bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Caries Removal- A New Improvised Technique for Caries Management
Authors: Megha J Nair  , Arathi Rao  , Suprabha BS
Published: September 2021

The strategies to manage deep caries are constantly evolving as evidence heaps for the use of minimalconservative techniques which would prevent pulpal exposure leading to preservation of pulp vitality,remineralisation of the carious dentin and arrest the progression of caries and offer a predictable success ofthe restoration. Changes in our understanding about the caries process, advent of new adhesive restorativematerials and the possibilities of remineralization of demineralized dental tissues helps us to exploredifferent techniques in caries management. Selective caries removal is now considered an efficient andevidence based approach in deep caries management and focuses on maximum retention of tooth materialthus avoiding the probability of pulp exposure to provide a sound peripheral bondable surface for restorationand creating excellent hermetic seal.
Confirming the Calibration of ALMA Using Planck Observations
Authors: Farren Gerrit S. , Partridge Bruce , Kneissl Rüdiger , Aiola Simone , Datta Rahul , Gralla Megan , Li Yaqiong
Published: September 2021

We test the accuracy of ALMA flux density calibration by comparing ALMA flux density measurements of extragalactic sources to measurements made by the Planck mission; Planck is absolutely calibrated to subpercent precision using the dipole signal induced by the satellite’s orbit around the solar system barycenter. Planck observations ended before ALMA began systematic observations, however, and many of the sources are variable, so we employ measurements by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) to bridge the two epochs. We compare ACT observations at 93 and ∼145 GHz to Planck measurements at 100 and 143 GHz and to ALMA measurements made at 91.5 and 103.5 GHz in Band 3. For both comparisons, flux density measurements were corrected to account for the small differences in frequency using the best available spectral index for each source. We find the ALMA flux density scale (based on observations of Uranus) is consistent with Planck. All methods used to make the comparison are consistent with ALMA flux densities in Band 3 averaging 0.99 times those measured by Planck. One specific test gives ALMA/Planck = 0.996 ± 0.024. We also test the absolute calibration of both ACT at 93 and ∼145 GHz and the South Pole Telescope (SPT) at 97.43, 152.9, and 215.8 GHz, again with reference to Planck measurements at 100, 143, and 217 GHz, as well as the internal consistency of measurements of compact sources made by all three instruments.
Phylogenetic and morphological analyses of Coniochaeta isolates recovered from Inner Mongolia and Yunnan revealed three new endolichenic fungal species
Authors: Si Hong-Li , Su Yue-Min , Zheng Xiao-Xiao , Ding Meng-Yao , Bose Tanay , Chang Run-Lei
Published: September 2021

Lichens are the result of a symbiotic interaction between fungi (mycobionts) and algae (phycobionts). Aside from mycobionts, lichen thalli can also contain non-lichenised fungal species, such as lichenicolous and endolichenic fungi. For this study, three surveys were conducted in China’s Yunnan Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region between 2017 and 2020. Several samples of four lichen species were collected during these surveys: Candelaria fibrosa, Flavoparmelia caperata, Flavopunctelia flaventior and Ramalina sinensis. Six isolates of Coniochaeta were recovered from these four lichen species. The phylogenetic and morphological analyses revealed that two of these isolates were previously identified species, Coniochaeta velutinosa and C. acaciae. Those remaining were from potentially unknown species. We used molecular and morphological data to describe these previously-unknown species as Coniochaeta fibrosaesp. nov., C. mongoliaesp. nov. and C. sinensissp. nov. The findings of this study significantly improve our understanding of the variety and habitat preferences of Coniochaeta in China and globally.
Chômage, activités et santé : vécu de personnes en situation de chômage
Authors: Cimier Amandine , Althaus Virginie , Lhuilier Dominique , Molinier Pascale
Published: September 2021

Les personnes au chômage constituent l’une des catégories de travailleurs les moins visibles. Cette recherche a pour objectif de comprendre le parcours et la santé de 14 personnes en situation de chômage de longue durée, dans deux associations, l’une d’engagement citoyen ( N = 8) et l’autre, artistique ( N = 6). Cette recherche qualitative s’appuie sur des entretiens semi-directifs et une analyse thématique. Les résultats soulignent que les activités artistiques permettent aux personnes en situation de chômage d’avoir des interactions sociales au sein d’un groupe et de créer de nouvelles normes de vie. Dans l’association où sont mises en place des activités bénévoles d’accompagnement social, le manque de coopération fait resurgir ce qui les a fait souffrir durant l’emploi. Cette recherche aide à comprendre l’importance de l’étayage groupal et la réalisation d’activités qui prend sens, subjectivement, en période de chômage.
L’épidémiologie pour comprendre le développement dans le TSA : l’exemple de la cohorte ELENA
Authors: Baghdadli Amaria
Published: September 2021

L’épidémiologie est une discipline de la médecine vouée à l’étude des patterns liés à la santé et aux processus pathologiques dans les populations. Comme dans le reste de la médecine, les observations faites sur la fréquence des maladies ou leurs déterminants sont à la base de mesures de prévention et de traitement. Les applications plus récentes de l’épidémiologie en psychiatrie ont contribué chez l’enfant à une meilleure compréhension des troubles du neurodéveloppement. Ainsi, l’épidémiologie du développement consacre l’étude des processus développementaux et de leurs déterminants abordés au travers de multiples dimensions, biologiques, environnementales et psychologiques. Dans cet article, nous illustrons les apports de l’épidémiologie du développement dans la compréhension des facteurs de risque et de protection des trajectoires précoces de développement dans le trouble du spectre de l’autisme. Nous décrirons pour cela une étude de cohorte (ELENA) dans laquelle sont suivis prospectivement durant 6 années 900 enfants avec un diagnostic confirmé de TSA. L’objectif de cette étude est de décrire les trajectoires de développement de ces enfants et leurs déterminants aux plans biologiques, environnementaux et psychologiques.
Études longitudinales dans le TSA et position développementale
Authors: Pry René
Published: September 2021

À partir d’une situation empruntée aux personnes sur le « Spectre », sont suggérées quelques contraintes que devrait respecter une recherche longitudinale. Apprécier un changement nécessite en effet d’en appréhender le contenu, d’en définir la fenêtre temporelle d’apparition, d’en dessiner les trajectoires évolutives et d’en évoquer les mécanismes. Mais il sera également suggéré de proposer une théorie du phénomène étudié qui intègre les changements, d’adopter un plan d’expérience adapté à ces derniers, d’utiliser des indicateurs pertinents et un appariement entre traitement statistique et modèle théorique.
L’affaire Raoult et alii
Authors: Carlet Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2021

Parmi les controverses françaises concernant la gestion gouvernementale de l’épidémie Covid 19 durant l’année 2020, l’une au moins ne peut qu’attirer le regard du philosophe, celle qui, dès le mois de mars, oppose les préconisations thérapeutiques formulées par le Professeur Raoult, soutenu par de nombreux médecins et universitaires, aux décisions officielles en matière de soin et de protection de la population. En effet, cette polémique, de mois en mois plus violente, interroge sur les relations exprimées entre pouvoir et vérité, questionnement dont la définition de la citoyenneté est l’enjeu. L’article présent, sans expertise médicale particulière, est donc une chronique personnelle, mais se voulant philosophique, des multiples questions soulevées par la manière dont un pouvoir contemporain, supposé moderne et laïque, entend se rapporter à la vérité.
La refonte bergsonienne de la notion de sensibilité
Authors: Panero Alain
Published: September 2021

Passant d’une conception quasi solipsiste ou monadique de la sensation, présente dans l’ Essai sur les données immédiates de la conscience , à l’idée d’une sensibilité universelle mais impersonnelle dans Matière et mémoire , Bergson se heurte à plusieurs difficultés, dont celle d’une dissolution de la notion de Sujet. Dans L’évolution créatrice puis dans Les deux sources de la morale et de la religion , son approche évolutionniste lui permet d’envisager la perspective d’une sensibilité indéfiniment extensible, inséparable désormais de celle d’un Vivant par définition métastable qui va de l’amibe jusqu’à Dieu.
La méthode mère kangourou
Authors: Bellas Cabane Christine , Mattern Chiarella , Ranosiarisoa Zoly Nantenaina , Ralaizara Brigida , Raonimanga Tsiorintsoa Soafara , Rakotomanana Elliot Fara Nandrasana , Rasamoelison Rina Jacques , Rajaonarison Razanapiera Hery , Landau Myriam
Published: September 2021

En 2018, l’Institut Pasteur de Madagascar a mené une recherche anthropologique sur la prise en charge de la prématurité selon la Méthode mère kangourou (MMK) consistant à porter un enfant prématuré sur le ventre, en contact peau contre peau et à pratiquer un allaitement maternel strict. Mise au point en Colombie, cette méthode conçue comme une alternative au manque de couveuses pour les bébés nés avant terme a été rapidement considérée comme un dispositif miracle pouvant être répliqué quel que soit le lieu et évoquant les modèles voyageurs. Les données ont été collectées dans un centre hospitalier de la capitale par les observations collectives et directes du déroulement de la MMK, les observations individuelles et les entretiens semi-directifs avec les soignants, les mères et les porteuses. Les résultats montrent les difficultés des acteurs à respecter strictement le modèle compte tenu d’un contexte qui les conduit à adapter la méthode à la réalité du terrain
Étude des enjeux d’un espace interculturel autour du livre bilingue
Authors: Béduneau Violaine , Titia Rizzi Alice
Published: September 2021

Dans les écoles situées en réseau d’éducation prioritaire, l’association AFaLaC crée un espace interculturel, où les familles se retrouvent autour d’albums traduits dans leurs langues. À partir de l’analyse empirique de quatre entretiens réalisés auprès des parents, nous discuterons des enjeux de cet espace investi psychologiquement par les familles qui le fréquentent et se le représentent. La proximité développée constitue l’essence de la bibliothèque, le livre favorise la découverte de l’autre et de soi. Les divers liens créés font de cet espace un atout pour l’école et les familles.
ERIC, chronique d’une équipe mobile d’urgence et de crise
Authors: Zeltner Laure
Published: September 2021

Depuis 27 ans ERIC (Equipe Rapide d’Intervention de Crise) déploie son activité dans les Yvelines sud et propose des alternatives à l’hospitalisation en psychiatrie. Comment le projet est-il né, s’est-il développé ? Quelles en sont ses missions ? Ses innovations ? La crise COVID est venue bousculer le principe de mobilité de l’équipe alors que sa disponibilité avait été réduite au 1er décembre 2020 par l’arrêt de la garde de nuit dans un contexte de pénurie médicale et infirmière territoriale. Comment alors poursuivre l’alternative à l’hospitalisation avec l’aide des proches quand la distanciation sociale est érigée comme règle et les protections comme denrées rares ?
La crise et l’urgence psychiatriques vécues par les familles
Authors: Viateau Jocelyne , Priolet Denys , Broutin Catherine , Monnier Alain , Pilet Marie-Françoise , Richard Marie-Jeanne
Published: September 2021

L’urgence, telle qu’elle est perçue et vécue par ceux qui, un jour ou l’autre, se retrouvent dans la nécessité de recourir à ses services. Après avoir évoqué la situation générale et le contexte du recours aux urgences (déni du malade, représentation sociale de dangerosité du malade psychique, insuffisance du nombre de dispositifs d’aide en dehors de l’hôpital…), l’article, très constructif, évoque de nombreuses pistes d’amélioration possibles, techniques comme humaines, des situations d’urgences : prévention des situations de crise, gestion de la crise, accueil à l’hôpital, soutien aux aidants… susceptibles de diminuer les souffrances et les pertes de chances thérapeutiques pour les personnes malades et leurs familles.
Crescimento pró-pobre: uma análise da heterogeneidade nos estados brasileiros (2012-2019)
Authors: Couto Ana Cristina Lima , Brito Elohá Cabreira , Silva Claudeci da
Published: September 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar os efeitos do crescimento pró-pobre no Brasil considerando a heterogeneidade das suas unidades da federação. Para isso foi estimado o modelo de regressão de dados em painel com informações da PNAD Contínua de 2012 a 2019. As variáveis analisadas foram: renda média per capita (proxy do crescimento econômico), desigualdade de renda, escolaridade média das pessoas com 25 anos e mais e a taxa de informalidade no mercado de trabalho. Pretende-se ainda avaliar a importância relativa de cada uma dessas variáveis na determinação da pobreza no país. Os resultados mostraram que a educação e o crescimento econômico foram pró-pobres, enquanto a alta desigualdade de renda e informalização se constituem em fatores que dificultam a queda da pobreza. A escolaridade obteve o maior impacto na redução da pobreza seguida da diminuição da desigualdade de renda.
Un ‘laberinto múltiple de pasos’. Cuentos de Borges en la enseñanza de la filosofía de la ciencia
Authors: Zambon Alfio , Alassia Fiorela
Published: September 2021

La reflexión crítica acerca del conocimiento científico que aporta el estudio de la epistemología, metodología y filosofía de la ciencia, es fundamental para la formación de los estudiantes universitarios de carreras científicas. Sin embargo, en la práctica docente hallamos una recurrente dificultad en los alumnos para relacionar los fundamentos epistemológicos con los contenidos de otras disciplinas. En relación a lo anterior, hemos buscado incorporar prácticas innovadoras en donde la literatura y la poesía sean fuentes de inspiración para el pensamiento y la discusión. Esto constituye un modo no tradicional de abordar la enseñanza en carreras científicas y profesionalistas, tanto en el grado como en el posgrado. Fundamentalmente apelamos a los cuentos de Jorge Luis Borges para articular el bagaje teórico desarrollado en nuestros cursos con los conocimientos previos que tienen los estudiantes sobre química, biología, geología y física, entre otras disciplinas. De este modo, relatos como ‘La busca de Averroes’, ‘La muerte y la brújula’, ‘El Otro’ y ‘Pierre Menard, autor del Quijote’, entre otros, se transforman en herramientas para estimular conexiones interdisciplinarias, reflexionar sobre los contenidos y ampliar la perspectiva del conocimiento científico. En este trabajo describiremos cuatro experiencias de trabajo con cuentos de Borges y presentaremos algunas reflexiones acerca de esta forma de vincular ciencia, filosofía y literatura, a partir de nuestras prácticas docentes.
Placemaking and visitors’ reviews of the Golden Mile of Durban
Authors: Hlengwa Dumsile C.
Published: September 2021

Orientation: Placemaking is a proclivity of cities to change space into place through zoning, naming and development into attractive, people-friendly landscapes where diverse, harmonious and sometimes contradicting amenities are coalesced to attract people.Research purpose: To establish the perceptions of the visitors on appeal, experience and safety of the Golden Mile of Durban.Motivation for the study: The study was motivated by availability of online reviews that remained unanalysed and did not aid decision-making.Research design, approach and method: Data were collected from 287 reviews sampled from the Golden Mile website. Qualitative analysis was performed on the data and categorised according to appeal, experience and safety associated with the Golden Mile.Main findings: The study found that placemaking is always work in progress as destinations strive for competitiveness and to avoid obsoletion. An overwhelming majority of visitors rated the Golden Mile as good to excellent on appeal, experience and safety. Some criticised the place as unsafe with a number of dilapidated buildings spoiling its appeal.Practical/managerial implications: Planners and tourism developers should factor the grass root approach to placemaking by increasing security and urging property owners to revamp their buildings, thus keeping with the image of the place.Contribution/value-add: The article emphasises the significance and value added by online visitors’ reviews in placemaking.
Making Decentralisation Work
Authors: Datta Sumana
Published: September 2021

The literature on forest conservation lacks comparative analyses of decentralisation across different sectors to understand their relative advantages and limitations. This article adopts an ethnographic approach to compare the functioning of two decentralised village-level institutions in the state of West Bengal, India: the forest protection committees created under joint forest management and the gram panchayat, the lowest tier of the panchayati raj institution. The comparative analysis shows that despite their decentralised structure, the village forest protection committees have very little discretionary power relative to the powers exercised by gram panchayats. Gram panchayats have been effective in developing an inclusive and transparent decentralised governance system which retains the support of diverse interest groups within communities and other layers of the state. The study shows that style of decentralisation under joint forest management in West Bengal has been alienating forest-based communities from conservation because their voices remain symbolic in local, state, and national-level policy decisions. The study provides new theoretical and methodological insights for analysing decentralisation by underscoring the importance of criteria such as discretionary power for local decision-making and accountability; local bureaucratic and infrastructure support; and designated physical space in the everyday working of decentralised governance at the village level.
Assessment of Pest Control Services by Vertebrates in Nigerian Subsistence Maize Farms
Authors: Tela Murna , Cresswell Will , Chapman Hazel
Published: September 2021

Global conversion of patches of natural vegetation into agricultural land is reducing the ecosystem services provided by natural patches dwelling species to farmers. For sub-Saharan African subsistence farmers, such a reduction in pest control services by birds may be a significant disadvantage. Here we explored to what extent birds provide pest control services to the staple crop maize (Zea mays) on small subsistence farms on the Mambilla Plateau of Taraba State, Nigeria. We used exclosure experiments (maize crops with and without birds) to model how birds influenced crop yield. We found that excluding birds from maize significantly reduces crop yield, although the lack of a direct correlation between bird abundance and crop yield suggests that other taxa, such as bats, may also be important pest predators. Our results suggest that in this subsistence farming landscape, natural pest control of maize from vertebrates does occur, but further research is needed to understand the specific control agents and the role of patches of natural vegetation as habitat for them.
A study to compare nasopharyngeal airway space in skeletal Class I, Class II, and Class III malocclusion
Authors: Tanpure Vijaysinh Ramchandra , Kalavani S. V. , Palagiri Firoz Babu , Bhagyalakshmi K. , Devaki Satish Babu
Published: September 2021

Background:

Studies in the past have assessed relation between airway and type of malocclusion and found no association between rhinomanometric measures of airway adequacy and type of malocclusion or craniofacial morphology. Hence, the present study was undertaken to test whether there is any association between pharyngeal airway and type of malocclusion.

Methodology:

The subjects were divided into 3 groups based on skeletal pattern with 20 subjects in each group: Group 1 with Class I skeletal pattern, Group 2 with Class II skeletal pattern, and Group 3 with Class III skeletal pattern. All the cephalograms were taken in natural head position.

Results:

There is no significant difference found in total nasopharyngeal area between 3 groups. However, aerial area was significantly reduced in Group 3 (398.4 mm2) than that of Group 2 (485.737 mm2) (P = 0.012). Whereas, significant reduction in adenoidal area was observed in Group 2 (184.021 mm2) when compared with that of Group 3 (286.183 mm2).

Conclusion:

There was no statistically significant relationship between different skeletal groups and nasopharyngeal soft-tissue characteristics, except for two measurements i.e. aerial and adenoidal area of Group 2 and Group 3.
Writing and appraising narrative reviews
Authors: Sarkar Siddharth , Bhatia Gayatri
Published: September 2021

Reviews provide a condensed representation of existing literature on a particular topic. Both systematic reviews and narrative reviews have their individual merits and limitations in terms of goals, applicability, process and scope. This work aims to provide an overview of the relevance of narrative reviews in today's era of sophisticated research methodologies and to describe in detail the process involved in writing a narrative review. Narrative reviews provide a concise review of literature with the liberty to raise questions and stimulate further research. The process of writing a good narrative review involves framing a research question, deciding the most suitable methodology, going through literature, representation of evidence and preparing a draft. Some key considerations and potential pitfalls while writing narrative reviews have also been discussed.
Necrotising soft-tissue infections with hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunct
Authors: Korambayil Pradeoth Mukundan , Ambookan Prashanth Varkey , Karangath Rameela Ravindran
Published: September 2021

We studied study the utility of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy in necrotising soft-tissue infection and to evolve a protocol for management with multidisciplinary surgical management. During the period November 2011 to December 2019, 29 patients with necrotising soft-tissue infection subjected to HBO therapy during the management were enrolled in the study. All had diabetes mellitus as a comorbidity; 5 had Fournier's gangrene, 20 had necrotising soft-tissue infection involving the lower extremity and 4 patients had involvement of upper extremity. Three patients did not require any surgical intervention, while 26 patients required multiple surgical wound debridement, HBO and soft-tissue reconstruction. Our observations suggest that HBO therapy is a useful adjunct for surgery in the management of necrotising soft-tissue infections.
Performance comparison of commercial RNA extraction kits for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Perumal Nagaraj , Jain Rajeev Kumar , Sharma Archa , Chaurasia Deepti
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased need for molecular diagnostics. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) extraction is a crucial step in the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2). The resulting outcome depends on the performance of the RNA extraction kit used.

Methods:

This study evaluated the efficiency of four different commercial RNA extraction kits for the detection of SARS-COV 2. The reproducibility and performance efficiency of each kit were assessed and compared. The performance, processing time and storage conditions were also considered in the evaluation.

Results:

A slightly lesser cycle threshold (Ct) values were observed in RNA extracted using HiPurA Viral RNA Purification Kit. Invitrogen PureLink RNA Mini Kit was found to be time-saving and user-friendly.

Conclusions:

All the RNA isolation kit yielded the best results; however, if time is the important considerations, Invitrogen PureLink RNA Mini Kit has the shortest processing time.
A study on origin, termination, and course characteristics of internal thoracic artery relevant to coronary surgeries and reconstructive procedures
Authors: Agnihotri Gaurav , Mitra Anureet
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

The internal thoracic artery is a favored vessel for coronary artery bypass grafting and is utilized for breast reconstructive surgeries. Our study focuses on the origin, termination, and course characteristics of the internal thoracic artery. A comprehension of these morphological features and possible variations will definitely aid a clinician in appropriate harvesting of the artery for clinical procedures.

Materials and Methods:

200 thoracic halves (from 100 embalmed adult human cadavers of either sex) were obtained from the department of anatomy. The origin, course characteristics, termination levels, and patterns for the internal thoracic artery were studied.

Results:

The internal thoracic artery originated from the first part of subclavian artery. The most common course pattern observed was medial concavity (88.5%). In 10% of cases, a tortuous course was observed. No artery with lateral concavity or rectilinear course pattern was documented. The artery terminated in the sixth space in 93.5% of cases. In 98% of cases, bifurcation in termination was observed. Trifurcation in termination was also observed in 2% of cases. The average length of variant artery (third terminating branch) was documented to be 5.5 cm.

Conclusion:

The increased utilization of the internal thoracic artery for coronary bypass arterial surgery and its role in sternal wound healing has made it imperative for clinicians to keep in mind its anatomical characteristics and local variations. This knowledge definitely will improve prognosis and decrease intraoperative/postoperative complications in patients undergoing coronary surgeries, percutaneous subclavian catheterizations, and reconstructive procedures.
Transarterial chemoembolization with or without sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Peng Tzu-Rong , Wu Ta-Wei , Wu Chao-Chuan , Chang Sou-Yi , Chan Cheng-Yi , Hsu Ching-Sheng
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or sorafenib may prolong survival in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, whether their combination prolongs survival than TACE alone remains controversial. We aimed to compare the overall survival (OS) of patients with unresectable HCC treated with TACE plus sorafenib (TACE-S) versus TACE alone.

Materials and Methods:

All patients with unresectable HCC who received TACE as the initial therapy between January 2006 and January 2017 at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital were enrolled. We matched patients treated with TACE-S and those treated with TACE alone (TACE) by performing propensity score matching at a 1:2 ratio. Our primary outcome was OS during a 10-year follow-up period, and represented as a hazard ratio calculated using Cox proportional hazard regression models.

Results:

Among 515 patients with unresectable HCC were treated initially with TACE, 56 receiving TACE-S group and 112 receiving TACE alone (TACE group) were included in the primary outcome analysis. The TACE-S group had significantly longer median OS than did the TACE group (1.55 vs. 0.32, years; P < 0.001), and the 5-year OS rates was 10.7% in the TACE-S group and 0.9% in the TACE group (P < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, patients with a lower Child–Pugh score, tumor size ≤5 cm, and no extrahepatic metastasis before treatment and those receiving antiviral agents and receiving TACE-S had longer OS (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Antiviral agents and the combination of TACE with sorafenib may improve the OS of patients with unresectable HCC.
Quality of injectable oxytetracycline circulating in legal markets of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia using physiochemical and sterility analysis
Authors: Nigussie Yosef , Melaku Achenef , Tadese Misgana , Belete Bizuayehu , Kebede Elias
Published: September 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate the quality of different brands of injectable oxytetracycline solutions circulating in the legal markets  of Addis Ababa with respect to physicochemical characteristics and sterility. Nine brands of oxytetracycline with thirteen different batches were randomly purchased from veterinary drug stores in the city. The physical assessment was performed by using a checklist that was  prepared based on the World Health Organization guidelines. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) was performed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. The sterility test was assessed by using the direct  inoculation method. All samples passed the identity, the assay, and the sterility tests. However, there were statistically significant  differences (P<0.05) among brands in the quantity of API. The highest percentage of the API was recorded in brand G (112.12%± 1.86) while the lowest was seen in brand H (92.61%± 1.5). This study revealed that all brands passed both physicochemical and sterility tests except for the differences in the API level among brands. Strict regulation, monitoring, and wider-scale surveillance are required to assure sustainable control of substandard, unsterile, and falsified pharmaceutical products in the country.
Estrus characteristics, ovarian response to synchronization hormones, and fertility of crossbred dairy heifers managed under a semi-intensive system
Authors: Demissie Tilaye , Yilma Tefera , Degefa Tamrat , Ambilo Adise , Tadesse Tsigereda , Lema Alemayehu
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to characterize estrus sign/s which best predict the time of ovulation and determine ovarian responses to different  synchronization protocols and conception rates to fixed-time artificial insemination in Boran*Holstein crossbred heifers. In the first part of the study, twenty-seven heifers were observed for estrus signs (from induced and natural) and the relationship of various estrus signs with ovulation time was evaluated by using ultrasonography. In the second part, 91 Boran*Holstein crossbred heifers were randomly grouped into three groups. Group one heifers (n=28) received 100μg gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on day zero (D0), 500μg  prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on day 7 and 100μg of GnRH on day 9. Group 2 heifers (n=32) were treated as group one but additionally  received progesterone as controlled internal drug release (CIDR). Group three heifers (n=31) were treated as those in group 2 but without injection with GnRH on day 0. In all the 3 groups’ insemination was made at 19h of the second GnRH. The results showed that irrespective of estrus source type (induced or natural), score for standing to be mounted, mounting other heifers, and non-receptive mount by other heifers showed a strong positive correlation with ovulation time (r=0.67, P<0.05). Standing estrus duration, and time elapsed from standing estrus to ovulation were shorter (P<0.05) in induced estrus. The conception rate was 39.3% in synchronized ovulation in the absence of CIDR. The conception rate in timed insemination was 56.3% when ovulation was synchronized by combining CIDR, PGF2α, and GnRH. In conclusion injection of GnRH on day zero together with treatment with CIDR improved ovulation rate, the number of new corpus luteum, and conception rate. Heifers that ovulated within the first 24h after timed insemination had a higher (P<0.05) conception rate than heifers ovulated after 24h of timed insemination. Cycling heifers at day zero had a greater (P<0.05) conception rate than non-cycling.
Comparative morphoanatomical studies of south eastern Nigerian representatives of Oldenlandia L. (Rubiaceae)
Authors: Ekeke Chimezie , Oagzie Chinedum Alozie , Agogbua Josephine
Published: September 2021

Leaf and stem anatomical structure of the four Oldenlandia L. (O. affinis (Roem. & Schult.) DC., O. corymbosa L., O. herbacea (Linn.) Roxb., and O. lancifolia (Schumach) DC.) from some parts viz. Ogbokor (Edo State), Obiga-Asa (Abia State), IITA staion Onne (Rivers State), and Agricultural farm Uniport (Rivers State) Nigeria were examined by light microscopy. The epidermal cells are pentagonal to polygonal with straight, curved or wavy anticlinal walls, and paracytic stomata. All the species have dorsiventral leaf with the leaf vein vascular bundles embedded in the spongy mesophyll. The midribs vascular bundles form an arc enclosed by parenchymatous endodermal cells. O. herabcea is amphistomatic while the other species are hypostomatic. Raphide bundles were seen only in the lamina of O. corymbosa. Tuft hair is absent in O. herbacea but occurred on the adaxial leaf surfaces of O. affinis, O. corymbosa, and O. diffusa. The stem of O. diffusa is terete while other species have quadrangular stem. Papillae occurred on the adaxial epidermis of O. affinis and O. corymbosa. The stem pith thickness (PT)/cortical thickness (ET) ratio varied among the species. Notable diagnostic features in these species include the PT/ET ratio, layers of cortex in the stem, occurrence of tuft hairs on the leaf veins and surface, presence or absence of raphides and papillose, layer of abaxial and adaxial cortex in the midrib, and amphistomatatic or hypostomatic leaf.
Haematological and histopathological examinations of African mud catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to petroleum wastewater
Authors: Oladunjoye R.Y. , Fafioye O.O. , Asiru R.A. , Bakare G.O. , Odusolu A.A.
Published: September 2021

Effects of petroleum refinery wastewater on Clarias gariepinus juvenile were investigated. Commercially obtained C. gariepinus fingerlings were acclimatized in a plastic tank (100 L capacity) of de-chlorinated tap water at 25±2°C for 14 days and fed with commercial feed pellet at 2% body weight of the fingerlings. Bioassay tests were carried out in four transparent plastics tank with nominal concentrations of 100 ml, 200 ml, 300 ml of the wastewater added to 40L of de-chlorinated tap water and only de-chlorinated tap water as control. Each tank contains twenty fish samples, while the assay was replicated three times concurrently. Following standard procedures, behavioural response, growth changes, haematological and histopathological tests were carried out on the samples. Significant reduction in the weight was observed in the fingerlings cultured with the wastewaters, while no significant difference occurred in the control fish. Highest values of Packed Cell Volume (PCV) (22), Haemoglobin (HB) (7.0), Red Blood Cell (RBC) (1.62) and endocochlear potential (EP) (5) were recorded for the control fish than exposed fish. On the other hand, Haptoglobin (HP), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) were higher in the blood of exposed fish than in control. Histopathologically, exposed fishes showed no visible lesion in gills except from the thickening of the lamellae as the concentration of wastewater increases, indicating an increase in tissue disintegration. Similarly, gross tissue disintegration was observed in those fish exposed to 200ml wastewater as evidenced by the presence of large open spaces (hepatocytes) in the liver.
Neurological behaviour of albino rats treated separately and in combination with Cannabis sativa L. and Cannabis indica L.
Authors: Ashidi Joseph S. , Emeya Irene. E. , Owagboriaye Folarin O. , Feyisola Roseline T. , Lawal Olubukola I. , Okechukwu Olaitan C.
Published: September 2021

There has been an increasing rate of cannabis consumption globally, especially among the youths. This study therefore evaluated the neurological behaviours and some brain marker hormones and enzymes of cannabis administered rats. Twenty six albino rats were divided into four groups based on oral cannabis administration (control, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and the combination of the two). At the end of seven days, open field test was conducted on the rats. Also, brain neuro-chemicals, activities of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation were evaluated using spectrophotometry. The results of the Open-Field Test showed an appreciable increase in the level of ambulation (line crossing), grooming, urination and stretched attend posture in the rats administered with Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa and the combination when compared with the control. Norepinephrine was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the rat groups administered with the combination of Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. The control group however had the lowest dopamine level. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the rats administered the combination of both Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. The brain level of reduced glutathione (GSH) was significantly higher in the rats administered with Cannabis indica. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly higher in the rats administered with Cannabis sativa than the other rat groups. Histopathological evaluation of the brain also revealed various damages in the brain cells of rats administered with cannabis compared to the normal brain structure of the control rats. It is thus said that consumption of C. sativa or C. indica alone produced mild effect on the brain cells and physiology in rats. However, combination of C. sativa and C. indica produced a severe synergistic effect on the neurological function of the exposed rat.
Testing for equality of means with equal and unequal variances
Authors: Abidoye A.O. , Lamidi W.A. , Alabi M.O. , Popoola J.
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we are interested in comparing the conventional t –test with the proposed t – test for testing equality of means with unequal and equal variances. Here, we proposed harmonic mean of variances as an alternative to the pooled sample variance when there is heterogeneity of variances. Two sets of secondary data were obtained from Agricultural Development Project (KWADP) and the Ministry of Agriculture in Ilorin, Kwara State to demonstrate the two test statistics used and the results show that the proposed t – test statistic is found to be appropriate than the conventional t – test statistic when we have unequal variances but the conventional t – test perform better when we have equal variances.
Inverse Akash distribution and its applications
Authors: Okereke E.W. , Gideon S.N. , Ohakwe J.
Published: September 2021

A new one-parameter distribution named inverse Akash distribution, for modelling lifetime data, has been  introduced. Important statistical properties of the proposed distribution such as the density function, hazard rate function, survival function, stochastic ordering,  entropy   measure, stress-strength reliability and the maximum  likelihood estimation of the parameter of the distribution have been discussed. Two real data sets were employed in illustrating the usefulness of the new distribution. Comparatively, the inverse Akash distribution provided better fits to the data than each of the inverse exponential distribution and inverse Lindley distribution.
Downregulation of PyHRG1, encoding a novel secretory protein in the red alga Pyropia yezoensis, enhances heat tolerance
Authors: Han Narae , Wi Jiwoong , Im Sungoh , Lim Ka-Min , Lee Hun-Dong , Jeong Won-Joong , Kim Geun-Joong , Kim Chan Song , Park Eun-Jeong , Hwang Mi Sook , Choi Dong-Woog
Published: September 2021

An increase in seawater temperature owing to global warming is expected to substantially limit the growth of marine algae, including Pyropia yezoensis, a commercially valuable red alga. To improve our knowledge of the genes involved in the acquisition of heat tolerance in P. yezoensis, transcriptomes sequences were obtained from both the wild-type SG104 P. yezoensis and heat-tolerant mutant Gy500. We selected 1,251 differentially expressed genes that were up- or downregulated in response to the heat stress condition and in the heat-tolerant mutant Gy500, based on fragment per million reads expression values. Among them, PyHRG1 was downregulated under heat stress in SG104 and expressed at a low level in Gy500. PyHRG1 encodes a secretory protein of 26.5 kDa. PyHRG1 shows no significant sequence homology with any known genes deposited in public databases to date. However, PyHRG1 homologs were found in other red algae, including other Pyropia species. When PyHRG1 was introduced into the single-cell green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, transformed cells overexpressing PyHRG1 showed severely retarded growth. These results demonstrate that PyHRG1 encodes a novel red algae-specific protein and plays a role in heat tolerance in algae. The transcriptome sequences obtained in this study, which include PyHRG1, will facilitate future studies to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in heat tolerance in red algae.
SOLID PHASE EXTRACTION BASED ON Mn3O4-TIO2 NANOCOMPOSITE FOR THE DETERMINATION OF MOLYBDENUM IN WATER SAMPLES
Authors: THUY TRAN THANH , DAT DOAN VAN , HUNG NGUYEN XUAN , TRUONG UYEN
Published: September 2021

The Mn3O4-TiO2 nanocomposite was applied as a new solid phase adsorbent for preconcentration of Molybdenum before determination by an UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The solid-phase extraction conditions as pH, the mass of sorbent, contact time, stirring speed, and the elution condition were investigated. Under optimized conditions, the adsorption capacity of adsorbent was 20.69 mg/g, and the elution condition was 0.2M NaOH solution. Molybdenum ions were determined based on its catalytic effect on the oxidation of 1-amino-2- naphthol-4-sulfonic acid (ANSA) with H2O2. The linear calibration graph was in the range of 0.2–2.5 µg/L (r2 = 0.995) with a detection limit of 0.0502 µg/L. The relative standard deviation for five measurements of 2 µg/L of Mo (VI) was 3,37%. The method was applied to the determination of Molybdenum in water samples.
EXTRACTION OF NATURAL DYE FROM DIOSPYROS MOLLIS (GRIFF.) FRUITS BY MANY DIFFERENT SOLVENTS AND APPLICATION OF DYED ON SILK FABRIC
Authors: HONG PHUONG PHAM THI , SON QUAN LE VO , KIM PHUNG LE THI , THI LINH HOANG , TRUNG KIEN TRAN
Published: September 2021

Diospyros mollis (Griff.) locally known as “mac nua”, is a kind of wild plant which fruits are used to dye the famous black “Lanh My A” silk of Tan Chau, An Giang. In this study, the author uses four solvents: water, ethanol, acetone and diethyl ether to extract natural dye and it’s used dyeing for silk. As a result, the natural dye extracted with acetone solution from Diospyros mollis (Griff.) fruits was used to dye for silk that obtained a color saturation 3.72 which was the best solvent. Silk fabric after dyeing has achieved the level of 4-5 color fastness, high mechanical strength and the ecological properties.
NGHIÊN CỨU VÀ THIẾT KẾ DỤNG CỤ KẸP MICRO VỚI CƠ CHẾ THẢ VẬT THỂ CÓ ĐỘ DÍNH SỬ DỤNG RUNG ĐỘNG
Authors: NGỌC ĐĂNG KHOA TRẦN
Published: September 2021

Kẹp micro dùng để gắp, giữ và thả các vật thể trong thế giới micro. Với nhiều ứng dụng quan trọng trong ngành công nghệ kỹ thuật cao, việc phát triển và thiết kế các nguyên lý hoạt động của kẹp micro đang là vấn đề quan tâm của các nhà nghiên cứu. Đặc biệt dùng để gắp và thả các vật thể có độ dính cao. Trong nghiên cứu này, tác giả trình bày một dụng cụ kẹp micro với tính năng tự động thả vật thể có độ dính cao. Kẹp được cấu tạo dựa trên nguyên lý hoạt động cơ cấu mềm với hai vị trí cân bằng. Bên cạnh đó, một cơ cấu dùng để tạo dao động giúp cho vật thể có độ dính cao được thả ra bằng cách va chạm giữa các cơ cấu. quá trình gắp và thả được kích hoạt dựa trên ngoại lực tác dụng. Lợi dụng đặc điểm của cơ cấu mềm hai vị trí cân bằng, dụng cụ kẹp micro không cần dùng đến bất kỳ nguồn năng lượng bên ngoài nào để tác động vào quá trình giữ chặt của kẹp micro. Cấu trúc khớp mềm giúp tránh các lực ma sát và mài mòn trong quá trình hoạt động của kẹp.
NGHIÊN CỨU, CHẾ TẠO NHỰA SINH HỌC TỪ HẠT MÍT
Authors: KHOA TRIỀU NGUYỄN , HUỲNH THÔNG NGUYỄN , VĂN THƯỞNG LÊ , THANH VÂN TRẦN , VĂN VŨ LÊ
Published: September 2021

Trong bài báo này, các tác giả tổng hợp và phân tích những công trình nghiên cứu về chế tạo và ứng dụng nhựa sinh học. Đầu tiên, một số loại hạt trái cây phổ biến ở nước ta được thực nghiệm phân tích khả năng cho tinh bột. Kết quả là hạt mít được lựa chọn vì dễ tìm kiếm với số lượng lớn, giá không đáng kể hoặc miễn phí, khả năng cho tinh bột cao. Sau đó, quy trình chế tạo nhựa sinh học được tổng hợp từ các bài báo quốc tế và trong nước. Qua những khảo nghiệm sơ bộ, các chất nhựa hóa được lựa chọn phù hợp, bao gồm nước, glycerol, baking soda, acid citric. Bốn loại nhựa với bốn tỷ lệ trộn khác nhau được chế tạo để đánh giá chất lượng của nhựa cũng như ảnh hưởng của các chất nhựa hóa. Tiếp theo, dựa trên tiêu chuẩn ASTM D412 loại A dành cho nhựa, một bộ khuôn và một bộ dao cắt tạo mẫu hình xương đã được thiết kế và gia công chế tạo. Bộ dao cắt mẫu này đã được sử dụng để cắt mẫu kéo hình xương. Kết quả thử kéo cho thấy, độ cứng của nhựa tỷ lệ thuận với tỷ lệ tinh bột. Tuy nhiên, cần phải lưu ý rằng, với một tỷ lệ quá lớn thì tinh bột không được nhựa hóa hoàn toàn. Tuy nhựa sinh học được chế tạo ra có cơ tính còn kém so với nhựa có nguồn gốc từ dầu mỏ, nhưng tính thân thiện với môi trường và giá trị tiềm năng cao của chúng hứa hẹn sẽ là vật liệu của tương lai.
TRUYỀN NĂNG LƯỢNG CỘNG HƯỞNG GIỮA HAI NGUYÊN TỬ KHI CÓ MẶT KHỐI TRỤ VẬT CHẤT NHIỀU LỚP
Authors: MINH HIẾN TRẦN
Published: September 2021

Quá trình truyền năng lượng cộng hưởng đóng vai trò quan trọng nhiều hệ vật lý khác nhau cũng như trong hóa học và sinh học. Việc nghiên cứu bản chất của quá trình này cũng như khả năng điều khiển nó là một vấn đề được quan tâm rộng rãi hiện nay trong cộng đồng khoa học. Chúng ta biết rằng, quá trình bức xạ của các nguồn phát lượng tử bị ảnh hưởng bởi môi trường bao quanh. Truyền năng lượng cộng hưởng giữa hai nguyên tử là sự trao đổi kích thích giữa chúng qua trung gian trường điện từ vì thế quá trình này có thể bị ảnh hưởng đáng kể bởi môi trường. Chúng tôi khảo sát tốc độ truyền năng lượng cộng hưởng của hai nguyên tử được đặt bên trong một khối trụ điện môi nhiều lớp. Cấu hình được xem xét ở đây có dạng phân bố Bragg. Sự phụ thuộc của tốc độ truyền năng lượng vào khoảng cách phân tử bề mặt cũng như sự phụ thuộc vào tần số của photon phát xạ sẽ được xem xét. Kết quả cho thấy, khi các điều kiện phản xạ Bragg được thỏa, tốc độ truyền năng lượng được tăng cường hoặc triệt tiêu rất mạnh.
NGHIÊN CỨU KHẢ NĂNG VA CHẠM VÀ LẬT NGHIÊNG KHUNG XƯƠNG Ô TÔ BUÝT LIỀN KHỐI DƯỚI TẢI TRỌNG ĐỘNG
Authors: VĂN SỸ NGUYỄN , THÀNH TÂM NGUYỄN
Published: September 2021

Rất cần thiết xem xét tính hiệu quả độ bền và độ an toàn sau khi xảy ra va chạm của khung xe, điều mà sự biến dạng cấu trúc khung xe tác động đến tính mạng của hành khách. Do đó, độ cứng vững của khung xe buýt là điều đầu tiên và cần được xem xét. Bài báo này trình bày một phương pháp phân tích phần tử hữu hạn để thiết kế cấu trúc khung xương liền khối của xe buýt nhằm giảm tổn thương trong tai nạn trực diện và lật nghiêng khi trọng lượng của xe buýt được cố định. Đầu tiên, phân tích tình trạng va chạm trực diện của khung xương sát-xi liền khối với tốc độ xe là 50 km/h. Biến dạng toàn bộ đầu xe nằm trong phạm vi an toàn, thỏa mãn điều kiện an toàn va chạm trực diện. Kế tiếp là phân tích lật nghiêng được thực hiện theo các quy tắc an toàn của tiêu chuẩn châu Âu (ECE-R66). Kết quả cho thấy không gian sống sót của người lái xe và hành khách được thỏa mãn theo điều kiện va chạm trực diện phía trước và lật nghiêng.