bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of Zinc Ferrite (ZnFe2O4) by Sonochemical Methods: Physical and Magnetic Properties in Various Temperatures
Authors: Puspitasari Poppy , Utomo Tri Agung Setyo , Permanasari Avita Ayu
Published: March 2023

This study aims to determine the magnetic properties and structural properties of zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) material with the sonochemichal synthesis method. The sonochemichal method was obtained by sonication lasting for 30 minutes with the addition of 100 ml of 10 M NaOH. ZnFe2O4 material was sintered with temperature variations of 950°C, 1050°C, and 1150°C with a holding time of 2 hours. Phase identification revealed that the cubic phase structure of zinc ferrite is franklinite and also obtained crystal size results with values ​​of 70.58 – 84.71 nm. Morphological identification revealed that the ZnFe2O4 material had an irregular cubic shape and the highest agglomeration was at ZnFe2O4 temperature of 950°C. Identification of functional groups using FTIR characterization resulted in the wavelength range of 400-600cm-1 having basic lattices of Fe-O and Zn-O which occupy tetrahedral and octahedral positions, respectively. Magnetic identification uses VSM characterization which results that the sample is softmagnetic and gets several Mr, Ms, and Hc values. ZnFe2O4 with a sintering temperature of 1150°C in this study has the potential to be used as a microwave device.
Joint Low-Temperature Carbothermic Synthesis of WC-Co Alloy in Vacuum
Authors: Golub Aleksandr Valerievich , Rumyantsev Nikita Ivanovich , Tsemenko Valery N. , Ganin Sergey Vladimirovich
Published: March 2023

A new method for obtaining submicron hard alloys based on sintered tungsten carbide with cobalt by joint low-temperature carbothermic synthesis in vacuum has been developed. The compositions of the initial components for the synthesis of powders of the composition WC-6%Co and WC-10%Co are calculated. The main component for the synthesis of submicron tungsten carbide powders is tungsten oxide WO2.9, obtained by reducing α-tungsten oxide WO3 in a hydrogen medium at a temperature of 500-550 °C. The powders obtained by synthesis are characterized by high hardness values (up to 94 HRA). Cutting tests of replaceable polyhedral plates made from the obtained powders for processing a heat-resistant alloy have shown satisfactory results. The microstructure of the alloys was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy.
A Small Molecule RIG-I Agonist Serves as an Adjuvant to Induce Broad Multifaceted Influenza Virus Vaccine Immunity
Authors: Hemann Emily A , Knoll Megan L , Wilkins Courtney R , Subra Caroline , Green Richard , García-Sastre Adolfo , Thomas Paul G , Trautmann Lydie , Ireton Renee C , Loo Yueh-Ming , Gale Michael
Published: March 2023

Retinoic acid–inducible gene I (RIG-I) is essential for activating host cell innate immunity to regulate the immune response against many RNA viruses. We previously identified that a small molecule compound, KIN1148, led to the activation of IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and served to enhance protection against influenza A virus (IAV) A/California/04/2009 infection. We have now determined direct binding of KIN1148 to RIG-I to drive expression of IFN regulatory factor 3 and NF-κB target genes, including specific immunomodulatory cytokines and chemokines. Intriguingly, KIN1148 does not lead to ATPase activity or compete with ATP for binding but activates RIG-I to induce antiviral gene expression programs distinct from type I IFN treatment. When administered in combination with a vaccine against IAV, KIN1148 induces both neutralizing Ab and IAV-specific T cell responses compared with vaccination alone, which induces comparatively poor responses. This robust KIN1148-adjuvanted immune response protects mice from lethal A/California/04/2009 and H5N1 IAV challenge. Importantly, KIN1148 also augments human CD8+ T cell activation. Thus, we have identified a small molecule RIG-I agonist that serves as an effective adjuvant in inducing noncanonical RIG-I activation for induction of innate immune programs that enhance adaptive immune protection of antiviral vaccination.
Surgical pleth index monitoring in perioperative pain management: usefulness and limitations
Authors: Oh Seok Kyeong , Won Young Ju , Lim Byung Gun
Published: March 2023

Surgical pleth index (SPI) monitoring is a representative, objective nociception-monitoring device that measures nociception using photoplethysmographic signals. It is easy to apply to patients and the numerical calculation formula is intuitively easy to understand; therefore, its clinical interpretation is simple. Several studies have demonstrated its efficacy and utility. Compared with hemodynamic parameters, the SPI can detect the degree of nociception during surgery under general anesthesia with greater accuracy, and therefore can provide better guidance for the administration of various opioids, including remifentanil, fentanyl, and sufentanil. Indeed, SPI-guided analgesia is associated with lower intraoperative opioid consumption, faster patient recovery, and comparable or lower levels of postoperative pain and rates of adverse events compared with conventional analgesia. In addition, SPI monitoring allows for the degree of postoperative pain and analgesic requirements to be predicted through the SPI values immediately before patient arousal. However, because patient age, effective circulating volume, position, concomitant medication and anesthetic regimen and level of consciousness may be confounding factors in SPI monitoring, clinicians must be careful when interpreting SPI values. In addition, as SPI values can differ depending on anesthetic and analgesic regimens and the underlying disease, an awareness of the effects of these variables with an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of SPI monitoring compared to other nociception monitoring devices is essential. Therefore, this review aimed to help clinicians perform optimal SPI-guided analgesia and to assist with the establishment of future research designs through clarifying current usefulness and limitations of SPI monitoring in perioperative pain management.
Viral Isolates in Pediatric Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Parihar Bhawani Shankar , Agrawal Ruchi , Garg Vijendra Kumar , Singh Jagdish , Goyal Alok Kumar , Gupta Raj Kumar , Gothwal Sunil
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Although ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) mostly has bacterial etiology, many cases have viral etiology. The present study aimed at determining the proportion of viral VAP and any associated factors and identifying the viral isolates in pediatric VAP.

Materials and Methods:

A descriptive observational study was conducted at pediatric intensive care unit of tertiary referral center including 120 VAP cases aged 1–18 years. Endotracheal aspiration samples from these patients were tested for viral etiology.

Results:

Most VAP cases were males (66.7%). Virus was isolated in 14.2% of cases of VAP. Human adenovirus (29%), respiratory syncytial virus (29%), and herpes simplex virus (24%) were the most common viruses identified. Viral VAP was significantly associated with age, primary disease, and total leukocyte count. Neutrophil count decreased and lymphocyte count increased significantly after viral VAP.

Conclusion:

Viral etiology should be considered in VAP patients, especially in patients not responding to antibiotics as proper diagnosis and timely initiation of appropriate antiviral could be lifesaving. Prevalent viruses may vary geographically; hence, hospitals should try to identify the common viruses causing VAP in their settings to guide appropriate battery of tests and antiviral drugs.
Clindamycin
Authors: Garg Saloni , Mahajan Rakesh Kumar , Chhakchhuak Zobiakhlui , Tluanpuii Vanlal
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

The emergence of methicillin resistance among staphylococcal infections has led to increasing demand for the use of safe and effective agents to treat such infections. Clindamycin is one such drug which is gaining the interest of clinicians because of its excellent pharmacokinetic properties. However, the widespread use of macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin B antibiotics has led to inducible or constitutive resistance which is a major concern. In vitro routine tests for clindamycin, susceptibility may fail to detect inducible clindamycin resistance leading to treatment failure, thus requiring a simple D test to detect such resistance on a routine basis.

Aim of the Study:

The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of inducible clindamycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from various clinical samples.

Materials and Methods:

One thousand isolates isolates of S. aureus obtained from various clinical samples were subjected to routine antibiotic susceptibility testing including cefoxitin (30 μg) using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Inducible clindamycin resistance was tested by the “D test” as per CLSI guidelines.

Results and Conclusion:

Out of 1000 isolates of S. aureus, 556 (55.6%) were methicillin-sensitive S. aureus and 444 (44.4%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The total percentage of inducible clindamycin resistance was found to be 21.9%. Inducible clindamycin resistance was found to be higher among MRSA making treatment of such infections more difficult. D test is a simple test which can be included in routine testing of antibiotic susceptibility for staphylococcal isolates to detect inducible clindamycin resistance so as to avoid treatment failure and aid in the judicious use of this drug.
Bacteriological Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Tracheal Secretions Isolates Among Intensive Care Unit Patients at Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Prajapati Bhavin K. , Gohel Priyanka Harshadbhai , Shah Atit D. , Shah Hiral J. , Kothari Kaival K. , Pethani Jayshri D.
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Respiratory infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially in critically ill patients. The excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics has led to the development of drug resistance, thus resulting in the emergence of pathogens which are difficult to treat.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 632 tracheal secretions were received in the Bacteriology section of the microbiology department of a tertiary care hospital from November 2019 to February 2020. Tracheal secretions were processed for culture according to standard operating procedures. Identification, phenotype detection, and antibiotic sensitivity testing were performed by automated VITEK-2 Compact system.

Results:

In total, 632 tracheal secretions were received during the study period, 559 cultures yielded significant pathogens and no organisms were isolated in 73 cultures. Among the Gram-negative organism 540 (97%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (30%) was the most common isolates. Gram-positive organisms 12 (2%) and Candida spp. 7 (1%) were isolated. The most common phenotype detected in Escherichia coli and K. pneumoniae was extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producer.

Conclusions:

K. pneumoniae was the most common isolate from tracheal secretion among intensive care unit patients. Colistin, followed by tigecycline, was found to be the most susceptible antibiotics. K. pneumoniae was found to be sensitive to tigecycline (69%) with minimum inhibitory concentrations of ≤ 1. 0.6%. K. pneumoniae was colistin resistant.
Availability and Accessibility of Diabetes-Related Technologies in IDF-MENA Region
Authors: Ghafoor Erum , Masood Shabeen N. , Belkhadir Jamal , Sultan Mohamed , Sandid Mohammad , Baqai Shehla , Shegem Nadima
Published: March 2023

Diabetes is a global epidemic and public health emergency, which leads to long-term health problems, cardiovascular diseases, diabetic retinopathy, stroke, blindness, dementia, limb loss, cd cancers across the globe. Diabetes not only leads to chronic complications but also compromises the quality of life. Diabetes-related deaths totaled 6.7 million in 2021, with health expenditure reaching USD 966 billion. Diabetes technologies are new novel modalities for the management of diabetes to create ease in the life of people living with diabetes, improve glycemic control and increase life expectancies. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region consists of countries that are diverse not only in terms of culture, norms, practices, and financial and socioeconomic status. The high-income countries in this region have better access to new technologies such as insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, and integrated self-management applications. Some of these modalities have government support systems, reimbursement, and subsidy policies for people with diabetes (PWD). In contrast, PWD from low- and middle-income countries still find it difficult to access diabetes-related innovations due to lack of awareness, high out-of-pocket costs, lack of trained healthcare providers, weak healthcare infrastructure, absence of reimbursement health policies, universal coverage and lack of health insurance. Diabetes care management in the MENA Region is still deprived of modern diabetes care technologies.
Guidelines for Physical Activity and Exercise for Women with Hyperglycemia in Pregnancy
Authors: Bilal Ahmed , Ahmed Zaheer , Mohsin Maham , Fazal Ayesha , Khan Saadia , Saeed Saira , Masood Shabeen Naz
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Lifestyle modification is the most important intervention for control of hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP). It includes medical nutrition therapy and exercise. Various guidelines have been published to assist physicians and obstetricians in prescribing physical activity and exercise as a part of management of HIP. Pregnancy provides a unique opportunity to motivate women for exercise. Modifications in recommendations regarding physical exercises are needed particularly for those on bed rest for obstetric indications, orthopedic disability, or competitive athletes.

Objective:

The objective of this article is to provide guidelines regarding exercise for women with HIP.

Materials and Methods:

These recommendations are made after reviewing various existing guidelines including American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and American College of Sports Medicine. A literature search was done using PubMed, Cochrane Database, Google Scholar, EMBASE, various systematic reviews, and original articles. Search was done using key words “Physical Activity,” “Exercise during Pregnancy,” “Life Style in Pregnancy.” The aim was to identify correct and safe physical activity during pregnancy.

Results:

Exercise and physical activity is completely safe and recommended in pregnancy.

Conclusion:

Exercise is safe in pregnancy and should be encouraged in women to control hyperglycemia. They should be educated to continue lifestyle changes in postpartum period and later in life.
Effects of Metabolic Surgery on Energy and Nutrient Intake in Obese Asian Indians with Dysglycemia
Authors: Chandru Sundaramoorthy , Sowmya Narasimhan , Pradeepa Rajendra , Thangamani Suresh , Pramodkumar Thyparambil Aravindakshan , Pazhanithampi Gopalakrishna , Aiswarya Ramesh , Anjana Ranjit Mohan , Mohan Viswanathan
Published: March 2023

Aims and Objectives:

The rising prevalence of obesity and consequent metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes has resulted in an increase in the number of metabolic surgeries. However, the nutrient intake of subjects who have undergone metabolic surgery remains poorly investigated in Asian Indians. The study aimed to assess the nutrient intake of obese Asian Indians who underwent metabolic surgery.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty obese Asian Indians with dysglycemia who underwent metabolic surgery at a tertiary diabetes center in South India were selected. Anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical measures were collected using standard methods. Using 24-h recalls, data were obtained on the nutrient intakes at baseline and 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery.

Results:

A significant decline was observed at the end of 6 and 12 months in all anthropometric characteristics such as body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference (P < 0.001). The mean daily energy intake at baseline (1371 ± 665 kcal) decreased significantly after 6 months (671 ± 423) and 12 months (847 ± 463). There was a significant decrease after 6 and 12 months in the intake of total carbohydrate, protein, and fat compared to baseline (P < 0.001). At the end of 12 months, energy intake was 70% as compared to baseline (100%), while that of carbohydrate was 62%, protein 75%, and fat 83%.

Conclusion:

Metabolic surgery resulted in a significant decline in energy intake, which is essential for postoperative weight loss and maintenance. There is also undesirable loss of soft lean mass (SLM); hence, strategies are needed to prevent the muscle loss.
Forward-modulated damping estimates and nonlocalized stability of periodic Lugiato–Lefever waves
Authors: Zumbrun Kevin
Published: March 2023

In an interesting recent analysis, Haragus–Johnson–Perkins–de Rijk have shown modulational
stability under localized perturbations of steady periodic solutions of the Lugiato–Lefever
equation (LLE), in the process pointing out a difficulty in obtaining standard “nonlinear damping
estimates” on modulated perturbation variables to control regularity of solutions. Here, we point out
that in place of standard “inverse-modulated” damping estimates, one can alternatively carry out
a damping estimate on the “forward-modulated” perturbation, noting that norms of forward- and
inverse-modulated variables are equivalent modulo absorbable errors, thus recovering the classical
argument structure of Johnson–Noble–Rodrigues–Zumbrun for parabolic systems. This observation
seems of general use in situations of delicate regularity. Applied in the context of (LLE), it gives the
stronger result of stability and asymptotic behavior with respect to nonlocalized perturbations.
Subgroups of $\mathrm{PL}_{+} I$ which do not embed into Thompson’s group $F$
Authors: Hyde James , Moore Justin Tatch
Published: March 2023

We will give a general criterion—the existence of an

F

-
obstruction
—for showing that a subgroup of

\mathrm{PL}_{+} I

does not embed into Thompson’s group

F

. An immediate consequence is that Cleary’s “golden ratio” group

F_\tau

does not embed into

F

, answering a question of Burillo, Nucinkis, and Reves. Our results also yield a new proof that Stein’s groups

F_{p,q}

do not embed into

F

, a result first established by Lodha using his theory of coherent actions. We develop the basic theory of

F

-obstructions and show that they exhibit certain rigidity phenomena of independent interest. In the course of establishing the main result of the paper, we prove a dichotomy theorem for subgroups of

\mathrm{PL}_{+} I

. In addition to playing a central role in our proof, it is strong enough to imply both Rubin’s reconstruction theorem restricted to the class of subgroups of

\mathrm{PL}_{+} I

and also Brin’s ubiquity theorem.
Composition operators in generalized Morrey spaces
Authors: Karapetyants Alexey , Lanza de Cristoforis Massimo
Published: March 2023

Let

\Omega

be an open subset of

\mathbb{R}^n

. Let

f

be a Borel measurable function from

\mathbb{R}

to

\mathbb{R}

. We prove necessary and sufficient conditions on

f

in order that the composite function

T_f[g]=f\circ g

belongs to a generalized Morrey space

\mathcal{M}_p^w(\Omega)

whenever

g

belongs to

\mathcal{M}_p^w(\Omega)

. Then we prove necessary conditions and sufficient conditions on

f

in order that the composition operator

T_f[{\cdot}]

be continuous, uniformly continuous, Hölder continuous and Lipschitz continuous in

\mathcal{M}_p^w(\Omega)

. We also consider its ‘vanishing’ generalized Morrey subspace

\mathcal{M}_p^{w,0}(\Omega)

and prove the related results for the composition operator as operator acting from

\mathcal{M}_p^{w,0}(\Omega)

to

\mathcal{M}_p^w(\Omega)

and also between the spaces

\mathcal{M}_p^{w,0}(\Omega)

. For the uniform, Hölder and Lipschitz continuity, we also have conditions that are both necessary and sufficient. We also have both necessary and sufficient conditions for the continuity under certain additional natural assumptions. We also consider the most commonly used Morrey classes that are related to power-type weights in the context of a discussion of some of the conditions that we impose on the weights.
Design & Run-Time Information Exchange for Health-Ready Components
Authors:   HM-1 Integrated Vehicle Health Management Committee
Published: March 2023

This Surface Vehicle & Aerospace Recommended Practice offers best practices and a methodology by which IVHM functionality relating to components and subsystems should be integrated into vehicle or platform level applications. The intent of the document is to provide practitioners with a structured methodology for specifying, characterizing and exposing the inherent IVHM functionality of a component or subsystem using a common functional reference model, i.e., through the exchange of design-time data and the application of standard vehicle data communications interfaces. This document includes best practices and guidance related to the specification of the information that must be exchanged between the functional layers in the IVHM system or between lower-level components/subsystems and the higher-level control system to enable health monitoring and tracking of system degradation severity. The intent is to provide an IVHM system that can robustly report the degradation of a given component before it reaches the point where it goes outside its operational performance envelope by providing sufficient advance notice to deal with the issue. This document does not specify or address how each layer in the IVHM system produces or uses the data available for exchange.
Nursery germination trial of Tali seeds, Erythrophleum suaveolens (Guill. & Perr.) Brenan
Authors: Douh Chauvelin , Makouanzi Ekomono Chrissy Garel , Kessimo Roméo Guychoux , Koubouana Félix
Published: March 2023

The current low recruitment rate of the exploitable tree species arouses silvicultural interventions for long-term management of their populations. This study evaluated the germination of the Erythrophleum suaveolens seeds in nursery following different pretreatments. The seeds have been collected under seed trees of E. suaveolens chosen in a range from 30 to 155 cm North Congo in the Celtis forest within a plot of 400 ha on clay-sandy to sandy-clay soils. A complete design randomized of two blocks has been establish in the greenhouse at respective average temperature and humidity of 24°C and 60%. The seed lot (350 seeds) has been divided into seven treatments for to test the modalities of breaking dormancy, at the rate of 50 seeds per treatment. The dormancy of the collected seeds was lifted by germination tests after treatment with sulfuric acid (H2SO4), in an oven at 140°C and in the boiling water. The seeds have been individually and immediately sowed after treatments. The germination rates were 68-76%, 36-56%, 16% and 12-28%, respectively for the T2, T1, T5 and T6 treatments, with germination times of 6 days for T1 and T2, 15 days for T5 and 15-20 days for T6. Treatments T3, T4 and T7 presented zero germination rates. The factors that can influence seeds variations of germination are discussed and recommendations inherent in the considerable efforts of assisted regeneration of this species which occupies a preponderant place in logging in Central Africa are formulated.
Effets du niveau de protéines de la ration sur les performances de croissances des pintades locales gris perlées (Numida meleagris) du Cameroun en phase démarrage (0-8 semaines)
Authors: Nguefack Gildas Djieufo , Mube Hervé Kuietche , Ebile Agwah Dayan , Fonteh Florence Anyangwe
Published: March 2023

Face à l’insécurité alimentaire qui menace les pays en développement comme le Cameroun, la production rationnelle des espèces endogènes est une nécessité. C’est ainsi que les besoins protéiques de croissance de la pintade locale du Cameroun ont été étudié. Le travail a été mené à la Ferme d’Application et de Recherche (FAR) de l’Université de Dschang. Un total de 64 pintadeaux d’un jour non sexés de type local (gris perlé) ont été utilisés. Ces animaux ont été soumis à quatre niveaux de protéines (26, 24, 22 et 20% de protéine brute correspondants aux rations R26, R24, R22 et R20 respectivement) suivant un dispositif complètement randomisé comportant quatre traitements et quatre répétitions de huit pintades chacune. Les données collectées (consommation alimentaire, poids vif, gain de poids et indice de consommation) ont été soumises à l’analyse de la Variance à un facteur (niveau de protéine). Les principaux résultats ont montré que les animaux soumis au taux de protéines 24% (R24) ont obtenu un poids vif et un gain de poids significativement plus élevé comparé à ceux des autres lots. De même le plus faible indice de consommation (2,98) et coût de production ont été enregistrés avec la même ration. Par contre, la ration R26 a obtenu la consommation alimentaire la plus élevée par rapport à celle des autres. En conclusion, 24% de protéines brutes est le niveau indiqué pour une meilleure croissance des pintades en phase démarrage (0-8 semaines).

Faced with the problem of food insecurity that threatens developing countries like Cameroon, the rational production of endogenous species is a necessity. Thus the protein requirement for the growth of the local Cameroon guinea fowl was studied. This study was carried out at the Research and Application Farm (FAR) of the University of Dschang. A total of 64 unsexed day-old keets of local type (pearl grey) were used. These animals were subjected to four protein levels (26, 24, 22 and 20% crude protein corresponding to the rations R26, R24, R22 and R20 respectively) in a completely randomized design of four treatments. Each treatment was replicated four times with eight guinea fowls per replicate. Data collected (feed consumption, live weight, weight gain and feed conversion) was subjected to one-way analysis of variance (protein level). The main results show that, animals submitted to 24% protein level (R24) obtained a live weight and weight gain that was significantly (p<0.05) higher compared to those of the other treatment groups. Similarly, the lowest feed conversion ratio (2.98) and cost of production were recorded with the same ration. Animal fed with R26 ration had the highest feed intake compared to the other rations. In conclusion, 24% crude protein was the best level of incorporation indicated for better growth of guinea fowl in the starter phase (0-8 weeks).
Rôle de la glycation des protéines dans les complications et la thérapie du diabète: revue bibliographique
Authors: Anago Eugénie , Djogbede Guilphados , Fiogbe Ezéchiel Mahougnon Salomon , Segbo Gaétan Augustin Julien , Akpovi Dèwanou Casimir
Published: March 2023

La fixation d’un ose, fréquemment le glucose, sur les protéines est une réaction biochimique courante entraînant la formation des produits avancés de la glycation (en anglais Advanced Glycation Endproducts, AGEs). L’hyperglycémie permanente observée pendant le diabète, provoque une élévation du taux de glycation des protéines, avec pour conséquence une altération de leurs fonctions. Plusieurs auteurs ont montré le lien entre l’accumulation des AGEs dans différents organes et les complications microvasculaires et macrovasculaires observées lors du diabète. D’autres travaux ont montré que ces complications diabétiques et plusieurs autres maladies métaboliques découlent d’une série de processus délétères initiée par les AGEs. Il s’agit de l’inflammation par le biais des récepteurs, les modifications conformationnelles des macromolécules aboutissant à des accumulations d’agrégats et à une réponse immunitaire médiée par l’immunogénicité des AGEs. Les principales approches thérapeutiques pour le traitement du diabète impliquent l’administration d'insuline, l'inhibition des enzymes de digestion des polysaccharides (alpha-amylase et alpha-glucosidase) et les inhibiteurs de la glycation. Plusieurs travaux ont prouvé qu’un nombre important de plantes, herbes aromatiques et épices possèdent des propriétés antiglycatives très intéressantes et pourront être envisagées pour élargir la gamme des molécules thérapeutiques.

The binding of a monosaccharide, frequently glucose, to proteins is a common biochemical reaction leading to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The permanent hyperglycaemia observed during diabetes induces an increase in the glycation rate of proteins, with the consequent alteration of their functions. Several authors have demonstrated the link between the accumulation of AGEs in different organs and the microvascular and macrovascular complications observed in diabetes. Other work has shown that these diabetic complications and several other metabolic diseases stem from a series of deleterious processes initiated by AGEs. This is inflammation through receptors, conformational changes of macromolecules leading to accumulations of aggregates and an immune response mediated by the immunogenicity of AGEs. The main therapeutic approaches for the treatment of diabetes involve insulin administration, inhibition of polysaccharide digestion enzymes (alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase) and glycation inhibitors. Several works have proven that a large number of plants, aromatic herbs and spices have very interesting antiglycative properties and could be considered to expand the range of therapeutic molecules.
Effets des extraits aqueux et éthanolique des graines fermentées de Parkia biglobosa (Mimosaceae) sur quelques marqueurs du stress oxydatif chez les rats rendus hypertendus
Authors: Coulibaly Ouolouho Seydou , Koné Monon , Ouattara Abou
Published: March 2023

Les graines fermentées de néré sont utilisées en médecine traditionnelle pour traiter l’hypertension artérielle qui est une importante cause de décès dans le monde. Cette pathologie entraîne aussi le stress oxydatif. C’est la raison pour laquelle, cette étude a été menée pour évaluer l’effet antioxydant des extraits aqueux et hydro-éthanolique de ce condiment chez les rats rendus hypertendus par injection de l’adrénaline à la dose de 1,46.10-3mg/kg pc. L’administration par gavage des extraits avec les doses allant de 1000 à 2000 mg/kg pc et de la Nifédipine à la dose de 10 à 20 mg/kg pc pendant 6 jours a provoqué une augmentation significative de l’activité des enzymes anti-oxydantes (SOD et catalase) et de monoxyde d’azote (NO), comparativement aux rats rendus hypertendus non traité (recevant essentiellement de l’eau), chez lesquels, il a été observé une baisse significative de l’activité de ces enzymes et de NO. En revanche, il a été constaté une augmentation significative des sous-produits de la peroxydation lipidique (malonaldéhyde) chez les rats rendus hypertendus non traité et une baisse significative chez les rats rendus hypertendus et traités. Au total, les graines fermentées de néré possèdent un important potentiel antioxydant.

Fermented néré seeds are used in traditional medicine to treat high blood pressure which is a leading cause of death worldwide. This pathology also causes oxidative stress. This is the reason why this study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant effect of aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of this condiment in rats rendered hypertensive by injection of adrenaline at a dose of 1.46.10-3mg/ kg bw. Administration by gavage of extracts with doses ranging from 1000 to 2000 mg/kg bw and nifedipine at a dose of 10 to 20 mg/kg bw for 6 days caused a significant increase in the activity of anti- oxidants (SOD and catalase) and nitric oxide (NO), compared to untreated hypertensive rats (mainly receiving water), in which a significant drop in the activity of these enzymes was observed and of NO. In contrast, there was a significant increase in lipid peroxidation by-products (malonaldehyde) in rats rendered hypertensive untreated and a significant decrease in rats rendered hypertensive and treated. Overall, fermented néré seeds have significant antioxidant potential.
Evaluation of Epiphytic Algae Assemblage and Nutrient Status as Bioindicator of Organic Pollution in Alice Creek, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Bubu-Davies O. A. , Teere M. B. , Igilar G.
Published: March 2023

Alice Creek is a tributary of the Sombreiro River in the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. It serves diverse purposes to the people of the area and others who depend on its aquatic resources, thereby exposing the river to influxes of pollutants that are of natural and human sources. The epiphyton assemblage and nutrient status were studied to determine organic pollution in this creek. Samples of epiphyton and surface water were collected monthly between February and May 2020 from three (3) sampling stations established along the creek course according to standard methods. Epiphytic algae samples were identified microscopically. Species diversity was calculated using standard indices. Surface water samples were analyzed for ammonia and phosphate by APHA methods. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23 for analysis of variance. A total of 50 individuals, 26 genera, and 35 species of epiphyton from six taxonomic groups, namely: Chlorophyta (10 species), Cyanophyta (9 species), Euglenophyta (6 species), Dinophyta (6 species), Bacillariophyta (3 species), and Xanthophyta (1 species) were recorded from the Alice Creek. Ammonia concentrations (mg/L) ranged between 5.59±0.91 (Station 2), 4.86±0.40 (May) and 6.24±0.86 (Station 3), 7.27±0.18 (February). Phosphate concentrations (mg/L) ranged from 0.31±0.56 (Station 2), 0.30±0.02 (May) to 0.40±0.11 (Station 1), 0.40±0.14 (March). Temporal variations of ammonia and phosphate were significant (p<0.05). The presence of Navicula (diatom), Microcystis, Oscillatoria, nabaenopsis, Anabaena, (bluegreen), high ammonia and phosphate indicated organic pollution in Alice Creek. The study recommends a coordinated environmental management plan to conserve aquatic resources of the Creek.
Evaluation of Nutritional Profile of Periwinkle (Tympanotonus Fuscatus) from Ekeuku Market, Owerri, Imo State
Authors: Nwaka S. U. , Udoh J. P.
Published: March 2023

Shellfish meat are popular due to their high protein content, low carbohydrate values, low fat/cholesterol profile, and the presence of some vital minerals such as copper, calcium, zinc, iron, and manganese. High nutritional values in shellfish has resulted in an increase in demand for the resource which eventually influences the economic growth in both local and international markets. The nutritional profile of periwinkle (Tympanotonus fuscatus) was studied with the aim of providing health related information to consumers. The proximate analysis was evaluated using standard analytical procedures. Results showed that periwinkle samples contained 3.69±0.63% ash, 38.38±0.19% moisture, 20.21±0% protein, 0.25±0.04% fat, 4.33±0% crude fibre and 33.15±0.78% carbohydrate. The results also revealed the mineral content of periwinkle thus: manganese content was 1.30ppm, magnesium content was 9.64ppm, calcium content was 1.55ppm, lead was 0.00ppm, iron was 5.60ppm and zinc was 0.11ppm. The findings from this work showed that periwinkle contained considerable amounts of protein, carbohydrate, ash, fibre, manganese, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc but low in fat with no lead content. Thus, increase consumption of periwinkle may help address micronutrient and protein deficiency problems.
Toxicity Assessment of the Ethanolic Stem Bark Extracts of Ackee, Blighia sapida on the African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus
Authors: Effiong M. U. , Jacob S. E.
Published: March 2023

Acute toxicity effects of ethanolic stem bark extract of ackee, Blighia sapida was tested on catfish fingerlings over a 96hr exposure period as a potent organic piscicide. A static toxicity bioassay was conducted after a preliminary trial tests were carried out to determine effective extract concentrations to be used. A 300 number catfish fingerlings were randomly selected and distributed in triplicate concentrations of stem bark extracts of ackee. The test fish were treated with concentrations of 0.00, 1.60, 3.20, 6.40 and 12.8g/l stem bark extracts. At the end of the exposure period, plant toxicant caused visible behavioral changes on test fish which included aggression, erratic swimming, stunned posture, opercula movement, air gulping, settlement at the bottom and eventual death. The LC50 lethal concentration of 8.394g/l was recorded while the safe concentration was established to be 1.281g/l. There were significant changes in water quality parameters of the experimental tanks. It could be inferred from the results of this study that treated fish were irritated by the plant toxicant such that unstable behavioral changes were exhibited in all treated groups. Therefore, the use of stem bark of ackee in fish harvesting should be regulated.
Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations on Fish Flesh Smoked Using Polythene Products
Authors: Nwaka S. U. , Udoh J. P. , Onuke A. R.
Published: March 2023

Fish continues to be the main source of animal protein worldwide, yet trace metal pollution endangers them. Trace metal pollution originates from nature and human activities and poses public health risk to consumers of these fish. This study was conducted using fresh fish samples weighing 600g. Fish samples were divided into four groups: Group I: fresh fish sample not roasted (Control); Group II consisted of fish roasted with fire wood (FRF); Group III had fish roasted with waste vehicle tyres (FRT) and Group IV were fish roasted with plastic materials (FRP). Roasting time was four hours at high temperature. Trace metals {cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu)} were determined using acid digestion and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric. Results revealed the highest cadmium value (0.81±0.042 mg/kg) in fish samples roasted with waste vehicle tyres. This was followed by fish roasted with plastic materials (0.715±0.021 mg/kg) and thereafter, fish roasted with firewood (0.59±2.51mg/kg). The highest zinc (212.185±0.0 mg/kg) was recorded in fish roasted with plastic materials. This was followed by fish roasted with firewood (2.57±0.042 mg/kg). The mean values for iron were: FRT (7.965±0.035mg/kg), FRP (7.82±0.014mg/kg) and (6.705±0.035mg/kg) for FRF. Values for copper were 1.725±0.063mg/kg for FRT, 1.335±0.007mg/kg for FRP and 0.86±0.028mg/kg for FRF. Concentration of lead was negligible in FRF with higher values (1.485mg/kg) in FRF and (2.865mg/kg) in FRT. Fish in control group had no metal deposit in their tissues. The results of the present study have revealed that cadmium and lead concentrations in the muscles of all fish samples roasted with waste vehicle tyres and plastic materials were above permissible limits of 0.5 mg/kg set by European Commission. Thus, using these materials to generate heat in fish smoking is of great public health concern. Individuals and authorities at the Local, State and Federal level should co-operate to expose this unhealthy practice and devise strategies to eliminate it.
Assessment of potable water accessibility in Ikole-Ekiti, Nigeria
Authors: Oloye A. O. , Ilesanmi O. A. , Alabadan B. A. , Omofunmi O. E. , Oni K. O. , Ebong M. T.
Published: March 2023

Water occurred naturally and it is used widely for drinking, cooking, washing, agricultural activities, population expansion, urbanization, generation of power, and industrialization. Availability and accessibility are used to estimate the percentage of the population using safe water sources. However, potable water is inaccessible and unavailable for use in most of the communities in Nigeria. Therefore, this study access safe potable water sources available for use in three towns in Ikole LGA of Ekiti State, Nigeria. A random sampling approach was adopted by selecting households and respondents for participation in the study. Questionnaires were administered to 40 respondents in each of the three communities chosen giving a total of 120 respondents for this study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that available water sources were streams, rivers, rain, wells, boreholes, and lakes. 41.67 % of the respondents have access to safe water sources and also use water filters. There is the urgent need for Nigeria to invest more in accessing safe water sources for its citizens to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Reactive power model reference adaptive speed-sensorless system with direct torque control tuned with fuzzy neural networks for improved speed control in induction motor drives
Authors: Ozoemena O. E. , Ashigwuike E. C.
Published: March 2023

This article investigates a reactive power based Model Reference Adaptive System (Q-MRAS) with Fuzzy Neural Network (FNN) facilitated Direct Torque Control for improved speed control of an Induction Motor Drive. A key component of the conventional DTC control scheme is the use of PID controllers and its derivatives. PID controllers were found to be a source of ripples. To mitigate its effect, in this work, a novel idea of replacing all the PI controls in the conventional speed control DTC models with FNN based controllers is investigated. The goal is to reduce complexity, reduce ripples in speed and boost low speed operation suitable for industrial needs. The proposed FNN controllers-based model is implemented using Matlab/Simulink. Comparisons are made between the results obtained from the proposed model and that from conventional models (Switching Table based DTC and SVM-DTC). Results showed that in the proposed FNN based DTC model, low speed operation (100 rpm) had 0.13 % speed ripple compared to 0.94 % in the conventional Switching Table based DTC and 0.23 % in the conventional SVM-DTC. This represents a reduction in speed ripple by 86.17 % in the proposed scheme compared to the Switching-Table DTC and by 43.48 % in the proposed scheme compared to the SVM-DTC scheme.
“Lump In The Throat”: Approach To Patient, Differential Diagnosis And Management
Authors: Omokanye H.K. , Aluko A.A. , Abdur-Rahman L.O.
Published: March 2023

Feeling of lump in the throat is a common reason for referral of patients to the oto-rhinolaryngology and head and neck clinic. The impression of the referring physician notwithstanding, the onus is on the otorhinolaryngologist to objectively evaluate every patient and manage as appropriate. This  review is a summary of scientific information search outcome from Medline bibliographic database, published scholarly references, abstracts and/or full  texts of articles and textbooks. The focus is on clinical approach to the patient, differential diagnoses and management options, and the search terms  were globus pharyngeus, lump in the throat, laryngopharyngeal reflux. In the present paper, we highlight a useful working guide for history taking,  physical examination, investigation and management of a patient with complaint of lump in the throat.
Re: Notice of fifteen (15) days ultimatum and commencement of an indefinite strike action by the Joint Healh Sector Union (JOHESU): Matters arising
Authors: Adedoyin O.T.
Published: March 2023

No Abstract
Trends in the Integration of Generic Skills to College Chemistry Curriculum and their Implications
Authors: Lee Bokyoung
Published: March 2023

University science and engineering education has traditionally focused on science knowledge and scientific methods. However, the recent global trends are to emphasize generic abilities and skills such as communication skills, personal and social responsibility, ethics, and team skills that go beyond science when it comes to university science and engineering education. Furthermore, the current trends aim to incorporate generic abilities and skills into the regular science curriculum to ensure inclusiveness and accessibility. Based on these factors, there is the perception that chemistry professionals need to develop generic skills as well as chemistry knowledge, and that generic skills can be effectively developed in various contexts in the field of chemistry itself. This article presents the background and process in which education for cultivating students' generic abilities and skills is integrated into the college chemistry curriculum in the case of the United States, Europe, and Australia. The American Chemical Society, the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, and the European Chemical Society have established new standards for their chemistry bachelor programs, including generic abilities and skills, through accreditation such as the ACS Approval program, Chemistry Threshold Learning Outcomes (CTLO), and the Eurobachelor® framework, respectively. In order to cultivate students’ generic abilities and skills in college chemistry education, a fundamental change from curriculum design to one that emphasize teaching-learning methods and evaluations is needed. To this end, professors' active participation is essential, so cooperation between academia and the government and financial and institutional support from the government are needed. Considering the criticism coming from academia for the demands for all universities to rapidly change into competency-based education in connection with the government’s financial support, all of which is taking place without sufficient discussion and preparation in Korea, it is worth noting the implications of mutual respect and cooperation between the government and academia in the aforementioned three cases.
The Effect of Regional Competitiveness Factors on Regional Economic Growth: Focused on Gwangju and Jeonnam Magaregion
Authors:   The Korean-Japanese Economics & Management Association, Na Ju-Mong , Kim Jae-Yong
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Recently, the legal basis for the maga-region has been established, and interest in regional competitiveness is increasing. This study examines the influence of regional competitiveness factors on the growth of the regional economy, focusing on maga-regions, in terms of corporate innovation capability, economic power base, and creative potential, and examines policy implications.
Research design, data, and methodology: This study categorizes the maga-region and uses the time series data from 2013 to 2018 to conduct a panel analysis through the LSDV (least squares dummy variable) model based on the ultra-wide area. In particular, independent variables derive competitiveness factors from the perspectives of corporate innovation capacity, economic base, and creative potential, and analyze the effects of these regional competitiveness factors on per capita GRDP and per capita GRDP growth rate.
Results: As a result of the analysis, the influence of regional competitiveness factors based on the Gwangju and Jeonnam maga-region on GRDP per capita is as follows. First, in the field of corporate innovation capability, knowledge performance has a positive (-) effect. Next, in the economic power sector, industrial base, manufacturing base, SOC base, and financial power were found to have a statistically significant positive (+) effect. Lastly, in the creative potential sector, the talent index and amenity index had a statistically significant negative (-) was found to be affected.
In addition, the influence of regional competitiveness factors on the per capita GRDP growth rate based on the Gwangju and Jeonnam metropolitan areas is as follows. First, in the field of corporate innovation capability, knowledge resources have a positive (+) effect. Next, in the economic power sector, the industrial base, manufacturing base, and SOC base were found to have a negative (-) effect, and the regional financial power had a positive (+) effect. Finally, in the area of creative potential, tolerance index and talent index had a positive (+) effect.
Implications: This study has limitations in that it analyzed the influence factors of regional competitiveness factors on regional economic growth by classifying ultra-regional regions through regional dummies in a situation where interregional cooperation has not yet been established in earnest at the ultra-regional level. It is hoped that this study will serve as a starting point for monitoring regional economic growth for ultra-wide cooperation in a situation where the institutional foundation for fostering ultra-wide areas has recently been established.