bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical professionals' rights at work during the state of emergency
Authors: Reljanović Mario , Misailović Jovana
Published: December 2022

During the state of emergency declared in the Republic of Serbia in early 2020 due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, medical professionals in the Republic of Serbia were subject to a special regime of work. In performing their professional duties, they were subject to specific restrictions in accordance with the Decision on the State of Emergency, the Defence Act, the Act on Military, Labour and Material Obligations, and the decisions of the RS Government and the Ministry of Health. Their employment position was subject to complex regulations and the organization of their professional duties was highly specific as well. The authors' research includes the normative analysis of their employment status during the state of emergency, with specific reference to some labour-related issues: working hours, work schedule, change of workplace, and the mandatory duty regime based on regulations that did not adequately respond to the current situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper points to a more flexible approach to work in the state of emergency, the good and bad characteristics of the current legal framework, and the good and bad practices observed in this regard. Special attention is given to the illegal prolongation of the duration of emergency measures even after the termination of the state of emergency. The author gives recommendations for better regulation of these issues and for strengthening the mechanisms of protection of labour rights of medical professionals in specific (extraordinary) circumstances caused by medical reasons.
Influence of chemical composition on structural transformations in carbon steels and their welded joints
Authors: Savitskyi Oleksandr , Savitskyi Mychailo , Bajić Darko
Published: December 2022

In this paper, based on the analysis of the dependence of temperature critical points of structural transformations on the chemical composition of steel, it is shown that carbon can be considered a determining factor influencing the kinetics of structure formation in carbon steels and their welded joints. With the carbon content increases, the period of inertia of diffusion (perlite) and intermediate (beinite) transformation of subcooled austenite increases, while the course of transformation accelerates. This creates preconditions for solving the task of development of diffusion and intermediate transformation of subcooled austenite in metal of welded joints prone to hardenability and prevents martensitic (nondiffusion) transformations. However, for the purposeful beginning of the indicated forms of transformations, an efficient method or a way of shortening the period of inertness of its decomposition within the predicted limits is necessary. Carbide-forming alloying elements increase the positive effect of carbon on g→a transformation in the diffusion region and weak in the intermediate region. All other alloying elements under conditions of continuous cooling slow down the decomposition of subcooled austenite in the diffusion and intermediate region and increase the period of inertia, necessary for its onset.
Influence of oxide content in activated tungsten inert gas welding
Authors: Baloš Sebastian , Dramićanin Miroslav , Janjatović Petar , Zabunov Ivan , Kulundžić Nenad , Tabaković Slobodan , Grabulov Vencislav
Published: December 2022

In this paper, welding-remelting of AISI 304L (X2CrNi19-11) austenitic stainless steel was performed by using TIG process with activating flux, that is, A-TIG process. Fluxes were prepared by mixing 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 % SiO2 nano particles with acetone solvent, while the application of the flux was done by a brush, prior to electric arc engagement. Characterization was done by visual testing and macro section analysis, with the main stress aimed at penetration depth as the dominant parameter used to assess the effectiveness of the flux. It was found that the highest penetration was obtained with 5 and 40 % of nano particles, with the wider weld obtained with 40 % of nano particles. However, from the point of welding technology, it was assessed that this is of secondary importance and that the optimal flux contains 5 % nano particles, primarily due to a lower cost, simpler mixing, lower viscosity and an easier flux application on the base metal.
Biologi ngengat Galleria mellonella (Linn.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) pada beberapa jenis pakan buatan
Authors: Mubin Nadzirum , Krisnadi Mohammad Riza , Santoso Teguh , Kurniawati Fitrianingrum
Published: December 2022

Ngengat lilin (Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus)) merupakan salah satu hama penting pada peternakan lebah madu di Asia. Selain sebagai hama, G. mellonella ternyata juga digunakan sebagai serangga uji di beberapa bidang usaha. Kebutuhan populasi G. mellonella mendorong beberapa bidang usaha untuk membudidayakannya secara praktis dan ekonomis. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui dan menguji komposisi bahan makanan sebagai pakan buatan yang dapat memengaruhi pertumbuhan dan perkembangan G. mellonella. Pengujian terdiri atas empat formula modifikasi pakan yang berbeda, yaitu P1 (tepung jagung, dedak gandum, gliserol, dan ragi), P2 (tepung beras, tepung terigu, dedak gandum, gliserol, dan ragi), P3 (tepung terigu, dedak gandum, gliserol, dan ragi), dan P4 (beras merah, gliserol, dan ragi). Kriteria pengamatan yang dilakukan, yaitu siklus hidup, tingkat mortalitas, fekunditas, dan fertilitas telur ngengat G. mellonella. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, perkembangan siklus hidup G. mellonella terpendek pada perlakuan P3 (71,5 ± 5,2 hari), sedangkan perlakuan P4 terpanjang (84,2 ± 8,3 hari). Tingkat mortalitas tertinggi pada tipe pakan P3 sebesar 13,12%, sedangkan terendah terjadi pada perlakuan P4 sebesar 4,44%. Berdasarkan fekunditas imago betina, perlakuan P4 memiliki tingkat fekunditas tertinggi, yaitu sebesar 527,7 telur/betina, sedangkan perlakuan P1 merupakan yang terendah (169,6 telur/betina). Perlakuan P4 memberikan respons terbaik pada beberapa aspek biologi ngengat G. mellonella, seperti ukuran tubuh yang lebih besar, mortalitas yang lebih rendah, dan tingkat fekunditas yang tinggi.
Pilar Calvo Rodero: trasvases entre escultura y escena durante el franquismo.
Authors: Monmeneu González Mónica , Gaitán Salinas Carmen , Murga Castro Idoia
Published: December 2022

Pilar Calvo Rodero (1910-1974) representa dos aspectos —en gran parte ignorados por la historiografía tradicional— de la producción artística española durante el franquismo: el arte realizado por mujeres, y la producción en medios no pictóricos como la escultura, el figurinismo y la escenografía. A través de un empeño creativo orientado hacia la tridimensionalidad, esta artista creó en torno a sí un imaginario personal rico en técnicas y matices. Apoyado en el estudio de documentación inédita en instituciones públicas, colecciones particulares y el archivo familiar, este artículo analiza la compleja trayectoria de Pilar Calvo Rodero para poner de relieve sus contribuciones en el contexto de la producción cultural femenina durante el franquismo, entre lo escultórico y lo escénico.
ONLINE LEARNING DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN AFRICA: A WAKE-UP CALL ON THE EDUCATIONAL SECTOR
Authors: AJAGBE Abayomi , ONIGBINDE Oluwanisola , OYENİRAN Oluwatosin , CHIA Terkuma
Published: December 2022

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic which emanated from Wuhan city, China and its successive spread across the globe has made a tremendous impact on virtually all spheres of human endeavors; ranging from economy, health, livelihood, and education amongst others. The widespread restrictions currently placed on movement and mass gatherings have made educational and academic activities to be grounded globally. In recent times, the concept of learning has gradually transitioned from traditional classroom methods to online learning where students acquire knowledge through “invisible classrooms”. Most institutions of learning in Africa may encounter difficulties in migrating to this new form of learning due to the lack of information and communications technology (ICT) facilities of international standards. As of today, many students possess internet-enabled devices, yet cannot access the internet as a result of unaffordable data subscription, which has made most learners result in using their devices for non-educational purposes. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the African continent, the possibility to re-open our schools remain bleak. Thus, government, authorities, and regulatory bodies in individual countries must improve on their existing ICT infrastructures for a better online learning experience. This paper serves as a wake-up call on Africa and its educational sector to transit to online learning.
Legal Provision of Food Security: New Answers to Modern Challenges
Authors: Voronina Natal'ya Pavlovna
Published: December 2022

In the current geopolitical conditions, the Russian agriculture faces risks, the overcoming of which requires new solutions in determining the state policy. The main leitmotif is import substitution. This has been the main task of the state agrarian policy since 2012. The anti-Russian sanctions of 2022 exacerbated the problems of agriculture, the genesis of many of which dates back to the agrarian and land reforms of the 1990s., and to overcome which modern measures of state support are aimed. Among the main problems of the Russian agro-industrial complex is dependence on imported seeds, foreign agricultural machines and spare parts. In addition, logistical ties with countries to which Russia has exported its products over the past few years have been disrupted. An analysis of the modernization of strategic planning documents at the regional level, in particular, in the field of seed production, is presented. The main ways of development of agriculture in the conditions of modern challenges and threats are outlined. Conclusions are drawn about changes in the strategizing of the state agrarian policy, clarification of target indicators, terms, development of state support measures that are adequate to the current global economic situation, transformation of the concept of state agrarian policy, which causes a change in the markets for domestic agricultural products, increasing the importance of the Russian Federation in providing global food supply, security, accelerated development of seed production and technical re-equipment of the agro-industrial complex.
New results on imbalance graphic graphs
Authors: Kozerenko Sergiy , Serdiuk Andrii
Published: December 2022

An edge imbalance provides a local measure of how irregular a given graph is. In this paper, we study graphs with graphic imbalance sequences. We give a new proof of imbalance graphicness for trees and use the new idea to prove that the same holds for unicyclic graphs. We then show that antiregular graphs are imbalance graphic and consider the join operation on graphs as well as the double graph operation. Our main results are concerning imbalance graphicness of three classes of block graphs: block graphs having all cut vertices in a single block; block graphs in which the subgraph induced by the cut vertices is either a star or a path. In the end, we discuss open questions and conjectures regarding imbalance graphic graphs.
Optical field propagation model of ring-down cavity light field based on angular spectrum propagation theory and evaluation criterion of cavity tuning
Authors: He Xing , Tian Zhong-Zhou , Wang Shuai , Yang Ping , Xu Bing ,   Key Laboratory on Adaptive Optics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610209, China,   Institute of Optics and Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610209, China,   University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Published: December 2022

In cavity ring-down technique, cavity maladjustment has an essential effect on the measurement of intracavity loss. Several adjustment criterions have been adopted to achieve the optimal cavity state. However, experimental study shows that these criterions may correspond to different cavity states, which means that there is discrepancy between different criterions. In view of this problem, a model of intracavity propagation of Gaussian beam is established based on the angular spectrum propagation theory. This model is tested by numerical simulation and experimental research together. In the simulation, the true value of intracavity loss can be known beforehand. The two-dimensional angular scanning is carried out for certain cavity mirror. The two-dimensional distributions of the measure value of intracavity loss and the transmission light intensity are obtained simultaneously. These distributions are both nonlinear and multi-extremum, which will doubtlessly increase the difficulty in realizing the cavity adjustment. By comparing the distributions , we do find the discrepancy between the largest transmission light intensity and the least measured intracavity loss. Meanwhile both of these two states may be not corresponding to the true value in fact. After statistical studies, the relative error of the least measured intracavity loss is (–37.01±11.79) ppm, whereas the relative error of the largest transmission intensity is (–2.70±0.89) ppm. The criterion of the largest transmission intensity shows better stability and repeatability. This model is further tested in a folded cavity ring-down setup. The similar scanning procedure is carried out. A major problem in the experiment is that the true value of intracavity loss cannot be known. So only the repeatability precision of the measured intracavity loss can be analyzed. The statistical results of the largest light intensity and the least measured intracavity loss are ±29.32 ppm and ±70.71 ppm, respectively. The criterion of the largest transmission intensity has better repeatability, which is basically consistent with the simulation result. In this way the rationality of this model can be verified to some degree. In this paper, the criterion of the largest transmission intensity is recommended in the cavity ring-down technique. Furthermore, this model can be a reference for the research of intracavity optical field response, intracavity optical field transmission, unstable resonator alignment, etc.
Sound field optimization and particle trapping of confocal ultrasonic transducer
Authors: Di Miao , He Xiang , Liu Ming-Zhi , Yan Shan-Shan , Wei Long-Long , Tian Ye , Yin Guan-Jun , Guo Jian-Zhong ,   School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China,   Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology of Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710062, China
Published: December 2022

The nonlinear effect of high-intensity sound waves produces the acoustic radiation force (ARF), which are used for acoustic levitation and manipulation practical. With no special requirement for the physical and chemical properties of the controlled objects, acoustic levitation owns a promising application prospect. The common levitation scheme includes the standing-wave system and phased-array levitation system. The standing-wave system has poor performance in the aspects of the degree of spatial freedom, the ARF along the non-axial direction, and the levitation stability. The phased-array system requires a complex control system and a high production cost. Here, we propose a single-side acoustic levitation system based on the paired confocal focused transducers. By driving the transducer pairs with reverse phase mode, two anti-phase focused spherical waves interfere with each other, resulting in constant sound pressure of 0 Pa at the focus. The resulting potential well can achieve stable particle capturing and levitating. First, we verifed the theoretical feasibility of the system according to Huygens' principle. Then, using the finite element method, we analyzed the influences of structural and driving parameters on the sound field distribution, such as the angle between the transducer axis and the central axis of the structure and the excitation phase modes. Finally, we demonstrated the particle trappings under two kinds of excitation phase modes of the levitation system experimentally. The results show that, 1) the intensity of the dominating potential well reaches a strongest value when the structural angle is 45°; 2) as the excitation phases are 0, 0, π, and π, the sound field owns three potential wells which can capture three clusters of quartz sands, the primary potential well is stronger than the secondary one; 3) as the excitation phases are 0, π/2, π, and 3π/2, the sound field owns one potential well and captures one cluster of quartz sands. The isosurface of wave intensity around the potential well is more comprehensive than in the previous phase mode. The four-phase excitation improves the levitation stability better. The proposed levitation scheme can realize stable single- or multi-position capture of high-density objects in the fluid. Moreover, it has the advantages of low cost and a high degree of freedom.
Videre veivalg for arkivering i Norge
Authors: Veum Steingrim
Published: December 2022

En drøfting av videre veivalg for arkivering i Norge med utgangspunkt i Noark, SIARD og innebygd arkivering
Servant Leadership: Influence of Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment
Authors: Vrcelj Nikolina , Bevanda Vuk , Bevanda Nevena
Published: December 2022

Research Question: The research objective of this study was to use empirical research to investigate the impact of servant leadership on job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Motivation: Despite the growing scholarly interest in servant leadership (Adiguzel, Ozcinar, & Karadal, 2020; Karatepe, Ozturk, & Terry Kim, 2019; Kozak, 2020), the area still lacks coherence and clarity. Although most improvements have been published in top-tier management journals, servant leadership research has also been published in other fields such as nursing, tourism, and education (Eva, Robin, Sendjaya, van Dierendonck, & Liden, 2019). These studies, however, are mainly focused on developed market economies whereas research in transition economies is limited. It is for this reason that we wanted to examine servant leadership and its relationship with job satisfaction and organizational commitment in the Republic of Serbia. Idea: Our main goal was to put the theory to the empirical test through known and validated questionnaires about whether servant leadership has a positive statistically significant impact on organizational commitment and whether servant leadership has a positive statistically significant effect on job satisfaction. Data: The quantitative data for the analysis were collected from February 5, 2020, until February 15, 2020, based on the results of a survey of 102 online participants. The basic sampling criterion was that the respondents were employed. Tools: Primary data were collected through a questionnaire. Servant leadership was measured by questionnaires compiled by Fields & Winston (2010) and Van Dierendonck & Nuijten (2011), job satisfaction was measured by an adjusted questionnaire developed by Spector (1994), and organizational commitment by a questionnaire developed by Mowday, Steers & Porter (1979). Descriptive statistics, correlation, and simple regression analysis were used in the data analysis. Findings: The results show the statistically significant positive impact of servant leadership on job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Moreover, servant leadership has a stronger impact on job satisfaction than on organizational commitment. The obtained research results are in the accordance with the results pointed out by Hamideh & Mahmood Zare (2012); West & Bocârnea (2008); Mohammad, Hussein, & Mohammad (2011); Ebener & O'Connell (2010); Hu & Liden (2011) and Liden, Wayne, Zhao, & Henderson (2008). Contribution: The results of the study may serve as guidance that organizations can use as inputs in the process of making future decisions and strategies in the human resource management (HRM) practice.
Sobre la Trinidad en Hegel y Edith Stein
Authors: De la Maza Luis Mariano
Published: December 2022

Estudio comparativo de algunas de las principales reflexiones filosóficas de Hegel y Edith Stein en torno a la doctrina cristiana de la Trinidad. Ejes de la comparación son las fuentes filosófico-teológicas de ambos pensadores, su posición respecto de la posibilidad del conocimiento filosófico de la Trinidad y de la unidad de las personas divinas; la concepción que tienen sobre el amor y la vida intratrinitaria, así como sobre la Trinidad económica o histórica, y la oposición de ambos al panteísmo. Finalmente se recapitulan las principales consecuencias que se derivan de esta comparación.
Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety among Students Preparing for National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test- Undergraduate Exam in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Premkumar Kamatchinathan , Sarojini Subbarayan , Vikram Ashokkumar , Sivagurunathan Chinnaian , Ezhilanan Mani , Rakshanaa Ramesh , Maikandaan Chan Drasekar Janaganbose
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Indian students are subjected to enormous stress to compete and perform since competitive exams have been made mandatory to enter professional courses. Inability to handle performance pressure, meet parental expectations, and achieve aspirations may lead to psychological distress and subsequent depression. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of depression and anxiety and identify the associated factors among National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) aspirants in the Chennai, India. Materials and Methods: The present community-based, cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at various NEET coaching centres in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, among 250 NEET aspirants between July 2021 and August 2021. A pretested, semi-structured, self-administered online questionnaire with 45 questions, consisting of the Beck Depression Inventory-II and Beck Anxiety Inventory, in the English language was used. Categorical data were presented as frequency and proportions. Pearson’s, Chi-square test was used to evaluate differences between groups for categorised variables. Results: Out of the total 250 students, 147 (58.8%) were males and mean age of the participants was 19.38±1.146 years. Overall, 112 (45%) participants had attempted NEET-Undergraduate (UG) exam once and 94 (38%) participants had two attempts. The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was n=148 (59.2%) and anxiety symptoms were seen in all 250 (100%) participants. Symptoms of severe depression were high among those with three previous attempts(44) and those awaiting their first NEET attempt. The number of previous attempts had a statistically significant (p-value<0.001) association with the severity of anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: This high morbidity of depressive and anxiety symptoms highlights the need for access to preventive and curative mental health services for students preparing for highly competitive exams like NEET.
Vascular Malformations in Paediatric Age Group: Learning through Mistakes
Authors: Bhanja Sushanta , Roy Sunetra , Ghatak Dafodil , Mondal Ananya
Published: December 2022

Vascular malformations were known in all paediatric age groups including neonates to adolescence. These were known since very long time. Many such cases were missed earlier due to lack of diagnostic imaging techniques. Proper diagnosis of such lesions is very challenging. So, proper identification and early treatment is of utmost importance. Any misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate management and outcome. With recent advances in imaging techniques and better interventional facilities, the rate of diagnosis has improved but still the rate of misdiagnosis remains high. Though the newer treatment modalities are available, but their availability is restricted to tertiary care multifacility hospitals. Therefore, even after proper diagnosis, the management remains inadequate. This series is about three different patients of vascular malformations, belonging to different paediatric age groups. The clinical presentations, diagnosis and management were varied but diagnosis was possible due to high level of clinical suspicion and modern imaging techniques. The first patient initially seemed to have a post-traumatic swelling or juvenile idiopathic arthritis, but was later diagnosed as peripheral vascular malformation. The second patient was suspected to have haemangioma, but final diagnosis based on radiographical findings revealed low flow vascular malformation of face. The third patient was diagnosed with vascular malformation of head, but was clinically thought to be a sebaceous cyst.
Staged Management of Severe Postburn Contracture of Elbow and KneeA Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Tirkey Anup Kumar , Mohanty Rasmi Ranjan , Nayak Bibhuti Bhusan
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Long-standing burns at major joints like the elbow and knee often lead to contractures, despite of best treatments and their management poses a great challenge owing to underlying contracted tendons, neurovascular bundle, and joint ligaments. Attempts at release and correction of contractures may lead to injury to the adjacent neurovascular structures. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of staged release as a means of definitive treatment of severe burn contracture. Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted on 30 patients in the Department of Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, India, from December 2018 to December 2020. In the first stage, the maximum excisional release of contracture was done, avoiding any stretching of the neurovascular bundle, then bedside graded traction was applied at the joint until the complete release of contracture was observed. The resultant raw area was covered with a split-thickness skin graft in the second stage. The collected data included- site and side of the contracture, cause of initial burn, Improvement in flexion arc (in degrees), duration of splintage after surgical release, complications and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Paired t-tests were performed to analyse changes in preoperative versus postoperative measurements. Results: Eighteen cases of knee contractures and 12 cases of elbow contractures were included in the study. Among the patients that were analysed, 17 were females and 13 were males, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.3:1. The age range was 18-50 years, with a mean age of 36±8.79 years. The mean Range Of Motion (ROM) of elbow contracture with a severe degree of contracture improved from 25% of functional ROM to 124.29% at 6 months postoperatively. Similarly, the mean ROM of knee contracture with a severe degree of contracture improved from 25.76% of functional ROM to 102.58% at 6 months postoperatively. For both elbow and knee contracture cases the differences in mean ROM were statistically significant with all p-values <0.05. The average time at which the patients reported to the hospital, after developing contracture was 36.8 months, and it ranged from 24 months to 62 months. According to POSAS patient scale, the overall score was 6 and 5 for the elbow and knee respectively and the POSAS observer scale overall score was 6 for both the elbow and knee, respectively. Conclusion: The staged release procedure applied in the present study was an effective way of dealing with long-standing contractures with minimal complications.
Predictors of Heart Rate Variability: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jose Rani , Kamath Neetha , Gopalakrishnapillai Sreeja , Sunil Salina
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The heart has the ability to maintain cardiac output in accordance with the body’s momentarily changing demands by adjusting its rate of contractions and this ability is termed Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which is manifested as a fluctuation of R-R interval in milliseconds on an Electrocardiography (ECG). Maintenance of good HRV levels is significant for the patient population since they influence the prognosis and quality of life. Aim: To identify the predictors of HRV. Materials and Methods: The present study was a systematic and literature review which was based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines 2020. Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) published in English from 2014 to 2021 were identified from Cochrane Library, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The keywords with Boolean operators were used as “influencing factors or determinants or predictors and HRV.” The quality assessments of the studies were performed with Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. Narrative syntheses upon the selected studies were done. Results: The significant findings from the nine selected RCTs were summarised. Physical exercise, breathing exercise, diet, music, and mind-body interventions such as yoga and meditation were identified as the factors enhancing HRV or predictors of HRV. Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review strive to facilitate healthcare providers to devise the strategies to support the risk group of low HRV by the implementation of enhancing factors of HRV to achieve a better outcome.
Histopathological Spectrum of Spinal Tumours at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Gujarat, India: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Tilva Khushbu Kantilal , Parikh Urvi
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The anatomic structures in the spinal area are diverse and unpredictable, often representing an excellent test for both the neuroclinicians and neuropathologists, thereby showing a broad heterogeneous spectrum of pathological lesions. Clinical history, radiological features, and pathological examination are required to diagnose spinal tumours. Aim: To study the histopathological spectrum of spinal tumours in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Gujarat, India. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, data was collected from the records of 100 patients who had spinal tumours and who attended the Department of Pathology. Histopathological diagnosis of the spinal biopsy specimen was the primary outcome variable. Age, gender, location of the tumour, and clinical features were other study relevant variables. The status of the spinal tumour (benign/malignant) was considered an explanatory variable. Descriptive analysis was carried out by mean and standard deviation for quantitative variables, frequency, and proportion for categorical variables. Categorical outcomes were compared using the Chi-square test. Results: A total of 100 subjects were included, among which 42 participants were males, and 58 were females with the mean age 34.62±17.64 years. The maximum number of spinal tumours were noted in (21-30 year) 3rd decade (29%) of life. Benign spinal tumours (73%) were more common than malignant spinal tumours (27%). Schwannoma was the most common (37%) spinal tumour, followed by meningioma (20%), and ependymoma (14%). The distribution of spinal tumours based on anatomical location, 31% intradural intramedullary, 49% intradural extramedullary, and 20% extradural tumours. There was a significant difference between nerve sheath tumours and meningioma with gender (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: The study identified schwannoma and meningiomas as the most common tumours. The thoracic region was the most frequently involved spinal level, followed by the cervical, and the most affected location was the intradural extramedullary.
Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma Mimicking Section as Pneumonia: A Case Report
Authors: Patel Bhavesh , Vasavi Cheguri , Shah Arti Dhawal , Chakravarti Chirag , Jain Anchal
Published: December 2022

Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma (BAC) also known as alveolar cell carcinoma is a subtype of adenocarcinoma that is more common in women and non smokers. It accounts for almost 5% of all lung cancers. Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma may appear as a wide variety ranging from solitary nodule to patchy, lobar or multilobar opacities. The mucinous, non mucinous, ambiguous or mixed are the histological types of BAC. The mucinous variety of BAC sometimes may present as a consolidation which is indistinguishable from an infective pneumonia on a radiological picture. Hereby, authors present a case of 65-year-old male patient, who was evaluated for non resolving pneumonia for a time span of one year. He presented to the Respiratory Medicine Outpatient Department with a cough and expectoration for the past nine months. Antibiotic courses did not provide the patient any sort of relief and there was no change in the size of the lesion. Chest X-ray has shown right sided non homogenous opacity and later Contrast Enhanced Computerised Tomography (CECT) thorax and biopsy (computed tomography-guided) was done from the same site for further evaluation. Cytology done from CT-guided biopsy sample showed typical lepidic growth pattern. Histopathologically, it showed mucinous variety of BAC. Usually, the patients have no symptoms but an abnormal chest X-ray, while a few have features like coughing with expectoration and pain in the chest. Only cytology or biopsy can help with a proper diagnosis, which can be done via needle biopsy (CT or fluoroscopy guided) or transbronchial biopsy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL). It has rarely been documented in the literature that BAC masquerades as a consolidation with very little change.
Invasive Fungal Infections in Acute Haematological Malignancies: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mitra Anita Nandi , Pramanik Prerna , Bhattacharya Rupsa
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Fungal infections are common complications of acute haematological malignancies i.e. acute myeloid and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The cells in these two groups are different morphologically and immunologically. Hence the interaction with the different types of fungi may vary. Aim: To identify the acute leukaemia cases and fungal infection among myeloid and lymphoid groups and to find out association of types of invasive fungal infection according to cell line affected. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational hospital-based prospective study was conducted in a risk group of acute haematological malignancy over a period of six months from July 2021 to December 2021 in a tertiary care Hospital, Medical College Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Study tools were questionnaire based on European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer /Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria, clinical reports and standard laboratory procedures were practiced in Microbiology laboratory. The data was entered in excel spreadsheet and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 28th version. Results: A total of 24 cases of Invasive Fungal Infections (IFI) were observed out of the 78 patients included in the study. This corresponds to an IFI prevalence of 30.77%. Patients with proven IFI constituted 8 (33.33%), probable IFI accounted for 15 (62.5%) where as those with possible IFI accounted for 1 (4.2%) of total IFI cases. There were age and sex wise variation in IFI. The prevalence of IFI was found to be higher in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) (48.5%) patients as compared to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) (19.14%). Of all AML patients invasive candidiasis was the most common type followed by aspergillosis. In ALL patients invasive candidiasis also constituted 44.44% followed by dematiaceous mycosis, followed by aspergillosis. Conclusion: AML patients suffer more from IFI than ALL ones. Invasive non albicans candidiasis affected both types but more incidence was seen in AML affected group. Aspergillus spp. affected lungs of both groups but dematiaceous fungi were isolated only from ALL affected paediatric patients and in samples other than pulmonary or blood sample.
Factors Affecting Planning Laws and Regulations Compliance in the Capital Cities in South-South Geopolitical Region, Nigeria
Authors: Mbee Mbee, Daniel , Joseph Tonte, Davies
Published: December 2022

In many cities around the globe, humans have shown disdain and neglect to physical planning laws. The consequence is the social and environmental challenges that residents experience therein. This study examines the factors that affect planning laws compliance in the capital cities in the south-south geopolitical region, of Nigeria. The cross-sectional research approach was used. Data for the study were sourced from primary and secondary sources. Copies of the questionnaire were administered to all the 522 practicing town planners in the study area who constituted the study population but only 414 of them responded. Descriptive statistics was deployed in analyzing the data. The study found that corruption ranks first with a mean score of 3.77 followed by customs and traditions which score 3.63. It is also revealed by the study that political interference, weak enforcement of planning laws, and awareness of existing planning laws with mean scores of 3.42, and 3.25 respectively are also constraints to compliance with planning laws. The study, therefore, recommends that agencies of government saddled with the responsibility of enforcing planning regulations and laws should strictly enforce the extant planning laws so that residents will be forced to comply with the planning laws. It is also recommended that urban planners should not allow native laws and customs to interfere with urban planning regulations.
Agricultural Information and Communication Center in Disseminating Agricultural Information in Bangladesh: Effects, Problems and Suggestions
Authors: Setu S. B. , Ali M. S. , Kabir M. H.
Published: December 2022

The government of Bangladesh established Agricultural Information and Communication Centre (AICC) to communicate with mass farmers quickly. This paper aimed at analyzing the direct and indirect effects of farmers selected characteristics on the effectiveness of AICC in disseminating agricultural information and identifying problem faced by the farmers in getting service from AICC and probable suggestions to overcome identified problems. Data were collected from randomly selected 90 farmers of Faridpur district, Bangladesh using a pre-tested interview schedule. Path analysis was applied to assess the direct and indirect effects of farmers’ selected characteristics on the effectiveness of AICC. On the other hand, Problem Faced Index (PFI) and Frequency of response was used to identify problem and suggestions. The analysis showed that farmers’ use of ICT had the highest direct effect (0.345) in the positive direction followed by ICT using experience (0.245) and ICT using confidence (0.237) on the effectiveness of AICC. The other variables have direct and indirect effects were ICT using confidence and ICT using experience.  Limited availability of ICT tools and technology in AICC were most severe problem followed by technical problems of different ICT based media in AICC and low bandwidth speed of internet. The study provided suggestions to increase the efficiency of the AICC in communicating agricultural information.
Ulcero-Protective Potential of Ethyl Acetate Fractions of Persea americana Seed and Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Binary Combinations in Indomethacin Induced Gastric Ulcer
Authors: Asiwe Emeka S. , Igwe Chidi U. , Iheanacho Kizito M. E. , Onwuliri Viola A. , Alisi Chinwe S. , Ezeji-Chigbu Nmadike G. , Ujowundu Cosmas O.
Published: December 2022

Aims: This study was aimed at investigating the protective potential of ethyl acetate fractions of Persea americana (PA) seed and Bryophyllum pinnatum (BP) leaf binary combinations against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers.

Methodology: Fifty (50) male Wistar rats were used in this study; they were assigned into 10 groups of five animals each and respective groups received a standard rat diet and drinking water ad libitum. The groups were group 1 (normal control group (NC)), group 2 (ulcer control (UC)), group 3 (Omeprazole, 20mgkg-1 (OMEP)), group 4 (PA) and group 5 (BP). Groups receiving binary combinations were group 6 (PA + BP, 1:1), group 7 (PA + BP, 1:2), group 8 (PA + BP, 1:3), group 9 (PA + BP, 2:1), group 10 (PA + BP, 3:1) each group was pre-treated with 400 mgKg-1 body weight/day of respective fraction or binary mixture by intubation for 21 days. On the 22nd day after overnight fasting, a gastric ulcer was induced with indomethacin (30mg/kg body weight) by intubation in a single dose. Ulcer markers and histopathology of stomach tissues were measured using standard methods.

Results: The present study revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction of the plants PA seeds and BP leaf showed potent gastric tissue protective effects. Analysis of gastric changes indicated a significant (P<0.05) reduction in ulcer index, gastric acid output, gastric mucus content and pepsin activity  of ulcerated rats pretreated with PA and BP fractions. The effect of the binary combinations was significantly (p<0.05) higher than single plant fractions. The protective effect of the fractions was in the order OMEP > PA+BP (3:1) > PA+BP (2:1) > PA+BP (1:1), > PA+BP (1:2) > PA+BP (1:3) > PA > BP. The observed ulcero-protective effect of the binary combinations of P. americana seed and B. pinnatum leaf may be attributed to the synergy of the phytochemicals contained in the fractions.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that P. americana and B. pinnatum ethyl acetate fraction combination favorably protect against indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal oxidative damage, reducing ulcer index, gastric acid output, gastric mucus content and pepsin activity. The ethyl acetate fractions exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of ulcer formation in indomethacin gastric ulcer model.
Antimicrobial Effects of the Stem Bark Extracts of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) G. Don on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ihuma J. O. , Kure S . , Famojuro T. I. , Malgwi T. D.
Published: December 2022

Aims: This work aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the stem bark extracts of               P. biglobosa on selected bacteria species, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Place and Duration of Study: Microbiology laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Bingham University-Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

Methodology: Plant extracts were made by boiling, soaking and methanol extraction, and the antimicrobial assay was performed using the disc and agar-well diffusion methods.

Results: The results indicated all the extract exhibited antimicrobial properties. The highest potential activity was observed with the macerated extract with zones of inhibition at 12.5 mm and 6.5 mm against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively in the agar-well diffusion method while no active zone of inhibition was recorded in the disk diffusion method. It was noted that the macerated extract showed the highest MIC of 100 mg/ml with a zone of inhibition at 15.0 mm against S. aureus. 

Conclusion: The results obtained showed that the macerated extract of the plant possess the highest antimicrobial effect against S. aureus, and E. coli. Although observed potency of this extract in vitro, may not be translated to the same activity in vivo. However, the results confirmed the efficacy of the plant as a natural antimicrobial and can be further investigated for possible antimicrobial drug discovery.
Predicting Students' Performance in Final Examination using Deep Neural Network
Authors: Sikder Md. Hanif , Hosen Md. Rakib , Fatema Kaniz , Islam Md. Ashraful
Published: December 2022

The academic result is the most important thing in a student's career. This result depends on their academic performance and many other factors. Educational data mining can help both students and institutions develop their academic performance. For analysis of their performance, we can use new techniques Deep Learning, Convolution Neural Networks, Data Clustering, Optimization Algorithms, etc. In machine learning. Using Deep Learning, we will predict the student’s performance yearly in the form of CGPA and compare that with the real CGPA. A real dataset can boost the prediction performance. We used a real dataset from the Institute of Science, Trade & Technology (ISTT). We used a total of 18 data factors to predict the performance and the data factors are: Class Performance, Test Marks, Class Attendance, Due Time Assignment Submission, Lab Performance, Previous Semester Result, Family Education, Freelancer, Relationship with Faculty, Study Hours, Living Area, Social Media Attraction, Extra-Curricular Activity, Drug Addiction, Financial Support from Family, Political Involvement, Affair & Year Final Result.
Study of Treating Wastewater with a Laboratory Benchtop Septic Systems
Authors: Dölle Klaus , Fritz Malina
Published: December 2022

Efficient wastewater treatment technologies are needed to curb water scarcities and prevent the spread of diseases and contamination of water sheds. Decentralized wastewater treatment systems or respectively septic systems are easy to afford and handle – especially in rural areas. In this research a developed 19.9 l (5 gal.) laboratory septic system containing 15 l (3.96 gal.) of liquid was operated at a temperature of 18°C (64.4°F) with wastewater collected from a primary clarifier of a local wastewater treatment plant. The laboratory study included a hydraulic retention time of 30-, 10- and 5-day with and without addition of bacteria from an anaerobic sludge blanket reactor and commercially available bacteria for enhancement of septic systems.

Operating the laboratory septic system at a 10-day HRT showed the best performance for all system operations with and without enhancement bacteria in comparison n to 30- and 5-day HRT.

The developed laboratory septic system proved to be a valuable way to investigate septic systems performance on a laboratory scale.
Examining the Effect of Performance Evaluation on Employee Job Satisfaction in a Federal Government Agency in Nigeria
Authors: Arowolo Adepoju Ismaila , Akinbo Tina M.
Published: December 2022

The study examined the extent to which Performance Evaluation affects employee job satisfaction in a federal government agency in Nigeria. This study adopts a quantitative technique as primary data was gathered through a validated instrument. The quantitative approach relied on a total enumeration sampling technique, with a Population equal to the sample size (275). The inferential statistical tool which is the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (Smart PLS-SEM) version was adopted to analyze the data. The results revealed that Adj R2=0.254; p=0.000, Q2 =0.164). Findings also showed that performance evaluation significantly influenced employee job satisfaction in the federal government agency. The study recommended that the agency's leadership should create a conducive work environment and integrate a system that will boost job satisfaction for a higher level of performance.