bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 in the Urine of Mothers with Fetal Hydronephrosis to the Severity and Cause of Neonatal Renal Involvement
Authors: Sangsari Razieh , Mirnia Kayvan , Saeedi Maryam , Asl Nina Gozali , Kajbafzadeh Abdol-Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Background:

Hydronephrosis is the most common problem in prenatal sonography, which early detection decreases its complication and increases the survival rate of infants. Increased carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) tumor marker has been observed in nonmalignant conditions including hydronephrosis secondary to ureteral stones. This study aimed to determine the relationship between urinary CA19-9 in mothers with hydronephrosis fetuses with prognosis, severity, and cause of neonatal renal insufficiency.

Materials and Methods:

The present study is a retrospective/prospective cohort study. The CA19-9 was measured in 63 pregnant women who had a fetus with hydronephrosis in the third trimester of pregnancy. The relationship between CA19-9 and the following parameters was evaluated: causes of hydronephrosis, need for hospitalization after birth, need for surgery, treatment status, and survival.

Results:

In the present study, high values of CA19-9 (more than 27.8%) were able to predict severe hydronephrosis in neonates with a sensitivity of 80.6% and a specificity of 59.6%. An increase in this marker also could determine the pathological cause of hydronephrosis such as posterior urethral valves, the need for hydronephrosis surgery (P < 0.001), the need for hospitalization (P < 0.001), and the need to assisted ventilation (P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

The level of CA19-9 biomarker in the urine of pregnant mothers with hydronephrosis fetuses can be predictive value. Even urinary CA19-9 of mothers during the pregnancy can predict the need for the neonatal intensive care unit after delivery.
Laparoscopic management of vaginal evisceration of the small bowel
Authors: Bhagat Vivek Kumar , Baksi Aditya , Dubey Kalika , Gothwal Meenakshi , Puranik Ashok Kumar
Published: July 2022

Vaginal vault dehiscence leading to bowel evisceration is a rare but potentially lethal surgical emergency. Various aetiologies have been reported in the literature, but the condition is most commonly seen after hysterectomy in post-menopausal women. Prompt reduction of the bowel is necessary to prevent ischaemic complications. Although most cases in the past have been managed by exploratory laparotomy, the condition may be managed laparoscopically if the prolapsed bowel is viable, giving the benefit of minimally invasive surgery to the patient. A hybrid approach of laparoscopic bowel reduction and per vaginal repair of the vault is technically simple and can be performed even by non-expert surgeons in an emergency setting.
Study on airway assessment practices for elective procedures during pre-anesthetic evaluation in COVID-19 pandemic- A national online survey (SAFE PAC Survey)
Authors: Girijanandan Menon D. , Manjit George , Sunitha Zachariah K. , Lintu George , Linby Chacko , Sruthy Victor
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims:

A pilot study among anesthesiologists, revealed a wide variation among individual practices including skipping pre-anesthetic airway assessment during COVID-19 pandemic because of the fear of getting infected. Risk of infection during pre-anesthetic airway assessment has not been studied. The primary objective of the survey was to evaluate the practices of airway examination by anesthesiologists during this pandemic period. Secondary objectives were to study the effects of institutional factors and other individual practices on risk modification and the incidence of COVID-19 infection among anesthesiologists.

Material and Methods:

A survey was conducted using a pre-validated questionnaire comprising of 35 questions. The questionnaire was circulated among 4676 members of the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists (ISA) through Google Forms by email.

Results:

Of the 4676 members contacted via email, 470 were returned undelivered. From the remaining 4206 questionnaire recipients, 456 completed responses were obtained giving a response rate of 10.8%. Percentage, mean and standard deviation were calculated using EZR software. The conduct of pre-anesthetic airway assessment has decreased by 31.7% during the pandemic, leading to 5.2% of participants encountering unanticipated difficult airway. Among the respondents, eight percent were infected.

Conclusion:

Avoidance of preoperative airway assessment by anesthesiologists during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to rising unanticipated difficult airway undermining the patient safety. Adherence to recommended practices ensures safety from risk of COVID-19 infection.
Safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma as a therapy for SARS-CoV-2: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Choudhuri Anirban Hom , Duggal Sakshi , Singh Jotika , Biswas Partha Sarathi
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims:

The safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy (CPT) in SARS-CoV-2 is promising but intriguing due to heterogeneity of published studies. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis of convalescent plasma use in COVID-19 to identify its safety and efficacy.

Material and Methods:

We comprehensively searched the databases - PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for journal papers published between December 2019 and January 2021 about the use of CPT in SARS-CoV-2, and performed a meta-analysis using random effects models and assessed the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results:

Of 1529 records, 11 studies were eligible (five RCTs, two nonrandomized intervention trials, three prospective observational, and one retrospective), and all were conducted in confirmed patients of SARS-CoV-2. Out of the 11 studies, four investigated the effect of CPT on mortality, three on symptom alleviation, five on duration of hospital stay, four on time to discharge, three on the effect on viral clearance, three on the improvement in antibody titers, two on oxygen requirement, and two on adverse events. The pooled estimate for relative risk of death from SARS-CoV-2 was no different after CPT than control (RR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.69, 1.10), (p = 0.426) but the relative risk of clinical improvement of symptoms was better after CPT (RR: 1.61, 95% CI: 0.97. 2.70). There was earlier hospital discharge after CPT over control (RR: 1.49, 95% CI: 0.79, 2.80), improved viral clearance (RR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.07, 3.53), and quicker detection of antibody titer (RR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.07, 3.53). No difference was observed for adverse effects between CPT and control (RR: 0.92.; 95% CI: 0.63 1.35).

Conclusion:

CPT appears to be a safe and promising treatment in moderate to severe SARS-CoV-2 leading to faster clinical improvement, reduced oxygen requirement, early hospital discharge, and quicker emergence of protective antibodies despite having no mortality benefit.
Relationship of anemia with COVID-19 deaths: A retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Jha Manish , Tak M.L. , Gupta Rashmi , Sharma Priyamvada , Rajpurohit Vikas , Mathur Prachi , Gaur Nayanika
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims:

With the second wave of COVID-19, India lost close to three lakh people within the span of a few months. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of anemia on the severity of COVID-19 based on the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration of the patients noted at the time of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), to mark Hb as a prognostic marker of disease severity for the future.

Material and Methods:

Retrospective data was collected from 784 patients admitted to the COVID adult ICU between March and June 2021. Patients were identified as anemic and non-anemic based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Chi-squared test was applied to see the relationship of anemia with the patient deaths.

Results:

Among the 784 patients, 507 succumbed to COVID-19. Of these, 49.3% had varying degrees of anemia. Significant correlation of anemia with death due to COVID-19 was found in males and females (P = 0.002106 and P = 0.033071, respectively) and in patients without any other comorbidities except anemia (P = 0.002020). This suggests that anemia is independently an important parameter that plays a role in severity of COVID-19.

Conclusion:

Upon observing a significant correlation between anemia and COVID-19 severity, it can be stated that anemia should be considered as an independent prognostic risk factor for COVID-19 and that hemoglobin can be used for risk stratification in patients under home or hospital care.
Comparison of Prevalence of Psychological Morbidities, Associated Factors, and Coping Styles between Pre/Para-Clinical and Clinical Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Garg Sunny , Lamba Sonika , Rawal Manoj , Singh Sanjeet , Kumar Lalit , Bansal Kirti
Published: July 2022

Background:

Psychological morbidities are high among undergraduate medical students. They experience the transition between pre/para-clinical and clinical training as a stressful period, and cope differently. Research from India in this regard is lacking.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to assess and compare the prevalence of psychological morbidities, associated factors, and coping styles between pre/para-clinical and clinical undergraduate medical students.

Materials and Methods:

This institution-based cross-sectional observational design study was conducted among pre/para-clinical and clinical group of undergraduate medical students (a total of 382) by using a questionnaire in the period between April and June 2021. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. The survey included standard self-administered questionnaires like general health questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) and Lin-Chen's coping inventory to assess psychological morbidities and coping styles, respectively. Associated factors for psychological morbidities, and coping styles between two groups were compared using chi-square test, independent t test, and binary logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Of the 382 responders, psychological morbidities (GHQ-28 score >23) were found in 61% of participants. Both groups reported a high level, a slightly higher preponderance in clinical (61.5%) than pre/para-clinical students (60.6%), and with nonsignificant difference of psychological morbidities. Compared to pre/para-clinical group, clinical group was found to have more substance consumption behavior (P < 0.001), dissatisfaction with academic performance (P < 0.001), sought psychiatric consultation (P < 0.05), and currently on psychiatric treatment (P < 0.05). Overall, coping was found to be average and good among the participants. Active problem coping behavior was more significantly used by pre/para-clinical group, whereas passive problem coping and passive emotional coping behavior were positively significantly correlated with psychological morbidities in the clinical group.

Conclusions:

This study established a significant correlation between psychological morbidities and passive coping styles in the clinical group. These students need interventions to encourage the use of more active coping styles during the training to provide advances in future career. A strong correlation with dissatisfied academic performance may be a call for an efficient and more student-friendly curriculum.
Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes among Pregnant Women's Towards Folic Acid Intake During Pregnancy in a Sample of Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Babylon Province
Authors: Sadiq Zahraa A. , Hussein Hanan K.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is one of the important vitamins required for embryonic growth and development, as well as preventing the occurrence of congenital malformations, which are a major health concern in developing countries and around the world because they have a direct impact on the affected babies, their families, and the community.

Objectives:

To assess the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women toward folic acid intake throughout pregnancy in a sample of women in Babylon Governorate and to assess the association of knowledge, attitude of folic acid with certain sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics.

Methods:

A cross-sectional interview-based study targeting a convenient sample of 265 pregnant women who attended antenatal care unit of five PHCCs in Babylon Governorate/Iraq during a period of three months (from April 1 to July 1, 2021). The respondents were interviewed with a pretested questionnaire, that includes data related to sociodemographic and obstetric history, seven questions related to pregnants’ knowledge, and five questions related to pregnant attitudes toward the importance of folic acid intake during pregnancy. Data were analyzed by SPSS, version 26.

Results:

265 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. The result found that the mean (±standard deviation) age was 26.5 (±5.7) years where 58.1% (154) of women were in the age group of 20–29 years and two-third of participants were a resident in urban areas. In addition, 54.5% (144) of women had college and postgraduate education, housewives consisted 51% (134) of the sample, and 45 were employed; only 26 (9.8%) pregnant women were not hearing about folic acid intake during pregnancy. The major source of hearing was doctors. 44.8% (107) of participants had fair level of knowledge; knowledge score was significantly associated with age, residency, and occupation of pregnant women (P ≤ 0.05); knowledge score had no significant association with educational level, parity, history of abortion and stillbirth, or having children with congenital anomalies. 75 (31.4%) mothers had negative attitude toward using folic acid during pregnancy. Pregnant attitude toward folic acid supplements had no association with sociodemographic and obstetrical history. There was a positive moderate linear correlation between the mother's knowledge and attitude (r = 0.36, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The study found that pregnant women had a fair and good knowledge about using folic acid during pregnancy. In addition, most pregnant women have a positive attitude.
Influence of Oral Bisphosphonate on Dental Implant
Authors: Al-Noaman Ahmed Salah
Published: July 2022

Background:

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are medications employed widely in the management of metabolic bone diseases. Dental implants are new therapy for replacement of missing teeth depend on the osseointegration process. There is a considerable debate on the effect of oral BPs on the osseointegration process and subsequently on the success rate of dental implant and development of BRNOJ.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to revise literatures on the effect of oral (BPs) on the success rate of dental implants and the development of BPs-related osteonecrosis of the jaws.

Materials and Methods:

PubMed, google scholar, Scopus database, and manual search were performed to find out articles on the effect of oral BPs on dental implant outcome and development of BRNOJ.

Results:

twelve articles were found six retrospective studies, one prospective studies, two case control studies and one case series discussing the effect of oral BPs on success rate of dental implant and development of BRNOJ.

Conclusion:

the majority of patients were osteoporotic females and treated with oral BPs. Oral BPs have little, if any, influence on success rate of dental implant and there is no conclusive evidence on BRNOJ-related oral BPs in implanted patients. Patients on BPs and received implant therapy should be cautioned on developing BRNOJ and followed-up for long time period.
Effectiveness of an Educational Program on Nurses’ Knowledge Regarding Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Mohamed Dilshad Abdullah , Alatroshi Akram Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives:

Neonatal sepsis is the main health problem that is accountable for about 30–50% of the overall neonatal mortality in the developing nations. Nurses can provide a straight care and have the ability to impact on neonate's outcomes, so that teaching nurses about sepsis is measured essential to improve neonates’ care, safety, and outcomes. The present study intends to increase the nursing knowledge regarding neonatal sepsis in Heevi Pediatric and Maternity Hospitals ICU departments.

Materials and Methods:

A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Heevi Pediatric and Maternity Hospitals from October 15, 2020 to January 20, 2021. The study included two groups: the control group (27 nurses) from Heevi Pediatric Hospital and the interventional group (25 nurses) from Maternity Hospital. The data were collected through the use of a questionnaire prepared in English and translated into Arabic and Kurdish. Its first part was concerned with demographic characteristics of the nurses, and the second part assessed their knowledge before and after implementation of the educational program regarding neonates with sepsis using a scoring system. The statistical calculations were performed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Version 25 (SPSS 25; IBM Corp.; USA). The ethical approval of the current intervention was obtained from the research Ethics Committee of Directorate of Health.

Results:

The pre-assessment of the outcomes showed that the control and experimental groups were comparable in knowledge score (P = 0.0931), whereas the post-assessment of the outcomes has showed a highly significant improvement in the experimental knowledge score in comparison to the control group (P ≤ 0.0001). The control and experimental groups were comparable in knowledge (awareness), and this comparability is highly significant in the interventional group (P < 0.0001), but in the control group, there is also a noticeable progress as P = 0.0014. The nurses were comparable in the different educational groups regarding nurses’ educational levels and their awareness of neonatal sepsis (P = 0.9737). The nurses were comparable in the experimental group with their age (P = 0.3410), experience in working in neonatal intensive care units (P = 0.3744), and the training courses the nurses shared (P = 0.49546). In the control group unit, the maximum score of nurses’ knowledge was 20 and the minimum score was 9. Whereas in the interventional group, the maximum score was 17 and the minimum score was 11. After application of the program to the interventional group, the score was as follows: in the control group, the maximum and minimum scores were 21 and 11, whereas in the interventional group, the scores were 24 and 19, respectively.

Conclusion:

The educational program was effective in increasing the nurses’ knowledge regarding neonatal sepsis care.
The risk of stroke according to statin medication compliance in older people with chronic periodontitis: an analysis using the Korea National Health Insurance Service-Senior Cohort Database
Authors: Kim Seon-Rye , Son Minkook , Kim Yu-Rin
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the risk of stroke according to statin medication compliance in older people with chronic periodontitis.METHODS: Chronic periodontitis patients were extracted from the National Health Insurance Service-Senior Cohort Database from 2002 to 2014. Among 255,056 chronic periodontitis patients, 41,412 patients with statin prescriptions for 28 days or more were included. The study population was divided into the top 25% of medication compliance group (TSG) and the lower 25% of medication compliance group (BSG). After 1:1 propensity score matching was performed, the final number of patients in the BSG and TSG was 6,172 each. To analyze the risk of stroke, a Cox proportional hazard model was performed to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) after adjusting for age, sex, income level, hypertension, diabetes, and Charlson comorbidity index.RESULTS: In the Kaplan-Meier curve, the disease-free probability was prominently lower in the BSG than in the TSG (p for log-rank= 0.001). The HR in the multivariable-adjusted model for stroke occurrence in the TSG compared to the BSG was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.67 to 0.92; p= 0.002). Subgroup analyses showed significant associations between compliance to statin medication and stroke, especially in female, people 85 years or older, and patients with comorbidities.CONCLUSIONS: Increasing compliance to statins may reduce stroke risk in older adults with chronic periodontitis. Therefore, in order to increase medication compliance among older people with chronic periodontitis, it is necessary for medical staff to make efforts to provide effective medication guidance.
Determination of Soil Erosion and Sediment Yield in the Bonsa River Basin Using GIS and Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE)
Authors: Asare A. , Boye C. B.
Published: July 2022

The Bonsa river is an important tributary of the Ankobra river in the Western Region of Ghana. The catchment of the Bonsa river has been undergoing rapid land cover changes due to human activities such as farming, illegal mining, population growth, among others which are likely to promote soil erosion and sediment yield in the river basin. To estimate the amount of soil eroded over a period and subsequent sediment yielded along the Bonsa river basin, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) to model the spatial distribution patterns in soil erosion and sediment yield within the catchment. Data used included annual rainfall records, soil map, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and land-use map of the study area. Parameters of the model were determined and converted into raster layers using the raster calculator tool in ArcMap to produce a soil erosion map. The concept of Sediment Delivery Ratio (SDR) was applied to determine the annual sediment yield by combining a raster SDR layer with soil erosion map. The predicted soil loss and sediment yield values were found to be low. This may be due to high soil protective cover provided by vegetation as well as low topographic relief in the river basin. Though, the elements and processes responsible for soil erosion and sediment yield prevailing in the basin was found to be low, adverse situations could be developed with time if the prevailing conditions are not checked, as soil erosion is a natural gradual slow process. The gains made could be sustained by putting measures in place to control human activities, particularly, illegal mining (galamsey) in the basin, indiscriminate cutting down of trees and farmining activities along the Bansa river basin. This study will support monitoring, planning of water resources and help to improve sustainable water quality.
Characterisation of Small-Scale Gold Mining Tailings in the Western Region of Ghana
Authors: Cobbinah I. J. , Gbedemah G. M. K. , Nurudeen Z. K. , Saim A. K. , Amankwah R. K.
Published: July 2022

On average, small-scale miners can recover gold ranging from 20% to 70% of the total available gold by the conventional gravity separation methods only. As a result of this, tailings materials from Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) operations contain a significant amount of gold, and characterisation of these materials would inform metallurgical decisions concerning reprocessing of the tailings from ASGM. In this study, size-by-size analysis, gold grade, gold deportment, and cyanidation studies were carried out on ASGM tailings samples collected from five different locations (Asankragua, Bogoso, Prestea, Wassa-Akropong, and Tarkwa) in the Western Region of Ghana. Head grades of tailings samples from Asankragua, Bogoso, Prestea, Wassa-Akropong, and Tarkwa were 1.84 g/t, 4.12 g/t, 0.45g /t, 0.17 g/t, and 5.97 g/t, respectively. The 80% (P80) of the tailings materials passed through 1.797, 0.578, 1.636, 3.210, 0.380 mm screen sizes for samples from Asankragua, Wassa-Akropong, Tarkwa, Prestea and Bogoso, respectively, with an average of 1.52 mm. Also, the gold deportment analysis revealed that the highest metal distribution of 42.03% in -106 µm size fraction for samples from Bogoso, followed by 31.0% for Wassa-Akropong, 29.7% for Tarkwa, 27.0% for Prestea, and 22.0% for Asankragua. It was shown after cyanidation test works that the highest gold recovery was 81.5%, 72.3%, 75.3%, 65.6%, and 38.5% for samples from Wassa-Akropong, Asankragwa, Prestea, Tarkwa, and Bogoso, respectively. Cyanidation can thus be employed to get higher gold recovery in ASGM.
Attenuation of Heavy Metals from Waste Oil-Based Drilling Mud using Locally Produced Coconut Shell-Based Activated Carbon
Authors: Amenyah Kove E. P. , Buah W. K. , Dankwa O. K. , Mends E. A.
Published: July 2022

Most toxic Heavy Metals (HM) persist in oil-based mud and ecosystem for many decades after the application of mud for drilling oil and gas wells. This study assessed the attenuation of such heavy metals from waste oil-based mud using activated carbon produced locally. The oil-based mud analysed presented variable levels of Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Potassium (K), Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn). Adsorption is a highly effective means of separation to remove a wide range of pollutants in waste streams. Coconut shell activated carbon (CS-AC) was locally produced to remove heavy metals from the waste oil-based mud to encourage value addition to waste. The adsorption data was fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm model using linear regression analysis. The data was more fitted to the Langmuir isotherm as indicated by the high goodness of fit values (R2). To reduce the heavy metal concentrations below threshold levels optimum CS-AC dosage required for Fe, Cu, Ni, K, As, Cr, Mn and Zn is 5 g/l of CS-AC for a contact time of 30 minutes. The characterization of the produced carbons shows good results comparable to other commercial activated carbons. CS-AC is a viable and economical product for the removal of toxic heavy metals from waste oil-based mud before disposal.
Effects of Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratissimum Leaf on Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Nephrotoxicity in Adult Wistar rats
Authors: Ehimigbai R. O. A , Imariebe P.
Published: July 2022

This study investigated the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimumon enzymatic antioxidants and renal function in carbon tetrachloride-induced nephrotoxicity. Twenty-five (25) adult Wistar rats were involved in this study. They were randomly assigned into five (5) groups of five (5) animals each, as follows: Group A received 1 ml of distilled water daily, Group B received 1.5 ml/kg of olive oiltwice a week for 15 days, Group C received 250 mg/kg of Ocimum gratissimum aqueous leaf extract daily, Group D received 1.5 ml/kg of carbon tetrachloride and olive oil (1:1 v/v), twice a week for 15 days, while Group E received 1.5 ml/kg ofcarbon tetrachloride and olive oil (1:1 v/v), twice a week for 15 days+ 250 mg/kg of Ocimum gratissimum aqueous leaf extract, daily. The extract was administered by orogastric tube, while olive oil and carbon tetrachloride were administered by intraperitoneal injection. Renal function markers (creatinine and urea), and malondialdehyde were assayed in plasma and tissue homogenate, respectively, using standard methods. Obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis using the IBM SPSS statistics software (Statistical Package for Social Science) (Version 25) and relevant statistical values were analyzed. Results showed that the intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride together with olive oil significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of urea and creatinine, and a similar outcome was observed in malondialdehyde levels. The administration of Ocimum gratissimum ensured a reversal of these levels to those comparable with the control. This demonstrates that aqueous leaf extract Ocimum gratissimum has the potential to manage carbon tetrachloride-induced nephrotoxicity.
Production of Periwinkle Shell Reinforced Grindstone
Authors: Ikechukwu I. F. , Onwuka O. S. , Nwogu M. C.
Published: July 2022

The study involves the use of periwinkle shell particles as reinforcement in the production of grindstone to meliorate its physical and mechanical properties. The assessment of the properties of the periwinkle shell reinforced concrete grindstone showed that reinforcement yielded several promising results. The compressive strength was higher for samples with lower water/cement ratio (7%) than those with higher water/cement ratio (10%). The introduction of concrete that contains periwinkle shells as fine aggregates resulted in the loss of smooth like appearance and reduction in weight. The loss of its smooth like nature introduces the rough nature which improved its functionality. The reinforced sample had the lowest hardness test and in hardness test the lower the number the higher the hardness. There was an increase in the density after absorption test was carried out on specimens. There was also reduction in production cost with periwinkle shells partial replacement of cement and gravel as fine aggregate. The composite was adequate for grindstone production since its sample has a compressive of 18.15Mpa and thus satisfied MOR requirements of 11.5 MPa for general purpose boards.
A Review on Effectiveness of Marine Pollution Control and Management in Nigeria
Authors: Osuji J. N. , Agbakwuru J. A.
Published: July 2022

This study reviews the successes and limitations of agencies saddled with marine pollution control and management in Nigeria using secondary data. The agencies investigated include Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). The study shows that NIMASA has been at the frontline of marine pollution control and has been dynamic and effective in marine pollution control and management in Nigeria. Port reception facilities by NPA for ship waste collection within stipulated time to encourage turn-around time of vessels is encouraging. For NOSDRA, the review highlights some statutory impediments affecting the effective functioning of the agency. It is important to de-bottleneck all statutory issues threatening the smart performance of NOSDRA. Delay in attending to oil pollution, for instance, is a huge control failure with multiplying consequences for the environment. The effort in the development of an action plan referred to as National Oil Spill Compensation Rate (NOSCR) which stipulates compensation to affected or host communities from facility operators is not a control measure and may even be misused by criminal minds to intentionally cause spills and pollution in other to seek financial gain. Grassroots operators should be sensitized to more effective ways to control and handle marine pollutants. This can be achieved with the simple truth that harms to the marine environment are an invitation to the end of the existentialism of life itself. It is believed that once the attitudinal change by the marine operators and especially the grassroots is achieved, marine pollution control and management can be made more effective.
Total and Available Copper and Zinc in Soils Affected by Palm Oil Mill Effluent in Oghareki, Oghara Kingdom, Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Ako P. A. E. , Anegbe B.
Published: July 2022

This study evaluates the physicochemical characteristics, total and available copper and zinc in soils affected by four palm oil mills effluent (POME) of Oghareki in Oghara Kingdom, Delta State, Nigeria using standard methods. The results showed generally increased pH, organic matter, electrical conductivity, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases and cation exchange capacity (CEC), compared to the non-POME-contaminated soils. Concentrations of the exchangeable bases increased in the order, Na < Mg < K <Ca, in both the POME- and non-POME-soils. Data of total copper and zinc also revealed higher amounts in the POME soils. Total copper in POME- and non-POME-soils gave means of 0.232 and 0.212 mmol/kg, and 0.237 and 0.219 mmol/kg in respect of zinc, respectively, with no significant difference (P<0.05). The increased amounts of the different soil physicochemical parameters recorded in the POME-affected soils may be accounted for by their enhancement with every discharge of the effluent on one hand, and perhaps, the greater level of biodegradation and mineralization of the constituent organic matter, on the other. The study lends support to the view that raw palm oil mill effluent (POME) could alter the physicochemical properties of the receiving environment.
Does the “world” still need to keep live samples of the smallpox virus?
Authors: Muula Adamson
Published: July 2022

Earlier this year (2022), the world witnessed sporadic outbreaks of monkeypox disease in countries other than those in which the disease is endemic. For instance, as of June 10, the United Kingdom had witnessed as least 7 cases of the disease; the first case having been reported on the 7th May 2022 and thought to have been brought into the country by a traveller returning from Nigeria.
Assessment of the dissimilarities of totally 186 countries and regions according to COVID-19 indicators at the end of March 2020
Authors: Ankarali Handan , Uslu Unal , Ankarali Seyit , Cangur Sengul
Published: July 2022

BackgroundThis study is aimed at evaluating the relationship between the number of days elapsed since a country’s first case(s) of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the total number of tests conducted, and outbreak indicators such as the total numbers of cases, deaths, and patients who recovered. The study compares COVID-19 indicators among countries and clusters them according to similarities in the indicators. MethodsDescriptive statistics of the indicators were computed and the results were presented in figures and tables. A fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm was used to cluster/group the countries according to the similarities in the total numbers of patients who recovered, deaths, and active cases. ResultsThe highest numbers of COVID-19 cases were found in Gibraltar, Spain, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Italy were also of that order with about 1500 cases per million population. Spain and Italy had the highest total number of deaths, which were about 140 and 165 per million population, respectively. In Japan, where exposure to the causative virus was longer than in most other countries, the total number of deaths per million population was less than 0.5. According to cluster analysis, the total numbers of deaths, patients who recovered, and active cases were higher in Western countries, especially in central and southern European countries, which had the highest numbers when compared with other countries.ConclusionThere may be various reasons for the differences between the clusters obtained by fuzzy c-means clustering. These include quarantine measures, climatic conditions, economic levels, health policies, and the duration of the fight against the outbreak
Вопрос об обеспечительных мерах в третейском разбирательстве: способы решения
Authors: Владислав П.С.
Published: July 2022

СТАТЬЯ ПОСВЯЩЕНА ПРОБЛЕМАМ ПРИНЯТИЯ ОБЕСПЕЧИТЕЛЬНЫХ МЕР В ТРЕТЕЙ-СКОМ РАЗБИРАТЕЛЬСТВЕ. ТАКИЕ ЗАДАЧИ, КАК СОХРАНЕНИЕ ПРЕДМЕТА ТРЕТЕЙ-СКОГО СПОРА, ИСПОЛНЕНИЕ ПРИНЯТОГО В ХОДЕ АРБИТРАЖА РЕШЕНИЯ И ДР.,РЕШАЮТСЯ ИНСТИТУТОМ ОБЕСПЕЧИТЕЛЬНЫХ МЕР, ПРИНИМАЕМЫХ ГОСУДАР-СТВЕННЫМ АРБИТРАЖНЫМ СУДОМ. ОДНАКО ЭТОТ ИНСТИТУТ МАЛО ЗАДЕЙ-СТВОВАН В СОВРЕМЕННОЙ ПРАКТИКЕ ТРЕТЕЙСКОГО РАЗБИРАТЕЛЬСТВА. АВТОРРАССМАТРИВАЕТ НЕОБХОДИМЫЕ ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ В ПРОЦЕССУАЛЬНОМ ЗАКОНОДА-ТЕЛЬСТВЕ. СТАТЬЯ МОЖЕТ БЫТЬ ПОЛЕЗНОЙ ДЛЯ ТЕХ, КТО ИНТЕРЕСУЕТСЯ ПРОБ-ЛЕМАМИ ПРАВА В ОБЛАСТИ АРБИТРАЖНОГО ПРОЦЕССА И ТРЕТЕЙСКОГО ПРО-ИЗВОДСТВА.
Основные полномочия Высшего совета магистратуры Алжирской Народной Демократической Республики
Authors: Соловьёв А.А.
Published: July 2022

ИССЛЕДУЯ ЗАРУБЕЖНЫЙ ОПЫТ ПРАВОВОЙ РЕГЛАМЕНТАЦИИ ФУНКЦИОНИРОВА-НИЯ ОРГАНОВ СУДЕЙСКОГО СООБЩЕСТВА, АВТОР РАССМАТРИВАЕТ ОСНОВНЫЕПОЛНОМОЧИЯ ВЫСШЕГО СОВЕТА МАГИСТРАТУРЫ АЛЖИРСКОЙ НАРОДНОЙ ДЕ-МОКРАТИЧЕСКОЙ РЕСПУБЛИКИ, КОТОРЫЙ ЯВЛЯЕТСЯ ВЫСШИМ ОРГАНОМ СООБ-ЩЕСТВА МАГИСТРАТОВ ЭТОЙ СТРАНЫ. В СТАТЬЕ АНАЛИЗИРУЮТСЯ НОРМАТИВНЫЕПРАВОВЫЕ АКТЫ, ПОЛНОМОЧИЯ СОВЕТА В ОБЛАСТИ НАЗНАЧЕНИЯ МАГИСТРА-ТОВ, ИХ ПЕРЕВОДА И ПРОДВИЖЕНИЯ ПО СЛУЖБЕ, ПОЛНОМОЧИЯ, СВЯЗАННЫЕС КОНТРОЛЕМ ЗА ДИСЦИПЛИНОЙ МАГИСТРАТОВ, И ИНЫЕ ПОЛНОМОЧИЯ. АВТОРОТДЕЛЬНО ОСТАНАВЛИВАЕТСЯ НА ДИСЦИПЛИНАРНЫХ ПРОСТУПКАХ МАГИСТРА-ТОВ, САНКЦИЯХ, ПРИМЕНЯЕМЫХ ЗА ИХ СОВЕРШЕНИЕ, И ДИСЦИПЛИНАРНОЙПРО ЦЕДУРЕ.
Locating Violence in Urban Inner-city Schools in Jamaica
Authors: Edwards-Kerr Deon
Published: July 2022

Using ethnographic field-notes as stories and applying a critical perspective, the study in this paper locates school violence in communities, in relationships, and in school procedures. The author contends that the symbolic violence that surrounds how schools operate often goes unrecognised and uncontested. The findings displace the conventional notion that violence starts and ends with individual students, to show how community contexts, social relations and structures, and school procedures intersect to re-inscribe violent behaviour among some students. The discussion draws attention to the restrictive practices of schools and zero tolerance national policies that exclude students from engaging in a critical dialogue about how to make school work in their favour. Consequently, what is needed are curricular processes that engender a critical consciousness among students, interrupt the silence in the curriculum on violence and dealing with conflict, and operationalise the social constructivist philosophical underpinnings of the national curriculum objectives to be achieved in working learning environments.
Investigating the Nature of Graduates’ Classroom Practice: One Step in Transforming the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Dip. Ed.) programme
Authors: Herbert Susan , Yamin-Ali Jennifer , James Freddy
Published: July 2022

An evaluation of the Dip. Ed. programme (2004-2009) using fourth generation methodology revealed the expectations, claims, concerns, and issues of stakeholders; including Ministry of Education (MOE) personnel and (School of Education) SOE staff, who were concerned that graduates of the programme reverted to practices employed before training. In response to that evaluation, this research investigates the current status of Dip. Ed. graduates’ practice. A convenience sample of graduates who had been awarded a Grade A or B + in the practicum in two curriculum specializations — foreign languages (FL) and science, was selected. The participants were each observed at least twice and assessed against the same criteria used during their year in the programme. Data analysis revealed that the graduates’ practice provided evidence of the use of lesson planning skills, classroom management, and some of the teaching strategies highlighted by the programme. However, some other salient aspects of the Dip. Ed. experience, such as the use of context in FL teaching, and a focus on developing higher-order thinking at all levels of the secondary system (science and FL teaching) were not featured in the classrooms observed. Classroom organization for both FL and science education was essentially traditional with whole group teaching as the preferred approach. The implications of the findings for review of the Dip. Ed. programme are discussed.
“What’sApp” with the Social Message? Networked Learning and Social Media Interactions in Curriculum Design: Exploring Student Perceptions
Authors: Williams Raona
Published: July 2022

This paper discusses a small scale research study concerned with answering the research question: “What perceptions are held by students regarding networked learning and social media interactions?” This question was part of a wider research focal question: How do digital technologies and digital learning resources mediate Communities of Practice to support participation and learning? The aim of the study was to explore how the use of Web 2.0 technologies involving social mediated communication within higher education using the WhatsApp social media tool can gain further insight into the value students place on mediated interactions in education and adaptive learning. The author explores the use of WhatsApp as a data gathering tool in participant-observation techniques and how the virtual space it creates affects the data collection and evaluation processes involved in ethnographic research. I raise awareness to the empowerment that this gives to students and the opportunities for transformative and adaptive learning. The relevance of the paper is pertinent to vocational educators as it highlights how technologically mediated communication and virtual ethnographic research is a viable blended educational practice that can support the personalisation of aims and objectives to be achieved in working learning environments.
ANÁLISIS ECONÓMICO DEL SECTOR ARROCERO DEL CANTÓN DAULE
Authors: Dimitrakis Abraham Steven , De la Ese Valentina
Published: July 2022

En este analisis economico , nos basamos en estudiar la situacion del sector arrocero en el Ecuador , el comportamiento del consumidor , los precios , las reformas del gobierno para este sector , de sus problemas para los pequeños productores y terminaremos analizando el recinto La Veldaca que es un recinto perteneciente a la Parroquia Los Lojas del Canton Daule.
TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY, AND RAINFALL: HOW DO THEY CORRELATE WITH COVID-19? A REVIEW OF THE SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE
Authors: Ruano Alejandra , Zambrano Manuel
Published: July 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caught the attention of the scientific community. Most research revolves around the effects of the virus on people's health and the development of a vaccine to immunize the population. Studies on the relationship of the new coronavirus with meteorological factors such as humidity, temperature, and rainfall have also been numerous. However, the results have been ambiguous and, in some cases, contradictory. For this reason, this research aims to analyze in-depth the publications (peer-reviewed) that have studied the correlation between COVID-19 and meteorological factors, mainly. It was found that most research finds a negative relationship between cases of COVID-19 infection with temperature and humidity. There is no clear evidence linking rainfall to the spread of the pandemic. However, some results may be biased by the non-inclusion of essential variables such as population density, migration rate, family income, among others.
CONDUCTA PROSOCIAL EN LOS COLABORADORES DE LA MISIÓN LAS MANUELAS ZONA 8 AÑO 2020
Authors: Kronfle Andrea Stefanía
Published: July 2022

El presente estudio tiene como propósito evaluar la conducta prosocial con base en teorías que permitan conceptualizar de manera integral la conducta prosocial, como la iniciativa por beneficiar a otras personas en base a acciones sociales propositivas que involucran las conductas de ayuda, cooperación y solidaridad condicionado dentro de un análisis práctico en la Misión La Manuelas Zona 8. Conocer el accionar y percepción de los colaboradores ameritó un estudio, cuyos resultados permitieron establecer los procesos cognitivos, afectivos y motivacionales que se requieren para promover una conducta prosocial. El análisis mediante las conclusiones establecidas obtendrá una percepción clara de las variables que debe trabajar, fundamentalmente sobre los colaboradores, quienes carecen de cualidades para una conducta prosocial y requieren de mayor atención, liderazgo, impulso y motivación para realizar sus funciones con una verdadera vocación de servicio.
RAČUNARSTVO U OBLAKU – PRAVNA PITANjA I DILEME
Authors:   University “Goce Delčev” of Štip, Faculty of Law, Kambovski Igor
Published: July 2022

Cloud computing is a part of our everyday life, a revolutionary invention of the 21st century that overcomes perhaps the biggest problem since the advent of the Internet and online communications and transactions - the problem of secure data transfer and storage. Cloud Computing is a modern technology that enables the use of IT services remotely, over the Internet and a network of physically remote servers. This type of computing provides great opportunities for consumers, customers, companies, all interested parties to communicate and do business online, with a significant reduction in costs and investment in hardware and software. Cloud computing services are accessible and attractive to users, primarily because they are either free or the price for their use is symbolic. Cloud computing, compared to the standard model of using home or office computers at work, differs in that the entire load for storing data and applications from the computer is transferred to the network and then to the cloud servers, so that all information and applications which we need can be found in the cloud. Servers are located in several locations around the world, on so-called "server farms" and guarantee continuous and stable access to applications, data storage and protection and control of all data and background processes. Users of cloud computing services need a computer with an Internet browser, a stable Internet connection and a concluded subscription agreement with a provider that provides such services. Cloud computing agreements and contracts are usually made online. The contract may also specify security measures (eg requests for cleaning or deleting data on damaged media, storage of customer data on private hardware, storage and diversification of data in different locations, etc.). The legal rules applicable to cloud computing contracts may require that the contract be in written form, especially when it comes to the processing and storage of personal data, and that all supporting documents be attached to the main contract. Even when no written form is required, for reasons of legal certainty, ease of reference, clarity, completeness, enforceability and efficiency of the contract, the parties may decide to conclude the contract in writing.
PATTERN OF VASCULAR INVOLVEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH LOWER EXTREMITY PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Khan Naveedullah , Jalbani Javed , Shar Ghulam Shabbir , Ishaq Haroon , Shaikh Abdul Hakeem
Published: July 2022

Objectives: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is still underdiagnosed and undertreated diseases accounts for a considerable part of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the pattern of vascular involvement in patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease.
Methodology: In this study we reviewed hospital record files and angiographic films of the patients’ undergone conventional peripheral angiography. Patterns of vascular involvement was assessed in terms of involved arterial segments, site (right, left, or both), size (%), and type of lesion (discrete, tubular, or diffused).
Results: A total of 74 patients were included, out of which 60 (81.1%) patients were male. A majority, 85.1% (63), were diabetic, 78.4% (58) were hypertensive, 43.2% (32) were smokers, and 23% (17) had coronary artery disease. The most common involved location was superficial femoral (51.4%) followed by anterior tibial (45.9%), posterior tibial (45.9%), popliteal (21.6%), and peroneal (16.2%). Female patients had significantly higher rate of superficial femoral diseases as compare to the male patients with rate of 85.7% (12/14) vs. 43.3% (26/60); p=0.004 respectively.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the most common risk factor for PAD was found to be diabetes and a significant number of patients were also found to have hypertension, and smoking. The most common involved segment was superficial femoral in our population followed by anterior tibial, posterior tibial, popliteal, and peroneal.