bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a T-bethi Quiescent Exhausted CD8 T Cell Subpopulation That Can Differentiate into TIM3+CX3CR1+ Effectors and Memory-like Cells
Authors: Raju Saravanan , Xia Yu , Daniel Bence , Yost Kathryn E. , Bradshaw Elliot , Tonc Elena , Verbaro Daniel J. , Kometani Kohei , Yokoyama Wayne M. , Kurosaki Tomohiro , Satpathy Ansuman T. , Egawa Takeshi
Published: June 2021

Persistent Ag induces a dysfunctional CD8 T cell state known as “exhaustion” characterized by PD-1 expression. Nevertheless, exhausted CD8 T cells retain functionality through continued differentiation of progenitor into effector cells. However, it remains ill-defined how CD8 T cell effector responses are sustained in situ. In this study, we show using the mouse chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection model that CX3CR1+ CD8 T cells contain a T-bet–dependent TIM3−PD-1lo subpopulation that is distinct from the TIM3+CX3CR1+PD-1+ proliferative effector subset. The TIM3−CX3CR1+ cells are quiescent and express a low but significant level of the transcription factor TCF-1, demonstrating similarity to TCF-1hi progenitor CD8 T cells. Furthermore, following the resolution of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus viremia, a substantial proportion of TCF-1+ memory-like CD8 T cells show evidence of CX3CR1 expression during the chronic phase of the infection. Our results suggest a subset of the CX3CR1+ exhausted population demonstrates progenitor-like features that support the generation of the CX3CR1+ effector pool from the TCF-1hi progenitors and contribute to the memory-like pool following the resolution of viremia.
Effects of 100-Km Ultramarathon on Erythropoietin Variation in Runners with Hepatitis B Virus Carrier
Authors: Li Li-Hua , Chiu Yu-Hui , Meng Chen , Kao Wei-Fong , How Chorng-Kuang
Published: June 2021

Completing an ultramarathon leads to an immediate postrace surge of erythropoietin (EPO). Patients with chronic liver disease may have high plasma EPO concentrations. This study aims to explore whether plasma EPO concentrations vary between hepatitis B virus carrier (HBVc) and non-HBVc runners during long distance running. Blood samples were collected from 8 HBVc and 18 non-HBVc runners at 3 different time points: 1 week before, immediately following, and then 24 h after the 100-km ultramarathon race. Samples were analyzed for plasma EPO levels. EPO concentration had a statistically significant rise immediately after the race (8.7 [7.1–11.9] mU·mL−1 to 23.7 [14.8–37.2] mU·mL−1, P < 0.001) and maintained the high levels 24 h after the race finished (16.7 [11.5–21.0] mU·mL−1, P < 0.001) in all participants. The mean of EPO concentration was 8.9 (5.7–13.2) mU·mL−1 in HBVc runners and was 8.7 (7.7–11.2) mU·mL−1 in non-HBVc runners in the prerace. In HBVc runners, plasma EPO levels were no different at baseline (P = 0.657) and increased in the same fashion in response to ultramarathon compared with non-HBVc runners. Plasma EPO levels between the two groups were not statistically different at any time point. Prolonged endurance exercise led to a significant increase in EPO. A comparable increase in EPO levels was observed in HBVc and non-HBVc runners during and 24 h after 100-km ultramarathon. However, a small sample size might have affected the ability to detect a difference if it does exist.
Millard's rotation advancement technique for unilateral cleft lip repair
Authors: Narayanan Puthucode V.
Published: June 2021

The unilateral cleft lip deformity includes defects of the lip and also the associated deformities in the nose. The Millard's rotation advancement technique is a versatile one for the repair of these deformities. The principle of the technique is that the raised Cupid's bow point medial to the cleft is brought down level with its noncleft side counterpart by a rotation incision, which extends to the base of the columella and ends with a back cut. The resulting defect beneath the base of the columella is filled with an advancement flap from the cleft side. The advantages of the techniques are many. The most significant one is that it adheres to the basic principles of esthetic surgery, with the main scars being along the relaxed skin tension lines. It is a versatile technique producing optimal results in all types in unilateral cleft lip patients ranging from the microform to the widest of complete clefts. The incision in this technique is so placed that there is easy access to address the associated defects of the nose. Technical refinements have been added to the classical description of the procedure to address the deficiencies in the repair. We describe important refinements introduced at our center by Dr. H. S. Adenwalla. Universally, this technique is still the most popular.
Cleft lip and palate with diabetes insipidus
Authors: Bhaskaran Deepak , Rajan T.M. Sheeja
Published: June 2021

Nasal desmopressin spray is used for the management of diabetes insipidus (DI). Difficulties arise during the perioperative period of cleft repair for the management of DI with nasal desmopressin due to decreased nasal absorption and reduced oral intake. Key to successful peri-operative management is strict monitoring of serum electrolytes, serum and urine osmolality, and fluid administration titrating to urine output. Oral and intravenous desmopressin needs to be used in the perioperative period for managing the condition.
A cross-sectional study on epidemiology and clinical profile of cleft lip and palate at a tertiary care hospital in Manipur, India
Authors: Dutta Indranil , Guruaribam Nilamani Sharma , Khundongbam Palin
Published: June 2021

Background:

Cleft lip (CL) and palate have a complex etiology with both genetics and environment playing a role. The risk factors such as folic acid deficiency, maternal age, and maternal smoking have been linked to the development of clefts.

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to study the different types of CL and palate with respect to age distribution, gender, caste, religion, socioeconomic status, and the clinical factors such as congenital anomalies, blood group, and the relationship with maternal addiction during pregnancy.

Materials and Methods:

The present study conducted among 260 patients of Manipur with primary CL, palate, and orofacial clefts of any age group. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by the descriptive statistics as mean, standard deviation, percentage/proportions, etc. For the qualitative data, the association between various variables was done by applying one-way Chi-square test at 5% (P = 0.05) level of significance.

Results:

Female (51.2%) children are more affected with CL and palate. Association of A +ve blood group is statistically significant. 36.2% belongs to lower middle class socioeconomic status. The proportion of consanguineous marriages was higher. 60% of mothers smoke cigarettes or consume tobacco at the time of pregnancy in association with CL and palate. Majority of the cases had left-sided CL and palate and 47.3% were Group III CL and palate. There was significant association of congenital anomalies (38.5%) among CL and palate patients.

Conclusion:

There is a strong association of maternal smoking or tobacco consumption, maternal alcohol consumption, consanguineous marriages, and A +ve blood group in relation to CL and palate.
Different types of tissue composition in inflammatory or reparative upper airway disorders
Authors: De Coster L. , Eloy P. , Ferdinande L. , Taildeman J. , Cuvelier C.A. , Watelet J.-B.
Published: June 2021

Background: Composition changes of extracellular matrix (ECM) can lead to functional disorders of the upper airways (UA). The aim of this study was to systematically measure both the association patterns and the correlation degree between tissue composition parameters in UA inflammatory diseases. Methodology: Nasal samples were obtained from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with (CRS+NP), without nasal polyps (CRS), with post-operative adhesions (S) and normal nasal mucosa (NM). A reproducible semi-quantitative method, which takes epithelial and lamina propria damages into account was applied for haematoxylin and eosin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, reticulin, elastin, laminin and collagen type IV stainings. Results: The most severe cases of epithelial shedding have been found in a significant higher amount in CRS+NP when compared with NM. The most severe cases of inflammatory reaction were mainly found in CRS+NP. CRS+NP had significantly more severe cases of oedema than NM. Excluding elastin, networks in other ECM proteins were found modified in fibrotic fields but to a lesser extend in oedematous regions in all conditions. Conclusion: Although non specific, oedema in the lamina propria is a key-feature of CRS+NP, while fibrosis, massively present in CRS and S, affects profoundly the distribution of ECM proteins in these areas.
Prevalence of occupational hazards in patients with different types of epithelial sinonasal cancers
Authors: Bonzini M. , Battaglia P. , Parassoni D. , Casa M. , Facchinetti N. , Turri-Zanoni M. , Borchini R. , Castelnuovo P. , Ferrario M.M.
Published: June 2021

Background: Occupational exposure to carcinogens contributes greatly to the etiology of sinonasal cancer (SNC), but the role of different risk factors in determining different histological subtypes is disputed. Methodology: All consecutive surgical epithelial SNC cases (case-series study) underwent a systematic occupational medicine examination to determine previous exposure to a wide range of work-related chemical hazards. Results: We investigated 65 SNC cases including intestinal-type adenocarcinoma [ITAC] squamous-cell carcinoma [SCC], and others. Occupational exposure was recognized for 39 cases. Occupational exposures were sensibly more frequent among ITAC than among SCC or other histotypes. Occupational exposure in ITAC cases was to leather or wood dust only, while among non-ITAC cases, we recognised exposure to formaldehyde, solvents and metal fumes. A high proportion of SNC with occupational exposure originated in the ethmoidal epithelium. Conclusion: In our case-series of SNC, a very high frequency of previous occupational exposure to carcinogens was detected, suggesting that occupational hazards may be associated to the aetiopathogenesis, primarily for ITAC, but also for other histotypes. Besides leather or wood, other chemical agents must be recognized as occupational risk factors.
Diagnosing chronic rhinosinusitis: comparing questionnaire-based and clinical-based diagnosis
Authors: Lange B. , Thilsing T. , Baelum J. , Holst R. , Kjeldsen A.
Published: June 2021

Background: The European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EP3OS) incorporates symptomatic and endo- scopic criteria in the clinical diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), while in epidemiological studies the definition is based on symptoms only. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between questionnaire-based and clinical-based CRS. Methods: Based on the GA2LEN postal survey data a total of 366 persons participated at the follow-up at the Danish centre and provided information on questionnaire-based CRS. At the same occasion the 366 participants underwent clinical inter- view and examination by an otorhinolaryngologist to provide information for a clinical-based CRS diagnosis. The association between questionnaire-based and clinical-based CRS diagnosis was determined using logistic regression models and kappa statistics. Results: Mean age of respondents to the postal questionnaire was 45.3 years and 52.9% were female. Persons with asthma were 8.4 % and 26.2 % were actual smokers. There was moderate agreement between questionnaire-based and clinical-based CRS. Sensitivity was [corrected] low comparing questionnaire-based CRS with clinical-based CRS. Incorporation of self reported CRS and medical history in diagnosing CRS by questionnaire increased increased [corrected] the agreement and sensitivity while specificity stayed at a high level. [corrected] Conclusion: Evaluating the correlation between questionnaire-based and clinical-based CRS showed only moderate agree- ment and questions whether they evaluate the same disease. It brings into consideration that adjustments are needed to justify correlation between questionnaire-based and clinical-based diagnosis of CRS.
Correlation between peak nasal inspiratory flow and peak expiratory flow in children and adolescents
Authors: Chaves C. , Ibiapina C. , Andrade C.R. , Godinho R. , Alvim C.G. , Cruz A.A.
Published: June 2021

Background: PEAK nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) has been proposed as a simple method to evaluate nasal patency. Asthma and allergic rhinitis are commonly associated, and lower airway assessment can provide information concerning an objective interpretation of nasal function. Aims: TO determine whether the PNIF is correlated with peak expiratory flow (PEF) in children and adolescents. Methods and results: Cross-sectional study carried out in healthy students randomly chosen in 14 public schools of the city of Belo Horizonte. PNIF and PEF were assessed for each subject as the following characteristics: gender, height, weight and age. We created a linear regression model to explain the PNIF, in which we included all the variables with a p value ≤ 0.25 in a univariate analysis, and to calculate the relationship between the maximum PNIF and maximum PEF by the Spearman correlation coefficient. In total, 297 healthy subjects, aged between six and eighteen years were evaluated. A positive and significant correlation between PNIF and PEF was found. Conclusions: PEF is predictive of PNIF. However, these measures evaluate two distinct segments of the airways and should be both obtained for a more precise assessment of airflow limitation.
Primary sinonasal malignant melanoma: a nationwide study of the Swedish population, 1960-2000
Authors: Jangard M. , Hansson J. , Ragnarsson-Olding B.
Published: June 2021

Objective: To establish population-based trends for sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM) in Sweden. Methods: We identified 186 patients from the Swedish National Cancer Registry diagnosed with primary melanomas arising from the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, or both, during the period 1960 through 2000. Incidence, gender and age, primary anatomical sites, geographic distribution, treatment and survival were investigated. Results: The age-standardized incidence of SNMM increased significantly during the 41-year-period, with a higher overall incidence for females than males, but with a more rapid increase for males than for females. The incidence increased with age, peaking after the eightieth year in both genders. About 70 % of the cases were clinically amelanotic. The most common primary treatment was surgery. Five-year, disease-specific survival rates were poor for all these patients, but women had a significantly better survival time than men. For both genders the survival rate lengthened during the study period, irrespective of therapeutic strategy. Conclusion: SNMM is a rare disease, but the incidence in Sweden has increased significantly from 1960 through 2000, although not at the same pace as that of cutaneous malignant melanoma. Both the incidence and the survival were significantly higher in females than in males, but the reason for these gender differences is unknown.
Is the common cold a clinical entity or a cultural concept?
Authors: Eccles R.
Published: June 2021

Common cold is the most common infectious disease of mankind and the term is widely used in the clinical literature as though it were a defined clinical syndrome. Clinical studies on this syndrome often use elaborate symptom scoring systems to diagnose a common cold. The symptom scores are based on a study conducted over 50 years ago to retrospectively diagnose experimental cold and this method cannot be applied to diagnosis of common cold in the community. Diagnosis of the common cold by virology is not feasible because of the number of viruses and the variability in the disease states caused by the viruses. Because of the familiarity of subjects with common cold and the variability in symptomatology it seems a more reasonable approach to use self-diagnosis of common cold for clinical research studies and accept that the common cold is a cultural concept and not a clinical entity.
Histopathological changes associated with exposure of some viscerals and testicular tissues to bisephenol A and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
Authors: Omorodion Nosa Terry , Atoigwe-Ogeyemhe Blessing Emosho , Achukwu Peter Uwadiegwu , Odigie Efosa Bolaji
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the pathological effect associated with the exposure of viscerals and testicular tissues of albino rats to BPA and DEHP.

Methods: A total of sixty adult male Wistar rats weighing 200 – 250 g were divided into four (4) groups of 15 rats per cage in a sanitized environment. Group I animals received normal rodent pellet and water and served as untreated group. Thereafter, the rats in the second group (II) were administered 5 mg/kg per day of BPA mixed with rodent pellet orally; group III received 0.5 mg/kg daily dose of DEHP mixed with rodent pellet; while group IV received orally mixture of 0.5 mg/kg of BPA and 0.5 mg/kg DEHP + pelleted rodent feed. The rats were fed and water provided regularly for 30 days; finally, the animals were weighed and sacrificed by cranial dislocation.

Result: BPA and DEHP resulted in significant (p < 0.05) weight losses, inflammation and fatty deposits in the liver, degenerated bowman capsule and glomeruli of the kidneys, lung oedema, and deteriorated leydig cells in testes.

Conclusion: The results suggest that BPA and DEHP cause significant weight loss and are injurious to the cellular make-up of rat tissues, which may be the same in higher animals.
Effect of albumin administration on post-operation mortality, duration on ventilator, and hospital stay on patients in cardiac intensive care: An observational study
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Dai Xinlun , Qi Ji , Ao Yu , Yang Chunfeng , Li Yumei
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To justify the use of albumin infusion in patients in post-surgery cardiac intensive care unit.

Methods: All patients who were hemodynamically stable before the operation and admitted into the surgical intensive care unit following coronary artery bypass, cardiopulmonary bypass, or aortic surgery, had no excessive postoperative bleeding and not on diuretic treatment, were included in the analysis. A total of 1998 patients were divided into two cohorts, viz, the first group was placed on albumin infusion (n = 999) while the second group received normal saline infusion (n = 999). Data were obtained from DICOM files of patients and records of pharmacy. Wilcoxon test or two-tailed paired t-test followed by Tukey post-hoc tests were performed for statistical analysis at 95 % of confidence level.

Results: Albumin and normal saline administration did not decrease the duration of mechanical ventilation, incidence of mechanical ventilation, need for blood transfusion, and length of hospital stay (p > 0.05). Albumin infusion decreased the need for fresh frozen plasma transfusion from 85 to 67, reduced mortality (p = 0.0005, q = 3.959), lowered serum lactate level (p < 0.0001, q = 43.853), but increased cardiac index (p < 0.0001, q = 12.192) as well as financial burden (p < 0.0001, q = 95.158) for the patients, compared to normal saline group.

Conclusion: In view of the foregoing, it is recommended that the use of restriction of albumin resuscitation in surgical intensive care unit should be restricted in this subset of patients evluated in this study.
Effect of dry heat, microwave and ultrasonic treatments on physicochemical properties of potato starch with or without pectin
Authors: Gao Haiyan , Meng Kexin , Zeng Jie , Jiang Jikai , Zhao Jinxiang , Cao Meng , Li Guanglei , Su Tongchao
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effects of dry heat, microwave and ultrasonic treatments on the physicochemical properties of potato starch alone or blended with pectin.

Methods: The physicochemical properties of potato starch gels prepared using microwave, ultrasonic and dry heat treatments were assessed. Pasting properties, gel strength, thermal properties and crystal texture of the potato starch were determined using Rapid Visco analyzer, texture profile analyzer, differential scanning calorimeter and x-ray diffractometer.

Results: Dry heat and ultrasonic treatments significantly increased the peak viscosity of the potato starch, and significantly decreased its setback and pasting temperatures (p < 0.05). Dry heat treatment significantly increased the hardness, while dry heat and ultrasonic treatments significantly improved retrogradation of the potato starch (p < 0.05). Transparency of potato starch paste was significantly increased by the different treatments, except microwave treatment (p < 0.05). Potato starch gels blended with pectin and subjected to any of the treatments exhibited significantly increased hardness, when compared with raw potato starch (p < 0.05). The retrogradation of the potato starch was significantly improved by the different treatments. Dry heat and ultrasonic treatments significantly decreased the syneresis of potato starch with or without pectin (p < 0.05). The three treatments also significantly affected the gelatinization enthalpy of the potato starch with or without pectin, and exerted some effects on the crystallinity of the gels.

Conclusion: The results obtained in this study suggest that differences in physicochemical properties of potato starch gels are due mainly to the degree of damage to starch granules caused by different treatments. The addition of pectin to potato starch gel greatly improves its hardness and retrogradation.
Macrophages induce natural killer cell dysfunction via KIR2DL1 during Echinococcus multilocularis infection
Authors: Bayindala  , Aji Tuerganaili , Ran Bo , Jiang Tieming , Tongbayier Wulan , Shao Yingmei
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To investigate the mechanism by which natural killer (NK) cells are compromised by infection with Echinococcus multilocularis in patients with alveolar echinococcosis (AE).

Methods: NK cells from AE patients and healthy individuals were measured by flow cytometry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify the frequency of different types of NK cells and assess their function. E. multilocularis cyst fluid (EMF) was applied to human monocytic leukaemia cells (THP-1 cells) to assess its effect on their differentiation. In a co-culture system with NK and EMF-THP-1 cells, the function of NK cells were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with or without antibody against KIR2DL1.

Results: Blood from AE patients had fewer CD56low NK cells (p < 0.01) with decreased production of IFN-γ and granzyme B due to the elevated expression of KIR2DL1 (p < 0.001). Treatment of THP-1 cells with EMF induced a tolerogenic phenotype upon activation. Incubation of these EMF-THP-1 cells with NK cells isolated from AE patients significantly impaired the cytotoxic function of NK cells, but this effect was largely blocked by an anti-KIR2DL1 antibody (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: E. multilocularis modulates infection macrophages to induce NK cell dysfunction via interaction with KIR2DL1. These results provide a new insight into the mechanisms of parasitic infection-induced dysfunction of NK cells, and may be helpful for the development of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of alveolar echinococcosis.
FOXQ1 promotes proliferation and metastasis of epithelial ovarian cancer via activation of SIRT1/NRF2 signaling pathway
Authors: Lv Yinfeng , He Rongxia , Lu Jia , Wei Aihong , Chen Ruijuan
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To investigate the role of FOXQ1 in the progression of epithelial ovarian cancer and the underlying mechanism.

Methods: Forkhead Box Q1 overexpression was evaluated by quantitative reverse-transcription (qRTPCR) in clinical epithelial ovarian cancer samples and cell lines. Proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells were determined using CCK8, wound healing and transwell assay.

Results: FOXQ1 depletion inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of `epithelial ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, FOXQ1 overexpression increased the amount of cells in S phase of the cell cycle, and FOXQ1 knockdown arrested cells inG1 phase. Results from ChIP and luciferase reporter assays showed that FOXQ1 was able to bind SIRT1 promoters. In addition, it was involved in sustaining the stability of nuclear factor erythroid derived 2-like 2 (NRF2) by decreasing its acetylation (p < 0.01), which was mediated by SIRT1. The data also demonstrated that NRF2 promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells upon FOXQ1 overexpression.

Conclusion: Forkhead Box Q1 contributes to the progression of epithelial ovarian cancer partly via SIRT1/NRF2 signaling pathway, this highlighting a novel strategy for treating epithelial ovarian cancer.
Prolonged Bleeding Following Removal of Arterio-Venous Fistula Needles after Hemodialysis Therapy
Authors: Makuri Chacha M. , Minzi Omary , Marealle Alphonce , Ruggajo Paschal
Published: June 2021

Background: Bleeding at fistula sites in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) is a common and potentially serious complication that contributes to blood loss (anemia). This study aimed to determine the factors that influence prolonged bleeding at fistula puncture sites following removal of fistula needles.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. We consecutively enrolled patients who underwent maintenance hemodialysis between May and October 2017 at Muhimbili National Hospital and Access Dialysis Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A case report form (CRF) was used for data collection.Prolonged bleeding was assessed by measuring activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and compression time (CT). Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to assess the association between factors and tease out the independent factors associated with prolonged bleeding at fistula puncture site. A two-tailed p-value <0.05 was used as a cut-off for statistical significance.Results: One hundred and fifteen patients were recruited for the study whereby 81(70.4%) of participants had elevated aPTT (> 31 seconds) and 4 (3.5%) had prolonged compression time (> 15 minutes). The mean aPTT and compression time of the participants were 42 ± 17.6 seconds and 5 ± 2.9 minutes respectively. Over half of participants 67(58.2%) had normal compression time (≤ 15 minutes). Elevated serum urea levels (> 7.4mmol/L) was the only factor significantly associated with elevated aPTT (OR=4.143 95% C.I (1.021-16.810), p=0.047).Conclusion: The findings have demonstrated that elevated serum urea levels are significantly associated with prolonged bleeding time following removal of Arterio-Venous fistula needles after completion of a hemodialysis therapy session. This study suggests that, in hemodialysis procedure where a fixed dose of heparin is generalized to all patients there is a chance of exceeding the individual’s requirements.Recommendations: Serum urea levels should be factored in when gauging the individual risk of arterio-venous fistula site bleeding for patients using heparin for anticoagulation during hemodialysis. Further studies with large sample sizes are recommended to elucidate how other predisposing factors may affect A-V fistula bleeding.

Keywords: Hemodialysis, heparin, prolonged bleeding, urea reduction ratio, A-V Fistula, aPTT, Compression time, blood urea.
Towards an Internalist Conception of Justification in African Epistemology
Authors: Ogungbure A A
Published: June 2021

In current discussions on African epistemology, the issue of justification of beliefs has mainly been considered from an externalist perspective, such that justification is described as achievable merely through the means of empirical verification and social context of discourse. However, this results in a knowledge-gap since both internalist and externalist perspectives are needed to arrive at a holistic notion of epistemic justification. Consequently, the objective of this article is to fill this gap by employing the methods of conceptual and critical analysis to attempt an internalist interpretation of epistemic justification in the quest for a more balanced view of African epistemology. Key Words Internalism, African Epistemology, African Beliefs, Justification
Editor's Note
Authors: Oduor R M J
Published: June 2021

No Abstract available
Critique of Nkrumah’s Philosophical Materialism
Authors: Ani E I
Published: June 2021

Kwame Nkrumah invokes the doctrine of emergentism in the hope of reconciling theism - a tenacious part of the African worldview - with materialism. However, in this article I seek to show that this reconciliation is not only ultimately unsuccessful, but is actually impossible. Towards this end, I identify weaknesses in what I call the six argumentative pillars of Nkrumah’s theory of emergentism (which he calls “philosophical materialism”), namely, his arguments regarding the origin of the cosmic material, the primary reality of matter, idealism, categorial convertibility, dialectic change, and the self-motion of matter. The article should provide not only alternative perspectives to Nkrumah’s metaphysics, but also highlight some broader metaphysical implications for both strong and weak emergentism. Key WordsPhilosophical materialism, consciencism, emergentism, cosmic material, categorial conversion, dialectical change, self motion of matter
Mapping out the Identity of African Arts and Aesthetics
Authors: Situma J , Atoh F , Ndohvu J
Published: June 2021

This article utilizes the hermeneutic theory of Paul Ricoeur and its concepts of text, historicity, distance, narrative and metaphor to map out the salient features of African arts and aesthetics. It also uses the Ricoeurian concept of metaphor to demarcate the boundary between art and popular art. The focus of this mapping out is literature, visual arts, music and art criticism. The identity of African literature bears imprints of various indigenous and foreign languages, and pertinent to Ricoeur, the deployment of metaphor. Thematic concerns are patently African by virtue of the historicity of the discourses that feature in the novels, poems and plays. On the other hand, art criticism in contemporary Africa manifests a lack of responsibility, and its practitioners would enhance their capacity by drawing from Ricoeur’s philosophy of interpretive responsibility. Although discourse is significantly valuable in mapping out identity in the African novel, its applicability to the identity of painting, poetry and music is slightly constrained. Furthermore, Ricoeur’s concept of textual autonomy is of least value in dealing with the identity features of symbolic painting and symbolic arts. Key WordsAfrican arts, Ricoeur, Criticism and Responsibility, Metaphor, Historicity
Eternal Damnation: A Reply to Karori Mbugua’s “Gentler Theology of Hell”
Authors: Oduor R MJ
Published: June 2021

This article is a reply to Karori Mbugua’s article titled “The Problem of Hell Revisited: Towards a Gentler Theology of Hell” (Thought and Practice: A Journal of the Philosophical Association of Kenya, New Series, Vol.3 No.2, December 2011, pp.93-103). The present article does not in any way seek to argue for or against the existence of eternal damnation. Instead, it advances the view that while Mbugua raises important philosophical issues around the question of eternal damnation, those questions deserve a more incisive treatment than Mbugua accorded them. The article further argues that as with all other matters touching on the way things are rather than the way they ought to be, the answer to the question as to whether or not eternal damnation exists cannot be determined by our opinions - its existence or non-existence is an objective fact. Consequently, philosophers cannot revise the fact to their liking; what they can do is to accept or reject the doctrine of eternal damnation altogether on rational grounds, but with no assurance that the objective fact is on their chosen side. KeywordsEternal damnation, hell, attributes of God, biblical doctrine
A Study on the Evaluation of Flow Distribution Evenness in Parallel-Arrayed Type Low Pressure Membrane Module Piping
Authors: Jang SeokHyun , Yoon Sukmin , Kim Si-Yeon , Lee Young-Joo , Park No-Suk
Published: June 2021

Objectives : In this study, the degree of uniformity of the flow rate flowing into each module is measured for the external pressure typed low-pressure membrane (microfiltration) filtration process that has been actually applied to water treatment, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique is used to clarify the cause and effect.Methods : Mobile ultrasonic flow meter was used to measure the flow rate flowing from the membrane module pipe to each module, and the CFD technique was used to verify this.Results and Discussion : From the results of the actual measurement using ultrasonic flowmeter and CFD simulation, it was confirmed that the outflow flow rate from the branch pipe located at the end of the header pipe was three times higher than that of the branch pipe near the inlet. The reason was that the differential pressure generated between each membrane module was higher toward the end of the header pipe.Conclusions : When the ratio of the sum of the cross-sectional area of the branch pipe and the cross-sectional area of the header pipe was reduced by about 30 times, it was confirmed that the flow rate flowing from each branch pipe to the membrane module was almost equal. Also, If the flow in the header pipe is transitional or laminar (Reynolds No. is approximately 4,000 or less), the flowrate flowing from each branch pipe to the membrane module can be more even.
A Methodology to Estimate the Potential Production of Bioenergy Based on the Species, Cultivation Area Conditions, and Period of Forest Trees
Authors: Lee Heesoo , Lim Seong-Rin
Published: June 2021

Introduction : Since the population increases and the industry develops, the demand for fossil fuels continues to increase, creating problems of energy resource depletions and accelerating global warming. Thus, many countries are making active efforts to replace fossil fuels with bioenergy as a renewable energy. In particular, trees managed and produced by forest industry have a high potential as energy sources for biofuel industry, because they have a conceptual characteristic of carbon neutrality. Recently, energy plan and policy are being developed to cultivate trees on fallow lands, environmentally restored sites, and ground-level work places of abandoned mines; however, economic feasibility for such plans and policies cannot be readily evaluated due to insufficient information on the amount of the energy to be produced from tree cultivation. Thus, the objective of this study is to develop a methodology which can be used to estimate the potential energy amount of the bioenergy from tree cultivation based on tree species, cultivation time, and cultivation area conditions.Methodology : The methodology consists of three stages. In the first stage, the total volume of the trees per area is estimated by using the number of trees per unit area and the average stem volume of the tree, which are affected by the site index representing the environmental conditions of cultivation area. In the second stage, the total mass of biomass is calculated by using the density of wood, the biomass expansion factors for the above-ground biomass, and root-shoot ratio. In the last stage, the amount of the energy produced from the tree cultivation is estimated by taking into account the caloric value evaluated based on the carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen compositions of the tree.Case Study : A case study for conifers and broad-leaved trees is performed to demonstrate the methodology. The conifers are Jungbu local pine, Korean white pine, and Japanese larch, and the broad-leaved trees are oak, red oak, and birch. The results of the case study validate the developed methodology and clearly showed the procedure and necessity for the methodology by estimating the bioenergy productions from the trees.Conclusions : The developed methodology can be used to provide practical information needed to determine the economic feasibility of the plan, policy, and project for tree cultivations.
Práticas pedagógicas e formação de professores para o contexto bilíngue
Authors: Mayer Luana Francine , Koerner Rosana Mara , Pesce Marly Krüger de
Published: June 2021

A partir de uma pesquisa realizada em um contexto de ensino bilíngue, envolvendo seis professoras de turmas de educação infantil e séries iniciais, aqui serão trazidos dados que indicam os modos como questões sobre suas formações afloram a partir de seus relatos sobre suas práticas pedagógicas. O objetivo deste artigo é verificar como suas formações acontecem no cotidiano da sala de aula e no espaço escolar considerando o que pode ser inferido a partir do que relatam sobre seu fazer docente. As reflexões aqui propostas estão baseadas em Nóvoa (2009), Imbernón (2009) e Cunha (2007), que ajudam a compreender a formação docente e García (2009) e MEGALE & LIBERALI (2016) que abordam a questão do ensino bilíngue.  Os instrumentos de produção de dados foram um questionário escrito seguido de um grupo de discussão, e entrevista individual recorrente. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, desenvolvida ao longo de 2019 e 2020, cujos dados indicaram que a formação docente acontece a partir dos desafios com trabalho em sala de aula, e apesar de ser um processo individual e assíncrono, se dá principalmente nas trocas entre os pares e com base em experimentações. Os resultados podem dar indícios significativos no que tange às discussões sobre a formação docente para este contexto de ensino que, até este momento, não é prevista por cursos de licenciatura no Brasil e, assim, necessita de algumas regulamentações no que se refere à sua formação inicial.
estágio curricular em língua inglesa e a formação inicial de alunos do Curso de Letras
Authors: Almeida Matheus Lucas , Brayner Thaysa Ferreira dos Santos , Moraes Antonio Henrique Coutelo de
Published: June 2021

O estágio curricular é eixo central na formação de professores, pois é através dele que o futuro profissional conhece aspectos importantes para a formação e construção da identidade e dos saberes docentes. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste artigo é analisar as contribuições que o estágio curricular traz para professores de língua inglesa em formação. A metodologia utilizada foi a qualitativa, a partir de orientações de Triviños, analisando-se as visitas realizadas a uma escola privada de Educação Infantil e Ensino Fundamental da cidade do Recife, PE. Para alcançar nosso objetivo, buscamos nos fundamentar em Almeida (2021), Brasil (2017) e Moraes e Barros (2020), entre outros. Os resultados apontam para o fato de que há um diálogo entre as esferas acadêmica e profissional que ajuda a construir a identidade docente do professor-estagiário. Portanto, são perceptíveis as contribuições significativas dessa etapa do processo formativo para a prática de futuros professores.
Ensino remoto emergencial e formação de professores de línguas adicionais
Authors: Ribeiro Marina Lopes , Godiva Stephanie , Bolacio Filho Ebal Sant’Anna
Published: June 2021

A suspensão abrupta do ensino presencial nas universidades a fim de conter a rápida propagação da COVID-19, trouxe inúmeros desafios, dentre eles, a reestruturação dos cursos de idiomas oferecidos ao público externo à universidade para seu oferecimento na modalidade online em caráter emergencial. O presente trabalho busca apresentar um relato de experiência acerca do ensino de alemão num dos cursos de extensão da Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) e analisar as percepções de alunos e professores em formação vinculados a esse projeto durante o ensino remoto. Para tal, foi aplicado um questionário online semiaberto aos professores-tutores e alunos. As análises indicam que a despeito das dificuldades encontradas, há entre os sujeitos de pesquisa uma percepção positiva da experiência online.
Formação inicial de professores, trabalho docente e o Programa Residência Pedagógica de Letras da UNIFAP
Authors: Gomes Rosivaldo
Published: June 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar, primeiramente, a configuração de um curso de formação oferecido a professores de Língua Portuguesa (em pré-serviço), participantes do Programa Residência Pedagógica, Núcleo/Subprojeto de Letras-Português - 2018-2020, desenvolvido pela Universidade Federal do XX. Desse objetivo, desdobra-se outro que visa analisar o agir professoral e o trabalho planejado e realizado de cinco professores-residentes, participantes do referido curso. O estudo situa-se no campo da Linguística Aplicada e a análise dos dados, de caráter qualitativo-interpretativista (DENZIN; LINCOLN, 2006), foi realizada a partir de um corpus de trechos de dois relatórios de práticas de práticas de ensino, produzidos pelos professores-residentes/colaboradores da pesquisa. Nos trechos dos relatórios, foram analisados alguns segmentos de tratamento temático do discurso desses professores, a partir dos quais foi possível encontrar representações do agir professoral e do trabalho desenvolvido por esses agentes em contexto de interação didática em sala de aula. Os resultados demonstram que a oferta do referido curso possibilitou aos professores-residentes tanto a mobilização quanto a ampliação de seus repertórios didáticos para o ensino de Português como língua materna. A análise e a interpretação dos dados, neste caso, dos segmentos de tratamentos temáticos, retirados de dois relatórios de prática, permitiu-nos compreender que o agir professoral e o trabalho planificado e o realizado, desenvolvidos pelas/os professores em formação, configuram-se a partir de determinantes externos que estão ligados diretamente com prescrições que são estabelecidas a partir de documentos oficiais, de intenções e modelos de agir que esses sujeitos se apoiam para concretização de seu métier.
The Adoption of e-business Technologies and Processes in Nigerian Small Business Enterprises.
Authors:   , Olayinka Olakunle
Published: June 2021

Small businesses are often considered important to a nation’s economy. In Nigeria, the small business sector contributes about 48% to the GDP, and there is an increasing effort to support the small business sector as a way of combatting societal ills. Within the last decade, there has been a global increase in the use of e-business by both large and small companies. Today, it is generally acknowledged that e-business provides a range of opportunities for small businesses to operate and compete effectively; however, in developing countries such as Nigeria, there is very limited research on e-business adoption in the small business sector. This thesis examines the adoption of e-business technologies and processes in Nigerian small businesses. Using an inductive approach, informed by a case study strategy, a longitudinal study of six small businesses in Lagos, Nigeria was conducted. Data was collected using interviews and questionnaires, and both thematic analysis and framework analysis were utilised to analyse the cases. Research results indicate that small businesses in Nigeria are utilising e-business systems. Key issues impacting upon e-business adoption and eight critical influencing factors that affect adoption were identified. Based on the case study findings, a framework for the development and implementation of e-business strategy in the Nigerian small business sector was developed and validated. This framework will be of value to small business owners involved in e-business operations, and also provides a basis for follow-up research in developing world countries.
Brain White Matter Abnormality Induced by Chronic Spinal Cord Injury in the Pediatric Population: A Preliminary Tract-based Spatial Statistic Study
Authors: Fisher Joshua , Alizadeh Mahdi , Middleton Devon , Matias Caio M. , Mulcahey MJ , Calhoun-Thielen Christina , Mohamed Feroze B. , Krisa Laura
Published: June 2021

Objectives: Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) is a diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)–based processing technique that aims to improve the objectivity and interpretability of analysis of multisubject diffusion imaging studies. This study used TBSS to measure quantitative changes in brain white matter structures following spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Eighteen SCI subjects aged 8–20 years old (mean age, 16.5 years) were scanned using a conventional single-shot EPI DTI protocol using a 3.0T Siemens MR scanner. All participants underwent a complete International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) examination to determine the level and severity of injury. Five participants were classified as American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A, nine as AIS B, and four as AIS C/D. Imaging parameters used for data collection were as follows: 20 directions, b = 1000 s/mm2, voxel size = 1.8 mm x 1.8 mm, slice thickness = 5 mm, TE = 95 ms, TR = 4300 ms, slices = 30, TA = 4:45 min. To generate TBSS, nonparametric permutation tests were used for voxel-wise statistical analysis of the fractional anisotropy (FA) skeletons between AIS groups. A two-tailed t test was applied to extract voxels with significant differences at p < .05. Results: Notable significant changes occurred throughout the corticospinal, spinothalamic, and dorsal column/medial lemniscus tracts. Altered regions in the temporal, occipital, and parietal lobes were also identified. Conclusion: These results suggest that white matter structures are altered differently between people with different AIS classifications. TBSS has the potential to serve as a screening tool to identify white matter changes in regions of interest.
Redes sociales y el desarrollo empresarial, en el contexto del COVID-19
Authors: Bote-López Sergio
Published: June 2021

Las redes sociales en la actualidad constituyen, sin lugar a duda, una de las herramientas más indispensables en el desarrollo empresarial, situación que ha quedado evidenciada en la última década. Dentro del contexto del COVID-19, los medios digitales de difusión han sido fundamental para que las empresas no sucumban en una recesión letal. Mediante la transformación digital estas sociedades han visto una ventaja competitiva para poder mantenerse operativas y seguir generando rentabilidad. No obstante, esta pandemia ha transformado el mundo principalmente como desarrollamos el comercio, teniendo su mayor impacto en el marketing, que tuvo de innovarse para poder satisfacer las necesidades de una sociedad que tuvo que confinarse.

Palabras claves: Redes sociales, transformación digital, redes sociales y empresas, marketing digital.
An Image Reconstruction Algorithm based on Sparse Representation for Image Compressed Sensing
Authors: Tian Shuyao , Zhang Liancheng , Liu Yajun
Published: June 2021

It is difficult to control the balance between artifact suppression and detail preservation. In addition, the information contained in the reconstructed image is limited. For achieving the purpose of less lost information and lower computational complexity in the sampling process, this paper proposed a novel algorithm to realize the image reconstruction using sparse representation. Firstly, the principle of algorithm for sparse representation is introduced, and then the current commonly used reconstruction algorithms are described in detail. Finally, the algorithm can still process the image when the sparsity is unknown by introducing the sparsity theory and dynamically changing the step size to approximate the sparsity. The results explain that the improved algorithm can not only reconstruct the image with unknown sparsity, but also has advantages over other algorithms in reconstruction time. In addition, compared with other algorithms, the reconstruction time of the improved algorithm is the shortest under the same sampling rate.