bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive review of the components of nurse-coordinated care which are most effective in preventing coronary heart diseases
Authors: Fan Wenna , Guo Chao , Zhao Qi , Ma Hongbo
Published: April 2023

Coronary artery disease occurs when there is inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle as a consequence of coronary artery blockage, resulting in heart muscle failure. During normal heart action, cardiac muscles will always need an adequate supply of blood to fulfill their oxygen requirements. Coronary heart disease is the most common kind of cardiovascular disease in adults and the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Growing understanding of the possible significance of environmental and lifestyle variables in disease development has enhanced the job of the nurse coordinator, whether at a lower or higher levelof responsibility, to keep current ondiagnostic procedures, clinical symptoms, and innovative treatment choices. According to the national cardiovascular control program, secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease has increased, including measures such as cholesterol management, blood pressure monitoring, and smoking cessation. If you know more about NCC, it might be easier to figure out what roles it could play and what effects its use might have.

Keywords: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD); Nurse-Coordinated Care (NCC); Nursing Interventions (NI).
The association of anthropometric indices and resistant hypertension among type 2 diabetes: a case study of patients attending Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya
Authors: Mueni Mbithi Mary , Wanjau Tabitha , Nguka Gordon
Published: April 2023

Resistant hypertension has been identified as common among type 2 diabetics. Importantly, diabetes prevalence has been increasing in the recent past indicating a future rise in the frequency of resistant hypertension. This study determined the association of anthropometric indices as determinants of resistant hypertension compared to conventional hypertension among type 2 diabetes patients attending Kisii teaching and referral hospital (KTRH). A descriptive study design was used where 96 adult cases with type 2 diabetes were consecutively selected into the study, of which 48 had conventional hypertension and the other48 participants had resistant hypertension for the last one year. Statistical analysis involved Pearson’s Chi-Square test analysed categorical variables while binary logistic regression and odds ratio was used to determine the relationship and association of the study variables. The study results indicated that there is an association between Body Mass Index (BMI) (P=0.014) and resistant hypertension among type 2 diabetes patients attending KTRH. However, the Waist-Hip ratio (P=0.393) was not associated with resistant hypertension among type 2 diabetes patients attending Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital. These results expandedthe understanding of risk factors of resistant hypertension among type 2 diabetics. Therefore, this study recommends comprehensive health promotion programs to encourage and promote lifestyle modification.

Keywords: Resistant and conventional hypertension; type 2 diabetes.
Factors that influence resignations of radiographers employed by tertiary hospitals in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa
Authors: Pillay Melisa , Busisiwe Nkosi Pauline , Nokuthula Sibiya Maureen
Published: April 2023

Background: The shortage of staff in Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) public hospitals is evident and poses a challenge to retain radiographers. Therefore, there is need to identify the factors that influence resignations of radiographers.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the factors that influence resignations of radiographers employed by tertiary hospitals in KZN province.

Methods: The study was guided by a descriptive quantitative research method. The data was collected in the form of questionnaires. A letter of information describing the details of the study was provided to the participants. All consenting participants were requested to provide a written consent prior to completing the questionnaire. The questionnaire was completed, collected and analysed. The statistical analysis test was conducted using SPSS statistic V25.

Result: A response rate of 66.35% was received with 78.3% (n=108) female and 21.7% (n=30) male. The result suggested that participants unanimously agree that resignation of radiographers is precipitated by factors such as poor working conditions, unhygienic working environment and uncompetitive salaries. The result also suggested that moving from their current career in radiography to another career is precipitated by factors such as high stress level and long working hours.

Conclusion: The factors identified were further analysed and results showed that the participant’s personal reasons for moving from their jobs are corelated with environmental reasons. The most influential factor was stress and remuneration.

Keywords: Radiographers; staff resignation; descriptive quantitative research.
Occupational therapy assessment and interventions for young autistic children in South Africa
Authors: Moosa Aneesa , Gurayah Thavanesi , Banu Karim Saira , Govender Pragashnie
Published: April 2023

Background: Occupational Therapy is among the top interventions for autistic children, hence the need for equitable and effective services in the public and private health and education sectors. Ongoing research into the therapies for autism spectrum disorders in different contexts is also required.

Objectives: To explore and describe occupational therapists’ assessment and intervention for autistic children in South Africa.

Methods: A descriptive qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews to gather data from purposively recruited OTs (n=20). Data were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically, and compared across three sectors public health, special needs schools and private practice.

Results: South African practice across all three sectors was similar to international patterns of informal play-based assessment, sensory processing and Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI®) treatment. Developmental frameworks guided specific approaches. Strong team collaboration was present across sectors, with some transdisciplinary teamwork and co-treatment. Undergraduate and postgraduate training opportunities were, however limited.

Conclusions: Occupational therapy assessments had diagnostic value. Informal tools such as developmental checklists were found to have clinical utility, whilst standardised tools were most commonly used to assess sensory processing and visual perception. Recommendations included incorporating ASI® into undergraduate curricula and postgraduate training opportunities with multidisciplinary input to develop ASD professionals in South Africa. It is imperative to advocate for services in under-resourced rural areas and marginalised communities that lack financial and social resources. Occupational therapists need to find new ways of working collaboratively across sectors to ensure effective and comprehensive services in public health and special schools.

Keywords: Occupational therapy; occupational therapy assessment; occupational therapy intervention; autism spectrum disorder; autistic children; South African practice.
Somatotype distribution of schoolchildren in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria.
Authors: Japhet Leko Bankole , Mbadugha Christopher Chiedozie. , Sunday Oladipo Gabriel
Published: April 2023

This cross-sectional study involved one thousand school children aged 7 to 18 years in Port- Harcourt, Rivers State. Anthropometric variables including; height, weight, girths, bone breadths and skinfold thickness were measured and blood pressure recorded. The Heath-Carter somatotype and body size expressed in kg/m2 were obtained. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21 and XLSTAT statistical software. Results indicated the mean ages as; 12.2±2.52, 12.6±2.58, 12.4±2.56 in males, females and the entire sample respectively. Mean BMI were; 18.24±3.24, 17.64±3.12 and 18.73±3.26 for the entire sample, males and females respectively. Females were significantly taller and heavier, with significantly higher BMI than males (p<0.05).Males had relatively higher values than females for somatotype variables, except for endomorphy whereas female showed a significantly higher values in all skinfold thicknesses than males (p<0.05). The mean somatotype were; 1.7-4.1-3.5, 2.8-3.9-3.1 for males and females respectively, indicating that males lie within the ectomorphic-mesomorph while females were in the balanced mesomorphy categories. This study might represent the first documented report on the somatotype distribution for children and adolescent in the south-south region of Nigeria with particular reference to children and adolescents in Port-Hacourt.
Comparative study of the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract and vitamin c on lead induced hippocampal toxicity in adult male Wistar rats
Authors: Oluwatunase Gideon Olamilekan , Enemali Felix Udawnojo , Okwute Patrick Godwin , Asafa Olayinka Olawale , Ajimoh Faith Adeyemi
Published: April 2023

Pharmaceutical and industrial preparations contain lead and exposure to it has been associated to be the cause of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, in this current study, we investigated the comparative neuroprotective potentials of graded dose of Ginkgo biloba and Vitamin C in lead-induced alterations in the hippocampus of Wistar rats. Six groups of six adult Wistar rats each contained 36 animals in total. Group A served as the control and received normal tap water. Group B received 100mg/kg body weight of lead only. Group C received 100mg/kg body weight of lead and 200mg/kg body weight of Ginkgo biloba. Group D received 100mg/kg of lead and 250mg/kg of Ginkgo biloba. Group E received 100mg/kg of lead and 1192mg/kg of vitamin C, Group F received 200mg/kg of Ginkgo biloba only. For twenty-one days, all administrations were done orally. The Data were expressed as mean ± SEM and were analyzed. Statistical significance between the means was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed Tukey post-hoc test. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. There is statistically significant (P= 0.0004) reduction in the percentage body/weight (0.6217±0.05566) of the Vitamin C treated group when compared to the control. The Biochemical analysis revealed that there is a statistically significant (P<0.0001) reduction in the concentration of superoxide dismutase, SOD (25.00 ± 0.6952) and catalase, CAT (25.00 ± 0.2728) in the lead only group when compared with the control. Additionally, treatment with Vitamin C causes a statistically significant (P<0.0001) increase (30.00±0.8021) in the CAT level when compared to the lead group. The histology of the dendate gyrus in lead only group shows distortion with fragmented hippocampal layer. Groups that were treated with Ginkgo biloba and Vitamin C shows gradually normalized cellular assortment of hippocampal layers. However, the group treated with Ginkgo biloba has more healthy cells. Also, the histology of the regions of the hippocampus in lead only group reveals several pyknotic changes, including disorganized pyramidal and grandular neurons within severed fragmented layers. Treatment with Ginkgo biloba and Vitamin C normalized DG architecture with cellular features that is similar to that of the control groups. Furthermore, the group treated with Ginkgo biloba appears healthier. Similarly, treatment with Ginkgo biloba and Vitamin C prevents degeneration of pyramidal neurons and shows pyramidal neurons with normal cell bodies with dendritic and axonal processes. This present study shows that Ginkgo biloba and Vitamin C have similar neuroprotective effects on lead-induced neurotocity in Wistar rats in a dose-dependent manner, with Ginkgo biloba being more effective.
Editorial: Institutionalizing Health Research Mentorship in Low and Middle- Income Countries: Filling the Gap in Health Equity
Authors: Yilma Daniel
Published: April 2023

No abstract.
Patient Safety Culture Perception among Moroccan Healthcare professionals: Cross-Sectional Study in Public Hospitals
Authors: Fassi Chaima Fihri , Mourajid Yasmine , Chahboune Mohamed , Hilali Abderraouf
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND: There is a growing recognition of the need to establish a culture that focuses on patient safety in order to reduce the number of adverse events associated with care and improve health-care quality in Morocco. The aim of this research is to analyze results of the perception of health professionals working in two university hospitals concerning the concept of patient safety culture in Morocco.METHODS: This study evaluated the healthcare professional’s perceptions of patient safety culture in two selected university hospitals centers in Morocco by using the validated French version of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture questionnaire (HSOPSC). A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2021. We randomly selected 10 health units of each hospital, to include up to 10 health professionals from each unit, regardless of length of experience. This self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a population of 204 Moroccan healthcare professionals who consisted predominately of available physicians and nurses across ten different health units.RESULT: The overall grade of patient safety was deemed "good" for 52 % of the staff, "very good" for 17%, against "failing" for 2%. Out of the 10 dimensions explored. The “Teamwork within units’’ dimension had the highest score with 80%. The dimensions with the lowest positive response rates were “Staffing (23%)”, “non-punitive response to error” (31%) and “Teamwork across units’ (47%). Seven dimensions were considered underdeveloped and three were undeveloped.Conclusion: This work provides a better understanding of healthcare professional perception towards patient safety.
Facilitators and Barriers to National COVID 19 Guideline Adherence among Healthcare Providers in Ethiopia
Authors: Sultan Menbeu , Waganew Woldesenbet , Kassaye Manuel , Beza Lemlem , Waleligh Miraf , Azazh Aklilu , Yifru Sisay , Redae Berhane , Ataro Demelash , Fisseha Asrat , Ashagre Aschalew , Baru Ararso
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND፡ Evidence-base practice needs to be supported by guidelines and decision-making protocols. This study aimed to look into the barriers and facilitators of adherence to national protocols in Ethiopia.METHODS: Exploratory qualitative method was implemented to explore adherence to protocol. The national COVID-19 case management guideline was used as this study's prototype reference. A total of five FGDS were conducted among 26 healthcare providers. A total of 14 physicians and 12 nurses participated in the FGDs. Semi-structured focus group discussions guides were used to facilitate the discussion among healthcare workers involved in COVID-19 case management. The FGDs were audio recorded, transcribed and analyzed thematically.RESULTS: Three broad themes have emerged from the content analysis. These include individual factors, environmental factors and system factors. System factors barriers to utilization include unclear guidelines, discordant guidelines and a lack of live national guidelines, while the main facilitator was supportive management. The environmental factors that were barriers to adherence included limited infrastructure and shortages of drugs suggested in the protocols.CONCLUSION: Outdated and discordant guidelines and a shortage of suggested managements were barriers. Future similar works should consider the identified barriers and need regular updates to facilitate effective implementation.
Hematological and Biochemical Parameters at Admission as Predictors for Mortality in Patients with Moderate to Severe COVID-19
Authors: Pertiwi Danis , Nisa Maritsatun , Aulia Andina Putri , Rahayu
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND: Timely diagnosis and effective use of available resources are urgent to avoid the loss of time, medical, and technological resources, particularly in COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to identify the most dominant predicting factor for mortality in moderate-severe COVID-19 patients.METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included a total of 253 patients diagnosed with moderate-severe COVID-19. The primary outcome measure was mortality during hospitalization. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine cut-off points. The data were categorized according to the cut-off points in ROC curve and analyzed using Chi-square and by binary logistic regression test to identify the independent predictors associated with mortality.RESULTS: The mean number of leukocytes (/μL), neutrophils (%), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), C-reactive protein (CRP, mg/L), and D-dimer (mg/L) in the nonsurvived group was significantly higher than those of the survived group. Meanwhile, the mean number of platelet count/μL, absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), in the non-survived group was significantly lower than those of the survived group. CRP level predicted mortality with a cut-off point of ≥8.41 mg/L, sensitivity of 98.1%, and specificity of 72.0% (P = .000).CONCLUSIONS: High leukocyte count, low platelet count, high NLR, high CRP level, and high D-dimer on admission predicted mortality of COVID-19 patients. In addition, CRP was found to be the most dominant predicting factor of mortality in moderate-severe COVID-19 patients.
Utilization of Primary Healthcare Centers by Residents of Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwadare Tunrayo , Adegbilero-Iwari Oluwaseun , Fasoro Ayodeji , Faeji Charles
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND፡ Primary health care (PHC) centers help in providing a complete, universal, unbiased, and reasonable healthcare service to all. One major aim of PHC is to reduce health inequality. Most PHC centers in Nigeria cannot deliver fundamental healthcare services due to staffing, equipment distribution, quality infrastructure, and drug supply problems. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness and utilization of PHC services in a rural community in Nigeria.METHODS: The study was carried out in a pastoral area in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to recruit adults aged 18 years and over residing in 361 households. A semi-structured questionnaire was utilized for data compilation. Study data were evaluated using IBM SPSS version 28.0 and reported using descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to assess the associated factors and predictors of PHC utilization.RESULTS: The proportion of those who had ever utilized PHC services was 45.7%. Significant predictors of the utilization of PHC centers include knowledge of the location of a PHC center, awareness that PHC centers operate 24 hours every day, and awareness that community members are part of the PHC staff.CONCLUSIONS: Non-availability of medical personnel and ease of access to secondary and tertiary health institutions are potential threats to the use of PHC facilities.
Prevalence of Pneumonia and Its Determinants among Under-five Children attending a Primary Health Care Clinic in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Igweonu-Nwakile C.O. , Adejimi A.A. , Roberts A.A. , Oluwole E.O. , Oridota O.E. , Oyeleye O.A. , Onajole A.T.
Published: April 2023

Background: The incorporation of Haemophilus influenza type b and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines to infant routine immunization programme in  Nigeria have been reported to reduce the frequency and severity of respiratory tract infections especially bacterial pneumonia. The aim of this study was  to assess the prevalence of pneumonia and its determinants among under-five children attending Primary Health Care (PHC) clinic in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area Lagos State, Nigeria.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select 330 under-ve children who presented to the  Festac PHC clinic. Data was collected using a pretested, structured and interviewer administered questionnaire and analyzed using EPI INFO software  version 7.0. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to identify the determinants of the development of pneumonia. The level of  statistically significant was set at p<0.05.

Results: Of the 330 children, the median age (IQR) was 24 (10-26) months and the majority 186 (56.4%) were males. The prevalence of pneumonia was 42  (12.7%). There was no significant association between the development of pneumonia and the immunization status of children under five years of age  (p=0.05). The odds of developing pneumonia was increased with prematurity [AOR=2.791, 95%CI (1.245 - 6.256), p=0.013].

Conclusion: About 1 in 8  under-five children in this study had pneumonia. Prematurity was the major determinant of pneumonia among under-five children. Health workers  should create more awareness and sensitize mothers as well as the community members on the risk factors that can predispose children to pneumonia.
Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancies in School Adolescents: A Collaborative Approach
Authors: Nkurunziza Aimable , Van Endert Nadja , Tengera Olive , Henri Hitayezu Jean Bosco , Bagirisano Justine
Published: April 2023

None
Tuberculosis Treatment and Factors Associated with Unsuccessful Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome among TB/HIV co-infected Patients in Rwanda: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ruseesa Edward , Simbi Clarisse Marie Claudine , Ntaganira Joseph
Published: April 2023

IntroductionMycobacterium tuberculosis remains the main cause of death as an infectious agent of Tuberculosis in humans, particularly in resource-poor settings. Worldwide, Tuberculosis is one of the top 10 causes of mortality.Objective of the studyThis study aims to determine the outcomes of TB treatment and assess the factors associated with unsuccessful TB treatment outcome among TB/HIV co-infected patients in Rwanda.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of all TB/HIV co-infected patients reported in the national electronic TB reporting system (e-TB) by all health facilities from July 2019 to June 2020. Frequencies, proportions, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to determine factors associated with unsuccessful TB treatment.ResultsThere were 1,144 people reported in the e-TB, however, only 987 were included in the study because 157 patients did not meet the inclusion criteria.The TB/HIV co-infected patients who were not given nutritional support, OR 7.3, 95%CI [1.4, 37.6] and those who were not on ART,OR15.3, 95%CI [3.6, 69.6],were more likely to have unsuccessful treatment outcome than their counterparts.ConclusionUnsuccessful TB treatment outcomes were highly observed among TB/HIV co-infected patients. The study recommended reinforcing nutritional support and early initiation of ART among TB/HIV co-infected patients.Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2023;6(1):17-26
Multidimensional integer trigonometry
Authors: Blackman John , Dolan James , Karpenkov Oleg
Published: April 2023

This paper is dedicated to providing an introduction into multidimensional
integer trigonometry. We start with an exposition of integer trigonometry in
two dimensions, which was introduced in 2008, and use this to generalise these
integer trigonometric functions to arbitrary dimension. We then move on to
study the basic properties of integer trigonometric functions. We find integer
trigonometric relations for transpose and adjacent simplicial cones, and for
the cones which generate the same simplices. Additionally, we discuss the
relationship between integer trigonometry, the Euclidean algorithm, and
continued fractions. Finally, we use adjacent and transpose cones to introduce
a notion of best approximations of simplicial cones. In two dimensions, this
notion of best approximation coincides with the classical notion of the best
approximations of real numbers.
The Role of Women's Cooperatives as an Institution to Empower Women in Supporting the Achievement of the SDGs
Authors: Suseno Gijanto Purbo , Nataliningsih Nataliningsih
Published: April 2023

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are international programs that must be supported by other countries, especially developing countries such as Indonesia. The SDGs contain 18 goals and 169 targets that are expected to be achieved by 2030. There are 4 goals that can be directly implemented by women, namely without poverty, without hunger, a healthy and prosperous life, and gender equality. The purpose of this study is to map the extent of the role of the Women's Cooperative as an institution for empowering women in order to achieve a family without poverty, without hunger, in health and prosperity and gender mainstreaming in supporting the achievement of the SDGs by 2030. Women's cooperative (Women’s Co-op) is a group of women who have the same goal. The study was conducted using a descriptive method, with a literature study approach. The results of the study indicate that the empowerment of women's cooperative members that has been carried out by 5 (five) Women's Co-ops, shows progress in entrepreneurship skills, social progress, increased income and the same opportunity. Therefore, to support the SDGs more quickly, it is necessary to develop a model of coaching and training for members of women's cooperatives as well as a model of fostering secondary women's cooperatives for primary women's cooperatives so that poverty, hunger, welfare and gender mainstreaming are evenly distributed throughout Indonesia.
Mundtlighed, CLIL og arrangerede sprog- og kulturmøder
Authors: Daryai-Hansen Petra , Martí Natalia Morollón
Published: April 2023

Hvordan kan undervisning i fremmedsprog tilrettelægges, så elever og studerende motiveres til at kommunikere mundtligt på deres fremmedsprog? Artiklen tager udgangspunkt i Coyles model for undersøgelse af motivation (Coyle, 2011) og har som mål at belyse de muligheder, som Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) samt arrangerede sprog- og kulturmøder har for at fremme de lærendes motivation. Med afsæt i to konkrete undervisningsforløb zoomer artiklen ind på hvilket potentiale der ligger i de to didaktiske tilgange, og hvordan dette potentiale kan forklares ud fra motivationsforskningens perspektiv.

Artiklen indledes med en opridsning af tidligere forskning samt resultater fra en kort survey-undersøgelse, der giver et indblik i potentialet og de udfordringer, der forbinder sig med de to tilgange. Derefter beskrives Coyles model og undersøgelsernes metodiske tilgang. Modellen anvendes i rammen af en deduktiv kvalitativ indholdsanalyse (Mayring, 2014, 2015) til at belyse to undervisningsforløb i to forskellige pædagogiske kontekster, nemlig grundskole- og universitetsniveauet, hvor der arbejdes med hhv. CLIL og arrangerede sprog- og kulturmøder.

I analysen anvendes Coyles model dermed i en CLIL-kontekst, dvs. den kontekst, som modellen er udviklet indenfor, og modellens ramme udvides til at omfatte en anden didaktisk tilgang, hvor sprog- og kulturlæring indgår i et samspil i fremmedsprogsundervisningen: arrangerede sprog- og kulturmøder.
Bedömning och återkoppling – med fokus på muntlighet
Authors: Erickson Gudrun
Published: April 2023

Att kunna tala och samtala är en central och självklar del av en kommunikativ och handlingsorienterad språkfärdighet, som behöver läras, undervisas och bedömas. Med utgångspunkt i min keynote vid konferensen TAL! vid Köpenhamns universitet i oktober 2021 är bedömning och återkoppling, främst av muntlighet, fokus i denna artikel. Ett antal fundamentala kvalitetsfrågor används för att skapa struktur i texten, nämligen, Varför, Vad, Hur, Vem samt Och...? I detta ligger följaktligen reflektioner kring bedömningars syfte, kunskapsobjekt eller konstrukt, metoder, agens samt användning och konsekvens, vilka sammantaget kan knytas till teorier om validitet, eller kvalitet i vid bemärkelse. Resonemang kring detta förs från såväl konceptuella och kontextuella utgångspunkter som på basis av tidigare forskning och empiriska exempel på muntlig bedömning. Exempel på konkreta frågeställningar som behandlas är formativa och summativa syften, bedömning av produktion och interaktion, analytisk och holistisk bedömning, subjekt och objekt i bedömning och retorik kring bedömning, samt frågor om att bli och vara överens kring bedömning av muntlig språkfärdighet. I detta diskuteras även implikationer av ovanstående på tre nivåer, nämligen den individuella, pedagogiska och strukturella. Slutligen betonas vikten av ett systematiskt kvalitetsarbete, enskilt och i samverkan, kring frågor om bedömning, utvärdering och betygssättning i språk.
Container production of four sweet chili pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) lines using soilless substrates
Authors: Altema Rose , Wessel-Beaver Linda , Linares Ramírez Angela M.
Published: April 2023

Sweet chili pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) is an important part of the local cuisine of Puerto Rico where it is known as ají dulce. Considering opportunities for vegetable production in Puerto Rico, soilless alternatives for production of sweet chili pepper should be considered. This study evaluated five substrates: (1) PRO-MIX® BX (BX); (2) PRO-MIX® BX + Mycorrhizae (BX+Myco); (3) PRO-MIX® High porosity + Mycorrhizae (HP+Myco); (4) PRO-MIX® High porosity + Mycorrhizae + Biofungicide (HP+Myco+Fung); and (5) coconut coir. Four experimental lines of sweet chili pepper (G-2, Sel-7, G-11 and G-8, to be released as ‘Amanecer’, ‘Bonanza’, ‘Carnaval’, and ‘Pasión’, respectively) were tested with each substrate. Two outdoor plantings in containers were carried out with a factorial combination of four lines by five substrates: Trial 1 from March to September 2017 and Trial 2 from October 2017 to April 2018. In addition, the four experimental lines were transplanted to the field (Field Control Trial). All plantings took place in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Differences among substrates were relatively consistent in Trial 1 and Trial 2. Sweet chili pepper in BX+Myco and HP+Myco+Fung flowered 50.3 days after transplanting (DAT) while plants in coconut coir flowered about two and a half weeks later. There were few or no differences in BX, BX+Myco and HP+Myco+Fung for plant height, number of fruit and total fruit weight. Plants grown in HP+Myco and coconut coir were shorter, with fewer fruits and lower fruit weight. Average fruit weight was similar among all substrates. Relative differences among lines in the three trials were less consistent than for substrates. Line G-11 was the earliest flowering line at 50.1 DAT as well as the shortest line. The other lines flowered eight to 10 days later. The tallest line varied from trial to trial. Line Sel-7 produced the greatest number of fruits per plant in Trial 1 and in the Field Trial, while G-2 and G-8 produced the greatest number in Trial 2. Line Sel-7 had the highest total fruit weight per plant in Trial 1 and in the Field Trial while G-2 had the greatest total weight in Trial 2. Despite the high number of fruits in plants of G-8, yields were 60% less because of small average fruit weight. Line Sel-7 had the greatest average fruit weight in Trial 1 while G-11 had the highest fruit weight in Trial 2. This research suggests that, based on its lower cost, BX would be a good choice for soilless production of sweet chili pepper. For production in containers, sweet chili pepper lines G-2 and Sel-7 showed better performance than G-8 and G-11.
Agronomic parameters as indicators of inbred maize nitrogen status
Authors: Vilches-Ortega Ada , Sotomayor-Ramírez David , Rivera Zayas Johanis , Barnes Ricardo
Published: April 2023

Inbred maize (Zea mays L.) lines are grown for seed in Puerto Rico. In efforts to increase crop yields, some producers may apply nitrogen (N) fertilizer in excess of crop nutrient requirements. The use of cover crops (CC) in rotation can serve as an alternative to continuous cultivation of maize. This experiment was conducted in field plots of Güamaní (fine-loamy over sandy or sandy-skeletal, mixed, superactive, isohyperthermic Torrifluventic Haplustepts) soil in Guayama, Puerto Rico. The cropping systems evaluated were a maize-cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cover crop rotation versus a typical practice of maize fallow (FA), each with five N fertilizer levels. The maize planting sequence was an initial spring 2014 planting, followed by a winter 2014-2015 planting and a final winter 2015-2016 planting. The cowpea cover crop was planted in the summers of 2014, 2015 and 2016. The inbred maize lines were female lines used for commercial hybrid maize production. Mean maize plant densities ranged from 59,391 to 69,182 plants per hectare for the cropping seasons. Indicators of crop N status were the Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD-502) Chlorophyll Meter®measuring leaf greenness; the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI, measured with GreenSeeker®) and plant height measurements. The application of N fertilizer significantly influenced (p<0.05) leaf greenness (in five out of 13 occasions) and plant height (in seven of 12 occasions) but not NDVI. The use of cover crop significantly influenced leaf greenness (in four out of nine occasions) and plant height (in three out of eight occasions). The agronomic parameters tested did not predict yield or crop N status, thus are not recommended in the decision-making process of N fertilizer management of inbred maize.
Cover crop and nitrogen fertilizer influence on inbred maize performance and soil nitrogen
Authors: Vilches-Ortega Ada , Sotomayor-Ramírez David , Rivera-Zayas Johanis , Barnes Ricardo
Published: April 2023

The response of inbred maize (Zea mays L.) lines to nitrogen (N) fertilizer and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata cv. Iron Clay) cover cropping was evaluated in three consecutive croppings from 2014 to 2016 in a Guamaní (Torrifluventic Haplustepts) soil. The crop rotation sequence was maize (spring 2014), cowpea (summer 2014), maize (winter 2014-2015), cowpea (summer 2015), maize (winter 2015-2016) and cowpea (summer 2016). The N fertilizer levels were 0, 90, 135, 180 and 225 kg N/ha for 2014 and 2014-2015 seasons, and 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg N/ha for the 2015-2016 season. Soils were sampled to a depth of 90 cm before and after each successive cropping. Cover crop did not affect maize yields. The effect of N fertilizer on seed yield was observed in two out of the three years with optimum seed yields of 7,034 and 4,708 kg/ha with fertilizer N of 135 and 90 kg N/ha, respectively. Residual soil N tended to increase due to N fertilizer and cover crop. A partial aboveground N budget showed that the net N balance was more positive and increased with each successive fertilizer N level, reaching values of +516 kg N/ha in fallow and +621 kg N/ha with cover crop after three consecutive croppings over a 30-month period. Part of the excess N (not taken up by the crop) was accounted for in the soil profile. A slightly greater positive N balance at higher N fertilizer rates was due to the cover crop rotation. Cover-cropping with cowpea continues to be an important practice that in the long term will result in improved N recycling due to scavenging of residual soil N after maize cropping or by N fixation. Nitrogen fertilizer rates in the range of 90 to 135 kg N/ha can result in good inbred maize yields and can be adjusted with knowledge of soil inorganic N to a depth of 30 cm, that will result in higher yields, improved N use efficiency and reduced losses to the environment.
Chemical and mineralogical properties of Guanajibo clay (Plinthic Kandiudults)
Authors: Pérez-Lizasuain Bianca , Muñoz Miguel A. , O'Hallorans Julia M. , Lugo Wanda I.
Published: April 2023

A profile of Guanajibo clay (Plinthic Kandiudults) was evaluated to determine the ironstone content in the horizons and its chemical, physical and mineralogical properties. The mineralogy was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the iron and aluminum oxide content determined by selective dissolution, using citrate-bicarbonate dithionite (CBD) and ammonium oxalate (OX) extractions. Soil color and the color of ground ironstone were determined with Munsell color charts. Soil texture, pH, and effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) were also evaluated. The highest content of ironstone per unit mass was found in the Ap horizon (4.6%), decreasing in the Bt (0.9%) and Btv1 (1.0%) horizons. An increase in ironstone content was observed in the Btv2 horizon (3.8%), which suggests that this horizon was formed from alluvial deposits containing ironstone. No ironstone was found in the Btv3 horizon. The texture of the Ap horizon was a sandy clay, and the other horizons had a clay texture. Clay content reached a maximum value of 92.8% in the Btv3. The ECEC was low for the whole profile, ranging from 2.37 cmolc/kg in the Ap horizon to 4.37 cmolc/kg in the Btv3 horizon. The low ECEC is indicative of mineralogy dominated by highly weathered clay minerals like kaolinite and iron and aluminum oxides. The XRD analysis confirmed the presence of kaolinite, goethite, quartz, hematite and gibbsite in the clay fraction (< 2 mm) of the soil. A small peak corresponding to 2:1 clay minerals, probably Al-hydroxy interlayer vermiculite or montmorillonite, was observed in clay samples from the Ap, Bt and Btv1 horizons. The major mineral components of the ironstone were goethite, kaolinite and quartz. The fine earth fraction (150 µm) of the Btv1 horizon had a 2.8% CBD extractable iron content and a ratio of OX/CBD less than 0.10, meeting the two requirements established by Soil Taxonomy to qualify as plinthic. The other horizons met the requirement of OX/CBD ratios of less than 0.10, but had less than 2.5% iron extractable by the CBD method. Soil management practices that prevent soil erosion must be implemented in this soil to ward off exposure of plinthite to the surface and its irreversible hardening to ironstone.
FIRST REPORT OF LASIODIPLODIA THEOBROMAE AND COLLETOTRICHUM QUEENSLANDICUM, FOLIAR PATHOGENS OF BREADFRUIT (ARTOCARPUS ALTILIS) IN PUERTO RICO
Authors: González-Rodríguez Daniel , Soto-Ramos Casiani , Rivera-Vargas Lydia I.
Published: April 2023

FIRST REPORT OF LASIODIPLODIA THEOBROMAE AND COLLETOTRICHUM QUEENSLANDICUM, FOLIAR PATHOGENS OF BREADFRUIT (ARTOCARPUS ALTILIS) IN PUERTO RICO
Conjuring Planetary Spirits in the Twenty-First Century: Textual-Ritual Entanglements in Contemporary ‘Magic(k)’
Authors: Otto Bernd-Christian
Published: April 2023

This article illustrates textual-ritual entanglements in Western learned magic across almost two millennia through an analysis of Frater Acher’s Arbatel experience. Frater Acher is a contemporary practitioner of ‘magic(k)’ who, between 2010 and 2013, performed a series of conjurations of six planetary spirits inspired by an early modern manual of learned magic named *Arbatel*. Frater Acher combined the Arbatel with ritual techniques from numerous further contexts, among them the late ancient *Greek Magical Papyri*, the Clavicula Salomonis tradition, Paracelsianism, Hermeticism, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, theurgy, modern imagination techniques, as well as chaos ‘magic(k)’. As a consequence, Frater Acher’s Arbatel experience – as he frames his ritual diaries published online – reveals a strikingly entangled ritual that illustrates the breadth, depth, and complexity of Western learned magic, as well as its manifold entanglements across time and space. His diaries also demonstrate that, even while following largely formalistic premodern scripts of learned magic, contemporary practitioners may nonetheless display a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and innovation. The article closes by reflecting on whether it is likely that such strategies were also present in premodern practitioner scenarios. In doing so, it calls for taking the – extensive but hitherto almost completely neglected – data of experience reports by contemporary practitioners of ‘magic(k)’ into account when interpreting premodern sources of learned magic. As a consequence, this is the first systematic attempt to compare and juxtapose premodern and modern interpretations and mindsets of practitioners of learned magic. It is thus also the first scholarly article that aims at elucidating a premodern manual of learned magic through reading and analysing the experience report of a contemporary practitioner.
A Review on Smoke Detection and Fire Fighting System
Authors: Shingne Monika , Thakare V.P. , Bangde Preeti , Bhandekar Utkarsha
Published: April 2023

In a quickly growing world, waste control is sincerely considered one of the maximum essential trouble. In India to dispose of scrap fabric there are various methodologies available for dealing with it. Tracking the waste can be viable with the useful resource of the usage of smoke sensors and temperature sensors. Wi-Fi sensor community (WSN) generation is used to have a look at those sensors and deliver a message to the control room to take a movement. This paper sheds some light on some of the cluster-based total goal tracking approaches presently in use. Every approach is provided in conjunction with benefits, issues and viable upgrades. Our suggested project is entirely centred on a fire area alarm and a fire area extinguisher for the dumping floor. Our goal is to notify people when we capture rubbish at our disposal. We developed a battery-powered small circuit that includes a temperature sensor, a smoke sensor, and a GSM800L module. Our sensor detects temperature and smoke; if it detects either, a signal from a GSM800L module connected to the dumping floor office will display an alarm, send an SMS, and place a call to the fire department.
Actividades físicas y recreativas para mejorar la tonicidad muscular y el equilibrio
Authors: Chávez Velásquez Edison Alexis , Zamora Vera Bella Flor , Alfonzo Marín Arnoldo Eliezer , Mera Chinga Oscar Egberto
Published: April 2023

Introducción: Una vez el ser humano alcanza los 65 años de edad, es considerado adulto mayor. En esta etapa, aparece la atrofia muscular y la pérdida de tonicidad muscular, lo que influye significativamente en el sostenimiento de bipedestación del ser humano, aumentado el riesgo de sufrir caídas. Objetivo: Aplicar un programa de actividades físicas y recreativas para mejorar la tonicidad muscular y el equilibrio en los adultos mayores del sector “San Alejo”, provincia de Manabí-Ecuador. Métodos: Investigación cuasi experimental, de tipo explicativa, centrada en identificar el efecto provocado sobre la variable dependiente, con un enfoque mixto. Se trabajó con 12 adultos mayores de 65 años, seleccionados bajo un muestreo no probabilístico. Se aplicó el Índice de Katz para diagnosticar las características individuales de la muestra, la Escala de Ashworth, para determinar la capacidad de contracción muscular, el Test de Lázaro (Test get up and go), con el fin de valorar el equilibrio dinámico de la muestra seleccionada, y el Test de Romberg, para la valorar el equilibrio estático con ojos abiertos y con ojos cerrados. Resultados: Se diagnosticó que los adultos mayores presentan sarcopenia y problemas de equilibrio (sostenimiento bípedo). Conclusiones: Se obtuvieron resultados satisfactorios luego de la aplicación de la propuesta; los adultos mayores mejoraron la tonicidad muscular y el equilibrio, mostraron mayor independencia para realizar sus actividades de la vida diaria, mejoraron su estado de ánimo, a su vez, manifestaron satisfacción al realizar las actividades, lo que contribuye a su calidad de vida.
The Social Atlas of Europe
Authors: Ballas Dimitris , Dorling Danny , Hennig Benjamin
Published: April 2023

This is the first human geography social atlas of Europe to consider the European economy, culture, history and human and physical geography as a single land mass and a more unified European people. It provides an accessible overview of Europe and a human geography contribution to debates about a wide range of topics.
The Class Ceiling
Authors: Friedman Sam , Laurison Daniel
Published: April 2023

This important book takes readers behind the closed doors of elite employers to reveal how class affects who gets to the top. Drawing on two hundred interviews across four case studies - television, accountancy, architecture, and acting - it explores the complex barriers facing the upwardly mobile.
English Universities in Crisis
Authors: Frank Jefferson , Gowar Norman , Naef Michael
Published: April 2023

Student fees have saddled graduates with enormous debt, satisfaction rates are low, a high proportion of graduates are in non-graduate jobs, and public debt from unpaid loans is rocketing. This timely and challenging analysis gives robust new policy proposals to encourage excellence and ultimately benefit society.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF TRANSFORMATION OF CARBONATE SYSTEM COMPONENTS COOLING WATER OF RIVNE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT DURING WATER TREATMENT BY LIMING
Authors: Kuznietsov P.N. , Biedunkova O.О. , Yaroshchuk O.V.
Published: April 2023

The article presents research results on carbonate system components of cooling water, which has previously undergone water treatment by liming, depends on the cycle of concentration and absorption of carbon dioxide, which simulate the processes of evaporation and aeration in circulation cooling systems (CCS) of power plants. pH was an indicator chosen to identify components of carbonate system components of the given research. Were carried out experimental studies, control data were analyzed regarding pH and carbonate system component changes of technological and circulating water of the CCS during water treatment by liming according to the stabilization treatment method, namely the use of mineral – sulphuric acid. It was shown that during cooling water aeration in the cooling tower the absorption of carbon dioxide from the air occurs, which causes a shift in the equilibrium of the carbonate system with a decrease or increase of carbonate alkalinity, bicarbonate content, carbonate ions and pH with or without applying stabilization treatment by sulphuric acid.
MODERNIZATION OF THE ANALYTICAL NUCLEAR-PHYSICAL COMPLEX SOKIL
Authors: Karpus S.G. , Kuzmenko V.V. , Levenets V.V. , Lonin O.Yu. , Omelnik A.P. , Shchur A.O. , Sukhostavets V.I.
Published: April 2023

New modifications that have been used at the analytical nuclear-physics complex (ANPC) Sokil in recent years are described. They concerned an ion accelerator with an increase in the energy of accelerated ions and the separation of 4He 2+ and H2+ beams. A system for irradiating materials science samples with a beam of gas ions with the possibility of choosing the irradiated target space has been created. The use of electrostatic beam deflection made it possible to increase the service life of the foil for beam release into the atmosphere. The use of a pyrocarbon filter in the analysis of monoelements or objects with a high X-ray output of one or several elements changed the form of the spectrum. These modifications made it possible to improve the operation of the complex and obtain new
possibilities in solving problems by analytical nuclear physics methods in the study of materials for nuclear power engineering and ecology.