bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using K–12 Schools to Promote Civic Engagement through Economic Literacy
Authors: Marri Anand R.
Published: April 2021

Schools serve as a crucial locus for fostering active citizens who understand the essential principles of democratic life and active involvement based upon those principles. As educators strive to achieve this civic education mission, I argue that they must include improving the economic literacy of K–12 students as an integral component of fostering active and engaged democratic citizens. Unfortunately, economic issues remain almost entirely absent from the broader K–12 social studies curriculum, resulting in a failure to engage young people in some of the most pressing moral and civic issues of our times. Furthermore, K–12 educators must endeavor to overcome the lack of equitable civic education opportunities for underrepresented and disadvantaged students and the widening disparities between residents of the United States. I argue for increasing the economic literacy of high school social studies teachers and their students as a means to promote civic engagement by providing classroom-based examples and by using the critical attributes of the personally responsible citizen, participatory citizen, and justice-oriented citizen as articulated by civic education scholars Joel Westheimer and Joseph Kahne. Building on these examples, I suggest that K–12 educators should prepare students to engage with a host of macro- and microeconomic dilemmas and questions that promote active and engaged democratic citizenship.
Addressing Perceptions of Bias in the Ivory Tower
Authors: Van Dorn Kristin
Published: April 2021

Colleges and universities in the United States have always been at the forefront of political dialogue in society. In times of political and cultural upheaval in the country, they are institutions that come under fire for being politically biased toward liberal ideology. Despite the best efforts of university leaders to dismiss these claims, such perceptions are real, having resulted in growing distrust in the academy. Recognizing the gravity of this issue for higher education and the nation, this article calls for colleges to prioritize pedagogical practices that build skills in intellectual humility and ideological empathy among students. In emphasizing these cognitive skills and habits, university leaders can help students develop the capacity for civic imagination and productive engagement to address complex problems. Widespread adoption of such practices could help institutions regain public trust as places where political openness and the free exchange of ideas can flourish.
Campus No. 3
Authors: Editor El
Published: April 2021

Contiene: Congreso Internacional de Gestión del Talento Humano ; II Congreso de Gestión del Talento Humano: Comprometiendo personas y organizaciones ; Mención honórifica de los mejores trabajos de graducación de Administración de Empresas y Mercadeo.

Realidad Empresarial No. 3, 2017: 43-46
Human capital and its influence on the e-readiness of the company: an empirical case
Authors: Ríos-Manríquez Martha
Published: April 2021

Objective of the study: This article has two objectives, first to analyze how is the degree of e-Readiness on micro, small and medium enterprises (eRLMSMEs) of the state of Guanajuato, in Mexico, influenced by the technological preparation of human capital, ICT accessibility, the empowerment granted to human capital, the size and sector. The second objective is to analyze, by size and sector, which are the most relevant variables considered by the owners or managers in their e-Readiness (ER).Methodology/approach: With a sample of 182 MSMEs, a quantitative, descriptive, correlational, discriminant and linear regression analysis was performed, using the Ordinary Least Squares Method (OLS).Originality/Relevance: The study is relevant because it addresses the influence of human capital empowerment, e-Readiness and access to ICTs by companies in the ER of MSMEs, deepening the analysis by sector, industry, trade and services, and by size of micro, small and medium enterprises.Main results: It was determined that all the independent variables are relevant to explain eRLMSMEs. By size, the Human Capital e-Readiness, ICT Accessibility, and Human Capital Empowerment variables are significant only for small enterprises, whereas ER of human capital substantially influences industries, commercial and service companies.Theoretical/methodological contributions: This research goes deeper into the variables that influence the degree of e-Readiness on MSMEs in Mexico, considering the influence of the size and sector in their technological preparation.Social/management contributions: The ICT are considered a necessary technological innovation for the development of MSMEs, as well as the other variables dealt with in this research, which promote changes in the context of the adoption of technological innovation.
Risk management focusing on the best practices of data security systems for healthcare
Authors: Dias Fábio Martins , Martens Mauro Luiz , Monken Sonia Francisca de Paula , Silva Luciano Ferreira da , Santibanez-Gonzalez Ernesto Del Rosario
Published: April 2021

Objective of the study: Statistics shows a worrisome picture of challenges to be overcome by cybersecurity in the healthcare sector. Data evidence that the healthcare industry experiences four data breaches per week in the United States alone, making it the sector most often affected by digital security breaches. Thus, the current article aims to investigate risk management focusing on identifying requirements and best practices for healthcare data security systems.Methodology/approach: It is based on a systematic literature review. Studies on state-of-the-art data security systems were collected and interpreted through content analysis. Assertive keywords, source-selection criteria, interpretation of selected articles, and database analysis were used to form the investigated sample and to represent the broad applications of this study’s objective.Originality/Relevance: The current study contributes to define a set of minimum requirements and best practices that can be adopted to manage data security risks in the healthcare sector and medical devices.Main results: Results have pointed out that there is no fully effective way to prevent all violations by cybercriminals; however, cybersecurity must be part of management processes adopted by different organizations.Theoretical/methodological contributions: It is found that cybersecurity has a great importance for the healthcare sector, the information generated is rich in content and that cybersecurity is neglected in the sector, that is not able to deal with the reality of cyber threats in the industry 4.0 context.Social /management contributions: By the good risk management practices and the adoption of minimum security items, institutions can ensure that managers can prepare and respond efficiently to cyber risks.
Contribution of leadership, organizational commitment and organizational culture to improve the quality of higher education
Authors: Amtu Onisimus , Souisa Sjeny Liza , Joseph Lourine Sience , Lumamuly Pitersina Christina
Published: April 2021

Objective of the study: The low quality of higher education in Indonesia has been a concern as well as a shared responsibility to fix it from an early age. Lack of maximum leadership, low organizational commitment, and organizational culture have had an impact on the implementation of an internal quality assurance system. This study intends to examine whether there is a direct or indirect effect of leadership and organizational commitment on the implementation of an internal quality assurance system mediated by organizational culture in state universities.Methodology/Approach: This research uses quantitative methods with a path analysis design. Each value of the effect of exogenous and endogenous variables is tested and analyzed descriptively and path analysis to show the contribution made by each variable studied. Data were collected through a questionnaire with a sample of 221 from a population of 340 populations spread across three state universities in Ambon city, Maluku province, Indonesia.Originality/Relevance: Organizational culture plays an important role to mediate and contribute to the leadership and organizational commitment to create situations and encourage the participation of all elements in the application of the internal quality assurance system in higher education. Main results: The quality of higher education is determined by many factors, but by increasing the role, performance, competence, and leadership style and supported by organizational commitment in an affective, normative, and sustainable manner, the organizational culture becomes one of the frameworks for every university to improve quality and competitiveness in a planned manner. and continuous.Theoretical/methodological contributions: Universities need leadership that is able to encourage and increase collective organizational commitment and culture to achieve sustainable higher education quality. Social/management contributions: The results of this research can be a new breakthrough for each faculty, department, and the department to prepare prospective professional leaders, build solidarity and display a dynamic, creative, and innovative academic culture.
"Unusual everyday life" of a pupil at the beginning of the pandemic – from the experiences of fifth graders
Authors: Dankowska Małgorzata
Published: April 2021

The subject of the article is to learn about the new dimension of children's everyday life during the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic. This study presents the results of empirical research conducted in a group of eighteen students aged 10–11 in the initial period of the pandemic in Poland in 2020.
Due to the specifics of the research and difficult access to the interviewees, a semi-structured interview (SSI) was used. The analysis of conversations with children shows that the different everyday life of children in the times of the pandemic is characterized by the presence of school in their homes, the special role of parents, siblings and relatives in this new dimension of children's unusual everyday life.
High Temperature Oxidation Resistance Performance of TiC/Mo Composite by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: HAN Renheng , BAO Ziming , ZHU Yanqin , LI Ning , TANG Ming , ZHANG Hexin , ZHAO Chengzhi
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the Titanium carbide/Molybdenum (TiC/Mo) alloy was prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The oxidation process of the TiC/Mo alloy at different oxidation temperatures was studied, and the oxidation mechanism was discussed in depth. The focus is on the influence of the introduction of TiC particles on the high-temperature oxidation properties of Mo alloys. The phase composition and morphology of the oxide film were analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that, after oxidation, the surface oxide film is mainly composed of Titanium dioxide (TiO2), Molybdenum dioxide (MoO2), Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) and Molybdenum oxide hydrate (MoO3(H2O)2) phases. As the oxidation temperature increases, the surface of the oxide film will warp, and thereby increase porosity. The dense MoO2 will form a protective inner oxide layer and inhibit further progress of the TiC/Mo alloy. Oxygen will undergo violent oxidation through the pores and the inside of the matrix, and the protective MoO2 internal oxide film will disappear. TiC particles dispersed in the matrix will be oxidized to form TiO2, which will be gradually deposited on the surface of the oxide film, hindering the diffusion of oxygen to the matrix. The quantity loss during the entire oxidation process is significantly reduced. Therefore, the introduction of TiC can greatly improve the oxidation resistance of Mo alloys.
Illegalisierte Migration
Authors: Klarmann Tobias
Published: April 2021

How does migration become "illegal"? Illegality cannot be observed. The work deconstructs the notion of "illegal migration" or "illegal" migrants as factual circumstances by elaborating and analysing the underlying processes, thus highlighting the constructedness as such and its specific character. The analysis concentrates on the level of EU law and ranges from migration control instruments and the phenomenon of externalisation to the involvement of third parties, the right of residence and entry bans. It is supplemented by a comprehensive examination of terminological and methodological issues.
Volkswirtschaftslehre
Authors: Bode Olaf H. , Brimmen Frank , Lehmann Christian , Redeker Ute C.
Published: April 2021

We all engage in economic activities on a daily basis, even when are considering how we should use our time. The field which deals with economic activity is, of course, economics. In this textbook, the authors draw on their years of teaching as lecturers at Fontys International Business School in Venlo and the practical experience in management two of them have accumulated in order to facilitate students’ access to its content. The book introduces the reader to the fundamentals of the field, covering aspects ranging from a general introduction to it plus an explanation of economic systems and markets and how they function, to practical analyses, which use up-to-date examples and in-depth information to supplement this explanation.
The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Community Psychiatric Services in Northern Italy
Authors: Durbano Federico , Marchesi Barbara , Carnevali Silvia , Elisabetta Sonzogno Luisa , Arici Claudio
Published: April 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic, started brutally in February 2020 in Northern Italy (first European area hit by virus), has induced the most drastic and prolonged containment measures by a European government. The most affected areas of the Italian territory were Lombardy and Veneto. A severe and global lock-down was ordered for more than two months, with the closure of essential medical services among others. All health resources have been diverted to address the health crisis caused by the pandemic. During the lock-down, however, the only community medicine services that remained open were mental health services: psychiatry, the area of addictions, child neuropsychiatry. The community facilities have always provided services favoring, on the one hand, the maintenance of care and rehabilitation paths for patients in care, and on the other, allowing anyone who needs to have access to treatment. The operators were also involved at the forefront in the management of covid + patients and in the support paths for the management of the operators’ stress. In this chapter, we want to describe the working conditions and the organizational responses of our services, referring to a large catchment area of the region most affected by covid-19.
Iranian National Clinical Practice Guideline for Exercise in Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Hassabi Mohammad , Esteghamati Alireza , Halabchi Farzin , Abedi-Yekta Amir Hosein , Mahdaviani Behnaz , Hassanmirzaie Bahar , Hosseinpanah Farhad , Valizadeh Majid
Published: April 2021

Context: Growing evidence highlights the importance of physical activity as a critical element for the prevention and control of diabetes. However, there is no clinical practice guideline focusing on the different aspects of exercise in patients with diabetes, especially for the Iranian population. Objective: We aimed to prepare and adopt a clinical practice guideline to provide well-defined, simple, and concise responses to certain questions related to physical activity and exercise in all patients with diabetes, including type 1, 2, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Evidence Acquisition: A multidisciplinary team of experts in various fields (sports medicine specialists, endocrinologists, and cardiologists) developed the guideline. This group did the task in four stages: (1) identifying and refining the subject area using 17 clinical questions; (2) appraising evidence through a systematic review of the literature; (3) extracting recommendations from evidence and grading them as A, B, C, or D based on the quality, quantity, and consistency of existing evidence; and (4) subjecting the guideline to external review and finally selecting the recommendations with high scores of appropriateness and agreement. The final version was evaluated and approved by the National Deputy for Curative Affairs - Ministry of Health and Medical Education and has also been endorsed by the Iran Endocrine Society (IES) and Iranian Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine (IASEM). Results: The guideline consists of 52 recommendations addressing 17 important questions concerning different aspects of exercise prescription in Iranian patients with diabetes. Conclusions: The guideline provides evidence-based information that may help physicians to prescribe exercise for Iranian patients with diabetes safely and effectively.
Technical Review of Developments in Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy
Authors: Ogura Takeshi , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: April 2021

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage has been developed as an alternative method for biliary drainage. EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) can be attempted via the trans-gastric route. These procedures are technically complex for two reasons. First, puncture of the intrahepatic bile duct via the trans-gastric route can be more difficult than that by other approaches because of the small diameter of the target site, and guidewire insertion or manipulation is challenging during EUS-HGS. Second, critical adverse events, such as stent migration into the abdominal cavity, could occur because of the greater mobility of the stomach compared to the duodenum. Therefore, endoscopists should be cautious when performing EUS-HGS. An advantage of EUS-HGS is that it can be performed in patients with complications such as duodenal bulb obstruction or surgically altered anatomy. Recent advances in technique and improvements in devices and stents for EUS-HGS have shown promise for improving the technical success rate of EUS-HGS and reducing the rate of adverse events. However, endoscopists should remain aware of the possibility of critical adverse events such as stent migration.
Un archipiélago estatal para las infancias populares argentinas (1890-1919)
Authors: Sosenski Susana
Published: April 2021

Reseña Claudia Freidenraij. La niñez desviada: La tutela estatal de niños pobres, huérfanos y delincuentes. Buenos Aires 1890-1919. Buenos Aires: Editorial Biblos, 2020, 302 pp.
Synchronization between FitzHugh-Nagumo neurons coupled with phototube
Authors: Zhang Xiu-Fang , Ma Jun , Xu Ying , Ren Guo-Dong ,   Department of Physics, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, China,   School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shandong Normal University, Ji’nan 250014, China
Published: April 2021

The photoreceptors can receive all kinds of visible light which is translated to the bioelectrical signal for the visual cortex. The function would be simulated by the photoelectric effect. This paper studies the dynamic characteristics of FitzHugh-Nagumo neurons coupled with a phototube. In the parameter space of phototube, the synchronization region of the coupled system in which the neuron mode is in chaos and burst, is discussed in detail; the data show that the forced resonance is prominent in the complete synchronization of the system when the coupling strength is low, while the phase synchronization is observed in numerical experiment when the coupling strength is strong. The active operation of the phototube, as well the inverse cutoff voltage can modulate the synchronization of the system. Our work can be used to understand the mechanism of the retinal diseases, such as macular degeneration.
Deposition of titanium oxide films by atmospheric pressure corona discharge plasma jet
Authors: Kong De-Lin , Yang Bing-Yan , He Feng , Han Ruo-Yu , Miao Jin-Song , Song Ting-Lu , Ouyang Ji-Ting ,   School of Physics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Published: April 2021

Atmospheric pressure plasma jet has received increasing attention due to its wide potential applications such as in material processing and surface modification. This paper presents the characteristics of titanium oxide (TiO2) thin films deposited by using atmospheric pressure corona plasma jet based on a needle-plate configuration. The influences of corona polarity and operating parameters on the properties of TiO2 films are investigated. The characteristics of positive and negative corona discharge, the developing process and the emission spectrum of the plasma jet are tested, and the TiO2 films prepared under different conditions are measured and analyzed. The results show that the TiO2 film prepared by negative corona plasma has a more uniform surface, and the Ti content in TiO2 film is higher than that by the positive corona plasma. The adhesion force is higher than 4.7 N/cm and the surface resistance of the film is less than 1010 Ω. The deposition of the TiO2 film is closely related to the nucleation mechanism of the precursor in the plasma jet and/or the interface between jet and substrate. These results will provide useful reference for preparing uniform and functional oxide film materials by atmospheric pressure plasma jet.
Plasma optical emission spectroscopy based on feedforward neural network
Authors: Wang Yan-Fei , Zhu Xi-Ming , Zhang Ming-Zhi , Meng Sheng-Feng , Jia Jun-Wei , Chai Hao , Wang Yang , Ning Zhong-Xi ,   Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China,   Key Laboratory of Aerospace Plasma Propulsion, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Harbin 150001, China,   Beijing Orient Institute of Measurement and Test, Beijing 100086, China
Published: April 2021

Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) has been widely applied to plasma etching, material processing, development of plasma equipment and technology, as well as plasma propulsion. The collisional-radiative model used in OES is affected by the deviation of fundamental data such as collision cross sections, thus leading to the error in diagnostic results. In this work, a novel method is developed based on feedforward neural network for OES. By comparing the error characteristics of the new method with those of the traditional least-square diagnostic method, it is found that the neural network diagnosis method can reduce the transmission of basic data deviation to the diagnosis results by identifying the characteristics of the spectral vector. This is confirmed by the experimental results. Finally, the mechanism of the neural network algorithm against fundamental data deviation is analyzed. This method also has a good application prospect in plasma parameter online monitoring, imaging monitoring and mass data processing.
Correlation of optical sensing with extinction coefficient and local field enhancement in gold nanosphere dimer
Authors: Xia Wen-Fei , Chen Jian-Feng , Long Li , Li Zhi-Yuan ,   School of Physics and Optoelectronics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
Published: April 2021

In this paper we systematically study the optical extinction, local field enhancement, and resonance peak shift of basic single/double gold nanosphere system. We find that in the double gold nanosphere system, the incident light can excite the coupled resonance modes when the two gold nanospheres are approaching to each other, leading the local field to be enhanced greatly. Interestingly, limited by the scant volume of local field, the extinction coefficient of the double gold nanosphere system of 2 nm gap with a high local field enhancement factor is greatly reduced, so that its optical sensing sensitivity and extinction coefficient are smaller than the 5 nm gap system’s. Studies show that the optical sensing sensitivity of the double gold nanosphere system is not directly determined by the local field enhancement amplitude, but has a similar change behavior to the extinction coefficient of the system. These results can offer us a useful route and hint for designing the gold nanoparticle systems used in the surface Raman scattering enhancement and high performance optical sensing.
A Mendelian randomization study of the role of lipoprotein subfractions in coronary artery disease
Authors: Zhao Qingyuan , Wang Jingshu , Miao Zhen , Zhang Nancy R , Hennessy Sean , Small Dylan S , Rader Daniel J
Published: April 2021

Recent genetic data can offer important insights into the roles of lipoprotein subfractions and particle sizes in preventing coronary artery disease (CAD), as previous observational studies have often reported conflicting results. We used the LD score regression to estimate the genetic correlation of 77 subfraction traits with traditional lipid profile and identified 27 traits that may represent distinct genetic mechanisms. We then used Mendelian randomization (MR) to estimate the causal effect of these traits on the risk of CAD. In univariable MR, the concentration and content of medium high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles showed a protective effect against CAD. The effect was not attenuated in multivariable analyses. Multivariable MR analyses also found that small HDL particles and smaller mean HDL particle diameter may have a protective effect. We identified four genetic markers for HDL particle size and CAD. Further investigations are needed to fully understand the role of HDL particle size.
Probing the decision-making mechanisms underlying choice between drug and nondrug rewards in rats
Authors: Vandaele Youna , Lenoir Magalie , Vouillac-Mendoza Caroline , Guillem Karine , Ahmed Serge H
Published: April 2021

Delineating the decision-making mechanisms underlying choice between drug and nondrug rewards remains a challenge. This study adopts an original approach to probe these mechanisms by comparing response latencies during sampling versus choice trials. While lengthening of latencies during choice is predicted in a deliberative choice model (DCM), the race-like response competition mechanism postulated by the Sequential choice model (SCM) predicts a shortening of latencies during choice compared to sampling. Here, we tested these predictions by conducting a retrospective analysis of cocaine-versus-saccharin choice experiments conducted in our laboratory. We found that rats engage deliberative decision-making mechanisms after limited training, but adopt a SCM-like response selection mechanism after more extended training, while their behavior is presumably habitual. Thus, the DCM and SCM may not be general models of choice, as initially formulated, but could be dynamically engaged to control choice behavior across early and extended training.
Selection for increased tibia length in mice alters skull shape through parallel changes in developmental mechanisms
Authors: Unger Colton M , Devine Jay , Hallgrímsson Benedikt , Rolian Campbell
Published: April 2021

Bones in the vertebrate cranial base and limb skeleton grow by endochondral ossification, under the control of growth plates. Mechanisms of endochondral ossification are conserved across growth plates, which increases covariation in size and shape among bones, and in turn may lead to correlated changes in skeletal traits not under direct selection. We used micro-CT and geometric morphometrics to characterize shape changes in the cranium of the Longshanks mouse, which was selectively bred for longer tibiae. We show that Longshanks skulls became longer, flatter, and narrower in a stepwise process. Moreover, we show that these morphological changes likely resulted from developmental changes in the growth plates of the Longshanks cranial base, mirroring changes observed in its tibia. Thus, indirect and non-adaptive morphological changes can occur due to developmental overlap among distant skeletal elements, with important implications for interpreting the evolutionary history of vertebrate skeletal form.
Mooring service cruise 2019
Authors: Sundfjord Arild , Renner Angelika
Published: April 2021

The main objective of the joint Nansen Legacy and A-TWAIN/SIOS-InfraNor mooring service cruise was the recovery and deployment of the projects’ moorings in the Barents Sea and north of Svalbard. Additionally, CTD stations with water sampling for both projects, a Seaglider deployment for NL, and mooring recoveries and deployments for partner projects were planned, depending on sea ice conditions and time available.
Evaluation of Cardiovascular Variables in a Calchaquí Population in the Middle and High Mountains of Tucumán
Authors: Galdeano Sebastián , Holownia Damián , Palavecino Darío , Abregú José Daniel , Rivas Jordan María Silvina , Frías Silva Magdalena , Rossi Agustina , Iglesias Norma , Chahla Rossana , Joo Turoni Claudio
Published: April 2021

Background: The Quilmes community includes 2,400 inhabitants of the middle and high mountains of Tucumán (1,800 to 4,000 meters above sea level). The purpose of the present study was to know their cardiovascular health status. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative investigation was carried out in people belonging to the Quilmes community who voluntarily attended the planned evaluation on September 27-29, 2018. Results: Two hundred and two settlers were studied (125 women and 77 men; 48±1.4 years), 23% of them had hypertension (HTN); 14% were smokers; 4.9% had diabetes; 18% had dyslipidemia (DLP) and 25% usually consumed alcohol (1.0 ± 0.4 L/day). Also, 29% were overweight and 36% obese. High blood pressure (BP) was recorded in 48 individuals at the time of the study. Blood pressure decreased in the third compared to the first measurement, whereas heart rate increased in the third assessment (74±1 beats per minute vs. 77±1; p <0.01). Oxygen saturation (95.0±0.2%) was negatively correlated with age (Pearson r: -0.266; p <0.001). In individuals with normal BP, ultrasound E/ratio was higher (1.2±0.0) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness was lower (8.5±0.5 mm) than in those with elevated BP (0.92±0.1 and 9.0±0.3, respectively, p <0.001). Twenty-four percent of individuals had atherosclerotic plaques and 120 had DLP. Conclusions: The Quilmes population presents a prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors similar to that of urban centers, which could lead to an increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the coming years
Prevalence of Shigella spp and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Select Commercially Processed Meat Products
Authors: Omoruyi Iyekhoetin Matthew , Ajayi Helen Inikpi
Published: April 2021

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Shigella spp and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in some selected commercially processed ready-to-eat snail (Archachatina marginata) and edible worm (Rhynchophorus phoenicis).

Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis.

Place and Duration of Study: Samples were obtained from vendors along the Benin-Sapele express road, South-South Nigeria, over a two months period (November to December, 2019).

Methodology: The enumeration of total heterotrophic counts, total Shigella counts and total Staphylococcus aureus counts were done using nutrient agar, Salmonella Shigella agar and mannitol salt agar respectively. All isolates were further identified by their cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus were identified using methicillin-oxacillin agar, while the antibiogramic profile of selected isolates and their multidrug resistant profile were done according to the CSLI guideline.

Results: The mean heterotrophic bacterial counts (THCs) obtained in Rhynchophorus phoenicis ranged from 0.00 × 10³ ± 0.00 cfu/g to 500.00 × 10³ ± 0.00 cfu/g, while the mean THCs obtained in Archachatina marginata ranged from 13.3 × 10³ ± 1.15 cfu/g to 500 × 10³ ± 0.00 cfu/g. The total Staphylococcus aureus obtained in Rhynchophorus phoenicis was between 0.00 × 10³ ± 0.00 cfu/g to 294 × 10³ ± 4.7 cfu/g and the Shigella bacteria counts from 0.00 × 10³ ± 0.00 cfu/g to 258 × 10³ ± 14.64 cfu/g. The antibiogram of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from both Rhynchophorus phoenicis and Archachatina marginata, found the majority of isolates (96.67%) to be resistant to ceftazidime and cefuroxime, while 83.33% of the isolates were sensitive to ofloxacin. All Staphylococcus isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone, cloxacillin and amoxycillin clavulanate. The multidrug resistant index recorded was between 37.5 and 100. All Staphylococcus (9) isolates tested for methicillin resistance was observed to be positive.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that RTE vended meat products sold in along Benin City By-pass, contains Shigella and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus species, which are potential foodborne pathogens and efforts should be made at eliminating them from these vended meat products.
The Effect of Thaumatococcus danielli Leaf Extracts on Immunological and Oxidative Stress Markers in Rat
Authors: Adu O. B. , Adeyemo G. A. , Falua O. B. , Fajana O. O. , Ogunrinola O. O. , Saibu G. M. , Elemo B. O.
Published: April 2021

This work demonstrated the immunological and antioxidant activities of Thaumatococcus daniellii leaf extracts and their potential as the pharmaceutical factor for the treatment of some pathological disorders such as cancer, leucopenia, cells inflammation, dietary, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disease and other immunological and oxidative stress disorders.36 albino rats of average weight 140 ± 5 g were randomly grouped into 6 with six rats per group. The rats in group A (positive control) received only 0.1% DMSO. The rats in the negative control (group B) received pyrogallol (immunosuppressor) + 0.1% DMSO for 7 days and challenged with 0.1ml Sheep Red Blood Cell (SRBC). The test groups (C to F) also received pyrogallol + 0.1% DMSO for 7 days and were also challenged with SRBC for a period of 72hours after which they were treated with High and Low doses of either petroleum ether or water extracts of Thaumatococcus danielii for 21days. The assessment of immunomodulatory activity was carried out using Carbon Clearance Test. Haematological/ immunological parameters, Spleen and Plasma antioxidant parameters like Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) Activities, Lipid Peroxidation (LPO) and Malonaldehyde (MDA) concentrations were also determined. Result unveiled a significant (p<0.05) increase in the phagocytic index of both high doses of water and petroleum ether extracts compared to the negative control group. There were no significant (p<0.05) changes in the Heamatological parameters and plasma catalase, but there was a significant change in the white blood cell (WBC) count and also an improvement in the spleen and plasma antioxidant parameters. Further study is required to understand the mechanism of action of both extracts in order to exploit it in immunomodulation.
Nigeria’s Working Poor Households: Characterizing Factors and Proposals for Social Welfare Programs
Authors: Chukwuemeka Onyimadu
Published: April 2021

The paper focuses on the increasing incidence of working poor families in Nigeria. Data from the ILO and NBS suggest that, not only is the number of working poor families in Nigeria increasing, despite governments efforts at increasing the number of jobs created. This point to the assertion that, removing working poor families out of poverty will not solely depend on their being employed. The paper uses data from Nigeria’s General Household Survey to characterize inducing factors of working poor families in Nigeria. The findings suggest that female – headed households, polygamous and divorced households, individuals who have never been married, size of employment establishment, and household expenditures, are determining factors of working poor families in Nigeria. We recommend the supplementing of working poor families incomes through Living wage and contributory savings, establishment of State Health Insurance Schemes, and affordable housing through a state guaranteed Mortgage Schemes.
A Mini-Review: Importance of Proper Nutrition for the Growth of Cultured African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Yudawan Gifarri Azanna , Junianto .
Published: April 2021

Feeding is an important aspect of fish farming activities and could determine the quality of fish. African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is an omnivorous freshwater fish that is high in protein and economical value. Catfish nursery generally uses natural feed and artificial feed to ensure the diet requirements fullfiled. Good feeding, in quality or quantity, is an important aspect to produce a high quality breed. A good feed is the basis of improving cultured catfish growth and survival performance. The purpose of this article is to review types of feed, feeding practices, and their enriched alternatives for catfish rearing.
Disseminated Peritoneal Leiomyomatosis: A Case Report of an Incidental Finding During an Emergency Caesarean Section and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Lanre Awosusi, Babatope , Oluwafadekemi Adegoke, Omolade , Dupe Nwanji, Ifeanyichukwu , Fola Oni,
Published: April 2021

Aim: To present the case report of an incidental finding of disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis (DPL) found during an emergency caesarean section in a young Nigerian woman who presented with slow progress in labour and maternal exhaustion.

Presentation of Case: We present the case of a 35-year-old unbooked primigravida with previous myomectomy who presented with maternal exhaustion and slow progress in labour and subsequently had an emergency lower segment caesarean section. At surgery, multiple firm to hard nodules of varying sizes were seen scattered throughout the peritoneum. Histological examination and immunohistochemical analysis of the nodules showed features consistent with disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis. Clinical and radiological follow-up for 1 year was uneventful.

Discussion: DPL is a rare benign smooth muscle tumour that clinically and macroscopically simulates disseminated intra-abdominal or pelvic malignancy. It occurs predominantly in women of child bearing age and is mostly discovered incidentally. The occurrence of DPL in association with pregnancy and uterine leiomyomas was also corroborated in this index case as pedunculated and intramural uterine nodules were also seen during surgery.

Conclusion: Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis is a rare benign disease which may be misdiagnosed as disseminated or metastatic intra-abdominal malignancy. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is required for accurate diagnosis and proper management.
A Block Chain and IoT Based Hybrid Students Record System for E-Governance
Authors: Balaji R. D. , Jaboob Said , Malathi R.
Published: April 2021

Aims: This paper addresses a system for the students’ record management by the educational institutions using the IoT and Block chain technologies.

Motive for this Research: The growth of the contemporary technologies around the world has made almost all the chores easier and faster. Yet, the government and private organizations are struggling to identify the appropriate candidates for the required positions and to verify their credentials during the recruitment process. The recruiting companies are facing the issue of deceitful activities during the certification and other credential verifications. Moreover, the data are available only in the universities and the verification processes are very often manually completed and they are time demanding. Thus maintaining data integrity and security becomes the major concern for the organizations, which have widely suggested considering AI technology applications in the educational institutions which are ubiquitous nowadays, especially with the current rapid change in the technology landscape. In higher education institutions as a modernization process they have started using the IoT devices for recording the students’ status and performing many activities automatically. The Block chain technology is used for secured peer to peer networks for the private data maintenance. Since it is demanding good Internet infrastructure and the transactions are computationally expensive, there are some hesitations in adapting Block chain technology for the regular activities by the organizations. Despite the security features of the Block chain, there are very few systems and proposals available using IoT and Block chain due to the technical complications while merging these technologies.

Study Design: We have highlighted the various concepts of these two technologies, their applications, advantages, challenges, etc.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Information Technology, University of Technology and Applied Sciences – Salalah, Oman, from Dec 2019 to February 2021.

Results: A system architecture is proposed and it explains and shows how the Block chain security is being imposed on the IoT based applications especially for the student data management system. The activity diagram of the proposed system helps and assists in understanding the flow of the correspondences among the organizations and the candidates (students) and the way the information is maintained.

Conclusion: The proposed system architecture This system is secure, fast and it can be used by the government and the private institutions not only for the students’ record management and verification, but for many other different purposes within the scope of data management systems.
Design of Dugout Type Farm Pond at the Farm of Chhattisgarh Engineering College, Durg Chhattisgarh
Authors: Raj Jeet , Aman . , Sonwani Suryakant , Kolambe Sanket
Published: April 2021

To increase food security in a drought-prone area, the water harvesting, capture and storage of rainwater are technologies proven for uses during dry periods. Erosion control and groundwater revive are extra favorable circumstances of water harvesting techniques that contribute to agricultural development and resource conservation. The contour map of the study area is used to select the location for the creation of the farm pond. Clay loam is found in soil texture analysis. For clay loam soil, the study area with a depth of 3.5 m and a side slope of 1.5:1 may be suitable. The available rainfall was computed for 75% probability by using empirical formula is found to 1.41483 ha-m. The tube well draft was calculated to be 0.8640 ha-m. The capacity of the designed farm pond is 0.6639 ha-m. The proposed pond facilitated total supplemental irrigation of 8.5 cm depth to an area of 6.5 ha paddy.
Potential Screening of Indigenous Drought Stress Tolerant Bacteria for Plant Growth Promotion (PGP) Traits: An In-vitro Study
Authors: Kumar B. Prasanna , Trimurtulu N. , Gopal A. Vijaya
Published: April 2021

Aims: The study aims to formulate relevant microbial consortia against drought stress mitigation with potential drought stress tolerant bacterial isolates by polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) different moisture stress levels to mitigate the drought stress which can finally helpful to increase plant and soil health under adverse stress conditions.

Study Design:  Source of rhizosphere soil samples from groundnut drought prone areas of Andhra Pradesh.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Advanced Post Graduate Centre, Acharya N.G Ranga Agricultural University, Lam, Guntur, 522 034, between June 2017 and July 2020.

Methodology: Isolated strains were also tested for further drought stress screening by polyethylene glycol 6000 In-vitro screening was done for different plant growth promotion activities i.e. phosphate solubilization, IAA production, ammonia production, ACC deaminase activity, HCN production and catalase. HCN production, catalase positive, colony morphology, Gram staining and biochemical tests.

Results: Fifty-one efficient bacterial isolates were obtained from drought prone rhizosphere soils of groundnut. Isolated strains were also tested for further drought stress screening by polyethylene glycol 6000 at 0% (-0.05 MPa), 10% (-0.65 MPa), 20% (-1.57 MPa), 30% (-2.17 MPa) and 40% (-2.70 MPa). Thirty-seven bacterial isolates were further found to have an enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity which improved plant growth during stress conditions. The In-vitro screening was done for different plant growth promotion activities, twelve bacterial isolates were positive for phosphate solubilization. IAA production was shown by almost all the bacterial isolates. Three isolates were positive for ammonia production. Two isolates were positive for HCN production and all the isolates were found to be catalase positive. Seven isolates were showing maximum plant growth promotion activities and further identified based on colony morphology, Gram staining and biochemical tests.

Conclusion: This study suggests that 51 bacterial isolates exhibited the highest tolerance to moisture stress under In-vitro, these are screened and considered as potential isolates against plant growth promoting characteristics. Plant growth promoting bacteria that can modulate physiological response for water shortage, enhanced water or nutrient uptake and transpiration, induction of plant growth hormone signaling and increased antioxidase activity and photosynthetic rate thereby ensuring plant survival under such stressful conditions. In regard to isolates having PGP properties from the research work presented could be studied further under In-vitro and in vivo conditions from different soils with several crops for confirming their use as bio inoculants.
Comparative and Correlative Analysis of Biofilm Formation and Antimicrobial Resistance Traits of Pathogenic Bacterial Isolates
Authors: Shahriar Asif , Das Kamal Kanta , Islam Tamanna , Feroz Farahnaaz
Published: April 2021

Background: Pathogenic bacteria mostly cause emerging infectious diseases, including community-acquired, nosocomial, and opportunistic infections. The recent emergence of biofilms and the production of beta-lactamases strains have led to the widespread number of drug-resistant bacterial pathogens associated with infectious illness and death.

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out to detect the ability of biofilm formation by gram-negative and gram-positive pathogenic isolates collected from clinical environments and determine their multi-drug resistant traits along with the detection of Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) production.

Results: Among the 15 pathogenic isolates, A. baumannii (85%) were ESBL positive and (65%) MBL positive; P. mirabilis was ESBL and MBL positive (65% and 90%), respectively. The uropathogenic bacterial isolates, both K. pneumoniae and E. coli were found to be ESBL positive (60%) and MBL positive (40%); ESBL positive (75%) and MBL positive (60%), respectively. Whereas the pathogenic P. aeruginosa isolates were found to be ESBL and MBL positive (100%). In contrast, among the three gram-positive S. aureus isolates, two isolates were found to be ESBL positive (85%) and one isolate was found to be MBL positive (35%). The association between ESBL and MBL production and biofilm formation was statistically significant (P value=0.001). Besides, most active drugs, penicillin G, kanamycin, ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime, azithromycin and erythromycin, were resistant against all pathogenic isolates, whereas pathogens were significantly sensitive against Cotrimoxazole, Erythromycin, Streptomycin, and Ceftriaxone.

Conclusion: This experiment's findings indicate the emergence and rapid spread of such multidrug-resistant pathogens are of great concern. Early detection of ESBL and MBL-producing pathogens is of paramount clinical significance; therefore, strict infection control practices and therapeutic guidance for confirmed infection can be rapidly initiated.