bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
USO DAS TEORIAS DE ENFERMAGEM NAS TESES BRASILEIRAS: ESTUDO BIBLIOMÉTRICO
Authors: Alves Héryka Laura Calú , Lima Gabriela De Sousa , Albuquerque Grayce Alencar , Gomes Emiliana Bezerra , Cavalcante Edilma Gomes Rocha , Viana Maria Corina Amaral
Published: April 2021

Objetivo: caracterizar a produção científica que utiliza teorias de enfermagem a partir de teses realizadas por enfermeiros no Brasil.Método: estudo bibliométrico realizado no Banco de Teses da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento Pessoal de Nível Superior e na Plataforma Sucupira, em novembro de 2019. Foram selecionadas 63 teses lidas na íntegra para fichamento e extração de aspectos de interesse, a seguir: ano, universidade, autor, orientador, programa, teoria, modo de aplicação, tipo de estudo, natureza e temática.Resultados: o maior número de produções aconteceu em 2016 com 16 (25,4%) teses, com destaque para o Nordeste com 31 (49,2%). A teoria mais utilizada foi a Teoria do Cuidado Transcultural em oito (12,7%), com a temática mais investigada sendo o cuidado em 12 (13%) teses.Conclusão: a inclusão das teorias de enfermagem no ensino e na pesquisa ainda se mantêm obscuras. Pretende-se dar visibilidade à temática e sugerir o aprofundamento na discussão.
A case of bortezomib (Velcade)-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome confirmed by patch test
Authors: Choi Gil-Soon , Lee Ho Sup , Kim Hee-Kyoo
Published: April 2021

Bortezomib, a highly selective reversible inhibitor of the proteasome complex, is used to the current standard of care in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Although its most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal symptoms, peripheral neuropathy, neuropathic pain, and thrombocytopenia, cutaneous adverse reactions are also frequently seen. However, severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) occur very rarely. Here we report the first case of bortezomib-induced SJS with confirmed by patch test. In this case, we performed a patch test that proved bortezomib was the offensive drug in this patient, who had been treated with multiple drugs including antibiotics, allopurinol, and anticancer drugs. Although bortezomib-induced SCARs are generally very rare, we suggest that clinicians be aware of potential adverse reactions including SJS.
Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Adherence to Anti Diabetic Treatment in an Urban Population
Authors: Lyngdoh Markordor , Romola Pukhrambam
Published: April 2021

Context: Diabetes is the largest health emergency of the 21st century. Among the diagnosed patients, a large number do not adhere to treatment. Non-adherence leads to increase of morbidity and mortality due to a compromise in the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (t2DM) among adults ≥ 30 years old in an urban community in Imphal West and to assess the adherence to anti diabetic treatment.
Methodology: This study was conducted in an urban area in Imphal between 2016 –2018 among adults ≥ 30 years. Data was collected using an interview schedule and analysed using IBM SPSS for Windows, Version 21.0.
Results: The prevalence of t2DM among the participants was 14.4% while pre-diabetes was 30.8%. Diabetes was associated with males, increase in age, smoking, tobacco use, alcohol use and family history of diabetes. Adherence to exercise (0%), diet (11.1%), foot-care (0%), RBS monitoring (3.7%), medication (85.2%), no smoking (100%).
Conclusions: The prevalence of t2DM in Imphal is 1.6 times more than the national average while the prevalence of pre-diabetes was even higher. All of the previously diagnosed diabetic patients had little or no adherence to lifestyle modifications.
Alleen samen krijgen we fraude onder controle?
Authors: Feenstra A.A.
Published: April 2021

Alleen samen krijgen we fraude onder controle?

Nauwere samenwerking tussen accountants en advocaten wordt door de politiek nauwlettend in de gaten gehouden. Gelet op recente tuchtrechtspraak van de Accountantskamer is het noodzakelijk dat ook eens kritisch wordt gekeken naar de samenwerking van dienstverleners met overheidsinstanties, zoals de dienstbetrekking van een accountant met het Openbaar Ministerie, de FIOD en de Belastingdienst.
EYEWITNESS IDENTIFICATION EVIDENCE: PHOTO LINEUPS — COMMENTARY ON THE POLISH SUPREME COURT RULING OF 14 MARCH 2019,
V KK 11/19 (APPROVING)
Authors: LEŚNIEWSKI KAMIL
Published: April 2021

In the commented ruling, the Supreme Court considered some of the problematic aspects of the Polish photo lineup procedure, stating that improprieties in organising or conducting identifi cation procedures do not necessarily render eyewitness identifi cation evidence inadmissible. This commentary discusses the assessment of the probative value of identification evidence, as well as critically analyses the current laws regarding photo lineup practices in Poland. Finally, the commentary argues that significant and research-based changes in the Polish legal standards for eyewitness identifi cation are necessary to prevent potential miscarriages of justice, briefly discussing the most urgent of them.
Effects of dietary L-glutamine and glutamic acid combination, and whey powder on the performance and nutrient digestion in weaned piglets fed grain-based diets
Authors: Almeida Jonathan Mádson dos Santos , Pascoal Leonardo Augusto Fonseca , de Almeida Jorge Luiz Santos , Guerra Ricardo Romão , da Silva José Humberto Vilar , da Silva David Rwbystanne Pereira , Silva Neto Manoel Rosa , Martins Terezinha Domiciano Dantas
Published: April 2021

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of including L-glutamine along with glutamic acid as a supplement in weaned piglets’ diets with and without whey powder.Methods: Two assays were carried out. A total of 40 piglets ([Landrace×Large White]× Pietrain) weaned at 24 days of age with an initial body weight of 6.6±0.6 kg were used in the first assay, and the following parameters were evaluated: growth performance, the incidence of diarrhea, morphometry, intestinal integrity, and hepatic glycogen index. The animals were then blocked into four groups according to different diets: diet all-grain feeding (G); diet all-grain feeding with whey powder (GW); and with vs without 1% supplementation of the commercial product containing L-glutamine and glutamic acid (A or NA). Whey powder was added according to the stage of life, corresponding to 17%, 10%, and 5%, respectively, in order to meet the need for lactose. The animals were evaluated at 24 to 42 days and at 24 to 55 days of age. The nutrient digestibility for the second assay was carried out by using 24 animals with an average weight of 11.49±1.6 kg, and the same diets were tested.Results: The supplementation of L-glutamine + glutamic acid or the addition of whey powder in diets for weaned piglets provided (p<0.05) greater feed intake, greater weight gain and improved feed conversion in the initial period (24 to 42 days age). However, in the whole period (24 to 55 days age) only amino acid supplementation affected (p<0.05) growth performance. There was a positive interaction (p<0.05) between the type of diet and L-glutamine + glutamic acid supplementation on villus height, crypt depth and the villus:crypt ratio in the duodenum. In addition, L-glutamine + glutamic acid supplementation reduced (p<0.05) the crypt depth and improved the villus:crypt ratio in the jejunum. The inclusion of whey powder affected (p<0.05) positively the digestibility coefficients analyzed except mineral matter digestibility coeficients. The supplementation of 1% the commercial product composed of L-glutamine and glutamic acid improved (p<0.05) only the digestibility coefficient of crude protein.Conclusion: These results indicate that supplementation of 1% commercial product containing L-glutamine + glutamic acid in diets for piglets from 24 to 55 days of age, dispenses with the use of whey powder when evaluating growth performance. Amino acid supplementation alone or associated with whey powder affects (p<0.05) positively the indicators of the intestinal integrity.
THE EROSION OF TRUST – A REFLECTION
Authors: Gumbrell David , Deacon Mark
Published: April 2021

David Gumbrell was a Primary headteacher in a successful London school when Michael Gove was Education Secretary. He is now a successful writer, trainer and academic with a special interest in teacher induction, development and wellbeing. The following are some of his reflections from the position of school leadership on what he sees as fundamental flaws in Gove’s leadership of education. Whilst, Gumbrell remains aware of potential unconscious bias he uses trust as the pivot, for his reflections. He states ‘I hope to mitigate the inevitable emotional attachment to my profession and my view as to the effect that Michael Gove has had upon it, both at the time and also the resultant legacy of his ministerial post.

Gove was and remains a polarising figure. For some Gove was the saviour of high-quality education, others regarded him as a ‘vandal’, busy sacking the person-centred education which had built up and refined since Plowden. Although never a consensus view, many teacher expressed their dismay at the reforms to the accreditation structure, curriculum, schemes of assessment and opportunities to control schools brought in by Gove.
Akquisitionen als Teil der Unternehmensstrategie
Authors: Ruch Claudius
Published: April 2021

For a number of German companies, takeovers were and still are integral components of their corporate strategies. Nevertheless, the systematic examination of acquisition processes plays a minor part in business history. This study examines the acquisition strategy employed by Henkel, a company that produces consumer goods, in the second half of the 20th century, and it addresses the question of to what extent this strategy was modified over time due to changing economic parameters.

Claudius Ruch, born in 1988, studied modern and contemporary history in Freiburg as well as constitutional, social and economic history in Bonn, and with this study earned his doctorate at Philipps University in Marburg.
Polizeirecht Baden-Württemberg
Authors: Ruder Karl-Heinz , Pöltl René
Published: April 2021

Die 9. Auflage arbeitet vollständig die jüngste Novelle des baden-württembergischen Polizeigesetzes auf.

Unter Heranziehung von Literatur und Rechtsprechung werden die einzelnen Themen wie Aufgaben der Polizei, Organisation, Entwicklung auf EU-Ebene, Polizeiverfügung und -verordnung, Einzelmaßnahmen und Datenverarbeitung, Polizeizwang und Kosten systematisch erläutert.

Durch zahlreiche Beispiele und Musterformulierungen werden unentbehrliche Hinweise auch zur Lösung von Klausuren und praktischen Fällen gegeben. Hierbei liegt der Schwerpunkt der Ausführungen auf praxisorientierten und rechtlich abgesicherten Lösungsansätzen. Aus diesem Grund ist das Lehrbuch für Studenten und für Verwaltungspraktiker eine unentbehrliche Hilfe.
Market Performance and Structure of Cucumber in Ibadan, Oyo State
Authors: Bosede Adeoye Iyabo
Published: April 2021

Cucumber is an important vegetable due to its numerous health benefits. There are a number of empirical studies on the economics of production of the commodity, but there is insufficient information on marketing of the commodity. The study was therefore carried out to examine market performance, structure and constraints in cucumber marketing. Primary data was collected from 70 randomly selected actors in the supply chain (54 Retailers and 16 wholesalers). Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, net marketing margin, efficiency and Gini coefficient. Findings revealed that most of the retailers (70.4%) and wholesalers (81.3%) were male. Most of the retailers were within 31–40 years whereas majority of the wholesalers were within 41–50 years and all the marketers had secondary level of education (47.2%). Cucumber marketing was profitable at the wholesale and retail level both at the peak and lean season of cucumber production. Retailers sell an average of 159.8 kg and 83.8 kg weekly in the peak and lean season. Whereas wholesalers sell an average of 1,000 kg and 870 kg weekly in the peak and lean season respectively. Net margin at retail level was higher in the lean season (68.8/kg) compared to the peak season (46.6/kg). Similarly, at wholesale level, net marketing margin at the lean season was 17.5/kg and was higher than 6.3/kg obtained during the peak season. Marketing efficiency was greater than one for the wholesalers and retailers in both seasons. Gini coefficient of retailer was 0.32 and 0.36 for the peak and lean season indicating that the market was competitive. There was inequality in the wholesale market as indicated by the gini coefficient result. The most important constraint to cucumber marketing was perishability of the produce and price fluctuation. The study recommends improved sensitization on adequate post-harvest handling practices and storage to reduce the levels and consequences of the perishable nature of the commodity.
Depression: A Challenge during Palliative Care
Authors: Shandilya Manish , Sharma Soumya , Prasad Das Prabhu , Charak Sonika
Published: April 2021

Depression is a serious concern among patients and their family members undergoing treatment for acute and chronic illnesses. The quality of palliative care has great significance in improving the mental health of patients. The patient usually undergoes various stages of treatment before reaching the palliative care stage. Therefore, the tendency of denying treatment at later stages of illness increases. Depression could arise either early or at later stages of treatment. Most doctors feel restrained to prescribe antidepressants to the patient, as antidepressants could have a serious side effect on the physiology of the patient. Antidepressants only work for a smaller group of patients. A proper diagnostics and structured interview with extensive checks of reliability and viability could be used for assessment. Various factors like sociodemographic, gender, age, support health groups have a drastic effect on the mental health of the patient. Palliative care to the patients with social health support groups psychotherapy, relaxation meditation yoga, along with the appropriate pharmacological approach, works wonders for some patients. Continued efforts should be made to treat and deal with depression in palliative care.
Chromium Genotoxicity Associated with Respiratory Disease
Authors: Kant Choudhari Jyoti , Choubey Jyotsna , Kumar Verma Mukesh , Kumar Jayapal Anand , Prava Sahariah Biju
Published: April 2021

Chromium existing in the biosphere in prominent two forms Cr (III) and Cr (VI) is a well-studied heavy metal. Cr (III) is considered as non-harmful and necessary element in diet whereas Cr(VI) is extremely toxic exerting various negative health impacts on human and other organisms. Mining activity is must for extracting economic minerals and a large number of people are related to these sites as worker or habitants and a major source of chromium exposure. Present chapter discusses genotoxic nature of chromium considering respiratory disease resulted from chromium exposure. The genotoxicity is illustrated in terms of chromium induced differential expressed genes (DEGs), transcription factors and microRNA regulating the DEGs and their gene ontology.
Two new species of Hyalojassini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Iassinae) to the genera Comanopa Blocker and Gehundra Blocker, description of the male of G. sordida (Baker) and key to species
Authors: Domahovski Alexandre C.
Published: April 2021

Comanopa Blocker, 1979 and Gehundra Blocker, 1976 are small and poorly known genera of leafhoppers, previously comprising four and five species, respectively. In this study, two new species are proposed: Comanopa mananciensis sp. nov. from the state of Paraná, Southern Brazil, and Gehundra cristalinensis sp. nov. from the state of Mato Grosso, Centralwestern Brazil. The male of Gehundra sordida (Baker, 1900) is studied by the first time. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of males and females are provided and keys to males of Comanopa and Gehundra are given.
«YOLO – you only live once»:
Authors: Johnsen Berit , Skogvoll Vidar , Normann Tom
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis article presents a study of Norwegian prisoners’ experiences with anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and other drugs. An intervention »Ren trening« was conducted by Antidoping Norge2 in the fall of 2019. Fieldwork was carried out at two drug treatment units with a total of 25 prisoners, 11 of which were interviewed. A bottom-up approach to the analyses of the data resulted in rich narratives that give a unique insight into prisoner experiences with AAS. Further analyses showed extensive use of AAS in combination with other narcotics, especially amphetamine. According to a typology developed by Christiansen et al. (2017), the uncritical use of AAS, without any consideration for its potentially serious side effects, can be understood as »YOLO – You Only Live Once«. Ambivalence surrounding the use of AAS, even if respect for clean exercise without the use of AAS is high, can be linked to pleasant experiences with these drugs. The body remembers these experiences and prisoners recall them with nostalgic undertones. The seriousness of the problems associated with the use of AAS, including criminal activity, indicates the importance of addressing these issues in prison.
Le visage trash de la relève romanesque franco‑ontarienne au féminin : le cas de Véronique‑Marie Kaye et de Catherine Bellemare
Authors: Kirouac Massicotte Isabelle
Published: April 2021

La critique en littérature franco-ontarienne s’est longtemps focalisée sur l’esthétique de l’exiguïté pour en interpréter les oeuvres. En règle générale, l’esthétique de l’exiguïté, associée à la cause franco-ontarienne et à la minorisation linguistique, est implicitement portée par des hommes blancs. Sans complètement se détacher de cette esthétique, la présente contribution en propose une interprétation renouvelée et plus inclusive. Comme l’indique François Paré dans Les littératures de l’exiguïté, le principe de base de cette esthétique est un rapport inégal au pouvoir. Mon article part donc de ce constat pour renouveler l’esthétique de l’exiguïté et faire éclater le sujet minoritaire en abordant d’autres marginalités, comme le genre et l’orientation sexuelle. Mon analyse se base sur les oeuvres de Véronique-Marie Kaye et de Catherine Bellemare, deux écrivaines qui peuvent être rapprochées de la relève franco-ontarienne et qui ont recours à une écriture trash pour dire le fait marginal.
Presentació del monogràfic «La crisi del nou humanisme a Catalunya, 1918-1936»
Authors: Pla Xavier , Montero Francesc
Published: April 2021

Presentació del monogràfic «La crisi del nou humanisme a Catalunya, 1918-1936», coordinat per Xavier Pla i Francesc Montero.
Joan Estelrich i el nou humanisme a l’Europa d’entreguerres
Authors: Coll-Vinent Sílvia
Published: April 2021

Aquest article presenta alguns aspectes de l’activitat de Joan Estelrich a partir de dues ini­ciatives pertanyents, segons ell mateix, a un humanisme o nou humanisme en voga a l’Europa d’entreguerres. Com que el terme humanisme és polisèmic, i l’expressió nou humanisme és encara més ambigua, en primer lloc repassem breument el context històric per mirar d’evitar equívocs. Presentem seguidament el projecte de revista Humanitats (1929), concebuda com a òrgan de la Fundació Bernat Metge i com a plataforma de difusió de l’activitat classicista a Catalunya i a l’exterior, amb especial atenció a la contribució de Mario Meunier sobre l’esperit europeu i les humanitats. A partir de les intervencions d’Estelrich en el debat sobre les humanitats i la formació de l’home modern que va tenir lloc a l’entretien de Budapest (juny 1936), organitzat per l’Institut International de Cooopération Intellectuelle de la Societat de Nacions, situem l’ús de l’expressió nou humanisme en el context europeu i la seua projecció en el perfil intel·lectual d’Estelrich.
La influència de l’humanisme catòlic anglès a Catalunya durant el període d’entreguerres: la contribució d’Hilaire Belloc
Authors: Montero Aulet Francesc
Published: April 2021

L’estudi de la popularització a Catalunya del periodisme anglès d’arrel catòlica durant els anys vint i trenta s’ha centrat bàsicament sobre la figura de G. K. Chesterton. No obstant això, el seu gran amic, el polemista Hilaire Belloc, també va tenir una certa presència a Catalunya a través del contacte directe amb el país, la traducció dels seus articles i obres i la col·laboració en mitjans catalans. El fet que Belloc fos clarament un antimodern apologeta de la fe cristiana i l’ideòleg original d’un sistema polític i econòmic d’arrel medievalitzant anomenat distributisme, així com un notable historiador i autor de biografies, va dotar la seva figura d’un caràcter polièdric i d’un interès especial per als intel·lectuals catalans, especialment els catòlics. El present article posa en relleu com, a l’ombra de Chesterton, els seus textos i idees van tenir un impacte gens menyspreable, i com va contribuir en últim terme a la penetració a Catalunya del nou humanisme anglès d’arrel catòlica.
Eulàlia Miralles & Pep Valsalobre (eds.), Joan Pujol, «Els poemes de Lepant», Barcelona, Barcino, col. «Biblioteca Barcino», 2019, 192 p.
Authors: Rigaux Maxim
Published: April 2021

Book review: Eulàlia Miralles & Pep Valsalobre (eds.), Joan Pujol, Els poemes de Lepant, Barcelona, Barcino, col. «Biblioteca Barcino», 2019, 192 p., ISBN: 978-84-7226-841-8.
Digitalization as one of the aspects of establishment of post-New European culture and the subject of social design
Authors: Rozin Vadim Markovich
Published: April 2021

This article examines digitalization in the context of culture and such prerequisites as building automated devices, concepts of human machinization, and projects of formalization of thinking. In this regard, particular attention is given to Leibniz's project of mathematization of thinking, as well as some other innovations ‒ construction of symbolic logic, programming, and Internet. The conclusion is drawn that digitalization is not a local phenomenon with clear boundaries, nor even a complex object, but rather an aspect and a cross-section of multiple processes and fields of life activity. Since digitalization is not reduced to the development of technical devices, but suggest the use of knowledge in various social, cultural and anthropological processes, the works on digitalization can be interpreted as pertinent to social design. The author discusses the task and object of the social project of digitalization, understanding of digitalization as a technology, distinguishing the three types of technology (narrow, broad, and sociocultural sense), sociocultural factors of digitalization, and possible negative consequences of digitalization. Moreover, from the perspective of interests of digitalization, the author reviews the concepts of building artificial intelligence and robotics; criticizes the reduction of natural intelligence, which represents a cultural-historical and social phenomenon, to artificial intelligence. The role of programming and miniaturization in construction of the machine psyche of robots is emphasized. The author claims that the project of digitalization should be correlated with the establishment of culture of of the future (“futureculture”) and work at the benefit of this culture.
The rise in climate change-induced federal fishery disasters in the United States
Authors: Bellquist Lyall , Saccomanno Vienna , Semmens Brice X. , Gleason Mary , Wilson Jono
Published: April 2021

Commercial, recreational, and indigenous fisheries are critical to coastal economies and communities in the United States. For over three decades, the federal government has formally recognized the impact of fishery disasters via federal declarations. Despite these impacts, national syntheses of the dynamics, impacts, and causes of fishery disasters are lacking. We developed a nationwide Federal Fishery Disaster database using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fishery disaster declarations and fishery revenue data. From 1989-2020, there were 71 federally approved fishery disasters (eleven are pending), which spanned every federal fisheries management region and coastal state in the country. To date, we estimate fishery disasters resulted in $2B (2019 USD) in Congressional allocations, and an additional, conservative estimate of $3.2B (2019 USD) in direct revenue loss. Despite this scale of impact, the disaster assistance process is largely ad hoc and lacks sufficient detail to properly assess allocation fairness and benefit. Nonetheless, fishery disasters increased in frequency over time, and the causes of disasters included a broad range of anthropogenic and environmental factors, with a recent shift to disasters now almost exclusively caused by extreme environmental events (e.g., marine heatwaves, hurricanes, and harmful algal blooms). Nationwide, 84.5% of fishery disasters were either partially or entirely attributed to extreme environmental events. As climate change drives higher rates of such extreme events, and as natural disaster assistance requests reach an all-time high, the federal system for fisheries disaster declaration and mitigation must evolve in order to effectively protect both fisheries sustainability and societal benefit.
Optimization of Hybrid Energy Systems for Rural Electrification
Authors: Aloysius Ekpo Andifiok , Ogbogu Dr Nelson
Published: April 2021

This study is an optimization of hybrid energy system in Nigeria, the energy requirement of Ikot Inyang rural community is satisfied after carrying out the design and simulation of different variables, the optimal systems were a system that consisted of 5 wind turbines, solar models and a diesel generator as energy sources. Ikot Inyang is a rural community located in Akwa Ibom state, South-South Nigeria, the community is connected to the national electricity network (grid) but the power supply is rarely consistent. The load estimate analysis showed that Ikot Inyang had peak load 58.62kW and peak energy demand per day as 670.65kWh. Eight (8) different design plans were considered and simulations were carried out using HOMER software. Several factors were used to determine the most optimal system, which includes the Net Present Cost, Levelized Cost of Energy, Renewable Fraction and system emissions. This was carried out for the 25 years project life time. The design plans were made of stand-alone systems as well as combination of many generating sources with battery included in some systems, various simulations were carried out. HOMER Presented the most technical and economical solution to meet the load demand at the least Net Present Cost, least Levelized Cost of Energy and allowable Renewable fraction. The most optimal solution for Ikot Inyang involved a combination of a 50Kw diesel generator, 5 Bergey Excel 10 wind turbine, 134kW solar model, 204 strings of Hoppecke 12 OPzS 1500 battery and 2 Leonics MTP-413F 25kW converter. The dispatch method used for this system was the Load Following dispatch method. This method produced at least Net Present Cost of $1.7M (N349.36M), Levelized Cost of Energy of $0.228 (N74.74), considerably high Renewable Fraction of 84.7%, When this result was compared with a diesel generator only system, it showed 77.2% reduction in the diesel saving fuel cost. Comparison with a design plan consisting of diesel generator only showed that 202,155kg of carbon dioxide is saved per year and 1,262kg of carbon monoxide is saved per year when making use of the most optimal system design.
Pattern of Skin Diseases in Yenagoa, Nigeria: A Hospital Based Study
Authors: Altraide Dasetima , Ojone Usman , Otike-Odibi Bolaji
Published: April 2021

Background: There are no studies about the prevalence of skin diseases in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state. An area of swamp, mangrove and tropical rain forest with various factors influencing skin diseases.

Aim: To find out the pattern of skin diseases in relation to age and sex and compare with similar studies.

Methods: Collection of data of all new patients that attended the Dermatology out-patient clinic of the Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa within an 8 months period from May to December 2020. Diagnosis was mostly made on clinical basis, though laboratory investigations requested to confirm our diagnosis when needed.

Results: The total number of new patients attended to in the dermatology out-patient clinic between May to December of 2020 was 167. Comprising of children 41 (24.6%) and adults 143 (75.4%), among which males were 65 (38.9%) and 102 (61.1%) were females. Overall, infective conditions of the skin and subcutaneous tissues were the most common (36%), followed by papulosquamous disorders (34%) and eczema (30%). With pigmentary disorders, pruritus and urticaria and autoimmune disorders accounting for 17%, 13% and 3% respectively.

Conclusion: The incidence of infective dermatoses was found to be higher than non-infective dermatoses. This provide baseline information on the prevalence of skin disease in the study population and assist with ensuring the right services are made available to meet patient’s needs.
Geospatial Assessment of the Impacts of Sand Mining Activities in Benin City, Edo State Nigeria
Authors: Oluku Sunny , Asikhia Monday Ohi
Published: April 2021

This study assessed the geospatial impacts of sand mining activities in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. There are thirty five (35) burrow pits in Benin and eleven (11) were used for the study. Similarly, three (3) distinct datasets and sources were used to determine the spatial extent of environmental degradation as a result of sand mining activities in Benin City. The first data set was the 19th January, 2019 satellite imagery of each of the mining sites. This high resolution remotely sensed data was used in the determination of areal extent of the sand mining sites. The second set of data was the Advanced Space-borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) 30meters resolution digital elevation model (DEM). The ASTER-DEM was used as an input dataset in the determination of the volume of sand that have been mined in each site and compilation of three – dimensional model (3D Model) of each the sand mining site. The third set of data was the geographic coordinates of the mining sites. They were sourced from field survey with the use of global positioning system (GPS).The study concluded that sand mining and development cannot be entirely separated but mining should be done in a sustainable manner with less of environmental degradation. It is recommended that miners should be regularly sensitized by the government on environmental degradation and about the fragile nature of the environment. The government regulatory body should ensure that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is carried before mining pits are approved for mining activities. Also illegal burrow pits should be short down to check environmental degradation.
Health-Care Students' Perception on the Role and Contribution of Pharmacists: A Case Study in Ghana
Authors: Ampofo-Asiama Adelaide , Opare-Addo Mercy , Asare-Marfo Afia Frimpomaa
Published: April 2021

Objective: The objective of this study was to access the perception of non-pharmacy health-care students on the role and contribution of pharmacists in to health-care delivery in Ghana. Furthermore, the influence of factors such as sex, program of study and frequency of interaction with pharmacists on this perception was determined.

Methods: A structured questionnaire was designed and administered to 670 medical, optometry and nursing students of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana after a pilot study was conducted. Results: The students strongly agreed that the role of the pharmacist is dispensing drugs, collaborating with physicians to prescribe medications. The students also appreciated the contribution of pharmacists in helping to reduce adverse reactions to medications. The students, however, showed little appreciation of pharmacists carrying out research or physical examinations and helping to reduce cost to patients. There was no effect of sex on the perception of students, although the frequency of interaction with pharmacists influenced their perceptions

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that non-pharmacy health students appreciate certain roles and contributions of pharmacists to health-care.
Dysmorphology: Syndromes
Authors: Theunis Miel , Van Esch Hilde
Published: April 2021

Dysmorphology is the study of human congenital malformations and combines concepts and knowledge of different medical fields, including embryology and clinical genetics. Syndromology specialises in the diagnosis of multiple congenital anomalies through the recognition of patterns of human malformations. This article provides a theoretical framework of dysmorphism and a clinical and molecular diagnostic approach to the child that presents with a congenital malformation.

The assessment of a dysmorphic child must contain a detailed family, prenatal and birth history, an evaluation of the psychomotor development and a good clinical examination, including biometry, neurology and detailed description of minor and major anomalies.

Dysmorphic syndromes often present variable phenotypes and may escape clinical diagnosis even when causative molecular defects are similar. Alternatively, locus heterogeneity or mutations in different genes can underlie similar phenotypes. Therefore, technical advances are shifting the field of dysmorphology from gestalt diagnoses to broad molecular diagnostics and reverse phenotyping.

Key Concepts

Dysmorphism refers to any observable structural abnormality of the body but colloquially is often used to indicate facial dysmorphism.

The phenotype refers to the totality of the presentation including facial gestalt, congenital anomalies, psychomotor development and behavioural patterns.

Pathognomonic features can be subtle but are very specific for one disorder and confirm a clinical diagnosis.

Congenital anomalies are categorized into deformations, disruptions, dysplasias and malformations. Multiple congenital anomalies can be categorized as associations, syndromes or sequences.

Continuous technical advances have greatly improved the diagnostic yield of molecular investigations in human malformations.

Accurate diagnosis can reduce uncertainty, offer prognostic predictions, allow counselling of recurrence risk and earlier recognition of care needs through screening for additional comorbidities and better follow‐up, and guide therapeutic strategies.
Event‐triggered Kalman consensus filter for sensor networks with intermittent observations
Authors: Liang Yuan , Li Yinya , Chen Sujuan , Qi Guoqing , Sheng Andong
Published: April 2021

This article investigates the event‐triggered Kalman consensus filtering (ET‐KCF) problem for distributed sensor networks with intermittent observations. First, a novel ET consensus filtering structure is designed for sensor networks with intermittent observations. With the proposed consensus filtering structure, a new ET mechanism that is more efficient than the existed ones is designed to schedule transmissions of local estimates. Then, an optimal ET‐KCF in the sense of minimum mean‐square error is developed. For reducing the computational complexity of filtering algorithm, a suboptimal ET‐KCF is further proposed. Moreover, the stability of the suboptimal ET‐KCF is analyzed. Simulation results verify the validity and superiority of the proposed method.
Advanced Materials for Mechanical Engineering: Ultrafine‐Grained Alloys with Multilayer Coatings
Authors: Semenova Irina P. , Valiev Ruslan Z. , Smyslov Anatoly M. , Pesin Mikhail V. , Langdon Terence G.
Published: April 2021

Research has demonstrated that the formation of a bulk ultrafine‐grained (UFG) structure in metals and alloys through severe plastic deformation (SPD) enables increasing of their strength properties and decreasing of the temperature range of superplasticity. Designers and process engineers generally show a great interest in such materials because the development of mechanical engineering industries places ever‐increasing demands on the performance properties of commercial alloys, especially for parts operating under extreme conditions. One of the approaches for a comprehensive enhancement of the performance characteristics of structural materials is a combination of a UFG structure in the bulk of a material, providing an increase in strength, and an additional surface modification providing resistance to erosion and corrosion damage. As a result, a set of material service properties can be enhanced, which is difficult to achieve through only metal nanostructuring or only surface modification. This approach has been demonstrated through an example of UFG titanium alloys produced by SPD, including those with nanostructured multilayer TiVN coatings of different “architectures.” Accordingly, herein, the trends, problems, and prospects of surface modification for the innovative application of structural UFG titanium alloys in advanced mechanical engineering are examined.
Inkjet‐Printed Lenses with Adjustable Contact Angle to Improve the Light Out‐Coupling of Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Sachs Ian , Fuhrmann Marc , Verboven Inge , Basak Indranil , Deferme Wim , Möbius Hildegard
Published: April 2021

The enhancement of the out‐coupling efficiency of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) is still the subject of research and development. Bottom‐emission OLEDs emit light through the glass substrate into air. Due to the difference of the refractive indices between glass and air, a significant amount of light is reflected at the glass–air interface back into the glass because of total internal reflection. One possibility to avoid total internal reflection at the glass–air interface is the use of lenses. Herein, the concept of macrolenses for pixelated OLEDs is presented. For the design of the lenses, the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the OLED have to be considered, and the contact angle of the lens has to be adapted to the geometrical conditions. A process based on inkjet etching and inkjet printing has been developed which now allows the printing of lenses with defined radius and contact angle. Measurements of the luminance show an improved out‐coupling efficiency.
Effect of Ti and Nb Contents on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of HfZrVTaMoWTixNby Refractory High‐Entropy Alloys
Authors: Yao Hongwei , Miao Junwei , Liu Yongmiao , Guo Enyu , Huang He , Lu Yiping , Wang Tongmin , Li Tingju
Published: April 2021

Refractory high‐entropy alloys (RHEAs) with excellent high‐temperature performance are attractive for high‐temperature structural applications. However, many RHEAs suffer from high density and poor room temperature (RT) malleability. Herein, the effects of Ti and Nb contents on the phase equilibrium and mechanical properties of HfZrVTaMoWTixNby RHEAs are studied to achieve unique balanced properties in a wide temperature range. With the increase of Ti or Nb content, the Laves phase precipitation is suppressed and RT malleability is improved. Particularly, the HfZrVTaMoWTi2Nb2 RHEA without Laves precipitates exhibits a high yield strength of 1.7 GPa and a compressive strain of ∼30% at RT. Moreover, it retains a high systemic yield strength of 31 MPa cm3 g−1 at 1200 °C, which is nearly three times that of HfZrTaTiNb and nearly equal to that of MoWTaNb, suggesting its potential applicability at elevated temperatures.
Polarization and Holography Recording in Real‐ and k‐Space Based on Dielectric Metasurface
Authors: Zhao Ruizhe , Xiao Xiaofei , Geng Guangzhou , Li Xin , Li Junjie , Li Xiaowei , Wang Yongtian , Huang Lingling
Published: April 2021

The diverse design freedom and mechanisms of metasurfaces motivate the manipulation of polarization in an ultrashort distance with subwavelength resolution and make metasurfaces outperform conventional polarization optical elements. However, in order to enhance the information capability and encryption security of metasurface holograms, polarization manipulation together with multiplexing technologies are still highly desired. Here, a birefringent dielectric metasurface with the capability of encoding a grayscale image in real‐space based on Malus's law by utilizing the inhomogeneous polarization distribution and realizing the reconstruction of a vectorial holographic image in k‐space with the help of the phase profiles of different polarization components of output light is demonstrated. This novel functionality is realized by exploiting the manipulation of polarization and phase of output light simultaneously offered by the dielectric metasurface. The proposed method may enhance the information capability and security level of applications such as the anticounterfeiting and encryption.
Inkjet Printing Epitaxial Metal Halide Perovskites on Various Substrates?
Authors: Lu Chaojing , Sun Shiduo , Duo Yiwei
Published: April 2021

In their Progress Report, Sytnyk et al. claimed the epitaxial deposition of metal halide perovskites by inkjet printing on various substrates. The claims of epitaxy are doubtful due to a lack of convincing experimental evidence. Both optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images alone are insufficient to prove epitaxy. Even if the images suggest that epitaxial growth might have been achieved, direct evidences from X‐ray diffraction (XRD) or electron diffraction are still needed. Among the six perovskite‐substrate systems, only two CH3NH3PbI3 deposits on (111)PbTe/BaF2 are characterized with XRD. According to their XRD patterns, actually, it is estimated that each of their MAPbI3 deposits contains only <20% epitaxial components and the component of nearly random orientation is predominant besides considerable impurity PbI2. None of the MAPbI3 deposits can be considered epitaxial. It is critical to point out the errors in the methodology for verifying epitaxy, so that researchers would not be misled by Sytnyk's paper. Importantly, a new methodology to quantify the volume fraction of each epitaxial component in a thin film from XRD measurements is proposed. It is reliable to estimate the degree of texture according to the proposed equations, quite different from using Lotgering degree of orientation.
A Traceable, Sequential Multistage‐Targeting Nanoparticles Combining Chemo/Chemodynamic Therapy for Enhancing Antitumor Efficacy
Authors: Wang Ning , Liu Chenyu , Yao Weihe , Zhou Hengjun , Yu Simiao , Chen Hailiang , Qiao Weihong
Published: April 2021

Although chemodynamic therapy (CDT) can effectively inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, it is challenging to eliminate tumors. Generally, CDT needs to combine with extra therapeutic modes for enhancing antitumor efficacy. Here, novel nanoparticles (BDTLAG NPs) are constructed via self‐assembly of cancer cell targeting prodrug (Bio‐PEG2K‐S‐S‐CPT), organic CDT agents (TPP‐PEG2K‐LND, TPP‐PEG2K‐TOS), pH‐responsive prodrug (PEG2K‐NH‐N‐DOX), T1‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents (Gd‐DTPA‐N16‐16), and anti‐angiogenic drug combrestatinA4 (CA4), realizing chemo(CT)‐chemodynamic combination therapy. The mechanism of BDTLAG NPs for enhancing antitumor efficacy involves: (i) BDTLAG NPs is accumulated in the tumor tissue by passive targeting; (ii) CA4 is released and specifically destroys angiogenesis, and the remaining BDTLG NPs enter the tumor cell via active targeting; (iii) the acid/glutathione (GSH)‐responsive prodrug release and GSH depletion; (iv) TPP‐PEG2K‐LND and TPP‐PEG2K‐TOS are accumulated in the tumor cell mitochondria due to mitochondria‐targeting, and is accompanied by endogenous reactive oxygen species bursts. This current strategy of single NPs that integrates spatiotemporally CT, CDT, GSH depletion, and MR imaging functions reflects the “all in one” concept, which provides a new opportunity for enhancing antitumor efficacy.
Advances in Multiplexed Paper‐Based Analytical Devices for Cancer Diagnosis: A Review of Technological Developments
Authors: Yonet‐Tanyeri Nihan , Ahlmark Benjamin Z. , Little Steven R.
Published: April 2021

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide producing an estimated cost of $161.2 billion in the US in 2017 only. Early detection of cancer can not only reduce cancer mortality rates but also dramatically reduce healthcare costs given that the 17 million new cancer cases in 2018 are estimated to grow 27.5 million new cases by 2040. Analytical devices based upon paper substrates can provide effective, rapid, and extremely low‐cost alternatives for early cancer detection compared to existing testing methods. However, low concentrations of biomarkers in body fluids as well as the possible association of any given biomarker with multiple diseases remains one of the greatest challenges to widespread adoption of these paper‐based devices. Fortunately, recent advances have opened the possibility of detecting multiple biomarkers within the same device, which can be predictive of a patient's condition with unprecedented cost‐effectiveness. Accordingly, this review highlights the recent advancements in paper‐based analytical devices with a multiplexing focus. The primary areas of interest include lateral flow assay and microfluidic paper‐based assay formats, signal amplification approaches to enhance the sensitivity for a specific cancer type, along with current challenges and future outlook for the detection of multiple cancer biomarkers.
3D Crinkled Alk‐Ti3C2 MXene Based Flexible Piezoresistive Sensors with Ultra‐High Sensitivity and Ultra‐Wide Pressure Range
Authors: Xiang Yucui , Fang Liang , Wu Fang , Zhang Shufang , Ruan Haibo , Luo Haijun , Zhang Hong , Li Wanjun , Long Xingming , Hu Baoshan , Zhou Miao
Published: April 2021

The conflict between high sensitivity and wide sensing range greatly limits the extensive application of flexible pressure sensors. To produce a sensor with both high sensitivity and wide range is still a challenging work. Herein, flexible and highly sensitive piezoresistive sensors with wide sensing range are developed by combining the alkali‐treated 3D crinkled MXene with microstructured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Sensors with different‐roughness PDMS films as flexible substrate and the unprocessed MXene as the conductive material are prepared to clarify the geometric design for the ultra‐wide pressure range (0–800 kPa). Then, other sensors assembled by NaOH‐alkalized 3D crinkled MXenes and rough PDMS are fabricated to illustrate that the material optimization can further enhance the sensitivity (up to 1104.38 kPa−1). The sensor shows a low limit of detection (17 Pa), fast response time (100 ms), good cycle stability (3000 cycles, 300 kPa), and can detect over a wide pressure range from that of the tiny pills, pulse, heartbeat, throat vibration, and the change of water weight, exhibiting a broad prospect in health monitoring systems and human‐machine interaction.