bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The largest prison outbreak of TB in Western Europe investigated using whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Roycroft E. , Fitzgibbon M. M. , Kelly D. M. , Scully M. , McLaughlin A. M. , Flanagan P. R. , Gordon S. V. , Rogers T. R. , Keane J. , O´Meara M.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: In March 2011, the Department of Public Health East in Ireland were notified of two cases of TB in two prisoners sharing a cell. We define the resulting outbreak and highlight the role of public health and laboratory-based molecular epidemiology in mapping and control
of a prison outbreak.METHODS: Cases were identified through clinical presentation, contact tracing, case-finding exercise or enhanced laboratory surveillance. Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were genotyped and underwent whole-genome sequencing (WGS).RESULTS:
Of the 34 cases of TB linked to the outbreak, 27 were prisoners (79%), 4 prison officers (12%) and 3 community cases (9%). M. tuberculosis was isolated from 31 cases (culture positivity: 91%). A maximum of six single-nucleotide polymorphisms separated the isolates, with 22 being identical,
suggestive of a highly infectious ‘super-spreader´ within the prison. Isolates belonged to the Beijing sub-lineage, and were susceptible to first-line anti-TB agents. A case-finding exercise incidentally detected a prisoner with multidrug-resistant TB. Of the 143 prison officers
screened, 52% had latent TB infection. Litigation costs exceeded five million euros.CONCLUSION: This constitutes the largest prison outbreak of TB in Western Europe investigated using WGS. A robust prison entry TB screening and education programme is required to effect better TB
control, and prevent future outbreaks and attendant litigation.
A systematic review of the number needed to screen for active TB among people living with HIV
Authors: Chaisson L. H. , Naufal F. , Delgado-Barroso P. , Alvarez-Manzo H. S. , Robsky K. O. , Miller C. R. , Golub J. E. , Shapiro A. E.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: Systematic screening for active TB is recommended for all people living with HIV (PLWH); however, case detection remains poor globally. We investigated the yield of active case finding (ACF) by calculating the number needed to screen (NNS) to detect a case of active
TB among PLWH.METHODS: We identified studies reporting ACF for TB among PLWH published from November 2010 to February 2020. We calculated crude NNS for Xpert- or culture-confirmed TB and weighted mean NNS stratified by screening approach, population/risk group, and country TB burden.RESULTS:
Of the 27,221 abstracts screened, we identified 58 studies eligible for inclusion, including 5 in low/moderate TB incidence settings and 53 in medium/high incidence settings. Populations screened for TB included inpatients, outpatients not receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), outpatients
receiving ART, those with CD4 < 200 cells/µL, children aged ≤15 years, pregnant PLWH, and PLWH in prisons. Screening tools included symptom-based screening, chest X-ray, C-reactive protein levels, and Xpert. The weighted mean NNS varied across groups but was consistently low, ranging
from 4 among inpatients in moderate/high TB burden settings to 137 among pregnant PLWH in moderate/high TB burden settings.CONCLUSIONS: ACF is a high yield intervention among PLWH. Approaches to screening should be tailored to local epidemiological and health-system contexts, and
sensitive screening tools such as Xpert should be implemented where feasible.
Epidemiologic Characteristics of Salivary Gland Tumors in an Iranian Population
Authors: Shamloo Nafise , Ghanadan Alireza , Hashemiyan Fahime Sadat , Ghorbanpour Maedeh
Published: May 2021

Background: Salivary gland tumors include a wide variety of benign and malignant tumors in the oral and maxillofacial region. Although these tumors are not common, they are not rare. The prevalence of these tumors varies with regard to age, gender, and their location in the body. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of benign and malignant salivary gland tumors in patients referred to three referral hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study examined the demographic and pathologic records of the patients with salivary gland tumors submitted to the Department of Pathology of Amir Alam, Loghman Hakim, and Shohada Hospitals from 2005 to 2016. In this study, the histological variants of salivary gland tumors and clinical parameters such as age, gender, and the location of the tumor were examined. The clinical data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21. Results: Of 137632 patient records, 1180 cases were salivary gland tumors. Pleomorphic adenoma in 794 cases (67.3%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma in 109 cases (9.2%) were the most common tumors, respectively. Salivary gland tumors were more common in males, and the participants’ mean age was 42.86 ± 16.5 years. The most common site was parotid and minor salivary glands, with 937 (79.4%) and 137 (12%) cases, respectively. Conclusions: In this study, the most common benign tumor was pleomorphic adenoma in the parotid gland, and the most common malignant tumor was adenoid cystic carcinoma in the major salivary glands. Furthermore, benign tumors were more frequent than malignant tumors.
Narrative Tyranny in American Political Discourse and Plato's Republic I
Authors: Schultz Anne-Marie ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: May 2021

This paper begins with a brief examination of the contemporary American political landscape.  I describe three recent events that illustrate how attempts to control the narrative about events that transpired threaten to undermine our shared reality.  I then turn to Book I  of Plato’s Republic to explore the potentially tyrannizing effect of  Socrates’s narrative voice.  I focus on his descriptions of Glaucon, Polemarchus and his slave, and Thrasymachus to show how Plato presents Socrates’s narrative activity as a process that controls how the auditor  understands the events that follow.  I then turn to an alternate understanding of  Socratic narrative which extols its philosophically and politically liberatory possibilities.  I use  my own previous work on  Socratic narrative,  Jill Frank’s  Poetic Justice,  and Rebecca’s LeMoine’s Plato’s Cave  as three examples that emphasize the more positive dimensions of  Socratic narrative. Finally, I  end with a brief exploration of Cornel West’s Democracy Matters, and bell hooks’ works on pedagogy to argue for the possibility a Socratically-informed public space for political discourse.
The Sphinx and the Veil of Isis
Authors: Speight Allen ,   Hegel Society of America
Published: May 2021

Jon Stewart’s recent book offers an opportunity to re-explore one of the richest areas of Hegel’s cultural research during the Berlin period, the wide-ranging study of world religions developed in the second part of his Lectures on the Philosophy of Religion. While this treatment of world religious traditions has often been taken as out-of-date and narrowly Eurocentric, there are, as Stewart suggests, important contributions within Hegel’s developing work on pre-classical and Asian religions that remain of interest to contemporary philosophers of religion, art and history. This paper (1) compares the changes Hegel makes in the Lectures on the Philosophy of Religion to those in the Aesthetics lectures belonging to the same period; and (2) examines in particular how Hegel’s view of the relation between Athens and Jerusalem changed with developing knowledge of Egyptian and other near Eastern cultures.
Hegel’s Interpretation of Determinate Religion
Authors: Hodgson Peter C. ,   Hegel Society of America
Published: May 2021

This is the first major study of Hegel’s treatment of the world religious in many years. It has much to commend it. The author possesses a mastery of the sources used by Hegel; he shows the pivotal position of “Determinate Religion” in Hegel’s philosophy of religion; he discusses the rise of Orientalism in the nineteenth century; and he demonstrates the connection between “the logic of the gods,” human self-recognition, and the slow progression of freedom in culture and history. My primary criticism is that Stewart does not utilize the resources provided by the critical edition of the Lectures on the Philosophy of Religion prepared by W. Jaeschke in the 1980s (even though he provides references to the Jaeschke edition). Stewart is interested in the composite picture rather than in how Hegel arranges, modifies, and experiments with the materials available to him in each of his four series of lectures. His picture is essentially the one provided by the old edition of 1840 and for this reason leaves much to be desired.
Silver-coated monolitic silica column for separation of benzo[a]pyrene from petroleum
Authors: Poškus Vilius , Vičkačkaitė Vida , Rokaitė Justina
Published: May 2021

Monolithic silica solid-phase extraction column has been successfully applied for the rapid fractionation and subsequent gas chromatographic analysis of benzo[a]pyrene from the diesel and oil matrix. Due to π-π electronic interactions between silver nanoparticles on the sorbent surface and aromatic analyte specific retention was achieved. It was demonstrated that only 0.2 g of the sorbent and 6 ml of the organic solvent are enough for such separation.
Development of the simultaneous analysis of choline salicylate, lidocaine hydrochloride and preservatives in a new dental gel by HPLC method
Authors: Maslii Yuliia , Bezruk Ivan , Materiienko Anna , Ruban Olena , Ivanauskas Liudas , Velia Mariia
Published: May 2021

A new high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the simultaneous quantitative determination of active pharmaceutical substances and preservatives in a new dental medication has been developed. The optimization of HPLC method parameters was done through studies of a mobile phase composition and a detection wavelength. Our developing method uses an ACE C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) and a gradient mode for separation with the acetonitrile and phosphate buffer solution (adjusted to pH 3.0) as mobile phases. The flow rate is 1 ml/ min, and the detection was set at 260 nm (DAD). The method was evaluated according to the ICH guidelines and the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine in terms of speciﬁcity, accuracy, linearity and precision (repeatability and intermediate precision). The limit of detection and the limit of quantification were also calculated. The developed method was put in place for the analysis of a combined dental gel to a quantitative determination of the APIs (choline salicylate, lidocaine hydrochloride) and preservatives (methylparaben, propylparaben).
Etnická identita Uruguayců
Authors:   Universidad de la República, Avenida 18 de Julio 1968, Montevideo, Uruguay, Josková Anna
Published: May 2021

This paper examines Uruguayan society, which, despite its multiethnic origins, has developed a homogeneous culture. The main objective is to define the main cultural elements and describe the attributes of the Uruguayan ethnicity. Based on the analysis of socio-cultural specificities, the thesis provides practical recommendations to facilitate good relations with the Uruguayan nation. These may be particularly useful for business people, potential international students, travelers or other visitors to Uruguay, and others interested in learning about the local people and their culture. The theoretical section explains basic concepts related to identity, ethnicity and nation, and also introduces theoretical concepts and approaches to these ambiguous phenomena. The practical part contains interpreted data from field research conducted by the author in Uruguay in 2018. The research is based on qualitative research methods and consists of two focus group interviews with Uruguayans, four semi-structured interviews with recent immigrants, and long-term observation. The significance of the research is all the more valuable because the findings presented are unique in the field of this previously uncovered topic.
Extent of Adoption of ANGRAU Technologies in Cotton Crop in Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Chowdary K. Raghavendra , Prasad S. V. , Vemaraju .
Published: May 2021

Cotton is the backbone of Indian textile industry, which produces 59% of the country’s total fiber production. Ex-post facto research design was selected as an appropriate research design to investigate the variables influencing extent of ANGRAU technologies in cotton cultivation. Two districts were selected purposively from Andhra Pradesh based on the highest area under cotton cultivation. The names of the selected districts were Kurnool and Guntur. Three mandals from each district were purposively selected based on the highest area of cotton cultivation thus constituting six mandals. Four villages from each mandal were selected by following simple random sampling procedure. The sample constituted to a total of twenty four villages. From each of the selected village, ten farmers were selected by following lottery method of simple random sampling procedure. The sample constituted to a total of 240 respondents. Cent per cent of the farmers had adopted seed rate followed by overwhelmingly (92.08%) of the members had adopted spacing per cent had adopted disease management  practices, 53.33 per cent had adopted weed management, more than half (52.50%) had adopted harvesting and water management practices, 32.5 per cent had adopted nutrient management, 15.83 per cent had adopted fertilizer management and minute (3.33%) had adopted recommended varieties of SAU. In overall level of extent of adoption of recommended practices in cotton cultivation more than half (60.00%) of the cotton farmers had medium adoption of recommended practices in cotton cultivation followed by one-fifth (20.00%) of the cotton farmers had high adoption of recommended practices in cotton cultivation and rest (20.00%) had low adoption of recommended practices in cotton cultivation.
Factors Influencing the Performance of Cooperative Vis-À-Vis Private Dairy Industries in Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Vykhaneswari K. , Babu G. Sunil Kumar
Published: May 2021

A study was carried out to analyze the factors influencing the performance of dairy industries in Andhra Pradesh. Principal component analysis, a multivariate technique was employed to determine the factor influencing dairy industries. The variable of milk procurement with highest loadings of 0.925 under first component was the most influencing factor showing the performance of the industries. The next most dominant factor was milk sold by the industries per year with loadings of 0.912 comes under second component. Likewise, the overall selected variables were represented under four components with high component loadings. Out of the four components considered, milk procurement by the different dairies was the most influencing factor that shows the performance of dairy industry.
Adoption of Agricultural Labour Saving Tools by Farm Women in India and Gujarat – An Overview
Authors: Thakar Dipti
Published: May 2021

Aim: The purpose of this paper is to overview the adoption of labour saving tools by women working in the agricultural farms in India and special reference to the Gujarat state.

Methodology: The study is based on the secondary sources. A systematic methodological approach has been adopted while reviewing various related literature of India and Gujarat. The conclusion of the study is based on the systematic review analysis of key findings.

Review analysis: Farm women have been found using both traditional and improved labour saving tools. Lack of adoption of improved tools was reported in various literatures, however, the adoption level by the farm women found to increase after trainings. The gain in understanding and skill about labour saving tools increase work efficiency and save their time.

Conclusion: The study concluded that the practices of labour saving tools are not satisfactory due to the lack of awareness. The capacity building training enhance in using the labour saving tools efficiently.
Impacts of Food Loss on the Cost of Cultivation: A Study on Agriculture Commodities of India
Authors: Sutradhar Sumit
Published: May 2021

India is the respectable producer of most of the food grains in the world despite such a large production we are the 102nd rank in global hunger index 2019 and one of the most starving nations of the world. For a country like India production is not a problem anymore but the food available for human consumption is the problem as there is a huge amount of food loss in the marketing chain  [1,2,3]. India losses a large amount of its production in post-harvest activities due to under established supply chains and poor infrastructure. So, this paper studies the effect of post-harvest losses on the cost of food production in the long-terms both empirically (Simple regression analysis) and theoretically (law of Scarcity by Lionel Robbins) from 1997 to 2017 and unravels that they are positively correlated i.e., post-harvest losses are one of major determining factor for actual price hike in the cost of cultivation of major agriculture commodities in India.
Effect of Antioxidant-rich Nutraceuticals in the Management of High Fat Diet-induced Obesity in Albino Rats
Authors: Nwaogu Jude , Abubakar Ibrahim Babangida , Udeze Chizoba Maria , Jeremiah Ukperoro Uyoyo
Published: May 2021

Background: Obesity, a metabolic disorder caused by an imbalance in energy intake and energy expenditure, is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular heart diseases (CHD) and some types of cancer. This research was designed to investigate the effect of antioxidant rich- nutraceuticals in the management of high fat diet-induced obesity in rats.

Method: Induction of obesity was achieved by feeding rats with a formulated high fat diet (HFD) for ten (10) weeks. Rats were subsequently group administered 250mg/kg body weight and 500mg/kg body weight of the nutraceutical respectively while apple cider vinegar of 5ml/kg body weight was administered to the standard group.       

Result: Supplementation showed significant (P<0.05) decrease in the glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein- cholesterol, malondialdehyde and increased in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and antioxidant status as compared with untreated high fat diet groups. However, there was no significant difference between supplementation of 500mg/kg and the standard group treated with 5ml/kg of Apple cider vinegar.

Conclusion: Antioxidant rich nutraceuticals could provide a protective effect against oxidative stress in obesity and remedy complications associated with obesity by reversing the damage to near normal.
The Determinants of Capital Structure Choice: Evidence from Bangladeshi FMCG Companies
Authors: Kalam Kh Khaled , Khatoon An-Nisha
Published: May 2021

This paper offers empirical proof of Bangladesh's theories of capital markets and analyses the effects of the failure to introduce a secondary capital market in relation to Bangladesh. The findings from the cross-sectional OLS regression demonstrate that both the static deal theory and the cost theory of the organisation are applicable to the capital structure of the Bangladesh Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies. The lack of a secondary market will affect the costs of an entity because shareholders unable to decommission their shares may place pressure on management to behave in their best interests. We analyse in this paper, using a sample of 5 Bangladeshi FMCG companies for the period from 2014 to 2019, the determinants of Bangladesh's Debt to Total Asset. This study reveals that Bangladesh's listed Food and Allied company's average leverage ratio is close to that of other countries in the growth of the economy. The study also shows that the Company's Profitability is strongly and positively linked to the asset structure, Size, Profitability, growth and business risks. A firm's Size has a statistically significant negative impact on Debt to Total Asset.
Activity-determined Steps on the Attenuation of Atmospheric PM2.5 Concentration Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) at the Country Level: Empirical Evidence in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Wu-Jang
Published: May 2021

Finding ways to minimize the atmospheric concentration of PM2.5 is an emergency issue throughout the world. This research has found a method to calculate historical PM2.5 data and to define the PM2.5 environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) pattern in Taiwan. From the analysis of the Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency’s public emission data, results showed that the continuous decay of PM2.5 is mostly contributed by the energy policy, while several short-term regular stepwise fluctuations in PM2.5 concentrations are caused by natural activity. Our study also proved that the linear decay with stepwise fluctuations also exhibits an EKC pattern.

The results herein mean that the continuous decay of PM2.5 is caused by the energy policy, while the regular fluctuation of PM2.5 concentrations is caused by natural activity, like the La Nino phenomena. Based on the viewpoint of this paper, the oil consumption percentage for electricity generation should be first reduced to zero. However, oil-based power plants are an important emergency source of electricity supply. If Taiwan wants to continue the reduction of PM2.5 in the future, then a big capacity electric storage facility should be built as an emergency source of electricity supply. The energy policy in Taiwan at 2025 will be 50% natural gas, 30% coal, and 20% green energy. As oil fuel will reach 0%, PM2.5 will be affected by the energy intensity contributed from coal and natural gas, meaning that PM2.5 will maintain a long-term attenuation trend until 2035.
Networking, Personality and Institutional Factors on SMEs Internationalization Process: A Literature-Based View
Authors: Realita Tasnim Nikmatullah , Sudarmiatin . , Mukhlis Imam
Published: May 2021

SMEs are one of the economic entities that form the backbone of the economy in many countries. SMEs contribute substantial GDP to the country and are one of the solutions for efforts to provide employment and economic performance. However, so far SMEs have only been able to serve the domestic market, even though they have great potential to enter the international market. Not many SMEs are brave and motivated to do pivot businesses by utilizing digital technology and the era of openness to expanding overseas markets. Some many factors are suspected to be the cause. Through the literature review method, this paper seeks to identify the factors that influence SMEs to go international, primarily from the point of view of individual factors and organizational factors. From the results of previous research conducted in many countries, it was found that the individual factors and organizational factors contributed significantly to the decision making of SMEs to Go International.
Evaluating the Nitrate to Phosphate Ratio and Other Physicochemical Characteristics of Different Water Sources in Yeghe Community, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Wemedo S. A. , Sampson T. , Dick B.
Published: May 2021

Water quality determination has become essential in characterising the nature of water used by humans for various purposes. This study was therefore carried out to assess the nitrate to phosphate ratio and other physical and chemical parameters influencing the quality of water used for domestic purposes in Yeghe Community, Rivers State, Nigeria. Water samples (from 3 boreholes, 3 river points and 3 wells) were collected randomly for each study period, and subjected to standard laboratory procedures to analyse for parameters such as temperature, pH, nitrate nitrogen, phosphate, total dissolved solid (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO) and electrical conductivity, using standard procedures. Nutrient limitation in the water sources was evaluated based on critical ratios produced by Redfield, using nitrate and phosphate as limiting nutrients. The nitrate to phosphate ratios indicated that there were more of phosphate limitations in the samples, as only two of the samples showed nitrate limitation, with the well water samples showing no nitrate limitation.  The study also showed that all the physico-chemical parameters were within the WHO limits, except for pH that had values below the regulatory standard. Statistical evaluation of the data showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the physicochemical parameters of the different water sources (river, tap and well), except for temperature that recorded no significant difference (p > 0.05). This novel study on physicochemical water quality determinants has provided baseline and reference data set for monitoring the pollution status of the different water sources of this rural community. Local health authorities should however regulate anthropogenic activities around these water sources to ensure the availability of safe for use water sources in this locality.
Eco-cinegetic Management in Romania’s Maramureș Forest District
Authors: Helindian Andrei Nicolae , Cioruța Bogdan-Vasile
Published: May 2021

Hunting has been one of the first major concerns of humans since their appearance on this earth for many thousands of years. For the civilized world, however, the hunting activity made huge leaps of content, manifestation, and attitude, eventually reaching to be defined as a cultural, educational, recreational, sports, and even art activity. The present paper has as a subject the national hunting fund, having as a case study, the hunting fund of Maramureș county, specifically, the Vișeu district. We presented the national situation regarding the hunting fund, and only later, after reviewing the definition and characteristics of hunting, we started to present the data for Vișeu district hunting fund, noting that it has a significant hunting potential supported by sustainable management that may still involve adjustment, improvements, and assignment of methodologies, strategies and good environmental practices.
Helminthofauna of Three Wild Achatina Species from a Rural Community of South Eastern Nigeria: A Potential Public Health Problem
Authors: Elom Michael O. , Okpara-Elom Ifeoma A.
Published: May 2021

A total of 405 land snails were collected by hand picking from the study area between November 2018 and August 2019. The snails were morphologically identified using standard procedures. Shannon Weiner index was used to determine the distribution of the snail species during sampling. Light and teasing methods were used to isolate some of the parasites from the snails. The snails were dissected and different parts of the viscera were examined for parasites, using standard parasitological techniques. The isolated parasites were identified using parasitological guides. Achatina achatina was the most abundant snail species while A. marginata was the least abundant. Greater numbers of snails were collected in the wet season than in the dry season, with no observed complete dominance of any of the species. In the dry season, A. fulica was infected by almost all the parasites, with an overall highest prevalence of 32.69%. More snails were infected in wet season in comparison with the dry season, with higher prevalence of (46.91%vs 32.69%). There was co-infection of the snails with at least two of the parasite species. In both wet and dry seasons, A. marginata had an overall least infection prevalence of 11.77% and 4.55% respectively while A. Fulica was infected most with prevalence of (46.91%vs 32.69%). Proper cooking of snails, proper washing of vegetables, public health education and provision of good toilet facilities are recommended for control of snail-borne parasites especially the zoonotic ones.
Cosmological effects on Size Evolution of some Extragalactic Radio Sources and Quasar/Galaxy Unification
Authors: Chukwuemerie Ezeugo Jeremiah
Published: May 2021

We use analytical methods to develop a mathematical model that expresses the relationship between the linear size  of some extragalactic radio sources (EGRS) and their redshift . Result shows that , where . For the purpose of obtaining an empirical relation of similar form, we carry out simple linear regression analyses of the observed linear sizes of these EGRS in our sample against their respective observed redshifts. We obtain an empirical relation of the form, , where  and  for radio-loud quasars and radio galaxies respectively, with correlation coefficients given by,  for each of the sources. The correlation is marginal/slight. Comparing the theoretical and empirical relations, we find that the  data show an inverse correlation which is similar to the theory. This suggestively indicates presence of cosmological effects on the size evolution of the radio sources. Moreover, we find that similarity in the behavior of the two sources in the  plane, simply supports quasar/galaxy unification scheme in which the different observable properties that characterize these two subclasses of radio sources are aspect-dependent.
Phase Change and Space Travel
Authors: Jennings John H.
Published: May 2021

Here we discuss the implications of phase change equations and what bearing they might have on interstellar space travel.  The phase change equations are derived from either thermodynamics or statistical mechanics and have a similarity. Then, the main equation for limit of superheat is posited to be a solution to the problem of propulsion in space travel.  There are two matter-antimatter systems considered: electron – positron and hydrogen – antihydrogen.  What is involved in the space travel problem is harvesting of antimatter in magnetic bottles and keeping it separate.
IoT for Smart Environment Monitoring Based on Python: A Review
Authors: Haji Saad Hikmat , Sallow Amira B.
Published: May 2021

Air pollution, water pollution, and radiation pollution are significant environmental factors that need to be addressed. Proper monitoring is crucial with the goal that by preserving a healthy society, the planet can achieve sustainable development. With advancements in the internet of things (IoT) and the improvement of modern sensors, environmental monitoring has evolved into a smart environment monitoring (SEM) system in recent years. This article aims to have a critical overview of significant contributions and SEM research, which include monitoring the quality of air , water pollution, radiation pollution, and agricultural systems. The review is divided based on the objectives of applying SEM methods, analyzing each objective about the sensors used, machine learning, and classification methods. Moreover, the authors have thoroughly examined how advancements in sensor technology, the Internet of Things, and machine learning methods have made environmental monitoring into a truly smart monitoring system.
Hesitancy of Covid-19 Vaccination among Health Workers (other than Doctors) in a Tertiary Hospital in South-South, Nigeria
Authors: Oriji P. C. , Allagoa D. O. , Wagio T. J. , Obagah L. , Tekenah E. S. , Ozori S. E.
Published: May 2021

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease of the respiratory system that is caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation on the 11th of March, 2020.

Objective: To assess the reasons behind the low turnout of health workers (other than doctors) for COVID-19 vaccination in the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa between 1st and 23rd April, 2021. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of 182 health workers (excluding doctors) from all departments/units in the hospital. The data were collected with a predesigned questionnaire, and were analysed using IBM SPSS 23.0 version.

Results: About three-quarter were females (74.7%), and close to half were aged ≤35 years (47.8%). The respondents were Nurses, Pharmacists, Medical laboratory scientists, and Non-clinical officers. Only 27.4% took the vaccine. Most of those who refused the vaccine did so because they wanted to see what would happen to those who received the vaccine (70.5%). Others felt the vaccine has not gone through enough clinical trials (62.1%).

Conclusion: In this study, there was very poor turnout of health workers for COVID-19 vaccination. The factors that influenced acceptance of the vaccine were mainly COVID-19 related features. These findings suggest that people who have had personal experiences with the disease have a better understanding of the gravity of the situation, and hence are more likely to accept vaccination against the disease.
Study of Soil Microbial Population and Enzyme Activities under Jasmine Cultivation as Influenced by Nutrient Sources
Authors: Saliha B. Bhakiyathu , Banupriya B. , Balasubramaniam P. , Indirani R.
Published: May 2021

Multi nutrient deficiencies in soil have been reported with increasing frequency over the past two decades on a worldwide scale, is considered as an important factor that reduces yield and affects the quality of harvested products. Nutrient cycling and transformation of in soil is influenced by microbes and the availability of organic and inorganic nutrients to plants and microbes can both be controlled through enzyme activities. Keeping this in view a field experiment was conducted at O. Alangulam village of Thiruparankundram block, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu during 2016-18 to evaluate the influence of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on soil microbial population and enzyme activities and optimize the sulphur requirement of Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) which plays a key role in enhancing the yield and quality of flowers. The significantly higher bacterial population of 124 × 106 CFU g-1 was observed in the treatment that received pressmud as sulphur source @ 60 g sulphur/plant/year along with RDF (recommended dose of fertilisers were applied @ 60:120:120 g of N:P2O5:K2O/plant/ year in the form of urea, SSP and MOP).This was followed by the treatment that received pressmud @ 40 g sulphur/plant/year along with RDF (111 × 106 CFU g-1). Application of inorganic NPK fertilizers without organics decreased the activities of dehydrogenase and aryl sulphatase enzymes. The flower yield hectare-1 ranged from 3.8 to 15.4 tonnes ha-1as influenced by various nutrient sources. Application of RDF along with Gypsum @ 60 g sulphur/ plant/year recorded significantly higher yield followed by the treatment that received RDF along with Pressmud @ 60 g sulphur/plant/year.
Evaluating Heritability and Relationships among Phosphorus Efficiency Traits in Maize under Low P Soils of Western Kenya
Authors: Ouma Evans Ochieng
Published: May 2021

Low available phosphorus (P) remains a major limitation to maize (Zea mays L.) productivity across the world. Selection for P efficiency is key as part of strategies to achieving agricultural sustainability. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine the phenotypic and genetic relationships among P-efficiency traits in maize under low P soils and (ii) determine the heritability of some of these traits under similar conditions. A total of 32 experimental maize hybrids were evaluated for tolerance to low P in a replicated trial at four locations for one season. The experiment was laid out in a split plot arrangement in RCBD replicated 3 times across two P levels (36 kgP/ha and 6 KgP/ha). Grain yield had the highest correlation (r= 0.44-0.95) with most P- efficiency traits at both P conditions. It also exhibited high positive and significant correlations with plant height (rg = 0.72**) ear height (rg = 0.54*), cob Length (rg =0.81**) and stover yield (rg = 0.61**) while it was negatively correlated with days to anthesis and silking. The correlation between grain and shoot P concentration and grain P content with majority of the P efﬁciency indices (P acquisition &Utilization efficiencies &P efficiency) at both P levels was low & tended to be negative and non-significant indicating that seed P reserve, and stover P concentration, had minimal contribution to differential P efﬁciency. However, the relationship between shoot P content with P-efficiency traits was significant (r= 0.51-0.95), suggesting that shoot P content is a useful parameter in selecting for P efficiency in maize. Moderate to high heritability (0.50-0.95) was observed for the various traits showing that a large proportion of the observed variations were due to genetic differences among the hybrids. This study has determined genetic and phenotypic associations among P selection parameters that can help in flexing the selection methodologies to suite unique circumstances and environments.
Cichorium intybus Inhibits Doxorubicin- Induced Myocardial fibrosis in Wistar Rats Via Inflammatory Markers and Collagen Repression
Authors: Shelke Vishwadeep , Jadhav Ghanshyam , Mhaske Amol , Shirsath Vidya , Kamble Sagar , Sayyad Awais
Published: May 2021

Many allopathic medicines demand to remedy for myocardial fibrosis but fail to fulfill the purpose, because of side effects and high cost. Herbal medicine has fewer side effects and natural herbs are considered safe when compared with synthetic medicines. The present study aimed to study the effect of extract of Cichorium intybus on experimentally induced myocardial fibrosis in Wistar rats. The objective of the present study was to find out the possibilities of the use of Cichorium intybus as a supportive/ protective medicine and to explore the possible toxicities of Cichorium intybus in these models. Myocardial fibrosis was induced by Doxorubicin (2.5 mg/kg, i.p. Thrice a week) rats. Blood pressure, Collagen levels, Left ventricle weight index were effectively reduced in animal groups treated with the extract. The effect of extracts was studied on various oxidative stress markers like SOD, CAT, LOP, and NO. Extract of Cichorium intybus was shown significantly decreased in blood pressure and significantly shows the antioxidant effect when compared to the hypertensive control group.
Synergistic Antibacterial Activity of Lantana camara L., Parthenium hysterophorus L., Cannabis sativa L. and Justicia adhatoda L. Leaves Extract against Procured Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria In Vitro
Authors: Chandola Jyoti , Singh Pooja , Garg Rishabh , Sharma Narotam
Published: May 2021

The scientific study of this research has been focused on synergistic antibacterial activity of two weed plants, Lantana camara L., Parthenium hysterophorus L. alongwith two medicinal plants, Cannabis sativa L., Justicia adhatoda L. against multi- drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. Dried leaf powders of the plants were extracted using air-dried method followed by the ethanol- solvent extraction method for the crude extract of the leaves. The crude extracts were tested for antibacterial activity against three MDR bacteria, that is, one Gram positive bacteria- Staphylococcus aureus and two Gram negative bacteria- Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. Out of 18 antibiotics tested against procured bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus was resistant to 10 out of 10 tested antibiotics, Escherichia coli was resistant to 4 out of 12 tested antibiotics and Proteus mirabilis was resistant to 9 out of 10 tested antibiotics. The tested weed plants and the medicinal plants when combined together showed more zone of inhibition against multidrug resistant bacteria ( Two combinations of phytochemicals Lantana camara, Cannabis sativa and Lantana camara, Cannabis sativa, Justicia adhatoda, Parthenium hysterophorus showed maximum zones of inhibition, that is, 30 mm) as compared to when these plants were tested solitarily, showing pronounced antibacterial activity. These findings showed that the antibacterial activity enhanced when they were combined together and this potential could be used against various infectious diseases with more research and modification in this area. Weed plants also holds as much importance as the medicinal plants although not to that extent, but they clearly inhibit the growth of bacteria and this property of weeds along with the medicinal plants holds a promising future in treating many diseases caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria on the pharmaceutical level.
Ameliorative effect of Ethanol Extract of Annona Muricata Leaves in Sodium Arsenite Induced- Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: A. M. Adegboyega , O. A. Odunola , K. A. Akinwumi , O. Babalola , A. Akinwande
Published: May 2021

Ingestion of arsenic, a known contaminant in drinking water causes cancer at multiple tissues and there is no cure. Consumption of arsenic contaminated water has been implicated metalloid-induced carcinogenesis. Research is therefore directed at chemoprevention using medicinal herbs for the management of arsenicosis. In this study hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of Annona muricata (AM) leaves was assessed against sodium arsenite (SA) induced hepatic injury in albino rats. The animals were pre-treated with either 250 or 500mg/kg body weight of rat before exposure to SA. SA was dissolved in distilled water and administered at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight on the 7th, 14th and 21st day of the experiment. SA was observed to induce a significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase activities (ALP). However, pretreatments of rats with various doses of AM significantly (P<0.005) reduced serum enzyme levels to near normal against SA treated rats. Furthermore, histopathological observations revealed that treatment with AM extract protected the animals from SA induced liver damage. The results indicated that the leaves of Annona muricata possess hepatoprotective activity on SA induced hepatic injury in rats.
Clinical Outcomes of Trans-caesarean and Vaginal Post-placental CuT380A IUCD Insertions: A Comparative Study
Authors: Okoye C. P. , Onwusulu D. N. , Nnamani C. P.
Published: May 2021

Background: Immediate postpartum CuT380A intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) insertion provides a novel approach in reducing the unmet contraceptive needs of family planning. The insertion can be trans-caesarean or vaginal following delivery of the placenta. The clinical outcomes of the different routes of insertion have not been adequately studied.

Aim: The study aimed at comparing the clinical outcomes following trans-caesarean and vaginal post-placental insertions of CuT380A IUCD.

Methodology: The study was a prospective cohort study of 81 pregnant mothers managed at a tertiary health institution in southern Nigeria. They were recruited into two groups using a convenient sampling technique; 27 and 54 mothers in the caesarean and vaginal delivery groups respectively. The pregnant mothers were followed up till delivery and at the six weeks postnatal visit. Information on their socio-demographic characteristics, Obstetrics and Gynecology history were obtained with the aid of a proforma. The proforma was updated with the clinical outcomes of immediate PPIUCD insertions in the two groups, at the six weeks visit. Data obtained were analyzed using statistical package of social sciences version 21. Continuous variables were expressed as means and standard deviations. The Chi square test was used for dichotomous or categorical variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The study showed that PPIUCD is a safe practice in both vaginal and caesarean deliveries with no significant differences in clinical outcomes. However, incidence of missing string was higher in the caesarean group compared to vaginal group (81.5% vs 51.9%; p value-0.01); and expulsion rate was also high in the vaginal group but not significant. (13.0% vs 7.4%; p value 0.45).

Conclusion: Immediate postpartum CuT380A contraception, irrespective of route of insertion, is convenient, effective, and safe. Although there is a relatively higher incidence of missing strings, including expulsions after vaginal PPIUCD insertions, immediate post-partum contraception should be encouraged. This will help to reduce high unmet contraceptive needs in our environment and loss to follow up irrespective of route of delivery.

Recommendation: Immediate PPIUCD, irrespective of the route, should be encouraged and integrated into the existing Maternal and Child Health Programme. Awareness should be created to promote acceptance in our environment.
WHO Five Keys to Safer Food Handling: Knowledge and Practice among Food Handlers in Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto, Nigeria
Authors: Raji Ismail Abdullateef , Oche Oche Mansur , Kaoje Aminu Umar , Mohammed Yahaya , Isah Balarabe Adamu , Raji Mansur Olayinka , Awosan Kehinde Joseph , Abubakar Auwal Usman , Mohmmed Amina
Published: May 2021

Background: The (WHO) developed the five keys to safer food which was designed to be practical and straightforward for food handlers. In recognition of the role they play in preventing Foodborne Disease (FBD) outbreak. In this study, we aimed to determine the knowledge and practice of the five keys to safer food among food handlers in food establishments in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between August and November 2019. We recruited 366 food handlers working in restaurants using a multistage sampling technique. We assessed knowledge and practice of five keys to safer food, and we examined the predictors of knowledge among the participants using chi-square and binary logistic regression at a 5% level of significance.

Results: More than two-thirds, 288 (78.7%) less than 40 years and less than half, 163 (44.5%), were involved in cooking the food. One hundred and twenty-seven (34.7%) have greater than five years’ experience. Overall, less than one-quarter, 87 (23.8%) had good knowledge of the five keys to safer food handling. One hundred and thirty-two (36.1%) wash hands before and during preparation most times. Two hundred and fifty-three (69.1%) never wash their hands after using the toilet, and 144 (39.3%).Age (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 10.05; 95% CI = 4.0 - 21.04), gender (aOR: 2.70 95CI = 1.44 - 5.09) and Education (aOR: 3.67; 95% CI = 1.92 - 7.01) were significant predictors of knowledge.

Conclusion: There is poor knowledge, and most of the practices of the five keys to safer food were below the required for food safety. Therefore, we recommend that the Sokoto state ministry of health coordinate training interventions on five keys to safer food with particular attention to those older than 40 years and those without formal education.
Unusual Adult Bilateral Osteochondroma of the Talus with Severe Peroneal Tendinitis and Adult Bilateral Osteochondroma of Calcaneum with Haglund Syndrome – A Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature
Authors: Raviraj A. , Samson Manish , Sugumar K. Abhishek , Maalepati Vidyasagar
Published: May 2021

We present two unusual cases of bilateral osteochondroma around the foot and ankle. The first case of a bilateral osteochondroma of the talus that presented with peroneal tendinitis and second of a case that presented as bilateral Haglund syndrome secondary to osteochondroma of the calcaneum. Both cases presented with an increase in size of the swelling in the sixth decade of life. This unusual presentation and bilaterality has not been reported in the literature.