bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Social Media Usage on Information Retrieval Among Undergraduate Students in Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Ilorin
Authors: Akinboro Evelyn Olakitan , Olayinka Taylor Morenikeji
Published: October 2022

The study examined the impact of social media on information retrieval among undergraduate students in the Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Ilorin. It determined the social media network that undergraduate students were more exposed to for retrieving information, identified the differences in their usage of social media network for information retrieval based on gender and age brackets, explored preferences for social media compared to other sources of information retrieval systems available for students, explored the types of information retrieved from social media network, and identified the challenges they faced in the use of social media networks. The population of the study comprised of 3,634 students out of which a sample of 360 was chosen through stratified random technique. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect data. Five research questions were developed and answered by the study. The findings revealed that undergraduate students exposure to social media was very high. The social media tools where students exposure was highest was WhatsApp application compared to any other social media platform. Students preferred using social media platforms to retrieve information than using conventional resources like textbooks, journals, etc. There was a negligible difference between social media exposure level of male gender and female gender. Furthermore, the study revealed that undergraduate students level of exposure varied by age brackets while those within age bracket 21-25 years have the highest level of exposure. The study also demonstrated that a higher percentage of students like using social media platforms to retrieve information on the latest update of school activities and to gratify their needs in entertainment. The major challenge faced by students is the high cost of access to social media platforms (subscription). The study recommended that the students exposure to and bias preference for social media over other available information retrieval systems should be controlled.
Using Twitter to Form Professional Learning Communities
Authors: Akcaoglu Mete , Hodges Charles B. , Jensen Lucas John
Published: October 2022

Social media has become an important tool for informal teacher professional development. Although there is a growing body of research investigating issues across the US, there is a lack of research on teacher professional development taking place on Twitter in Georgia, USA. In this research, the authors applied digital methods to analyze 5,425 entries from educators participating in a state-level, weekly, synchronous chat about educational technology (#TECHTalkGA) on the social media platform Twitter. Findings include that participants utilized the chat for organization, planning, and classroom technologies, with a predilection toward specific hardware and software topics. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Social Media Integration in Educational Administration as Information and Smart Systems
Authors: Shihomeka Sadrag Panduleni , Amadhila Helena N.
Published: October 2022

The proliferation and access to social media platforms that allow easy access to information systems and services, content creation, and sharing, in a convenient form, has taken education administration and management by storm. Facebook is one of the many online media that can let education administrators and managers interact with each other or their subordinates by sharing information about themselves or any topical community issue via personal profiles or institutional profiles. Furthermore, it is noted that social media applications by their nature have the capabilities of educating, informing, entertaining (leisure), and socializing the audience. The research revealed that there are various groups on Facebook where youthful education administrators can use to post educational information and discuss pertinent issues concerning their institutions. Indeed, social media are being used as channels to foster economic, social, and political development education among Namibian educational administrators.
Social Media Usage for Informal Learning in Malaysia
Authors: Al-Sabaawi Mohmed Y. Mohmed , Dahlan Halina Mohamed , Shehzad Hafiz Muhammad Faisal
Published: October 2022

Social media (SM) has gained a huge acceptance from all and sundry. A huge potential exists for academic researchers in the use of SM for intellectual exercise. Informal learning (IL) has redefined the entire learning process, creating a new dawn from the formal learning rigid structures. However, there is lack of research on why some researchers fail to accept SM for IL. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explore the use of SM for IL, barriers, benefits, and effect of individual factors. For this reason, a thorough literature review was conducted, and items were extracted from prior studies. Using a survey, a total of 170 responses were received from academic researchers using paper-based questionnaire. The authors discovered from the survey that lack of encouragement, lack of quality information, threat to research material are the barriers affecting SM use. Furthermore, they found that the benefits of using SM by academic researchers are to communicate with peers, share knowledge, and enhance collaboration. Thus, these findings will help stakeholders in encouraging the use of SM for IL.
The road(s) not taken and internationalization in Brazil: journey or destination?
Authors: Amorim Gabriel Brito , Finardi Kyria Rebeca
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this article is to discuss the possible directions that the process of internationalization of higher education in Brazil can take in a post-pandemic scenario of COVID-19 based on institutional self-assessment as proposed in the Amorim (2020) matrix. Inspired by Robert Frost's poem and the bifurcation metaphor on the way, we approach two guidelines for the internationalization of higher education, namely: cooperation and competition. The literature review in the area points to a possible paradigm shift (from competition to cooperation) and the discussion proposed here concludes that this change can be amplified/accelerated in the post-pandemic context. The study is reflective and uses the GPS metaphor to assist the self-assessment of Brazilian higher education institutions (HEIs) on the two roads of the poem, in the context of internationalization, in order to guide HEIs on roads that have not yet been traced in the face of the unprecedented context imposed by the pandemic. We conclude that the change of route/paradigm can be done more safely with the use of a(n) GPS/institutional self-analysis of the internationalization process.
Gestão na Escola Integrada: entre as novas demandas e as propostas de formação
Authors: Saraiva Ana Maria Alves
Published: October 2022

Este artigo apresenta resultados de pesquisa realizada com gestores de escolas que implementaram programas de ampliação da jornada escolar na etapa do Ensino Fundamental. Como objetivo, buscou-se analisar a relação entre as novas demandas que se apresentam para a gestão nesses contextos e as propostas de formação continuada ofertadas pelos sistemas de ensino para os gestores escolares. No percurso metodológico foi realizado um estudo bibliográfico e documental e, posteriormente, realizou-se entrevistas e observação etnográfica nas escolas da pesquisa. Parte-se da perspectiva de que dois movimentos importantes são observados na educação brasileira nessas últimas décadas, a adoção de um modelo gerencialista em sua gestão e a definição da escola como espaço de promoção das políticas de enfrentamento à pobreza. Nesse sentido, novas e complexas demandas são apresentadas para a gestão da escola, que passa a ser o foco das ações de implementação desta nova agenda. As conclusões apontam para cenários em que o foco do trabalho e da formação do gestor escolar se assentam, na planificação estratégica para o alcance de metas definidas externamente, na gestão financeira e de pessoal assumindo um papel central no trabalho na escola e no distanciamento da perspectiva da gestão democrática.
Uma Uma análise das Políticas educativas de currículo e formação docente para o ensino religioso no Brasil após LDB 1996
Authors: Vargas Evandro Francisco Marques , Pinho Leandro Garcia
Published: October 2022

O estudo em tela partiu de duas problematizações: (1) quais interesses/conteúdos estão compondo o currículo de Ensino Religioso? (2) Como estes conteúdos se relacionam com as políticas de formação destes professores? As fontes usadas neste estudo foram: as legislações educacionais brasileiras pertinentes à temática, e um levantamento na base de dados oficial dos cursos e Instituições de Ensino Superior no Brasil.  O objetivo foi analisar as mudanças e permanências no âmbito das interpretações jurídicas e pedagógicas concernentes à seleção dos conteúdos e mapear a oferta e a configuração dos cursos de formação docente para o ensino religioso. A metodologia contou com o aporte da revisão bibliográfica na literatura científica sobre o tema, e culminou na elaboração de um mapeamento da oferta de cursos de formação inicial no território nacional com a utilização de quatro descritores para a busca: (I) ‘Ciência da Religião’, (II) ‘Ciências da Religião’, (III) ‘Ciências das Religiões’, e (IV) ‘Ensino Religioso’. Os resultados da pesquisa são de duas ordens: (1) É preciso reconhecer e refletir sobre interlocução e mobilização das instituições religiosas no processo de disputa pela definição dos conteúdos do Ensino Religioso na escola pública. O outro resultado (2) se refere aos possíveis impactos do atual cenário político da regulação para a formação de professores, (aligeirada, sem a tônica na relação pesquisa e ensino, baseada na modalidade não presencial) como um nicho mercadológico, e não como uma visão de formação omnilateral. Conclui-se que ainda que atualmente possamos experimentar uma aparente vitória nas regulações pelo controle dos conteúdos e a formação docente aos moldes propostos pelo modelo mercadológico, há que se convir que existe uma distância entre o que os currículos oficiais propõem e o que é efetivamente apropriado nas diversas situações de aprendizagem na realidade escolar.
Intraoperative Endotracheal Tube Cuff Deflation - Stitch in Time Saves Nine!
Authors: Pahade Akhilesh , Mowar Ashita , Singh Vishawadeep
Published: October 2022

An endotracheal tube is an integral part of general anaesthesia especially in long duration head and neck surgeries. Often, in such surgeries, the airway is shared by the surgeon and the anaesthetist. Any damage to the Endotracheal tube cuff may cause improper ventilation and airway contamination. We propose an algorithm through this case to prevent such complications and correct them if they happen.
Ketamine: Is It Pro-Epileptic or Anti-Epileptic? The Debate Continues. A Narrative Review with a Case Discussion
Authors: Jayasinghe Amila , Rathnayake Ashani
Published: October 2022

Ketamine is one of the old anaesthetic agents which has regained popularity in analgesia, trauma, emergency medicine, neurology and psychiatry. Recently several cases were reported on ketamine induced seizures in otherwise healthy children despite its popularity in the treatment of refractory status epilepticus. We present an eight-year-old prematurely born healthy boy who developed two episodes of generalized tonic clonic seizures following administration of ketamine for a short ophthalmic procedure. This case and our comprehensive narrative review of literature on pro- and anti-epileptic effects of ketamine show that the debate continues and gaps on mechanism of action, etiology and risk factors for ketamine’s epileptic activity remains. Due to the recent increase in its use further evaluation on ketamine’s epileptic effects is warranted to ensure safe and effective use of ketamine.
Excellent Trainees, Idle Authors: Time to Revitalize Sri Lankan Anaesthetic Authorship
Authors: Munasinghe B. M.
Published: October 2022

No abstract available
Ethylene Glycol Intoxication Following Brake Oil Ingestion: A Case Report
Authors: Wijayasinghe Sasika , Dharmabandu Ruwani , Mallawaarachchi Roshana
Published: October 2022

Brake oil is a type of hydraulic fluid used in automobiles. It consists of toxic compounds like ethylene glycol, diethyleneglycol and additives. Brake oil poisoning is rare and it can either be due to intentional or accidental1,2. Toxic manifestations are mainly due to metabolites rather than the compounds in brake oil3,4. Immediate haemodialysis and other supportive carecan improve the outcome of intoxicated patients. Here we present a case report of successful management of a patient presented following brake oil poisoning.
Physico-chemical properties of chitosan extracted from Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) processing shell waste in Sri Lanka
Authors: Liyanage C. S. , Gonapinuwala S. T. , Fernando C. A. N. , De Croos M. D. S. T.
Published: October 2022

The present study investigated the potential of whiteleg shrimp shell waste to use as a source of chitosan which has a limited focus on previous Sri Lankan studies. Comparatively higher amount of chitosan yield (33.53%) was obtained in the study with 91.78 ± 0.66 (%) of dry matter content, 8.22 ± 0.66 (%) of moisture content, 1.08 ± 0.24 (%) of ash content, 80.43% of the degree of deacetylation, 435.87 ± 1.03 cP dynamic viscosity and a good thermal stability up to 312 °C. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the structure of chitin and chitosan by the presence of their characteristic IR bands and X-ray diffraction analysis further verified the crystalline structure of the extracted chitin and chitosan. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images of the extracted chitosan recognized the layers of flakes with porous and fibril structures. According to the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy image, carbon, oxygen and nitrogen were observed as the major elements in the extracted chitosan and no calcium peaks were detected confirming effective demineralization in the extraction process. Further, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazy) assay revealed that the chitosan solution with the concentration of 10 mg/mL was having 66.45% of free radical scavenging activity. Thus, the present study reveals that the chitosan with high quantity and quality can be extracted from whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) processing shell waste in Sri Lanka suggesting a solution to the waste accumulation in processing factories while proposing an alternative income generation strategy from waste.
Standardized Patient Encounters and Facilitated Debrief Impact Teaching Pedagogy and Programmatic Improvements
Authors: Frye Jamie L. , Armstrong Kirk J.
Published: October 2022

Context

Standardized patients (SPs) are assessment measures used within athletic training education to provide a consistent assessment result during professional education. However, it remains unclear how educators use these SP encounters and facilitated debrief to improve teaching pedagogy and overall curriculum.

Objective

To understand how athletic training educators use SP encounters and facilitated debrief to inform teaching pedagogy and programmatic improvements.

Design

Consensual qualitative research.

Setting

Individual interviews.

Patients or Other Participants

Thirteen educators (12 female, 1 male, age = 36 ± 4.79 years, 10 ± 5.83 years teaching experience).

Data Collection and Analysis

Data were collected via semistructured interviews, which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using a consensual qualitative research design, data were independently analyzed by a 3-person team, who independently coded the data and compared ideas until consensus was reached. Trustworthiness was established through member checks, multi-analyst triangulation, and external review.

Results

Three themes emerged regarding how SP encounters and facilitated debrief inform teaching pedagogy and curriculum development: (1) mechanisms for programmatic improvement, (2) pattern identification in student performance and behavior, and (3) aids in transition to practice. Participants described mechanisms for programmatic improvements through changes occurring in didactic courses, driving decisions for clinical education, and identifying needs for personal development, including both faculty and preceptors. Participants expressed the ability to identify patterns in student performance and behaviors individually and globally particularly useful to informing curricular and course improvements. Aiding in transition to autonomous clinical practice was also identified as important in preparing students for patient care.

Conclusion(s)

Standardized patient encounters and facilitated debrief are being used by athletic training educators to inform classroom teaching while also serving as data points in making decisions regarding programmatic improvements. As SP and facilitated debrief use increases, educators need to reflect on how these encounters can inform teaching pedagogy and drive programmatic improvement.
Role of EUS combined with a newly modified scoring system to detect pancreatic high-grade precancerous lesions
Authors: Sagami Ryota , Hayasaka Kenji , Ujihara Tetsuro , Iwaki Tomoyuki , Katsuyama Yasushi , Harada Hideaki , Ome Yusuke , Honda Goro , Horiguchi Shin-ichiro , Murakami Kazunari , Amano Yuji
Published: October 2022

Backgrounds and Objectives:

Although pancreatic cancer (PC) has an extremely poor prognosis, the 5-year survival rate of patients with pancreatic high-grade precancerous lesion without invasive carcinoma (PHP) is favorable. PHP diagnosis and identification of patients requiring intervention are needed. We aimed to validate a modified PC detection scoring system regarding its detection ability for PHP and PC in the general population.

Subjects and Methods:

We modified an existing PC detection scoring system that incorporates low-grade risk (LGR) factors (family history, presence of diabetes mellitus [DM] or worsening DM, heavy drinking, smoking, stomach symptoms, weight loss, and pancreatic enzyme) and high-grade risk (HGR) factors (new-onset DM, familial PC, jaundice, tumor biomarkers, chronic pancreatitis, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, cysts, hereditary PC syndrome, and hereditary pancreatitis). Each factor was scored as one point; LGR score ≥3 points and/or HGR score ≥1 point (positive scores) were indicative of PC. The newly modified scoring system incorporated main pancreatic duct dilation as an HGR factor. The PHP diagnosis rate using this scoring system combined with EUS was prospectively analyzed.

Results:

Among 544 patients with positive scores, 10 had PHP. The diagnosis rates were 1.8% for PHP and 4.2% for invasive PC. Although the number of LGR and HGR factors tended to increase with PC progression, none of the individual factors were significantly different between patients with PHP and those without lesions.

Conclusion:

The newly modified scoring system evaluating multiple factors associated with PC could potentially identify patients with higher risk of PHP or PC.
How to perform EUS-guided biliary drainage
Authors: Dietrich Christoph F. , Braden Barbara , Burmeister Sean , Aabakken Lars , Arciadacono Paolo Giorgio , Bhutani Manoop S. , Götzberger Manuela , Healey Andrew J. , Hocke Michael , Hollerbach Stephan , Ignee André , Jenssen Christian , Jürgensen Christian , Larghi Alberto , Moeller Kathleen , Napoléon Bertrand , Rimbas Mihai , Săftoiu Adrian , Sun Siyu , Teoh Anthony Yuen Bun , Vanella Giuseppe , Fusaroli Pietro , Carrara Silvia , Will Uwe , Dong Yi , Burmester Eike
Published: October 2022

EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has recently gained widespread acceptance as a minimally invasive alternative method for biliary drainage. Even in experienced endoscopy centers, ERCP may fail due to inaccessibility of the papillary region, altered anatomy (particularly postsurgical alterations), papillary obstruction, or neoplastic gastric outlet obstruction. Biliary cannulation fails at first attempt in 5%–10% of cases even in the absence of these factors. In such cases, alternative options for biliary drainage must be provided since biliary obstruction is responsible for poor quality of life and even reduced survival, particularly due to septic cholangitis. The standard of care in many centers remains percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). However, despite the high technical success rate with experienced operators, the percutaneous approach is more invasive and associated with poor quality of life. PTBD may result in long-term external catheters for biliary drainage and carry the risk of serious adverse events (SAEs) in up to 10% of patients, including bile leaks, hemorrhage, and sepsis. PTBD following a failed ERCP also requires scheduling a second procedure, resulting in prolonged hospital stay and additional costs. EUS-BD may overcome many of these limitations and offer some distinct advantages in accessing the biliary tree. Current data suggest that EUS-BD is safe and effective when performed by experts, although SAEs have been also reported. Despite the high number of clinical reports and case series, high-quality comparative studies are still lacking. The purpose of this article is to report on the current status of this procedure and to discuss the tools and techniques for EUS-BD in different clinical scenarios.
Trichoscopy as an Essential Diagnostic Technique for Hair and Scalp Disorders in Skin of Color
Authors: Bhat Yasmeen Jabeen , Shah Faizan Younus , Saqib Najm-u , Shah Aaqib Aslam , Latif Insha , Zeerak Sumaya , Dar Uzair Khurshid , Bashir Yaqzata , Hassan Iffat , Rather Shagufta P.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Hair and scalp disorders cause significant morbidity, warranting an early diagnosis and treatment. Trichoscopy has shown great promise in the diagnosis and assessment of these disorders.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to determine the trichoscopic findings in cases of alopecia and scalp disorders and to determine their statistical significance.

Materials and Methods:

This was a case–control study in which trichoscopy using a hand-held dermoscope was done in 605 patients and 200 controls.

Results:

The trichoscopic findings that showed statistical significance in 405 alopecia cases when compared with controls were broken hair, exclamation hair, black dots, yellow dots, vellus hair and pigtail hair in alopecia areata, hair diameter variability, single hair predominance, brown and white peripilar sign in androgenetic alopecia, corkscrew hair, comma hair, morse-code hair and interfollicular scale in tinea capitis, and white dots and peripilar erythema in primary cicatricial alopecia. The findings which had a statistical relevance among scalp disorders included light red background, dots and globules and dermoscopic Auspitz’s sign for psoriasis, dark red background and arborizing vessels for eczemas and yellowish background for verrucae, comedo-like openings, milia-like cysts and moth-eaten borders for seborrheic keratosis, and viable nits for pediculosis capitis.

Conclusion:

Our study documented many trichoscopic features which were statistically significant among cases of alopecia and scalp disorders when compared with controls.

Limitations:

Histopathological confirmation of diagnosis was not done in most of the cases. The patients were not subjected to follow-up trichoscopy after treatment.
Histopathologic Patterns in Dermatophyte Infections
Authors: Murali Megha , Tirumalae Rajalakshmi
Published: October 2022

Background:

Dermatophyte infections (DI) mimic a wide range of inflammatory diseases clinically and hyphae often play hide and seek on microscopy. Pathologists encounter biopsies with no clinical suspicion. In such instances, we need to recognize clues that point to the diagnosis.

Aim:

This study aims to describe the histopathologic patterns in DI.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 20 cases of DI were reviewed for various epidermal and dermal patterns.

Results:

Altered pattern of cornification was seen in all 20 cases (100%), the commonest being parakeratosis (75%), often in small mounds (55%), followed by compact orthokeratosis (50%). Neutrophils (65%) and crusting (55%) were seen, with sandwich sign noted in 65% cases. The reaction pattern most commonly seen was spongiosis (50%). Pustules were rare (20%). Mild superficial perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate (45%) was the commonest dermal pattern. Neutrophils (45%) and eosinophils (25%) were less frequent. Fungal hyphae were identified either within the zone of compact orthokeratosis (55%) or at the junction between two different patterns of cornification (45%). The limitations of this study are relatively small number of cases studied and lack of correlation with fungal culture, as they were not done in 90% of patients due to lack of clinical suspicion.

Conclusion:

Histopathologic patterns in DI are most often subtle, in the form of small mounds of parakeratosis and mild superficial perivascular dermal infiltrate, which overlap with several other skin diseases. Neutrophils and sandwich sign are not seen in almost half the cases. A careful search for fungi together with periodic acid–Schiff stain is mandatory whenever altered cornification is seen. Investigations such as potassium hydroxide preparation and cultures are not done unless there is clinical suspicion, which is absent in majority of the cases. Histopathology offers the only opportunity to establish a diagnosis in this easily curable condition.
The Preisach graph and longest increasing subsequences
Authors: Ferrari Patrik L. , Mungan Muhittin , Terzi M. Mert
Published: October 2022

The Preisach graph is a directed graph associated with a permutation

\rho\in\mathcal{S}_N

. We give an explicit bijection between its vertices and increasing subsequences of

\rho

with the property that the length of a subsequence is equal to the degree of nesting of the corresponding vertex inside a hierarchy of cycles and sub-cycles of the graph. As a consequence, the nesting degree of the Preisach graph equals the length of the longest increasing subsequence.
Instantons and L-space surgeries
Authors: Baldwin John A. , Sivek Steven
Published: October 2022

We prove that instanton L-space knots are fibered and strongly quasipositive. Our proof differs conceptually from proofs of the analogous result in Heegaard Floer homology, and includes a new decomposition theorem for cobordism maps in framed instanton Floer homology akin to the

\operatorname{Spin}^c

decompositions of cobordism maps in other Floer homology theories. As our main application, we prove (modulo a mild nondegeneracy condition) that for

r

a positive rational number and

K

a nontrivial knot in the

3

-sphere, there exists an irreducible homomorphism

\pi_1(S^3_r(K)) \to SU(2)

unless

r \geq 2g(K)-1

and

K

is both fibered and strongly quasipositive, broadly generalizing results of Kronheimer and Mrowka. We also answer a question of theirs from 2004, proving that there is always an irreducible homomorphism from the fundamental group of 4-surgery on a nontrivial knot to

SU(2)

. In another application, we show that a slight enhancement of the

A

-polynomial detects infinitely many torus knots, including the trefoil.
Caption Generation for Traffic Signs Using a Deep Neural Scheme
Authors: Sarkar Janarddan , Ramachandran Radhika , Kizhiyedath Sreejith
Published: October 2022

Deriving a meaningful caption for a Traffic Sign image is a challenging topic which is never addressed in prior literature. It is gaining a lot of traction with the introduction of tools and technologies in the fields of Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision. We discuss several concepts in this article, ranging from utilizing y, u, v color-space images to construct an artificial neural network to a single-mode neural architecture that functionally integrates image feature information with textual knowledge. We believe we are the first in the field to apply image captioning to traffic signs. Our model has been tested on GTSRB dataset and obtained a BLEU-1 score of 0.91. While many image captioning methods achieve good results by stacking one feature model on top of the sequential model, our traffic sign captioning work achieved better results by defining two concurrent models, one for feature extraction and one for sequence processing, and fusing them into a single architecture. Our architecture is quicker and capable of learning lengthy dependencies because of the usage of pre-trained models and an LSTM-based network.
Characterization of Automotive Seat NVH Performance
Authors: Titave Uttam Vasant , SETHI AJITESH , A Milind Ambardekar , Jha Kartik , kalsule cEng Shrikant
Published: October 2022

Global automotive market is noticing an increase in competition from every corner of automobile world since decades and automotive OEMs are on the front line with this competition. Thus, the need of time for OEMs is to develop and maintain the brand image within the market until the launch of new models. Disparate factors within a car distinctly interlinks the customer perception towards a brand image. However, NVH as a factor equally affects the customer decision while choosing a particular brand as it is easily perceivable by any layman customer. NVH fraternity focuses on vibration induced within tactile locations, (i.e. seat, steering wheel, gear knob and floor) in a car. Among all these, Steering wheel and Seat plays a prominent role as it interdigitate directly towards customer comfort. In this detailed study we have focused on Seat as aggregate providing comfort to customer. This paper deals with the evaluation of a newly designed Seat headrest on seat modal analysis and Ventilation provided in Seat and its noise impression at idle condition.

However, the stipulation for comfort between customers and automobile OEMs instigating countless innovation within a vehicle components and sub-components. The ventilated seat is a paradigm of such an innovation within automobile world. This paper also deals with the study of inside vehicle cabin NVH performance with and without ventilated seat in operating condition. The whole study revolves around the radiated noise through ventilated seat under distinct probable operating conditions by customer throughout a driving cycle. These conditions encompasses idle, idle + AC with different permutations and combinations of HVAC blower speeds along with ventilated seat blower speeds. The effect on radiated noise of ventilated seat with and without human occupancy has also been studied and covered within this research. Moreover, the radiated noise with simultaneous operation of ventilated seats has also been incorporated within this paper. The whole study has been cascaded to component level to evaluate the effect of various subcomponents on ventilated seat NVH performance. These subcomponents consists of ducts, blowers, its positioning and its operating rpm. The whole research directs at target setting and accomplishing the same during project kick off. This in turn reduces development time and cost throughout the project duration of full vehicle NVH refinement.
Software Reliability Modelling and Application in Software Development Life Cycle
Authors: Satpute Apoorv Mohan , Priya Jyoti , Mishra Jitendra , Anilkumar Sandhya
Published: October 2022

With the accelerating demands of new features in embedded software viz diagnostic services, infotainment instigate complex software development. Ever-increasing software complexity gives rise to unreliable behaviours in the vehicle system. Software reliability model reinforces the confidence of the end-user about the compliant operation of the provided software with respect to requirements. This paper describes the application of software reliability engineering in the Software development life cycle. Further, we are demonstrating means to compute the software operational reliability by acquiring defects observed at the software testing phase. A detailed software reliability model selection process led us to conclude to a software reliability model based on the Nonhomogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) by Schneidewind. The discussed Software reliability model considers both fault detection and correction process for modelling and uses historical defect data of the software for the estimation of fault rate, here the reliability model considers a subset of defect data to incorporate the “data aging” in the estimation. Obtain the correct estimates of the software reliability model parameters we used the Statistical Modelling and Estimation of Reliability Functions for Software (SMERFS V3) software tool. The software reliability engineering aids the project planning team by estimating the target operation reliability of software as well as the necessary time to evaluate the software & defects to be resolved to achieve the target. Software Reliability helps the organization by maintaining the balance between defect escape rate and cost incurred on software testing. Subsequently, employing effective software reliability techniques facilitate the organization to put forward software quality, quantitatively to the customers.
Estimation of Corrosion Potential of Aluminium Brazing Fillets Using Area Method
Authors: Shandily Prem Mohan , Guruprasanna Praveen , Kumar Raj , Soni Sunil
Published: October 2022

Open Circuit Potential (OCP) is the potential established between the working electrode (the metallic surface to be studied) and the environment, with respect to a reference electrode, which will be placed in the electrolyte close to the working electrode. It is very important to measure the electric potentials of various metallic materials in order to know their corrosion behavior in various environments. But perhaps if there is brazing joint involved, as in the case of aluminium heat exchanger components, there are some challenges involved in knowing the potential of the fillet part which includes the selective masking of the areas within the same sample for testing. Firstly, getting reliable & accurate data due to masking process is one concern. Secondly, about the aluminium heat exchanger sample, the variation in OCP values within a single sample are possible due to various factors i.e. presence of cladding on the surface of the materials, presence of sacrificial Zn coating on the microtubes, variation in brazing parameters etc.

In this study analytical correlation is made to OCP values of individual postbrazed child part samples w.r.t the entire brazed joint sample. This is being done in order to calculate & estimate the electric potential of the brazing fillet part. The individual currents at various areas within the sample w.r.t total specimen area are calculated & evaluated in order to arrive at a correlation between the observed potential vs. the sample area. From the obtained results it was found that the predicted theoretical fillet potential was in close agreement with the measured value. However, there is a scope of improvement in refining the simulation methods used in this study, in order to obtain more repeatable & accurate measurement OCP values.
Cowpea production practices, constraints, and end-users preferred varieties and traits in Southern Benin
Authors: Hodehou D.A.T. , Agbahoungba S. , Agoyi E.E. , Sodedji F.A.K. , Kpoviessi A.D. , Montcho D. , Adandonon A. , Vissoh P. , Assogbadjo A.E.
Published: October 2022

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is an important food and nutrition security crop in Benin, though its production is constrained by absence of information necessary for strategic planning. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diversity of preferred traits and production constraints of cowpea in southern Benin. A survey was conducted in three main cowpea-growing districts in southern Benin, namely Ketou, Zakpota and Klouekanmey. Data were collected from 175 respondents through structured survey, as well as using field observations and via focus group discussions. It was clear that the majority of farmers (82%) grew cowpea in association with other crops, though mostly with maize (Zea mays L.). A total of 75.9% of farmers purchased seeds from agro-dealers in local markets. The perception of cowpea production constraints varied among districts, with weeds infestation, unavailability of certified seeds, drought, low yield, and insect pest attacks as the major production constraints across the districts. Factorial analysis showed that for the sociocultural group Adja, selection of cowpea varieties is based on pod hardness and tolerance to Striga gesnerioides; while for the sociocultural group Fon, cooking time, grain colour and seed price were the main selection criteria. On the other hand, for sociocultural groups Nagot and Holli, selection of the cowpea varieties was based on the ease to separate the coat from the cotyledons and seed size (medium to large). These findings could guide cowpea breeders and extension officers in further research and dissemination programmes in Benin.
Why the externalist-internalist distinction over the African development discourse is a dead end
Authors: Ofuasia Emmanuel
Published: October 2022

In recent times, scholarship has reduced the paradigm for why Africa remains largely underdeveloped to two: the externalist and the internalist views. The former is conceived to comprise scholars who tender that the reason Africa is underdeveloped and remains thus is due to the exploitative presence of Western capitalism and, in recent times, China. Walter Rodney has, however, been placed here as a key figure. The internalist, on the other hand, argues that the reason for Africa's underdevelopment may be traced to the presence of bad leadership and mismanagement on the part of Africans themselves. 'Muyiwa Falaiye and George Ayittey are more pronounced representatives. In this research, I counter the locus that Rodney is an externalist. I disclose how criticizing him from this externalist reading amounts to a Strawman. I extract and build on the eclectic basis of his assessment of African development as a justification for why the externalist-internalist debate leads nowhere.
Zhongdaology: How should Chinese philosophy engage with African philosophy?
Authors: Xu Keqian
Published: October 2022

Zhongdaology is the core of Chinese traditional Confucian philosophy. The zhongdaological way of thinking represents the Chinese philosophical thinking mode, with Confucianism as the main body, and has deeply influenced many aspects of Chinese culture. It is different from the traditional ontological thinking in the West. However, for a long time, due to the influence of the dominant position of Western ontological thinking in the field of philosophical research, the characteristics of zhongdaological thinking have not been fully elaborated and promoted. This essay briefly exposes the historical origin of the doctrine of zhongdaology and its significance in Confucianism. Like the situation of traditional Chinese philosophy, African philosophy also has long been overshadowed and ignored by western philosophy to some extent. To this end, it can be safely stated that the dominance of western tradition is why the interaction between Chinese philosophy and African philosophy and other underrepresented philosophical traditions in the south have not taken firm roots. This essay makes some preliminary comparisons between Chinese Confucian zhongdaology with some African philosophical ideas such as Ezumezu and Ubuntu, to show, first, the significance of broader dialogue and exchange among different philosophical traditions in the south, second how zhongdaology itself could serve as a veritable framework for doing philosophy across borders.
Editorial: Child protection in the era of multiple emergencies
Authors: Lulseged Sileshi
Published: October 2022

No Abstract.
Survey of fungal diseases associated with aerial stems and leaves of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in some irrigated fields in Kaduna and Katsina States of Nigeria
Authors: Abdu S. , Dangora D.B. , Suleiman A.B.
Published: October 2022

A survey was conducted to determine the incidence of fungal diseases associated with aerial stems and leaves of Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in some irrigated fields in Kaduna and Katsina states. The fields were selected based on systematic random sampling method and the samples were collected using stratified random sampling (SRDS) techniques. Disease symptoms were identified using CABI and CIP description of potato diseases. A total of four fungal diseases were found to be associated with aerial stems and leaves that included early blight (17.8%), leaf blight (48.7%) Fusarium wilt (21.1%) and Sclerotinia wilt (12. 29%). The fungi were identified based on standard mycological methods. The colonies observed were distinguished microscopically and macroscopically. Six genera of fungi were isolated from the wilted aerial stems and blighted leaves as Fusarium sp (18.7%), Sclerotium sp (18.7%) and Alternaria sp (18.7%); Helminthosporium sp (18.7%) had the highest frequency of occurrence. Botrytis sp (17.7%) and Stemphylium sp (5.6%) had the least frequency of occurrence. The results of this study could be used for further studies in plant protection and disease management.
Effect of sowing depth on growth performance of selected members of the family Cucurbitaceae
Authors: Ajayi J.O. , Olosunde O.M. , Fawibe O.O , Ojewumi A.W. , Mustafa A.A. , Agboola D.A.
Published: October 2022

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the agronomical responses of Citrullus colocynthis, Luffa cylindrica and Citrullus lanatus to varying sowing depths (2, 4, 6 and 8 cm). Agronomic parameters such as number of leaves, fruit weight, leaf area, vine length and width were taken. The Relative Growth Rate (RGR), Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) and Leaf Area Ratio (LAR) for each cucurbit were determined from the data on leaf area and dry weight of seedling. The number of leaves and vines, vine length and width of cucurbits at 2 cm soil depth increased significantly compared with those at 8 cm. However, agronomical responses of the cucurbits at 2 cm soil depth were similar to those at 4 cm. At 2 cm sowing depth, the fruit weight of C. lanatus, L. cylindrica and C. colocynthis increased by 47%, 35% and 20%, respectively compared with those at 8 cm. Also, the RGR, NAR and LAR of C. colocynthis, L. cylindrica and C. lanatus at 2 cm sowing depth increased significantly (p<0.05) compared with those at 8 cm. The findings showed that the vegetative and physiological characteristics of C. colocynthis, L. cylindrica and C. lanatus increased when sown at depths of 2 - 4 cm.
Geospatial assessment of 32-year changes in vegetation cover of some mangal-rainforest ecotone in parts of Asarama, Andoni, Rivers State.
Authors: Mojuetan T. , Edwin-Wosu N.L.
Published: October 2022

The use of geospatial technologies, especially the GIS, has been helpful in monitoring and detecting changing patterns in various vegetation zones. The present study on Asarama study location site was on the basis that land use ecology of anthropogenic and natural influences have constantly led to changes in the vegetation ecotypes with attendant depletion and destruction in the study area. The study was aimed at evaluating the feasibility and use of geospatial tools in assessing these changes within the varying vegetation ecotypes (mangrove, ecotone and rainforest) spanning over 32 years at 16 -year intervals. Results of the 1986 Landsat imagery revealed maximum vegetal trend condition across the vegetation ecotypes that were impacted by anthropogenic activities (farming, logging, deforestation, road/bridge construction and urbanisation) with consequent vegetal cover change, loss and depletion as depicted in 2002 and 2018 Landsat imagery, exemplified in the normalised difference of vegetation index (NDVI) and normalised difference of build-up index (NDBE). The greener parts in the NDVI reflecting a higher value showing a healthy vegetal cover and the blue parts of NDBI with high reflectance values revealed areas of anthropogenic influence alterations. This, by implication, signifies the measure of the vegetation health condition and anthropogenic alteration, respectively.
Abundance of aeroallergens in Rujin Sambo Sokoto (north-west), Nigeria
Authors: Ezikanyi D.N. , Ezemagu C.E.
Published: October 2022

Exposure to aeroallergens has been associated with exacerbation of allergic respiratory diseases especially asthma. It is imperative to identify aeroallergens risk periods and triggers, for adaptation and immunotherapeutic approaches. Study on one-year abundance of aeroallergens was carried out in Rujin Sambo, Sokoto state, Nigeria, from August 2019 to July 2020. Aerosamples were collected using Tauber-like samplers modified to achieve a height of 1.52 m above ground level. Fungal spores were more quantitatively and qualitatively abundant than pollen. Aerosamples were infiltrated with dust in the months of November, March, April and May due to higher incidence of sandstorm, orchestrated by North-East trade wind, which could have refloated previously deposited aeroallergens. Incidence of sandstorm interposed the onset of dry and rainy seasons. The sand storm correlated negatively with humidity but positively with temperature and high influx of fern spores in November. Most fungal spores in the region were spores of Curvularia and Alternaria. Dominant pollen were dispersed from Poaceae, Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae and Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth. In order to over-smart seasonal allergies and elicitation of asthma symptoms in Rujin Sambo, precautionary measures should be taken at the onset of rainy/dry seasons (March, April, May/ November) and August (active-rainy period) and October.
Succession pattern of insects in relation to drowning and poisoning of Rattus norvegicus at Delta State University, Abraka, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Ojianwuna C.C. , Enwemiwe V.N.
Published: October 2022

Forensic study using insects is a veritable tool for tracing crime and cruelty cases. In recent times, forensics is gaining local or international attention. Poisoning and drowning are similar criminal cases occurring in Nigeria, thus, this present study determined insects associated with decaying carcasses of rats drowned and poisoned in Site III, of Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. Poisoned and drowned rats were positioned at several mapped spots in undeveloped bushy paths close to the uncompleted University library in replicates. Albino Wistar rats of 0.25 to 0.30kg were killed by poisoning and drowning. The carcasses were observed daily, between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm, with a minimum observation time of one hour per sample. A total of 1318 insect belonging to 3 Orders, 6 Families and 7 insect species was encountered in this study. Musca domestica, Sarcophaga albiceps and Calliphora viciniam were common species associated with poisoning and drowning of rats. Six hundred and eighty-nine (689) insects accounting for 52.3% was recovered from drowned rats while poisoned rats accounted for (12.37%) of insect species as compared to control (35.36%). The differences were significant (p < 0.05). More insects were collected during the decay stage of the drowned carcass (53.17%). The overall duration for decomposition was not significantly faster (F= 0.89, p > 0.05) for drowned carcass (mean ± SD= 21.43 ± 9.10 days) in poisoned carcass (mean ± SD= 9.53 ± 1.75 days) and control (mean ± SD= 13.21 ±2.20 days). The results of this present study have shown that poisoning inhibited insect abundance. The occurrence of dipterans in all stages is an indication that they can be adopted as key species to determining poison and drowned carcasses. Though future studies are required studies to confirm this is required to develop the succession status in forensic entomology studies using other animal models.