bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural analysis of M1AP variants associated with severely impaired spermatogenesis causing male infertility
Authors: Gerlevik Umut , Ergoren Mahmut Cerkez , Sezerman Osman Uğur , Temel Sehime Gulsun
Published: March 2022

Background

Impaired meiosis can result in absence of sperm in the seminal fluid. This condition, namely non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), is one of the reasons of male infertility. Despite the low number of studies on meiosis 1-associated protein (M1AP) in the literature, M1AP is known to be crucial for spermatogenesis. Recently, seven variants (five missense, one frameshift, one splice-site) have been reported in the M1AP gene as associated with NOA, cryptozoospermia and oligozoospermia in two separate studies. However, all missense variants were evaluated as variant of uncertain significance by these studies. Therefore, we aimed to analyze their structural impacts on the M1AP protein that could lead to NOA.

Methods

We firstly performed an evolutionary conservation analysis for the variant positions. Afterwards, a comprehensive molecular modelling study was performed for the M1AP structure. By utilizing this model, protein dynamics were sampled for the wild-type and variants by performing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.

Results

All variant positions are highly conserved, indicating that they are potentially important for function. In MD simulations, none of the variants led to a general misfolding or loss of stability in the protein structure, but they did cause severe modifications in the conformational dynamics of M1AP, particularly through changes in local interactions affecting flexibility, hinge and secondary structure.

Conclusions

Due to critical perturbations in protein dynamics, we propose that these variants may cause NOA by affecting important interactions regulating meiosis, particularly in wild-type M1AP deficiency since the variants are reported to be homozygous or bi-allelic in the infertile individuals. Our results provided reasonable insights about the M1AP structure and the effects of the variants to the structure and dynamics, which should be further investigated by experimental studies to validate.
The direct and indirect effects of a global pandemic on US fishers and seafood workers
Authors: White Easton R. , Levine Jill , Moeser Amanda , Sorensen Julie
Published: March 2022

The United States’ fishing and seafood industries experienced major shifts in consumer demand and social-distancing restrictions starting in March 2020, when the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic were unfolding. However, the specific effects on fishers and seafood processors are less well known. Fishermen and seafood workers are potentially at risk during a pandemic given existing tight working quarters, seasonal work, and long hours. To address these concerns, and given a lack of data on the sector, we reviewed news articles, scientific articles, and white papers to assess the various effects of COVID-19 on US seafood workers. Here, we show that most COVID-19 cases among seafood workers occurred during summer 2020 and during the beginning of 2021. These cases were documented across coastal areas, with Alaska experiencing the largest number of cases and outbreaks. Seafood workers were about twice as likely to contract COVID-19 as workers in other parts of the overall US food system. We also documented a number of indirect effects of the pandemic. New social-distancing restrictions and policies limited crew size, resulting in longer hours and more physical taxation. Because of changes in demand and the closure of some processing plants because of COVID-19 outbreaks, economic consequences of the pandemic were a primary concern for fishers and seafood workers, and safety measures allowed for seafood price variation and losses throughout the pandemic. We also highlight a number of inequities in COVID-19 responses within the seafood sector, both along racial and gender lines. All of these conditions point to the diverse direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on fishers and seafood workers. We hope this work sets the foundation for future work on the seafood sector in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, improving the overall workplace, and collecting systematic social and economic data on workers.
Cooperation between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting bacteria and their effects on plant growth and soil quality
Authors: Yu Lu , Zhang Hui , Zhang Wantong , Liu Kesi , Liu Miao , Shao Xinqing
Published: March 2022

The roles of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in improving nutrition uptake and soil quality have been well documented. However, few studies have explored their effects on root morphology and soil properties. In this study, we inoculated Elymus nutans Griseb with AMF and/or PGPR in order to explore their effects on plant growth, soil physicochemical properties, and soil enzyme activities. The results showed that AMF and/or PGPR inoculation significantly enhanced aboveground and belowground vegetation biomass. Both single and dual inoculations were beneficial for plant root length, surface area, root branches, stem diameter, height, and the ratio of shoot to root, but decreased root volume and root average diameter. Soil total nitrogen, alkaline phosphatase, and urease activities showed significant growth, and soil electrical conductivity and pH significantly declined under the inoculation treatments. Specific root length showed a negative correlation with belowground biomass, but a positive correlation with root length and root branches. These results indicated that AMF and PGPR had synergetic effects on root morphology, soil nutrient availability, and plant growth.
Efficiency of Image Guided Percutaneous Celiac Plexus Neurolysis in Abdominal Malignancy: A Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Madhu SD , Suryavanshi Nilesh , Harish B , Harish K
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Celiac Plexus Neurolysis (CPN) is an underutilised tool in oncology and interventional radiology set-up. Upper abdominal malignancy specifically carcinoma pancreas, carcinoma stomach which causes intolerable pain, for which patients require a high dose of pain killers. CPN being a day care procedure alleviates the pain in a short duration and its effectiveness may last for months. Aim: To assess the efficiency of image guided CPN in alleviating intractable pain in upper abdominal malignancy. Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted on 25 patients with inoperable upper abdominal malignancy with intractable pain referred from the Palliative Care Department. These patients were subjected to Computed Tomography (CT)-guided or Ultrasonography (USG)-guided CPN using 97% absolute alcohol either via posterior or anterior approach under CT guidance or anterior approach in USG guidance. Pain intensity score was assessed before and after the procedure (one, three, and seven days after the procedure) using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: There was decrease of the pain intensity significantly in all the patients postprocedure. The VAS score at baseline was 6.48±1.56. One day after CPN, pain severity decreased to 4.16±2.17; three days later, it was 1.68±1.78; Seven days after CPN, pain severity still decreased significantly to 0.58±1.10. Percentage decrease in VAS from preprocedure to one, three, and seven days after procedure was found to be 39.07%, 76.29% and 90.06%, respectively and VAS score reduction was statistically significant at p-value <0.001. Conclusion: CPN is an underutilised palliative procedure for upper abdominal malignancy which effectively controls pain, thus, reducing the need for analgesic medication. Both CT guidance and USG guidance can be used in performing the procedure.
Perforator Management with Endovenous Laser Ablation and its Role in the Treatment of Resistant Venous Ulcers
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Singh Amandeep , Singh Gauravdeep , Kakkar Abhiraj
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Varicose vein disease can present in different patterns with pathological components being restricted to Great Saphenous Vein (GSV), Short Saphenous Vein (SSV), perforators or any combination of these. The role of perforators has been debated in the past especially for non-healing ulcers. Different methods of treatment have been used in the past for treatment of perforators with Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy (EVLT) emerging as a promising modality. Aim: To calculate the rate of perforator closure post-EVLT and to study the patient’s progress using Revised Venous Clinical Severity Score (RVCSS) post-treatment of incompetent perforators in resistant cases of varicose vein. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort longitudinal study comprised of 55 patients suffering from treatment resistant venous ulcer over a minimal period of three months with incompetent perforators even after the treatment of primary venous insufficiency. They were taken up for EVLT. The patients were followed-up for three months for healing of ulcer and improvement of symptoms using the RVCSS. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package For Social Science (SPSS version 24.0) and paired t-test was used to calculate the p-value at three weeks and three months. Results: Out of 55 patients, 45 consented for active perforator management. In that group of 45 patients, 75 incompetent perforators were identified and managed by EVLT. Rest 10 patients opted for the conservative management. The closure of perforator was found in 100% perforators with 95% of these patients showing healing of ulcers on follow-up. With treatment of incompetent perforators, there was a significant reduction in RVCSS from 9.44 to 4.16 when patients were followed-up after three months. Conclusion: The EVLT is an effective method in closure of the incompetent perforators in lower limb. The treatment of incompetent perforators is must, especially in cases of intractable/residual varicose vein disease.
25-Hydroxy Vitamin D and Calcium Levels Section in Patients of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Institute of Eastern India
Authors: Choubey Satyadeo , Shankar Manish , Ejazi MD Arshad
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) is a rapidly escalating problem. Vitamin D and calcium serum levels can be an important determinant of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) infection, progression to disease.The link between the serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin-D {25(OH) D and MDR-TB is an emerging area for conducting evidencebased research. Aim: To assess the serum 25(OH)D and calcium levels and its deficiency in all the patients with drug resistant tuberculosis. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, observational study was conducted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India, from October 2019 to October 2020, in the newly detected 100 patients experiencing DR-TB. Patients sputum/body fluid samples were subjected for GeneXpert/Line Probe Assay (LPA) examinations to confirm resistance to anti-tubercular drugs. The frequency and prevalence of mean serum vitamin D and mean serum calcium levels were recorded based on age and gender. DR-TB categorised into H-Mono resistance, MDR-TB, Pre-Extensively Drug Resistant (Pre-XDR) and XDR-PTB, based on GeneXpert and LPA of sputum/body fluid. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the characteristics of all the patients. All the statistical analysis was done using the STATA software. Results: Mean age of study population was 31.12±15.49 years. Among them 63 were males and 37 were females. The mean serum vitamin D level of 10.87±8.49 ng/mL (deficient) and serum calcium level of 8.62±0.82 mg/dL (normal) was reported. Mean serum vitamin D levels were deficient in all the four types of DR-TB (p-value=0.04), while changes in mean serum calcium level was non significant (p-value=0.15). Conclusion: All patients with DR-TB have significant propensity to vitamin D deficiency. While changes in mean serum calcium level was non significant.
Comparative Study between Locally Synthesized Activated Carbon and Commercial Activated Carbon and their Adsorption Isotherms on Methylene Blue
Authors: A. Idibie Christopher , Awatefe Kehinde J. , Ese Julius I.
Published: March 2022

Adsorption using activated carbon (AC) has been proven to be effective in the treatment of wastewater. In this study, Carica papaya seeds were utilized for activated carbon (AC) preparation using zinc chloride as the activating agent. Experiment was carried out to explore the methylene blue uptake by both the Carica papaya seeds activated carbon (CPSAC) and commercial activated carbon (CAC). The physicochemical characteristics, Iodine number and adsorption isotherms of CPSAC were also compared with those of CAC. The adsorption equilibrium was represented with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The Langmuir isotherm was found to be the best fit for both CPSAC and CAC with the coefficient correlation (R2) values of 0.9922 and 0.9964, respectively. Going by the good fitting of the Langmuir isotherm, MB adsorption on both CPSAC and CAC can be ascribed to be of monolayer adsorption process, and is associated with the chemical functional groups inherent on carbon surface. The optimum adsorption capacities of CPSAC and CAC according to the Langmuir isotherm at approximately 25◦C were 238.78mg/g and 241.14mg/g, respectively. This implies that CPSAC demonstrated similar outstanding adsorption properties to CAC for MB.
Magnitude and Pattern of Non-Farm Employment among Scheduled Caste in Western Plain Zone of Punjab
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Kaur Lavleen
Published: March 2022

The present study examines the magnitude and  pattern of non-farm employment among schedule caste respondents in western plain zone of Punjab. The study was based on multi stage random sampling technique. Both primary and secondary sources of data was used for the study. For analysis of the data simple  percentages, averages and regression analysis was used. The study found that 63 percent of scheduled caste respondents adopted both farm and non-farm activities for their livelihood. The average operated area came out to be one acre among selected scheduled caste respondents. Among non-farm activities in the study area, 41 percent scheduled casted respondents were engaged as casual labourers. .Due to lack of skill they are left with no other option but to work for daily wages in unskilled jobs. Pattern of income from farm and non-farm activities shows that the income of respondents engaged in both farm and non-farm activities was double than the income of respondents engaged in farm activities only. The average per monthly income of SC respondents engaged in farm activities only was Rs. 7764 whereas average income of SC respondents engaged in both  farm and non-farm activities was Rs. 13382. The study suggested that skill development centres specific for the need of the SC respondents should be opened in their areas.The average operated area was marginally low in the study area so the only hope to increase the income of SC respondents is non-farm activities in the rural areas. The priority should be attached to the removal of barriers of any kind for the people to enter into the non-farm activities besides improving infrastructure facilities like banking, roads, market and communication facilities in the rural areas, facilitating more poor agricultural labourers and jobless people to take up some kind of non-farm activities for their livelihood.
Family Support and Academic Self-efficacy as Determinants of Post Preliminary Training School Psychological Wellbeing among Nursing Candidates
Authors: Obianuju Mbachu Helen , Ugokwe-Ossai Rita
Published: March 2022

This study examined family support, academic self-efficacy and personality as determinants of post preliminary training school (PTS) psychological wellbeing among nursing candidates. Participants were one hundred and twenty nine (129) PTS students of School of Nursing Nkpor Anambra State selected through purposive sampling whose ages ranged from 17 years to 26 years with a mean age of 19.5yrs and a standard deviation of 1.20.  Four instruments were adopted for the study -Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Academic Self-efficacy Scale, Ryff’s Psychological Well-being scale and Big Five Personality inventory. Non-randomized pretest posttest design was used as design for the study whereas 3-Way ANOVA was used as statistical tool to analyze data. The resulted indicated that there is a significant difference in the psychological wellbeing of admitted and non-admitted PTS students of Nursing school Nkpor before and after PTS examinations at F(1, 128) = 79.4, p < .05 and that the psychological wellbeing of non-admitted PTS students of Nursing school Nkpor with perceived high family support significantly differed from their counterparts with perceived low family support after PTS examination at F(1, 128) = 39, p < .05. Also the result revealed that the psychological wellbeing of non-admitted PTS students of Nursing school Nkpor with perceived high academic self-efficacy significantly differed from their counterparts with perceived low academic self-efficacy after PTS examination at F(1, 128) = 122, p < .05 while the psychological wellbeing of non-admitted PTS students of Nursing school Nkpor differed across the personality types with conscientious personality  having more balanced psychological well-being than  their counterparts at F(1, 128) = 31.8, p < .05. It is recommended that the Nursing design programs aimed that enhancing the psychological wellbeing of students before, during and after the exams.
Biometric Characteristics and Condition Factors of Clarias gariepinus and Hepsetus odoe from Three Major Reservoirs of Ekiti- state, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: A. Akindele Tominwa. , Fagbuaro Omotayo. , Adegbola Mary. A.
Published: March 2022

The study was carried out between July to October 2018. 50 Clarias gariepinus from Ero, Egbe and Ado-Ekiti reservoirs and 66 Hepsetus odoe from Egbe and Ado-Ekiti reservoirs (not present in Ero- reservoir), Ekiti-State, Southwest, Nigeria, respectively. The fish samples were collected directly from fishermen at the bank of each reservoir. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. The mean body weight and total length of Clarias gariepinus were 319.13± 152.18a, 379.60 ± 268.40b, 542.11 ± 159.38c and 35.76 ± 7.64a, 34.67 ± 9.55a and 42.47 ± 4.02b from Ero, Egbe and Ado respectively. The mean body weight and total length of Hepsetus odoe were 193.79±83.80a, 192.87±80.62a and 28.56±3.13a, 28.81±6.09a from Egbe and Ado respectively. The results recorded on the mean body weights and total lengths of C. gariepinus and H. odoe from the populations are statistically similar. There are morphologically similarities between and among the three populations. Principal component analyses and cluster analyses were further used to determine the closeness of the morphological characters using paleontological statistics (PAST) software. The condition factors (K) values for C. gariepinus are 0.7 ± 0.2, 0.9 ± 0.3 and 0.7 ± 0.2 from Ero, Egbe and Ado reservoirs respectively. The condition factors values are not significantly different from one another. And for H. odoe were 0.008 ± 0.002 and 0.74 ± 0.04 from Egbe and Ado respectively. It showed that the populations are not well fed. There is need to determine the condition factor(s) which favours the growth and development of the fish from Ado (Ureje), Egbe and Ero reservoirs.
Antibacterial Activities of Annona senegalensis Pers. (Annonaceae) Extracts on Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumonia
Authors: Koggie A. Z. , Ihuma J. O. , Nyikwagh P. H.
Published: March 2022

This study investigated the presence of phytochemicals in the stem bark of Annona senegalensis. Phytochemicals extracted were alkanoid, flavonoid, tannin, saponin, and phenol, and the three extracts were: Cold Water Extract (CWE), Hot Water Extract (HWE) and Methanol Extracts (ME). The extracts of A. senegalensis were tested on Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumonia isolates in order to measure their antimicrobial and bactericidal activities. Irrespective of the method of extraction, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was found to be 3.125 µl/ml. Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) required to kill the test organisms were also recorded. While CWE needs 100 µl/ml to kill each of the test organisms, HWE and ME both required concentrations of 50 µl/ml to completely kill E. coli and K. pneumonia. For P. mirabilis, the HWE needed a concentration of 400 µl/ml, while ME needed a concentration of 100 µl/ml to kill the organism. It was therefore concluded that the extracts of A. senegalensis had the potential to inhibit the growth (MIC) or even kill (MBC) the studied microorganisms at particular concentrations. This study is preliminary; therefore, an in vivo study should be undertaken to further test the potency and toxicity of the extracts with the view of standardizing the dosage and educating the traditional medicine practitioners on how to achieve healing without causing harm to patients.
Controlling Surveillance Systems and PTZ Cameras from a Mobile Device
Authors: Y. Elamin Mohammed , Elsid Abdalla Ashraf Gasim
Published: March 2022

A data center is a physical facility that organizations use to house their critical applications and data. An application delivery controller, router, switch, firewall, storage system, and server make up the design for the data center. Data security in the data center is critical due to these components' role in storing and managing critical business data and applications. An Android application has therefore been developed that can be used on smart phones to monitor and follow the performance of the data center camera monitoring system. Surveillance cameras in the data center allows the data center manager to monitor employees, machines, and all data center facilities from his office via his mobile phone, or even when he is out of the office, and to view a report of faults and maintenance to ensure the efficiency of the system. Using the application, the engineer can also control the cameras by panning and zooming in on the camera images in the data center, playback previous recordings of cameras, and review fault reports to find out the malfunctions of the monitoring system from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Effect of Blended Fertilizer Rate on Yield and Yield Components of Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties under Irrigation Condition in Low Land Area of South Omo Zone
Authors: Sultan Mohammed Muhaba , Tadesse Eshete Awoke
Published: March 2022

Maize is an important cereal crop in Ethiopia. However, the yield of this crop is limited due to the lack of varieties and blended fertilizer for varieties and site specifications.  The use of a right amount of fertilizer based on crop requirement has significant importance for sustainable crop production. A study was undertaken to investigate the effects of NPSB blended fertilizer rate for maize yield production at a Dasenech and Nyangatom districts in the lowland area of South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia during the 2019/ 2020 cropping season. The experiment was factorial with three maize varieties (BH-140, BH-540 and MH-140) and four NPSB blended fertilizer rate including kg ha-1(none fertilizer, 50 NPSB, 100 NPSB, and 150 NPSB). Factorial combinations were used as twelve treatments laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Phenological and growth parameters, as well as yield and yield components data, were collected and subjected to analysis of variance using the SAS software program. The result of analysis of variance revealed that the interaction effect of varieties and blended fertilizer rate highly significant difference in grain yield.  The result indicated that the highest grain yield (3624.0 kg ha-1) and net benefit (45,324 Eth-birr ha-1) with MRR of 2123.5 % were obtained from BH-540 variety treated with 100 kg ha-1 of NPSB fertilizer rates at Dasenech location. Whereas, at the Nyangatom location, the highest grain yield (4324 kg ha-1) and net benefit (54,774 Eth-birr ha-1) with MRR of 2968.5 % were obtained from MH-140 variety treated with 100 kg ha-1 of NPSB fertilizer rates. Therefore, based on the yield response and, cost and return analysis indicated, it is recommended BH-540 variety treated with 100 kg ha-1 of NPSB blended fertilizer rates for Dasenech location, while MH-140 variety treated with 100 kg ha-1 of NPSB blended fertilizer rates for Nyangatom location and their similar soil conditions and agro-ecology.
Effects of Sub-chronic Administration of Crude Ethanol Extract of Cola nitida on Stomach Mucosa Epithelial Lining and Liver Function Enzymes in Albino Rats
Authors: Lawal Almustapha , Gusau Abubakar Mu’azu , Abubakar Aminu Lailaba , Eneji Sadiq Mas’ud , Sulaiman Rabiu , Okafor Ebuka , Usman Wali
Published: March 2022

Aim: This study investigated the effects of sub-chronic administration of crude ethanol extract of Cola nitida mucosa epithelial lining and liver function enzymes in albino rats.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Chemical Pathology Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, between March 2017 and January 2018.

Methodology: Twenty (20) albino rats have randomly divided into five (5) groups of A, B, C, D, and E of four rats each and were fed with an equal volume of ethanol extract of Cola nitida of 600, 1200, 1800 and 2400 mg/kg body weight of the rats by oral administration for 28 days, while group A serves as a control, respectively.

Results: Result indicates the LD50 was above 5000 mg/kg B.W., serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activity revealed a significant increase (P = .05) for AST (31.23 ± 9.39), (40.44 ± 12.24), (44.59 ± 8.69), and (36.30 ± 13.18) in rats fed with 600, 1200, 1800 and 2400 mg/kg, and ALT (33.66 ± 7.94) for group fed with 2400 mg/kg B.W as compared against the control group (16.97 ± 6.58) and (20.11 ± 4.39). The serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) also showed a significant increase (P = .05) (7.99 ± 2.89), (7.07 ± 2.21), and (5.49 ± 1.28) in the group fed with 1200, 1800, and 2400 mg/kg as compared to the control (2.34 ±0.84). Histological studies on the mucosa epithelial lining showed an eroded epithelium and vacuolations at a dose above 1200 mg/kg as compared to the control group.

Conclusion: This study was able to establish that crude ethanol extract of Cola nitida have some deleterious effects on mucosa epithelial lining, and liver function enzymes.
Association between Phenotypic and Genotypic Distance Matrices of Advanced Breeding Lines of Lowland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) from Diverse Parents
Authors: Gopinath Ikkurti , Rai Ashish , Rai Mayank
Published: March 2022

Background: The major staple food of the world, rice, is known for preferences in dietary diversification among the communities. Evaluation of advanced breeding lines developed from a set of diverse parents involved in different cross combination facilitates selection of promising genotypes, resource management and planning further breeding activities.

Methods: Totally, 22 advanced breeding lines of lowland rice in F7 were evaluated based on agro-morphologically and genotypically with molecular markers. Here we report correspondence between different distance matrices subjected to correlation based on Mantel test.

Results: Non significant (p-value > 0.05) correlation was observed between the matrices due to causal factors such as data type, markers used and genetic properties of lines as explained in the text. However, certain promising lines were selected from phenotypic performance as well as molecular fingerprints and grain quality evaluation relative to checks (CAUR1 and Shasarang) with specific context to north eastern hill region.
Performance of Browntop Millet (Brachiaria ramosa L.) under Varied Spacing and Fertility Levels
Authors: Sukanya T. S. , . Prabhakar , Nagaraja T. E. , Chaithra C. , Nandini C. , Bhat Sujatha
Published: March 2022

Aims: Browntop millet is a warm season crop and it can produce heavy seeds compared to other millets. This crop grown on a variety of soils and climates. Brown top millet provide nearly all essential nutrients. Brown top millet referred as miracle or positive crop for the dry and rainfed situations. The Brown top millet is known for its rapid forage production.

Study Design:  The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: An experiment was conducted for two consecutive Kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020 at Project Coordinating Unit, AICRP on Small Millets, Bangalore

Methodology: Main plot was having three levels of fertilizer viz., F1(75 % RDF), F2(100% RDF) and F3(125 % RDF) and sub plot was accommodated with four different level of spacings viz., S1(22.5 cm X 10 cm), S2(30 cm X 10 cm), S3(45 cm X 10 cm) and S4(60 cm x 10 cm)

Results: Results over years revealed that the plant height, number of tillers, 1000 seed weight, grain yield and straw yield found significantly higher with 125 per cent RDF however, was found on par with 100 per cent RDF. And regarding spacing, 45 cm x 10 cm was found optimum to realize higher yield.

Conclusion: Spacing of 45 cm x 10 cm proved its significant dominance with plant height, number of tillers, 1000 seed weight, grain yield and straw yield as compared to other spacings tested. The nutrient uptake by crop and nutrient availability in soil also showed significantly higher values at 125 per cent RDF followed by 100 per cent RDF and again at the wider spacing level of 45 cm x 10 cm. All these results were further strengthened with higher economic parameters viz., gross return, net return and B:C ratio.
Assessment of Hearing Acuity among Commercial Motorcyclists (Okada Riders) in the Main Campus of Abia State University Uturu Abia State Nigeria
Authors: Ubani C. D. , E. Osim Eme , Ejiofor D. C.
Published: March 2022

Two hundred motorcycle operators who had lasted for at least one year in the vocation constituted the test population. At the same time, the control group was derived from the staff and students of Abia State University, Uturu, who were sex and age-matched and exposed to low noise levels. Results showed that the noise levels at the operational location of the test population (commercial motorcycle park) was significantly (P<0.001) higher than that recorded at the control site (classrooms and environs). The study revealed that the hearing threshold of the right and left ears of the test group was significantly (P<0.001) higher than that reported for the control group at all the frequencies tested for both air and bone conductions. It was also revealed through this study that the frequency of symptoms associated with high levels of noise was significantly (P<0.001) higher in the test group (motorcycle operators) compared to their control counterparts (staff and students of ABSU). It was also deduced from the study that while 75% of the test population had impaired hearing acuity, 45% of the same case was recorded for the control population. The frequency of symptoms associated with persistent exposure to excessive noise levels was higher in the test subjects than in control. In conclusion, it was established through this study that commercial motorcycle operators within the main campus of Abia State University, Uturu are exposed to excessive noise levels which predisposes them to hear impairment.
Tempered Distribution Version of the Tumarkin Result
Authors: Saliji Mejdin , Bedjeti Bedrije , Erakovik Vesna Manova
Published: March 2022

We transfer a classical result of Tumarkin, about approximation of  functions with certain rational functions, in distributional setting.  This is achieved by embedding the functions from classical spaces into the space of tempered distributions.
Cancer Morbidity in Nigerian Females: The Need for a Grassroots Approach to its Prevention and Early Detection
Authors: Obahiagbon Ikponmwosa , Uchendu Obiora Jude
Published: March 2022

Background: Cancer is increasingly becoming a major cause of morbidity and mortality, aggravated among women in developing countries because of increasing longevity, population growth and lack of capacity for treatment.

Aim: To highlight the cancer burden among Nigerian females and emphasize the need for a grassroots approach towards prevention and early detection.

Study design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Methodology: The study was retrospective, analysing data from histopathology reports of cases of cancer in females as diagnosed over 20 years (2000-2019) in the Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.

Results: Over 56% of all cancers affected females with 64.9% of cases in the 4th-6th decades. Cancers of the breast, uterine cervix, colon and rectum, uterine corpus, ovary, haematopoietic and lymphoreticular system, and thyroid contributed 36.8%, 20.5%, 4.9%, 3.3%, 2.7%, 2.2% and 2.2% of cancers respectively.

Conclusion: Cancer among Nigerian females is increasing in incidence in the face of the existing weak treatment framework. There is urgent need to invest in cancer prevention and early detection strategies using grassroots-oriented and pre-existing structures to achieve a  reversal of this ugly trend.
Geographical Analysis of Crop Concentration and Crop Diversification of Dhule District (Maharashtra)
Authors: Kalu Ahire Dhanraj
Published: March 2022

The Present investigation aims in studying the geographical analysis of crop concentration and crop diversification in Dhule District. The present study is based on secondary data collected from different government organizations as well as government report. The data covers 2020-21. All the types of crops are considered for the present study. In this study the economics of crop diversification, land concentration was computed. tahsilwise study showed that area under kharif crop has found to be decreased in all the Tehsils of Dhule District. The area under Shindhkheda, Dhule & Shirpur have high production of cotton. The diversification from subsistence crop to more commercial crops to more commercial crops were taking place in all Tehsils. In Dhule Districts main commercial Crops are Onion, Pomegranate and cotton. Khandesh region in Maharashtra celled highest cotton growing region.

Dhule district is important agriculture district in Maharashtra. Cotton, Bajara, Maize, Gram, Sugarcane, Jawar, Onion, has major crop in Dhule district. The cropping pattern, crop concentration, crop diversification is play on role for agriculture planning and development. Present paper attempt to geographical analysis to crop concentration and crop diversification Dhule district in period of 2020-21.
Accuracy of GeneXpert in Diagnosis of Smear Negative Tuberculosis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Munir Muhammad Kashif , Rehman Sana , Aftab Ayesha , Asghar Naeem , Ali Akhtar , Nazar Netasha , Nazir Muhammad Amer , Hanif Asif
Published: March 2022

Objective: This study was aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of GeneXpert in smear negative as compared to smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Methods: This comparative cross sectional study was undertaken at Health Research Institute (National Institute of Health) TB Research Centre, Pulmonology King Edward Medical University Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 101 patients in each smear negative and positive groups were included. After taking the informed consent a predesigned questionnaire was used to collect the data.

Results: A total of 202 patients consisting of 94 (46.5%) male and 108 (53.5%) females with mean age of patients as 39.83±18.14 years were included in this study. Highest proportion of 45% patients remained to be in age range of 18-35 years. Culture presented the highest accuracy of 96.1% with sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of 95.9%, 100%, and 100% respectively while GeneXpert remained to be 94.6%, 94.9%, 80%, and 99.5% respectively in this study.

Conclusion: Accuracy of GeneXpert is excellent in diagnosis of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients and very well in diagnosing smear negative pulmonary TB patients and a great addition in early and definite diagnosis of TB and keeps the ability to confirm around 75% smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis.
Study of the Effect of Ademol on the Dynamics of S 100 Protein in Rats with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Semenenko Sviatoslav , Semenenko Andrii , Saienko Andrii , Semenenko Natalia , Konovalova Nina , Babina Yuliana , Nazarchuk Halyna
Published: March 2022

Currently: the problem of choosing an effective drug approach for cerebroprotection, in case of traumatic brain injury (TBI), remains to be poorly understood. Clinical studies of cerebroprotectors - antagonists of NMDA-receptors indicate the feasibility of their use in practice. In our opinion, for further research, it would be correct to choose a compound that has neuroprotective properties and synthesized under the guidance of Academician M.O. Lozynsky at the Institute of Organic Chemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, a derivative of 1-adamantylethyloxy-3-morpholoin-2-propanol hydroxide (Ademol).

Materials and Methods: The pharmacological action of Ademol was investigated on the example of a simulated TBI at a dose of 2 mg/kg intravenously every 12 hours for 8 days. The control group and pseudooperated animals received NaCl 0,9% at a dose of 2 mg/kg intravenously (i/v), the comparison group received Amantadine sulfate 5 mg/kg. To determine the efficiency and activity of these molecules the activity of the protein S 100 was used.

Results: The dynamics of S 100 protein levels in groups of rats with Ademol and Amantadine sulfate with traumatic brain injury on the 8th day of observation indicates that on the background of the above therapy, the content of the studied marker decreased by an average of 50,8 and 39.9%. Treatment of rats with severe traumatic brain injury with Ademol at a dose of 2 mg/kg (i/v), was probably better than treatment of rats in the control group with saline and amantadine sulfate and better helped to reduce the growth of protein S 100 level, while Ademol exceeded the reference drug at 18,2% (p <0.05).
Omicron: A New Rise to Epidemic
Authors: Mazhar Saima , Tanwir Farzeen , Mehwish Ayesha , Khokhar Samia Khalid , Khattak Mariya Azam , Mahar Yasmeen
Published: March 2022

The world has been suffering for the past two and half years since the emergence of the plague Covid-19, which has caused more than 5.57 million deaths globally. The new coronavirus Omicron variants following alpha, beta, gamma, and delta continue to spread. The virus, which was first detected in Botswana and South Africa in November, has since surged globally in the past few weeks, faster than any previously known variant of the coronavirus. Omicron has proven to be highly contagious and less receptive to vaccines compared with other variants. The aim of this study was to provide a brief outline of what we already know about the Omicron virus and what needs to be learned about the different variants of this kind.
Load Frequency Control of Thermal Power System by using Extended PI & FLC
Authors: Sapna P. Fathima
Published: March 2022

The Automatic Generation Control (AGC) of interconnected reheat thermal systems employing Proportional- Integral (PI) and extended Proportional- Integral (extended PI) and Fuzzy Logic Controllers is described in this study (FLC). In the past, the extended PI controller was utilised to reduce peak overshoot and settling time inaccuracy. Even with the consideration of non-linearity Generation Rate Constraint, the action of this controller gives satisfactory operation when compared to the PI scheme (GRC). The fading factor plays a big role in this extended PI controller. The fading factor value should be carefully set, as it has a significant impact on control performance. In order to avoid this flaw, the system employs a Fuzzy Logic Controller. In the presence of a Generation Rate Constraint (GRC), the performance of FLC was compared to that of PI and extended PI control. The performance of the system is evaluated with a 1% step load perturbation in each direction.
DEBRIDAMENTO ULTRASSÔNICO DE BOCA TODA NO TRATAMENTO DA PERIODONTITE CRÔNICA SEVERA EM PACIENTES DIABÉTICOS: RESULTADOS PRELIMINARES
Authors: Meira Ana Luísa Teixeira , Nobre Camila , Nascimento Maíza Cardoso , Napimoga Marcelo , Casarin Renato , Bittencourt Sandro , Ribeiro Érica Del Peloso
Published: March 2022

Objetivo:Avaliar o efeito do debridamento ultrassônico de boca toda no trata-mento da periodontite crônica severa em pacientes diabéticos, determinandoas alterações nos parâmetros clínicos periodontais após a terapia periodontal não-cirúrgica. Material e métodos: 9 pacientes diabéticos descompensados (HbA1c ³ 7%) com periodontite crônica severa foram separados aleatoriamente em 2 grupos: Grupo controle: raspagem e alisamento radicular por quadran-te/4 semanas e Grupo teste: debridamento ultrassônico em sessão única de 45minutos. Os parâmetros de Índice de placa, Índice gengival, Sangramento àsondagem, Profundidade de sondagem (PS), Nível de inserção clínico (NIC),Posição da margem gengival (PMG) foram avaliados. Amostras do fluidogengival foram obtidas de sítios com PS ³ 6 mm para verificar a presença dascitocinas IL-6, IL-10, IL-17 e IL- 23 pelo teste Elisa. Todas as variáveis foramavaliadas antes, 1 e 3 meses após o tratamento. Para análise das variáveisquantitativas (PS, NIC e PMG de bolsas moderadas) foram realizados ANOVAe teste de Tukey e para os demais parâmetros clínicos foram utilizados ostestes de Friedman e Mann-Whitney. Resultados:Ambos os grupos apresenta-ram resultados comparáveis quanto aos tratamentos instituídos, não havendodiferença estatisticamente significante. A IL-23 foi a única citocina que sofreuaumento aos 3 meses no grupo teste (p£0,05). Conclusão:O debridamentoultrassônico promoveu resultados clínicos similares à terapia convencional notratamento da periodontite crônica severa em pacientes diabéticos.
FORMADORES EM ODONTOLOGIA: PERFIL PROFISSIONAL, PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO E CONHECIMENTOS SOBRE AS DIRETRIZES CURRICULARES NACIONAIS (DCNS)
Authors: De Matos Mariângela Silva , Tenório Robinson Moreira , Vianna Maria Isabel Pereira
Published: March 2022

A tendência atual de renovação do ensino superior no Brasil evidencia a ne-cessidade de estudos dirigidos para a formação pedagógica dos professores com abordagens teórico-metodológicas capazes de compreender as especi- ficidades dos sujeitos dessa prática. Objetivo: Buscou-se identificar em dois cursos de Odontologia da Bahia, o perfil dos professores, a auto-percepçãosobre a influência da pós-graduação em sua formação docente e os seus co-nhecimentos acerca das DCNs. Material e método: Realizou-se entrevistasnão-diretivas, interpretadas pela análise de conteúdo, a qual foi sustentadapor um referencial teórico que trata da formação pedagógica do professor edas políticas públicas de educação. Resultado/Conclusão: A quase totalidadedos professores reconhece as limitações da pós-graduação no que se refereà formação pedagógica, evidenciando os saberes oriundos da experiência, ea maioria deles desconhece ou têm informações superficiais sobre as DCNs.
INTRODUÇÃO À ANÁLISE CEFALOMÉTRICA BASIC ASPECTS OF CEPHALOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Authors: Bittencourt Marcos Alan Vieira , Santos Sara Ramos Braga , Araújo Telma Martins de
Published: March 2022

Este artigo tem como objetivo descrever, sumariamente, a análise cefalométricaque vem sendo aplicada aos alunos do curso de graduaçãona disciplina de Ortodontia da Faculdade de Odontologia daUniversidade Federal da Bahia. A mesma foi desenvolvida utilizandomedidas cefalométricas já existentes e descritas na literatura, as quaisforam agrupadas em campos a fim de permitir que os alunos façamadequada interpretação de cada área e tenha, ao final da mesma, asinformações básicas necessárias para uma avaliação esquelética, dentáriae do perfil facial do paciente.ABSTRACTThe aim of this paper is to summarily describe the cephalometric analysisthat have been used with undergraduate students at the disciplineof Orthodontics at School of Dentistry of Federal University of Bahia.This analysis was developed by cephalometric measurements existentand described in literature, organized by fields to allow the studentsto do a correct interpretation of each area and to have, at the end, thebasic informations to a skeletal, dental, and facial profile evaluation ofthe patient.
APLICAÇÃO DE PINOS DE FIBRA DE VIDRO EM RAÍZES AMPLAS E FRAGILIZADAS. APPLICATION OF GLASS FIBER PINS ON WIDE AND FRAGILIZED ROOTS
Authors: Fernandes Mayuri da Silva , Santos Kállita Gabriela Alves dos , Martins Victor da Mota , Santos-Filho Paulo César de Freitas , Silva Camila Ferreira
Published: March 2022

Na última década os pinos de fibra de vidro ficaram mais conhecidos,por serem pinos pré-fabricados e de rápida cimentação, além de apresentaremum módulo de elasticidade semelhante ao da dentina. Estarevisão de literatura tem o objetivo de avaliar a atuação de diversosmateriais na sequência de reanatomização e reembasamento dos pinosde fibra de vidro em raízes amplas e fragilizadas. Foi efetuado umabusca sistematizada abrangendo artigos de periódicos indexados nasbases de dados: PubMed, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Lilacs e Googleacadêmico. Para todos os bancos de dados, a estratégica de buscafoi realizada por meio da seleção dos termos de busca e uma pesquisamanual foi realizada para encontrar estudos relevantes publicadosque não foram identificados nas buscas eletrônicas. Pôde-se concluirao longo dos estudos que raízes fragilizadas restauradas com pinos defibra de vidro tiveram um melhor comportamento biomecânico quandocomparado ao pino metálico fundido, além de uma melhoria docomportamento biomecânico quando realizado o reembasamentonos pinos de fibra de vidro, em decorrência da diminuição da linhade cimentação. Estudos que compararam reembasamento com pinosacessórios e resina composta não tiveram uma diferença de resultadossignificativa, foi observado apenas que os mesmos diminuem os riscosde fraturas irreparáveis, e se mostram indispensáveis para um bomprognóstico.ABSTRACTIn the last decade the pins of fiberglass became better known, becausethey are prefabricated pins and of fast cementation, besides presentinga modulus of elasticity similar to the one of the dentine. This literaturereview has the objective of evaluating the performance of severalmaterials in the sequence of reanatomization and relining glass fiberposts in broad and fragile roots. A systematized search was carriedout covering journal articles indexed in the databases: PubMed, CochraneLibrary (CENTRAL), Lilacs and Google academic. For all databases,the search strategy was performed by selecting the search termsand a manual search was performed to find relevant published studiesthat were not identified in the electronic searches. It was possible toconclude throughout the studies that weakened roots restored withfiberglass posts had a better biomechanical behavior when comparedto the cast post and core, there was also an improvement of the biomechanicalbehavior when made the relining in the pins of glass fiber,as a result reduction of the cement line. Studies comparing fitting withaccessory pins and composite resin did not have a significant differencein results. It was only observed that they decrease the risk of irreparablefractures and are indispensable for a good prognosis.