bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anaesthetic Considerations in Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis
Authors: Kapoor Hemlata , Terdal Mohan Kumar , Badhwar Sanjiv , Rahmani Faizan
Published: April 2022

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is a serious infection that can complicate the course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Surgical debridement of infected/necrotic tissue along with antifungal co-medication constitutes the mainstay of treatment. Amphotericin B can produce electrolyte imbalance and nephrotoxicity. The lungs and other organs can be affected to various extents by COVID-19 infection. Both mask ventilation and intubation can be difficult in these patients. Meticulous preoperative evaluation and optimisation, followed by a carefully planned anaesthetic aimed at maintaining haemodynamic stability, often spells success.
Difficulties in the treatment of an infant survivor with inherited surfactant protein-B deficiency in Tunisia
Authors: Hamouda Samia , Trabelsi Ines , Becdelièvre Alix de , Boussetta Khadija
Published: April 2022

A female-term neonate showed a severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) at hour 3 of life requiring her transfer to intensive care. She was intubated and started on assist-control mechanical ventilation associated with inhaled nitric oxide then high-frequency oscillation ventilation at day 12. Chest X-ray was gradually deteriorating. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan revealed diffuse interstitial lung disease. Flexible bronchoscopy excluded pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. The genetics study confirmed surfactant protein-B (SP-B) deficiency caused by the novel homozygous c.770T>C, p.Leu257Pro mutation in the SFTPB gene (NM_000542.5). Methylprednisolone pulse therapy was administered from day 20. As the infant worsened, azithromycin, sildenafil, and inhaled steroids were added at the age of 6 months and azathioprine at the age of 10 months. At the age of 12 months, chest CT showed diffuse “crazy-paving.” The infant died of respiratory failure at the age of 13 months. Unexplained neonatal RDS should raise the suspicion of SP-B disease. This novel mutation could be part of the mutations allowing partial SP-B production result in prolonged survival. Lung transplant in infants, unavailable in numerous countries, remains the unique way to reverse the fatal outcome.
Challenges and recommendations for the management of asthma in the Middle East and Africa
Authors: Zeitouni Mohamed Omar , Al-Moamary Mohamed Saad , Coussa Marie Louise , Riachy Moussa , Mahboub Bassam , AlHuraish Fatma , Zidan Mohamed Helmy , Metwally Mohamed Mostafa , Aksu Kurtuluş , Yavuz Erdinç , Kalla Ismail Sikander , Chakaya Jeremiah , Abdelmadjid Snouber , Ghedira Habib
Published: April 2022

Clinical presentation of asthma is variable, and its diagnosis can be a major challenge in routine health-care practice, especially in low-and-middle-income countries. The aim of asthma management is to achieve optimal asthma control and to reduce the risk of asthma exacerbations and mortality. In the Middle East and in Africa (MEA), several patient- and physician-related factors lead to misdiagnosis and suboptimal management of asthma. A panel of experts comprising of specialists as well as general health-care professionals met to identify challenges and provide recommendations for the management of asthma in MEA. The major challenges identified for diagnosis of asthma were lack of adequate knowledge about the disease, lack of specialized diagnostic facilities, limited access to spirometry, and social stigma associated with asthma. The prime challenges for management of asthma in MEA were identified as overreliance on short-acting β-agonists (SABAs), underprescription of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), nonadherence to prescribed medications, and inadequate insurance coverage for its treatment. The experts endorsed adapting the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines at country and regional levels for effective management of asthma and to alleviate the overuse of SABAs as reliever medications. Stringent control over SABA use, discouraging over-the-counter availability of SABA, and using as-needed low-dose ICS and formoterol as rescue medications in mild cases were suggested to reduce the overreliance on SABAs. Encouraging SABA alone-free clinical practice in both outpatient and emergency department settings is also imperative. We present the recommendations for the management of asthma along with proposed regional adaptations of international guidelines for MEA.
Improvement in childhood limb-girdle muscular dystrophy with Ayurvedic management
Authors: Lekshmi M. K , Chouhan Alka , Sam Anjali , Krishanan Rakhi
Published: April 2022

The Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophies (LGMDs) include a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the progressive wasting and weakness of the proximal limb-girdle muscles. Sarcoglycanopathies are forms of LGMD that result from defect in the sarcoglycan complex. Ayurveda explains the condition in the line of Srotorodha (~obstructive pathology occurring in channels), especially at the Mamsa dhatu (~muscle tissue) level. This is the case report of an eight year old male child of autosomal recessive LGMD with no relevant family history. The patient was presented with gradual onset of proximal muscle weakness in all four limbs for two years along with pseudohypertrophy of bilateral calf muscles. He had elevated Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) level and the genetic test findings revealed a homozygous missense variation in exon 2 of the SGCA gene. He visited the outpatient department of the tertiary Government Ayurveda Hospital and Ayurveda medications were administered along with dietary advices for two months followed by in-patient management for one month. There was a significant improvement in the clinical findings assessed by the Vignos scale of lower extremity and Barthel index along with reduction in the level of CPK value after three months of Ayurvedic management. Significant improvement in this short period of management substantiates the benefit of Ayurvedic medicines in the management of LGMD.
A Comparative Study of Planning and Dosimetry in Locally Advanced Head-And-Neck Cancer
Authors: Rakesh Amrita , Goyal Jaishree , Soni Sweta , Abhilasha  , Rastogi Kartick
Published: April 2022

Objective:

A head-and-neck cancer (HNC) comprises one-third load of India’s cancer burden. We aim to compare the target coverage and the normal tissue sparing between sequential intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and simultaneously integrated boost (SIB)-IMRT plan for patients of locally advanced HNCs. We evaluate dosimetric parameters of two plans for a single patient and compare target coverage and conformity index (C. I.) and also assess the differences in dose received by organs at risk (OAR) by two plans.

Materials and Methods:

After recording the detailed history, performing a thorough clinical examination and the relevant investigations, the patients who were staged as locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of oropharynx, hypopharynx, and supraglottic regions were chosen for the study. An informed consent was taken before enrolling them in study.

Results:

A total of 30 patients were enrolled in the study. Three patients were female, whereas the remaining 27 were male. Of the 30 patients 19 patients (63.34%) had oropharyngeal disease and 11 had hypopharyngeal disease (36.66%). The present study reported that 24 patients had moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, two patients had well differentiated tumor, and in four patients, it was poorly differentiated carcinoma. The minimum dose, maximum dose, and the mean dose volumes of planning target volume (PTV) 1 and PTV2 which were designated as D100, Dmax and Dmean, respectively, were analyzed by both SIB and SEQ-B IMRT plans. The C. I. was derived by Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 90-05 (34). The C. I. for PTV1 and PTV2 by SEQ-B and SIB IMRT plans was 0.96 versus 0.95 and 0.97 versus 0.95, respectively. The mean maximum dose to brain stem was 4230.02 cGy with SEQ-B and 4305.52 cGy with SIB plan. On analyzing the mean maximum dose received by mandible, a statistically significant sparing was seen with SIB technique.

Conclusion:

In the present study, as no significant difference was observed in OAR sparing except mandible in both the plans. Hence, in view of the results and comparative studies, both the plans are clinically acceptable, although taking into account the tumor coverage, the sequential boost IMRT plan arm gave better results.
The Interrelationship between Diabetes Mellitus and COVID-19
Authors: Abed Thekra Abdulaali , Chabuck Zainab Adil Ghani
Published: April 2022

The pandemic of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has involved more than 100 million individuals, including more than 2 million deaths. Diabetes represents one of the most prevalent chronic conditions worldwide and significantly increases the risk of hospitalization and death in patients with COVID-19. In this review, we discuss the prevalence, the pathophysiological mechanisms, and the outcomes of COVID-19 infection in people with diabetes. We propose a rationale for using drugs prescribed in patients with diabetes and some pragmatic clinical recommendations to deal with COVID-19 in this kind of patient.
Effect of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic on Catheterization Laboratory Activity in Azadi Heart Center, Duhok, Iraq
Authors: Ahmed Mousa H. , Maerozy Kamal A. M. , Mohammad Jamal B. , Albarwari Neshwan
Published: April 2022

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a remarkable impact on healthcare systems globally, and it has challenged patients, healthcare personnel, healthcare systems, and the general population under serious threats.

Aim:

The aim was to determine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on catheterization laboratory activity in Azadi Heart Center, Duhok, Iraq.

Materials and Methods:

All data of consecutive patients visiting Azadi Heart Center for Cardiac Intervention (coronary angiography, congenital intervention, and cardiac device implantation) in two calendar years period (2019 and 2020) were collected, compared, and studied to explore the effect of the pandemic on catheterization laboratories activity during the peak of the pandemic in our region.

Results:

A significant decrease in all cardiac procedures and interventions was detected except for emergency percutaneous coronary intervention, and the total number of procedures performed between January 1 and December 31, 2020 reduced by one-third as compared with the same period in 2019.

Conclusion:

During the peak of disease, the COVID-19 pandemic had reduced all catheterization laboratories activity by one-third except for emergency percutaneous coronary intervention.
Association of Pregnancy Loss with Breast Cancer in Babil Governorate's Women
Authors: Lefta Shurooq Faisal , Kadhim Asmaa
Published: April 2022

Background:

The most common type of cancer among females is breast cancer. Throughout 2016, 897 women died from that disease which is recorded as the first cause of cancer-related mortality among Iraqi females after bronchogenic cancer (Annual Statistical Report 2016); it has been proposed that an interrupted pregnancy might increase a woman's risk of breast cancer since breast cells could proliferate without the later protective effect of differentiation. Previous cross-sectional studies revealed a considerable lack of knowledge regarding the risk factors.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to investigate the possible significant association between female breast cancer and pregnancy loss in Babil governorate's women.

Materials and Methods:

This was a case–control study which was conducted at oncology unit in Merjan Teaching Hospital and Babylon Teaching Hospital for maternity and children. A sample of 50 patients with established breast cancer and 100 healthy women without breast cancer as the control study group. Data were collected by interviewing both groups using a questionnaire about sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive factors, and medical history of other disease. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 25, and P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The most common type of breast cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma (48%) followed by ductal carcinoma in situ (34%) and then invasive lobular carcinoma (18%). Most of our patient diagnosed at Stage II and III (80%) with a mean age at the diagnosis 50.36 ± 5.84. Among all study variables, only early menopausal age is a risk factor for breast cancer in our patients; P < 0.001. There was no significant association between breast cancer and other reproductive factors, demographic characters, and chronic diseases.

Conclusion:

In Babil governorate's women, this study shows no statistically significant difference in pregnancy loss between breast cancer patients and healthy control group. The most common breast cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma, and most of the patients present at Stage II and III. Among the study variable, only early age of menopause is a risk factor for breast cancer.
Pre-operative 2-D Transthoracic Echocardiographic Diagnosis with Intra-operative Findings of Children with Structural Heart Diseases
Authors: Ujunwa FA , Chinawa JM , Okwulehie V , Obidike EK
Published: April 2022

Background:

Structural heart disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Echocardiography is accepted as the first line cost-effective diagnostic modality for pre-operative assessment of children with structural heart diseases. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2-D TTE) may be the only diagnostic tool in a resource-poor environment where further investigations may be very expensive and not readily available.

Aim:

The aim of the study is to determine the degree of accuracy of pre-operative 2-D echocardiographic diagnosis with eventual surgical (intra-operative) findings among children with structural heart diseases with a view to audit the echocardiographic diagnoses and final surgical diagnoses among the patients in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla Enugu, a tertiary cardiothoracic center in Enugu, South-east Nigeria.

Patients and Methods:

2-D TEE (GE Model) diagnosis of all the children that had cardiac surgery at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku/Ozalla Enugu over a 3-year period was studied. All the patients had at least two echocardiographic sessions and results were recorded in a proforma. Surgical findings were obtained from post-operative surgical notes. Intra-operative findings were compared with 2-D TTE findings. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The degree of accuracy was expressed as percentages. The relationship between the sensitivity of 2-D TTE and intra-operative findings as ascertained using sensitivities and positive predictive values.

Results:

There were 55 pediatric cardiac operations performed within the period under review. There were 22 males and 23 females, the age range was from 8 months to 17 years. Fifty-two (94.5%) were due to congenital heart diseases, whereas three (5.5%) were due to acquired heart diseases. Echocardiographic findings were the same as surgical findings in all isolated PDAs (100%), Isolated ASDs (100%), Mitral valve regurgitation three (100%), but missed out PDA as an associated finding in a case of sub-aortic VSD (7.7%) and an ASD in a case of TOF (5.9%), congenital absence of tricuspid valve was also missed as a component of complex cardiac anomaly one (1.1%). These omissions however did not change the surgical approach and outcome. Pre-operative echocardiographic diagnoses and eventual surgical diagnoses were largely concordant. The sensitivity of 2-D TTE and intra-operative findings is 94.5%, positive predictive value is 94.5%, and the false negative rate is 5.5%.

Conclusion:

Echocardiography is a veritable diagnostic tool in the pre-operative evaluation of children with structural heart diseases. Continuous training and re-training are key in skill development and capacity building in resource-poor countries.
Are Preoperative CT Parameters Predictive for the Outcome of Septoplasty?
Authors: Sarı N , çankal F , Uysal E
Published: April 2022

Background:

Despite successful septoplasty surgery, some patients still complain of nasal obstruction (NO).

Aim:

Our aim in the present study is to determine whether preoperative computed tomographic (CT) parameters have prognostic significance for the success of septoplasty.

Material and Methods:

Retrospective data from 61 patients in a secondary care hospital who had undergone septoplasty met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The effects of demographic and preoperative CT parameters (internal nasal valve [INV], external nasal valve area, angle of septal deviation, choana area, aperture pyriformis area, high septal deviation [HSD], transverse diameter of midnose, anterior/posterior deviation, concha and meatus diameter [superior, middle, inferior]) were studied in relation to the change in NOSE scores and the success of surgery.

Results:

Of the 61 patients studied, 31 were male (51%) aged 18–55 years with a mean age ± SD (26.59 ± 9.41). It was found that the changes in NOSE scores were significantly different from each other (P < 0.01). Male gender, trauma history, moderate septal deviation, HSD, mucosal pathology, posterior deviation, bullous turbinate (right and left middle, right superior), and in the absence of allergy, paradoxical turbinate (right and left middle and superior), S-shaped deviation were found to have a significant correlation in the change of NOSE scores (P < 0.05). Age and internal valve differed with respect to outcome (P < 0.05). Variables in multiple linear regresion models of all parameters were found to be insignificant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Preoperative CT parameters are informative, but do not predict the postoperative success of septoplasty.
Mini - Retromandibular access to sub condylar mandibular fractures - Our experience
Authors: Kandasamy Saravanan , John Reena Rachel
Published: April 2022

Condylar fractures alone accounts to about 25% to 40% of all the fractures of mandible. Management of condylar fractures has always been a controversy. Nowadays there has been more emphasis on open reduction of condylar fractures by the surgeons. The reasons could be the result of complications of closed reduction where the patient may not be able to masticate properly and deviation still present thereby the structural and functional loss forcing the surgeons' choice to open up. The anterior parotid approach has lesser risk of injury to parotid gland and also to facial nerve we attempted to use mini retro mandibular access for such fractures. So the aim was to explore the feasibility of the mini retro mandibular approach to sub condylar fractures. The patients reported to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery department clinically and radio logically diagnosed and treated for condylar fractures were included. The maximal mouth opening, protrusive and lateral excursive movements, midline orientation with opposing arch, scar visibility, sialocele and facial nerve weakness were all recorded post operatively and compared with pre-operative recording. The mini retro mandibular access with anterior parotid transmessetric approach to sub condylar fractures can be the choice for the surgical management of sub condylar fractures which is absolutely easy, reliable, with less visible scar and with less chances of landing in facial nerve complications.
High-power laser for oral excisional biopsy in an oncologic patient with pancytopenia
Authors: Campos Luana , Rezende Sandra Bastos , Palma Luiz Felipe , Simões Alyne , Tateno Ricardo Yudi , Silva Roberto Luiz da , Macedo Maria Cristina
Published: April 2022

Oral surgical procedures are a great challenge in cancer patients, especially those with pancytopenia, given the risk of both hemorrhage and opportunistic infection. Thus, we report herein a case of a patient with refractory acute myeloid leukemia, severe pancytopenia, and some episodes of febrile neutropenia, who presented asymptomatic, bilateral lesions on the tongue, requiring excisional biopsy. Considering the high risk of bleeding, surgical intervention was proposed with a high-power laser (HPL) at the bedside. There was no considerable bleeding and stitches were not needed. Within 48 h postoperatively, the patient reported neither pain nor further bleeding and her tongue presented normal function. The patient was under a follow-up period of about 8 months, with no lesion relapse. The HPL seems to be of great value for preventing excessive bleeding and late infection in patients with pancytopenia submitted to minor oral surgeries.
First case of deep neck and descending mediastinal abscess caused by dentoalveolar Eggerthia catenaformis infection
Authors: Galassi Stefania , Meranda Roberto , Cambi Jacopo , De Santis Sante
Published: April 2022

Descending mediastinal abscesses arising from oral (dental or peritonsillar abscess) or deep neck infections (DNIs) often become fatal without surgical drainage. Odontogenic origin was the most common cause of DNIs. We report the first clinical case of a patient with descending mediastinal abscess caused by DNI from Eggerthia catenaformis a Gram-positive anaerobic rod that can be rarely a human pathogen. The patient underwent the extraction of carious molars, cervical and thoracic surgical drainage, and targeted antibiotic therapy with resolution of the infection.
Hypelasma salevensis (FAVRE, 1913) from the Upper Kimmeridgian of the French Jura, and the Origin of the Rudist Family Requieniidae
Authors:   Société des Naturalistes d’Oyonnax, Maison des Sociétés, Gourrat Christian , Masse Jean-Pierre ,   Centre de Sédimentologie et Paléontologie, Université de Provence, Skelton Peter W. ,   Department of Earth Sciences, Open University
Published: April 2022

The requieniid rudist species ‘Matheronia’ salevensis FAVRE, first described from the Tithonian of Mont Salève, eastern France, is transferredto the genus Hypelasma PAQUIER, which is distinguished from Matheronia by possession of a posterior myophoral ledge in the left (attached) valve. Diminutive specimens from the Upper Kimmeridgianof the southern Jura are described and placed in this species.Hence, Hypelasma salevensis (FAVRE) is the stratigraphically oldest known member of the Family Requieniidae. It may also provideanother example of phyletic size increase among rudists. Revised diagnoses are given for the family, genus and species.The main distinction between the requieniids and the diceratids, from among which they arose, concerns the angle between the coiling axis of the left valve and the commissural plane. In diceratids, this angle is large, such that the often sub-equal umbones tend to twist outwards from the commissural plane, so avoiding mutual interference.In requieniids, by contrast, this angle is small, such that the prominent umbo of the left valve tends to coil across the commissuralplane in trochospiral to helicospiral fashion, while that of the right valve is suppressed in compensation, producing an exogyriform morphology. The requieniid modification of growth geometry, already present in H. salevensis, generated an extended basal surface on the flattened anterior wall of the left valve, implying specialized adaptationof these rudists as frictional or attached clingers.Requieniid ancestry should be sought among species of the pre-existing diceratid genera Epidiceras or Plesiodiceras, which also attached by the left valve. Although Plesiodiceras is favoured by its already more or less operculiform right valve and relatively small size, the derived condition of its posterior myophoral organisation is problematical. However, its juvenile shell shows some similarity of external form to H. salevensis, suggesting the possibility of paedomorphicevolution.
Depositional Environment of Coral–Rudist Associations inthe Upper Cretaceous Cardenas Formation (Central Mexico)
Authors:   Geological Institute, University of Karlsruhe, Schafhauser Armin A. , Goetz Stefan A. ,   Geological Institute, University of Karlsruhe, Baron-Szabo Rosemarie A. ,   Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Smithsonian Institution, Stinnesbeck Wolfgang A. ,   Geological Institute, University of Karlsruhe (TH)
Published: April 2022

In the Cardenas Formation (central Mexico), a 175 m thick sedimentarysequence of Maastrichtian age was analyzed with respect to its palaeontology and sedimentology. A wide variety of lithological and palaeontological features characterize this sequence comprising unfossiliferous and fossil-bearing sand- and siltstones, and diverse rudist and coral–rudist associations in carbonate or mixed carbonate/clastic lithologies. A total of 24 rudist and coral–rudist associations are exposed in the investigated section, which are grouped into 5 limestone units. Radiolitid assemblages, coral–rudist reefs, coral-domi-nated reefs, and hippuritid-dominated reefs are present. The stacking pattern of these reef intervals indicates a general transgressive trend through the entire section. Smaller-scale facies trends could be distinguished within each limestone unit, comprising deepening-upward sequences, defined by a shoreface–calcareous algae–radiolitid–marl facies transition, and shallowing-upward sequences defined by a hippuritid–actaeonellid–coral/rudist facies transition. This cyclic sedimentation pattern is obscured by an episodic input of clastic sedimentsderived from the uplifting Sierra Madre Oriental, which in turn triggered either the development or decline of reefs.
Woody species diversity and ecological characteristics of the Mawouon forest, in the Western Highlands of Cameroon
Authors: Moucharou Ngnignigniwou Jonathan , Wouokoue Taffo Junior Baudoin , Nguetsop Victor François
Published: April 2022

This study was conducted to characterize the floristic, structural and ecological diversity of the Mawouon Forest in the Noun division (Western Highlands Cameroon). In total, 14 plots of 30 m x 100 m (3000 m²) were laid out. Within each, all individuals with a diameter ≥ 10 cm at 1.30 m in height were measured. A total of 2324 individuals belonging to 102 species, 78 genera and 35 families have been identified. The richest family was the Fabaceae (15 species) followed by Euphorbiaceae (12 species) and Moraceae (10 species). The most abundant family was the Rubiaceae (26.97%) followed by Euphorbiaceae (17.16%) and Cecropiaceae (12.65%). The Shannon diversity index was 4.51 bits and the Pielou evenness index was 0.67. Alchornea laxiflora with 89.21% of Important Value index was most importance species followed by Myrianthus arboreus (89.03%) and Polyscias fulva (79.12%). The diameter structure shows a predominance of young individuals. The abundance of megaphanerophytes and mesophanerophytes reflects the adaptive plant strategies that correspond to the competitive strategy. The relative abundance of Guinean-Congolese domain species translates a great maturity of this forest that seems little or not disturbed by human activity.
An analysis of the level of vehicular emission in Kaduna Metropolis
Authors: Alhassan Sati Samaila , Johnson Dare Aderemi
Published: April 2022

Vehicular emissions are one of the major sources of air pollution in urban centres due to the use of petrol and diesel fuels. This study analysed the level of vehicular emissions in Kaduna Metropolis. A longitudinal research design was used. Data were acquired on the Road Network of Kaduna Metropolis, level of concentration of gases, Statistics of the motor vehicles movement at each sampling point, type of vehicle, make, age and the fuel used. Copies of the relevant questionnaire were distributed at eleven established sampling points (parks). Gaseous elements examined included Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile Organic Compound (VOC), Nitric Oxide (NO2), Hydrogen Sulphite (H2S) and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2). The concentration of CO exceeded the accepted safe limits especially at morning peak periods. Toyota Liteace was the most used commercial vehicle; 74% of these vehicles are propelled by petrol fuel. Not less than 91% of drivers of such vehicles suffer from illnesses due to the polluted air at least once a month. Regular maintenance of commercial vehicles and awareness campaigns are suggested as measures to mitigate vehicular emissions. Government should establish a reliable and efficient mass transit system to reduce the number of individual vehicles and motorcycles on roads thus, reducing harmful emissions.
Occupational safety and health hazards associated with the slaughtering and meat processing industry in urban areas of Zimbabwe: A case study of the Gweru city Municipal Abattoir
Authors: Jerie Steven , Matunhira Kennedy
Published: April 2022

This study examined occupational safety and health hazards associated with the slaughtering and meat processing industry in the Gweru City Municipal abattoir in Zimbabwe. Qualitative and quantitative research designs were employed. The study population involved all the 23 workers including flayers and labourers who are directly involved in slaughtering and meat processing. Data was collected with questionnaire administration, interviews and field observations. Safety and health hazards associated with slaughtering and meat processing at the abattoir included physical, biological, ergonomic, mechanical, environmental and food safety hazards, all with the risk of causing significant harm to the workers. The lack of experience on job operations was one of the key risk factors increasing the likelihood of workers getting injured and increased frequency of injuries. Workers who had more working years at the abattoir encountered injuries less frequently than those who had fewer working years. The abattoir’s occupational safety and health management system was not effective in solving safety and health risks and required improvement. One effective way that can be implemented is to establish a stand-alone safety, health and environment department within the Gweru City Council to give priority to occupational safety and health issues. Training programmes for workers and management on safety and health are recommended to improve workers’ skills on job tasks, hazard identification, and risk assessment and to improve workers’ behaviour as well as to enhance awareness on safety and health among management, which ultimately improves management commitments.
Patterns of interethnic marriage in Ghana: 2000 – 2010
Authors: Kyei Pearl
Published: April 2022

Patterns of assortative mating are informative because they reflect the strength of social boundaries across groups. Ethnic homogamy is particularly important as it provides a useful measure of social cohesion in multi-ethnic societies. This paper investigates the patterns of interethnic marriage in Ghana using the census data of the 2000 and 2010 censuses. Ethnic homogamy is strong in Ghana with 12.3% of the sample being married to a spouse of a different ethnicity. The likelihood of being in an interethnic marriage varies widely by demographic characteristics. Younger people are significantly more likely to intermarry suggesting that ethnic boundaries tend to become more open over time. Educational attainment significantly increases the propensity for intermarriage supporting the hypothesis that education offers opportunities to join more ethnically diverse networks. Intermarriage is more prevalent in urban areas likely due to the greater ethnic diversity of urban populations. Ethnic minorities tend to intermarry more, which is consistent with the theory that smaller groups face greater marriage market constraints.
Online Teaching and Learning Experiences of Higher Education Lecturers and Students in the COVID-19 Era: A Leap to Digital Pedagogies?
Authors: Moyo Rachel , Ngidi Sizakele , Koai Mojalefa , Lemeko Papi
Published: April 2022

The swift transition from face-to-face contact to online learning due to coronavirus (COVID-19) in teaching and learning is unprecedented on the globe, fraught with a myriad of challenges, and many developing economies being hardest hit. However, several efforts have been made, albeit at different levels in the various parts of the world to adjust and to continue with tuition under the difficult circumstances. The study intends to determine the potential of online teaching and learning in a developing country to propose a more applicable and sustainable integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) in teaching and learning in crises and unforeseen circumstances. The study was conducted as a survey based on a case study of a tertiary institution. The objective was to find out lecturers’ and students’ experiences of online instruction since the beginning of lockdown periods due to COVID-19 in early 2020 so as to map future trajectories. The major findings include a lack of digital literacy among both lecturers and students; inadequate data and properly functioning gadgets; resistance to change revealed in limited adoption on the part of both lecturers and students despite efforts to provide training being made; a lack of systematisation of integration of ITCs in teaching and learning making commitment to transition to online modes difficult; a lack of commitment to attending online sessions and plagiarism in assignments by students. However, adequate commitment to online instruction is crucial to embrace the fourth industrial revolution.
Sonificação de dados (uma introdução à sonificação para historiadores)
Authors: Graham Shawn
Published: April 2022

Existem inúmeras lições que o ajudarão a visualizar o passado, mas esta lição o ajudará a ouvir o passado.
Doença de Creutzfeldt-Jakob: Uma Década de Atividade Assistencial do Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro
Authors: Marques Ana João , Mendes Michel , Carvalho Andreia , Almendra Ricardo , Matas Andreia , Veiga Andreia , Guimarães Pedro , Velon Ana Graça , Branco Maria do Céu , Gabriel João Paulo , Silva Mário Rui
Published: April 2022

Introdução: A doença de Creutzfeldt-Jakob esporádica (sDCJ) é a mais frequente das doenças priónicas humanas com uma incidência estimada de 1 caso por 1 000 000 habitantes/ano. Cursa com declínio cognitivo multidomínios, associado a síndrome piramidal, extrapiramidal e cerebeloso. Evolui de forma rapidamente progressiva, inexoravelmente fatal.

O nosso objetivo foi efetuar avaliação sociodemográfica, semiológica e evolutiva dos casos diagnosticados como DCJ provável no Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes de Alto Douro (CHTMAD) desde 2010.

Métodos: Estudo descritivo, retrospetivo com base em registos padronizados de todos os casos diagnosticados como DCJ provável, incluídos, consecutivamente, desde Janeiro de 2010 a Julho de 2020.

Resultados: Identificaram-se 13 casos de DCJ provável (6 mulheres). A mediana de idade ao início dos sintomas foi 68 anos (44-74). A forma de apresentação mais comum foi o declínio cognitivo (46,2%), seguido de mioclonias (38,5%), ataxia (23,1%), sinais piramidais (23,1%) e extrapiramidais (23,1%). Em cerca de 3⁄4 dos doentes observou-se um período inicial de sintomas inespecíficos, comportamento estranho, anorexia, insónia e tonturas. A observação por um médico neurologista ocorreu, numa mediana de 30 dias após o início de sintomas (15-240). Identificou-se em ressonância magnética cerebral (ponderações T2/FLAIR ou estudo difusão) um hipersinal no córtex cerebral em 84,6% dos casos e nos gânglios da base em 61,5%. A anomalia electroencefalográfica mais frequente foi a presença de complexos/descargas periódicas (46,2%). A pesquisa da proteína 14.3.3 no líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) foi positiva em todos os casos. A sobrevida estimou-se numa mediana de 3 meses (2-13). Apenas foi autorizada autópsia em 5 doentes, confirmando o diagnóstico.

Conclusão: Este grupo de doentes ilustra a variabilidade fenotípica da DCJ e alerta para a possibilidade da presença de sintomas inespecíficos numa fase inicial, cuja investigação poderá permitir o diagnóstico mais precoce.
Radiologically Isolated Syndrome in Pediatric Age: The Ideal Clinical Model for the Study of Remyelination?
Authors: Silva Joana , Faustino Ricardo , Palavra Filipe
Published: April 2022

Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) is a condition in which imagiological findings suggestive of demyelination, specifically multiple sclerosis, are seen in neurologically asymptomatic individuals. Hence, RIS is usually referred to as a pre-symptomatic stage of multiple sclerosis, making it an interesting research object, with the goal of modifying the risk of subsequent evolution to that demyelinating disease. RIS can be diagnosed in children and adolescents, but the data available on this condition for this age range is still scarce. This review on pediatric RIS focuses on the benefit of its research, specifically aiming at the eventual development of therapeutic interventions that, in the future, will eventually promote remyelination and neuroprotection.
A Criminology of Policing and Security Frontiers
Authors: Lippert Randy K. , Walby Kevin
Published: April 2022

Including novel case studies, this multi-disciplinary book assembles a rich collection of policing and security frontiers, both geographical (e.g. the margins of cities) and conceptual (dispersion and credentialism) not seen or acknowledged previously, pushing criminology to the edge of its current understanding.
Peluang Pendidikan Islam di Era Globalisasi : Menuai Tantangan, Meraih Peluang
Authors: Selawati Nur
Published: April 2022

Seiring dengan kemajuan zaman, persaingan hidup dalam berbagai aspek juga kian ketat, tantangan yang dihadapi pun sangat beragam, begitu pula yang terjadi dalam dunia pendidikan khususunya pada pendidikan Islam, namun berbagai tantangan harus dapat diantisipasi supaya pendidikan bisa dilaksanakan dan diimplementasikan sesuai dengan misi dan tujuannya. Jika suatu tantangan mampu diantisipasi dan dihadapi dengan baik, seringkali tantangan itu menjadi peluang yang sangat berdaya guna, sebaliknya jika tidak mampu dihadapi dengan baik, seringkali ia menjadi kendala yang sangat mengganggu upaya pelaksanaan dan implementasi misi dan tujuan pendidikan Islam. Oleh karena itu, menformat ulang teori dan praktik pendidikan harus segera dilakukan dan diseimbangkan, agar pendidikan Islam tidak hanya menuai tantangan, namun juga meraih peluang.  Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kepustakaan (library research). library research juga menjadi salah satu bagian dari metode penelitian kualitatif dengan sumber data sekunder yakni buku maupun jurnal terkait peluang pedidikan Agama Islam. Pada penelitian yang dilakukan telah disimpulkan bahwa menjawab tantangan yang dihadapi pendidikan Islam salah satunya yakni dengan cara memanfaatkan peluang global,kemajuan informasi, komunikasi serta ipteknya untuk memperkuat posisi pendidikan Islam. Namun, Pendidikan Islam wajib mempertahankan sikap selektif, kritis, dan terbuka terhadap munculnya arus globalisasi sehingga peluang pendidikan Islam selalu unggul dan  perhitungkan..
Bias Gender Dalam Pemberian Gelar Bangsawan Terhadap Anak
Authors: Sabatari Baiq , Hendri Nuriskandar Lalu
Published: April 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mencari tahu penyebab terjadinya bias gender dalam pemberian gelar bangsawan terhadap anak di Desa Banyu Urip. Ketika perempuan bangsawan menikah dengan laki-laki non bangsawan maka perempuan tersebut dianggap melanggar Adat dan mendapatkan hukuman atas apa yang sudah dilanggar. Hal tersebut berbanding terbalik dengan perlakuan yang didapatkan oleh laki-laki bangsawan yang tidak dianggap melanggar dan tidak mendapatkan hukuman jika laki-laki bangasawan menikah dengan perempuan non bangsawan. Selanjutnya, dalam penelitian ini penulis menggunakan jenis penelitian kualitatif. Prosedur pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara wawancara dan observasi, serta mengambil dari literatur yang mendukung untuk dijadikan sebagai refrensi. Teknik analisis data dilakukan dengan cara reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan/verifikasi. Berdasarkan Hasil akhir dari kegiatan penelitian ini, penulis mengemukakan bahwa ketika perempuan bangsawan menikah dengan laki-laki non bangsawan maka anaknya tidak akan mendapatkan gelar bangsawan, sedangkan laki-laki bangsawan menikah dengan perempuan non bangsawan anaknya tetap mendapatkan gelar bangsawan. Hal itu disebabkan karena: pertama, laki-laki adalah ayah biologis dari sang anak. Kedua, ajirkrame bangsawan lebih tinggi dari pada ajikrame masyarakat biasa. Ketiga, karena kebangsawanan perempuan sudah dileburkan. Keempat, karena sudah di tegakkan atau dibelikan. Bias gender dalam stratifikasi perempuan bangsawan Sasak ini terjadi karena perempuan di posisikan disubordinasi, perempuan cenderung dimarginalkan, dan stereotype yang mengatakan bahwa kaum perempuan berada dalam posisi yang lemah sedangkan laki-laki sebaliknya berada dalam posisi superior dan kuat.
Strategi Pondok Pesantren Terhadap Pembentukan Karakter Santriwati di Pondok Modern Al-Amanah Liabuku Bau-Bau Sulawesi Tenggara
Authors: Ahmad Ahmad
Published: April 2022

Penelitian ini membahas tentang Strategi Pondok Pesantren Terhadap Pembentukan Karakter Santriwati Di Pondok Modern Al-Amanah. Dalam skripsi ini yang menjadi pokok pembahasannya yaitu: 1. Bagaimana bentuk strategi pondok pesantren terhadap pembentukan karakter santriwati di pondok modern Al-Amanah Liabuku Bau-Bau Sulawesi Tenggara? 2. Apa faktor penghambat dan pendukung strategi pondok pesantren terhadap pembentukan karakter santriwati di pondok modern Al-Amanah Liabuku Bau-Bau Sulawesi Tenggara? Dalam penelitian ini pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Wawancara digunakan untuk mengetahui bagaimana bentuk strategi yang digunakan pondok modern Al-Amanah terhadap pembentukan karakter santriwati, observasi digunakan untuk mengamati situasi yang terjadi di pondok Al-Amanah, sedangkan dokumentasi digunakan untuk mendapatkan data-data yang diperkuat melalui foto atau rekaman. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif kualitatif dengan lokasi penelitian di Pondok Modern Al-Amanah yang terletak di Liabuku Bau-Bau Sulawesi Tenggara. Dari hasil tinjauan tersebut dapat diduga bahwa metodologi yang digunakan di sekolah Al-Amanah saat ini dalam membentuk kepribadian siswa perempuan adalah: Jenis teknik yang digunakan oleh Al-Amanah saat ini hidup di sekolah menuju pembinaan karakter siswa perempuan adalah menyiapkan pengajar yang cakap, melakukan kursus penyesuaian diri, nasehat, menanamkan keyakinan dan taqwa kepada Allah, mendorong perilaku akhlak dengan uswah hasanah dan menumbuhkan kesadaran harapan tertentu dengan pergaulan. Unsur-unsur represif yang tampak dalam membentuk kepribadian mahasiswi adalah: tinggi dalam diri mahasiswi, Pendidikan di rumah yang tidak sama dengan pesantren. Variabel pendukung: menyiapkan guru hebat, penyesuaian diri, uswatun hasanah, bimbingan dan pergaulan.
Menggunakan Metode Algoritm Silver Meal dan Algoritm Wagner Within Dengan Demand Dynamic Inventory Dalam Pengendalian Persediaan Bahan Kegiatan Purchase Order
Authors: Hermanto Hermanto
Published: April 2022

Persediaan merupakan sumber daya yang dismpan dan dipergunakan untuk memenuhi kebutuhan sekarang maupun kebutuhan yang akan datang. Kurang optimalnya kebijakan pengendalian persediaan yang digunakan oleh perusahaan sering kali mengakibatkan kelebihan persediaan (overstock) bahan baku yang ditunjukkan dengan nilai Days of Inventory (DOI). Faktor – Faktor yang mempengaruhi nilai DOI hasil peramalan kebutuhan, jumlah safety stock, sisa persediaan serta ketidakpastian-ketidakpastian yang berasal dari supplier. Untuk dapat meminimasi nilai DOI, maka dalam menentukan jumlah pemesanan bahan atau Purchase Order yang dituju kepada supplier harus mempertimbangkan faktor-faktor tersebut agar persediaan masih dalam angka yang aman sehingga tidak terjadi kelebihan persediaan bahan baku yang nantinya bisa berpengaruh terhadap quality product karena jangka penyimpanan yang terlalu lama bisa menurunkan kualitas bahan baku tersebut. PT. Rofa food Indonesia merupakan salah satu perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang industri makanan ringan berkonsep frozen food. Untuk mendukung kelancaran proses produksi yang pada akhirnya akan mempengaruhi kelancaran pemenuhan permintaan konsumen maka PT. Rofa Food Indonesia selalu berusaha untuk menjamin ketersediaan bahan dengan sedapat mungkin menghindari terjadinya kekurangan persediaan bahan sehingga dapat selalu memnuhi target service level  yang telah di tentukan oleh perusahaan melalui divisi PPIC (Production Planner Inventory Control).
Sustaining Soil Health and Soybean Productivity with Partial Substitution of Nutrients through Gliricidia Green Manuring and Chemical Fertilizers in Vertisols of Central India
Authors:   AICRP for Dryland Agriculture, ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad-500059, Gabhane V.  V. , Ganvir M. M. ,   AICRP for Dryland Agriculture, ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad-500059, Patode R. S. ,   AICRP for Dryland Agriculture, ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad-500059, Turkhede A. B. ,   AICRP for Dryland Agriculture, ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad-500059, Sonune B. A. ,   Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola 444104
Published: April 2022

The present study was conducted to study the effect of partial substitution of nutrient through gliricidia with chemical fertilizers on soil health and soybean productivity in Vertisols under AICRP for Dryland Agriculture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola-444104 (M.S.) during 2009-13. The experiment was laid out with nine treatments comprised of application of potassium through chemical fertilizers and gliricidia along with recommended dose of N and P (inorganic source) in a randomized block design with three replications. The pooled data indicated that application of 100% NP + 25 kg K ha-1 + biofertilizers had highest soybean grain yield followed by application of 50% N through glyricidia +50% N through inorganics+ biofertilizers + 25 kg K ha-1 which were on par with each other. The higher SYI and monetary returns were obtained with the application of substitution of 50 % N through gliricidia along with 50 % N through inorganics and biofertilizer which were statistically on par with application 100 % NP along with 25 kg K through chemical fertilizers. The results of the study also indicated significantly higher enhancement in soil organic carbon, residual soil fertility and nutrient uptake by soybean with the application of 50 % N through gliricidia along with 50 % N through inorganics and biofertilizer. Hence, it can concluded that for sustaining soil fertility and soybean productivity with higher economic returns, application of 50% N (25kg ha-1) through glyricidia +50% N through inorganics + biofertilizers + 25kg P2O5 + 25kg K2O ha-1 is recommended as an integrated plant nutrient supply system on Vertisols under dryland condition in central India.