentiate and mature with the formation of syncytia, failure of forming the appropriate syncytia results in the arrest at the spermatocyte stage. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of male germ cell morphological regulation are unknown. Here, we found that EXOC1, a member of the Exocyst complex, is important for the pseudopod formation of spermatogonia and spermatocyte syncytia in mice. EXOC1 contributes to the pseudopod formation of spermatogonia by inactivating the Rho family small GTPase Rac1 and also functions in the spermatocyte syncytia with the SNARE proteins STX2 and SNAP23. Since EXOC1 is known to bind to several cell morphogenesis factors, this study is expected to be the starting point for the discovery of many morphological regulators of male germ cells.
Chromatin structure-dependent histone incorporation revealed by a genome-wide deposition assay
Authors: Tachiwana Hiroaki , Dacher Mariko , Maehara Kazumitsu , Harada Akihito , Seto Yosuke , Katayama Ryohei , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Kimura Hiroshi , Kurumizaka Hitoshi , Saitoh Noriko
Published: May 2021

In eukaryotes, histone variant distribution within the genome is the key epigenetic feature. To understand how each histone variant is targeted to the genome, we developed a new method, the RhIP (Reconstituted histone complex Incorporation into chromatin of Permeabilized cell) assay, in which epitope-tagged histone complexes are introduced into permeabilized cells and incorporated into their chromatin. Using this method, we found that H3.1 and H3.3 were incorporated into chromatin in replication-dependent and -independent manners, respectively. We further found that the incorporation of histones H2A and H2A.Z mainly occurred at less condensed chromatin (open), suggesting that condensed chromatin (closed) is a barrier for histone incorporation. To overcome this barrier, H2A, but not H2A.Z, uses a replication-coupled deposition mechanism. Our study revealed that the combination of chromatin structure and DNA replication dictates the differential histone deposition to maintain the epigenetic chromatin states.
Distributed in-memory data management for workflow executions
Authors: Souza Renan , Silva Vitor , Lima Alexandre A. B. , de Oliveira Daniel , Valduriez Patrick , Mattoso Marta
Published: May 2021

Complex scientific experiments from various domains are typically modeled as workflows and executed on large-scale machines using a Parallel Workflow Management System (WMS). Since such executions usually last for hours or days, some WMSs provide user steering support, i.e., they allow users to run data analyses and, depending on the results, adapt the workflows at runtime. A challenge in the parallel execution control design is to manage workflow data for efficient executions while enabling user steering support. Data access for high scalability is typically transaction-oriented, while for data analysis, it is online analytical-oriented so that managing such hybrid workloads makes the challenge even harder. In this work, we present SchalaDB, an architecture with a set of design principles and techniques based on distributed in-memory data management for efficient workflow execution control and user steering. We propose a distributed data design for scalable workflow task scheduling and high availability driven by a parallel and distributed in-memory DBMS. To evaluate our proposal, we develop d-Chiron, a WMS designed according to SchalaDB’s principles. We carry out an extensive experimental evaluation on an HPC cluster with up to 960 computing cores. Among other analyses, we show that even when running data analyses for user steering, SchalaDB’s overhead is negligible for workloads composed of hundreds of concurrent tasks on shared data. Our results encourage workflow engine developers to follow a parallel and distributed data-oriented approach not only for scheduling and monitoring but also for user steering.
The regulation of immune checkpoints by the hypoxic tumor microenvironment
Authors: Hu Min , Li Yongfu , Lu Yuting , Wang Miao , Li Yingrui , Wang Chaoying , Li Qin , Zhao Hong
Published: May 2021

The tumor microenvironment (TME) influences the occurrence and progression of tumors, and hypoxia is an important characteristic of the TME. The expression of programmed death 1 (PD1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4), and other immune checkpoints in hypoxic malignant tumors is often significantly increased, and is associated with poor prognosis. The application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for treating lung cancer, urothelial carcinoma, and gynecological tumors has achieved encouraging efficacy; however, the rate of efficacy of ICI single-drug treatment is only about 20%. In the present review, we discuss the possible mechanisms by which the hypoxic TME regulates immune checkpoints. By activating hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), regulating the adenosine (Ado)-A2aR pathway, regulating the glycolytic pathway, and driving epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and other biological pathways, hypoxia regulates the expression levels of CTLA4, PD1, PDL1, CD47, lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM3), and other immune checkpoints, which interfere with the immune effector cell anti-tumor response and provide convenient conditions for tumors to escape immune surveillance. The combination of HIF-1αinhibitors, Ado-inhibiting tumor immune microenvironment regulatory drugs, and other drugs with ICIs has good efficacy in both preclinical studies and phase I-II clinical studies. Exploring the effects of TME hypoxia on the expression of immune checkpoints and the function of infiltrating immune cells has greatly clarified the relationship between the hypoxic TME and immune escape, which is of great significance for the development of new drugs and the search for predictive markers of the efficacy of immunotherapy for treating malignant tumors. In the future, combination therapy with hypoxia pathway inhibitors and ICIs may be an effective anti-tumor treatment strategy.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on nitrogen dioxide levels in Nigeria
Authors: Olusola Johnson Adedeji , Shote Adebola Adekunle , Isaifan Rima J. , Ouigmane Abdellah
Published: May 2021

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been transmitted worldwide over a very short time after it originated in China in December 2019. In an attempt to control its spread and reduce its health impacts, several countries including those in the African continent imposed restrictive measures that was termed “lockdown”. The outcomes of this lockdown have been reported to be beneficial to air quality worldwide. The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of lockdown due to COVID-19 on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels over six major cities in Nigeria. Maps extracted from satellite (Sentinel-5P) were used to indicate the significant reduction in the level of NO2 in the selected cities in Nigeria during two time-intervals, pre-lockdown (December, 2019) and during lockdown (April, 2020). The results show a significant reduction in NO2 levels during the lockdown period compared with its levels during the pre-lockdown period in 2019. The reduction in NO2 concentration levels during lockdown is likely due to less traffic, social distancing and restrictions on business and human activities. There could be an element of uncertainty in the results due to seasonality, as the comparison is done with a different season. However, the magnitude of change due to lockdown is probably much higher than the seasonal variability. Although COVID-19 has negatively impacted the health and economic status of all regions worldwide, it has benefited some aspects of air quality in most countries including Nigeria. This indicates that anthropogenic activities may be managed to reduce air pollution and positively impact the health of human beings.
Benefits of a Recovery-Oriented Knowledge Translation Program for Mental Health Community Support Teams: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Briand Catherine , Routhier Danielle , Hakin Régis , Vachon Brigitte , St-Paul Rose-Anne , Gilbert Michel
Published: May 2021

In most developed countries, health systems are attempting to compensate for underuse scientific evidence and its integration into healthcare services and practices. This qualitative study aimed to identify perceived benefits of a knowledge translation program implemented within mental health community services ((At your fingertips, Quebec, 2016-2018)). Results suggests that the production of a collaborative platform composed of a variety of activities and techno-educational tools, derived from integrated knowledge, facilitates the uptake by professionals in a context of reflective practices. Dissemination of these tools through technology of information and communication provides access to best recovery-oriented practices at your fingertips.
Characterization and Optimization of Biodiesel Produced from Palm Oil Using Acidified Clay Heterogeneous Catalyst
Authors: Ijeoma U. Onyekwelu , Jospeh T. Nwabanne , Chijioke E. Onu
Published: May 2021

The objective of the present work is to synthesize and characterizethe production of biodiesel from palm oil. Acid activated heterogeneous catalyst was used in the synthesis process. The clay was characterized using SEM. The effect of process variables such as reaction temperature, catalyst weight and oil to alcohol ratio were investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized in the design of experiment and modeling of the biodiesel production process. The biodiesel was characterized and compared to standard properties of biodiesel. The result showed that H2SO4 activation increased the surface area of the clay. In the RSM modeling, the maximum biodiesel yield obtained was 82.99% at reaction time of 5 hours, temperature of 140oC, methanol to oil ratio of 10:1, and catalyst weight of 3.6 wt%. Quadratic model with correlation coefficient of 0.9657, best described the experimental data. The physio-chemical properties of the biodiesel synthesized were comparable to the properties of standard biodiesel. This study has shown that clay heterogeneous catalyst can be used to catalyst the synthesis of biodiesel from palm oil. The finding of this study is recommended for solving some of the challenges posed by the use of fossil fuel.
Personal Hygiene and Sanitary Practices among the School Girls in Dhangadhi, Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal
Authors: Joshi Saraswati Kumari , Adhikari Nisha , Joshi Sita Kumari , Joshi Durga Kumari , Joshi Shristi , Chaudhary Kalpana , Joshi Tulsi , Bhandari Ravin , Joshi Dirgha Raj
Published: May 2021

The inadequate knowledge of personal hygiene and sanitation is directly correlated with the health of an individual, a family, a community, a nation, and the globe as a whole. To know the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of personal hygiene and sanitation among the girl students in Dhangadhi, Nepal; this study was conducted in four different schools and a total of 238 girl students were selected specifically from the grade 5 to 10 following their age range from 11 to 18 years and the data was collected by filling the questionnaires. The average age of menarche is 12-13 years, mother is the major source of information about menstruation (53.8%) followed by sisters (35.3%). Only 20% use commercial sanitary pads and the majority of them use both, i.e. commercial pad as well as old clothes (65.5%), majority of the participants change absorbent 3 times a day (53.6%). 99.2% have their own toilets, 100% use soap water to clean hands, only 64.7% do brushing once a day, 14.3% have oral diseases and 67.6% do not know about oral diseases while 92% have never visited the dentist. Only 16.8% bath every day, 96.2% use nail cutter, 53.8% of the participants cut nail once a week followed by 42% occasionally. Only 21.4% have access to safe drinking water and 78.6% are relying on hand-pump water. Overall, the knowledge about personal hygiene and sanitation is average, but the attitude and practice towards it need to be improved.
Determination of Free DNA (cfDNA) by RT-qPCR in Individuals in Sperm Alterations
Authors: Mbaye Modou Mamoune , Zekhnini Hasnae , Khalfi Bouchra El , Louanjli Noureddine , Zakaria Mustafa , Elmellouli Fatiha , Soukri Abdelaziz
Published: May 2021

Previous studies have suggested that the presence of circulating nucleic acids (cell-free DNA) in seminal plasma may indicate disease states. However, the potential association between cell-free DNA (cfDNA) levels in seminal plasma and sperm fertility parameters has not yet been definitively determined.

In this study, we will compare seminal free DNA levels between normozoospermic samples and those from different pathologies related to characteristic parameters of sperm quality (asthenozoospermia, azoospermia, teratozoospermia, oligozoospermia and a few samples with a high fragmentation index) in order to detect a potential association between free DNA levels in seminal plasma and these different pathologies of male fertility.

The recovery of free DNA from our different samples was done with the MACHEREY-NAGEL NucleoSpin® kit. This kit allows isolation of DNA from cell-free biological fluids using rapid silica column procedures. The quantification of free DNA in our samples was performed by quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).

Our results showed a significant difference in the level of free seminal DNA between normozoospermic samples and oligozoosperimic, teratozoosperimic, azoosperimic samples and those with a high DNA fragmentation index. On the other hand, no significant difference in the level of seminal free DNA was noted between normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic samples.

These results suggest that seminal free DNA may be an important biomarker in the assessment of human sperm fertility.
Willingness to Pay for Community Health Financing: An Approach to Financing and Sustainability of Integrated Community Case Management of Childhood Illness in Rural Communities in Niger State
Authors: Sheshi I. M. , Ahmed A. , Sani M. D. , Issa Y. F. , Agbana B. E.
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Community based health financing mechanism is referred to as a process whereby household in a community finance or co finance the recurrent and capital cost associated with a given set of health services thereby also include management of financial scheme and organization of health services.

Iccm as a strategy to providing integrated case management services for two or more illness including diarrhea, malaria, pneumonia among children from two to upto five years. It is a community approach where lay persons are trained on management of the three diseases. This approach is being funded by foreign donor. However, there was stipulated period in which this support would elapsed and the support from the state Government may not be feasible. In an attempt to source for financing of iccm, this study aim at determining the willingness of the caregiver to use Community financing approach through payment of Premium to finance this community intervention (iccm). The concept of willingness to pay is maximum price a consumer is willing to pay for a given product or services.

Materials and Methodology: A descriptive Cross sectional study was carried out among four hundred respondents that were selected using Multi stage sampling technique. Data was collected, coded and entered into a computer. Analysis was carried out using SPSS. Chi Square and logistic regression was used as a test of significance. Level of significance was set at Pvalue less than 0.05.

Results: Twenty two percent of the respondents had good knowledge of iccm activities. Less than half of the respondents 41.3% were satisfied with iccm activities. Majority of the respondents 93.3% were willing to pay. Out of this, half of them 50.0% said they could only afford to pay less than 1000 naira per annum and 72.8% said the convenient time to pay was during the harvesting time. Factors influencing willingness to pay include Age, marital status and income level ( Pvalue <0.05). Knowledge and level of satisfaction were not influencing factors. The predictor of willingness to pay are aged 38-47 years and income of less than 5000 naira.

Conclusion and Recommendation: There was willingness of the respondents to contribute for financing and sustainability of iccm in Niger State but the amount the majority of them were willing to pay was less than 1000 naira which might not able to sustain the iccm activities. There may be need for further research to determine amount needed for the annual activities and hence sustainability of iccm. The Government should show much responsibilities toward financing of iccm. Bi-apartite arrangement could be made between State Government and the Communities with iccm in place on how to share some responsibilities of iccm activities.
Cervical Cancer in a Tertiary Hospital in South-South, Nigeria: A 5-Year Review
Authors: Allagoa D. O. , Obagah L. , Oriji P. C. , Tekenah E. S. , Njoku C. , Afolabi A. S. , Ikoro C. , Mbah K. M. , Wagio T. J. , Ohaeri O. S. , Izevbigie O. , Atemie G.
Published: May 2021

Background: Cervical cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer in developing countries. The World Health Organisation estimated that there were about 570,000 new cases of cancer of the cervix in 2018 and about 311,000 women died of the disease.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of patients with cervical cancer at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study which involved all the patients with histologically confirmed cervical cancer managed at the gynaecological unit of the hospital from 1st January, 2016 to 31st December, 2020. Information was extracted from the gynaecological records and entered into a predesigned proforma. All available data were retrospectively analysed with SPSS version 23.0, and results were presented in tables and frequencies.

Results: There were 31 cases of cervical cancers out of the 2,478 gynaecological cases seen. The prevalence of cervical cancer was 1.25%. About one-third of the women were in the sixth decade of life (32.3%). About half of the women were diagnosed at Stage 2 of the disease (51.6%) and squamous cell carcinoma accounted for 80.6% of the cancers. Radiotherapy was the most used treatment option (64.5%). About one-quarter died (25.8%).

Conclusion: Most of the patients in this study presented in the advanced stages of the disease, with death of about one-quarter of them. Prevention and early presentation to the hospital are key in the prevention of poor quality of life and deaths. All hands must be on deck to tackle this disease.
Quantitative Assessment of the Agro-physiological Advantages of Upward Tapping in Relation to the Downward Tapping of the GT 1 and PB 260 Rubber Clones [Hevea brasiliensis, Muell. arg. (Euphorbiaceae)] in Southwest Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Moro A. P. , Adou B. Y. C. , Diarrassouba M. , Konan D. , Soumahin E. F. , Kouakou T. H. , Obouayeba S.
Published: May 2021

The downward tapping on virgin bark of the lower panel (BO) is immediately followed by the upward tapping on virgin bark of the upper panel (HO), consecutively. To determine the agro-physiological advantages of one tapping over another, a study of the downward and upward tapping of the GT 1 and PB 260 clones of Hevea brasiliensis was carried out in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire. For this purpose, the rubber trees were tapped in a downward half-spiral (S/2) at the opening for nine consecutive years, followed by upward quarter-spiral tapping (S/4U) for four consecutive years. The agronomic parameters (rubber production and vegetative growth), tapping panel dryness and the latex micro-diagnosis, were evaluated. For GT 1 clone, the transition from the downward tapping panels to the upward tapping panels resulted rubber productivity gain of 35%. Meanwhile for PB 260, rubber productivity gain was 37%. Regardless of the clone and tapping direction, the higher the rubber productivity of a respective tapping panel, the lower the isodiametric growth of the tree trunk was recorded. Latex harvesting systems, and clone’s combination, did not influence the tapping panel dryness or the physiological profile of the trees. Finally, it should be concluded that upward tapping is more productive than downward tapping, but the quantification of the gains in this rubber production depends on the clone.
Experimental Study of the Thermal Behavior of a Watercress Planted Roofed Cubic Cell to be Watered with Domestic Wastewater
Authors: Morau Dominique , Rabesah Ives Abel Fetra Andriatsitohaina , Rakotondramiarana Hery Tiana
Published: May 2021

One of the virtues of watercress is its ability to grow in wastewater. This work aims at experimentally studying the thermal behavior of a watercress planted roofed cubic cell. To do this, the temperatures of various components of the cell and the solar radiation received by this cell were measured in order to compare the watercress roof performance with that of the conventional concrete roof. Then, the influence of the opening applied on the door of the studied cell was analyzed. As results, the fluctuation amplitude of the indoor ambient temperature of the concrete roofed cell is wider than that of the green roofed cell. Moreover, the last opening applied to the facades of the cell was the optimum area that the ambient temperature indoor was more attenuated. The LAI’s crop was worth 1.2. In addition, the low value of the canopy apparent thermal conductivity revealed that this layer plays a role of thermal insulation. The rooftop greening allows energy savings of about 85% compared to the consumed energy with conventional roofing. An extension of this work could be the energy performance analysis of a system using renewable energy for pumping domestic wastewater produced in or around green roofed housing.
Electrochemical Generation of Hydrogen and Methanol using ITO Sheet Decorated with Modified-Titania as Electrode
Authors: Abbas Tariq , Tahir Muhammad , Amin Nor Aishah Saidina
Published: May 2021

Current issues of global warming and environmental pollution due to extensive use of fossil fuels has been reached to an alarming position. Being CO2 as main byproduct of fossil fuel consumption and water as abundantly available on earth surface has great potential to replace fossil fuels as energy source. Herein, electrocatalytic CO2 reduction with water for methanol and hydrogen gas (H2) production over ITO sheet decorated with modified-Titanium nanorods (TiO2 NR), has been investigated. The performance comparison of electrocatalytic activity of hydrothermally modified-titania with commercial TiO2 microparticles (MP) were further investigated. Electrochemical reactor containing KHCO3 aqueous solution with CO2 as an electrolyte and modified TiO2 nanorods (NR) as working electrodes offer an eco-friendly system to produce clean and sustainable energy system. The typical rates of product, i.e. methanol and H2 generation from the ITO sheet decorated with modified TiO2 NR layer recorded higher than those for the ITO sheet with commercial TiO2 microparticle. At 2.0V applied potential vs Ag/AgCl as reference electrode, the modified TiO2 NR electrocatalyst yielded methanol at a rate of 3.32 µmol.cm−2.L−1 and H2 at a rate of 6 µmol.cm−2.L−1 which was higher than that of commercial TiO2 MP electrocatalyst (methanol = 1.5 µmol.cm−2.L−1 and H2 = 3.7 µmol.cm−2.L−1). The enhancement in product yields of methanol and H2 was mainly due to the notable improvements and modification in texture of TiO2 working electrode interface. Hence, it is concluded that the modified TiO2 NR can be considered as a competent candidate for sustainable energy conversion applications. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Regulation of binding of initiator tRNA to eukaryotic initiation factor eIF‐2
Authors: Proud Christopher G. , Clemens Michael J. , Pain Virginia M.
Published: July 2002

Ternary complex formation was studied in reticulocyte lysate supernatants and using rat liver eukaryotic initiation factor‐2 (eIF‐2) preparations. Haem‐deficiency reduced the rate of formation of ternary (Met‐tRNAf · GTP · eIF‐2) complexes by the eIF‐2 in reticulocyte supernatants, the reduction being more marked when complex formation was assayed in the absence of GTP‐regenerating capacity. Pretreatment with the haem‐controlled repressor (HCR) reduced the rate of ternary complex formation by crude (liver) eIF‐2. In contrast, complex formation by an almost homogeneous eIF‐2 preparation was unaffected by HCR: sensitivity to HCR was however restored by a factor which catalyses exchange of guanine nucleotides bound to eIF‐2.
Cubic liquid crystalline phase with phosphatidyl‐ethanolamine from Bacillus megaterium containing branched acyl chains
Authors: Rilfors Leif , Khan Ali , Brentel Ingvar , Wieslander Åke , Lindblom Göran
Published: July 2002

Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was isolated from membranes of Bacillus megaterium. The organism was grown at 20°C and 55°C. The phase equilibria in PE/water systems were studied by 2H and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance, and by polarized light microscopy. PE isolated from B. megaterium grown at 20°C forms a lamellar liquid crystalline phase at the growth temperature, and at low water contents a cubic liquid crystalline phase at 58°C. The ratio iso/ante‐iso acyl chains was 0.3 in this lipid. PE isolated from this organism grown at 55°C forms only a lamellar liquid crystalline phase up to at least 65°C. In this lipid the ratio iso/ante‐iso acyl chains was 3.2.