bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the Intraocular Pressure of Fellow Untreated Eyes Following Uncomplicated Trabeculectomy
Authors: Detorakis Efstathios T. , Tsiklis Nikolaos , Pallikaris Ioannis G. , Tsilimbaris Miltiadis K.
Published: April 2021

Background and Objective:

Previous studies have reported changes in the intraocular pressure (IOP) of fellow eyes following unilateral trabeculectomy or selective laser trabeculoplasty. This study evaluates changes in the IOP of fellow eyes following unilateral trabeculectomy and examines correlations of findings with clinical information.

Patients and Methods:

Sixty-one patients who underwent unilateral uncomplicated trabeculectomy were included. The IOP of both eyes was recorded on postoperative days 2, 3, 4, 15, 30, 60, and 90. Differences between preoperative and postoperative IOP in both eyes and correlations with clinical parameters were examined.

Results:

The IOP of the fellow eyes was significantly reduced on the fourth postoperative day. This reduction was significantly correlated (inversely) with central corneal thickness of fellow eyes and with the level of IOP reduction to the operated eyes.

Conclusion:

The IOP of the fellow eyes remains largely unchanged during the first 3 months following trabeculectomy. However, a significant short-term reduction is noted on the fourth day, implying that unknown (possibly neurocrine) mechanisms may participate in the regulation of the IOP of fellow eyes.
Severe Worsening of Diabetic Retinopathy Following Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Silva Ruwan A. , Morton John M. , Moshfeghi Darius M.
Published: April 2021

Intensive glycemic control results in long-term reduction of diabetic retinopathy, although initial short-term worsening of retinopathy is not uncommon. The authors report a patient with a history of stable diabetic retinopathy who, despite achieving abrupt glycemic control following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, suffered rapid worsening of her retinopathy within 1 month of surgery. Hemoglobin A1c levels were 8.8 preoperatively and declined to 7.2 at 3.5 months postoperatively. Although visual function in the left eye was spared, useful visual acuity was lost in the right eye. Retinal evaluation is recommended in all patients with diabetes mellitus who are considering bariatric surgery, with close follow-up as warranted.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2013;44:E11–E14.]
Patient-Centered Measure Development and Spanish Validation Exemplar
Authors: Higashi Robin T. , Juengst Shannon B.
Published: April 2021

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in cognitive impairments that require investigators to consider language accessibility of survey instruments, clinical evaluations, and other research tools. We describe an iterative language validation process for the Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool (BAST) and BAST Spanish version (BAST-ESP), consisting of two phases: (1) achieving an accessible literacy level for English-speaking people with TBI and (2) translating, validating, and cognitively testing the BAST-ESP for Spanish-speaking people with TBI. Investigators recruited scientific experts and members of the target populations to adapt and test the surveys. Modifications to original survey instruments included simplified semantic structures, enhanced conceptual clarity, rephrased idiomatic expressions, and rewording to bridge cultural differences in linguistic connotation. Findings from participants in focus groups and cognitive interviews confirmed accuracy and ease of comprehension and informed further adjustments and content relevant to the specific target populations. We demonstrate the importance of a systematic adaptation and validation process to develop a lower-literacy instrument appropriate for people with cognitive deficits and to enhance the BAST-ESP beyond translation alone. This article, along with a previously published article about BAST content validity process, provides a road map for other investigators to conduct systematic adaptation of scientific instruments for low-literacy and non–English-speaking populations.

[
HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice
. 2019;3(4):e243–e249.]
Relative mmp without $ \mathbb{Q} $-factoriality
Authors: Kollár János
Published: April 2021

We consider the minimal model program for varieties that are not $ \mathbb{Q}$-factorial. We show that, in many cases, its steps are simpler than expected. The main applications are to log terminal singularities, removing the earlier $ \mathbb{Q} $-factoriality assumption from several theorems of Hacon-Witaszek and de Fernex-Kollár-Xu.
Los últimos golpes. Análisis comparativo de las deposiciones de los virreyes de Nueva España y Perú en 1821
Authors: Moreno Gutiérrez Rodrigo
Published: April 2021

Los únicos virreyes que efectivamente gobernaban en la América española en 1821 y que habían sido designados para ello por Fernando VII fueron obligados por sus propias cúpulas militares a renunciar al mando. Este artículo analiza comparativamente ambos fenómenos y recupera su importancia y significados históricos a través del examen de sus caracterizaciones históricas e historiográficas y sus contextos, marcos institucionales, argumentos e instancias involucradas. La propuesta consiste en observar, a partir de los golpes, la capacidad de injerencia política de las fuerzas armadas en el proceso de descomposición del orden de la monarquía española en América y de construcción de los estados nacionales determinados tanto por el constitucionalismo cuanto por la guerra.
Sainte-Croix-en-Plaine et Houssen « Cora » (Haut-Rhin) : contribution à l’étude typo-chronologique de la céramique d’habitat du Hallstatt C
Authors: Mentele Serge , Kuhnle Gertrud , Lasserre Marina
Published: April 2021

Les sites d’habitat du Ha C de Sainte-Croix-en-Plaine et de Houssen « Cora » ont livré un abondant mobilier céramique et constituent deux ensembles de céramique domestique de référence en Alsace et plus globalement dans l’est de la France.
Évolution de la céramique de la fin du Hallstatt en Alsace : expertise de quatre gisements situés au Sud-Ouest de Strasbourg
Authors: Koenig Marie-Pierre , Kuhnl Gertrud , Maise Christian
Published: April 2021

Les découvertes récentes mises au jour à Holtzheim complètent la documentation recueillie ces dernières années au sud-ouest de Strasbourg à Geispolsheim, Rosheim « Sandgrube » et Rosheim « Mittelweg ». L’abondant mobilier que ces quatre gisements ont livré donne aujourd’hui matière à une réflexion approfondie sur la céramique s’échelonnant entre le Ha D et La Tène A (définition des types, analyse des assemblages, étude comparative, chronologie, relations culturelles). Afin de valider ces propositions, un corpus des principaux gisements de la fin du Hallstatt en Basse-Alsace, Haute-Alsace et dans le Breisgau a été élaboré (annexe).
Ethos vocationnel et extension du travail pour les étudiants des écoles supérieures d’art
Authors: Proust Serge , Normand Myriam , Védrine Corine
Published: April 2021

Les écoles supérieures d’art et d’architecture occupent en France une position intermédiaire entre le système des grandes écoles et les universités. Très féminisées, elles attirent massivement des étudiants issus des catégories du haut de la hiérarchie sociale et caractérisés par un très bon niveau scolaire. Elles sont très sélectives et jouent un rôle décisif dans la formation de différents groupes d’artistes : comédiens, architectes, designers, etc. À ce titre, elles accentuent des dispositions déjà présentes au moment de leur scolarité secondaire et notamment celles qui ont trait à l’engagement dans le travail. Tout en soulignant la difficulté pour définir ce qu’est le travail dans les champs artistiques et en mesurer l’intensité, l’article souligne le volume considérable de travail dans ces écoles. Que ce soit dans la journée ou tard dans la nuit, dans le cadre scolaire ou privé, les étudiants manifestent un engagement total, parfois au prix de leur santé qui se révèle moins bonne que celle de la grande masse des étudiants.
De l’orgue au septième ciel. Pour une spéléologie du souffle-désir
Authors: Knudsen Charlotte Vaillot
Published: April 2021

Voyage érotico-expérimental s’appuyant à la fois sur des sources livresques et des expériences spéléologiques propres à l’auteure, cette étude embrasse les vibrantes tonalités érotiques du paysage souterrain, et celles de la grotte en particulier. Menée sous le prisme d’une sensibilité écosexuelle, elle invite d’ailleurs à explorer le diapason de l’univers fécond et sexué qu’est le minéral. Ainsi, nous tenterons une exploration musico-spéléologique de la grotte, et nous nous attarderons entre autres sur le Great Stalacpipe Organ, un « orgue » placé et exploité dans les grottes de Luray (Virginie, États-Unis) qui, sorte de lithophone titanesque – c’est-à-dire de pierre à voix toujours en activité – se sert des stalactites comme de tuyaux d’orgue. Nous tâcherons par ailleurs de décliner la jouissance tirée de l’étymologie du mot « orgue » : organon en grec ancien et organum en latin signifient en effet « instrument » ; tandis qu’en anglais, le sens d’organ oscille entre « orgue » et « organe ». L’objectif sera également de retranscrire l’ardente expérience poético-esthétique du chercheur-spéléologue s’adonnant à l’écoute d’une « prothèse instrumentale » implantée dans une grotte, au sein de laquelle le chant de l’orgue s’amalgame avec l’air caverneux, avec la respiration et les pulsations liquides des spéléothèmes. Orchestrée par l’imaginaire, l’enjeu de cette recherche consiste en outre à dévoiler les « joies secrètes » du spéléologue, et à mettre à l’honneur une exaltation du souffle cosmique qui fait passer d’une expérience charnelle à une expérience mélodieusement spirituelle.
Music and Erotic Agency – Sonic Resources and Social-Sexual Action
Authors: DeNora Tia
Published: April 2021

Comment l’être et le corps se nouent-ils dans une configuration culturelle ? Comment les produits culturels sont-ils mobilisés, et comment les textes, les images, les structures et les représentations sonores « entrent-elles en action » ? Ce sont là des questions fondamentales pour les études culturelles, la sociologie et la psychologie sociale. Pourtant elles n’ont guère été abordées de front jusqu’ici, et elles ne sauraient faire l’objet d’une « mise à l’épreuve empirique » à partir d’une théorisation de l’agentivité déjà complète. Cet article suggère que l’on peut développer une bonne théorie de l’agentivité en observant des milieux sociaux et des matériaux culturels particuliers. Dans ce but, après quelques considérations théoriques sur les liens entre culture, nature et agentivité sociale, je pars de la question érotique pour développer un propos plus général sur la relation entre les moyens expressifs et l’agentivité sociale. Plus spécifiquement, je me penche sur la question de comment l’agentivité érotique peut être « composée musicalement », c’est-à-dire comment l’agentivité peut se déployer par des moyens musicaux.
Usable Security and Privacy on Online Social Networks
Authors: Alemerien Khalid
Published: April 2021

Hundreds of millions of people use online social networks (OSNs), and this use is growing rapidly. On the one hand, users of OSNs have created accounts, which include their personal information, interests, associations, postings, daily activities, sharing of social media, and so forth. In addition, users want to protect these information and activities. But on the other hand, they want to use the services, which are provided by OSNs in order to stay in touch with others. Therefore, for achieving this desire, users reveal their personal information intentionally or accidentally. Why? Because users of OSNs do not have adequate information that helps them in making security and privacy decisions effectively in addition to inadequate feedback about the implications of user decisions. This means users do not know what to reveal and how. In order to cope with this problem, a systematic literature review of the usable security and privacy on OSNs was performed. This review is an attempt to pursue the contours of research in OSNs. Therefore, this paper discusses the existing research work, highlights the main research challenges and existing solutions, identifies open research issues, and proposes some directions for future research in the usable security and privacy on OSNs.
On the Influence of Inflow Model Selection for Time-Domain Tiltrotor Aeroelastic Analysis
Authors: Corle Ethan , Floros Matthew , Schmitz Sven
Published: April 2021

The methods of using the viscous vortex particle method, dynamic inflow, and uniform inflow to conduct whirl-flutter stability analysis are evaluated on a four-bladed, soft-inplane tiltrotor model using the Rotorcraft Comprehensive Analysis System. For the first time, coupled transient
simulations between comprehensive analysis and a vortex particle method inflow model are used to predict whirl-flutter stability. Resolution studies are performed for both spatial and temporal resolution in the transient solution. Stability in transient analysis is noted to be influenced by
both. As the particle resolution is refined, a reduction in simulation time-step size must also be performed. An azimuthal time step size of 0.3 deg is used to consider a range of particle resolutions to understand the influence on whirl-flutter stability predictions. Comparisons are made
between uniform inflow, dynamic inflow, and the vortex particle method with respect to prediction capabilities when compared to wing beam-bending frequency and damping experimental data. Challenges in assessing the most accurate inflow model are noted due to uncertainty in experimental data;
however, a consistent trend of increasing damping with additional levels of fidelity in the inflow model is observed. Excellent correlation is observed between the dynamic inflow predictions and the vortex particle method predictions in which the wing is not part of the inflow model, indicating
that the dynamic inflow model is adequate for capturing damping due to the induced velocity on the rotor disk. Additional damping is noted in the full vortex particle method model, with the wing included, which is attributed to either an interactional aerodynamic effect between the rotor and
the wing or a more accurate representation of the unsteady loading on the wing due to induced velocities.
An Interesting Case of Hyperhomocysteinemia Presenting as Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Avinash B. L. , Kamath Vasantha , Ganguly Shreyashi
Published: April 2021

When a young patient presents with ischemic stroke or recurrent venous thromboembolism of unknown aetiology or “young” myocardial infarction in the absence of traditional risk factors, a detailed thrombophilia workup becomes an imperative. In a setting of arterial and venous occlusive disorders hyperhomocysteinemia is an important risk factor in the absence of traditional contributory aetiologies. Here we present a case of 28-year-old man, never-smoker with no known comorbidities who initially presented to the hospital with acute, retrosternal chest pain, radiating to the left side. His ECG showed ST elevation in V1-V3 in the setting of raised cardiac enzymes, and 2d-echo demonstrating regional wall motion abnormality. He was diagnosed to have acute anteroseptal MI and thrombolysed with streptokinase. Subsequently, his coronary angiogram showed a non-occluded LAD. CT Angio with IVUS done at a staged interval revealed minimal luminal irregularities suggestive of MINOCA. 8 months later the patient presented with headeache, fever, and left focal seizure accompanied by signs of increased intracranial pressure. MRI brain with contrast-MR venogram showed complete thrombosis of superior sagittal sinus. Due to the previous history of MI, and present CVT the patient was subjected to detailed thrombophilic evaluation which was normal except the levels of vitamin B12 (126.9 pg/mL) was low his homocysteine level was abnormally elevated to a level of 38.23 μM/L. The patient was treated with heparin, anti-oedema measures and anti-epileptics followed by oral anticoagulant plus folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. Young patients presenting with arterial or venous thrombosis without any risk factors for atherosclerosis and venous thrombosis which is recurrent, unexplained, or at unusual sites, need screening for thrombophilic states and hyperhomocysteinemia should be ruled out as it can lead to both arterial and venous disease.
Adult-Onset Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis
Authors: Amarapur Megha , Biradar Sangram
Published: April 2021

We describe a case of adult-onset immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgA vasculitis) presenting with cutaneous, renal and gastrointestinal manifestations without any evidence of articular involvement. Injection rituximab therapy led to complete resolution of the symptoms. IgA vasculitis is more common in children than in adults. However, in adults, it frequently takes aggressive course as worse renal outcomes compared to children. Systemic steroids are recommended for moderate-to-severe IgA vasculitis. However, upcoming evidence suggests good response with B cell-directed therapies such as rituximab.
Study of Absolute Neutrophil Count and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Correlation with Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Devamsh G. N. , Sheshan V. , Chirag L. U. , Shetty Abhiman , Madhumathi R.
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives:

Diagnostic markers to detect diabetic nephropathy at the early stage are important as early intervention can slow the loss of kidney function. Currently, there are very few diagnostic markers available. Micro-albuminuria is an accepted sign of early renal injury. Measurement of other markers such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and cystatin C, etc., is costly, and their utility is still under the research. Diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus is thought to have elevated cytokines. However, their measurement is not easy. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can act as a surrogate marker for the same. There is limited research concerning the correlation between ANC, NLR, and diabetic nephropathy. ANC is a very simple and inexpensive laboratory parameter. There are only a few studies done previously studying the association between ANC and albuminuria in the Indian population with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Subjects and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the hospitals attached to Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute. One hundred and forty-five Type II diabetes patients who gave consent for the study and satisfy the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire, clinical examination, and relevant investigations. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Among the 145 individuals in the study, the mean age of the study population was 53.33 years (standard deviation: 11.90). The female-to-male ratio is 1.01: 1. The mean duration of disease was 5.88 years. The average ANC and NLR was higher in patients with proteinuria as compared to those without proteinuria. P value was statistically significant. It was noted that the NLR progressively increased from KDIGO stage G2 to G4, and the P value was statistically significant at 0.001.

Interpretation and Conclusion:

The NLR and ANC were significantly higher in patients with micro-albuminuria and macro-albuminuria compared to patients without proteinuria. They are simple, cost-effective parameters and can be considered as a surrogate marker for the detection and prognostic purposes of diabetic nephropathy. We hope this study adds to the existing data on NLR and ANC which are less studied parameters and paves way to future, well-matched, prospective studies which may define more in detail about the temporal correlation between ANC, NLR, and diabetic nephropathy.
A Retrospective Study of Clinical, Radiological, and Microbial Profile And Outcome in Patients with Splenic Abscess
Authors: Motimath Pooja Sangayya , Morkar Dnyanesh N. , Shirol Vivek Veereshkumar , Patil Rekha S.
Published: April 2021

Aim:

This study aimed to describe the clinical, radiological, and microbiological profile; treatment; and outcome in splenic abscess.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective study, in which fifty cases of splenic abscess that were hospitalized between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019, were reviewed .

Results:

A total of fifty cases (36 males and 14 females) were studied during this study. Majority of patients were in the age group of 24–30 years. Fever was found in 42 cases (84%), left-upper-quadrant pain in 36 cases (72%), mass per abdomen in 29 cases (58%), and rashes in 1 case (2%). These were the main clinical signs. Laboratory tests revealed leukocytosis and elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in all cases. All patients were investigated further with ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan. The primary focus of infection included infective endocarditis, pneumonia, pelvic abscess, retroviral disease, skin infection, and enteric fever. There was one case of epithelial cyst of the spleen that was secondarily infected and in eight cases, the etiology was not found. Treatment included surgical intervention (total splenectomy and percutaneous drainage) and conservative management with antibiotics or a combination. Both were successful. The outcome was generally favorable with the exception of two cases who succumbed to death due to septic shock.

Conclusion:

Abscess in the spleen is a rare condition. The clinical expression is highly polymorphic. A positive diagnosis is based on correlation of clinical features, laboratory values, and imaging. Early diagnosis with prompt suspicion is necessary to ensure timely treatment and favorable outcome.
Effect of pediatric drugs on color stability of various esthetic restorations in pediatric dentistry
Authors: Kathiria Hitakshi P. , Panda Anup K. , Virda Mira , Budakoti Varsha , Dave Para R. , Malge Rajeshkrishna
Published: April 2021

Background:

Maintenance of color throughout the functional lifetime of restorations in teeth is needed for its durability. Color changes have been considered as the major problem of dental restorations. Long-term usage of pediatric liquid medications can stain the tooth as well as the restorative materials whose longevity and acceptability are directly proportional to its color stability.

Aim:

The present study aims to evaluate and compare the effect of pediatric drugs on the color stability of different esthetic restorations.

Methodology:

Three different restorative materials such as glass-ionomer cement, composite, and ACTIVA KIDS were used to prepare a total of 150 (50 from each) specimens. These specimens were divided into five experimental subgroups (n = 10), which were immersed in 5 different liquid medicines. The color stability of all specimens was evaluated by colorimeter before and after the immersion period.

Results:

Composites in iron supplements showed the highest color changes, and the least changes were seen in the ACTIVA KIDS - Ibuprofen group.

Conclusion:

ACTIVA KIDS is found to be the most resistant to discoloration followed by GIC and composite. Iron supplements showed the highest staining ability among all the medications.
Cyclic $A_\infty$-algebras and double Poisson algebras
Authors: Fernández David , Herscovich Estanislao
Published: April 2021

In this article we prove that there exists an explicit bijection between nice

d

-pre-Calabi–Yau algebras and

d

-double Poisson differential graded algebras, where

d \in \mathbb{Z}

, extending a result proved by N. Iyudu and M. Kontsevich. We also show that this correspondence is functorial in a quite satisfactory way, giving rise to a (partial) functor from the category of

d

-double Poisson dg algebras to the partial category of

d

-pre-Calabi–Yau algebras. Finally, we further generalize it to include double

P_{\infty}

-algebras, introduced by T. Schedler.
Screening of some algal species for adsorption of iron, copper and mercury from untreated textile effluent in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Ado G , Sani L.A.
Published: April 2021

The research was carried out to screen endogenous species of algae for the adsorption of heavy metals from untreated effluents of Africa Textile Manufacturer (ATM) in Kano between July 2014- June, 2015. Primary field investigation and laboratory analysis were the main sources of data in the study. The study areas were divided into three strata within which samples were collected using stratified sampling techniques from a depth of 0-30cm. The study assessed the adsorption capacity of heavy metals namely: Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu) and Mercury (Hg) by some algal species using Atomic Absorbance Spectrophotometer (AAS). Indigenous algal species identified and isolated were Anabaena planctonica, Microcystis aeruginosa and Spirulina major using microscopy and standard phycological chart as described by Komerak and Anagnostidis, (1989). Bioremediation Bioassay was conducted to assess the adsorption capacity of the isolated organisms. The results showed that, tested organisms reduced the concentration level of heavy metals in the effluents to the standard limit proposed by FEPA (1997), WHO (1999) and (ICLARM, 1997). Spirulina major was found to sequester more Cu (22.80%) followed by Microcystis aeruginosa (21.34%). Higher concentration of Fe (5.77%) and Hg (5.15%) were removed by Microcystis aeruginosa. These findings indicated that all the tested organisms possessed great potential in removing heavy metals from untreated textile effluents. These findings also showed that adsorption of heavy metals by the tested organisms increased with time from 3-9 weeks of inoculation and adsorption was significantly higher at 9 weeks after inoculation.Keywords: Algal Species, ATM, Effluent and Heavy metals
Evaluation of qualitative phytochemicals and antifungal activity of aqueous leaf extract of Senna tora on downy mildew of cabbage
Authors: Zakari S.M. , Aliko A.A. , Haruna H , Muazu A
Published: April 2021

This study was embarked upon to evaluate the efficacy of aqueous extracts of Senna tora leaf against Perenospora parasitica, causing downy mildew on cabbage. Phytochemical analysis of the leaf extracts revealed the presence of some secondary metabolites (Tannins, Saponins, Flavonoid, Glycosides, Alkaloids, Phenolic compounds and Carbohydrates) which have been reported to have antimicrobial effects. Assays were performed using extract concentrations of 1000, 500, 250, 125 mg/ml by agar well diffusion technique. Results obtained, revealed a significant difference in diameter of mycelial zone of inhibition between the concentrations. Highest zone of inhibition was recorded at 1000 and 500 mg/ml (20 and 15 mm) respectively. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were determined and recorded at 250 mg/ml. The antifungal screening revealed that the extract exhibited inhibitory activities at varying concentrations against the downy mildew pathogen. These activities observed could be attributed to the presence of active metabolites contained in the extract.Keywords: Aqueous leaf extract, Downy mildew, Perenospora parasitica and Senna tora
Assessment of surface water physico-chemical parameters of Yardantsi Reservoir, Gusau Nigeria
Authors: Jabbi A.M. , Sani Z.R. , Rabiu A.T. , Balarabe M.L. , Adamu A.K.
Published: April 2021

The Yardantsi Reservoir, Gusau Nigeria serves multitude of purposes for the Gusau populace. It is the main source of water for domestic purpose, irrigation, and fishing. The reservoir receives both organic and inorganic waste through runoffs and seepage from the catchment areas. The physico- chemical parameters of the surface water were investigated monthly from May, 2015 to April, 2017. Samples were collected from five sampling stations and analyzed using standard procedures for examination of water and waste water. The data obtained was subjected to multivariate analysis using Microsoft office excels and SPSS. The results showed the following mean seasonal variation of surface water temperature (26.62±0.34– 30.12±0.17ᴼC),transparency (48.82±1.08- 22.07±0.87cm), mean depth (2.12±0.05-2.65±0.04m), pH (7.61±0.15-7.96±0.13), electrical conductivity (186.32±3.84- 108.05±5.43µS/cm), total dissolved solids (96.00±1.95- 63.70±3.68mg/L), dissolved oxygen (7.80±0.11-6.91±0.10mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (2.71±0.09-2.48±0.05mg/L), alkalinity (40.57±0.69–27.87±0.51mg/L), hardness (59.20±1.01– 32.18±0.94mg/L), NO3-N (2.28±0.08-4.44±0.07mg/L), PO4-P (123.72±1.44-173.48 ± 2.78 mg/L), sulphate (31.62±1.45-71.80±1.82mg/L)  and chloride (74.08±1.67- 37.64±0.96mg/L) for dry and rainy seasons respectively. The results revealed that a highly significant seasonal variation (p<0.01) was exhibited in all parameters with the exception of pH which shows no significant seasonal variation (p>0.05) and biochemical oxygen demand, which shows a significant seasonal variation (p<0.05). The results of this survey showed that the parameters observed indicated that most of them fall within the recommended range set by World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ).Keywords: Dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, pH, reservoir, temperature
Determination of As, Cd, Cr and Co in some herbal medicines sold in the markets of Zaria using neutron activation analysis
Authors: Elisha J.J. , Nuhu A.A. , Agbaji E.B. , Abechi S.E.
Published: April 2021

The levels of elements with genotoxic potentials; As, Cd, Cr and Co in herbal medicines obtained from stem barks of Boswellia serrata, Prosopis africana, Anogeissus leiocarpus and Sclerocarya birrea were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis and compared to WHO/EU (2007) permissible values in herbal products. The results of standard material IAEA 1515 (apple leaves) were not significantly different from the certificate values. Arsenic in the samples ranged from ND to 0.037 mg/kg. The maximum value (0.037mg/kg) was obtained in Boswellia serrata which was ten times and two times the value in Sclerocarya birrea and Anogeissus leiocarpus respectively. This maximum was below WHO/EU (2007) values. Arsenic was not detected in Prosopis africana herbal medicine. Cadmium in all the samples was below detection limit except in Anogeissus leiocarpus herbal medicine where the concentration was 0.0012mg/kg his was below WHO/EU (2007) values. Chromium in the samples ranged from ND to 0.06 mg/kg, the maximum was in Anogeissus leiocarpus herbal medicine; this concentration was slightly above EU (2007) values of 0.050 mg/kg but, below WHO (2007) value of 2.0 mg/kg. Cobalt was detected in all the samples, the concentrations ranged from 0.01mg/kg to 0.16 mg/kg with the highest concentration in Sclerocarya birrea herbal medicine, this concentration was about two and half times the concentration in Boswellia serrata . The Co concentration in Anogeissus leiocarpus herbal medicine was about five times lower than the concentration in Boswellia serrata. The concentrations of Co in the herbal medicines were in the order, Sclerocarya birrea > Boswellia serrata > Prosopis africana > Anogeissus leiocarpus. WHO/EU (2007) have not set Co permissible limits in food and drinking water. Although, most of the genotoxicants were below WHO/EU (2007) values none the less, these herbal medicines should be investigated further for other toxic and genotoxic compounds as a means of quality control because, genotoxicants have no threshold limit to cause cancer therefore, quality assurance measures should always be taken in the produc ion and use of these substances.Keywords: Elements, genotoxic, herbal medicines, instrumental neutron activation analysis, Zaria
Delay of emergency surgical interventions in Ethiopia: Patient and health system factors
Authors: Tamrat Girmaye , Osman Mensur , Deyessa Nigussie , Taye Mulat , Lett Ronald , Bekele Abebe
Published: April 2021

Background: The objectives of this study were to evaluate outcomes among patients with acute abdomen and abdominal trauma who presented at either of 2 referral hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and to determine the factors associated with delay as well as the effects of prehospital and in-hospital delay on outcome. Methods: We conducted a 1-year prospective cross-sectional study, which included all cases of surgically treated acute abdomen and abdominal trauma admitted to St Paul General Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Gondar University Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia. Standardized data collection forms were completed for all cases from 1 May 2008 to 30 April 2009. Data were analyzed using Epi Info version 6 and SPSS version 13. Results: A total of 504 patients were studied. Diagnoses were: intestinal obstruction (34.6 %), appendicitis (33 %), and perforated peptic ulcer (3.6 %). Sixty-six percent of patients over 45 years of age, 60% of females, and 61% of intestinal obstruction cases were operated on within 3 days of illness onset. The 35% of patients who were operated on more than 3 days after the development of symptoms had a mortality of 67%. Fifty-four percent of the cases with a total prehospital and in-hospital time of more than 3 days had initially visited other health institutions. Conclusions: Delay of surgical intervention of more than 3 days for acute abdomen or abdominal trauma adversely affected outcomes. Women, patients older than 45 years of age, patients with intestinal obstruction, and those who were referred from other health facilities were delayed and had adverse outcomes. Keywords: delay in surgery; acute abdomen; abdominal trauma; surgical systems improvement
Teaching surgical skills in a resource-limited setting: Comparing massed versus distributed practice in an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy simulator
Authors: Munyaneza Robert , Martin Allison N. , Riviello Robert , Abahuje Egide , Murthy Shilpa S. , Ntirenganya Faustin
Published: April 2021

Background: Teaching surgical skills in the simulation lab has increased markedly compared to teaching only in the operating room. Although many studies have been performed investigating the optimal teaching methodology for skills acquisition, there is no consensus on the best method. Massed and distributed practices are important methods in teaching procedural skills. Considering the limited human and logistical resources in low and middle-income settings, it is valuable to understand the optimal methodology for learning and acquiring surgical skills. Methods: Thirty-two core needle biopsy-naïve first-year residents and final year medical students rotating in general surgery were enrolled in and completed the study at University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, a tertiary, teaching and referral hospital in Kigali, Rwanda. They were assigned to a “massed” group (i.e., one time, 3-hour practice) or “distributed” group (i.e., 1-hour practice per week for 3 weeks). Trainees were taught ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy on a high-fidelity breast simulator. All participants completed pre- and post-tests and an evaluation of skill retention was performed one month after completion of the training. Analysis of performance was completed, and p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was no difference between performance on the pretest (p=0.985) and the posttest (p=0.680). Both groups demonstrated improvement after implementation of the simulation training when comparing pretest and posttest results (p<0.001); there were no differences in the evaluation of skills retention after one month after the training between the two groups (p=0.273). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that both groups have improved significantly their knowledge and skills. Trainees have similar retention of skills in ultrasound guided core needle biopsy on a breast simulator whether trained under a massed or distributed practice schedule. Both methods may be considered in our setting for teaching surgical skills. Keywords: surgical simulation; resource-limited setting; global surgery
A CRITIQUE ON LEASE VERSUS BUY ANALYSIS AND GOVERNMENT TAX REVENUE
Authors: Wang Guan Jun
Published: April 2021

Motivation for leasing is often believed to be the tax rate difference between the lessee and the lessor, allowing both to save on taxes at the government's expense. These short notes challenge this conventional wisdom and demonstrate not only the tax rate difference but also other various leasing parameters that can have an impact on government tax revenue both analytically and numerically. This paper adds additional theoretical groundworks to the literature to support the claim that the positive-sum games do exist among the lessee, the lessor, and the government.

JEL Classification Codes: C6, G3.
Good Policing
Authors: Hough Mike
Published: April 2021

Renowned criminologist Mike Hough considers how the police service might build trust, legitimacy and compliance with the law in this important book. He challenges conventional thinking on crime, contrasts 'hard' and 'soft' policing styles and offers a fresh approach that secures compliance with the law through ethical policing.
Powering Development in Climate Vulnerable Areas: The Role of Decentralized Solar Solutions in India
Authors: Ginoya Namrata , Meenawat Harsha , Devi Amala , Deka Pamli , Jairaj Bharath
Published: April 2021

In India, poor and marginalized communities face the dual challenges of low socioeconomic development and extreme vulnerability to climate change. Although there have been significant improvements in India’s rural household electrification, electricity availability for health centers, schools, and rural enterprises is still limited. Decentralized solar energy solutions are increasingly considered for bringing reliable electricity to community facilities, especially in climate vulnerable areas.
O Ato Sarbanes-Oxley e o Impacto sobre a Governança de TI das Corporações
Authors: Pinheiro José Maurício Dos Santos
Published: April 2021

Cada empresa é diferente em sua operação e abordagem filosófica, o que nos leva a reconhecer a importância da análise apropriada das circunstâncias de controle específicas apresentadas por cada ambiente corporativo. Este ambiente encontra-se cada vez mais apoiado na tecnologia, apresentando-se em constante mutação e exigindo formas cada vez mais ágeis e flexíveis no gerenciamento dos recursos. Num cenário de extrema competitividade, as novas estratégias de negócios estão cada vez mais associadas à área de Tecnologia da Informação, entretanto, sem um conhecimento detalhado da estrutura existente e das práticas gerenciais em vigor é impossível tecer recomendações apropriadas para um ambiente de trabalho específico. Neste contexto, o Ato Sarbanes-Oxley afeta as empresas, tornando-se um requisito que exige dos administradores um nível elevado de entendimento das mudanças nos mecanismos e processos empresariais que este Ato acarreta sobre cada corporação. Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar os efeitos do Ato Sarbanes-Oxley sobre a governança de TI e mostrar como os colaboradores de uma corporação são afetados em algum nível por ele.
Uma proposição metodológica para a avaliação da compactação de pós
Authors: Palmeira Alexandre Alvarenga , Habibe Alexandre Fernandes , De Barros José Glênio Medeiros , Borges  Júnior Cyro Alves
Published: April 2021

O processo de produção de um produto a partir de pós, em geral, segue as seguintes etapas: Obtenção dos Pós, Preparação e Mistura dos Pós, Conformação dos Pós, Sinterização e Acabamento. Dentre os processos de conformação dos pós está a prensagem a seco, nele a peça obtida apresenta uma distribuição de densidade não uniforme no seu interior. Tal variação de densidade de compactação é função de vários fatores, como: uso de lubrificantes nas paredes do molde ou na mistura, morfologia do pó, tamanho médio das partículas, distribuição de tamanho de partículas, de direção de aplicação da pressão, ou seja, se compactado em prensas de ação simples ou dupla ação, etc.. Este trabalho objetiva apresentar uma nova proposta de metodologia de avaliação da compactação de pós pelo método de elementos finitos. Com essa metodologia leva-se em consideração a forma, tamanho e distribuição dos pós no interior do molde, tornando o modelo mais realístico. Pois leva em consideração fatores importantes, como: a morfologia do pó, tamanho médio das partículas, distribuição de tamanho de partículas, etc.. Sendo assim, espera-se poder avaliar e estimar vários fatores e parâmetros de operação, como a curva ideal de aplicação de pressão, obter através da simulação a comprovação numérica do Coeficiente de Andreasem. Obter uma distribuição morfológica de pós que produza a distribuição de densidade mais homogênea, avaliar qual o tamanho médio e distribuição de partículas que também produzam uma distribuição densidade mais homogênea.
O Princípio da Intertextualidade Como Fator de Textualidade The Principle of the Intertextuality as a Factor of Textuality
Authors: Gouvêa Maria Aparecida Rocha
Published: April 2021

Este artigo discute o princípio da intertextualidade como fator de textualidade em textos orais e escritos, determinando a influência e a importância do “já-dito” nas manifestações discursivas do ser humano. A partir da conceituação de interdiscursividade e de intertextualidade, classifica as formas mais utilizadas desse princípio de textualidade.
SILENCIO POSITIVO, REVISIÓN DE ACTOS Y COSA JUZGADA
Authors: DESDENTADO DAROCA EVA
Published: April 2021

Este trabajo aborda el problema de si es posible o no que la Administración
ejercite las potestades y acciones de revisión de actos cuando previamente
se ha dictado sentencia firme declarando la producción de un silencio positivo.
Se trata de una reflexión teórica sobre las dificultades que plantea la relación
entre las instituciones claves del silencio positivo, la revisión de actos y la cosa
juzgada. El análisis se hace a la luz del examen de algunas sentencias controvertidas del orden jurisdiccional social sobre el reconocimiento de prestaciones económicas
del FOGASA por silencio, pero trasciende los casos resueltos por estas
sentencias para llevar a cabo un estudio conceptual que conduce a algunas propuestas
de lege lata y de lege ferenda.

Administrazioak erabil al ditzake egintzak berrikusteko ahalak
eta ekintzak, isiltasun positiboa egon dela deklaratuz, aurretiaz epai irmoa eman
baldin bada? Arazo hori jorratzen da artikulu honetan. Ikusiko dugu zer harreman
dagoen isiltasun positiboan giltzarri diren erakundeen, egintza-berrikuspenaren
eta gauza epaituaren artean, eta gogoeta teoriko bat egingo dugu harreman
horren zailtasunez. Izan ere, lan-arloko jurisdikzio-ordenan begiratzen badugu,
epai eztabaidatu batzuek aitortu izan dituzte, isiltasuna tarteko, FOGASAren
prestazio ekonomikoak. Hortik tiraka egingo dugu azterketa, baina epai horietan
ebatzitako kasuak baino urrunago goaz, alegia, kontzeptuak aztertu, eta zenbait
proposamen ere egingo ditugu lege lata eta lege ferenda.

This article approaches the difficulties that arise when the judges
establish that the absence of reply by the Administration has to be understood
as an implied concession of what the citizen applied for, when the applicant did
not really fulfil the requirements to obtain what he had asked for. In such a case
the implied administrative act (concession) is illegal, but the question that arises
is whether the Administration can still use the actions against the illegal act and
obtain its annulment or this annulment can not be possible as a consequence of
the res iudicata effect.
SACRIFICIO DE ANIMALES Y LIBERTAD RELIGIOSA. COMENTARIO A CENTRAAL ISRAËLITISCH CONSISTORIE VAN BELGIË, STJUE (GRAN SALA) DE 17-12-2020
Authors: GARCIA URETA AGUSTIN
Published: April 2021

El presente comentario examina una sentencia del Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea (TJUE) (Gran Sala) respecto de las restricciones para el sacrificio ritual de animales a la luz de la normativa europea sobre esta materia. A diferencia de anteriores sentencias, el TJUE ha sostenido que los Estados miembros pueden establecer medidas más restrictivas, imponiendo el requisito del aturdimiento previo reversible. La ausencia de un consenso en los Estados miembros sobre esta cuestión ha llevado al TJUE a evitar imponer un canon común a todos ellos.

Iruzkin honek Europar Batasuneko Justizia Auzitegiaren (EBJA, Sala Nagusia) epai bat aztertzen du, gai horri buruzko Europako araudiaren arabera animaliak erritualki hiltzeko murrizketei buruzkoa. Aurreko epaietan ez bezala, EBJAk esan du estatu kideek neurri murriztaileagoak ezar ditzaketela, aldez aurreko zorabio itzulgarriaren betekizuna ezarriz. Gai horri buruz estatu kideetan adostasunik ez dagoenez, EBJAk saihestu egin du horiei guztiei kanon komun bat ezartzea.

This comment examines a judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) (Grand Chamber) regarding the restrictions for the ritual slaughter of animals, in the light of the EU regulations on this matter. Unlike previous judgments, the CJEU has affirmed that the Member States are entitled to impose further restrictions, such as the previous reversible stunning of animals without causing their death. The lack of common consensus on this matter in the EU has led the CJEU not to set out a judicial canon on this matter.
PRINCIPALES NOVEDADES PARA EL SECTOR DEL GAS NATURAL QUE RESULTAN DE LAS CIRCULARES DE LA COMISIÓN NACIONAL DE LOS MERCADOS Y LA COMPETENCIA
Authors: ESTOA PÉREZ ABEL
Published: April 2021

Este trabajo describe el sistema de gas natural que resulta de
las primeras circulares aprobadas por la CNMC en cumplimiento del Real Decreto-
Ley 1/2019. Las circulares regulan el acceso a las instalaciones, su balance y retribución,
así como los peajes necesarios para recuperar el coste de esos activos.
La circular de acceso culmina la «virtualización del sistema» con la creación de un
tanque único de GNL que permitirá, cabe esperar, mayor eficiencia y una reducción
de precios. La circular de balance se centra en prevenir el fraude. Reajusta las
garantías exigibles y, en incumplimientos graves, permite deshacer operaciones.
Las metodologías de retribución supondrán la reducción de las retribuciones atendiendo
al principio de realización de una actividad de bajo riesgo al menor coste.
A través de los peajes se recuperará esa retribución durante el periodo retributivo
de seis años que se inicia el 1 de enero de 2021.

Gas naturalaren arloan daukagun sistema deskribatzen du lan
honek, abiapuntu garbia jarrita: 1/2019 Errege Lege Dekretua bete beharrez MLBNk
onartu zituen lehen zirkularrak. Zirkularrek instalazioetarako sarbidea, balantzea eta
ordainsaria arautzen dituzte, baita aktibo horien kostua berreskuratzeko behar diren
bidesariak ere. Sarbidearen zirkularrak «sistemaren birtualizazioa» amaitzen du,
hau da, GNL-tanga bakarra sortzen du, hartara ¿espero izatekoa denez¿ efizientzia
handiago lortzeko eta prezioak jaisteko. Balantze-zirkularraren ardatza iruzurra
prebenitzea da; eska daitezkeen bermeak doitu, eta, urraketa larrietan, eragiketak
desegitea ahalbidetzen du. Ordainsari-metodologiek ordainsariak murriztea ekarriko
dute, arrisku txikiko jarduerak kosturik txikienean egin behar direla dioen printzipioa
aintzat hartuta. Bidesarien bidez, ordainsari hori berreskuratu egingo da, hain zuzen
ere 2021eko urtarrilaren 1ean hasten den sei urteko ordainsari-aldian.

This work describes the natural gas system that results from
the first regulations (circulars) approved by the CNMC according to the Royal
Decree-Law 1/2019. The circulars regulate third party access to the facilities,
their balance and remuneration, as well as the tariffs necessary to recover the
cost of these assets. The access circular culminates the «virtualization of the
system» with the creation of a single LNG tank that will hopefully allow for
greater efficiency and lower prices. The balance circular is focused on preventing
fraud. It readjusts the required guarantees and, in serious infringements, allows
operations to be undone. The retribution methodologies will entail the reduction
of the remuneration according to the principle of carrying out a low-risk activity
at the lowest cost. Through the corresponding tariffs, this remuneration shall be
recovered during the six-year period that begins on January 1, 2021.