bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Justice Potter Stewart Definition of Atheism
Authors: Quillen Ethan G. ,   Academic Publishing
Published: October 2021

In 1964, the United States Supreme Court affirmed by its decision in Jacobellis vs. Ohio that the French art film, Les Amants, was not, as the State of Ohio had previously defined it, “hardcore pornography.” In his concurrent opinion, Justice Potter Stewart wrote that, though he couldn’t properly define what might constitute “hardcore pornography,” it was something that would be obvious to most of us, especially when compared to a bawdy, yet otherwise harmless, foreign film. His exact words were: “but I know it when I see it.” And while Justice Stewart’s simple acknowledgment that we might “know” what something means merely based on our personal perceptions helped justify the Court’s stance on how it approached similar obscenity laws (as well as made him famous) from that point on, it also serves us well in our own search for definitions of words like “religion” or “Atheism.” This article will use Justice Stewart’s argument as a base of discussion for the latter, providing in the process examples of Atheists across three historical periods, that will in turn support a practical description of the term itself, while simultaneously challenging the need for a “definition of Atheism” in the first place.
La influencia del corso berberisco en la tardía repoblación del área litoral del reino de Murcia (siglos XVI y XVII)
Authors: Velasco Hernández Francisco
Published: October 2021

Aunque es un tópico simple y muy recurrido, se suele identificar al corso magrebí como una de las causas que frenó la repoblación de las zonas litorales españolas, sin que apenas haya sido demostrada esta afirmación sobre el terreno y con ejemplos válidos. Con este artículo pretendo probar cómo su incidencia fue especialmente nociva para los habitantes del litoral del reino de Murcia, situado a poco más de un día de navegación de Argel, los cuales apenas pudieron acercarse a la costa durante más de un siglo. La base documental sobre la que me he apoyado abarca varios archivos, como el de Simancas, Histórico Nacional y los municipales de Murcia, Cartagena, Lorca y Mazarrón, contrastada con la bibliografía especializada sobre el tema.
Tiempos de crisis, tiempos de proyectos: el proyectismo español en la crisis del ejército del Antiguo Régimen
Authors: Abián Cubillo David
Published: October 2021

La presente investigación tiene por objetivo estudiar los diversos proyectos de reforma de las academias militares durante el reinado de Carlos IV. Basándonos en que tanto la guerra, dado el grado de tecnificación que había alcanzado el mundo bélico, como la crisis de la monarquía potenciaron los planes de reforma en el ejército, considerado un pilar para sostener la monarquía. Gracias a ello, se va a comprobar qué características tenían los proyectos, con el objetivo de estudiar cuál era el ideal de ejército que manejaba el gobierno de la monarquía. Además, se prestará especial atención a quiénes escribían estos proyectos y qué modelos consideraban más idóneos para el ejército del rey español. Todo lo anterior nos muestra un interés de la monarquía por fomentar la formación de la oficialidad y potenciar el peso del mérito individual en la carrera militar.
Reseña de: Díaz Ceballos, Jorge, Poder compartido. Repúblicas urbanas, Monarquía y conversación en Castilla del Oro, 1508-157
Authors: Gómez González Juan
Published: October 2021

Reseña de: Díaz Ceballos, Jorge, Poder compartido. Repúblicas urbanas, Monarquía y conversación en Castilla del Oro, 1508-1573. Madrid: Marcial Pons Historia, 2020, 395 pp., ISBN: 9788417945091.
«Sobre este modo de resolver e despachar os negócios». El declive del Conselho Ultramarino y el auge de los secretarios de Estado en Portugal durante la primera mitad del siglo XVIII
Authors: Bicalho Maria Fernanda
Published: October 2021

Uno de los aspectos que llama la atención a quienes estudian los imperios ultramarinos de la Edad Moderna es la producción de un «océano de papeles». La Corona portuguesa construyó una red de comunicación y circulación de informaciones y saberes relativamente sofisticada con el objetivo de establecer formas de gobierno y de explotación económica sobre territorios alejados entre sí y con poblaciones diferenciadas. La propuesta de este artículo será un análisis de las dos institucionales principales –el Conselho Ultramarino y la secretaría de Estado– responsables de la elaboración de las políticas dirigidas al gobierno de las conquistas, así como para la producción de conocimiento y circulación de informes entre el reino y el Ultramar. El objetivo específico será el análisis de la interlocución entre las diferentes instituciones y agentes de Brasil –ministros reales y elites coloniales–, el Conselho Ultramarino, las secretarías de Estado y, en última instancia, el monarca.
El fracaso de los proyectos de reforma en el virreinato peruano de principios del siglo XVIII. Las propuestas de Carmine Nicola Caracciolo, príncipe de Santobuono
Authors: Favarò Valentina
Published: October 2021

Desde hace algunas décadas, una nueva corriente historiográfica ha dirigido su atención a las transformaciones que, en los ámbitos social, político y militar, impulsó el gobierno borbónico en las primeras décadas del siglo XVIII. Aunque en gran medida no tuvieron éxito, las reformas promovidas en las dos primeras décadas entre la Península Ibérica, Sicilia, Nueva España y Perú ponen de relieve un importante primer intento de hacer más funcional el gobierno de la Monarquía. Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar las propuestas de las reformas que Carmine Nicola Caracciolo elaboró durante su mandato como Virrey del Perú (1716-1721). En particular, se reflexionará sobre aquellas propuestas que no dieron lugar a un resultado positivo: la creación del Virrey de Nueva Granada; la propuesta de reforma de los servicios postales; la propuesta de abolir el sistema de la mita; la revisión del papel de los corregidores.
Ecos de un mercantilismo truncado. El conde de Pinos Puente y la diplomacia comercial de Carlos VI en la corte de Lisboa (1723-1724)
Authors: Quirós Rosado Roberto
Published: October 2021

Las consecuencias de la guerra de Sucesión española alejaron del Nuevo Mundo al emperador Carlos VI de Habsburgo. Tras los intentos infructuosos para movilizar redes políticas en los reinos de Indias, el Austria proyectó su poder al mundo ultramarino, no con una intervención armada directa, sino con la articulación de la Compañía de Ostende y la Privilegiada Compañía Oriental Imperial, con sedes en Viena y Trieste. A causa de la emulación de Gran Bretaña, las Provincias Unidas y las Dos Coronas borbónicas, el emperador remitió en 1723 un enviado extraordinario a Lisboa para lograr la cobertura de Juan V de Portugal a dichas empresas: Juan Jacinto Vázquez de Vargas, conde de Pinos Puente. A través de su misión –fracasada o pírrica– se conocerán los medios de negociación con las autoridades lusas, la rearticulación de redes comerciales regio-cesáreas imbricadas en las lógicas del comercio ultramarino luso y el impacto de las prácticas informales de la diplomacia a la hora de captar voluntades para los intereses de Carlos VI.
Reseña de: Amando Melón: Alejandro de Humboldt. Vida y obra
Authors: Martínez Shaw Carlos
Published: October 2021

Reseña de: Amando Melón: Alejandro de Humboldt. Vida y obra, Estudio preliminar de Josefina Gómez Mendoza, Pamplona, Urgoiti Editores, 2021, XCIII + 288 páginas. ISBN: 9788412103656.
Reseña de: Escribano-Páez, José M., Juan Rena and the Frontiers of Spanish Empire, 1500-1540
Authors: Martín Marcos David
Published: October 2021

Reseña de: Escribano-Páez, José M., Juan Rena and the Frontiers of Spanish Empire, 1500-1540, Nueva York, Routledge, 2020, 234 pp., ISBN: 978-0-367-46081-5.
The use of laser tag for police officers training
Authors: Egoshin Igor Viktorovich , Konstantinov Vladimir Nikolaevich
Published: October 2021

The research subject is the improvement of facilities and resources of practical training lessons within the disciplines “Tactical and Special training” and “Personal safety of internal affairs officers” in educational institutions of the Ministry of Internal affairs of Russia when it comes to using modern training weapons. The research object is the educational process in the Ural Juridical Institute under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, and its pedagogical capacity of using laser tag for training internal affairs officers. The research is based on the methods of theoretical consideration, analysis of literary sources, generalization of scientific materials, and pedagogical observation. The main conclusion of the research is the substantiation of the possibility to use training weapons laser tag in education institutions under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for internal affairs officers training. The use of training weapons is a promising means of improvement of tactical training of internal affairs officers which will help students to prepare themselves for law-enforcement activity. The scientific novelty of the research consists in the private technique of using laser tag in the educational process of a departmental specialized educational institution. The technique is aimed at testing the pedagogical potential of using modern training equipment laser tag during the practical training within the “Tactical special training” discipline.   
Enfrentar las crisis: (im)posibilidades de reparación y cuidado en las sociedades contemporáneas
Authors: Díaz Paola , Biskupovic Consuelo , Márquez Murrieta Alicia
Published: October 2021

The multiple crises we face today create blurred, unspeakable, and even catastrophic situations. In this thematic issue, we are interested in considering how people and collectives of various kinds, be they communities or organizations, cope with and respond (or not) to these situations through caregiving processes intended to repair lives and forms of human and non-human life. Against this backdrop, this introductory article to the dossier argues that crisis situations are problematic states and that, as events, they cut across everyday life. Confronted with them, people and collectives engage in ordinary and extraordinary practices, sometimes managing to (re)create “new” forms of life. This article introduces three main thematic axes that are approached on the basis of the different empirical analyses contained in the articles that make up this special issue: crisis situations, care, and forms of reparation. The novelty of the proposal is to establish links between crisis, care, and reparation with a focus on how, in the wake of an event that disrupts everyday life, people manage, sometimes precariously, to build new meanings and construct new possible paths.
Assessment of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Wastewater from Selected Flow Stations in Agbada II, Rivers State
Authors: Emmanuel Akpan Esther , Chidi Obi , Boma Kinigoma
Published: October 2021

Aims: This study evaluates total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations in wastewaters from three locations of the oil-producing flow station in Rivers State.

Study Design: By experiment and the results obtained by analytical means.

Place and Duration of Study: This work was conducted at the Department of Industrial Chemistry/Petrochemical Technology, School of Science and Laboratory Technology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria between February and August, 2021.

Methodology: The evaluation was done using gas chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer Detector (GC-MSD).

Results: Results obtained showed low levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons ranging from 0.051, 0.119, and 0.07 mg/l and 0.01, 0.06, and < 0.01 mg/l for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for the three locations, respectively. The results also revealed that the concentrations of the total petroleum hydrocarbons of the samples from the three locations were highest at carbon atom 17 suggesting a biogenic contribution of organic matter. The chromatographs obtained gave evidence that the nature of the contamination was minimally crude oil, because crude oil normally distributes in broad range, as observed in the locations samples as against the narrower carbon range of C8 to C40 characteristics of refined products. The pristane/phytane ratios, which were 0.925, 0.891 and 0.372 for the three samples, depicted an oxygenated environment. The C17/pristane ratios (39.53, 38.93, and 31.48) for all three locations revealed that the wastewaters were slightly weathered. The low concentrations as well as absence of high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and higher concentrations of low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons support the petrogenity of the wastewaters. 

The phenanthrene/anthracene ratios (1.26, 0, and 0) for the three samples confirm the nature of the wastewaters. In addition, the absence of benzo(a)anthracene to chrysene ratio for all three samples point to proper treatment of the wastewaters.

Conclusion: From this study, the level of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs) obtained from all the samples were lower than the maximum recommended levels by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). This study recommends constant monitoring in the total petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic hydrocarbons concentrations because even at its low concentrations can be injurious to health of the people residing within the facility and beyond.
Distribution of Bacterial Disease in the Main Mango Production Areas of Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Guy Brou Kouassi , Mohamed Doumbouya , Franck Oro Zokou , Dabé Doga , Patrick Yapo N'guéssan , II Nazaire Kouassi Koffi , Odette Dogbo Denezon
Published: October 2021

Bacterial disease is a major biotic constraints of mango production in Côte d'Ivoire. The objective of this study is to assess the distribution of mango bacteriosis disease in mango production areas in northern Côte d'Ivoire. This study focused on 720 mango trees, of the Kent variety, spread over 20 orchards. These orchards are located in the Bagoué, Tchologo and Poro regions in northern Côte d'Ivoire. The study consisted of determining the incidence and severity of bacterial disease on the leaves and fruits of mango trees. Data on the incidence and severity index of bacterial disease on leaves and fruits were subjected to descriptive analysis followed by PCA. Then, the ascending hierarchical classification (CAH) and multivariate analysis completed the data analysis. The results obtained did not reveal any dissimilarity of the presence of the bacterial disease in the three (3) regions studied. On the other hand, a predominance of the severe or major type of bacterial disease over the level of slight or marginal contamination has been demonstrated. None of the three main regions (Poro, Tchologo and Bagoué) of mango production in Côte d'Ivoire appears to be the center of bacterial disease dispersion at the current stage of bacterial disease progression. The level of incidence and severity of this disease is similar between fruits and leaves. The Principal Component Analysis and the Ascending Hierachical Classification completed by the MANOVA made it possible to structure the mango orchards into three (3) homogeneous groups. Group 2 orchards (VB4, VB8, VB7 and VF2) presented a moderate level of incidence and severity on leaves and fruits.
Study of Brand Activism on Millennials and Generation Z
Authors: Sachdev Naresh , Chahal Sumita , Jain Sahanu
Published: October 2021

This study focuses on the awareness level, the relevance and the impact that brand activism has on the Millennials and Generation Z. The motivation is to contribute to activism that provides value both to the consumers and the brands. The significant areas of activism are being interpreted to give a fair view and better design marketing campaigns to increase revenue. A consumer perspective questionnaire was developed keeping in mind various dimensions and issues that require the attention of the masses and needs to be addressed. With the help of cross tabs analysis, the demographic variables were to analyse and draw valuable conclusions for the brands. Using them can help to create more insightful and impactful campaigns. Taking stands on debatable issues is not enough, so making them more compelling was the focus of the study.
Profiling and Characterization of Environmental Quality of Leachates from Selected Dumpsites in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Okere J. K. , Azorji J. N. , Nzenwa P.O, , Enenebeaku E.U, , Iheagwam S. K.
Published: October 2021

This study profiled and characterized environmental quality of selected dumpsite leachates in Imo State with emphasis on Nekede, Worldbank, Irete and Orji areas of the state. Leachates were collected under stringent sample collection protocols from the selected dumpsites and analyzed. Samples were collected from three different sampling points of the dumpsite and bulked to form representative sample for each sampling site. The samples were analyzed for a number of standard physical and chemical parameters using standard analytical protocols and compared with the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV) benchmark. The result of the analysis showed that the values of electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, temperature, BOD, COD, CO, salinity, sulphate, chloride, turbidity, nickel, chromium, lead, and cadmium were above FMENV limit; while nitrate, sulphate and zinc (from Worldbank, Irete and Orji), were below FMENV detectable limit. The outcome of the study is a pointer to the fact that the assayed leachates have high pollution potentials. There is possibility of gradual buildup of contaminants in the study area’s dumpsites, which could pose a serious threat, including the inhabitants around the vicinity. The study underscores the need for continual monitoring of the dumpsite leachates, and possibly an upgrade to a sustainable engineered landfill, to forestall possible pollution problems of other components of the environment such as aquatic bodies in future.
How Ph.D. Students Start a Research
Authors: Imran Rashid Muhammad
Published: October 2021

In education pedagogy, its necessary to prioritize tasks and jobs. Learn operating the reactor or required apparatus but most important first. Regarding measuring techniques (PSD measurement, pH measurement, XRD, SEM/EDS), learn more basic and fundamental techniques first followed by complimentary techniques. Regarding mineral carbonation, operation of reactor is a basic need followed by particle size measurement using Malvern Mastersizer and powders samples XRD analysis and identifying the phases and verifying those phases through TGA analysis. This article illustrates author personal research of 4 initial 4 months duration. Month wise progress is presented in this article in an interesting way.
An Inconvenient Truth about Access to Safe Drinking Water
Authors: Jayawardena A. W.
Published: October 2021

The phrase inconvenient truth associated with global warming and climate change has received a great deal of publicity some years back. The objective of this article is to highlight a different kind of inconvenient truth which affects about 29% of the world population. It is about the lack of access to safe drinking water that results in over 1.2 million preventable deaths annually. The first two targets of UN sustainable development goal 6 (SDG6) aim at providing universal, affordable and sustainable access to “water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)”.  Recognizing the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a basic human right, issues related to this problem as well as possible options to alleviate the problem are discussed.
Isolation and Identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Acetic Acid Bacteria Playing a Lead Role in the Fermentation of Cocoa in Fako Division of Cameroon
Authors: Levai Lewis D. , Afoh Rauwitta O. , Tah Yannick , Monono Ekwa Y. , Enow Lewis , Tatsinkou Fossi B. , Akoachere Jane-Francis K. , Titanji Vincent P. K.
Published: October 2021

Heaps of cocoa beans and mucilage placed within plantain leaves in Ekona, Fako Division of the South West Region of Cameroon was studied to isolate and identify bacteria playing a lead role during natural fermentation process. All experiments were performed at JP Johnson Biotechnology Laboratory at IRAD Ekona, Fako Division, South West Region, Cameroon between March – October, 2020. Heaps of 10kg were placed on and covered with plantain leaves and allowed to ferment naturally. Before every sample was collected the temperature and pH were measured. Samples were inoculated into de Mann Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar and Caar agar for the isolation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and acetic acid bacteria (AAB) respectively. Standard microbiological procedures for obtaining bacteria counts and isolation of pure cultures were performed and isolated bacteria were identified following morphological and phenotypic characterization on API50CHL for LAB and Enrichment Media for AAB. The fermentation temperature rose to 45oC after 4 days while the pH fluctuated with a peak at 4.82 after 108 hours. Maximum counts of Acetic Acid Bacteria (AAB) (5.8x108 Colony Forming Units (CFU)/ mL) and Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) (8.9x8x108 (CFU)/mL were obtained at 2 days and 5 days respectively. Twelve isolates each of AAB and LAB were identified on growth media. After phenotypic characterization, 03 Lactobacillus species and 02 Acetobacter species were identified. The most abundant bacteria were L. plantarum (41.77%) and Acetobacter tropicalis (24.11%) on MRS agar and Caar Agar respectively.L. plantarum and A. tropicalis have been identified as the bacteria playing a lead role in the fermentation of cocoa in Fako Division of the South West Region of Cameroon. These organisms may be used as good candidates in a consortium for use as a starter culture.
Principal Component Analysis Approach for Comprehensive Screening of Tomato Germplasm for Polyhouse Condition
Authors: Sinha Anuradha , Singh Paramveer , Bhardwaj Ajay , Verma R. B.
Published: October 2021

Yield and yield contributing attributes are the mostly targeted in tomato improvement programme so the existence of variability has prime importance in plant breeding. In this study 14 genotypes were assessed with principal component analyses (PCA) based on morphological and biochemical traits to select genotypes and traits for future breeding program. Based on the PCA with 21 traits, 14 components were formed however, 6 PCs had more than 1 Eigen value with the variability of 87.60%. So, these six PC were used for further explanation. The first principal component explained maximum variability of the total variation presented. PC1 correlated with days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering and days to first fruiting etc. while PC2 dominated by β- carotene, lycopene, total soluble solid and ascorbic acid. PC 3 correlated with the traits like plant height at final harvest, number of fruits per plant and days to 50% flowering. PC 4 reflected positive factor loading by polar diameter, days taken to first picking and plant height at final harvest. PC 5 correlated with polar diameter, node to first flowering and ascorbic acid with positive factor loading and PC 6 correlated with ascorbic acid, days to 50% flowering, number of fruits per truss, equatorial diameter, pericarp thickness, titratable acidity, β-carotene, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant. Therefore, the important traits coming jointly from diverse PCs and contributing towards elucidation variability may be kept into consideration during utilization of these traits in breeding programme of tomato.
Genetic Determinacy of the Behavioral Activity of the Silkworm (Bomby xmori L)
Authors: Larkina E. A. , Mirzakhodjaev B. A. , Mirzakhodjaev A. , Akbarov R.
Published: October 2021

Тhe behavioral activity of such an extremely important agricultural object in scientific and practical terms as the silkworm still remains poorly studied.

Aims: Сreation of silkworm lines with alternative behaviors to prove the genetic determinacy of the behavioral activity of the silkworm Bombyx mori L.

Place and Duration of Study: The work was carried out at the Research Institute of Sericulture in the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of the silkworm in 2015-2020. The Ipakchi 1 and Ipakchi 2 breeds widely zoned in Uzbekistan were used as research objects.

Methodology and Results: The Ipakchi 1 and Ipakchi 2 breeds widely zoned in Uzbekistan were used as research objects. The breeding of alternative silkworm lines in terms of motor activity was carried out by selecting the most active caterpillars and male butterflies in the "A" -lines (active), and the least active individuals in the "P"-lines (passive). The separation of individuals by motor activity led to their separation by reproductive and biological indicators. The difference between the lines by the average number of eggs in the clutch of the Ipakchi 1 breed in 2018 was 32 eggs, in 2020 already 133 eggs; by the mass of the clutch in 2018 – 25mg, in 2020 – 78mg. The same patterns were observed in the Ipakchi 2 breed. The greatest difference between the "A" and "P" lines was observed in the viability of caterpillars: in 2018 it was 3.2%, in 2020 already 6.9%.

Conclusions: Selection of hatched larvae (caterpillars) and male butterflies by the speed of movement to the feed (the larvae) and to the sexual partner (butterflies) leads to the appearance of silkworm lines with alternative forms of motor activity.
Impact of Interest Rate on Household Consumption in Tanzania
Authors: Fadhil Daud Mkali , A. Rajab Naifin
Published: October 2021

This study seeks to determine the exact impact of interest rate on household consumption in Tanzania and identify the direction of causality between the variables. Although there have been few studies which explore the issue of interest rate and consumption, their method, time scope and geographical location has been different. This study aim to examine the relationship between interest rate on deposit and household expenditure in Tanzania using the annual time series data from the period 1990–2017 and employing Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) and Granger causality test for testing causal relationship between  the variables. The result revealed that there is a negative relationship between interest rate on deposit and consumption for the Tanzania. Additionally, it is observed from the estimate results that interest rate had an insignificant effect on consumption. Furthermore, the granger causality test results have shown that there is bidirectional causal relationship between interest rate and consumption. Furthermore, the result also shows that income and consumption are positively related and statistical significant at 5%. In addition, the findings supported Keynesian's Absolute Income hypothesis which emphasis consumption being a positive function of disposable income. The study recommends that there is the need for government to take urgent steps to implement policies like poverty reduction strategies, agriculture policy and Five Years Development Plans in order to improve the income base of most of households.
To Assess the Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis among Women in Selected Rural Areas
Authors: Dhobe Snehal N. , Mahakarkar Manjusha
Published: October 2021

Bacterial vaginosis is condition in which abnormal vaginal discharge can cause. Due to this sexually transmitted diseases are causing in the women. In the bacterial vaginosis there is an imbalance in the vaginal acidity the pH becomes more than 5 the bacteria becomes overgrowth and due to this bacterial infection or bacterial vaginosis leads [1].

Objective: 1: To assess the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among women. 2: To find out the association between prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among women with socio-demographic variable.

Materials and Methods: Research Approach- Quantitative research approach. Research Design: Cross sectional survey design. Setting of the Study: The study was conducted at rural hospital and primary health centre. Population: women Sampling technique: non-probability convenient sampling technique. Sample size: 115.

Results: The data obtained to describe the sample characteristics including demographic variables (age of women, education, marital status, occupation, age of menarche ,menstrual history, use of contraception, types of contraception), prevalence of bacterial vaginosis women the total participant was 115 women age of 30-50 years. Hence the all findings were describes there was no association between socio demographic variables and prevalence of bacterial vaginosis is 6.1%. Conclusion In this study the finding of the study shows that overall there was n association between bacterial vaginosis and demographic variables. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 6.1% in the present study which was relatively low. However it vaginosis was common among sexually active women. The test was done by pap smear test which gave exact result and interpretation of test.
Impact of Skills Training Program on First Aid Management Knowledge among the Secondary School Student’s
Authors: Patel Roma , Ravindra H. N. , Rahane Swapnil , Chouhan Devraj Singh
Published: October 2021

Background of the Study: First aid involving simple but life-preserving techniques which can be performed with minimum facilities and without having any medical experience. Snowballing in the number of educated individuals, comprising the school pupils who can play a vital role in the First Aid field is an expectation of public health. The objectives of this study were to assess existing knowledge of students regarding first aid skills, to evaluate the effectiveness of organized skill training program on first aid skills. A quantitative research approach and one group pre-test and post-test research design were adopted to accomplish the main objective of the present study. 60 students were selected from the secondary school of Vadodara city by using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected through a structured knowledge questionnaire on first aid skills. A skill training program on first aid skills was presented after the pretest. Post-test data were collected from the secondary school students after seven days of implementation of the skill training program on first aid skills. The prior consent was obtained from the students as well as their parents. The collected data were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The results of the study discovered that among 60 respondents, the majority of the respondents (53.3%) had average inadequate & 46.7% had moderate knowledge score and in post-test among 60 respondents, majority of the respondents 75%) had adequate knowledge, 25% had moderate knowledge score. The ‘t’ value 57.808 was observed at 0.05 level & the P-value =0.00 which is <0.05 that shows that there is an increase in the post-test level of knowledge. This shows that the skill training program on selected aspects of first aid skills is effective. Among all socio-demographic variables, the obtained x2 value for the age demographic variable is 3.1 only age was significantly associated with posttest knowledge score, which is greater than the table of x2 at 0.05 level of significance. The remaining demographic variables gender, type of family & source available for information on first aid was less than the table of x2 at 0.05 level of significance, so they are not associated with posttest knowledge score.

Conclusion: The study finding revealed that an organized skill training program on selected aspects of first aid skills was effective among the students. The result of the present study shows that there is a great need for secondary and above standard school students to update their knowledge regarding first aid skill management of minor injuries & important aspects of first aid.
Association between COVID-19 Pandemic Conditions and Perceived Stress Level among College Students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: M. Ata Shaimaa , Eltahir Manal , Albadah Ahad , Harun Hind , T. Alzahrani Khames
Published: October 2021

Aims: To assess the levels of perceived stress among college students in Saudi Arabia after changing the learning protocols because of covid-19 pandemic.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Saudi Arabia, from May 2020 to October 2021.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey study that was carried out in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered, pre-designed questionnaire, including Perceived Stress Scale of 10 items was used to measure the stress levels. The participants were selected randomly from different social media users  who lived and studied in Saudi Arabian universities.  In this study, 10-item questions of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was used based on a 5-point Likert scale to score each item (0 = Never 1 = Almost Never 2 = Sometimes 3 = Fairly Often 4 = Very Often).

Results: A total of 2034 students living in Saudi Arabia participated in the study. The results showed that 76.84% of total participants had strong stress, males reported higher score as compared to their Female counterparts.  Also, students older than 28 years reported higher level of stress, the students in Qassim region showed highest scores of stress. In addition, excellent academic achievement was strongly associated with high level of stress.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that significant number of students had higher stress levels using the perceived stress scale. Therefore, this cross-sectional study identified a high stress level in COVID-19 crisis among university students in Saudi Arabia.
Trends in Productivity Growth of Indian Pharmaceutical Industry: A Growth Accounting Analysis
Authors: Hoque Ariful , Das Subhrabaran
Published: October 2021

The pharmaceutical industry of India is one of the most rapidly expanding research-based industries of Indian manufacturing. This paper attempts to examine the trends in partial and total factor productivity (TFP) growth of India’s pharmaceutical industry using industry-level time series data covering a period of 25 years from 1993-94 to 2017-18, which is further divided into pre-product and post-product patent periods. Three alternative indices of growth accounting approach viz., Translog, Solow, and Kendrick have been used to measure the growth of total factor productivity with four input production framework. The study results indicate significant increasing trends in capital intensity as well as labour, energy and material productivity and a significant declining trend in capital productivity over the entire study period. This study also finds a positive turnaround in the TFP growth of Indian’s pharmaceutical industry during the post-product patent era. The decomposition analysis confirms that output growth in the pharmaceutical industry is input-driven rather than productivity-driven as TFP growth contributes only 8.5 percent to the observed output growth. From the policy standpoint, this paper also suggests greater emphasis on resource efficiency by improving the quality of factor inputs, particularly capital, through increased R&D activities and adoption of cutting-edge technology.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Doppler Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Testicular Carcinoma by Taking Histopathology as Gold Standard
Authors: Sahito Abid Ali , Ahsanullah . , Kumar Vicky , Hussain Mohsim , Ashraf Humaira , Jabeen Humera
Published: October 2021

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of testicular carcinoma, by taking histopathology as gold standard.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Radiology department of Liaquat University of Medical and health Sciences (LUMHS), from November 2017 to October 2019. All the clinically diagnosed cases of testicular carcinoma, those who referred for doppler ultrasound and histopathology of testes, were included. After taking informed consent all the study participants underwent testicular histopathology after doppler ultrasound. All of the information was entered into a research proforma. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data.

Results: Overall, 70 patients of suspected testicular carcinoma were studied. The mean age of the cases was 38.38+4.55 years. Most of the cases 47(67.1%) were poor. As per Doppler ultrasound (U/S) findings out of all 55.7% cases had diagnosed testicular carcinoma, while histopathologically it was observed in 45.7% of the cases. Diagnostic accuracy of Doppler U/S in testicular carcinoma diagnosis was observed to be 77%, followed by sensitivity (SE) 84%, specificity (SP) 71%, positive predictive value (PPV) 78% and negative predictive value (NPV) 84%.

Conclusion: Doppler ultrasound observed to be a non-invasive, uncomplicated, lack of pain, effective and easily available diagnostic tool for early diagnosis of testicular carcinoma.
Evaluation of COX-2 Inhibitor Injurious Effects on Proximal Convoluted Tubular Diameter of Kidney with Favorable Impact of Lycopene in Albino Rats on the Basis of Microscopic Features
Authors: Sundus Sadia , Hassan Aisha , Kumar Ashok , Jabeen Shah , Hameed Nadira , Ajaz Madiha
Published: October 2021

Objective: To analyze the harmful effect of COX-2 inhibitor on proximal convoluted tubular diameter of kidney, amendment by lycopene. 

Research Design: Experimental Research.

Abode of Research: Animal House, JPMC, Karachi.

Materials and Methods: 90-120 days old, forty healthy adult male Albino rats of 200-220gm weight were taken for this study and distributed into 4 cliques, set 1was chosen as control, in Set 2 Celecoxib was given 0.05g/1000g by gavage, in set 3 Celecoxib was given0.05g/1000g by gavage with lycopene 0.05g/1000g by gavage and set4 lycopene was given0.05g/1000g by gavage for 30 days. At accomplishment of study, animals were sacrifice and tissues were preserved for staining.

Results: Inset 2 proximal convoluted tubular diameter became distended due to apoptosis of lining epithelial cells. They turn into low cuboidal from simple cuboidal cells along with ill-defined brush border at the luminal surface due to scarce microvilli and had disrupted basement membrane, however renal structure were amended in set3 which were given celecoxib with lycopene.

Conclusion: This study reveals that lycopene amended the apoptotic changes of set2.
Vaccines against COVID-19 – Catching the Rays of Hope
Authors: Srinivasamurthy Suresh Kumar , Kurady Bairy Laxminarayana
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world in all its dimensions. With herd immunity being a distant and non-practical possibility, vaccination remains most tractable approach to reduce morbidity and mortality. Several early phase clinical trials have proved the immunogenicity of vaccines. The efficacy trials have shown reduction in chance of acquiring COVID-19 disease after vaccination. The vaccines approved for emergency use have reported efficacy above 50% thus making them important public health tool in controlling the pandemic. Nevertheless, several questions remain elusive such as whether these approved vaccines are effective against newer variants of the virus; whether vaccination prevents transmission of the virus in the community; clinical impact of vaccination on morbidity and mortality. This review aims to elucidate the status of vaccine candidates in advanced trials along with the vaccines, which have been granted emergency approvals. Further, we collate the data on vaccines efficacy phase 3 trials and their probability of efficacy against newer variants.
The Effect of Largemouth Bass Virus on Bass Populations in Kansas Impoundments
Authors: Salazar Vanessa , Koch Jeff D. , Neely Ben C. , Steffen Christopher J. , Flores Ernesto , Steffen Susan F.
Published: October 2021

Largemouth Bass virus (LMBV) first became a concern in Kansas when it was identified as a potential cause of decreased catch rates at Crawford State Fishing Lake in 2007. The discovery of LMBV in eight additional impoundments from 2008 to 2017 increased concern about the prevalence and effects of LMBV in Kansas. In response, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism tested 25 Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides impoundments for the presence of LMBV. The objectives of this study were to quantify the incidence of LMBV and examine differences in population metrics (i.e., body condition, relative abundance, and growth). A total of 1,260 Largemouth Bass were collected by using standard spring electrofishing surveys, and sagittal otoliths were collected from all of the sampled fish to estimate growth rates. Of the 25 study impoundments, 14 tested positive for LMBV. There was no evidence of LMBV effects on body condition, relative abundance of quality-length fish, or growth rates. The initial dates of LMBV infection of Largemouth Bass in these impoundments are unknown. The LMBV-positive populations in Kansas may have been exposed to the virus many years ago, and the fish may be in the process of rebounding from any potential negative effects.
Improvement of Thermal and Environmental Stabilities of Short Channel Coplanar Amorphous InGaZnO Thin‐Film Transistors by Introducing Amorphous ZrAlOxInterlayer
Authors: Lee Jiseob , Lee Suhui , Islam Md Mobaidul , Jang Jin
Published: October 2021

The short channel coplanar amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a‐IGZO) thin‐film transistor (TFT) is reported by introducing a ZrAlOx(ZAO) interlayer deposited by spray pyrolysis at the substrate temperature of 350 °C. The atomic ratio (at. %) of In:Ga:Zn:O is 1:2.5:1.2:5.2 in the a‐IGZO film deposited by sputtering. The a‐IGZO TFT with ZAO layer with 0.87 μm channel length exhibits the field‐effect mobility of 6.44 cm2 V−1 s−1, the threshold voltage of −2.16 V, and on/off current ratio of 7.6 × 107. It is found from the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profile and high‐resolution transmission electron microscope analysis that some Zr atoms diffuse into the a‐IGZO underlayer. The formation of ZrO bonds on a‐IGZO surface region reduces the carrier concentration in the a‐IGZO TFT offset region, between source/drain contact and the channel, and blocks the carrier diffusion into the channel. This reduces the field‐effect mobility of 10 μm channel length TFT from 21.86 to 14.01 cm2 V−1 s−1, but the ZAO layer protects the a‐IGZO from the diffusion of H2O and O2. As a result, 0.87 μm TFT shows high on/off current ratio and stable under 85 °C and 85% relative humidity test for 2 days.
Modulus‐Tailorable, Stretchable, and Biocompatible Carbonene Fiber for Adaptive Neural Electrode
Authors: Gong Qian , Yu Yingying , Kang Lixing , Zhang Mingchao , Zhang Yingying , Wang Shanshan , Niu Yutao , Zhang Yongyi , Di Jiangtao , Li Qingwen , Zhang Jin
Published: October 2021

The extraneural electrodes that cling to the nerve show great advantages in decreasing the damage of nerves, as compared to the intraneural electrodes. The grand challenge for the extraneural electrode is the instability of its electrode–nerve interface during nerve movement. In the proposed research, an adaptive, stretchable, and biocompatible carbonene extraneural electrode, which integrates rigid 2D defective graphene nanosheets on the soft carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber, is designed. The rigid nanosheets and the soft nanotubes are dominated by sp2 nanocarbon, which is defined as carbonene. Benefiting from the soft and robust nature of the CNT fiber, the hybrid carbonene electrodes can be facile‐tailored into various complex shapes with a wide range of modulus (0.5–600 kPa), which plays a significant role in mechanical match of the modulus with that of the nerve. Moreover, the hybrid carbonene fiber exhibits excellent electrical conductivity (3.3 × 105 S m−1) and novel biocompatibility. As a result, the carbonene electrode shows a preferable performance compared to the traditional metal electrode, whose peak‐to‐peak action potential is 310% higher than the commercial Pt electrode. Overall, this work proposes a novel strategy for assembling the facile‐tailorable and biocompatible carbonene electrode, which can open an avenue for designing the next‐generation neural electrode.
Engineering Ir Atomic Configuration for Switching the Pathway of Formic Acid Electrooxidation Reaction
Authors: Shen Tao , Chen Sijing , Zhang Chang , Hu Yezhou , Ma Enhui , Yang Ying , Hu Jingping , Wang Deli
Published: October 2021

Switching the formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) pathway from CO intermediate to direct CO2 formation is essential for noble‐metal electrocatalysts, but rare investigations on Ir‐based materials. Herein, the atomic configurations of Ir are controlled to enhance the FAOR performance via Ir3V intermetallics (O‐Ir3V). As the ordering degree of O‐Ir3V increases, the Ir ensemble size decreases to trimer and dimer, leading to a 7.3 times promotion in mass normalized activity relative to Ir. Supported by electrochemical in situ attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy results, it shows that FAOR occurs via linear CO mediated pathway on Ir, but it is totally switched to a direct pathway on highly ordered O‐Ir3V. The preserved ordered structure and V oxides on the surface during the durability test contribute to the enhanced stability. This study provides an idea to switch the FAOR pathway through tuning the Ir atom configuration by constructing ordered intermetallics.
Nanophotonic Materials for Twisted‐Light Manipulation
Authors: Ren Haoran , Maier Stefan A.
Published: October 2021

Twisted light, an unbounded set of helical spatial modes carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM), offers not only fundamental new insights into structured light–matter interactions, but also a new degree of freedom to boost optical and quantum information capacity. However, current OAM experiments still rely on bulky, expensive, and slow‐response diffractive or refractive optical elements, hindering today's OAM systems to be largely deployed. In the last decade, nanophotonics has transformed the photonic design and unveiled a diverse range of compact and multifunctional nanophotonic devices harnessing the generation and detection of OAM modes. Recent metasurface devices developed for OAM generation in both real and momentum space, presenting design principle and exemplary devices, are summarized. Moreover, recent development of whispering‐gallery‐mode‐based passive and tunable microcavities, capable of extracting degenerate OAM modes for on‐chip vortex emission and lasing, is summarized. In addition, the design principle of different plasmonic devices and photodetectors recently developed for on‐chip OAM detection is discussed. Current challenges faced by the nanophotonic field for twisted‐light manipulation and future advances to meet these challenges are further discussed. It is believed that twisted‐light manipulation in nanophotonics will continue to make significant impact on future development of ultracompact, ultrahigh‐capacity, and ultrahigh‐speed OAM systems‐on‐a‐chip.
Visible Light‐Promoted Recyclable Carbon Nitride‐Catalyzed Dioxygenation of β,γ‐Unsaturated Oximes
Authors: Fu Xiao‐Yang , Si Ya‐Feng , Qiao Li‐Peng , Zhao Yu‐Fen , Chen Xiao‐Lan , Yu Bing
Published: October 2021

A visible‐light‐induced dioxygenation of β,γ‐unsaturated oximes for the synthesis of diverse useful isoxazolines bearing a hydroxyl moiety was developed by employing graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) as a heterogeneous photocatalyst under an air atmosphere. Noted that, the eminent advantages of this metal‐free protocol include step economy, easy operation, a recyclable photocatalyst, external reductant‐/oxidant‐free and mild reaction conditions. Additionally, mechanistic studies indicated hydroxyl radical was generated under the photocatalysis of g‐C3N4.

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