bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pattern of chest computerized tomography scan findings in symptomatic RT-PCR positive Covid-19 patients at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana
Authors: Dzefi-Tettey Klenam , Kobina Mesi Edzie Emmanuel , Narteh Gorleku Philip , Kwakye Brakohiapa Edmund , Acheampong Franklin , Raman Asemah Abdul , Kusodzi Henry , Sumbawiera Saaka Patience , Andam Idun Ewurama , Tutu Amankwa Adu
Published: August 2022

Background: Chest Computerized Tomography (CT) features of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia are nonspecific, variable and sensitive in detecting early lung disease. Hence its usefulness in triaging in resource-limited regions.

Objectives: To assess the pattern of chest CT scan findings of symptomatic COVID-19 patients confirmed by a positive RTPCR in Ghana.

Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed chest CT images of 145 symptomatic RT-PCR positive COVID-19 patients examined at the Radiology Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) from 8th April to 30th November 2020. Chi-Squared test was used to determine associations among variables. Statistical significance was specified at p≤0.05.

Results: Males represent 73(50.3%). The mean age was 54.15±18.09 years. The age range was 5 months-90 years. Consolidation 88(60.7%), ground glass opacities (GGO) 78(53.8%) and crazy paving 43(29.7%) were the most predominant features. These features were most frequent in the elderly (≥65years). Posterobasal, peripheral and multilobe disease were found bilaterally. The most common comorbidities were hypertension 72(49.7%) and diabetes mellitus 42(29.2%) which had significant association with lobar involvement above 50%.

Conclusion: The most predominant Chest CT scan features of COVID-19 pneumonia were GGO, consolidation with air bronchograms, crazy paving, and bilateral multilobe lung disease in peripheral and posterior basal distribution.

Keywords: Computerized Tomography Scan; COVID-19 Pneumonia; Ghana.
Bibliometric analysis of the African Health Sciences’ research indexed in Web of Science and Scopus
Authors: Hussein Musa Taha , Kawuki Joseph , Hussein Musa Hassan
Published: August 2022

Background: The Journal of African Health Sciences (AHS) is an internationally refereed journal in the field of health sciences with vast research contributions in the world and Africa region.

Objective: The study aimed to document the scientific production and explore the AHS research bibliometric characteristics since its first issue.

Methods: A comprehensive retrospective bibliometric analysis was performed on AHS published documents indexed in Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus since the journal’s first issue. The analysis was done using SPSS v. 22.0, Bibliometrix Package in R, and VOSviewer v.1.6.15.

Results: A total of 1649 and 1879 documents indexed in Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus were retrieved. The annual number of publications showed a significant increase in both databases. The most contributing countries (in WoS vs. Scopus) were; Nigeria (n = 393 vs. 276), Uganda (215 vs. 220) and South Africa (143 vs. 101). The most productive authors were “Tumwine JK’’, “Mayanja-Kizza H”, and “Ocama P”. Makerere University, The University of Ibadan, and University of Nigeria were the most contributive institutions. International agencies mainly from the USA were the main funders of AHS documents. Analysis of keywords revealed the dominance of research topics with keywords such as HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Obesity, Hypertension, risk factors, infection, mortality, amongst others.

Conclusions: This analysis has revealed the progress in the development and growth of scientific research from AHS. Moreover, top-cited documents-analysis has reflected its focus on health issues relevant to Africa. This analysis would help in evidence-based descriptions of AHS research output.

Keyword: Bibliometric analysis; African Health Sciences; VOSviewer; Publication progress.
Design of software-oriented technician for vehicle’s fault system prediction using AdaBoost and random forest classifiers
Authors: Thomas M. Kiruba , Sumathi S.
Published: August 2022

Detecting and isolating faults on heavy duty vehicles is very important because it helps maintain high vehicle performance, low emissions, fuel economy, high vehicle safety and ensures repair and service efficiency. These factors are important because they help reduce the overall life cycle cost of a vehicle. The aim of this paper is to deliver a Web application model which aids the professional technician or vehicle user with basic automobile knowledge to access the working condition of the vehicles and detect the fault subsystem in the vehicles. The scope of this system is to visualize the data acquired from vehicle, diagnosis the fault component using trained fault model obtained from improvised Machine Learning (ML) classifiers and generate a report. The visualization page is built with plotly python package and prepared with selected parameter from On-board Diagnosis (OBD) tool data. The Histogram data is pre-processed with techniques such as null value Imputation techniques, Standardization and Balancing methods in order to increase the quality of training and it is trained with Classifiers. Finally, Classifier is tested and the Performance Metrics such as Accuracy, Precision, Re-call and F1 measure which are calculated from the Confusion Matrix. The proposed methodology for fault model prediction uses supervised algorithms such as Random Forest (RF), Ensemble Algorithm like AdaBoost Algorithm which offer reasonable Accuracy and Recall. The Python package joblib is used to save the model weights and reduce the computational time. Google Colabs is used as the python environment as it offers versatile features and PyCharm is utilised for the development of Web application. Hence, the Web application, outcome of this proposed work can, not only serve as the perfect companion to minimize the cost of time and money involved in unnecessary checks done for fault system detection but also aids to quickly detect and isolate the faulty system to avoid the propagation of errors that can lead to more dangerous cases.
A mathematical model of shear wave propagation in the incompressible transversely isotropic thermoelastic half-spaces
Authors: Lalawmpuia T. , Singh S.S. , Zorammuana C.
Published: August 2022

This article deals with the problem of reflection and transmission of shear waves at a plane interface between two dissimilar incompressible transversely isotropic thermoelastic half-spaces. Two coupled quasi-shear waves are found to propagate due to the incompressibility of such materials. Applying appropriate boundary conditions at the plane interface, amplitude ratios of the reflected and transmitted quasi-shear waves are obtained. It has been observed that these ratios are functions of the angle of incidence, elastic and thermal parameters of the materials. These ratios are computed numerically for a particular model to see the effects of specific heat and thermal expansion on quasi-shear waves in incompressible transversely isotropic thermoelastic materials. The results are also presented graphically.
Adoption of Improved Small Ruminant Husbandry Practices among Ranchers in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Affandi Nurul Athira Mohd , Norsida Man , Hadi Anjas Asmara Abdul , Sa’adu Mustapha
Published: August 2022

This study determined the extent to which improved husbandry practices in the study area were adopted by ranchers of small ruminants. A total of 100 respondents of small ruminant ranchers were selected for this study, using simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive percentage and cross tabulation to determine the adoption of improved small ruminant husbandry practices among ranchers. The study revealed that reproduction, healthcare and feeding had a higher adoption rate among the key management practices of small ruminant husbandry compared to general management. The findings revealed the majority of the respondents (65%) were classified as medium level adopters of improved animal husbandry practices, with an average adoption index of 65. The adoption rates of animal husbandry among small ruminant ranchers should be enhanced by promoting guidance, education and their evaluation on the practices.
Influence of Livelihood Assets’ on Farmers Control Practice for Enset Xanthomonas Wilt in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Henok
Published: August 2022

This study examined how the livelihood assets influence enset farmers’ decisions to control the disease Xanthomonas Wilt. For examining how household adopt their farming practices to control the disease and preserve their livelihoods, useful theoretical architecture represented by Sustainable Rural Livelihood (SRL) framework were used. Empirically, double-hurdle model was applied. The results indicated that the human, social, natural, physical capitals and vulnerability context are the driving factors for adopting the recommended EXW controlling strategies. Natural capital negatively associated with extent of adoption decision of the farmer whereas the social capital influences it positively. This finding promotes the importance of improvement of livelihood assets to enable significant support to the natural and social capitals of the farmer that provide important resources and information exchange for continuous adoption of EXW controlling strategies.
Measuring Farm Households’ Resilience Capacity in times of Pandemic Crisis: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Odozi J.C. , Adeyonu A.G. , Fanifosi G.E.
Published: August 2022

Literature documents a correspondence between production of risk and the management of risk in a local context. Quantifying the relative importance of resilience indicators is therefore at a premium in policy circles. We propose a practical methodology for estimating the ex-ante resilience capacity of farm households. We propose an index of resilience capacity that can be estimated at the household level. The composite index is constructed from indicators sourced from Nigeria’s COVID-19 National Longitudinal Phone Survey (NLPS) data set. 3,000 households were selected from the frame of 4,934 households with contact details. Various household welfare indicators were analyzed using the factor component analysis and the generalized family of distance measures used for household ranking. The estimated Resilience Capacity Index (RCI) of a mean distance of 5 points and a +-1.5 standard deviation revealed a moderate farm households resilience capacity. Taken as a whole, the results from this study show that programs that build on absorptive, adaptive and transformation capacities will go a long way to strengthen the ability of agricultural households to recover from a pandemic shock. Based on these findings, the research highlights the need for development actors interested in promoting resilience in Nigeria to increase investments in strengthening access to essential services and functions like electricity, quality housing and livelihood strategies. Notwithstanding some of the analytical limitation, the essentials of resilience capacity framework have been advanced to motivate further research.
Analysis of Wellbeing Status of Contract Rice Farmers in Niger State of Nigeria
Authors: Yisa K.M. , Lawal M. , Kolo P. N. , Arowolo K. O. , Pelemo J.J. , Adeyemi O.A.
Published: August 2022

size of one hundred and seventy rice farmers (170) were selected using multi-stage sampling method. Structured questionnaire complimented with interview scheduled were used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using wellbeing status index, ordered logit regression and factor analysis. The findings revealed that rice farmers were satisfied with community connectedness (X̅ =6.94), personal relationship (X̅ =6.67), life achievement (X̅ =6.26), spiritual/religious activities (X̅ =6.23), standard of living (X̅ =5.84) and future security (X̅ =5.06). The coefficient of rice farm size (-1.295823), educational level (0.4637844), sources of labour (1.534896), training (0.2329947) and income after contract farming (4.23e-06) farmers’ participation in contract farming. The most associated with farmer’s participation in contract farming were breach of contract by the farmers (0.9522), diversion of inputs by contract farmers (0.9326) and political interference (0.9372). It is recommended that contract farmers should be properly monitored by the contracting firms in order to reduce diversion of input in the study area, contracting firms should abolish all forms of politicking associated with inputs distribution.
Extraction and Quality Evaluation of Raffia Palm (Raffia hookeri) and Ofo (Detarium microcarpum) Gums
Authors: Peace Ekeocha , Austin Ihemeje , Collins Ubbaonu
Published: August 2022

Extraction, purification and quality evaluation of raffia palm (Raffia hookeri) and ofo (Detarium microcarpum) gum extracts were carried out. Gum was extracted from both raffia palm exudate and ofo seed. The gums were respectively purified and analysed for functional properties, antinutrients and mineral contents of the gum samples. The mineral analysis of the gums revealed that magnesium contents of ofo and raffia gums were 7.94mg/100g and 9.37mg/100g respectively. Calcium contents were 16.03mg/100g and 101.40mg/100g for ofo and raffia respectively and they were significantly (p<0.05) different from each other. Iron content was 2.09mg/100g and 4.66mg/100g for ofo and raffia respectively. Potassium contents were 8.05mg/100g (ofo) and 5.06mg/100g (raffia) while sodium contents were 3.26mg/100g and 3.72mg/100g each for raffia and ofo gum. No significant (p>0.05) difference was observed between the bulk density for raffia (0.86g/ml) and ofo (0.84g/ml). Water absorption capacity of ofo gum was 65.23 water/100g while that of raffia gum was 68.64 water/100g. The oxalate contents were 2.11mg/100g and 2.6mg/100g for raffia and ofo gums respectively. Phytate concentration was 2.75 and 3.26% each for raffia and ofo and there was significant (p<0.05) difference between the samples. Saponin level was 1.44 and 1.84% for raffia and ofo respectively while alkaloid content was 0.93% and 1.05% each for raffia and ofo gum. Significant (p<0.05) difference was observed between the gums in terms of the antinutrients. The percentage gum yield from raffia exudates was 50% while that of ofo seed was 79%. The results proved that both ofo gum and raffia gum could be incorporated in food formulation if incorporated.
Efficacy of Bacteriocin Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Ugba and Okpiye Against some Selected Bacterial Food Spoilage Agents
Authors: Ajiboye A.E. , Anaele C.A. , Olawoyin R.A.
Published: August 2022

Numerous food products owe their production and characteristics to the fermentative activities of microorganisms. Bacteriocins are antimicrobial proteins produced by bacteria that kill or inhibit the growth of other related species. Lactic acid producing bacteria were isolated from Ugba and Okpiye using standard methods. The test organisms used were Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VRFPA04) and Escherichia coli (ST2747) Fifty (50) samples of Ugba and Okpiye were collected and evaluated for the presence of bacteriocin lactic acid producers using a selective medium; De Mann Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) agar. A total of 288 isolates was isolated from the two traditional food condiments; 148 from ugba and 140 from Okpiye. It was observed that the total lactic acid bacterial count in Ugba ranges from 5.80 x 104 to 1.7 x 107 cfu/ml on MRS medium; while that of Okpiye ranges from 5.0 x 104 to 2.0 x 107 cfu/ml on MRS medium. Lactic acid bacterial count was higher in Ugba than in Okpiyeconsidering the mode of storage in the market. The highest inhibitory activity was demonstrated against E. coli in Ugba sample while the least activity was demonstrated against P. aeuroginosa, also a significant high level of inhibition was shown against S. aureus while P. aeuroginosa and E. coli had little or no inhibitory activities recorded for Okpiye samples. The bacteriocin producers isolated from Ugba and Okpiye (U5, U6, OK1, OK2, OK3 and OK4) were identified as Lactobacillus sp and Lactococcus sp based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics. The antibacterial activity of the bacteriocins produced by the lactic acid bacteria has potential for use in biopreservation of condiments against food spoilage agents.
Effect of Induced Ageing on Nutrients Content of some Selected Castor Seeds Genotypes
Authors: Apuyor B.O. , Ossamalu F.I. , Salihu B.Z. , Okere A.U. , Nwosu D.J. , Kabaraini M.A. , Salahu M.S. , Onwukwe A.A.
Published: August 2022

Castor is an important oilseed crop with great utilitarian value in industrial, pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors, the major constituents of the seeds are the lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and, of course, the nucleic acids. Seed deterioration is associated with various cellular, metabolic and chemical alterations to the seed constituents. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of induced ageing on the nutrient content of castor seeds. The study was carried out by subjecting castor seeds of various accessions to induced ageing by placing the seeds in an incubator at a temperature of 40OC and 100% relative humidity for 0, 2, 4 and 6 days. A total of twelve (12) castor accessions were used for the study. Percentage total fats, total protein, total reducing sugar was determined in the aged seeds using standard biochemical procedures. The result showed a progressive decrease in fats, protein and reducing sugar content with increased ageing time which became significant at (p < 0.05) on day four in all parameters measured. The percentage decrease of fats ranged from 38.01% in NCRI-P-007 to 9.0% NCRICAS036, protein 57.98% in NCRI-P-40 to 54.10% NCRICAS019 and reducing sugar 39.93% in NCRI-P-39 to 14.55% in NCRICAS036. The result has led to the conclusion that castor seeds lose its nutrients content with storage time.
COVID-19 Pandemic and its Implication for Nutritional Status of Children in Nigeria: A Call for Transformation to a Sustainable Food System
Authors: Omuemu V.O.
Published: August 2022

Background: Nigeria contributes the highest burden of childhood malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa and this has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Food system unsustainability has been shown to be the main driver for continued food insecurity and subsequent malnutrition. This paper discusses key issues pertaining to child nutritional status in Nigeria within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the importance of adopting a sustainable food system framework that ensures food and nutrition security for all including children.Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the weaknesses in the food system, in addition to those already caused by other factors such as  conflicts, climate change, demographic and economic factors, amongst others. Food systems, through diets, give rise to nutrition and health  outcomes as well as those related to the dimensions of sustainability (environmental, economic, and social). The complex nature of the food system and its interactions with food and nutrition security requires adoption and practice of more effective food policy framework that embraces four  critical policy shifts that support all dimensions of food security and transformation pathways which address the negative impacts of the drivers of  food security.Conclusion: The need for the government to adopt a sustainable, resilient, and efficient food policy that appreciates the complexity of food systems  drivers and outcomes cannot be overemphasized. This is essential for upholding the right to adequate food as well as ending hunger, and  malnutrition in all its forms for all children.
Behavioural Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic among Nigerians: A Nationwide Survey
Authors: Jimoh A.O. , Jimoh O. , Oyefabi A.M. , Okpataku C.I. , Erin B.E. , Oguntoye M.S. , Adebayo J.M. , Olayinka A.T.
Published: August 2022

Background: COVID-19 being a new disease has been fraught with poor public social responses. This survey described the behavioural responses to  COVID-19 from individuals in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society like Nigeria.

Methods: The study used a web-based descriptive cross-sectional design to recruit Nigerian adults, 18 years and above from all the geopolitical  zones in the country, by snowball sampling technique. A 6-page Google form survey tool was used to administer the questionnaire via emails,  WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics with percentage frequency distribution.

Results: A total of 1841 respondents (45.8% females) were finally analyzed. The age range was 18-84years with mean of 31±11years. Overall, 1079  (58.6%) expressed at least one element of fear of disclosing their COVID-19 status. There were 1047 (56.7%) respondents who expressed worry  about being discriminated against if they get COVD-19 and 1087 (59.1%) agreed that family members of COVID-19 patients may be rejected by the  community. Majority 1749 (95%) stated willingness to present to the healthcare facility, though 932 (50.6%) stated they will not be attended to if  suspected to have COVID-19. Of the respondents, 794 (43.1%) indicated that COVID-19 was caused by the Chinese and 1202 (65.3%) indicated that  healthcare workers should be kept in a hotel separate from the rest of the community. Majority 1679 (91.2%) however, disagreed that COVID- 19 was  a death sentence.

Conclusion: The study revealed that there were elements of fear of disclosure, with discrimination and stigmatization being the major causes of  concern.
Assessment of the Effects of Some Reproductive Hormones on Aspects of Reproductive Biology of Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus longifilis
Authors: Uyon P.P. , Akpan I.I. , Moruf R.O. , Abiaobo N.O. , Asuquo I.E. , Udoinyang E.P. , Essien-Ibok M.A. , Udosen I.E. , George I.E.
Published: August 2022

Protein food sources are highly recommended for a healthy living and fish is one of the most recommended protein sources. This research was aimed at enhancing fish seed propagation and the effects of four fish reproductive hormones (Ovaprim, Carp pituitary extract, human chorionic gonadotropin, and Deoxy-corticosterone acetate) on some aspects of reproductive biology of Heterobranchus longifilis and Clarias gariepinus bought from Itu head-bridge, Akwa Ibom state. Sixty mature broodstocks (both males and females) of each species weighing 2.0 kg were used in this study. The experimental procedure was made up of four experimental groups (treatments) with three replicates including control. Each group was administered with the appropriate dosage of the respective reproductive hormone. The mean relative fecundity in both species using ovaprim and human chorionic gonadotropin showed no significant difference, while carp pituitary extract showed significant difference (p < 0.05) in both species. The mean egg hatchability values in the species administered with ovaprim, human chorionic gonadotropin and carp pituitary extract were similar (p > 0.05). Mean values were significantly different (p < 0.05) from those administered with Deoxy-corticosterone acetate. The mean fry survival rates in both species were not significantly different (p > 0.05) with human chorionic gonadotropin, carp pituitary extract and ovaprim, but showed significant difference (p < 0.05), except Deoxy-corticosterone acetate. Female brooders in the control tanks showed no result throughout the study. Treatments with the hormones yielded better result, except in the case of Deoxy-corticosterone acetate. It could be concluded that reproductive hormones, especially ovaprim and carp pituitary are better for breeding H. longifilis and C. gariepinus. The results from the study are crucial in encouraging fish seed propagation through the application of artificial hormones.
Fractional extracts of Azadirachta indica leaf affect spermiogram, testosterone profile, and testis histology of rabbit bucks
Authors: Umar MS , Bawa EK , Ogwu D , Hassan B , Habib B , Ige TA
Published: August 2022

The effect of fractions from a crude extract of Azadirachta indica leaves on spermatogenesis, testicular histology and testosterone concentration of New Zealand White rabbits were evaluated in this study. Twenty-five matured male New Zealand White rabbits were used for this study and were randomly assigned to five groups (A, B, C, D, and E). Group A served as the control and was administered distilled water (0.5ml); while groups B, C, D and E served as the hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol treated groups, respectively at the same dosage of 300 mg/kg. Semen samples were collected using an artificial vagina weekly for twelve weeks and were evaluated for volume, colour, motility, concentration, percentage live-dead ratio and morphological abnormalities. A blood sample (2ml) was also collected from each buck through venipuncture of the ear vein three times at regular intervals for the determination of testosterone concentration. Two bucks from each group were humanely sacrificed at the end of the experiment for testicular histology. Significantly lower (p<0.05) sperm motility, higher dead sperm cells, sperm abnormalities, degenerative changes, depletion and vacuolation of spermatogenic cell layers were observed in treatment group C at the end of the experiment. The present study has shown that the chloroform fraction of methanolic crude Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves extract is detrimental to sperm cells and testicular histology.
Oxobedfordia acid reduces colon cancer cell viability through apoptosis induction and inhibits colon cancer growth in mice model
Authors: Ma Songbo , Yu Zhi , Zhang Mingliang , Ma Jianwen
Published: August 2022

Purpose: Colon cancer is amongst the most commonly diagnosed carcinoma globally and ranks 3rd highest of all the kinds of tumors. In the present study effect of oxobedfordia acid on colon cancer cell viability and colorectal tumor growth in vivo was investigated.Methods: Cytotoxicity of oxobedfordia acid in SW480, HCT116, and FHC cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Colon cancer in the mice was induced by implanting subcutaneously 2 x 106 HT-29 cells/mouse in the right flank. Various parameters, including cell viability, tumor growth and expression levels of cancer factors, were also assessed.Results: Treatment with oxobedfordia acid significantly reduced viability in SW480 and HCT116 cells (p < 0.05). Furthermore, oxobedfordia acid caused increased miR-331-3p levels in cells. Moreover, oxobedfordia acid caused a significant reduction in NRP2 expression and increased apoptosis induction in SW480 and HCT116 cells. Oxobedfordia acid treatment for 48 h significantly increased p53 and p-c- Jun levels, but reduced Bcl-2 expression in cells (p < 0.05). In the mouse model of colon cancer, oxobedfordia acid significantly retarded tumor growth. Furthermore, in oxobedfordia acid-treated mice, expression of miR-331-3p was elevated while NRP2 level was lowered when compared with control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Oxobedfordia acid treatment suppresses colon cancer cell viability and inhibits tumor growth in mice through enhancement of miR-331-3p and reduction in NRP2 expression. Hence, oxobedfordia acid can potentially be developed as an agent for the management of colorectal cancer.
Salivary cortisol levels and temporomandibular disorders – A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 case-control studies
Authors: Lu Lin , Yang Bo , Li Menghuan , Bao Baicheng
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To compare salivary cortisol levels between patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and healthy controls.Methods: Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases were employed to screen for the included studies. RevMan 5.3 software and RStudio software were used for meta-analysis, while a random-effect model was selected to synthesize the effect with the mean difference (MD).Results: Thirteen studies were eligible and a total of 504 TMD patients and 410 controls were included. The pooled MD of salivary cortisol levels in TMD patients compared to controls was 0.05 (95 %CI = 0.01 - 0.09, p = 0.02), indicating a significantly higher level of salivary cortisol in TMD patients than in the controls. Subgroup analysis suggested studies published later than 2014 showed significant increase of salivary cortisol level in TMD patients when compared to controls (MD = 0.07, 95 % CI = 0.01-0.13, p = 0.03). Besides, high-quality studies presented significant differences with regard to the cortisol level in saliva among individuals with or without TMD (MD = 0.04, 95 %CI = 0.03-0.05, p < 0.01). However, the instability of the results showed by the sensitivity analysis was a hindrance to reaching a definitive conclusion.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that salivary cortisol level in TMD patients is significantly higher than in controls. Consequently, supportive psychological treatment is recommended to prevent TMD patients from mood disorders. More high-quality studies are, however, needed to confirm the relationship, considering the high degree of heterogeneity among the studies.
Tricin protects rats from ovariectomized-induced osteoporosis by enhancing Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Lei Rui , Du Hong , Hu Lingbo , Liu Xiaoyan , Sun Guogeng
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effects of tricin on ovariectomized-induced osteoporosis, and unravel theunderling mechanism of action.Methods: An osteoporosis rat model was established by conducting ovariectomy (OVX). Changes in the microstructure of the trabecular bone were visualized using Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and a three-point bending test was employed to assess the biomechanical stability of the femurs, after the administration of tricin (20 and 40 mg/kg). Subsequently, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated and treated with tricin (7 and 15 μM). Alizarin red staining was performed to assess mineralization, and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2); osteocalcin (OCN) and collagen type I alpha 1 (Col1a1) were quantified using western blot analysis. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway related proteins, i.e., Wnt3a, β-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase-3 β (GSK-3 β) were determined.Results: Ovariectomy induced thinner and discontinuous trabecular bone, with increased marrow cavities, while application of tricin significantly improved the density and regularity meshwork, but reduced marrow cavities. Tricin also enhanced biomechanical competence as seen in the upregulated maximum load, stiffness, young modulus and maximum stress compared with OVX group (p < 0.01). Furthermore, tricin increased calcification in BMSCs, and significantly upregulated the expressions of RUNX2, OCN and COL1A1 when compared with OVX group (p < 0.01). It promoted Wnt/β-catenin signaling by enhancing Wnt3a and β-catenin, while inhibiting GSK3β expression, compared with OVX group (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01).Conclusion: Tricin exerts protective effects against OVX-induced osteoporosis by enhancing Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Thus, tricin is a potential therapeutic agent for the management of osteoporosis.
Propuesta de un índice de desarrollo económico local de la Región Centronorte de México
Authors: Castillo Dieguez Roberto Yoan , Rincón García Ma. Benilde
Published: August 2022

El presente trabajo persigue como objetivo general determinar un índice sintético de desarrollo económico local que permita evaluar el desarrollo económico de los estados de la Región Centronorte de México. Para lo cual fue necesario el uso de técnicas de estadística multivariable para la reducción de un conjunto de indicadores seleccionados a un índice único que explique casi toda la información contenida en los indicadores originales. Además se compara los resultados del índice con la técnica de clasificación conglomerados jerárquicos, análisis de escalamiento multidimensional y luego se hace una evaluación aplicando técnicas de análisis regional.

La aplicación práctica de este trabajo se realizó teniendo en cuenta la información de los estados de la Región Centronorte de México en el periodo 2012-2017 lo cual demostró la factibilidad práctica de este tipo de análisis. Como resultado del análisis se arribó a un conjunto de conclusiones válidas para la utilización de este tipo de técnicas para la evaluación en los estados
El Techo de Cristal en Universidades Públicas de México. Un Análisis Exploratorio
Authors: Puente Esparza Martha Luisa , Briano Turrent Guadalupe del Carmen , Ramírez Flores Élfego
Published: August 2022

Este estudio tiene como objetivo identificar el nivel de participación de mujeres en posiciones de liderazgo a nivel central en las Universidades Públicas de México durante el año 2018. Se recabó información de los sitios web de 37 Universidades Públicas, así como de otros sitios web inherentes a la educación superior como CONACYT, ANUIES y ANFECA. A través del uso de técnicas estadísticas descriptivas y de correlación, los resultados muestran que en 2018, no se ha alcanzado la paridad de género en posiciones directivas a nivel central, obteniendo un promedio de 36% de representación femenina. Además se concluye que el tamaño de la Universidad no incide significativamente en el nivel de inclusión de mujeres en posiciones de liderazgo a nivel central. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que es necesario fortalecer la política de paridad en posiciones de pirmer nivel en las Universidades Públicas en México, por lo que este trabajo identifica áreas de oportunidad y recomendaciones para incrementar la paridad de genero en las Universidades Públicas mexicanas. Este estudio es pionero en México, por lo que futuras investigaciones podrían analizar la influencia de las mujeres en indicadores de desempeño académico o incluso extenderse a otras universidades latinoamericanas.
Análisis bibliométrico del capital intelectual y desempeño organizacional
Authors: Flores-Flores Adán Jacinto , Bernal-González Idolina , Louis Valentín-Mballa Louis
Published: August 2022

La búsqueda constante de los mejores resultados es un tema prioritario en cualquier agenda organizacional, por lo cual, además de hacer un uso eficiente de los recursos tangibles, el desafío de los estrategas es capitalizar los recursos intangibles disponibles. Por ello, el objetivo del presente manuscrito es determinar la relación entre el capital intelectual (CI) sobre el desempeño organizacional (DO). El método empleado fue un análisis bibliométrico mediante una base de datos de 2,559 artículos científicos indexados en Scielo, Scopus y Web of Science, del año 1980 al 2019. Los resultados sugieren que el estudio del CI y DO ha trascendido en el transcurso de los años, puesto que la información presentada brinda una visión integral de la evolución e impacto en esta temática. Respecto a las limitaciones de este trabajo, debe mencionarse los recursos científicos utilizados en la realización del análisis bibliométrico (i.e. publicaciones científicas y bases de datos).
Acceso de las mujeres a los puestos directivos en empresas latinoamericanas: Caso Argentino
Authors: Solari Estefanía
Published: August 2022

En el presente trabajo se llevó a cabo un análisis de las empresas en América Latina en relación al acceso de las mujeres a puestos directivos y su relación con el tamaño de las empresas, para lo que se realizaron pruebas Chi-2 de Pearson. Luego se profundizó sobre esta temática en Argentina, para este caso se relacionó el acceso a puestos directivos con las variables: sector de actividad, tamaño de la empresa y experiencia en el sector, desarrollándose un modelo Logit. Se utilizó la base de datos de la encuesta Enterprise Surveys (año 2017) del Banco Mundial. Algunos de los principales hallazgos han sido: a) En cuanto a la representación de las mujeres en puestos directivos, se presentan diferencias según el país del que se trate, en la Argentina la proporción es del 8.6%, en Uruguay del 12.1%, en Paraguay del 17%, en Colombia del 19.7% y en Bolivia del 24.2%; b) El acceso de las mujeres a puestos directivos es mayor en las pequeñas empresas y c) Para el caso de la Argentina se concluyó que el acceso de las mujeres a puestos directivos está relacionado con el tamaño de la empresa y la experiencia.
Identificación de patrones de difusión y protección del conocimiento en académicos de la UNAM que han patentado
Authors: Alcántara-Reyes Pablo Roberto , Calderón-Martínez María Guadalupe
Published: August 2022

Esta investigación se presenta como una propuesta para profundizar en el estudio de la difusión de los resultados de la investigación y los mecanismos de transferencia de conocimiento alrededor del patentamiento académico realizado por inventores adscritos a la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). Este análisis se centra en la protección del conocimiento, considerando las patentes obtenidas y acumuladas por académicos de la UNAM, expresando la relación existente entre la difusión y la diseminación de los conocimientos, antes y posterior al patentamiento; para así lograr identificar un patrón que pueda ser reconocido a través de un modelo inicial de administración del conocimiento, constituyendo una iniciativa para la identificación de patrones de difusión del conocimiento y protección del conocimiento en académicos de la UNAM que han patentado.
¿Se puede hacer frente a la crisis por el COVID-19 en México con las políticas monetaria y fiscal actuales?
Authors: Vázquez Muñoz Juan Alberto , Tolentino Sierra Sofia del Carmen
Published: August 2022

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo mostrar que las políticas monetaria y fiscal implementadas en la economía mexicana no son adecuadas para contrarrestar los periodos de crisis, tal como el que se está observando como consecuencia de la pandemia por el COVID-19. Por un lado, si bien la política monetaria del Banco de México responde a su objetivo de mantener una inflación baja y estable, también está supeditada a la política monetaria de los Estados Unidos y, dada la debilidad de su sistema financiero y el libre flujo de capitales, hay un piso superior a cero para la tasa de interés objetivo, lo cual ha impedido que la tasa de interés sea negativa en periodos de crisis. Por otro lado, la política de equilibrio fiscal se ha acompañado de una disminución progresiva de la inversión pública, la cual es la herramienta clave para estabilizar la actividad económica y el crecimiento. Ambas características, la imposibilidad de fijar una tasa de interés real negativa y la caída de la inversión pública como porcentaje del PIB, han provocado que durante los periodos de crisis la economía mexicana se desvíe a la baja de su nivel tendencial de producción y también se adapte a una tendencia menor de crecimiento.
Los efectos económicos del COVID-19 en México. Un enfoque de insumo-producto
Authors: Albornoz Mendoza Lilian , Becerril García Javier , Ortiz Pech Rafael
Published: August 2022

Se estima el impacto de los choques de oferta y demanda debido a las medidas de cierre de actividades no esenciales durante los meses de abril y mayo, cierres técnicos en el sector manufacturero durante la última semana de marzo y distanciamiento social y restricción de movilidad durante los meses de junio-diciembre de 2020. Se realiza un análisis mediante la matriz de insumo-producto (MIP) 2013 e información del Valor Agregado Bruto (VAB) de 2019 del INEGI. De acuerdo con los resultados, la tasa de variación anual del VAB es de -11.9% considerando los choques de oferta y demanda de marzo-diciembre. Y una tasa de variación anual -2.51% del VAB considerando solo el choque de oferta. El mayor impacto en la economía corresponde al choque de demanda.
Study of Mechanical Properties of Metal Matrix 212 Microns of Red
Mud
Authors: Saidabanu Patel  , S.J. Sanjay  , Shivanand C Yali  , S M Jigajinni
Published: August 2022

Red mud emerges as the major waste material during production of alumina from bauxite by the
Bayer’s process. It comprises of oxides of iron, titanium, aluminium and silica along with some other
minor constituents. It is generally agreed that resistance to tensile, hardness of MMC is created by
reinforcement and also the mechanical properties are improved remarkable by introducing hard
intermetallic compound into the aluminium matrix. The reinforcing materials are generally Sic,
Al2O3, TiB2 etc and are costly. Experiments have been conducted under laboratory condition to
assess the Tensile, Hardness, mechanical characteristics of the aluminium red mud composite under
different working conditions. This has been possible by fabricating the samples through usual stir
casting technique. To enhance the tensile, hardness, the samples were also subjected to heat treatment
(4000 C). The worn surfaces of the samples were studied under optical microscope to get an idea about
the effect of particulate reinforcement on the behaviour of the composite.
Profil Kondisi Fisik Pemain Sepakbola Wanita Kabupaten Kediri
Authors: Irwan Setiawan  , M. Akbar Husein Allsabah
Published: August 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui profil kondisi fisik pemain sepakbola Wanita Kabupaten Kediri. Metode penelitian yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah menggunakan deskriptif kuantitatif yang menggunakan teknik pengambilan data melalui pengamatan pada obyek secara langsung degan menggunakan tes kondisi fisik. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah 18 pemain sepakbola putri Klub sepakbola Wanita Kabupaten Kediri. Instrumen tes untuk pengambilan data dilakukan dengan cara mengambil data dari 7 tes yaitu Tes Kekuatan Otot Lengan, Tes Kekuatan Otot Tungkai, Tes Kecepatan pemain sepakbola, Tes Kelincahan, Tes Flexibilitas, Tes Power Otot Tungkai, Tes Daya Tahan Kapasitas Paru. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa hasil yang di dapat kategori baik sekali sebesar 11% atau sebanyak 2 pemain, kategori baik sebesar 17% atau sebanyak 3 pemain, kategori Cukup dengan persentase 56% atau sebanyak 10 pemain, kategori kurang sebesar 11% atau sebanyak 2 pemain dan kategori sangat kurang sebesar 6% atau 1 pemain. Kondisi fisik merupakan hal terpenting bagi atlet dalam melakukan latihan untuk mencapai sebuah prestasi. Jika kondisi fisik tidak dipersiapkan maka akan berpengaruh pada teknik dan taktik dalam bermain.
Analisis Statistik Teknik Serangan Dominan dalam Pertandingan Pencak Silat Mat B – Belgian Open 2019
Authors: Yuredha Aji Setyoko  , Puji Setyaningsih  , Galih Farhanto  , Danang Ari Santoso
Published: August 2022

Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif dengan menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif. Pengambilan data dilakukan dengan dokumentasi berupa video dan gambar kemudian dianalisis berdasarkan pukulan, tendangan, dan jatuhan. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu sebagian dari peserta perlombaan Mat B – Belgian Open 2019 Pencak Silat. Analisis yang digunakan yaitu analisis deskriptif kuantitatif dengan menggunakan rumus presentase. Hasil dari penelitian ini dari teknik serangan pencak silat kategori tanding yaitu pukulan memiliki nilai presentase 43,59%, sedangkan untuk tendangan memiliki presentase sebesar 50,30%, dan untuk yang jatuhan memiliki nilai presentase sebesar 6,11%. Berdasarkan hasil tersebut dapat diketahui bahwa dalam pertandingan Day 2-Mat B-Belgian Open 2019 Pencak Silat atlet yang bertanding dominan menggunakan tendangan dibandingkan menggunakan pukulan dan jatuhan.
Исследование по совершенствованию технологии хлебобулочного изделия, обогащенного рыбной белково-минеральной добавкой
Authors: Ключко Наталия Юрьевна , Позднякова Дарья Александровна
Published: August 2022

В статье представлены данные опроса школьников 15–16 лет, показывающие их предпочтения в рационе питания. Отмечается, что в качестве перекуса большинство подростков предпочитают хлебобулочные и мучные кондитерские изделия, поэтому повышать биологическую ценность данной продукции актуально. Установлено также, что дети в недостаточном количестве упо-требляют рыбный белок, являющийся полноценным и легкоусваиваемым. В связи с этим в работе решается проблема совершенствования технологии пшеничных хлебцев (краюшек) посредством замены части муки на ржаную и обогащения белково-минеральной добавкой. Последняя представляет собой композицию, по-лученную путем деструкции мышечной, покровной и костной тканей рыбного сырья в подсырной молочной сыворотке. Для определения оптимальных парамет-ров указанного процесса проведено математическое планирование эксперимента с использованием центрального композиционного плана второго порядка для двух факторов: степени измельчения рыбного сырья (2 раза) и продолжительности дезагрегации (4 ч). Полученная белково-минеральная добавка применена при производстве ржано-пшеничных хлебцев (краюшек) посредством ее введения в состав теста. Выпеченный готовый продукт представлял собой привлекательное хлебобулочное изделие от светло-серого до светло-коричневого цвета, хорошо пропеченное, с равномерной структурой, без признаков непромеса, с приятным вкусом и запахом с неярко выраженными рыбными оттенками. Результаты физико-химических исследований показали увеличение количества белка на 47,3, минеральных веществ – на 96,3 %. Показатель биологической ценности белка составил 124 %, что характеризует его сбалансированность. Коэффициент утилитарности аминокислот возрос при добавлении в стандартную рецептуру хлебцев белково-минаральной добавки в 2 раза, что свидетельствует о целесообразности его введения. Установлено, что хлебцы отличаются высоким содержанием наиболее значимых в питании минеральных элементов (калия, кальция, магния, натрия, фосфора); таким образом, новый продукт является функциональным.
Динамический анализ базового механизма технологической машины
Authors: Сукиасов Владимир Георгиевич
Published: August 2022

Приведен пример использования кривошипно-коромыслового механизма в составе двух машин – тихоходной и быстроходной. В первом случае базовый механизм является частью двухцилиндрового поршневого компрессора, во втором – входит в состав шестизвенного механизма. Последний содержит кри-вошипно-коромысловый механизм и присоединенную к коромыслу структурную группу Л. В. Ассура, содержащую кулису и пустотелую призму, шарнирно-связанную со стойкой.
Выполнен динамический анализ кривошипно-коромыслового механизма с определением полных реакций в его парах. На первом этапе установлен характер изменения компонента скорости и ускорения центра шатуна. Приведены диа-граммы угловых скоростей шатуна и коромысла, выполнен анализ диаграмм. На втором этапе определены полные реакции в парах механизма от действия сил инерции его звеньев. Показано, что реакции в парах, образуемых кривошипом со стойкой и шатуном соответственно, изменяются идентично. Полная реакция в паре коромысло-стойка имеет осциллирующий характер изменения во времени. На третьем этапе помимо сил инерции звеньев учитывалось влияние сил тяжести на характер изменения реакций. Установлено, что при заданной угловой скорости кривошипа силы инерции вносят несущественный вклад в значения полных реакций в парах. На четвертом этапе динамического анализа механизма при определении реакций в его парах учитывали силы инерции и тяжести, а также силы трения. Коэффициент трения принят 0,4 во всех парах механизма. Учет трения при определении реакций приводит к их локальным всплескам в окрестности трех его положений, а именно: двух крайних положений и положения минимума угла передачи. Показано, что полные реакции в парах базового механизма определяются преимущественно силами тяжести звеньев при выбранной угловой скорости кривошипа. В результате выполненного динамического анализа базового механизма получены параметры, необходимые для исследования напряженно-деформированного состояния и оценки прочности звеньев механизма.