bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doubting Perspectives and Creative Doubt
Authors: Chung Julianne ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2021

Doubt (especially self-doubt) is often considered to be an enemy of creativity. But, might it be its friend, too? We see, in the Zhuangzi (a fourth century BCE Daoist philosophical classic), a number of explorations that point toward an interesting affirmative answer to this question. To explain how the text can be interpreted as suggesting such an answer, this paper proceeds in two parts. First, in section one, I clarify what is meant by “doubt” for the purposes of this paper, as well as several ways in which it can be directed toward its relevant target: entire perspectives (rather than merely individual propositions or sets of propositions). Following that, in section two, I outline a conception of creativity suggested by aspects of the Zhuangzi, and explain how doubt (in the sense discussed in section one) can engender creativity (in the sense discussed in section two), as well as a few reasons that this matters. I then close by briefly discussing two caveats.
Evaluate and Intervene in Sensory Processing Disorders by Occupational Therapists in Early Intervention Teams of the North of Portugal
Authors: Araújo Aline Patriota , Pereira Ana Paula da Silva , Reis Helena I.S.
Published: December 2021

Background: The National Early Childhood Intervention System of Portugal is an organized set of services under the responsibility of the Ministries of Health, Labor, and Social Security and Education aimed to support children between 0 and 6 years old and their families, and its mission is to ensure Early Childhood Intervention. At present, there is no research to support the extent of the use of sensory interventions in early intervention teams of Portugal.

Aims: This study aims to analyze and understand the role of occupational therapists who support children with Sensory Processing Dysfunction and their families in local Early Intervention Teams.

Methods: A qualitative and descriptive research was developed using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted with ten occupational therapists who have worked in Early Intervention Teams in the North of Portugal for at least one year.

Results: Modulation and Praxis were the categories of Sensory Processing Dysfunction most identified. Families consider that Sensory Processing Dysfunctions interfere with children's performance in activities of daily living and playing. Early childhood educators report that Sensory Processing Dysfunctions influence the child's participation in food, playing, and in more structured and directed activities. To transfer skills, occupational therapists organize training for professionals, families, and early childhood educators.

Conclusion: The importance of collaborative work between professionals and the child's family is evident, and the support they provide in the natural environment and daily routines.
Perceptions of Students with Disabilities on Reasonable Accommodation at a Tertiary Education: A Case of a Rural University in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Mukwevho M.H. , Gadisi A.
Published: December 2021

The advent of democracy in South Africa has put initiatives to redress social injustice suffered by women and people with disabilities. Enrollment of students with disabilities at universities increases yearly, influencing an increase in buying of assistive technologies to enable a teaching and learning environment.

This paper explores the perceptions of students with disabilities on the role of reasonable accommodation in terms of accessibility and facilitation of teaching and learning at the university based on the human rights approach. A pre-corvid 19 pandemic survey used a convergent parallel mixed-method design to evaluate perceptions of reasonable accommodation on the campus. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected roughly simultaneously and integrated into the interpretation of the overall results. A focus group comprised of the representatives of students with disabilities was interviewed. The surveyed population comprised all students with disabilities between the ages of 18 to 25 registered with the Disability Support Unit (DSU) of the University of Venda. The questionnaires collected reasonable accommodation perceptions and satisfaction rates from students about organizational support and training. The distributed questionnaires produced a 90% response rate. The findings highlighted that students with disabilities encountered barriers of inaccessibility to classrooms and residents. Adequate learning material is a barrier for students with visual disabilities. Institutional budget and item costs render buying assistive technologies and building new infrastructures for students with disabilities a constraint. Policy and practice in the institution remain a limitation to interfacing education and disability smoothly.
Características sensoriais de licor artesanal de umbu com microalga
Authors: Silva Vanessa Dayane Nunes da , Gatti Victória Carolline do Moraes , Carvalho Fábio Israel Martins , Oliveira Job Teixeira de , Silva Priscilla Andrade , Santana Maria Cecília Castelo Branco de , Neto João Paixão dos Santos
Published: December 2021

O umbu (Spondias tuberosa Arruda) é uma fonte vegetal muito importante para a Caatinga, por possuir compostos importantes para alimentação. A microalga Spirulina spp. tem uso como suplemento alimentar funcional. No presente estudo, objetivou-se elaborar e avaliar as características sensoriais dos licores das folhas e dos frutos de umbu, acrescidos de microalga Spirulina spp., obtidos no Instituto Federal de Alagoas, localizado no município de Piranhas - AL. Foram elaboradas quatro formulações de licor da folha do umbu e quatro formulações de licor da polpa do umbu, adicionados de microalga Spirulina spp. Os licores foram avaliados sensorialmente quanto aos atributos aparência, cor, aroma, sabor e textura, utilizando-se da escala hedônica estruturada de nove pontos, sendo os extremos desgostei muitíssimo (1) e gostei muitíssimo (9). Para a intenção de compra, utilizou-se a escala estruturada de cinco pontos, cujos extremos foram: eu certamente compraria (1) e eu certamente não compraria (5). A partir destes resultados, observou-se a capacidade destes licores no processamento agroindustrial, pois possuem elevados rendimentos. E que a inclusão de microalga potencializa o valor nutricional do licor, com elevada aceitação sensorial pelos potenciais consumidores.
O Podcast como ferramenta de educação ambiental na formação inicial em Ciências Biológicas
Authors: Oliveira Larissa Belízia Baracho de , Silva Clécio Danilo Dias da , Almeida Lúcia Maria de , Souza Priscila Daniele Fernandes Bezerra
Published: December 2021

A sociedade atual está imersa em um contexto conflitante, convivendo com a dualidade do consumismo exacerbado e do ambientalmente correto. Assim, é importante ressaltar que a forma como o homem percebe o ambiente tem grande influência em sua postura diante da natureza. Nessa perspectiva, a Educação Ambiental (EA) atrelada as tecnologias da educação e comunicação, surge como uma ferramenta de sensibilização e transformação da consciência humana, promovendo a mudança de hábitos. Nesse cenário, o professor como mediador, e facilitador da aprendizagem, é capaz de sensibilizar o indivíduo sobre o seu papel na sociedade. O presente trabalho teve como objetivos utilizar o Podcast como ferramenta de informação e discussão sobre a temática dos resíduos sólidos, apresentar notícias referentes a problemática dos resíduos sólidos através de jornais de grande circulação, analisar a percepção de graduandos em ciências biológicas sobre os resíduos e sensibilização ambiental por meio da aplicação do Podcast. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como quali-quantitativa, com procedimentos direcionados à Análise de Conteúdo. Verificou-se que os graduandos conhecem a ferramenta Podcast e a compreendem como facilitadora no processo de aprendizagem e sensibilização. No que tange à Educação Ambiental atrelada a utilização das ferramentas tecnológicas, assegura-se a ideia de que a união dessas linhas possibilita, de fato, a sensibilização dos indivíduos, visto que, em virtude dos avanços ocorridos nas sociedades, a tecnologia aproxima os conteúdos da realidade de mundo dos estudantes.
ANALYSIS OF EFFECTS OF MECHANICAL LOADS, THERMAL FLUCTUATIONS AND CHEMICAL FACTORS ON THE BOND STRENGTH OF RESIN CEMENT TO TITANIUM AND CoCrMo ALLOYS IN IMPLANT SYSTEMS – IN VITRO STUDY
Authors: Veselinović Valentina , Rudolf Rebeka , Grebenar Aleksandra , Čairović Aleksandra , Gnjato Sanja , Trtić Nataša , Pavlić Verica
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Cements in the oral cavity are subjected to many factors affecting cement retention, the major ones being masticatory loads and thermal stress. The gold standard in cementing restorations in the contemporary implant prosthodontics are resin cements while their predisposition to the effects of oral cavity environment presents a major factor for the efficiency of dental implant treatment. Material and method: In the study, we used 40 test models made up of a combination of original components of the Nobel Biocare system (implant replica NobRplN and titanium suprastructure Easy abatement NP 0.75) and the restoration cast in CoCrMo alloy. The specimens were divided in 4 test groups with 10 specimens each. The specimens in each group were cemented with resin composite cement with or without using the metal primer. Group I – Multilink Implant, IvoclarVivadent, Liechtenstein, Group II – Multilink Implant, IvoclarVivadent, Liechtenstein + Monobond Plus, Group III G-CEM LinkAce®, Group IV - G-CEM LinkAce® + GC Metalprimer II. The specimens were stored in 100% relative humidity for 24 hours whereupon each group underwent 5 rounds of testing. The specimens were subjected to thermal and mechanical load cycling tests whose number reflected the period of simulation of the function in the oral cavity (unloaded specimens, 7 days of function, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months). The retention force was measured by the Universal testing machine. Results: The highest retention values of the resin composite cement were recorded during the initial tests, which then declined in the subsequent rounds of testing. The biggest fall was measured in the first week after the cementation, while the cross-comparison of the later rounds of testing did not show any statistically significant differences. The values of the retention force of resin composite cements 12 months after the cementation dropped by one third of the initial values. All recorded values were higher in the specimens with primer coating. Conclusion: Masticatory forces and temperature changes in the oral cavity reduced the retention values of resin cement, but its values after 12 months of function were still high and provided stability and retention of the restoration in function. The usage of metal primer had a significant effect on retention force values at all levels of testing.
SOLID SOLUBILITY IN Cu5Gd1-xCax SYSTEM: STRUCTURE, STABILITY, HYDROGENATION AND CATALYSIS OF OXYGEN REDUCTION
Authors: Kocjan Andraž , Kelhar Luka , Gradišek Anton , Likozar Blaž , Žagar Kristina , Kobe Spomenka , Dubois Jean-Marie
Published: December 2021

We studied the effects of substituting gadolinium in the compound Cu5Gd with Ca by investigating the phase stability and crystal structure of the resulting new compounds. For rapidly quenched materials produced by melt spinning, the crystal structure was always hexagonal P6/mmm, irrespective of the Ca addition (x) in alloys with the formula Cu5Gd1-xCax, indicating good solid solubility under these conditions, which was additionally confirmed by Vegard’s law. Slower cooling upon arc-melting process caused the phase separation into Cu4Gd and CuCa. Using TEM, we investigated rapidly solidified ribbons of Cu5Gd0.5Ca0.5 and observed co-existence of Cu–Ca secondary phase with a matrix phase having the nominal stoichiometric composition. The oxygen level in this sample was found to be within 2–5 at. %, which was attributed to surface oxidation during or after TEM sample preparation. Upon hydrogenation, the crystal structure of all samples changed from hexagonal to cubic (F-43m), which is the thermodynamically stable polymorph of Cu5Gd compound. Strong catalytic activity of water formation from gaseous H2 and O2 was coincidentally discovered during dehydrogenation experiment, thus making this material as potential candidate for zero-platinum oxygen reduction catalyst.
CONFIGURATIONAL FORCE EXERTED ON AN INHOMOGENEITY BY A PILEUP OF SCREW DISLOCATIONS
Authors: Lubarda Vlado A.
Published: December 2021

Configurational forces exerted by a screw dislocation pileup on a circular inhomogeneity or a bimaterial interface are determined for a given number of dislocations, the level of remotely applied stress, and a specified degree of material inhomogeneity. The interface shear stress is also evaluated and discussed.
SYNTHESIS AND NMR ANALYSIS OF THE STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF TRIBLOCK POLY(ESTER-SILOXANE-ESTER) COPOLYMER BASED ON L-LACTIDE
Authors: Balaban Milica , Sladojević Nataša , Antić Vesna
Published: December 2021

The synthesis, structure and composition of triblock poly(ester-siloxane-ester) copolymers, PLLA-PDMS-PLLA, based on α,ω–diaminopropyl-poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) and L-lactide were studied in this work. The samples of the controlled block length were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide in the presence of stannous octoate, Sn(Oct)2, as a catalyst, and aminopropyl-terminated siloxane prepolymer, as a macroinitiator, in a concentrated toluene solution. Influence of temperature and concentration of the catalyst on the structure, composition and size of the copolymers were investigated by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and dilute solution viscometry.
INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ON THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF POLYSTYRENE INSULATION MATERIALS
Authors: Ademović Zahida , Suljagić Jasmin , Zulić Jasmin
Published: December 2021

Polymers based on polystyrene are widely used as thermoplastic materials due to the diversity in application, easy processability and a relatively low price. About 45% of the produced polystyrene is produced as compact and foamed products. Cellular foam polystyrene could be produced as expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) and is mainly used as insulation material. Therefore, physical and chemical properties of expanded and extruded polystyrene is of particular importance for thermal conductivity of the material. In this study, four types of expanded polystyrene were tested. Coefficient of thermal conductivity and the resistance of heat transfer were measured and compared to as well as mecahnical properties of the materials. It was confirmed that the density and thickness of the polystyrene influence the resistance of heat transfer.
Binomial formulas via divisors of numbers
Authors:   Institute of Mathematics, Pedagogical University of Kraków, Gryszka Karol
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this note is to prove several binomial-like formulas whose exponents are values of the function ω(n) counting distinct prime factors of n.
Algorithms for computing sums of powers of arithmetic progressions by using Eulerian numbers
Authors:   Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nevada, Shiue Peter J. , Huang Shen C. ,   Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nevada, Reyes Jorge E. ,   Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nevada
Published: December 2021

The sums of powers of arithmetic progressions is of the form a^p+(a+d)^p +(a+2d)^p+\cdots+(a+(n-1)d)^p, where n\geq 1, p is a non-negative integer, and a and d are complex numbers with d\neq 0. This sum can be computed using classical Eulerian numbers \cite{worpitzky1883studien} and general Eulerian numbers \cite{xiong2013general}. This paper gives a new method using classical Eulerian numbers to compute this sum. The existing formula that uses general Eulerian numbers are more algorithmically complex due to more numbers to compute. This paper presents and focuses on two novel algorithms involving both types of Eulerian numbers. This paper gives a comparison to Xiong \textit{et al.}’s result with general Eulerian numbers \cite{xiong2013general}. Moreover, an analysis of theoretical time complexities is presented to show our algorithm is less complex. Various values of p are analyzed in the proposed algorithms to add significance to the results. The experimental results show the proposed algorithm remains around 70\% faster as p increases.
On certain inequalities for the prime counting function
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, Babeș-Bolyai University, Sándor József
Published: December 2021

We study certain inequalities for the prime counting function π(x). Particularly, a new proof and a refinement of an inequality from [1] is provided.
A plane trigonometric proof for the case n = 4 of Fermat’s Last Theorem
Authors:   Siemens Technology, Prabhakar Giri
Published: December 2021

We present a plane trigonometric proof for the case n = 4 of Fermat’s Last Theorem. We first show that every triplet of positive real numbers (a, b, c) satisfying a4 + b4 = c4 forms the sides of an acute triangle. The subsequent proof is founded upon the observation that the Pythagorean description of every such triangle expressed through the law of cosines must exactly equal the description of the triangle from the Fermat equation. On the basis of a geometric construction motivated by this observation, we derive a class of polynomials, the roots of which are the sides of these triangles. We show that the polynomials for a given triangle cannot all have rational roots. To the best of our knowledge, the approach offers new geometric and algebraic insight into the irrationality of the roots.
A few remarks on the values of the Bernoulli polynomials at rational arguments and some relations with ζ(2k + 1)
Authors:   Federal University of the ABC region, Brazil, de Camargo André Pierro , de Oliveira Teruya Giulliano Cogui ,   Federal University of the ABC region, Brazil
Published: December 2021

A problem posed by Lehmer in 1938 asks for simple closed formulae for the values of the even Bernoulli polynomials at rational arguments in terms of the Bernoulli numbers. We discuss this problem based on the Fourier expansion of the Bernoulli polynomials. We also give some necessary and sufficient conditions for ζ(2k + 1) be a rational multiple of π2k+1.
On k-circulant matrices with the generalized third-order Pell numbers
Authors:   Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University, Soykan Yüksel
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we obtain explicit forms of the sum of entries, the maximum column sum matrix norm, the maximum row sum matrix norm, Euclidean norm, eigenvalues and determinant of k-circulant matrix with the generalized third-order Pell numbers. We also study the spectral norm of this k-circulant matrix. Furthermore, some numerical results for demonstrating the validity of the hypotheses of our results are given.
Incomplete generalized Vieta–Pell and Vieta–Pell–Lucas polynomials
Authors:   Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Kuloğlu Bahar , Özkan Engin ,   Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Shannon Anthony G. ,   Warrane College, The University of New South Wales
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we introduce the incomplete Vieta–Pell and Vieta–Pell–Lucas polynomials. We give some properties, the recurrence relations and the generating function of these polynomials with suggestions for further research.
Corrigendum to “The Oresme sequence: The generalization of its matrix form and its hybridization process” [Notes on Number Theory and Discrete Mathematics, Vol. 27, 2021, No. 1, 101–111]
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of State of Ceara – IFCE, Treze of Maio, Brazil, Mangueira Milena Carolina dos Santos , Vieira Renata Passos Machado ,   Department of Mathematics, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of State of Ceara – IFCE, Treze of Maio, Brazil, Alves Francisco Regis Vieira ,   Department of Mathematics, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of State of Ceara – IFCE, Treze of Maio, Brazil, Catarino Paula Maria Machado Cruz ,   University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro – UTAD
Published: December 2021

The present Corrigendum contains a list of corrections applicable to the authors’ paper [1].
Leonardo’s three-dimensional relations and some identities
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Techonology of State of Ceara – IFCE, Vieira Renata Passos Machado , Mangueira Milena Carolina dos Santos ,   Department of Mathematics, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Techonology of State of Ceara – IFCE, Alves Francisco Regis Vieira ,   Department of Mathematics, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Techonology of State of Ceara – IFCE, Catarino Paula Maria Machado Cruz ,   University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro – UTAD
Published: December 2021

In this work, new results are explored in relation to the Leonardo sequence. With that, a study about this second order recursive sequence, little explored in the mathematical scope, is briefly presented, relating it to the Fibonacci sequence. Thus, its complexification process is carried out, where from its one-dimensional model, imaginary units are inserted, obtaining Leonardo’s three-dimensional numbers. In this way, the imaginary units i and j are inserted. Finally, some three-dimensional identities are presented for Leonardo’s numbers.
Assessing target engagement using proteome-wide solvent shift assays
Authors: Van Vranken Jonathan G , Li Jiaming , Mitchell Dylan C , Navarrete-Perea José , Gygi Steven P
Published: December 2021

Recent advances in mass spectrometry (MS) have enabled quantitative proteomics to become a powerful tool in the field of drug discovery, especially when applied toward proteome-wide target engagement studies. Similar to temperature gradients, increasing concentrations of organic solvents stimulate unfolding and precipitation of the cellular proteome. This property can be influenced by physical association with ligands and other molecules, making individual proteins more or less susceptible to solvent-induced denaturation. Herein, we report the development of proteome-wide solvent shift assays by combining the principles of solvent-induced precipitation (Zhang et al., 2020) with modern quantitative proteomics. Using this approach, we developed solvent proteome profiling (SPP), which is capable of establishing target engagement through analysis of SPP denaturation curves. We readily identified the specific targets of compounds with known mechanisms of action. As a further efficiency boost, we applied the concept of area under the curve analysis to develop solvent proteome integral solubility alteration (solvent-PISA) and demonstrate that this approach can serve as a reliable surrogate for SPP. We propose that by combining SPP with alternative methods, like thermal proteome profiling, it will be possible to increase the absolute number of high-quality melting curves that are attainable by either approach individually, thereby increasing the fraction of the proteome that can be screened for evidence of ligand binding.
Tightly coupled inhibitory and excitatory functional networks in the developing primary visual cortex
Authors: Mulholland Haleigh N , Hein Bettina , Kaschube Matthias , Smith Gordon B
Published: December 2021

Intracortical inhibition plays a critical role in shaping activity patterns in the mature cortex. However, little is known about the structure of inhibition in early development prior to the onset of sensory experience, a time when spontaneous activity exhibits long-range correlations predictive of mature functional networks. Here, using calcium imaging of GABAergic neurons in the ferret visual cortex, we show that spontaneous activity in inhibitory neurons is already highly organized into distributed modular networks before visual experience. Inhibitory neurons exhibit spatially modular activity with long-range correlations and precise local organization that is in quantitative agreement with excitatory networks. Furthermore, excitatory and inhibitory networks are strongly co-aligned at both millimeter and cellular scales. These results demonstrate a remarkable degree of organization in inhibitory networks early in the developing cortex, providing support for computational models of self-organizing networks and suggesting a mechanism for the emergence of distributed functional networks during development.
The Application of National Law and Composite Procedures in the Single Supervisory Mechanism. Did the Court of Justice of the EU find a New Van Gend en Loos?
Authors: Fernández Francisco Hernández
Published: December 2021

The Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) represents the most recent legal novelty in EU law. The SSM has created a hybrid dual administration formed by both national and European authorities. The application of national law and composite procedures make it more difficult to distinguish,
in practice, which courts should be responsible for evaluating the legality of the measures adopted. This article attempts to analyse the existence of a gap in the current system of legal protection, and suggests some proposals to continue to guarantee access to courts and a complete and coherent
system of judicial remedies under EU law. A possible extension of the approach used by the Court of Justice in the Rimšēvičs case could be considered in areas where there is a less marked distinction between EU and national law, such as in the SSM. Following this principle,
the Court should be able to directly annul any national act that contravenes EU law.
'On My Own': the Exploitation of Street-involved Children on the Rapidly Changing Thai-Cambodian Border
Authors: Davis Jarrett , Miles Glenn
Published: December 2021

The effects of regional and national conflicts often have pronounced impacts on the psychosocial and socioeconomic development of children, not only for those who directly experience conflict, but also for subsequent generations. The city of Poipet, which runs along the Thai-Cambodian
border, has been in a unique position to observe these effects. From the refugee camps on the Thai side of the border in the 1980s, through the writing of Cambodia's constitution in the 1990s, to the long period of recovery in which the areas have become synonymous with unsafe migration, trafficking,
and various forms of exploitation.
 The data shows that children who crossed the border for work demonstrated a heightened risk to physical and sexual violence. Gender was also found to be a considerable risk factor for street-involved children, with boys twice as likely as girls
to disclose experiences of physical violence, and four times as likely to disclose experiences of sexual violence. Despite this, neither males nor females perceived sexual violence as a danger for males.
 This research draws on primary data collected from 80 street-involved Cambodian
children living and/or working along the Thai-Cambodian border area of Poipet and Aranyaprathet and offers an initial analysis of their key experiences, perspectives, and vulnerabilities.
A short scale for measuring attitudes towards the doctor-patient relationship: psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the German Patient-Practitioner-Orientation Scale (PPOS-D6)
Authors: Pauli Roman , Wilhelmy Saskia
Published: December 2021

Background

The Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) was originally developed to compare doctor’s and patient’s consensus regarding patient centeredness. Research assumed PPOS measurements to be comparable across different groups of participants, however, without assessing the actual validity of this assumption. In this study, we investigate the psychometric properties and measurement invariance of a short version of the German translation of the PPOS.

Methods

Based on a cross-sectional survey of N = 332 medical students, we present a short version of the German Patient-Practitioner-Orientation Scale (PPOS-D6) and examine its psychometric properties as well as measurement invariance across participants with varying levels of medical experience and gender using multigroup confirmatory factor analyses.

Results

Results indicate that PPOS-D6 provides valid and reliable measurements of patient-centeredness that are invariant across participants with different medical experience. Preliminary results also suggest invariance across gender.

Conclusion

PPOS-D6 is a suitable and efficient measure to compare group-specific attitudes towards the doctor-patient interaction. Additional research on convergent and discriminant validity and divergent study samples is advised.
Outcome of Pregnancy in COVID-19 Positive Pregnant Women: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Datta Shreetoma , Ingole Sonali Jitendra , Ingole Jitendra R
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Pregnant women have also been affected globally due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As foeto-maternal unit is involved, hence it is important to know possible manifestations and outcome of COVID-19 affected pregnant women. The findings of the study can be a guide for betterment of COVID-19 affected antenatal patients care. Aim: To find the outcome of pregnancies affected by the COVID- 19 infection of the Antenatal care (ANC) patients who presented to the tertiary care hospital in terms of laboratory parameters, treatment of the infection, mode of delivery, adverse outcome if and presence of documented infection in newborn. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study done from May 2020 to December 2020 conducted on the admitted pregnant women to the tertiary care hospital who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus were included in the study. Data collection (symptoms, reports and treatment) from these pregnant COVID-19 positive patients was done. Patients who were discharged before delivery were contacted telephonically and were asked the relevant information. Results: During the study period, total 1150 COVID-19 positive patients were admitted to the hospital. Amongst these, there were 441 female patients including pregnant and non pregnant women. Amongst the 441 COVID-19 infected female patients, 20 were pregnant. Majority of the patients were in the age group of 21-30 years. An 85% of women were in their third trimester at the time of admission. Pre-eclampsia and Hypothyroidism were the major co-morbidities observed. Six maternal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions were noted. Breathlessness was the main symptom seen followed by sore throat, fever and cough. Previous Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) and foetal distress were cited as the main reasons for undergoing LSCS. No vertical transmission of virus was seen in the study. There were two neonatal ICU admission. Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) was administered to 33% patients. Fifty percent of the patients were prescribed steroids. Conclusion: Advanced gestational age, pre-eclampsia, hypothyroidism, elevated levels of d-dimer, Neutrophil/Lymphocyte (NL) ratio and C-reactive protein were seen as the main findings. Mother to child transmission was not observed in this study.
Growth Performance Characteristics of Cockerel Chicken Fed Diets containing Ginger Rhizome and Garlic Bulb powder
Authors: Onimawo I. A. , Adomeh E. E. , Isidahomen C. E. , Oguntade D. O. , Oshibanjo D. O.
Published: December 2021

The use of antibiotics in poultry production has raised global concern due to health risk associated with its residues in poultry products. A study was conducted to assess the growth performance characteristics of cockerel fed ginger and garlic based diets for a period of 12 weeks. A total of 180 day old Isa white cockerels were randomly allotted to 4 experimental treatment diets. Each dietary treatment was replicated 3 times with 15 chicks per replicate in a completely randomized design. Diet one had 0% ginger rhizome and garlic bulb powder (T1), diet 2 had 2% ginger rhizome powder (T2), diet 3 had 2% garlic bulb powder (T3) while diet 4 had 2% mixture (1:1) of ginger rhizome powder and garlic bulb powder (T4). The weights were measured and weight gain calculated on weekly basis. In addition, the feed intake and feed conversion ratio were measured and calculated on weekly basis. At starter phase, average initial weight, average final weight, average weekly feed intake and average daily feed intake were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the dietary treatments.  However, Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (P<0.05) highest (2.09) among birds placed on T2 while the lowest mean value of 1.30 was recorded in T3. At finisher phase, the average initial weight, average weekly feed intake, average daily feed intake and FCR were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the experimental diets. However, birds fed T4 had the highest (P<0.05) mean value of average final live weight (1796.67g) while the least value (1553.33g) was obtained in birds fed T3. The average daily weight gain were significantly (p<0.05) highest 37.14 g T2. It was concluded that ginger and garlic powder can be used successfully in cockerel diets at 2 % level of inclusion to enhance growth performance characteristics especially at finisher phase.
Environmental Control of Plant Primary Metabolism: Exploitation of Plant Plasticity in Perennial and Tree Crops
Authors: Bhattacharya Sumanta , Mukherjee Swrupananda , Mazumder Rituparna , Moni Chatterjee Sparsha
Published: December 2021

Perennial and tree crops are interwoven with environmental challenges in multiple ways, as anthropogenic global changes are a fundamental component in a variety of pressures that have negative consequences for farming. Climate controls have a wide range of detrimental effects on the land and crops. Rainfall, temperature, heat waves, pests or bacteria, CO2 or ozone levels, and marine flows are a few examples of environmental controls life. These alterations have a negative influence on the metabolisms of primary and secondary in plants, but they make use of the adaptability of plants also, which is referred to as plasticity.

Biological and metabolic characteristics, as well as plant genome mutations for greater adaptability, play an important impact on growth patterns. Pathogens and herbivores, for example, are important climatic regulators that induce unique plasticity within the plant system. The incredible adaptability is that the plants thrive under extreme conditions. Furthermore, more research and investigations are needed to determine how and to what extent plasticity can aid endurance. Because of the influence of various other factors, the results of previous studies have been inconsistent. They sense the stressor in the environment, become engaged, and then trigger the appropriate physiological responses. According to the GDB theory, the metabolic exchange is responsible for plant elasticity including the processes of growth and differentiation.

The genetic trade-off in plant life development is caused by the biological impact on growth and genetic alterations, as well as herbivory and plant-plant competition. In a traditional growth rate model, researchers separate the biological and evolutionary components to characterize the impact of competition in the development of this flexibility. Plant breeding is unquestionably important in the application of plasticity to stressful controls. In the current circumstances, larger yields under harsh environmental conditions are required to meet food demand.
Assessment of Microbiological Quality Associated with Ready- to- Eat Bush Meat Sold at Rumuokoro Market in Rivers State
Authors: Ikeh I. M. , Anele B. C. , Ogbodo U. A.
Published: December 2021

The study was carried out to investigate the Microbiological quality of microorganisms associated with ready-to-eat bush meat sold at Rumuokoro market in Rivers state. Totally 24 samples were collected and analyzed using different media such as Nutrient agar for Total aerobic plate count (TAPC), MacConkey agar for the coliform count, Eosin methylene blue for Escherichia coli (EC), and Potato Dextrose Agar for Fungal count (FC) and ten (10) fold serial dilution was used. Staphylococcus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Bacillus spp, and Escherichia coli were isolated. The total aerobic plate count (TAPC), E. coli count (EC)-Coliform count (CC), and Fungal count (FC) isolated from antelope were higher when compared to grass-cutter so there was a significant difference (P <0.005). The occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from antelope (26.9%) was higher when compared to grass- cutter (25.0%). However the occurrence of Pseudomonas spp and Bacillus spp isolated from Antelope (23.1% and 30.8%) were higher when compared to grass- cutter (12.5% and 18.5%) while the occurrence of the above organisms isolated on both Antelope is significantly difference (P<0.005) from grass cutter. But the occurrence of Aspergillus spp and Penicillium spp were higher in grass cutter sample (57.1%) and (42.9%) compared to antelope (55.6%) and (44.4%) respectively, although the mean difference was statistically significant (P<0.005) so there was significant difference. It is hereby recommended that most handlers should always wash hands before and after handling the meat as improper hand washing is the number one cause of food borne illness. Consumers of such meat should learn food hygiene practices such as, soaking the meat in warm salt solution, proper washing and well cooked before consumption.
Assessment of Some Haematological, Coagulation and Immune Parameters among Male Oil Refinery Workers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Bridget Obofoni Ehiaghe-Shepherd, , Serekara Gideon Christian, , Mgbeoma Eze, Evelyn
Published: December 2021

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the levels of some hematological, coagulation and immune parameters among male oil refinery workers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Study Design: This study is a cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited and Modular Oil Refinery, Rivers State, between January 2021 and September 2021.

Methodology: A total of one hundred (100) subjects (50 oil and gas workers as test subjects and 50 non-oil and gas workers as control subjects), were enrolled in the study. The convenient sampling technique was employed in the study. Venous blood samples were collected from all subjects and tested for Prothrombin Time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), Fibrinogen concentration, Full Blood Count (FBC) (Haemoglobin (Hb), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Total White Blood Cell (WBC) count, Lymphocyte, Neutrophils, monocytes and Platelet Count), CD4 cell count, CD3 cell count and CD8 cell count. Data generated were analyzed statistically using Graph-Pad Prism, Version 8.0.2.

Results: There was statistically significant decrease (P<.001) in Prothrombin time (PT) (11.55±0.73s), International Normalized Ratio (INR) (0.85±0.05), Fibrinogen (202.4±27.4mg/dl), Platelet count (185.6±37.1(103/μl)) and Neutrophils (46.6±6.4%) in oil refinery workers exposed to gas flare, while there was a statistical significant increase in APTT (31.8±4.15s), Hb (13.7±1.0g/dl), PCV (41.1±3.2%), Monocytes (8.4±3.0%) in subjects exposed to gas flare over control subjects with Prothrombin time(12.23±0.82s), INR(0.90±0.06), Fibrinogen(252.0±57.0mg/dl), platelet count(213.3±49.5(103/μl)) and Neutrophils(52.6±11.7%). Other parameters showed no statistical significant difference at P<.05 in both test and control subjects. Comparison of the mean ± standard deviation of the studied parameters in test subjects based on age using Analysis of Variance showed no statistically significant difference in all parameters at P<.05. Also, Comparison of the mean ± standard deviation of the studied parameters in test subjects based on duration of Exposure using Analysis of Variance showed a significant decrease in CD8 cells as the years of exposure increase (2-5years exposure = 865±319, 6-10years exposure = 579±288, 11-20 years exposure = 591± 286, F- Value = 3.869, P- Value = 0.0278).

Conclusion: In conclusion, based on the findings, some haematogical, coagulation and immune parameters increased while others decreased in male oil refinery workers and duration of exposure can also be considered as a risk factor and age was considered not a risk factor as to cause any aberrations in the studied parameters.
Effect of Silicon Nutrition on Yield, Uptake and Agronomic Efficiency of Paddy in Acid Lateritic Soils of Odisha
Authors: Das Aliva , Samant Prasanna Kumar , Sahu Gayatri , Santra Gour Hari
Published: December 2021

A field experiment was conducted in the central farm, Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station, Coastal Zone OUAT, Bhubaneswar during kharif 2020 using cv-Lalat variety of Rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with ten treatments and three replications. In this experiment BOF (Basic Oxygen Furnace) slag was used as a source of silica for application to rice crop. 200, 300 and 400 kg SiO2/ha was applied in combination with 50% STD and 75% STD in order to assess the efficacy of Silica with reduction in fertilizer dose by 50% and 25%. It was shown in case of grain yield, straw yield, and harvest index, 100% STD (T4) registered maximum (36.9q/ha) grain yield which was 29.4% more than that of control. Of course, grain yield in case of T9i.e., 75% STD+300kg SiO2/ha was at par 36.2q/ha indicated efficacy of silica application by reducing fertilizer dose. Harvest index was not significantly affected by Si treatments. However, maximum HI (0.478) was observed in T9. Available N, P, K and S status in post-harvest soil was increased significantly due to application of silica along with fertilizer over control indicated better availability of nutrients which plays a vital role in increasing production and productivity of rice. The content and uptake of N, P, K and Si was significantly increased over control due to application of silica with fertilizer. Though 100% STD (T4) was found to be very effective as compared to other treatments but 75% STD+300kgSiO2/ha was also equally effective so far as yield, yield attributing characters, available nutrient status, N, P, K and Si content and uptake along with Relative Agronomic Efficiency (RAE), Agronomic Efficiency (AE), Apparent Recovery (%) AR and Production Efficiency (PE) are concerned.
Molecular Characterization of Drought Tolerant Genotypes of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] for A1 Zone
Authors: Ambawat Supriya , Satyavathi C. Tara , Meena R. C. , Meena Rajbala , Gurjar Narayan Ram , Khandelwal Vikas
Published: December 2021

Pearl millet is a widely grown, climate resilient rainfed cereal crop cultivated on 29 million ha in the arid and semi-arid tropical regions of Asia and Africa accounting for almost half of global millet production. It is useful for minimizing the adverse effect of climate change, hence facilitating income and food security among farming communities. It has deep root system and exhibit climate-resilient features including adaptation to a wide range of ecological conditions, less irrigational requirements, better growth and productivity in low nutrient input conditions, less dependent on synthetic fertilizers and minimum vulnerability to environmental stresses and thus can survive in harsh climatic conditions, less fertile soil under water scarcity. Breeding of drought tolerant varieties and selecting genotypes for better water use efficiency is important in pearl millet to mitigate the changing climatic scenario. In this study, 24 genotypes of pearl millet which are drought tolerant and specific for A1 zone were characterized using 15 drought specific SSR primers. All the 15 SSRs amplified products of varying sizes ranging between 90-550 bp. A total of 40 alleles were obtained in this study and the number of alleles per locus varied between 2 to 5 with an average of 2.67 alleles. Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) varied from 0.34 to 0.76 with an average of 0.53 PIC value. This study will be useful for developing high yielding, dual purpose cultivars for low rainfall areas i.e. A1 zone and increasing pearl millet productivity.
Association of Adiponutrin/Patatin Like Phospholipase 3 (PNPLA3) I148M Gene Variant with Chronic Hepatitis C in Egyptian Children
Authors: Motawae Mahmoud Mohamed , El-Aziz Awad Mohiee El-Deen Abd , Elaraby Hanaa Ahmed , El-Wahed Eid Manal Abd , Soliman Hanan Hamed , Ahmed Ehsan Nermine , El-Deen El-Sawy Doaa Mohammed Salah
Published: December 2021

Background: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) represents a leading cause of liver-related mortality worldwide. The patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 gene (PNPLA3/adiponutrin) rs738409 (I148M) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been reported to be linked with the severity and progression of liver fat content and liver fibrosis in CHC among different racial groups. Such reports are lacking in CHC Egyptian children.

Aim of Study: To evaluate the possible association of PNPLA3-I148M gene variant with the severity of liver fat content and liver fibrosis in Egyptian children with CHC.

Patients and Methods: Fifty normal-weighted children (mean age 10.62±2.59 years) with CHC were subjected to genotyping of PNPLA3-I148M gene variant using the real time PCR TaqMan assay. FibroScan examination for assessment of both liver fibrosis by Fibroscan liver stiffness (LMS) and liver steatosis by the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) scores and histological examination of liver biopsies for assessment of liver steatosis, and METAVIER scoring for necroinflammatory activity grades and liver fibrosis stages were done for all patients as well as appropriate laboratory investigations. APRI and FIB-4 indices as well as insulin resistance using HOMA-IR were also calculated.

Results: 34 cases (68%) had CC genotype (wild CC genotype) ,9 cases (18%) had CG genotype (heterozygous for the risk G allele) and 7 cases (14%) had GG genotype (homozygous for the risk G allele). Significant higher values of LSM and CAP steatosis scores were found in patients with CG and GG genotypes compared to those with CC genotype. CG gene variant and GG gene variant were significant positive predictive factors for histopathological liver steatosis and fibrosis stages and inflammatory activity grades among the studied patients. Significant higher values of many laboratory variables (AST, fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, and HOMA-IR) but lower platelets count was found in patients with G allele (CG+ GG) compared to patients without G allele (CC). In addition, significant positive correlations between PNPLA3-I148M gene variant and indicators of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis and many laboratory parameters (AST, APRI, FIB4, FBS, fasting serum insulin, and HOMA-IR) but a significant negative correlation between PNPLA3-I148M gene variant and platelet cell count were found among the studied patients.

Conclusion: Data of this study suggested that polymorphisms in the PNPLA3 I148M gene variant could contribute to the severity of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis of the studied Egyptian children with CHC.