bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bereavement Care Practices Following Stillbirths
Authors: Sharma Bharti , Kulshreshtha Shatakshi , Aggarwal Neelam , Suri Vanita , Nehra Ritu
Published: March 2022

Background:

Addressing stillbirth is a difficult task and becomes more challenging with a huge burden and skewed doctorpatient ratio. There is a lack of data regarding the knowledge about the bereavement care practices following pregnancy loss and practices being followed by the health-care providers in the Indian context. The objective of this study is to describe the experience, views, and practices of health-care professionals while managing women with stillbirths.

Design:

Internet-based Monkey Survey.

Methodology:

An on-line self completion questionnaire was shared with various health care providers via emails and whats app groups.

Results:

A total of 281 responses of health-care providers were analyzed, and the majority of them were obstetricians. Almost 90% had managed women with stillbirth, but just a third (38.1%) had provided bereavement care. The majority of them felt the lack of a uniform and comprehensive training model for providing bereavement care to such women. Out of 281 participants, 258 (91.8%) believed that health-care providers should have a bereavement care training and support system, whereas only 23 (8.2%) rejected this idea.

Conclusion:

There is no defined protocol or standards for providing bereavement care to women following stillbirth. Most health-care professionals feel an urgent need for professional training to bridge the gap between the expectations of patients and the care provided.
Perceptions and Preparedness of Dental Professionals toward COVID-19-Related Oral Manifestations in India
Authors: Boyapati Ramanarayana , Duddukuri Hema , Dhulipalla Ravindranath , Kolaparthy Lakshmikanth , Polepalle Tejaswin , Katuri Kishore Kumar
Published: March 2022

Background:

With the reports of oral manifestations observed in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients snowballing day-by-day, it calls for the attention of dental professionals to keep themselves updated regarding these manifestations and how to prevent and manage them in COVID-infected patients.

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this study is to assess the perceptions and preparedness of dental professionals in India toward the COVID-19-related oral manifestations.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted on dental professionals using a pretested and validated questionnaire. Six hundred and twenty-three responses obtained from January 23, 2021 to February 15, 2021 were included in the study.

Results:

Mean knowledge scores regarding COVID-19-related oral manifestations were noted to be significantly high among males (13.5 ± 4.9), having a PhD (18.3 ± 5.8), belonging to the specialty of oral medicine and radiology (15.6 ± 4.7), with more than 15 years of clinical experience (15.4 ± 4.7) and practicing in metropolitan areas (13.7 ± 5.03). Tele-consultation and advising palliative care (65.5%) were the most preferred ways of managing COVID-19-related oral manifestations. Ninety-one percentage of the participants felt that inclusion of dentists in the intensive care unit multiprofessional teams, would contribute toward early diagnosis and management of oral manifestations.

Conclusion:

Study noted lower knowledge scores pertaining to COVID-19-related oral manifestations among BDS graduates with <5 years of clinical experience calling for the implementation of continuing dental education on the oral manifestations occurring in COVID-19 patients.
Development and Use of a Reproducible Framework for Spatiotemporal Climatic Risk Assessment and its Association with Decadal Trend of Dengue in India
Authors: Singh Gurpreet , Mitra Arun , Soman Biju
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

The study aimed to develop a reproducible, open-source, and scalable framework for extracting climate data from satellite imagery, understanding dengue's decadal trend in India, and estimating the relationship between dengue occurrence and climatic factors.

Materials and Methods:

A framework was developed in the Open Source Software, and it was empirically tested using reported annual dengue occurrence data in India during 2010–2019. Census 2011 and population projections were used to calculate incidence rates. Zonal statistics were performed to extract climate parameters. Correlation coefficients were calculated to estimate the relationship of dengue with the annual average of daily mean and minimum temperature and rainy days.

Results:

Total 818,973 dengue cases were reported from India, with median annual incidence of 6.57 per lakh population; it was high in 2019 and 2017 (11.80 and 11.55 per lakh) and the Southern region (8.18 per lakh). The highest median annual dengue incidence was observed in Punjab (24.49 per lakh). Daily climatic data were extracted from 1164 coordinate locations across the country for the decadal period (4,249,734 observations). The annual average of daily temperature and rainy days positively correlated with dengue in India (r = 0.31 and 0.06, at P < 0.01 and 0.30, respectively).

Conclusion:

The study provides a reproducible algorithm for bulk climatic data extraction from research-level satellite imagery. Infectious disease models can be used to understand disease epidemiology and strengthen disease surveillance in the country.
Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Mental Health Status Prevailing among COVID-19 Patients in Mumbai, India
Authors: Singh Arjun Gurmeet , Singhavi Hitesh , Sharin Florida , Lakdawala Muffazal , Mhatre Sharayu , Deodhar Jayita , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Dikshit Rajesh
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

The aim was to determine the prevalence and predictors of depression among less symptomatic COVID-19 patients.

Methods:

A questionnaire-based assessment was conducted among asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients when admitted in a COVID-19 facility (T1) and after 6 months (T2). Interviews were conducted using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 instrument. Socio-demographic details and length of facility stay were recorded. Changes in scores between the two-time points T1 and T2 were compared. Factors predicting depression were determined using Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U test during facility stay, and those predicting worsening over time were obtained using multivariate regression models.

Results:

Among the 91.4% (n = 450) participants, prevalence of depression was 38.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 34.0–43.0) with a significant increase of 7.8-fold (95% CI = 4.8–12.8) in depression as the duration of stay increased beyond a median of 5 days. A significant association was observed between higher income and lower depression (odds ratios = 0.6, P = 0.03). 84% (n = 378) responded at the second timepoint assessment after a median of 6.62 months (T2). There was a significant difference observed between the 2.6% (n = 6) that worsened into depression at T2 and the 73.8% (n = 107) that improved out of depression at T2 (P ≤ 0.001). Age >45 years (P = 0.007), males (P = 0.011) and reinfection (P = 0.039) significantly led to worsening of depression.

Conclusion:

There is a need for actively detecting and managing depression in institutionally quarantined survivors, considering limiting such quarantine to no more than a week, and providing routine screening and care for depression beyond this period.
Effect of a Text-Messaging Intervention on Oral Self-Care Practices in Antenatal Women in Delhi, India
Authors: Basu Saurav , Rajeev Anjali , Garg Suneela , Singh Mongjam Meghachandra
Published: March 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the effect of a mHealth (text message) intervention compared with a structured health educational session on the oral care and hygiene practices of pregnant women.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a pilot randomized control trial, parallel design superiority trial, with a 1:1 allocation ratio. A total of 76 pregnant women up to 20 weeks of gestational age and capable of reading mobile phone text messages were recruited during August–October 2020 from the antenatal clinic of a primary health center in a low-income urban agglomeration in Delhi, India. The mHealth intervention arm participants were sent a daily text message for 30 days, while all participants were provided a one-time, face-face, brief didactic structured educational session toward oral health promotion.

Results:

The baseline characteristics of both groups were comparable in terms of age structure, education, parity, and oral hygiene but differed in terms of oral health problems. Postintervention, although the twice-brushing frequency increased in both arms, only the mHealth arm revealed a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of missed twice-daily brushing episodes (P = 0.016).

Conclusions:

A mHealth-based daily text-message intervention for 1 month was not superior to a one-time brief didactic structured educational intervention for oral health promotion in antenatal women.
E-cadherin as a Prognostic Biomarker in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Khan H.R. , Patil Bharat Umakant , Gangane Nitin M.
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

In a recent survey of cancer mortality in India, oral cavity cancer was listed as the leading cause of mortality in men, causing 29% of cancer-related deaths.

Objective:

The aim is to investigate the expression of E-cadherin to elucidate its role in determining the biological activity of the disease as a reliable and potential marker.

Materials and Methods:

E-cadherin immune-reactivity was evaluated in ten randomly selected fields in consecutive 50 cases diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and in each case, its mean was taken for the evaluation of E-cadherin expressing cells. The distribution and intensity of immunostaining E cadherin were also semi-quantitatively evaluated.

Results:

The most prevalent age group involved was the fifth decade and alveolus was the main site. The most common histological subtype was found to be well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and stage IV was the most common subtype in our study. The P value was significant for association between differentiation of tumor, staining location, and expression of E-cadherin (P value-0.002). E cadherin expression was compared with mortality; we found five out of seven death cases showing strong E cadherin expression, however, this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Clinical and histopathological characteristics of malignancy, such as metastasis, recurrence, low survival, and poor tumor differentiation, have been associated with low expression of E-cadherin in OSCC.
Data Collection Process in Qualitative Research: Challenges and Potential Solutions
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh RamBihariLal , Shrivastava Prateek Saurabh
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT

Qualitative research in the field of public health and medical education has immense scope and potential considering the richness of information that it adds to the existing literature. We completely acknowledge the in-depth information and the variety of viewpoints that qualitative research methodologies add to the existing pool of information, but the process of data collection has many challenges, which need to be appropriately addressed to enhance the overall quality of data. These challenges include investigator-participant rapport, participant attributes, researcher attributes, and administrative and logistics constraints. To summarize, the conclusion in qualitative research immensely depends on the process of data collection, and thus it is very much important that all specific steps are taken to overcome these challenges and thereby produce meaningful and evidence-based inferences.
Compressive strength, surface roughness, and surface microhardness of principle tricalcium silicate-based endodontic cements after universal adhesive application
Authors: Olcay K , Guneser MB , Dincer AN , Uyan HM
Published: March 2022

Aims and Background:

It was aimed to evaluate compressive strength (CS), surface roughness, and microhardness of mineral trioxide aggregate (ProRoot MTA) and Biodentine (BD) after adhesive application.

Materials and Methods:

Tests was carried out according to international ISO standard. ProRoot MTA and BD were prepared in Teflon molds according to manufacturer's instructions: n = 210 for CS; n = 210 for microhardness. Samples were incubated for 7 days at 37°C in 100% humidity. Surfaces were smoothed with up to 2000 grits of silicon-carbide sandpaper on abrasive device at 150 rpm, randomly divided into seven groups (n = 15). Clearfil Universal Bond, All Bond Universal, and Single Bond Universal (SBU) were applied in both total-etch and self-etch (SE) modes. Adhesives were applied according to manufacturers' recommendations (no adhesive used in control). CS was performed at speed of 1 mm/min, microhardness at 100 gr for 15 s. The surface roughness of the samples was analyzed with atomic force microscopy. Two-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey tests were used for the evaluation of the data.

Results:

Man CS and microhardness values between ProRoot MTA and BD were as follows: 24.9 N, 72.6 HV; 59.8 N, 59.0 HV, respectively. In CS, BD was higher than ProRoot MTA (P < 0.05). In other comparisons except for SBU SE group (P < 0.05), BD and ProRoot MTA showed similar results (P > 0.05). However, ProRoot MTA was found higher than BD regarding microhardness (P < 0.05). As a result of the adhesive application in both BD and ProRoot MTA groups, a decrease in surface roughness was observed compared to the control group.

Conclusion:

BD exhibited better results than ProRoot MTA regarding CS. However, ProRoot MTA was found to be more successful than BD in terms of microhardness. BD and ProRoot MTA showed similar physical properties in terms of surface roughness. To improve regenerative procedures, besides the selection of bioceramic cements, the interaction between cements and materials applied during coronal restoration should be considered.
Correlating optical coherence tomography biomarkers with visual acuity in nigerian retinitis pigmentosa patients
Authors: Okonkwo ON , Hassan AO , Ogbedo EN , Akanbi T , Umeh V , Agweye CT
Published: March 2022

Background:

Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) has been used for imaging retinitis pigmentosa (RP) eyes and provides useful information on microstructural changes.

Aim:

To review SD-OCT findings and correlate the central foveal thickness (CFT), outer nuclear layer (ONL), external limiting membrane (ELM), and ellipsoid zone (EZ) with visual function in nonsyndromic RP eyes.

Patients and Methods:

A multicenter, retrospective review of records from consecutive eyes diagnosed to have RP. Biodata, systemic disease, visual acuity, lens status, intraocular pressure, and SD-OCT images were examined. The CFT was categorized into normal (250–299 microns), atrophic (0–249 microns), and edematous (≥300 microns). The ONL, ELM, and EZ within the subfoveal area was assessed and rated as normal, reduced (if less than normal), or absent (if missing). The status of these biomarkers was correlated with visual acuity and statistical analysis performed using Pearson Chi2, P < 0.05. In addition, the vitreomacular interface was examined for the presence of vitreomacular traction (VMT), vitreomacular adhesion (VMA), and epiretinal membrane (ERM).

Results:

Fifty-two RP eyes of 27 patients had SD-OCT images that were used for study analysis. There were 17 males and 10 females; 52% of participants were between 31 and 50 years (age range: 22–77 years). An atrophic retina was the most common finding in 42 eyes (81%); the average CFT in the atrophic group was 175 microns (range: 111–245 microns). There were three eyes with cystoid macular edema, and seven eyes were normal. For the OCT biomarkers, a reduction in ONL and ELM occurred in 69% and 46% of eyes, respectively, while an absence was the most common EZ finding (in 50% of eyes). There was a significant correlation between the presence or absence of the three biomarkers and presenting vision: ONL, ELM, and EZ with P values of 0.000, 0.006, and 0.011, respectively. The CFT had no significant correlation with vision; P = 0.522. Other findings on OCT include ERM 17%, VMA 6%, and VMT 2%.

Conclusion:

This report supports the notion that OCT image reporting on physical retinal structure in RP eyes can be used to predict disease effects on vision. A prospective study to better quantify the degree of structural change and correlate with the degree of functional loss is required for RP gene types in Nigerians and black Africans.
The effect of erosive beverages and polishing systems on the surface properties of nanohybrid composite resin
Authors: Ozdemir B , Ilday N Ozakar , Ozdemir SB , Suleyman F , Duymus Z Yesil
Published: March 2022

Aims and Background:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the surface microhardness and roughness of composites treated with three different polishing systems exposed to two different corrosive beverages.

Material and Methods:

Ninety-six composite resin disks were randomly divided into four groups, one of which was the control group. The surface roughness and microhardness values were measured after 24 h in the polishing process. The samples were divided into three subgroups and kept in distilled water, cola, and ice tea for 20 min a day for 14 days. Then, the roughness and microhardness measurements of the samples were taken again. Two samples randomly selected from each group were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and analyzed statistically using the two way anova (ANOVA) and Duncan tests.

Results:

A statistically significant difference was found between the roughness and hardness values at the end of 24 h and 14 days. Onegloss (OG), Dentoflex (DF), and Super-snap (SNP) polish systems showed the highest roughness in the cola group, respectively. Microhardness values: The unpolished group had the lowest significant microhardness in the coke group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

In this study, it was seen that the lowest success rate was the OG polishing system.
Atomic force microscopy study on the effect of different irrigation regimens on the surface roughness of human root canal dentin
Authors: Tsenova-Ilieva I , Simeonova S , Karova E
Published: March 2022

Background:

Endodontic irrigants could alter the mechanical properties of root canal dentin, such as its roughness.

Aim:

To compare the effect of various irrigation protocols on root canal dentin roughness with respect to their application time, concentration, and additional ultrasonic activation.

Materials and Methods:

Forty single-rooted, non-endodontically treated upper incisors were decoronated and further sectioned longitudinally in a buccolingual direction. The surfaces of all eighty samples were polished and randomly segregated to eight equal groups (n = 10): Group A: 2% NaOCl/2 min followed by 17% EDTA/2 min; Group B: 2% NaOCl/5 min followed by 17% EDTA/5 min; Group C: 5.25% NaOCl/2 min followed by 17% EDTA/2 min; Group D: 5.25% NaOCl/5 min followed by 17% EDTA/5 min; Group E: 2% NaOCl solution, ultrasonically activated for 2 min; Group F: 5.25% NaOCl, ultrasonically activated for 2 min; Group G: 2% NaOCl/2 min followed by 17% EDTA/2 min, both ultrasonically activated; Group H: Control group (distilled water).

Results:

All irrigation regimens increased root dentin surface roughness in comparison with the control group. The analysis of the values revealed significant differences between the arithmetical average roughness values (Ra) in the groups (p < 0.001). A statistically significant increase in the Ra parameter was observed in groups E, F, G, and D. The irrigation protocol in Group A showed a significantly smoother dentin surface than those with the ultrasonic activation.

Conclusion:

All tested irrigants increased root canal dentin roughness and the effect was time and concentration-dependent. The ultrasonic activation of the disinfection solutions roughened the root dentin surface significantly.
Barriers and solutions to effective mentorship in health research and training institutions in Nigeria
Authors: Ughasoro MD , Musa A , Yakubu A , Adefuye BO , Folahanmi AT , Isah A , Onyemocho A , Chukwu EE , Chukwudi CU , Dadi Mamud JN , Effa E , Egharevba HO , Etokidem A , Mbachu AN , Njokanma AR , Ogunfowokan AA , Ohihoin NE , Onwuamah C , Orunmuyi TA , Salako AO , Yusuf AA , Okubadejo N , Anepo-Okopi J , Ezechi O , Salako BL
Published: March 2022

Aims and Background:

Mentoring relationships and programs have become a subject of global interest and their relevance is high in the ever-evolving health system. In Nigeria, informal system of mentoring is largely practiced. To be able to institutionalize mentoring program, there is need to explore the various challenges of mentoring process and suggest potential approaches for effective mentor-mentee relationship in health research institutions in Nigeria.

Subjects and Methods:

The study was designed to explore the barriers and solutions to mentoring process from the perspectives of the mentor, mentee, and organization in health research and training institutions in Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed and the study was conducted among 21 health researchers drawn from 24 health research institutions across the 6 regions of Nigeria. The nominal group technique was adopted in the data collection process.

Results:

The most frequently reported mentor challenges were “lack of understanding of mentorship process” (84.2%) and “lack of capacity for mentoring” (78.9%), while those of mentee were “mentor preference” (73.7%) and “lack of freedom of expression” (47.4%). “Culture of selfishness/individualism” (84.2%) and “lack of formal relationship” (63.2%) were the most mentioned systemic challenges. Training on mentoring process and relationship was mentioned as the most frequent approach to overcoming challenges for the three perspectives.

Conclusion:

Significant mentorship challenges exist in the Nigerian health, academic and research institution. Systematic approaches to finding and implementing the appropriate solutions are needed to circumvent these bottlenecks.
Differences in hard and soft tissue profile after orthodontic treatment with and without extraction
Authors: Alqerban A , Alaskar A , Alnatheer M , Samran A , Alqhtani N , Koppolu P
Published: March 2022

Aims and Background:

Premolar extraction is often associated with variations in the soft tissue profile that lead to considerable improvements in the facial profile. This study compared the changes in the facial profile of hard and soft tissues and investigated possible differences in the various facial parameters between patients who were treated with and without premolar extraction.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 98 orthodontically treated patients were divided into two groups with an equal number of participants. Premolar extraction was performed in the test group only. A total of 33 landmarks were identified on each cephalometric radiograph. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated. We evaluated changes in measurements between pre- and post-treatment by performing the signed-rank test. We used the Kruskal–Wallis test to compare changes between the groups.

Results:

No significant differences were observed in the treatment outcomes of skeletal and soft tissue variables in class I and class II participants between the test and control groups (P > 0.01). However, significant differences were noted in the treatment outcomes of dental variables in class II participants between the groups. Dental variables did not show any significant difference in class III patients between the groups.

Conclusion:

This study showed that skeletal and soft tissue changes were similar in skeletal except for few dental parameters following orthodontic treatment with and without premolar extraction.
The efficacy of different sealer removal protocols on the microtensile bond strength of adhesives to a bioceramic sealer-contaminated dentin
Authors: Kurklu ZG Bek , Yoldas HO
Published: March 2022

Background:

The optimal bonding of adhesives to dentin requires the sealer to be completely removed from the dentinal walls.

Aim:

This study compared the efficacy of different sealer removal protocols on the microtensile bond strengths (MTBS) of single-step adhesives to a calcium silicate-based bioceramic root canal sealer-contaminated dentin.

Materials and Methods:

Standardized box-shaped Class I cavities were prepared in human lower third molars (N = 50). All cavities were contaminated with a bioceramic root canal sealer (Endosequence BC Sealer, Brasseler, Savannah, USA), except the control group (G1) cavities. For the experimental groups, contaminated dentin surfaces were wiped with a dry cotton pellet (G2), wiped with a cotton pellet saturated with water (G3), rinsed with the air/water spray (G4), and passively applied aqueous ultrasonic energy with an ultrasonic scaler (G5) before the restoration procedure. All the cavity surface was restored with a one-bottle universal adhesive and composite resin. All the specimens were subjected to both thermocycling (2,500 thermal cycles from 5 to 55°C, with a 30-s dwelling time and a 10-s transfer time) and mechanical loading (50 N load for 100,000 cycles). The restored specimens were sectioned into resin-dentin beams for MTBS evaluation. Additional specimens were prepared for the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the dentin-adhesive interface (n = 10).

Results:

No significant difference was found between the mean bond strengths of the groups. In SEM examination, no residual sealer was found in any group.

Conclusion:

Calcium silicate-based bioceramic sealer was removed from the dentin surface with all removal protocols when evaluated with MTBS after the thermal and mechanical cycle tests.
Uncorrected refractive error in a university community
Authors: Anajekwu CC , Kizor-Akaraiwe N
Published: March 2022

Aims and Background:

To determine the prevalence and pattern of uncorrected refractive error among staff of a Nigerian university.

Patient and Methods:

A cross-sectional study of consecutive staff of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria who presented for a 10-day free eye screening program. Demographic data and data on eye care awareness and knowledge were obtained with a combination of self-administered and interviewer-administered questionnaires in the English language. Clinical examinations included visual acuity taken at 6 m with Snellen's chart; noncontact tonometry; pen-torch eye examination; and direct ophthalmoscopy; autorefraction and subjective refraction.

Results:

One thousand and eighty-three subjects aged 18–82 years (mean = 44.1 ± 12.15 years) comprising 568 females (52.4%) and 515 males (47.6%) were screened. Eighty-nine subjects (8.3%) were visually impaired and five subjects (0.5%) were blind. Three hundred and fifty-six subjects were diagnosed with refractive error (356/1083; 32.9%), out of which 149 subjects (41.9%) were uncorrected. The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error in this study population was 13.8%. Astigmatism was the commonest refractive error, whereas hypermetropia and hypermetropic astigmatism were the commonest spherical and astigmatic errors, respectively.

Conclusion:

A significant proportion of the staff of this Nigerian university still lives with uncorrected refractive error with its attendant consequences. Regular eye checks should be done by the staff of our universities and effort should be intensified in eye care awareness creation among the populace, including the apparently enlightened communities.
Bilateral accessory middle turbinate presenting as double middle turbinate
Authors: Adli MS , Ramli RR , Abdullah Baharudin
Published: March 2022

Many anatomical variations of the middle turbinate (MT), including pneumatized, paradoxically curved, bifurcate, trifurcate, secondary, and accessory, have been described. The most common is pneumatized MT (concha bullosa), but other less common variations may also impact the outcome of clinical management. Anatomical variations of the MT, particularly with a concomitant deviated nasal septum, tend to obstruct the middle meatus leading to disruption of the normal sinus drainage and worsening the symptoms of rhinosinusitis. By recognizing the unique anatomical variant by endoscopy or imaging will help us to improve the management. We report an endoscopic presentation of a rare accessory MT.
MEDIUM- AND LARGE-SIZED MAMMALS AT THE URUCUM MASSIF IN THE BRAZILIAN PANTANAL: CAMERA TRAP AS AN EFFECTIVE SAMPLING METHOD TO ESTIMATE SPECIES RICHNESS, RELATIVE ABUNDANCE, AND ACTIVITY PATTERNS
Authors:   Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Assis William Oliveira de , Santos Filipe Martins ,   Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Nascimento Leonardo França do , Barreto Wanessa Teixeira Gomes , Nantes Wesley Arruda Gimenes , Fonseca Carlos ,   Universidade de Aveiro, Herrera Heitor Miraglia , Porfirio Grasiela Edith de Oliveira
Published: March 2022

The Urucum Massif (UM) is recognized as a region of flora and fauna endemism, and it is one of the few mountain ranges found in the western edge of the Brazilian Pantanal, in Mato Grosso do Sul state. Despite the lack of knowledge on mammalian species occurrence, several mining companies established in this region has rapidly changed its landscape. Therefore, this study aims to carry out an inventory of medium- to large-sized mammals in the UM to estimate their relative abundance and activity patterns using data provided by camera trapping surveys. Two main camera-trapping surveys were carried between October 2014 and July 2015, in addition to a small survey in July 2016. Results showed 25 species from medium- to large-sized mammals. Dicotyles tajacu, Dasyprocta azarae and Dasypus novemcinctus presented the highest relative abundance indices. Overall, D. azarae, Nasua nasua and Euphractus sexcinctus were diurnal, while Tamandua tetradactyla, D. novemcinctus, Tapirus terrestris and Sylvilagus paraguensis were nocturnal, in turn, D. tajacu and Cerdocyon thous were associated with the crepuscular period. Overall, 28 % (N = 7) and 12 % (N = 3) of the recorded species are threatened nationally and globally, respectively. Due to the scarcity of protected areas in the UM, we recommend long term monitoring of mammals and ecological studies to support conservation actions for this group in the region
AVIFAUNA IN TWO REMNANTS OF BREJOS DE ALTITUDE IN THE STATE OF PERNAMBUCO, BRAZIL
Authors:   Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Oliveira-Silva Williams , Paula Arthur Siqueira de ,   Universidade Federal do Agreste de Pernambuco, Lima Hugo Fernando de , Carvalho Matheus Galindo Jácome de , Gaban-Lima Renato ,   Universidade Federal de Alagoas,   Museu de História Natural da Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Lyra-Neves Rachel Maria de , Telino-Junior Wallace Rodrigues
Published: March 2022

The Brejos de Altitude are enclaves of high-altitude Atlantic Forest surrounded by the Caatinga, presenting high species richness and endemism. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the avifauna in forest remnants of the Brejos de Altitude in the state of Pernambuco: the Vale do Tabocas Farm and the RPPN Reserva Natural Brejo. Using mist-nets captures and direct observations, we recorded 211 species of birds, including 28% forest-dependent species. Four taxa endemic to the Pernambuco Center, two to the Atlantic Forest, six to the Caatinga, and 14 to the northeastern region were recorded. Eight threatened taxa were also recorded. Insectivores (44%) and omnivores (25%) were the most representative trophic guilds. Although the Vale do Tabocas fragment presented the lowest species richness, it holds more endangered and endemic species. These results indicate the importance of these forest fragments for local bird diversity maintenance and their conservation must be encouraged.
Human-like Decision-making and Control for Automated Driving
Authors:   Nanyang Technological University, Lv Chen
Published: March 2022

The on-vehicle automation system is primarily designed to replace the human driver during driving to enhance the performance and avoid possible fatalities. However, current implementations in automated vehicles (AVs) generally neglect that human imperfection and preference do not always lead to negative consequences, which prevents achieving optimized vehicle performance and maximized road safety. Human-like Decision-making and Control for Automated Driving will take one step forward to address unsettled technologies in human-like automated driving to break through the limitation for future vehicle automation application existing methods and emerging technologies in Human driving feature modeling and analysis Personalized motion control for AVs Human-like decision making for AVs
Internal Boundaries of Metal Additive Manufacturing: Future Process Selection
Authors:   The Barnes Global Advisors, Slattery Kevin , Rogers Kirk A ,   The Barnes Global Advisors
Published: March 2022

In the early days, there were significant limitations to the build size of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) machines. However, machine builders have addressed that drawback by introducing larger L-PBF machines with expansive build volumes. As these machines grow, their size capability approaches that of directed energy deposition (DED) machines. Concurrently, DED machines have gained additional axes of motion which enable increasingly complex part geometries—resulting in near-overlap in capabilities at the large end of the L-PBF build size. Additionally, competing technologies, such as binder jet AM and metal material extrusion, have also increased in capability, albeit with different starting points. As a result, the lines of demarcation between different processes are becoming blurred. Internal Boundaries of Metal Additive Manufacturing: Future Process Selection examines the overlap between three prominent powder-based technologies and outlines an approach that a product team can follow to determine the most appropriate process for current and future applications.
Electric Road Systems for Dynamic Charging
Authors:   Muelaner Engineering, Ltd., Muelaner Jody Emlyn
Published: March 2022

Electric road systems (ERS) enable dynamic charging—the most energy efficient and economical way to decarbonize road vehicles. ERS draw electrical power directly from the grid and enable vehicles with small batteries to operate without the need to stop for charging. The three main technologies (i.e., overhead catenary lines, road-bound conductive tracks, and inductive wireless systems in the road surface) are all technically proven; however, no highway system has been commercialized. Electric Road Systems for Dynamic Charging discusses the technical and economic advantages of dynamic charging and questions the current investment in battery-powered and hydrogen-fueled vehicles.
Heitor Villa-Lobos i Darius Milhaud – w kręgu fascynacji twórczych, postaw i osobowości
Authors: Rusin Anna
Published: March 2022

Heitor Villa-Lobos and Darius Milhaud: towards fascinations, musical approaches and personalities

The article aims to examine the circumstances of Milhaud and Villa-Lobos’s encounter, who are the significant figures of 20th century French and Brazilian avant-garde. The analysis of the principle aspects of youthful inspirations, musical approaches and personalities as per Mieczysław Tomaszewski’s concept of the integral interpretation, presents the impact of cultural milieux on artists’ aesthetics, together with their apparent fascination with Carnival. Additionally, the study highlights a connection between the composers’ natures and the fantasy implied either as a category or a genre fantasia. As a result, various analogies are identified linking the composers’ life and musical language.
Effects of COVID 19 on Ecotourism in Lesotho: A Thematic Analysis of Challenges, Coping Strategies and Lessons Learned
Authors: Tlali Liteboho T. , Musi Mokone
Published: March 2022

Ecotourism has received academic recognition since the1980s appreciating its potential to generate socio-economic benefits to local destinations. However, travel restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19 have had devastating effects on the sector. The purpose of this exploratory study is to assess the challenges and coping strategies of an ecotourism venture at Malea-lea, Lesotho. Using thematic analysis, the study reports on fifteen qualitative interviews with the management and beneficiaries of Malea-lea Development Trust’s corporate social responsibility. Major results are that the Trust is facing financial challenges as a result of restrictions on movement hindering it from achieving its social responsibility obligations, the coping strategies included using skills acquired during HIV and AIDS pandemic to address challenges imposed by COVID-19 and promoting local tourism to fill the void created by lack of international tourists. The implication of the study is that local tourism could be promoted in Lesotho. The study recommends financial and technical support to ecotourism enterprises and proximate communities to circumvent negative impacts of COVID-19. The study contributes to dearth of literature on COVID-19, ecotourism and CSR in Lesotho highlighting that local tourism is possible post COVID-19 and that ecotourism venture could contributes to the livelihoods of local communities.
Generating Opportunities For Tourism Businesses Through Information Exchanges with Visitor Information Centres in South Africa
Authors: Tlabela Kholadi , Douglas Anneli , Fairer-Wessels Felicité
Published: March 2022

Information exchange is a process through which information, experience and skills are exchanged among stakeholders. While previous studies acknowledge that Visitor Information Centres (VICs) exchange information with various stakeholders, it remains unclear how this exchange contributes to economic opportunities for tourism businesses. The objective of the study is therefore to ascertain whether the information that VICs and tourism businesses exchanges contributes to economic opportunities. A survey was distributed to tourism businesses listed in the databases of government-owned VICs in South Africa. The results show that VICs and tourism businesses exchange information and that this exchange generates economic opportunities for businesses. The results also identify factors in the information exchange process that are predictors of economic opportunities. Based on the results, VIC staff should use the exchange of information as a platform through which they may generate economic opportunities for businesses. In their exchange of information, VIC staff should understand the information needs of tourism businesses and provide them with visitor-support information that is extensive, useful and according to their preferences. Consequently, staff can contribute to government’s plan of improving the lives of businesses in areas in which they operate.
A Study on Women’s Attitude and Perception towards Investment in Equity Shares
Authors: Geethu Krishna P.G
Published: March 2022

Capital market is inevitable in the emerging economies. Equity market has greater potential for growth in future. In the modern world, women are very much involved in all the sectors of the economy. They have dominant participation in the business world as well. The present study attempts to understand the needs and concerns of women
investor‟s regarding investment in equity shares. This study could find out how much they are aware and involved in the capital market investments by revealing their attitude and perception towards their investment decisions and level of satisfaction with their current investment pattern. The study analyzes that dividend and capital appreciations are the
major motivational factors which influence women to buy the equity shares and they are ready to take only a moderate risk by investing in A group and a combination of A and B group securities. The most of the women investors prefer to invest in banking sector and they prefer to buy it with their own savings.
Valuation of Local Materials in Road Construction in Arid Zones
Authors:   Science of Technologie, Sience and Technologie, University Ahmed Draïa, Adrar, Algeria, Akacem Mustapha , Hassan Moulay Omar ,   Science of Technologie, Sience and Technologie, University Ahmed Draïa, Adrar, Algeria, Djafari Driss ,   Science of Technologie, Sience and Technologie, University Ahmed Draïa, Adrar, Algeria, Abbou Mohammed ,   Science of Technologie, Sience and Technologie, University Ahmed Draïa, Adrar, Algeria
Published: March 2022

The materials constituting the pavement bodies, until today, have been limited to certain so-called noble materials (rolled sands, aggregates, etc.), but these are in the process of being exhausted under the effect of intensive exploitation and the scarcity of quality quarries. With the objective of preserving the deposits of aggregates in the process of exhaustion for future generations and of exploiting the aeolian sands in abundance in the regions of southern Algeria, we aim to enhance the latter in the body of the roadway mixed with the tuffs, this would imply a reduction in construction costs (use of local aggregates of lower quality available in large quantities, reduction in transport costs). From an environmental point of view, this would limit the impacts with a reduction in CO2 emissions linked to transport. In this work, we applied a new approach based on the technique of mixtures to valorize and exploit the sand of dunes existing in abundance, with the treatment in hydraulic binders, which allowed us to go up to 20% of sand dunes
Dynamic behavior with comparative study of the parallel active filter commande
Authors:   Department of Electrotechnic, Faculty of technology, Laboratory LASA, University Badji Mokhtar-Annaba-Algeria,, Mohammedi Moufid , Bahi Tahar ,   Department of Electrotechnic, Faculty of technology, Laboratory LASA, University Badji Mokhtar-Annaba-Algeria,
Published: March 2022

The aim of this article relates to the comparison between two strategies for identifying harmonic currents, namely the instantaneous active and reactive power method and the instantaneous currents method, faced with a dynamic non-linear load. This work particularly concerns the study by digital simulation of a parallel active filter intended to filter the harmonic currents generated by a non-linear load and to compensate for reactive energy. Our study focuses on the identification of harmonics and inverter control. The step of identifying harmonic currents is fundamental in the filtering process.
A New Neural Networks Approach Used to Improve Wind Speed Time Series Forecasting
Authors:   Department of Electronic, Faculty of Technology, University of Blida1, Blida, Algeria, Cheggaga Nawal , Benallal Abdellah ,   Department of Renewable Energies, Faculty of Technology, University of Blida1, Blida, Algeria, Tchoketch Kebir Selma ,   Department of Electronic, Ecole Nationale Polytechnique, Algiers, Algeria
Published: March 2022

Generally, wind turbines convert the energy of wind into electricity. In this order, it is essential to predict accurately this source’s availability and intensity at the same location and height where wind electric generators will be installed, and therefore obtain reliable time-series data. The problem of meteorological time series prediction can be formulated as a system identification problem. To improve the prediction of these meteorological time series, we describe then use an application of a new neural networks approach in this paper. This novel, robust, and reliable forecasting method is based on the application of a new learning algorithm that allows a renewal of learning data, with time. For our algorithm a neural network is developed to estimate just one value y (t+1), then it is taken up with a new learning set enriched by data freshly measured. The obtained results showed a good agreement between measured and predicted series, and the mean relative error over the whole data set, which are not exceeding 5 %.
Uslužna delatnost u oblasti obrazovanja i razvoj digitalnih veština
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Law, Matić Dejan
Published: March 2022

The paper discusses the problem of the quality of service activities in education in the context of the development of the information society in Serbia, as well as the challenges of the global crisis caused by the emergence of a pandemic caused by the new corona virus. The emergence and exceptional development of information and communication technologies has fundamentally changed all aspects of social life and conditioned the need for accelerated adaptation and transformation of all aspects of society in our countr,. at the same time representing the only way to overcome the current dramatic situation by ensuring the continuous development of services in education. As the Strategy for the Development of Digital Skills in the Republic of Serbia for the period from 2020 to 2024 was recently adopted, it is necessary to consider and undergo a critical analysis, both of the proposed solutions provided in this act and the possibility of their valid application. This paper is also dedicated to pointing out possible new approaches so that service activities in the extremely important field of higher education not only respond to the existing challenges of the new age, but also represent the development engine of our society as a whole.
Influenser marketing: potreba uspostavljanja pravne regulative
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Law, Lučić Sonja
Published: March 2022

In the 21st century, which is characterized by accelerated digitalization, companies that want to have an advantage over other companies are following new trends in marketing development. In other words, in addition to innovating their products, in recent years companies have slowly switched from traditional marketing through print, radio and television to online marketing. However, a specific form of marketing, the so-called "influencer marketing" is becoming increasingly important and popular due to the increasing networking through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter. The use of public figures for marketing purposes is not new. Namely, celebrities have been used in the advertising industry for a long time, since consumers like to rely on their good taste and experience. Influenser marketing, however, is not regulated by special regulations, but it is also not legally allowed. The analyzed judgments of the German courts show that it is difficult to distinguish between private and business statements of influential persons, because it depends on the specific circumstances of the individual case. Numerous questions regarding influencer marketing are open, so the courts will have a lot of work to do in the years to come. In this sense, the intervention of legislative bodies in the regulatory sense is expected in order to close the existing legal gaps in terms of legal regulation of influencer marketing.