bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Mullerian hormone in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Alekberova Z. S. , Egorova O. N. , Goloeva R. G. , Cherkasova M. V.
Published: February 2021

Currently, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) increasing attention is paid to the ovarian reserve evaluation, which can serve as one of the markers of a favorable response to therapy and pregnancy planning. For this purpose, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is considered as the most sensitive marker, that reflect the continuous growth of small follicles. The article presents data on the relationship of serum hormone levels with age, ethnicity, body weight, disease activity, and therapy. We present clinical cases of three women of childbearing age with SLE, different duration of the disease and cumulative dose of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in whom the level of AMH in the blood serum was measured.
The role of microbiome in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: controversial issues
Authors: Lila A. M. , Galushko E. A. , Gordeev A. V. , Semashko A. S.
Published: February 2021

Increasing attention in rheumatology is today paid to the detection of diseases at the earliest possible (preclinical) stages, which can contribute to a more favorable response to therapy. The preclinical period of a systemic autoimmune reaction is assumed to be related to dysregulation of immune interactions with the synanthropic microflora. A sequencing method was used to study deviations in the diversity of the gut microflora in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. However, a number of unresolved issues remain, since the emphasis has been on the cataloguing of the microorganisms present and on the identification of correlations between microbial species and diseases. The main difference in future microbiome research in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases should be a closer examination of the functions of microbiota components, and not just their description. Long-term studies with the collection of intestinal microbiome samples are required at several time intervals: before disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy and during ineffective therapy. Such studies will contribute to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Until they are completed, it is untimely to recommend microbiome analysis as a diagnostic or prognostic tool for the management of rheumatic diseases in clinical practice.
Clinical manifestations, course variants and complications of Takayasu arteritis in Kyrgyz patients
Authors: Koilubaeva G. M. , Karimova E. R. , Solovyev S. K. , Aseeva E. A. , Dzhuzenova F. S. , Nasonov E. L. , Dzhishambaev E. Zh. , Usupbaeva D. A. , Turusbekova A. K.
Published: February 2021

Objective: to study clinical presentation, course variants and complications of Takayasu arteritis (AT) in Kyrgyz patients.

Patients and methods. 75 Kyrgyz patients with a definite diagnosis of AT were included in the study, most of them were women (93.3%). The median age was 33 [23; 40] years, the median duration of the disease was 7 [3.0; 13.0] years. The anatomical type of vascular lesions was determined using the angiographic classification of R. Moriwaki et al., the AT activity – according to the BVAS index, the clinical stage of AT – using the R. Jefferson classification, the severity and prognosis of the disease – according to the K. Ishikawa classification. Highly sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) was assessed in 44 (58.67%) patients, interleukin 6 (IL6) – in 26 (34.7%). Instrumental procedures included duplex Doppler ultrasonography of peripheral arteries and contrast-enhanced computed pan aortography.

Results and discussion. The mean age of AT onset was 24.4±9.4 years. The majority of patients had V anatomical type of vascular lesions (61.3%), vascular stage (89.3%), severe stenosis (54.7%) with predominant affection of the brachiocephalic trunk (68%), common carotid arteries (53.7 %) and renal (52%) arteries. Most patients (82.7%) at the time of inclusion in the study had a severe exacerbation of AT according to the BVAS index. An increase in hsCRP level was seen in 66% of cases, IL6 – in 31%. At the onset of AT, 20% of patients had fever, general weakness, weight loss, myalgia and/or arthralgia. 43% of patients had ≥2 complications. The clinical manifestations of AT were mainly characterized by cardiovascular pathology (77.3%) with the formation of relative aortic valve insufficiency (AVI) (93.1%) and kidney damage (57.3%) with the development of renovascular arterial hypertension (91%). At the first visit, more than one third of patients (37.3%) had irreversible damage, accompanied in half of them by AVI degree II or III.

Conclusion. Young women predominated among Kyrgyz patients with AT. Most of the patients had anatomical type V AT (61.3%), vascular stage (89.3%), severe stenosis (54.7%), affection of the brachiocephalic trunk (68%), common carotid (57.3%) and renal (52%) arteries. Severe exacerbation of the disease was observed in 82.7% of patients. The presence of ≥2 complications worsened the prognosis of AT. The clinical manifestations of AT were characterized mainly by cardiovascular pathology (77.3%) and kidney damage (57.3%). In more than one third of patients (37.3%) AT was diagnosed late.
Time course of radiographic hip joint changes in patients with early axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Agafonova E. M. , Rumyantseva D. G. , Smirnov A. V. , Erdes Sh.
Published: February 2021

The diagnosis of coxitis remains one of the most difficult problems in the management of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). In Russia, almost every two patients with axSpA were found to have hip joint (HJ) damage. However, until a certain time, there have been no methods to estimate the rate of progression of radiographic HJ changes in clinical practice. We have previously developed a formula for calculating the rate of coxitis progression, which simplifies the assessment of radiographic HJ changes and allows a physician to make a timely decision about changing therapy if rapidly progressing coxitis is detected.

Objective: to estimate the rate of radiological progression of coxitis during a 24-month follow-up of patients with early axSpA.

Patients and methods. Examinations were made in 38 patients (20 women and 18 men) who had been followed up for at least 2 years without radiographic and ultrasound signs of HJ joint involvement. The patients' mean age was 28.8±5.5 years; the disease duration was 22.7±15.7 months. HLA-B27 was positive in 35 (92%) patients. The summary stage of radiographic coxitis (ssRC) was used to assess HJ damage; the previously developed formula was applied to estimate the rate of radiological progression of coxitis (R-rpC).

Results and discussion. The median cervical-capsular distance (CCD) was 5.2 mm at baseline and 4.9 mm at 2 years (p7 mm increase in the CCD. The mean ssRC was 0.34±0.75 scores at base line, 0.86±0.78 scores at 1 year; and this indicator increased up to 1.24±1.36 scores at 2 years (p=0.004). During 2 years of follow-up, there was no coxitis progression (the difference between ssRC2 and ssRC1 was 0) in 24 (63%) patients; ΔssRC increased by 1 score in 5 (13%); by 2 scores in 6 (16%), and by 4 scores in 3 (8%). On patient inclusion to the investigation, R-rpC averaged 0.5 (it was conventionally assumed that patients had no signs of HJ damage at the disease onset (ssRC=0). During therapy for the underlying disease, the mean R-rpC was 0.3 and 0.2 score/year within the first and second years, respectively. The mean R-rpC in the ΔssRC >0 group was as many as 0.85 score/year at one-year follow-up and 0.53 score/year at two-year follow-up.

Conclusion. The developed procedure for estimating the progression of coxitis using ssRC is easy to use and can identify patients at high risk for coxitis progression.
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of bioactive concentrate from small sea fish in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Usova E. V. , Averkieva Yu. V. , Letaeva M. V. , Malyshenko O. S. , Koroleva M. V. , Raskina T. A.
Published: February 2021

Objective: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Alflutop (the bioactive concentrate from small sea fish) in patients aged 75 years and older with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patients and methods. The investigation enrolled 38 patients aged 75 years and older with knee OA (according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, 1986), Kellgren–Lawrence grades II–III, ≥40 mm pain visual analogue scale (VAS), who required continuous non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. All the patients received Alflutop in the standard regimen: a 1-ml intramuscular injection daily for 20 days. The dynamics of pain during movement was assessed using the VAS scale, the WOMAC, and the EQ-5D questionnaire. Comorbidity was determined according to the Charlson comorbidity index, polypharmacy, and the safety of therapy in all the patients. The investigation duration was 8 weeks.

Results and discussion. On day 21 of Alflutop therapy, there was a statistically significant reduction in pain, stiffness, and functional insufficiency according to the WOMAC index (p< 0.001) and improvements in quality of life as shown by the EQ-5D questionnaire (p< 0.001); on day 56, the number of NSAID intake days decreased (p=0.005). The findings suggest that there is a high level of comorbidity in the majority (94.7%) of patients. The mean number of drugs taken was 5.0±1.5, which indicates the presence of polypharmacy. No serious or severe adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion. The results of the investigation showed the statistically significant efficacy and safety of Alflutop in patients with knee OA in the elderly group.
Avascular Necrosis of the Foot and Ankle in a Patient with Systemic Sclerosis: A Case Based Review
Authors: Wastyn H. , Leys M. , Michels F. , Deleu A.-L. , Vereecke E. , Matricali G. , Clockaerts S.
Published: February 2021

This review describes a case of atraumatic avascular necrosis in the foot and ankle in a patient with systemic sclerosis who did not receive corticosteroid therapy. Both avascular necrosis and systemic sclerosis are uncommon disease entities. This case demonstrates that vasculitis and secondary vasoconstriction in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis are important risk factors for the development of avascular necrosis of the foot and ankle. Therefore, if these patients develop chronic foot and ankle pain, avascular necrosis should be included in the differential diagnosis, even if they do not receive corticosteroids. For the diagnosis and follow-up of avascular necrosis MRI remains the gold standard. Thus, MRI should be used to diagnose avascular necrosis in an early stage. Level of Clinical Evidence: 4.
Assessment of pollution and sources of heavy metals in the sediments of the Shitalakhya river, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Kalimur , Barua Saurav , Ahammad Fahim , Akramul Alam Md.
Published: February 2021

The Shitalakya River, located near Dhaka City of Bangladesh, supplies water to the city dwellers and hence it is essential to determine pollu-tion condition, ecological risk and sources of heavy metals in the river sediments. Sediment works as the sink and source of heavy metals in the riverine ecosystem. The samples collected from the ten sites of the Shitalakhya River were investigated in the study. Average concentra-tion of different heavy metals in the sediments are Cu>Zn>Ni>Pb>Cr>Cd. Geo-accumulation index reveals moderately pollute Cu concen-tration, unpolluted to moderately pollute Ni concentration and unpolluted for the rest of the heavy metals. The order of geo-accumulation index are Cu>Ni>Pb>Cd>Zn>Cr. Overall, the heavy metals render low potential ecological risk and the order of potential ecological risk index are Cd>Cu>Ni>Pb>Cr>Zn. Though the concentration of Cd is low in sediment, it poses higher ecological risk. Positive matrix factor-ization (PMF) identifies two sources of pollution, S1 and S2. Where, S1 consists with Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn; which come from industrial wastewater. S2 consists with Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn; which originate from natural sources. The outcomes of the study provide as a reference to plan, control and manage heavy metal pollution and protect the water source of the Shitalakhya River.Â Â Â Â
Assessment of heavy metals contamination of the water resources in the vicinity of Barapukuria Coal Mine, Phulbari, Dinajpur, NW Bangladesh
Authors: Nazmul Haque Mohammad , H.M. Selim Reza A. , Kabir Sohail , Aminul Ahsan Md. , Saha Sudip , Akbor Ahedul
Published: February 2021

The present research work shows that the concentrations of heavy metals can be expressed as Fe>Mn>Zn>Ni>Cr>Pb>Co>As in the groundwater of Phulbari area, Dinajpur, Bangladesh on the basis of their abundance. The Plio-Pleistocene Dupi Tila aquifer sediment is principally composed of quartz, feldspar and lithic grains and is characterized by low ZTR index. Seventeen groundwater samples have higher iron concentrations than the permissible limit of WHO, 2004. The chemical weathering of pyrite release iron in the natural water of the study area. The manganese content of two groundwater samples is higher than the acceptable limit. The high abundance of potassium in 11.11% water samples is indicative of the influence of agricultural activity in the investigated area. The factor analysis reveals the dominance of four factors that comprise 77.276% of the groundwater sample. The contamination index (Cd) for the heavy metals were performed and 88.89% of the groundwater samples have low contamination index. The calcium of the groundwater is resulted from the dissolution of carbonate rocks. The low arsenic concentrations indicate the fast flowing nature of the groundwater and/or low arsenic content of the aquifer sediments. The low cobalt content of the groundwater reflects the low cobalt concentration of the aquifer sediments. The heavy metal chemistry of the groundwater of the study area reveals that the quality of the water is influenced by the geogenic sources as well as the anthropogenic activities like coal mining and agricultural activities.Â Â
Petrophysical analysis of â€œexplorerâ€ wells using well log and core data(a case study of â€œexplorerâ€ field, offshore Niger Delta, Nigeria)
Authors: J. Sunday Abe , S. Ayoleyi Lurogho
Published: February 2021

Reservoir characterization involves computing various petrophysical parameters and defining them in terms of their quantity and quality so as to ascertain the yield of the reservoir. Petrophysical well log and core data were integrated to analyze the reservoir characteristics of Explorer field, Offshore, Niger Delta using three wells. The study entails determination of the lithology, shale volume (Vsh), porosity (Î¦), permeability (K), fluid saturation and cross plotting of petrophysical and core values at specific intervals to know their level of correlation. The analysis identified twelve hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir from three different wells. Average permeability value of the reservoir is 20, 0140md while porosity value range between 18% to 39%. Fluid type defined in the reservoirs on the basis of neutron/density log signature were basically water, oil and gas, low water saturation values ranging from 2.9% to 46% in Explorer wells indicate high hydrocarbon saturation. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Regression Equation gave a significant relationship between petrophysical derived data and core data. Scatter plot of petrophysical gamma ray values versus core gamma ray values gave an approximate linear relationship with correlation coefficient values of 0.6642, 0.9831 and 0.3261. Crossplot of petrophysical density values and core density values revealed that there is a strong linear relationship between the two data set with correlation coefficient values of 0.7581, 0.9872 and 0.3557, and the regression equation confirmed the relationship between the two data set. Also the scatter plot of petrophysical porosity density values versus core porosity density values revealed a strong linear relationship between the two data set with correlation coefficient values of 0.7608 and 0.9849, the regression equation confirmed this also. Crossplot of petrophysical porosity density values versus core porosity density values in Well 3 gave a very weak correlation coefficient values of 0.3261 and 0.3557 with a negative slope. The petrophysical properties of the reservoirs in Explorer Well showed that they contain hydrocarbon in commercial quantity and the cross plot of the petrophysical and core values showed direct relationship in most of the wells.Â Â
Spectral re-evaluation of sediment thickness within Afikpo Basin and environs, southeastern Nigeria, using high resolution aeromagnetic dataset
Authors: Stephen Onyejiuwaka Ibe Stephen , Uche Iduma Kevin
Published: February 2021

The discovery of hydrocarbon in the areas bordering Afikpo Basin prompted the re-evaluation of the sedimentary thickness within the basin with high resolution geophysical data. Depth to magnetic sources, sediment thickness, basement topography and structures within it were investigated using spectral analysis, analytic signal and tilt derivative of aeromagnetic data. The results show that the depth to the basement varies between 1.52 and 3.15 km; depth to intermediate magnetic anomaly sources ranges from 0.40 to 1.05 km and depth to the shallow sources varies from 0.10 to 0.34 km. Structures within the basin predominantly have NE-SW trend and the boundary between Afikpo Basin and Southwestern Basement Massif is characterised by NE-SW trending dykes with the longest dyke extending from Amasiri to Abba Omege. The results show that the basin is greatly undulated and the deformation that led to its undulation resulted in the formation of structures which could serve as traps for hydrocarbon accumulation. Sediment thickness greater than 2.3 km associated with some locations within the basin prompted the classification of the places as viable for hydrocarbon formation, if other conditions necessary for its generation are favourable. These places were recommended for further studies for hydrocarbon prospecting on the bases of their sediment structural complexities and thicknesses.Â Â
Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and other enterobacteriaceae associated with ready-to-eat salad
Authors: Omoruyi Iyekhoetin Matthew , Orieruo Ufuoma Akpezi
Published: February 2021

Ready-to-eat (RTE) salads sold in Nigeria are poorly delineated sources of human exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, we investigated the current situation in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. Twenty-four samples of RTE salad were obtained from different open markets, and the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and other enterobacteriaceae were determined by established methods using both selective and chromogenic agars. All RTE salad samples were found to habour Escherichia coli while 16.7% were further confirmed for the presence of STEC. Other Enterobacteriaceae present included Klebsiella spp, Proteus spp, Enterobacter spp, Serratia spp and Salmonella spp. The antibiogramic profile revealed that all bacterial isolates obtained were resistant to augmentin and amoxicillin while only 11.1% were resistant to ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin. The percentage resistance for the Shiga-toxin producing strains of E. coli was 60% while Serratia showed resistance to all the antibiotics used. The results of this study showed that RTE salad sold in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria could be a source of public health concern, and effort should be made to avert possible outbreak.
Screening of efficient phosphate solubilizing fungi from mine soil and effect of phosphofungi on seed germination and vigour index of ground nut (arachis hypogaea L.) and green gram (vigna radiata L.)
Authors: Lokesh Shanubhoganahalli Thimmappa , Naveen Kumar Kudure Jayanna , Thippeswamy Basaiah
Published: February 2021

Background: The use of chemical fertilizers to solve the problem of nutrient deficiency in soil has been associated with a number of environmental problems.Objective: The aim of this study was to perform an isolation and screening of native phosphofungi from mine soil. To evaluate the effect of phosphofungi on seed germination and seedling vigour index of Ground nut and Green gram.Materials and Methods: The phosphofungi were screened using Pikovskayaâ€™s agar medium with tricalcium phosphate (Ca3 (PO4)2) as the phosphorus source. The soluble phosphorus, Phosphate solubilizing activity, titrable acidity, pH and fungal biomass were determined. Mineral phosphate solubilizing (MPS) activities of fungal isolates were tested in tricalcium phosphate medium.Results: Five promising phosphate solubilizing fungal species were screened. Aspergillus niger (13Â±1.0 mm) and Aspergillus flavus (8Â±0.6mm) showed the more phosphate solubilising index than compared to other fungal isolates. Analyzing the possible phosphorus released, from 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th day of incubation. Antagonistic effect of phosphofungi Aspergillus flavus (65Â±11 mm) and Aspergillus niger (60Â±13 mm) showed more effective against Colletotrichum sp. than compared to other fungal isolates.Â Aspergillus flavus (745Â±20Âµg/ml) and Penicillium spinulosum (600Â±20 Âµg/ml) showed maximum phosphate solubilizing activity on 3rd and 12th day of incubation. Fusarium redolens showed the more effectiveness on seed germination and seedling vigour than compared to other fungal isolates. Aspergillus flavus showed positive result for the production of Indole 3 acetic acid and remain four fungal strains are negative result.Conclusion: Biofertilizers from native phosphofungi could be used alongside reduced levels of inorganic fertilizers to enhance soil available Phosphorous.
Isolation, fractionation, identification and bioassay studies of the pheromone of the maconellicoccus hirsutus (green, 1908)
Authors: Deb Mamata , Kumar Dolly
Published: February 2021

Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green, 1908) is one of the invasive pests known to infest the agricultural crops of Vadodara, Gujarat. Large amount of pesticides are in use to control this pest which ultimately pose threat to both environment and mankind. So eco-friendly measures are required to limit the invasion of this pest. Hence the objective is to isolate the pheromone from Maconellicoccus hirsutus to uncover its different components through GC-MS along with the bioassay studies. Pheromone was isolated from the species through adsorbent method, and the volatiles were then subjected to GC-MS for fractionation. Crude extracts was further employed for behavioral bioassay to identify the nature of the pheromone. Combined result of GC and GC-MS indicated the presence of phenolic component in the extract. Additionally, observations from bioassay studies confirmed it as sex pheromone where attractive index of males towards volatiles was higher (0.88) than the females. Hence, identification of different pheromonal components will be helpful in synthesizing chemical analogues and their use in controlling the concerned pest in an eco-friendly way.
Analysis and cloning of CP 1102 gene isolated from a medicinal plant
Authors: Mubeen Hira , Raza Shahid
Published: February 2021

Calotropis procera is a common medicinal plant with various properties related with its latex which functions as a rich source of biologically active compounds. Latex is chemically diverse and the chemical and biochemical differences are considerable for different plant fluids. This plant can produce large quantity of latex. The study was performed to clone the CP1102 terminator region of gene in general expression vector PTZ57R/T. The objective was to make a variant of pJITT166 (size ~5.8kb) containing CP1102 terminator sequence to study different expression levels in future. The fragment of 341bp size was isolated. The pDNOR vector containing CP1102 terminator sequence was isolated and amplified by PCR. The forward and reverse primer specific to CP1102 terminator sequence which can amplify this sequence are designed by using bioinformatics tools.
Evaluation of a multicomponent vaccine in dogs
Authors: Chowdhury Alak , Dighe Dhananjay , Velhankar Rajendra , Sarkar Arunava , Nandi Sani
Published: February 2021

The concept of combined viral and bacterial vaccines has been tried in cattle, canine and humans. Use of multicomponent vaccines has numerous advantages over individual vaccine. In this study, apparently healthy 8-9 weeks old 41 puppies were divided into 2 groups. 31 puppies (test group) were vaccinated subcutaneously with a commercially available multicomponent vaccine containing live attenuated strains of Canine Distemper virus, Canine Adenovirus type 2, Canine Parvo virus and Canine Parainfluenza virus and inactivated antigens of Leptospira canicola and Leptospira icterohemorrhagiae. 10 puppies were kept unvaccinated (control). Test group puppies were given a booster after 4 weeks of primary vaccination. Serum samples from both the groups were collected on 4 occasions (0th, 28th, 42nd and 90th day) and were tested for antibody titres against Canine Distemper virus and Canine Adenovirus type 2 by Serum Neutralization test, against Canine Parvovirus and Canine Parainfluenzavirus by Haemagglutination Inhibition test and against Leptospira canicola and L. icterohemorrhagiae by Microscopic Agglutination Test. A significant rise (P 0.5) in antibody titres was observed against all the antigens after vaccination. The control group did not show significant variation in the antibody titres. All puppies vaccinated subcutaneously with this vaccine did not evoke any local/ adverse reactions.
Herd management and breeding practices of holla sheep owners in south wollo zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Akale Adina , Mengesha Tadlo , Getu Addis , Abegaz Solomon
Published: February 2021

This study was aimed to generate organized information on selective breeding objectives, trait's preferences and major constraints of the Holla sheep production system in Kalu and Worebabo districts of South Wollo Zone under small holders' management conditions. The study was performed based on the semi-structured questionnaire, focused group discussions. Secondary data source analysis and field observations were used to generate the required information. In addition, simple random sampling technique was used to select 180 sheep owners. Simple descriptive statistics, ranking trial and chip-square test was considered. The primary purpose of keeping sheep was asset development (income generation) followed by breeding purposes with the index value of 0.365 and 0.201, respectively. Body size/Appearance was the primary preference in both districts for breeding ram index value of 0.258 and 0.207 Kalu and Worebabu, respectively. In the study areas, culling inferior sheep, weaning, record keeping, castrating ram at right age and provision of regular vaccination before disease out breaks were poorly practiced. Age at first sexual maturity of male sheep was 7.3Â±2.17and 7.23Â±1.34 months while for females 7.9Â±1.87 and 5.8Â±1.16 months in Kalu and Worebabo district, respectively. Disease prevalence and genetic potential were the major production constraints in the entire studied districts. In order to minimize the failure of breed improvement programs it is important to involve farmers considering the existing breeding practices, management systems and trait preferences of the community and the multipurpose roles of targeted animals.
Antimicrobial and antidiabetic potentials of processed finger millet (Eleusine coracana)
Authors: Erasmus Aisoni Japhet , Yushaâ€™u Muhammad , Olugbenga Orole Olukayode
Published: February 2021

Finger millet is a food crop with energy value, phytochemical constituents, and minerals, hence its use as whole flour for traditional food preparation among traditional people. The study was designed to determine the glycaemic index and blood glucose level in albino rats, and the antimicrobial potential of processed finger millets. Finger millets were processed by fermentation and roasting, and methanolic extracts obtained used to test antimicrobial activity. Albino rats (18) divided into three groups were fed fermented, roasted, and unprocessed millet (control), and glycaemic index and blood glucose level determined. Another 25 rat were treated into 5 groups of diabetic rats without treatment, diabetic rats treated daily with Metformin, diabetic rats fed 20% millet, diabetic rats fed 40% millet, and untreated group (control). At 100% concentration, roasted and fermented millet obtained inhibition of 15mm and 14mm against Salmonella typhi, while the control drug 25mg/ml streptomycin had 17mm inhibition. While values obtained for the glycemic indexes were close though significantly different from each other (roasted - 36.83Â±1.23; fermented - 38.73Â±1.87), roasted millet brought about the highest reduction in blood glucose level 90.9 and 65.1mg/dl at 60 and 120min respectively compared with fermented millet with 125.1 and 100.2mg/dl respectively at the same time. Animals administered finger millet in Groups 3 and 4-showed regeneration of the islet cells. The millet had the capacity to bring about healing of necrotic cells while also restoring and maintaining glucose levels in blood of subjects.Â
In-Vessel Poultry Litter Composting to Facilitate Pathogen Reduction and Biofertilizer Production
Authors: F Felix , F.M Hashem , P.D. Millner , J. McNelly
Published: February 2021

Poultry litter-based organic fertilizers are usually incorporated into soil to improve its structure and fertility to increase crop production, however, poultry litter may also contain a variety of microorganisms which can compromise the safety of fresh produce when applied on agriculture lands. Composting can be a strategy to inactivate these microorganisms while creating a soil amendment beneficial for application to arable agricultural land. The objective of this study was to design and test the effect of moisture and temperature in a mechanically aerated in-vessel composting system for the purpose of reducing bacteria concentration in poultry litter while producing bio fertilizer. The actual composting occurred in four digesters which measured 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.2m. Four treatments were utilized with four different levels of moisture content in each vessel (treatment 1=65%, treatment 2=55% treatment 3=60% treatment 4=50%).Moisture gradually decreased and reached 55%, 44% and 48%, and 38.9% for treatment 1,2,3 and 4, respectively in the final compost product. The maximum average temperatures recorded for test 1, 2, 3 and, 4 were 50.54Â°C, 50.9 Â°C, 60.7 and 71.5Â°C respectively compared to outside temperature (15.4Â°C), and these temperatures were able to significantly reduce the concentration of total aerobic bacteria, fecal coliform and enterococcus listeria. The initial concentration of the compost piles was approximately 6.57, 6.04 and 3.72 log10 CFU/g of total aerobic bacteria, fecal coliform and enterococcus respectively. After analyzes, all target microorganisms were significantly eliminated. The significant levels of total aerobic bacteria, fecal coliform and enterococcus were p=0.0303, P=0.0258, p=0.0233 respectively. The presence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. were not detected in all sampling period. Results of in-vessel compost analyses revealed a 16.9% N reduction; 10.1% P increase and 33.7% K increase. Moisture content decreased by 52.2% and elevated C/N ratio and pH by 27.7 % and 3.30% respectively. The leachates generated from the in-vessel composting for the first 21 days were analyzed, and the average results for week 1, 2, and 3, were observed to be 1043.7 mg/L, 1335.23mg/L, and 1029.9mg/L.Â
APSO based LLRBFNN Model and Enhanced Fuzzy C Means algorithm for Brain Tumor Detection and Classification from Magnetic Resonance Image
Authors: Mishra Satyasis , Sahu Premananda , Ranjan Senapati Manas
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a novel APSO (Accelerated Particle Swarm Optimization) Predicated LLRBFNN (Local Linear Radial Basis Function Neural Network) model for automatic encephalon tumor detection and classification. The enhanced fuzzy c means algorithm (EnFCM) has been proposed for image segmentation and the GLCM (Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix) technique for feature extraction from MR (Magnetic Resonance) images. This research work aims to utilize the hybrid models and algorithms for relegation and segmentation of encephalon tumors from the MR images. The extracted features have been alimented as input to the proposed APSO predicated LLRBFNN model for relegation of benign and malignant tumors. In this research work the proposed LLRBFNN model weights are optimized by utilizing APSO training which will provide unique solution to mitigation the hectic task of radiologist from manual detection of encephalon tumors from MR Images. Additionally the centers of the LLRBFNN model are culled by the Enhanced Fuzzy C Means algorithm and updated by the APSO algorithm. The results of proposed PSO predicated LLRBFNN model has been compared with PSO-LLRBFNN model, APSO-RBFNN and PSO-RBFNN model and the comparison results are presented. The experimental results obtained from the proposed model shows better relegation results as compared to the subsisting models proposed anteriorly.Â Â
The Design of a Microcontroller-based Automatic Liquid Level Control System
Authors: Ahmad Saleh , Al Rahman Abu Ebayyeh Abd , Alhashmi Abdulaziz
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a liquid level control system was designed and fabricated. Control of the liquid level was accomplished by adjusting the sup-ply voltage to a centrifugal pump that is delivering the liquid from a reservoir tank to an upper tank. The liquid level control system was implemented on an ATmega328 microcontroller. Three control strategies are implemented, manual mode, ON/OFF controller, and PID controller. Serial communication is used to establish the communication between the ATmega328 and a computer running MATLAB soft-ware. A graphical user interface was constructed to allow users to interact with the system. The system model is obtained using an experi-mental approach. The obtained model is then used for the design of the PID controller. Experimental results are provided to highlight the performance of the implemented controllers.Â Â
An optimal method for enhancing the generation of machine code from natural language data set
Authors: Ram Kinkar Chhayarani , Kumar Jain Yogendra
Published: February 2021

Natural language processing is a very active area of research and development, there is not a single agreed upon a method that would satisfy everyone for the use of natural language to operate electronic devices or other practical applications. But there are some aspects used from many years in the formulation and solution of computational problem arising in natural language processing. This paper describes a model in which numerical values are assigned to word of natural language speech data set to convert the information present in natural language speech data set into an intermediate numeric form as a structured data set. The intermediated numerical values of each word will be used for generation of machine code which will be easily understand by electronic devices to draw inferences from data set. The designed model is useful for a number of practical applications and very simple to implement.Â Â
Performance evaluation of mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete using artificial neural network
Authors: N.S.Al qadi Arabi , Haddad Madhar
Published: February 2021

This experimental study was undertaken to investigate the effects of using local materials (cement, fly ash, super-plasticizer, coarse aggre-gate, and sand) on the mechanical properties of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC). For this purpose, a total of 31 mixtures of SCC were prepared by the neural network design methods. Furthermore, based on the experimental results, the neural network model-based clear for-mulations were developed to predict the mechanical properties of SCC. The test results have shown that mineral admixtures were very effective on hardened properties of SCC. In addition, it was found that the developed model by using neural network appeared to have a high predictive capacity of hardened properties of SCC with respect to regression and experimental.Â Â
Voltage regulation and minimization of loses in the presence of renewable energy sources on the medium voltage network
Authors: Dib M. , Nejmi A. , Ramzi M. , Elhafyani M.
Published: February 2021

The Moroccan electricity network has been designed and sized to work with high power outputs connected to the transmission network. This it delivers a unidirectional power flow from production to consumption. In this configuration, the electricity network carries electricity from production plants mainly connected to the transmission network to customers through the distribution network. Therefore, voltage-setting devices on the distribution network such as load-adjustable power transformers and medium voltage MV capacitor banks are set and operated. The inclusion of the Decentralized Generation (DG) based on renewable energies can induce a reversal of the power flow on the distribution network. This raises problems of voltage regulation in the presence of renewable energy sources. This article shows the limit of the current voltage regulation deployed solutions and exposes a solution for adjusting the voltage on the distribution grid in the presence of renewable energy sources connected to medium voltage MV. We will apply ETAP software to a real network located in the eastern zone for the conducted investigation. Later, an optimization approach aiming to minimize losses and improve the voltage plan will be presented at the end.Â Â
Thermal-hydraulic analysis of fuel rod of a TRIGA Mark II research reactor
Authors: Shafiqul Islam Md , Hossain Khan Abid
Published: February 2021

In this work, the feasibility of employing â€œSingle Flow Channel Analysisâ€ technique for obtaining the thermal-hydraulic behavior of a TRIGA Mark II research reactor has been studied. Two different simulation methods have been investigated for this purpose; one in which there is no variation in volumetric heat generation along the fuel axis and the other in which there is variation. A hot rod factor of 1.70 has been taken. Results obtained from simulation methods have been compared with both theoretical results and experimental data provided by the manufacturers. Results show that data generated from both simulation methods are more accurate compared to theoretical calculations. Also, the simulation method exempting variation of heat generation has predicted maximum temperature of the fuel centerline just above 750 oC, which is sufficiently accurate. However, temperatures obtained at different axial and radial locations are not close to the experimental values. On the other hand, the simulation technique in which variation of heat generation exists has been able to provide temperature profiles inside the fuel rod and cladding surface almost identical to the experimental values. However, temperature profile of the fuel outer surface is found to be quite different from experimental values.Â Â
Research on student portal usage and its issues: a case study on Saudi Arabia universities, academic perspective
Authors: Suliman T Alatawi Salem , Syed Abdullah Norris , Miskon Suraya
Published: February 2021

With the rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICTs), having a website is inevitable for the organizations. Ministry of Saudi Arabia has adopted a policy to use ICT to universities to improve their university portals and services that they offer. Although having good ICT infrastructure in the Saudi Arabian universities, the usage of university portal still low. This paper aims to identify the current situation of studentâ€™s portal usage and its content issues that face student in Saudi Arabia universities, and how to solve these issues to produce good quality of portal content that can encourage the students to use the student portal. An online survey questionnaire was collected from 40 academic staff from various universities in Saudi Arabia, and reviewed a numbers of papers. The findings reveal that there is a lack of studentâ€™s portals contents, awareness of using ICT, and training and guidance. By enhancing quality of content that will increase the student satisfaction to use the portal, and that will help the university to produce good portal to their students.Â Â Â
Fatigue strength of a tensile-shear loaded clinched joint made from an al-5052 alloy sheet
Authors: Han J. , T. Hwang W. , E. Lee C. , K Kim H.
Published: February 2021

The clinching process has been shown to be able to join dissimilar material sheets as an alternative to spot welding. In this study, monotonic and fatigue tests were conducted using tensile-shear specimens for an evaluation of the strengths of a joint. In the fatigue tests, an interface failure occurred. The fatigue ratio of the joint is 0.29, assuming a fatigue endurance limit at 2 x106 cycles. The maximum von-Mises stress of the joint at the load amplitude corresponding to the fatigue endurance limit is slightly higher than the yield strength of Al-5052 alloy. This indicates that the strength of the neck region is increased partially due to work hardening.Â Â Â
Failure history-based routing protocol for mobile ad hoc networks
Authors: Batiha Khalid , Khaled Ababneh Aamal
Published: February 2021

Mobile Ad-hoc NETworks (MANETs) are defined as a collection of mobile nodes that cooperate in order to operate. Nodes in MANETs should build and maintain routes in order to communicate. A routing algorithm is used to manage these routes. MANETs have dynamic topology because of node mobility. The probability of route failure increases when intermediate nodes have higher mobility. This study will propose a routing protocol that depends on the failure history of the nodes from which the route will constructed. The proposed protocol will be implemented over the existing Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol. It is expected that the proposed protocol will improve the packet delivery ratio in the network.Â
A new multistage Parker-Sochacki method for solving the Troesch’s problem
Authors: Akindeinde Saheed , Adesanya Samuel , Lebelo Ramosheuw S. , Moloi Kholeka C.
Published: February 2021

In this article, we introduce a new method to obtain an approximate analytical solution of the highly unstable Troesch’s problem. In the proposed method, without recourse to any hyperbolic tangent transformation or finite term approximation of the hyperbolic sine function, the problem is recast as a system of projectively polynomials which allows straightforward computation of the series solution of the problem. The radius of convergence  of the series solution to the problem is derived a-priorly in terms of the parameters of the polynomial system. Using a step length ; the problem domain is divided into subintervals, where corresponding subproblems are defined and solved with Parker-Sochacki method with very high accuracy. Highly accurate piecewise continuous approximate solution is thus obtained on the entire integration interval. The obtained solution, which is valid for every choice of the Troesch parameter , showed comparable accuracy to known numerical solutions in the literature. In particular, new results are presented for large values of  in the range [20;500].
Analysis of the time series of seismic and deformation monitoring, obtained from closed works at the Kirovsky mine of JSC "Apatite"
Authors: Aleksandr P. Gospodarikov , Konstantin V. Morozov , Ilia E Revin
Published: February 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of the time series, obtained from seismic and deformation monitoring from closed works of Kukisvumchorr deposit JSC "Apatite". The objective of this study is to develop a method for assessing the results of monitoring geomechanical processes in the rock mass on the example of the Kirov mine JSC "Apatit". As a result of closed works, rock masses are changing its natural state of stress. This article has consistently outlined the use of machine learning algorithms in applied problems of geomechanics and geoinformatics. By comparing the schedule of mining operations and seismic activity data with time series of deformations, it is possible to obtain a functional relationship that predicts the distribution of deformations in the rock massif. The results of a computational experiment illustrating the possibility and feasibility of using machine learning algorithms in solving geomechanics problems are presented.Â Â
Design of Low Noise Amplifier for WLAN using pHEMT
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu G. , Murugesan G.
Published: February 2021

The low power consumption devices are frequently focused in design and manufacturing wireless communication system. This paper gives a systematic design of a low noise amplifier for WLAN application aimed to obtain minimum noise figure. The simulation result shows that the noise figure is in the appreciable level (1.67 dB). The maximum gain is greater than 10 dB. These are the predominant requirements of an LNA. Also it posses good stability and the LNA design uses pHEMT for its appreciable noise performance.Â Â
The role of psychological empowerment and job satisfaction on turnover intentions directly and indirectly through affective commitment on registered nurses in healthcare industry of twin cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi) of Pakistan
Authors: Rafiq Nosheen , Syed Haider Ali Shah Dr. , Sajjad Shakeel , Ahmed Salem Alyafei Saleh
Published: February 2021

The shift from financial capital to the human capital has brought a significant change in the workplace and market. The role of nurses is getting crucial day by day and there is great need of retention of nurses in order to sustain the smooth operation of hospitals. Nursesâ€™ turnover has gained much importance and has become a concern for the hospitals. Psychological empowerment plays a vital role in retention of the employees and in return leads to success of the organization. Proper psychological empowerment and job satisfaction build such an environment that leads to develop people and enhance their affective commitment in industry like service industry, particularly in healthcare industry where the first impression of an organization is portrayed by their nurses. Researchers and practitioners have paid much of their attention to understand this phenomenon. The aim of the study is to investigate the role of psychological empowerment and job satisfaction on nursesâ€™ turnover intentions directly and indirectly through affective commitment. This study filled the gap by investigating such relationships in healthcare industry which has previously neglected, particularly at nurses level. A total of 520 questionnaires have been distributed in registered public and private hospitals located in twin cities of Pakistan. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM, AMOS) was employed to test hypotheses. This study showed relationships and interesting findings with mediation analysis. Findings of this study are important for top management of hospitals. In order to retain nurses, this study offers the theoretical and practical implications which could be used to enhance the affective commitment of nurses and reduce the turnover intentions.Â Â