bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corticóides inalatórios na capacidade funcional de indíviduos com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica
Authors: Ferreira Jullyne Carvalho , De Carvalho Eliane Maria , Guimarães Ednaldo Carvalho , Moreira Vanessa Martins Pereira Silva , Jorge Jessica Garcia , Dionísio Valdeci Carlos
Published: July 2020

Introdução: O corticoide inalatório (CI) utilizado em indivíduos com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica (DPOC) pode comprometer a função dos músculos respiratórios e dos membros inferiores, levando ao aumento da severidade das limitações funcionais.Objetivo: Avaliar a ação do CI na capacidade funcional, no deficit de equilíbrio estático e funcional, no risco de quedas e na acuidade proprioceptiva em indivíduos com DPOC.Métodos: Participaram 20 indivíduos com DPOC, sendo 12 que utilizavam CI (G1) e oito que não utilizavam CI (G2), e outros 12 indivíduos no grupo controle (GC). Esses foram avaliados por: Body mass index, airway Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise capacity (BODE), questionário de Baecke, escala de equilíbrio de Berg, risco de quedas, equilíbrio estático em plataforma de força e a acuidade proprioceptiva do joelho.Resultados: O índice de BODE foi diferente entre os grupos (p0,001), e o G1 for maior do que o G2. Para o Baecke, os grupos G1 e G2 tiveram menores escores que o GC (p=0,03). O escore de Berg foi similar entre os grupos G1 e G2 e entre os grupos GC e G2. O risco de quedas foi maior para G1 e G2 do que para o GC (p0,001), e G1 maior do que G2. Não houve diferenças para a acuidade proprioceptiva (p0,14) e para a análise do equilíbrio estático (p0,05).Conclusão: O CI influenciou o índice BODE e os riscos de queda, mas não alterou a capacidade funcional, o equilíbrio estático e funcional e a acuidade proprioceptiva do joelho em indivíduos com DPOC.
Desenvolvimento motor grosso e as habilidades socioemocionais de bebês vulneráveis no primeiro trimestre de vida
Authors: Da Silva Letícia Nadal , Mendelski Alexandra Quines , De Almeida Carla Skilhan , Gerzson Laís Rodrigues
Published: July 2020

Introdução: O desenvolvimento motor do bebê tem influências cognitivas, socioemocionais e ambientais.Objetivo: verificar se existe associação dos escores do desenvolvimento motor grosso com as habilidades socioemocionais de bebês em seu primeiro trimestre de vida.Método: Estudo transversal, composto por 20 bebês provenientes de um hospital público de Porto Alegre, RS. Para a avaliação dos fatores de risco sociodemográficos foi utilizado um questionário elaborado pelas pesquisadoras. A Bayley III foi utilizada para avaliar o desenvolvimento motor grosso e habilidades socioemocionais.Resultados: Houve associação positiva estatisticamente significativa entre os escores brutos de motor grosso e socioemocional (r=0,665; p=0,001), como também nos escores bruto de motor grosso com os escores composto e percentil da socioemocional (r=0,571; p=0,008 e r=0,588; p=0,006, respectivamente). Houve associação positiva estatisticamente significativa entre idade gestacional (p=0,028), idade do bebê (p=0,003) e peso ao nascer (p=0,024) com o escore bruto motor grosso.Conclusão: Houve associação significativa positiva nos escores do desenvolvimento motor grosso e habilidades socioemocionais.
IOTFlood: Uma solução baseada em internet das coisas para monitoramento de enchentes de grandes proporções em tempo real
Authors: Vital Francisco , Cunha Mônica , Vieira Lucas
Published: July 2020

Em Alagoas, o monitoramento dos rios é feito com sensores de radar e de nível que enviam informações, via Rádio e Satélite, a cada hora, sobre nível e vazão. No entanto, uma enchente de grandes proporções pode acontecer em minutos, daí a importância de um sistema de monitoramento em tempo real. Este trabalho apresenta o IOTFlood, uma plataforma de hardware e software que gera alertas sobre possíveis desastres naturais, enviando mensagens em tempo real sobre situação dos rios, bem como notificações e alertas à população. Trata-se de uma pesquisa aplicada, que utilizou Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM). Para avaliação, foram realizados experimentos em laboratório e em ambiente natural.
Análise de metacaracterísticas para classificação de uso e cobertura do solo utilizando Random Forest
Authors: Paiva Roberto , Oliveira Sávio , Martins Wellington , Parente Leandro
Published: July 2020

Este trabalho analisa o impacto do uso de metacaracterísticas geradas pelo algoritmo TWDTW para mapeamento do uso e cobertura do solo utilizando Random Forest. Os testes foram realizados classificando nove classes, para um conjunto de amostras da região do Mato Grosso, no Brasil. Nossos resultados mostram que as metacaracterísticas são promissoras para a melhora de acurácia, aumentando a acurácia global dos modelos testados. As melhoras mais significativas ocorrem na acurácia do produtor das classes de maior dificuldade de classificação. A importância das metacaracterísticas na classificação foi significativamente maior do que as características extraídas dos Índices EVI e NDVI e Bandas NIR e MIR.
Towards a Simulator for Green Smart Campus Systems
Authors: Moraes Priscila , Pisani Flávia , Borin Juliana
Published: July 2020

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to foster environmental protection, inclusive economic growth, and social inclusion. Universities are called to join this global effort and are expected not only to contribute with solutions for the sustainability challenges but also provide sustainable campi. Given this scenario, the main contributions of this paper are threefold: i) to illustrate how universities could contribute with the 2030 Agenda through smart campus solutions based on technologies such as Internet of Things, Big Data, and Cloud Computing; ii) to propose a framework to automatically collect data to generate and manage sustainability indicators in the university; and iii) to propose a simulator for green smart campus system which allows an adequate estimate of the required information and communication infrastructure.
FEM Modeling of Delamination in AS4/PEEK Thermoplastic Composites under Mixed – Mode Bending Test
Authors: VIOREL IONESCU
Published: July 2020

Interfacial failure by delamination in the unidirectional AS4/PEEK laminated composite was simulated through this paper with a finite element method (FEM) based model developed with Comsol Multiphysics software. The mixed – mode bending (MMB) test was investigated numerically here after a successful validation of the model by comparing with experimental measurements of the load –displacement curve provided in the literature. The maximum delamination length of the specimens modeled, the corresponding von Mises stress distributions and the damage evolution function have been evaluated for different ratios between mode II strain energy rate and total strain energy rate GII/GT = 20%, 50% and 80%.
Die soziale Verantwortung der Kapitalgesellschaften vor dem Hintergrund der europäischen CSR-Richtlinie
Authors: Stingl Lukas
Published: July 2020

Diese Arbeit analysiert das Konzept der Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in grundlegender Weise und unterzieht die europäische CSR-Richtlinie sowie deren Auswirkungen auf die deutsche Rechtsordnung einer eingehenden und kritischen Prüfung. Damit angesprochen sind nicht nur Fragen des Gesellschafts- und Verfassungsrechts, sondern auch solche der allgemeinen Staatslehre, der Rechtsphilosophie sowie der Wirtschaftsethik. Die Arbeit richtet sich deshalb nicht nur an Rechtswissenschaftler, sondern kann aufgrund ihres interdisziplinären Ansatzes auch für Wirtschaftsethiker sowie für Wirtschafts- und Politikwissenschaftler von Interesse sein.
Kommunales Integrationsmanagement
Authors: Reis Claus
Published: July 2020

The social integration of refugees and other immigrants depends on the development of their chances of participating in society and on making them more proficient in doing so, a strategy which requires the corresponding alignment and coordination of local social services. This handbook practically uses the results of a large research project. It shows how to build up networks of professionals and volunteers and to establish case management as a concept and method in order to coordinate individually oriented services. The handbook presents a theoretical foundation, but also practical concepts and useful instruments with which to implement them. It will appeal to those who work in the context of local social and migration policy, as well as academics and teachers in the field of social sciences.
Multi-Objective Optimization Method for Posture Prediction of Symmetric Static Lifting Using a Three-Dimensional Human Model
Authors: Azizi Sirous , Dadarkhah Afsaneh , Asgharpour Masouleh Alireza
Published: July 2020

Background: The development of virtual human models has recently gained considerable attention in biomechanical studies intending to design for ergonomics. The computer-based simulations of virtual human models can reduce the time and cost of the design cycle. There is an increasing interest in finding the realistic posture of the human body with applications in prototype design and reduction of injuries in the workplace. Objectives: This paper presents a generic method based on a multi-objective optimization (MOO) for posture prediction of a sagittal-plane lifting task. Methods: Improved biomechanical models are used to formulate the predicted posture as a MOO problem. The lifting task has been defined by seven performance measures that are mathematically represented by the weighted sum of cost functions. Specific weights are assigned for each cost function to predict both stoop and squat type postures. Some inequality constraints have been used to ensure that the virtual human does not assume a completely unrealistic configuration. Results: The method can predict the hand configuration effectively. Simulations reveal that predicting a squat posture requires the minimization of certain objective functions, while these measures are less significant for the prediction of a stooped posture. Conclusions: In this study, a MOO-based posture prediction model with a validation process is presented. We employed a three-dimensional model to evaluate the applicability of using a combination of seven performance measures to the posture prediction of symmetric lifting tasks. Results have been compared with the available empirical data to validate the simulated postures. Furthermore, the assigned weights are obtained for a range of percentiles from 50% male to 90% female according to the postures obtained by 3D SSPPTM software.
The first species of Trichopsomyia Williston, 1888 (Diptera: Syrphidae) described from the Oriental region, with a discussion on the character states of the pilosity of the katepisternum
Authors: Van Steenis Jeroen , Wyatt Nigel P.
Published: July 2020

The first Oriental species of the genus Trichopsomyia Williston, 1888, Trichopsomyia pilosa sp. nov. (Java), has been discovered and is now described. This Oriental species of Trichopsomyia has several characters strongly differing from the other species within this genus. It is hypothesized that it forms a separate group within Trichopsomyia. One species, Trichopsomyia formiciphila Downes, Skevington & Thompson, 2017, from Australia, is similar to the Oriental species described here, and the group is named after this first described species, hence the formiciphila group. The characters for a future phylogenetic analysis are discussed. The character states of the pilosity of the katepisternum and the shape of the metasternum hitherto used in a phylogenetic analysis of Syrphidae Latreille, 1802 are discussed too.
Las garantías constitucionales de los derechos fundamentales en la Constitución española
Authors: Aguiar de Luque Luis
Published: July 2020

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Reflexiones sobre una crisis política grave
Authors: Alzaga Villaamil Óscar
Published: July 2020

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Holanda: elecciones legislativas, 1981
Authors: Ollero Burler Fernando
Published: July 2020

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Repertorio bibliográfico sobre los orígenes del sistema electoral de representación proporcional (recopilación hasta 1904)
Authors: Cayetano Núñez-Rivero José María
Published: July 2020

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Crónica parlamentaria
Authors: Gonzalo Manuel , García-Atance María Victora , Beneyto José María
Published: July 2020

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Génesis del proyecto constitucional : la Comisión de los Notables
Authors: Sánchez Ferriz Remedios
Published: July 2020

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Las fuentes de la Constitución de 1876 (continuidad y cambio en el constitucionalismo español del siglo XIX)
Authors: Martínez Sospedra Manuel
Published: July 2020

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Las transferencias de facultades a las Comunidades Autónomas por vía de ley : su tramitación parlamentaria
Authors: Gil-Robles y Gil-Delgado José María , Marín Riaño Fernando
Published: July 2020

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Thin and superthin perforator flap elevation based on preoperative planning with ultrahigh-frequency ultrasound
Authors: Visconti Giuseppe , Bianchi Alessandro , Hayashi Akitatsu , Cina Alessandro , Maccauro Giulio , Almadori Giovanni , Salgarello Marzia
Published: July 2020

The ability to directly harvest thin and superthin perforator flaps without jeopardizing their vascularity depends on knowledge of the microsurgical vascular anatomy of each perforator within the subcutaneous tissue up to the dermis. In this paper, we report our experience with ultrahigh-frequency ultrasound (UHF-US) in the preoperative planning of thin and superthin flaps. Between May 2017 and September 2018, perforators of seven patients were preoperatively evaluated by both ultrasound (using an 18-MHz linear probe) and UHF-US (using 48- and 70-MHz linear probes). Thin flaps (two cases) and superthin flaps (five cases) were elevated for the reconstruction of head and neck oncologic defects and lower limb traumatic defects. The mean flap size was 6.5×15 cm (range, 5×8 to 7.5×23 cm). No complications occurred, and all flaps survived completely. In all cases, we found 100% agreement between the preoperative UHF-US results and the intraoperative findings. The final reconstructive outcomes were considered satisfactory by both the surgeon and the patients. In conclusion, UHF-US was found to be very useful in the preoperative planning of thin and superthin free flaps, as it allows precise anticipation of very superficial microvascular anatomy. UHF-US may represent the next frontier in thin, superthin, and pure skin perforator flap design.
Memory, Neuroscience and Memory Enhancement
Authors: Alonso Fernández Marcos
Published: July 2020

This paper advances a new and updated understanding of memory that should also change the coordinates of the memory enhancement debate. Instead of thinking of memory as a storehouse, we should think of memory from a narrative perspective. This view allows for a better understanding of the process in which we actually construct our memories by elaborating meaningful summaries, rather than adding discrete elements. I argue that this new way of thinking about memory makes most of the memory enhancement technologies we have or will have in the near future much less ethically problematic. The main idea is that (biological) memory interacts with memory enhancement in the creative and re-elaborative way it ordinarily does. To conclude, I discuss some cases to illustrate the previous points.
Troutville: Where People Discuss Fairness Issues
Authors: Asada Yukiko , Urquhart Robin , Brown Marion , Warner Grace , McNally Mary , Murphy Andrea
Published: July 2020

Context. Public engagement efforts in health policy have posed many value-laden questions, yet those that appreciate the complexity and diversity of the concept of health equity are rare. We introduce the Fairness Dialogues, a new method for deliberating health equity among the general public. We provide its theoretical underpinning and present its empirical illustration and qualitative assessment. Methods. Primarily informed by the scholarship of deliberation, we designed the Fairness Dialogues, featured by reason-giving and inclusive group deliberation using a hypothetical scenario (the town of Troutville) that presents carefully designed, simple, open-ended cases focusing on a chosen equity and fairness issue. To assess whether the Fairness Dialogues encourages reflective views, we conducted a qualitative investigation by focusing on fairness and unfairness of inequalities in life expectancy. Findings. Our results revealed the complex intuitions that people have and their curiosity, patience, and willingness to scrutinize them in-depth through a small group dialogue. Intuitions shared by our study participants are similar to those presented in the scholarly philosophical literature. Conclusions. The Fairness Dialogues is a promising method to incorporate the public’s views into policy-making involving value judgment and to develop the capacity of the public to discuss value-laden questions in a reflective and inclusive manner.
Dialogue entre un infectiologue et un biochimiste
Authors: Quintin Jacques
Published: July 2020

Les événements entourant la pandémie du Covid-19 suscitent beaucoup de questions éthiques qui touchent aussi bien la médecine que la santé publique, l’économie, la vulnérabilité des personnes ainsi que toutes les sphères de la vie comme la mort et les questions entourant le sens de l’existence. La motivation chez les chercheurs est grande de fabriquer un vaccin qui permettrait de protéger la population contre une telle catastrophe. Mais il arrive que l’objet du désir soit si envahissant qu’il obnubile la conscience morale. Le dialogue suivant propose une illustration de ce qui peut se passer dans l’esprit de deux chercheurs confrontés à l’idée de faire du bien de manière absolue.
Addressing the Ethical Issues Associated with Fieldwork Education in Occupational Therapy: Results of an Empirical Study Conducted in Quebec
Authors: Drolet Marie-Josée , Baril Nancy , Sauvageau Anick , Renaud Sandrine
Published: July 2020

Occupational therapists who contribute to fieldwork education are exposed to ethical issues when supervising trainees. Both the ethical issues and the solutions to address these ethical issues are undocumented in the literature. A qualitative study was conducted to document these issues and their solutions. Twenty-three occupational therapists with supervising experience participated in this study. All the participants reported experiencing ethical issues while supervising trainees. This article aims to present the solutions proposed by the participants in order to address the ethical issues of fieldwork education. Intrinsic solutions are linked to supervisors’ ethical, pedagogical or occupational therapy competences. The extrinsic solutions deal with the appropriate measures which can and should be implemented so as to better support the supervisors’ work and better recognize the important contribution of occupational therapists who train the next generation of occupational therapists in clinical settings. This study is likely to have implications on clinical practice, teaching, research and governance.
Research, Digital Health Information and Promises of Privacy: Revisiting the Issue of Consent
Authors: Caulfield Timothy , Murdoch Blake , Ogbogu Ubaka
Published: July 2020

The obligation to maintain the privacy of patients and research participants is foundational to biomedical research. But there is growing concern about the challenges of keeping participant information private and confidential. A number of recent studies have highlighted how emerging computational strategies can be used to identify or reidentify individuals in health data repositories managed by public or private institutions. Some commentators have suggested the entire concept of privacy and anonymity is “dead”, and this raises legal and ethical questions about the consent process and safeguards relating to health privacy. Members of the public and research participants value privacy highly, and inability to ensure it could affect participation. Canadian common law and legislation require a full and comprehensive disclosure of risks during informed consent, including anything a reasonable person in the participant or patient’s position would want to know. Research ethics policies require similar disclosures, as well as full descriptions of privacy related risks and mitigation strategies at the time of consent. In addition, the right to withdraw from research gives rise to a need for ongoing consent, and material information about changes in privacy risk must be disclosed. Given the research ethics concept of “non-identifiability” is increasingly questionable, policies based around it may be rendered untenable. Indeed, the potential inability to ensure anonymity could have significant ramifications for the research enterprise.
Facilitated Conversation: A Useful Tool in an Ethicist’s Toolbox
Authors: Hardy Natalie , Nortje Nico
Published: July 2020

Soto’s syndrome is a rare form of genetic disorder, which is often non-life threatening. However, this case study will examine the case of a young lady with Soto’s syndrome who developed a pediatric cancer. The team and family had opposing goals of care. Ethical dilemmas in surrogate decision-making for mentally challenged individuals can often be resolved through facilitated conversation between the patient’s family and healthcare team.
Les amnisties des crimes internationaux : recherche sur l’état du droit
Authors: Grondin Olivier
Published: July 2020

L’utilisation de mesures d’amnistie à la fin d’un conflit n’est pas un phénomène nouveau; on retrace cette pratique dans certains accords de paix du milieu du XVIIe siècle. Cependant, l’essor relativement récent de juridictions internationales et régionales, tant pénales que celles visant la protection des droits de la personne, a donné lieu à une remise en question de cette pratique, particulièrement en ce qui concerne les crimes internationaux. Dans le cadre de cette remise en question, de nombreux juristes et organismes internationaux ont affirmé qu’il existait une prohibition absolue des amnisties pour les crimes internationaux. Cet article défend la thèse que bien qu’il soit généralement prohibé d’amnistier les crimes internationaux, cette prohibition n’est pas de nature impérative. Il serait donc possible, en fonction des situations, d’octroyer de telles amnisties. Nous procédons en deux étapes. D’une part, nous cherchons au sein des reconnaissances internationales du pouvoir d’amnistie des États afin d’y observer l’existence d’une telle prohibition qui lui soit inhérente. Ensuite, nous nous penchons sur les différentes limites au pouvoir d’amnistie des États qui émanent des différentes obligations internationales des États. Il ressort de cette étude que, bien qu’il existe plusieurs contraintes qui viennent circonscrire la possibilité pour les États de mettre en place des mesures d’amnistie visant des crimes internationaux, celles-ci demeurent possibles en fonction de la nécessité ou de l’impossibilité d’exécution de l’action pénale.
Le recours à l’accord mixte au fil de l’évolution temporelle et matérielle de la compétence de l’Union européenne en matière commerciale
Authors: Morrissette France
Published: July 2020

Cette étude examine l’obligation de recourir à l’accord mixte lorsque l’ex-CE/UE avait allégué sa compétence commerciale exclusive pour conclure un accord. Nous constaterons que le contenu matériel de la Politique Commerciale Commune (PCC) a connu une évolution non linéaire au fil des transformations historiques de l’ex-CE/UE, ce qui a eu des répercussions sur l’étendue de sa compétence commerciale exclusive et, conséquemment, sur l’obligation de recourir à l’accord mixte pour ses conventions commerciales. Trois périodes marquent cette transformation de la PCC. La première période connaît un recul de la mixité en matière commerciale grâce à l’Avis 1/75, qui affirme que la compétence intrinsèquement exclusive de l’ex-CE en matière de politique commerciale a un contenu identique à celle d’un État souverain, et à l’Avis 1/78, qui ajoute que la PCC n’exclut pas les mécanismes évolués du commerce international en se limitant à ses aspects classiques, comme les droits de douane. L’avis 1/94 commence la deuxième période en écartant de la PCC plusieurs manifestations non traditionnelles du commerce international, tels les droits de propriété intellectuelle. Cette interprétation étroite de la PCC imposera alors la mixité pour la conclusion de plusieurs accords commerciaux communautaires, dont les accords du cycle d’Uruguay. La troisième période débute en 2009 avec l’article 207 TFUE du Traité de Lisbonne qui attribue à l’UE une compétence exclusive pour pratiquement tous les sujets de l’OMC que l’Avis 1/94 avait exclus de la PCC. L’affaire Daiichi confirmera cette nouvelle vision de la PCC et elle y établira également les fondements d’un test destiné à préciser les critères de rattachement à cette politique. La troisième période marque donc un retour à une interprétation large de la PCC qui incite à penser qu’il y aura probablement, dans les années à venir, un recul du recours à l’accord mixte pour les accords commerciaux de l’UE.
Le rôle des Principes de Paris dans l’institutionnalisation des droits de la personne en droit interne (Étude axée sur quelques États arabes)
Authors: Mekki Nidhal
Published: July 2020

Les principes de Paris concernant le statut et le fonctionnement des institutions nationales pour la protection et la promotion des droits de l’homme sont venus consacrer une évolution qui a pris naissance dans les droits nationaux depuis plusieurs décennies. Ils marquent l’institutionnalisation grandissante des droits de la personne dans les droits internes et soulignent le rôle central des institutions nationales comme relais indispensable pour le droit international des droits de la personne en vue d’être pleinement respecté dans les droits nationaux. En effet, l’État et ses organes sont les premiers destinataires des normes sur les droits de la personne et la responsabilité de les protéger leur incombe en premier lieu. Les États arabes, surtout depuis 2011, date du déclenchement du printemps arabe, constituent un intéressant cas d’étude du rôle des Principes de Paris dans l’institutionnalisation des droits de la personne. Après de longues décennies de dictature ayant cantonné le droit international des droits de la personne dans une optique largement formelle, les bouleversements politiques et sociaux que connaît la région depuis quelques années permettent d’espérer des améliorations dans l’articulation des droits nationaux au droit international des droits de la personne et une meilleure protection de ces derniers dans laquelle les institutions nationales pourraient jouer un rôle plus actif. L’étude se propose de décrire le mouvement de généralisation de ces institutions dans le monde arabe, d’étudier les interactions qu’elles ont avec le tissu institutionnel interne et international avant de conclure avec une évaluation de leur efficacité dans la protection et la promotion des droits de la personne dans cette région du monde.
Stochastic logistic models reproduce experimental time series of microbial communities
Authors: Descheemaeker Lana , de Buyl Sophie
Published: July 2020

We analyze properties of experimental microbial time series, from plankton and the human microbiome, and investigate whether stochastic generalized Lotka-Volterra models could reproduce those properties. We show that this is the case when the noise term is large and a linear function of the species abundance, while the strength of the self-interactions varies over multiple orders of magnitude. We stress the fact that all the observed stochastic properties can be obtained from a logistic model, that is, without interactions, even the niche character of the experimental time series. Linear noise is associated with growth rate stochasticity, which is related to changes in the environment. This suggests that fluctuations in the sparsely sampled experimental time series may be caused by extrinsic sources.
The importance of open science for biological assessment of aquatic environments
Authors: Beck Marcus W. , O’Hara Casey , Stewart Lowndes Julia S. , D. Mazor Raphael , Theroux Susanna , J. Gillett David , Lane Belize , Gearheart Gregory
Published: July 2020

Open science principles that seek to improve science can effectively bridge the gap between researchers and environmental managers. However, widespread adoption has yet to gain traction for the development and application of bioassessment products. At the core of this philosophy is the concept that research should be reproducible and transparent, in addition to having long-term value through effective data preservation and sharing. In this article, we review core open science concepts that have recently been adopted in the ecological sciences and emphasize how adoption can benefit the field of bioassessment for both prescriptive condition assessments and proactive applications that inform environmental management. An example from the state of California demonstrates effective adoption of open science principles through data stewardship, reproducible research, and engagement of stakeholders with multimedia applications. We also discuss technical, sociocultural, and institutional challenges for adopting open science, including practical approaches for overcoming these hurdles in bioassessment applications.
Integration and Interpretation of Aeromagnetic, 3D Seismic and Well Logs Data in Hydrocarbon Exploration in Niger Delta Basin
Authors: Akinsete Oluwatoyin O. , Abdulraheem Toyin Y. , Naheem Salawu B. , Leke Adebiyi S.
Published: July 2020

As the challenges associated with hydrocarbon exploration rises with upsurge in energy demand, the need to minimize risk associated with hydrocarbon exploration if supply is to keep up with demand.

In this work, high resolution aeromagnetic, 3D seismic and well-logs data were adopted and integrated to aid in exploration and characterization of reservoirs in ''XYZ'' field in offshore Niger Delta. Fast Fourier Transform Filter using Oasis Montaj software was applied to the Total Magnetic Intensity grid in horizon and fault interpretation also used to produce subsurface structural maps for sedimentary layer thickness estimation. Direct hydrocarbon indicators (bright spots) on the seismic section was shown using seismic signal. Petrel software and wireline log signatures were used to identify hydrocarbon-bearing sands and determine petrophysical parameters such as porosity, hydrocarbon saturation and net thickness.

The structural maps generated showed: Three major (synthetic) faults dips south and one minor (antithetic) fault dips north in the field; three identified prospective sands (A, B, C) were delineated. Possible presence of oil accumulation was indicated by the combined Neutron-Density log response. The range of values of effective porosity, hydrocarbon saturation and net thickness were 18-22%, 34-58% and 19.1-28.1 m, respectively. 

This study established that integration of magnetic, 3D seismic and well-log data are desirable innovative techniques to better understand and analyze subsurface for hydrocarbon potential and exploration.
Non-performing Loans and Banks’ Financial Stability in Kenya; Evidence from Commercial Banks
Authors: Koskei Loice
Published: July 2020

The size of non-performing loans plays a vital role in banking stability of any given economy. The paper investigates the resilience and stability of banks amidst the deteriorating quality of its assets since the last Global financial crisis. This study examined the effect of non-performing loans on banks financial stability in Kenya’s commercial banks using secondary data for the period January 2015 to December 2019. A multiple regression model was utilised in analysing the data. Non-performing loans as measured by non-performing ratio had a positive and statistically significant relationship with banks financial stability as measured by Z a-score. The results implied that non-performing loans in Kenya’s commercial banks affects the banks financial stability. Loans to deposit ratio results specified a positive and non-statistically insignificant relationship with banks financial stability. The results inferred that loan to deposit ratio do not affect the banks financial stability. Inflation rate results had a positive but statistically significant relationship with banks’ financial stability indicating that inflation rate affects banks’ financial stability. The results for loan growth had a negative but statistically significant relationship with banks financial stability. The study recommended implementation of measures that curb increase in non-performing loans as they threaten banking financial stability.
Discourse Analysis of Verbal Nominalization in Business English Correspondence
Authors: Huang Xiaorui , Liu Junchen
Published: July 2020

Verbal nominalization is recognized as a typical discourse in business English correspondence. This study aims to analyze characteristics of verbal nominalization in the corpus of business English correspondence. The results show that the verbal nominalization is usually realized by symbolic suffixes and singular suffix and the suffixation with the significant frequencies in business English correspondence, which is positively contributed to the remarkable discourse features of business English correspondence.
Availability and Utilization of Instructional Materials in the Teaching and Learning of Chemistry in Secondary Schools in a Council Area of Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ehirim Appolinus I. C. , Iwuchukwu Paschal I. , Okenyi Blessing E.
Published: July 2020

The study investigated the availability and utilization of instructional materials in the teaching and learning of chemistry at the senior secondary schools in Owerri Municipal Council Area of Imo state. 1948 chemistry students in senior secondary (SS) two classes and 32 chemistry teachers at the ten government-owned secondary schools formed the population of the study. A simple random sampling technique was used to select five schools, and 20% was used to obtain the sample size of 168 chemistry students; but all the 32 chemistry teachers were used since it is a manageable size. Three research questions were posed. The research was a descriptive survey design; checklists and questionnaire were used to elicit relevant data for the study. Mean rating was used for the analysis of the data obtained. The findings showed that many instructional materials were available, but they are not adequately utilized. Chemistry teachers do not appropriately improvise instructional materials (when not available) in the teaching and learning of chemistry. Based on the findings, it was recommended that adequate instructional materials for the teaching of chemistry at the senior secondary schools in Owerri Municipal Council should be provided by the various stakeholders in education; the use of instructional materials by teachers should be made compulsory in the teaching and learning of all topics in chemistry at our senior secondary schools, and this must be enforced through periodical monitoring by the school authority. Teachers should improvise where instructional materials are not available. Government should provide funds to motivate teachers as regards improvisation and should organize seminars, workshops, and conferences for chemistry teachers on how to improvise and make effective use of instructional materials in the teaching and learning of chemistry.
Neopterin as a Predictor of Response to Pegylated Interferon Therapy in Egyptian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Abdelaziz Heba Gamal , Tantawy Tamer Mahmoud El- , Attia Hanan Abd El-Mawgoud , Hamed Mayada Mosa
Published: July 2020

Background: Neopterin is a proinflammatorymarker which participates in cell-mediated immunity, and its elevated concentrations declare the presence of interferon-γ in body fluids. In thisstudy, neopterin concentrations were determined in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)to assess whether its plasma level can be used to predict the response to antiviral therapy by pegIFNγ combined with ribavirin before starting the treatment.

Materials and Mehtods: A total of 54 subjects (all males with an average age of 46.12± 9.89) were included in this study. Neopterin levels were evaluatedby Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELIZA) in HCV patients treated with peylated interferon combined with ribavirin. Liver function tests (Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase), albumin and creatinine concentrations were also estimatied.

Results: Mean and median pretreatment neopterin levelsshowed no statistically difference between patients with sustained virological response (cured)and non-responders (relapsed) where the concentrations in both groups were≥16 nmol/L.On the other hand, a positive correlation was observed between neopterin level and creatinine at (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion: Our study suggests that the pretreatment level of neopterin might not be used in routine clinical practice as a marker to predict the response to antiviral therapy in HCVpatients.
Farm Level Evaluation of Trichoderma Enriched Organic Substrates for Improved Field Establishment and Yield Enhancement in Chillies (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Kalavathi S. , Babu Merin , Mathew Jeena , Indhuja S.
Published: July 2020

Trichoderma sp. is extensively used for controlling several soil and seed bornefungal plant pathogens and for enhancing crop growth and yield. But the field efficacy depends on several factors viz., proper formulation, an efficient delivery system, methods of applicationand environmental conditions. The performance and persistence in field to a greater extent is decided by the carriers or substrates used for mass multiplication. In a field trial undertaken on the varied performance of Trichoderma sp. involving different substrate combinations on the yield of chillies by ICAR-CPCRI for the period, April, 2014 to June 2016 two combinations, viz., Cowdung + Neem cake (4:1) and Coir pith compost + Neem cake + Poultry Manure + Cowdung (2:1:1:1) were found to be superior when enriched with Trichodermaharzianum (CPTD 28) as well as native isolate, Trichoderma sp. KKTD 6.
Anti-biofilm Activity of Extracts of Caryota no in Drosophila melanogaster Infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Maduagwuna Chinonye A. , Omale Simeon , Gyang Steven S.
Published: July 2020

Objectives: To investigate the anti-biofilm activity of the n-hexane and methanol extracts of Caryota no (CN) seeds against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection in D. melanogaster.

Study Design: Experimental design.

Place and Duration: Sample: African Centre of Excellence for Phytomedicine Research and Development, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State Nigeria between June 2018 and February 2019. Methods: 20 flies (1-3 days old) were pricked in the dorsolateral aspect of the abdomen with a modified fly needle dipped in biofilm forming strain of P. aeruginosa inoculum and left to recover and then transferred into the appropriately labeled vials which include different doses of the extracts or those in various control conditions. This process was done in 2 batches of flies treated with extracts prior to infection and flies treated with extracts after infection. The flies were monitored for survival for 72 hours. Mortality records were taken 6 hourly during this period, and the percentage of death determined in each group. The statistical difference among test groups was presumed at P < .05.

Results: The result of n-hexane Caryota no extract showed significantly (P < .05) improved survival (or decreased mortality) when used prophylactically and in curative assays compared to the control. The 400 mg of the n-hexane extract seemed to be the optimal concentration in both prophylactic and curative assays since it showed the least percentage deaths (50% and 43%) respectively. The methanolic extract exhibited a nonsignificant (P > .05) decrease in percentage death prophylactically but direct significant (P < .05) dose-dependent reduction in percentage deaths than the control in the curative studies with the 400 mg dose also showing the least deaths (47%).

Conclusion: The results suggest that both methanolic and n-hexane extracts of Caryota no have potentials as antibiofilm agents.
Safety Assessment of the Presence of Heavy Metals and Organic Pollutants in Vended Street Foods from Selected Locations in Lagos State Nigeria
Authors: Oyet G. I. , Samuel C. B.
Published: July 2020

This study was aimed at investigating the presence of heavy metals and volatile organic pollutants in street-vended foods sourced from three selected locations in Lagos State, Nigeria, to ascertain their safety level. The study was carried out using complete randomization design and Cluster sampling technique to source vended street foods from three locations (Marina, Yaba and Apapa). The eight Food products studied were roasted (plantain, fish, yam, corn), suya meat, meat pie, egg roll and doughnuts. Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Mercury, Iron, Zinc and organic pollutants in Foods and particulate matter in Environment were examined. Heavy metals detected in vended street foods from Marina, Yaba and Apapa Lagos were; iron, copper, lead and zinc, at level ranging from 0.14 mg/kg–2.80 mg/kg, 0.08 mg/kg – 0.27 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg – 0.18 mg/kg, and 0.01 mg/kg – 0.04 mg/kg, respectively. Mercury and Cadmium were below detectable limit. Significantly (P<0.05) higher iron presence of 2.80 mg/kg and 1.99mg/kg were respectively, noticed in suya from Apapa and roasted fish also from Apapa. Significantly (P<0.05) higher lead (Pb) content of 0.18 mg/kg was observed in dough nut from Yaba, however, roasted plantain, roasted fish and meat pie all sourced from Yaba gave significantly (P<0.05) lower lead content of 0.01mg/kg. The Zinc content of roasted fish, suya and egg roll sourced from Marina, Yaba and Apapa were all significantly (P<0.05) difference, with particular respect to food type. Higher iron content of 2.80 mg/kg was noticed in suya from Apapa. Volatile organic compounds (TPH, PAHs, Phenol) were observed to be below detectable limit (<0.001 mg/kg) in all the vended street food samples. Particulate matter in air; SPM, PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and VOCs ranged from 0.34 – 0.84 mg/m3, 0.32 – 0.56 mg/m3, 0.32 – 0.68 mg/m3, 0.33 – 0.79 mg/m3 and <0.001 – 0.24 mg/m3, respectively. PM1 and PM25 from the three locations were not statistically significant (P>0.05). All the vended food samples had lead (Pb) content above the CODEX permissible limit of 0.01 mg/kg. The presence of high lead content in Vended Street food is a major source of occupational health hazards.
Peripheral Blood Smear Morphology- A Red Flag in COVID-19
Authors: Singh Savitri , Madan Jyotsna , Nath Devajit , Tiwari Neema
Published: July 2020

Covid-19 pandemic has affected the whole word medically, economically and emotionally. It is being considered as the biggest pandemic after the Spanish flu, with very high degree of morbidity and mortality in those with complications. The diagnostic and treatment criteria of this novel virus are being updated frequently as nothing much is known about it. This highlights the importance of hematology lab parameters in Covid diagnosis and prediction of disease progression. Multiple studies on complete blood counts and it’s derived parameters have been conducted in patients of Covid-19 however limited literature is available which discusses the morphology of circulating blood cells in Covid-19 cases. This short communication is presented with the purpose of highlighting the peripheral blood findings of 50 lab confirmed Covid-19 cases admitted at Super Specialty Pediatric Hospital and Post Graduate Teaching Hospital, NOIDA.
Prenatal Diagnosis in Sickle Cell Disease: In the Eyes of the Couple at Risk
Authors: Chioma Okechukwu
Published: July 2020

Background: Prenatal diagnosis of sickle cell disorders provides a couple at risk the opportunity to make informed decisions whether or not to birth a child with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).

Aim: To explore the knowledge of prenatal diagnosis and its acceptability among parents at risk of having another child with SCD

Methods: A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographics, knowledge and attitude towards prenatal diagnosis. The respondents were parents of SCD patients seen at the haematology consultant paediatric clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching hospital. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0.

Results: Forty-six parents were interviewed and they were all Christians. Thirty-two (69.6%) were females and fourteen (30.4%) were males. All the respondents were from the south-south region of Nigeria. Four (8.7%) had lost children from complications of SCD. Twenty-four (52.2%), had heard about prenatal diagnosis of sickle cell disease while twelve (50%) of them heard about it from health care professionals. Four (8.7%) had done prenatal diagnosis in previous pregnancies while 32 (69.6%) were willing to do it in their next pregnancy. The most common reasons given for not doing prenatal diagnosis were religious beliefs, personal beliefs and fear of the procedure.

Conclusion: There is still a gap in knowledge and utilization of prenatal diagnosis by at risk couples. Appropriate information and regular counselling should be given to at risk parents as a key method of preventing SCD.
Changes of Cardiac Rhythm after Closure of Secundum Atrial Septal Defect in Children
Authors: Sorour Esraa A. , Elatafy Elatafy E. , Lotfy Wael N. , Zoair Amr M.
Published: July 2020

Background: Arrhythmias may complicate congenital heart diseases, such as secundum atrial septal defects. We aimed at following up the rhythm changes in children after closure of ostiumsecundum atrial septal defects.

Methods: The current study was conducted in the Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Tanta University, on 60 pediatric patients who had undergone either trans-catheter or surgical closure of secundum atrial septal defects. Complete history taking and full clinical assessment were done. Echocardiographic assessment was performed to detect any residual defects, and assess chamber dimensions, and cardiac functions. Electrocardiographic assessment including Holter monitoring was performed within two months after the procedure, after six months, and after one year. Arrhythmias were classified into major and minor types. All results were statistically analyzed and tabulated.

Results: There were no significant differences between the pre-closure rhythm and the rhythm after closure of the defects throughout the follow-up. The percentage of patients with major arrhythmias has increased from 6.7% of the total sample to 13.3%, 11.6%, and 11.6% in the early, midterm and late follow up respectively. The significant risk factors for postoperative arrhythmias were; pre-closure arrhythmia, right atrial dilatation, and serious hemodynamic instability in the early follow up.

Conclusions: We concluded that arrhythmias were common before and after atrial septal defect closure, without significant differences. Pre-closure arrhythmia, right atrial dilatation, and serious hemodynamic instability are considered important risk factors of arrhythmias after secundum atrial septal defect’s closure in pediatric patients.
Financial Reporting Quality and Market Performance of Listed Deposit Money Banks (DMB) in Nigeria (2008-2017)
Authors: Sunday Owolabi , Wisdom Okere , Ademola Adeleke
Published: July 2020

This research studied the association amid financial reporting quality and market performance (TOBINQ) of quoted deposit money banks in Nigeria. Using panel methodology in addition to other econometric tests (descriptive statistics test, correlation analysis, and Hausman test), this study discovered a significant relationship amid financial reporting quality (earnings predictability, timeliness) and market performance (TOBINQ) in listed deposit money banks in Nigeria. Also, timeliness (TML) has a negative and insignificant relationship with market performance (TOBINQ) of quoted deposit money banks in Nigeria. Furthermore, earnings predictability has a negative and significant relationship with performance (TOBINQ) of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria. This study recommended that management of deposit money banks ought to guarantee that they implement best practices in the process of financial reporting.