bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Đặc điểm lâm sàng, cận lâm sàng u tế bào mầm nội sọ trẻ em
Authors: Phùng Lan
Published: March 2024

TÓM TẮT

Đặt vấn đề: U tế bào mầm nội sọ là những khối u ác tính hiếm gặp, chủ yếu được phát hiện ở thanh thiếu niên và những người trẻ tuổi. Các dấu hiệu lâm sàng phụ thuộc vào vị trí và kích thước của khối u.

Đối tượng, phương pháp: Nghiên cứu mô tả cắt ngang, hồi cứu được thực hiện trên 50 trẻ mắc u tế bào mầm nội sọ được chẩn đoán tại Bệnh viện Nhi Trung ương từ 01/2016 đến 12/2022

Kết quả: Tuổi trung bình mắc bệnh là 8 ± 4,6 tuổi và tỉ lệ nam/nữ là 2/1. Triệu chứng lâm sàng phổ biến là đau đầu, nôn và/hoặc rối loạn nội tiết. Đa số là trường hợp u đơn độc. Vị trí khối u thường gặp ở vùng tuyến tùng và/hoặc trên yên. U tế bào mầm nội sọ dòng không tinh chiếm 72%, dòng tinh 28%. Khối u dòng mầm không tinh có kích thước trung bình lớn hơn, gây giãn não thất và biểu hiện tăng chỉ số AFP, β - HCG nhiều hơn dòng tinh.

Kết luận: Khối u tế bào mầm nội sọ có biểu hiện lâm sàng đa dạng tùy theo vị trí, kích thước và mô bệnh học khối u.

ABSTRACT

Clinical and subclinical characteristics of intracranial germ cell tumor in children

Background: Intracranial germ cell tumors (IGCTs) are rare malignant neoplasms that arise predominantly in adolescents and young adults. Clinical presentations depend on primary location and size of tumor.

Methods: A cross - sectional descriptive, retrospective study was conducted on 50 children with IGCTs diagnosed at Children National Hospital during 01/2016 to 12/2022.

Results: The mean age of the disease is 8 ± 4.6 years old. The male/female ratio was 2/1. Common clinical symptoms were headache, vomiting and/or endocrine disturbances. Most cases were solitary tumours (92%). Tumor was located most commonly found in the pineal gland and/or suprasellar region. Non - germinomas accounted for 72% and germinoma - 28%. Non - germinoma IGCTs are larger in size, more ventriculomegaly condition, higher AFP, β - HCG level than germinoma IGCTs.

Conclusions: IGCTs in children had variable clinical manifestations depening on location, size and pathology of the tumor.
Kết quả ứng dụng phương pháp cắt tách dưới niêm mạc qua nội soi điều trị ung thư sớm và thương tổn tiền ung thư ống tiêu hóa
Authors: Phạm Lình
Published: March 2024

TÓM TẮT

Đặt vấn đề: Cắt tách dưới niêm mạc qua nội soi (ESD) là một kỹ thuật mới ở Việt Nam, dùng trong điều trị ung thư sớm và thương tổn tiền ung thư ống tiêu hóa. Nghiên cứu nhằm mục đích xác định tính khả thi về mặt kỹ thuật, thời gian phẫu thuật, các biến chứng và kết quả điều trị của kỹ thuật cắt tách dưới niêm mạc qua nội soi điều trị ung thư sớm và thương tổn tiền ung thư ống tiêu hóa tại Bệnh viện Trường Đại học Y Dược Cần Thơ.

Đối tượng, phương pháp: Nghiên cứu mô tả hồi cứu trên 13 bệnh nhân điều trị ung thư sớm và thương tổn tiền ung thư ống tiêu hóa bằng phương pháp cắt tách dưới niêm mạc qua nội soi (ESD) tại Bệnh viện Trường Đại học Y Dược Cần Thơ từ năm 2018 - 2023.

Kết quả: Có 13 bệnh nhân được nhân được thực hiện ESD. Tuổi trung bình là 55,92 ± 12,78, tỉ lệ nam: nữ là 8:5. Phần lớn tổn thương nằm ở hang vị (46,15%) với kích thước trung bình khoảng 24,23 ± 10,17 mm. Thời gian thực hiện thủ thuật trung bình 88,85 ± 45,79, tất cả các u đều được cắt trọn mà không xảy ra các biến chứng lớn hoặc phải chuyển sang phẫu thuật. Thời gian nằm viện trung bình 4,00 ± 1,78 ngày. Tất cả tổn thương sau thực hiện ESD đều chưa ghi nhận tái phát tại chỗ.

Kết luận: ESD là kỹ thuật hiệu quả và tương đối an toàn trong điều trị ung thư sớm và thương tổn tiền ung thư ống tiêu hóa. Cần có các nghiên cứu sâu hơn để đánh giá kết quả của kỹ thuật này.

ABSTRACT

OUTCOMES OF ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION IN TREATMENT OF EARLY CANCER AND PRECANCEROUS LESIONS OF GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a new technique in Viet Nam for early cancer and precancerous lesions of gastrointestinal tract. The study aims to identify the technical feasibility, operation time, and complications associated with ESD.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive study on 13 patients with early cancer and precancerous lesions of gastrointestinal tract treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) at the Hospital of Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy from 2018 to 2023.

Results: There were 13 patients with early cancer and precancerous lesions of gastrointestinal tract treated by ESD. The mean age was 55.92 ± 12.78, the male: female ratio was 8:5. Most of the lesions were located in the antrum (46.15%) with an average size of about 24.23 ± 10.17 mm. The mean operative time was 88.85 ± 45.79, all tumors were completely resected without serious complications or surgical conversion. The mean hospital stay was 4.00 ± 1.78 days.

Conclusions: ESD is an effective and relatively safe technique in the treatment of early cancer and precancerous lesions of gastrointestinal tract. Further studies are needed to evaluate the results of this technique.
Reconceptualising initial teacher education in South Africa: A quest for transformative and sustainable alternatives
Authors: Ndebele Clever , Marongwe Newlin , Ncanywa Thobeka , Matope Samson , Ginyigazi Zanele , Chisango Grasia , Msindwana Phumla Nomatolo , Garidzirai Rufaro
Published: March 2024

Education serves as a catalyst for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and it is essential for education to keep pace with societal dynamics. This paper argues for the reconceptualisation of initial teacher education in South Africa to promote an alternative transformative and sustainable pedagogy. Questions arose regarding the compatibility of the current teacher education program in South Africa with the needs of today's learners. Therefore, it is important to assess whether South African higher education institutions provide adequate training for future teachers. The current teacher education programme has remained unchanged for many years, failing to adapt to the evolving educational landscape and instead adhering to traditional methods that were relevant in the past. Incorporating flexible, transformative pedagogies and technologies can enhance student learning and engage learners of the 21st century. Using a typological methodological design, this conceptual explanatory paper identifies six themes: program content, pedagogy, technological advancements, preparing teachers for inclusion, school-based experiences, and addressing anxiety. This paper contributes to existing knowledge by advocating for the reconceptualisation of teacher education programs, aiming to produce graduates who are equipped to address global challenges. Furthermore, it emphasises the need for an alternative transformative sustainable initiative to overhaul teacher education programs to align with modern societies' complexities and dynamics. Therefore, this paper calls for the reformulation of South Africa's initial teacher training to align with SDG 4 (quality education) and Agenda 2023, which underpin Africa's transformational aspirations for a better future for all.
Про повну інтегровність і лінеаризацію нелінійного рівняння Калоджеро – Дегасперіса
Authors: Притула Микола , Коковська Ярина
Published: March 2024

На основі використання градієнтно-голономного методу дослідження інтегровності нелінійних динамічних систем на функціональних многовидах встановлено точну лінеаризацію типу Лакса нелінійної динамічної системи Калоджеро – Дегасперіса, її бігамільтоновість і побудовано нескінченну ієрархію функціональних незалежних інваріантів. Як наслідок, отримано сумісну пару пуассонових структур.
On the geometric properties of series in systems of functions
Authors: Sheremeta Myroslav
Published: March 2024

Let $f(z) = \dsum_{k = 1}^{\infty}f_k z^{k}$ be an entire transcendental function, let $(\lambda_n)$ be a sequence of positive numbers increasing to $+ \infty$, and let the series $A(z) = \dsum_{n = 1}^{\infty}a_nf(\lambda_n z)$ be regularly convergent in ${\mathbb{D}} = \{z\colon |z|<1\}$. The starlikeness and convexity of the function $A$ are studied. For example, if $\dsum_{n = 1}^{\infty}\lambda^{-\tau}_n = T< + \infty$, $\ln |a_n|\le -e\lambda_n$, and $T\dsum_{k = 2}^{\infty}k|f_k| (k + \tau)^{k + \tau}\le \left|f_1\dsum_{n = 1}^{\infty}a_n\lambda_n\right|$, then the function $A$ is starlike. It is proved that, under certain conditions on the parameters, the differential equation $z^2w'' + (\beta_0 z^2 + \beta_1z)w' + (\gamma_0z^2 + \gamma_1 z + \gamma_2) w = 0$ has an entire solution $A$ that is starlike or convex in ${\mathbb{D}}$.
Hospital Employees’ Perceptions of Being Swamped
Authors: Roth Cheryl , Brewer Melanie , Gosselin Kevin , Bay Curtis
Published: March 2024

The concept of being swamped was first described by nurses in a study about hospital nurses’ perceptions of human factors that can contribute to errors by nurses. Being swamped occurs when providers have so much to do that they cannot focus well enough to establish priorities and choose the most important task at hand. In previous studies, being swamped was found to be a primary reason for nurses to make errors. The purpose of this nonexperimental, descriptive study was to explore the experience of swamping in the clinical setting in multiple work units and roles. A survey was developed and tested and data were collected during the fall of 2018. The 13-question survey was distributed via email to employees and providers with inpatient privileges in four large community-based hospitals. Survey findings were evaluated using both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods. A total of 814 participants completed the survey. Only 3.8% of participants noted that they are never swamped, while 11.8% noted that they feel swamped on a daily basis. According to participants, an increase in being swamped leads to missed care, errors, turnover, and delays in care. Being swamped may influence patient satisfaction scores impacting reimbursement and nationally reported data and may result in high turnover because staff feel discouraged and leave.
Journey Toward Digital Transformation in the Age of COVID-19
Authors: Roshan Anupa , Moreno Janette , De Jesus Millicent , Ely Rebecca , Murakami Charisse , Viana Robert , Finuliar Jerome , Minissian Margo
Published: March 2024

A tertiary, non-profit academic medical center in California encountered the demands of a rapidly evolving set of COVID-19-related guidelines in 2020. Several outdated structures and processes were identified as operational inefficiencies compounded by siloed manual work, lack of role clarity, and increased operation costs. Thus, the department of nursing education began identifying opportunities for digital transformation to improve operational efficiency, streamline the scope of work, improve team collaboration, and reduce operating costs. Using Kotter’s eight-step process for leading change, implementing digital transformation decreased excessive costs. This was achieved by reducing nursing professional development practitioners’ time spent on task-related work by 63%, allowing them to practice at the highest level of their scope and training. Additionally, leadership support, innovation, conformity to experiment, visibility and accessibility of work, interdepartmental collaboration, and communication transparency were key factors for the success of digital transformation.
The expression of sehnsucht in the Japanese city pop revival fandom through visual media on Reddit and YouTube
Authors: Vichot Rhea
Published: March 2024

Japanese city pop music, which emerged in the late 1970s through the late 1980s, saw a resurgence in interest in the late 2010s as an online revival fandom formed across multiple platforms. This emergent fandom has prompted scholars to ask why this fandom emerged and how this audience relates to music disconnected in time and place from themselves. Various forms of qualified nostalgia have been suggested to describe different modes of engagement with media of the past, although these terms are both semantically awkward and do not capture the case of engagement with media removed from the personal or generational past. However, sehnsucht, an alternative model of evaluating the past against the present, is better suited to describing the mode of connection between fans, music, and the past. A thematic analysis of visual media in a case study of conversations on the r/citypop subreddit and on YouTube reveals that city pop fans seem to cluster many of the themes of sehnsucht in their relationship to a musical genre from an idealized past removed from the austere present.
Extraction of crude collagen from Pterygoplichthys pardalis skin and determination of functional properties of its hydrolysates
Authors: Dilhani E. H. P. U. , Dissanayake K. S. M. , Alakolanga A. G. A. W. , Abeyrathne E. D. N. S.
Published: March 2024

Collagen has a great demand and fish skin is a safe alternative source of collagen. Pterygoplichthys pardalis is an endemic, freshwater fish with no economic benefit. The study was conducted to extract crude collagen from the skin of P. pardalis using a simple method and identify the functional properties of its hydrolysates. Acid and pepsin soluble collagens were extracted from skin using citric acid (CA) and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). Selected crude collagens were hydrolysed using pepsin, protease and trypsin enzymes (1:100). Extracted crude collagens and best hydrolysates were selected using 8 and 15% SDS-PAGE. Hydrolysates were analysed for antioxidant, Fe(II) chelating and antibacterial activities. CA treatment showed significantly (P<0.05) higher yield than EDTA treatment. Antioxidant properties, metal chelation and antibacterial activities were not significantly (P>0.05) different. Hydrolysates showed significantly (P<0.05) higher functional properties than crude collagen in both treatments. These results conclude that collagen hydrolysates from P. pardalis have good antioxidant, metal chelating and antibacterial properties.
Population dynamics of vermiculated sailfin catfish, Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus, Weber 1991 (Family Loricariidae) in Victoria (Central province) and Kalawewa (North-Central province) reservoirs, Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramaratne I. U. , Wijenayake H. K. , Jayakody D. S.
Published: March 2024

Introduction of alien invasive species has created adverse impacts on biodiversity in many places in the world. Scientific studies on such populations are important to formulate control measures of invasive species. In this study, population dynamics of invasive P. disjunctivus were studied in Victoria reservoir and Kalawewa reservoir in Sri Lanka. Present study was based on the fish landing sites harvested with 80 mm meshed gill nets in two reservoirs. Fish samples: 2454 from Victoria and 1515 from Kalawewa were studied once a month in two years of duration from January 2015 to December 2017 and standard length (SL) frequency data (LFD) were recorded. LFD were analyzed for fitting von Bertalanffy growth model for growth. An initial estimate of asymptotic standard lengths (L∞) was obtained using Powell- Wetherall method as implemented in the FiSAT II (version 1.2.2) software package. Asymptotic standard length and growth constant (K, yearly basis) were then determined by ELEFAN routine which were consistent with L∞ estimated using Powell-Wetherall method. Total mortality (Z) was calculated using original LFD by the length-converted catch curve method. Natural mortality (M) was estimated. Initial estimate of asymptotic standard lengths (L∞) were Victoria: 33.15 cm and Kalawewa: 35.28 cm. Asymptotic standard length and growth constant (K, yearly basis) estimated by ELEFAN were: 34.13 cm and 34.87 cm in Victoria and Kalawewa reservoirs, respectively. Total mortality (Z) values were reported as 1.22/y in Victoria and 1.32/y in Kalawewa. Estimated natural mortality (M) values were 0.87/y in Vicoria and 0.80/y in Kalawewa. Relative yield-per-recruit analysis and probability of capture with FISAT II software indicated that relative yield-per-recruit was 0.075 and 0.065 in the current exploitation rate in Victoria and Kalawewa reservoirs, respectively. Probabilities of capture of fish for Victoria and Kalawewa were 50% at 16 cm and 50% of 20 cm, respectively. It also revealed that there will be a great potential to optimize the fishery by increasing exploitation ratio from the present levels by increasing length at first capture from the present levels of 16.2 cm to 20.0 cm and 20.1 cm to 21.0 cm for Victoria and Kalawewa reservoirs, respectively. Gill nets can be used to increase harvest potential by increasing fishing effort to control and to produce value added products this species.
Cranial osteology and a new diagnosis of the late Permian pareiasaur Nanoparia luckhoffi (Broom, 1936) from the Karoo Basin of South Africa, and a consolidated pareiasaurian phylogeny
Authors: Van den Brandt Marc Johan , Cisneros Juan Carlos , Abdala Fernando , Boyarinova Elena Ilyinichna , Golubev Valeriy Konstantinovich , Norton Luke Allan , Radermacher Viktor Josef , Rubidge Bruce Sidney
Published: March 2024

Pareiasaurs were an enigmatic and diverse group of parareptilian herbivores of the middle and late Permian. Nanoparialuckhoffi was erected in 1936 but remains the least well-known member of four “dwarf” pareiasaurs that comprise Pumiliopareiasauria. After new preparation of the holotype, we present the first detailed cranial description of Nanoparialuckhoffi and a new diagnosis for the taxon based on seven autapomorphies: (1) an additional bone on the posterior margin of the cheek flange between the squamosal and quadratojugal; (2) a pyramidal-shaped parietal; (3) a very short, square lacrimal; (4) paired prepalatal foramina positioned anterolaterally on the internal premaxillary palatal flange; (5) notch on anteromedial border of the choana; (6) a ventral flange formed by the lateral margin of the internal tabulars; and (7) tabulars that extend posteriorly further than the supratemporals. We find evidence supporting a juvenile ontogenetic state for the holotype, including small skull; unossified open cranial sutures; an unossified dorsal braincase; and fewer marginal teeth than most pareiasaurs. An updated phylogeny recovers Nanoparia as a sister taxon to Provelosaurusamericanus from Brazil and remains a constituent member of Pumiliopareiasauria. Keywords: Nanoparia, Pumiliopareiasauria, Pareiasauria, Parareptilia, late Permian, Gondwana.
New exoskeletal material from Bahia provides new evidence of geographic distribution and paleopathology for Quaternary cingulates
Authors: Pales Letícia Francielle Moreira , Porpino Kleberson de Oliveira , Scherer Carolina Saldanha
Published: March 2024

The Cingulata clade has a great taxonomic diversity, and its remains are abundantly found in the fossil record of South America, represented mainly by elements from the exoskeleton. Most of the work on cingulate fossils from the Brazilian Quaternary is restricted to taxonomy, while studies on paleobiology, including pathological aspects, are still scarce. This paper describes new exoskeletal specimens and paleopathological evidence for cingulates from Quaternary deposits in Bahia State, Brazil, among the identified taxa (Pachyarmatheriumbrasiliense, Tolypeutes cf. tricinctus, Propraopussulcatus, Glyptotherium sp., Neuryurus sp., Panochthus sp., Hoplophorus cf. euphractus, Pampatheriumhumboldtii, and Holmesina paulacoutoi). Neuryurus is recorded for the first time in the Quaternary of Bahia. Skin lesions, possibly caused by fungi or bacteria, are identified for Panochthus sp. and Glyptotherium sp. In addition, we identified lesions caused by fleas in Glyptotherium sp. These findings underscore disharmonious interspecific relationships involving microorganisms and parasites with glyptodonts, aligning with previous research conclusions. Keywords: Paleobiology, Paleopathology, Cingulata, Quaternary.
Osteohistological analysis and preservation stage of Coendou magnus Lund, 1839 (Rodentia, Erethizontidae) fossils recovered at Toca da Barriguda Cave, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Miquéias A. N. , Silva Elvis C. da , Campos Leomir dos Santos , Dantas Mário André Trindade , Leal Luciano A.
Published: March 2024

Studies on taxonomy, taphonomy, and paleoecology have been conducted on fossils from carbonate caves, however, surveys detailing the fossilization processes and bone microstructure of specimens from caves are still scarce. Our paper provides an osteohistological analysis and X-ray diffraction of a fossil rib from the extinct South American porcupine Coendou magnus Lund. Our results allowed us to interpret that there was microstructural preservation and low replacement of the organic part of the bone by minerals present in the surrounding sediments, such as apatite and abundant non-silicate minerals in sedimentary rocks, characterizing preservation in an environment with poor weathering. Keywords: cave, X-ray diffraction, late Pleistocene, histology, porcupine.
Gaining insights into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation through emerging biomarkers and the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test score
Authors: Hegde Megha , Raj Saurav , Pattanshetti Aishwarya S , Nyamagoud Sanatkumar Bharamu
Published: March 2024

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, presents significant challenges, particularly with exacerbations, which drastically impact patients' health and healthcare costs. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines recommend comprehensive assessments beyond spirometry, with the COPD assessment test (CAT) emerging as a pivotal tool. Despite its utility, the relationship between CAT scores and specific biomarkers during exacerbations remains unclear. Hence, this study aims to assess the correlation between the CAT score and specific circulating biomarkers. A cross-sectional study from August 2023 to January 2024 included 59 COPD patients with exacerbations who underwent pulmonary function tests and completed the CAT score assessment. The CAT score cut-off point was set at 20, where a CAT score <20 indicated a low impact on health status and a CAT score ≥20 indicated a high impact on health status. On the same day, measurements of neutrophils, leukocytes, eosinophils, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were conducted. Patients with CAT scores ≥20 had significantly higher levels of neutrophils (p=0.001), leukocytes (p=0.006), procalcitonin (p=0.010), and forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (p=0.002), but lower eosinophil levels (p=0.025). A positive correlation existed between total CAT score and neutrophils (p=0.001), leukocytes (p=0.000), and procalcitonin (p=0.010), while eosinophil levels showed a negative correlation (p=0.025). The spirometry parameters showed no correlation with the total CAT score. This study highlights the link between CAT and key inflammatory biomarkers, supporting the use of blood biomarkers to identify COPD patients at risk of exacerbations.
The Implications of Social Skills on the Formation of Relationships Between Indonesian Muslims and Japanese
Authors: Nakano Sachiko , Tanaka Tomoko
Published: March 2024

This study aims to investigate social skills adopted by Japanese people in Indonesia relevant to developing satisfactory interpersonal relationships with Indonesian Muslims. Twenty-seven Japanese people living in Indonesia were questioned on coping strategies used to overcome interpersonal difficulties (Nakano & Tanaka, 2016, July) and behaviors used to form satisfactory relationships. The results indicated that the subjects used two coping strategies: (1) cognitive, which involves understanding and tolerating cultural and religious characteristics or differences; and (2) behavioral, which involves accommodating one’s behavior to characteristics and differences, observation, and mimicry. It was also revealed that three specific skills are needed: a) Religious consideration, b) Frank self-expression, and c) Well-mannered behaviors and common sense. The narratives of informants showed that these skills are used to resolve the stress and problems in interpersonal relationships with Indonesian Muslims and to have comfortable relationships. This study was able to identify specific social skills that proved effective in maintaining interpersonal relationships with Indonesian Muslims. In future research, it is necessary to examine these behaviors among native Indonesian Muslims and to enhance the credibility of the skill list.
Book: Venture into a New Realm of Cross-Cultural Psychology Meditation, Mantric Poetry, and Well-being: A Qualitative, Cross-Cultural, Cross-Disciplinary Exploration with American Secondary and Japanese Post-Secondary Adolescents
Authors: Duthely Lunthita , Sunaoshi Harashita , Villar-Loubet Olga
Published: March 2024

Higher well-being correlates positively with multiple psychological and social outcomes, including workplace success and better academic outcomes for students. Poetry and meditation, independently, have been demonstrated in prior studies to increase well-being in a variety of contexts, including physical and mental health challenges. To our knowledge, this is the only published cross-cultural study that merged contemplative practices and poetry within the well-being paradigm, particularly among general, non-clinical adolescent populations. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the use of meditation and mantric poetry in a cross-cultural, educational context. The materials included The Jewels of Happiness: Inspiration and Wisdom to Guide your Life-Journey paperback and audiobook—a collection of poetry and prose to enhance positive emotions. A content analysis was conducted with post-secondary student essays and secondary students’ comments, subsequent to an experience of meditation and mantric poetry in their respective academic settings. Post-secondary students (n = 34) were enrolled in an English as a Second Language (ESL) course in Japan, and secondary students (n = 30) were enrolled in an English Language Arts (ELA) class in the United States. The most commonly occurring themes that emerged across the two cohorts were inner peace, happiness, life-changing experience, and overcoming a challenge.
Synergistic Impact of Mechanical Properties on Friction Stir Welding
Zone Formation in Magnesium Alloy: An Optimized Approach
Authors: Sabari K. , Muniappan A. , Singh Mandeep
Published: March 2024

A growing number of industries are utilizing friction stir welding (FSW), which
has shown promise for joining different materials. In this study, the impacts of
rotation speed and tool pin shape are examined, as well as the FSW zone
generation in the magnesium alloy AZ31. The physical attributes of rotation
speed, feed rate, pin profile shape, and the mechanical properties of the AZ31
magnesium alloy hardness, impact energy, and tensile strength are examined in
this research to determine the properties of FSW. Under optimal conditions,
taper-threaded tool pins, 40 mm/min welding speed, and 1000 rpm rotation speed
achieved maximal micro-hardness. The FSW tool creates heat at 1000 rpm,
improving the softened metal’s mechanical properties. Thus, the metal content in
the stir zone was uniform. Some process variables impacted the response surface
methodology (RSM) parametric design and subsequent optimization procedure.
According to the analysis, the tool’s rotational speed was the key progression
variable with the most statistical influence on metal characteristics.
Nonetheless, tool pin design and welding speed are other variables that
significantly influence mechanical properties.
Ultrasonication and RSM-based optimization of antioxidant activity, saccharide composition and fatty acids from Phoenix dactylifera L. Medjool date seeds influenced by ethanol
Authors: Thirubuvanesvari-Duraivelu Pushpa , Salwa Abd Gani Siti , Hassan Masriana , Izuan Effendi Halmi Mohd , Fawaz Abutayeh Reem , A.A. Al-Najjar Mohammad , Abu-Odeh Ala’
Published: March 2024

In response with the demand in date industry finding on sustainable solution for date seeds management and its bioactive rich constituent, current study envisaged the optimum condition for the ultrasound extraction of Phoenix dactylifera L. Medjool date seeds and its antioxidative activity by employing a three-level three-factor Box–Behnken design via response surface methodology (RSM). Ethanol (EtOH) concentration (50-80%), time (30-90 min) and temperature (40-70 °C) were the independent variables investigated for ABTS•+ scavenging antioxidant activity and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum conditions for maximum antioxidant activity (60.93% ± 0.021) were achieved at 80% EtOH, 44 min and at 57 °C, where the effect of EtOH concentration were notably significant. The observed agreement between the experimental (60.93% ± 0.021) and predicted (60.35%) values indicated the employed model suitability while substantiates the successful implementation of RSM for optimizing extraction parameters. The optimized extract characterized through UPLC-QTOF/MS and GC-MS/MS, detailed the presence of saccharides (isomaltose, mannotriose and stachyose) and volatile compounds, namely 5 saturated fatty acids that encompassed within the 8.42% (w/w) of total fat obtained. This verifies the ability of the solvent mixture extracting fatty acids and saccharides even under high EtOH concentration.

KEY WORDS: Date seeds, Response surface methodology (RSM), Antioxidant, Saccharide, GC-MS/MS, UPLC-QTOF/MS

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(3), 547-562.                                                                

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i3.1
Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles from Cocos nucifera L. male flowers: An investigation into their potent antibacterial and anticancer efficacy
Authors: K. Gatasheh Mansour
Published: March 2024

The current research focused on the production of silver nanoparticles using dichloro methane-mediated Cocos nucifera male flower extract and their minimum inhibitory concentration against ten different bacterial pathogens. C. nucifera male flowers were extracted by 100% DCM, and the phytochemicals present in this extract were studied. These plant phytochemicals act as reducing agents to reduce the silver nitrate (AgNO3) to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which was confirmed by UV/Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infra-red spectrum, X-ray diffraction analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The 15 µL of silver nanoparticles was the minimum inhibitory concentration for Klebsiella pneumonia and Bacillus subtilis. The 20 µL of silver nanoparticles is the MIC for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio harveyi, and Plesiomonas shigelloides. 30 µL of plant flower extract concentration highly inhibits the E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella paratyphi, Vibrio mimicus, and Vibrio alginolyticus bacterial pathogens. C. nucifera male flowers extract derived silver nanoparticles are highly stable and have high potential activity against MCF-7 Cell line.

KEY WORDS: Cocos nucifera, Nanoparticles, Phytochemicals, Antimicrobials, Bacterial pathogens, MCF 7 Cell line

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(3), 715-724.                                                            

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i3.13
Fast indirect GMPPT method for PV systems under uniform and partial shading conditions
Authors: Ameur K. , Hadjaissa A. , Abouchabana N. , Rabehi A.
Published: March 2024

Under Partial Shading Conditions (PSCs), conventional MPPT techniques fail to locate the Global Maximum Power Point (GMPP) for PV generators, and when PSCs change suddenly and repetitively, several GMPP tracking techniques takes time to find or miss the target. To overcome these shortcomings, this paper proposes a new and fast technique that can identify and catch very quickly the GMPP. Due to the use of a PID controller, the PV system is improved in terms of response time and becomes very fast. On the other hand, the proposed algorithm is developed upon other known algorithms and enhanced in order to identify the occurrence of PSCs and to find the GMPP. The measured points during identification and searching process are reduced which increases the power efficiency of the PV system. The time required for the algorithm to catch the GMPP is minimized by 25% compared with other works. To examine the performance of the system a hard scenario, that contains several uniform and partial shading conditions, is used. The simulation is implemented in Matlab/Simulink. The obtained results show clearly the advantage of the proposed technique over others.
Digital technology and Nollywood film industry
Authors: Hanmakyugh Teddy Thaddeus
Published: March 2024

Film also known as the 7th Art is a medium for education, information and entertainment which has over the years undergone a series of  technological innovations. This paper examines the evolution of cinema from the ‘silent era’ to the ‘new age era’ characterized by a  trajectory of innovations and improvements due to technological developments. The paper adapts the Diffusion of Innovations Theory  (DIT) propounded by Everett Rogers in 1962 to assess the extent to which innovations in digital technology have altered the old traditional film production landscape. The paper seeks, among others, to determine and highlight the significant areas technology has  impacted on the development of motion pictures globally with particular emphasis on the Nigerian film industry popularly known as  Nollywood. Our major point of interest is on the roles, impacts, challenges and prospects of digital technology in the areas of production,  distribution, marketing and exhibition of films. By using the assumptions of DIT which seeks to explain how, why, and at what rate new  ideas and technology spread. The paper further reviews relevant literature and some empirical results from scholars to justify its claims.  We are able to establish in our findings that digital technology is the driving force of film development which has contributed enormously  to world cinema. Furthermore, the rapid development and emergence of Nollywood film industry as the second largest  producer of films in the world next to Bollywood of India is attributable to the emergence of digital technology.
Amplifying theatre aura in the era of amplified technology
Authors: Ibironke Shalom , Yacim Roseline Ande
Published: March 2024

Theatre scholars and practitioners have expressed concerns about the state of theatre, with some even proclaiming that it is dying or  dead. This viewpoint is often rooted in the observation of the growing competition in the art and culture sector, driven by the advancements in technology that have led to the emergence of digital art and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). While these technological  innovations have the potential to enhance the quality of theatre content, they also present a new alternative that theatre finds hard to compete with. This article builds on Walter Benjamin's The Work of Art in an Age of Mechanical Reproduction, to explore the concept of  aura and its relevance in contemporary Nigerian theatre. The study delves into the nature of the aura's manifestation, examines Benjamin's claims on the decay of the aura, and investigates how the aura has survived in the past. It further examines how modern art,  particularly digital art and NFTs, have created a new form of utility. The study aims to identify strategies that can amplify theatre's aura to  compete favourably with modern technology and attract new audiences whose tastes are heavily influenced by modern technology.  The study finds that the theatre and its artists can use NFTs to record the provenance of their physical artworks, such as costumes, props, and set designs to allow potential buyers to easily check for the authenticity of the artwork and preserve the aura of the piece. Thereby,  providing insights on how the aura can be preserved and revitalised to ensure theatre's continued relevance in the age of technology.
Bioaccumulation of heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons in the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus, Rathbun 1896) from Ogu Creek in Upper Bonny Estuary, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbuagu D. H. , Abara P. N. , Chiegboka N. A.
Published: March 2024

Prolonged industrial and artisanal discharge of petroleum refinery effluents into the Ogu Creek at the Upper Bonny estuary of the Niger Delta could pose a great threat to the aquatic biotopes. This research investigated bioaccumulation of selected heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons in the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) from the creek. Crabs (N=20; average length 18±20cm; weight 150.18±0.02g) were collected with nets. Mean concentrations (mg/l) of Zn (0.044±0.01), Cd (0.002±0.00), Cr (0.001±0.00), Pb (0.001±0.00), Fe (5.82±0.29), Mn (0.001±0.00), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH; 40.23±2.83) and total polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (ΣPAHs;7.60±1.29) were lower in water than sediments (22.10±1.37, 1.98±0.04, 2.13±0.09, 4.80±0.57, 24.03±1.29, 0.04±0.01, 70.93±3.10 and 29.80±4.02mg/kg, respectively) at the impacted location. Accumulations (μg/g) in digestive tract (dtr), muscle (mus) and ovaries (ov) were as follows: Zn 10.50 (dtr), 11.00 (mus), 2.40 (ov); Cr 0.21 (dtr), 0.10 (mus), 0.04 (ov); Cd 0.01 (dtr), 0.02 (mus), 0.01 (ov); Pb 0.04 (dtr), 0.02 (mus), 0.01 (ov); Mn 0.05 (dtr), 0.03 (mus), 0.01 (ov); TPH 4.14 (dtr), 3.14 (mus), 1.20 (ov); and mononuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs=BTEX) 0.01μg/g (dtr), 0.02 μg/g (mus), 0.01 μg/g (ov). Accumulations of TPH and BTEX were significantly (p<0.05) higher at the impacted location (p = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively) than reference locations. High TQ/HQ values of 1.59, 2.82 and 1.90 were recorded for Zn, TPHs and PAHs, respectively. The results raise environmental health concerns among consumers of the aquatic food in the area.
D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover and the legal overreach in its ban: A study of the implications for law and literature
Authors: Ile Onyebuchi James , Igwedibia Adaoma
Published: March 2024

On the one hand, the Age of Enlightenment in Europe triggered off scientific discoveries and technological innovations. Science and Technology became yardsticks for progress in the world. This led to industrialization and the subsequent commodification and annihilation of emotion, spiritual and even sexual life of humankind; on the other hand, in the far East, Iran for example, there is radicalization of religious life and preference of religious life over emotional and sensual life. In Europe, the intellectual life became privileged over the emotional and intuitive life, human relations degenerated so much so that even families grew apart from themselves. Writers as D.H. Lawrence felt the need to draw our attention to the havoc being wreaked on human relations; while Rushdie felt outraged by deification of a man he considered sexually perverse. D.H. Lawrence achieves his aim through the text, Lady Chatterley’s Lover, which was adjudged by the law as pornographic and was, therefore, banned; while Salman Rushdie also achieves his through his The Satanic Verses, which was rather adjudged blasphemous and was also banned with Fatwa placed on the head of the writer. The objective of this paper was to examine aspects of the narrative as lawyers or judges would examine cases to see how Lady Chatterley’s Lover yielded to obscenity to warrant it being banned as well as to understand why the prosecutors failed and why the work was later unbanned. It examined also The Satanic Verses to also see how it yielded to blasphemy and to understand why it was not banned in Western Countries. It is hoped that this study would help in further understanding the relationship between Law and literature. The methodology deployed was textual data analysis; and it was concluded that the determining of justice in law involves interpretation just as interpretation is needed in the pursuit of meaning in the text; and that legal briefs as well as judgments are in themselves narratives just as literature is. Finally is it was concluded that law will eternally be deconstructive in the pursuit truth or fact just as literature the pursuit of meaning in literature will depend on the eternal deconstructive process.
Reminiscences of a legendary Nigerian art music composer and scholar, Dan Agu
Authors: Igbi Oghenemudiakevwe
Published: March 2024

Many individuals have made remarkable contributions to the study of music in Nigeria, with their efforts, resulting in the formulation of theories, studies on African music, manpower production, and music compositions. The role of the music scholar is fraught with challenges which include reporting research findings, that can be very tricky without an in-depth knowledge of the subject; and teaching, which can also be misleading to learners without systematically applying suitable methods. In music, combining research with composition/performance further makes itintricate, since the system in Nigeria, makes it difficult to efficiently fuse scholarship with music practice. In most cases, music graduates are left with the option of electing between being a music scholar and music artiste. These concerns notwithstanding, Professor Dan Agu, was able to efficiently combine both areas, as he excelled in African music theory and practice, composition, performance, music education, and university administration. His research findings in these areas coupled with other experiences garnered in the field of music have been of immense benefit to many a people. The paper attempts to examine these contributions with focus on his personality, research, music composition and development of manpower. In eliciting data, the author relied on descriptive method, interviews and personal experiences garnered through observation of Dan Agu. Firstly, as a teacher where the author had a first-hand experience as an undergraduate student, and later, as a postgraduate candidate. The paper found that Agu’s scholarly works are rich in scope and content. It is recommended that his creative and scholarly works be compiled and published in books of different volumes to enable wider circulation in the academic spaces.
Stewardship Code and Firm’s R&D Investment in Japan
Authors:   The Korean-Japanese Economics & Management Association, Cho Yu-Jin , Lee Chang-Min
Published: March 2024

Purpose: This paper explores the influence of both domestic and international institutional investors, recognized as emerging outside blockholders in Japanese firms, on R&D investment. The study aims to understand how these investors impact R&D spending, a crucial factor for sustainable growth, particularly in the context of the implementation of the Stewardship Code.
Research design, data, and methodology: The analysis employed panel analysis on 105 manufacturing companies listed on Nikkei225 from 2014 to 2020. We used the intensity of R&D as the dependent variable, with institutional investors holding more than 3% of each company’s shares as the independent variable. By classifying institutional investors, we compared the results between domestic and foreign institutional investors.
Results: The analysis revealed that outside blockholders had a significantly positive effect on R&D. However, when institutions were classified, different results emerged. While domestic institutional investors had a significant positive impact on R&D, foreign institutional investors did not yield statistically significant results. Additionally, the financial institution variable, acting as the control variable and related to insider investors, consistently demonstrated a significantly negative effect across all models.
Implications: Despite foreign institutional investors dominating the Japanese stock market, it was found that domestic institutional investors have emerged as significant outside blockholders in each firm. Traditionally criticized as passive investors, domestic institutional investors are shown to influence and promote R&D for long-term growth, in line with the Japanese stewardship code. While foreign investors are often associated with potential decreases in R&D for short-term gains such as ROE and dividends, no significant evidence was found. Moreover, with increasing stake ratios, foreign investors have the potential to positively impact Japanese firms in the future.
Impact of an interprofessional course on pharmaconomists and other health professions students: A qualitative approach
Authors: El-Souri Mira , Nørgaard Hansen Rikke , Bolvig Tina , Muszynski Jytte , Annie Sørine Andersen Bente , Rølmer Nissen Lise , Brøndal Grünfeld Sofie , Verner Rossing Charlotte
Published: March 2024

Background: Interprofessional education of healthcare professionals has been proposed as a strategy to enhance collaborative practice. This study is the first to explore interprofessional education involving pharmaconomist (PH) students. It aimed to identify the impact of an interprofessional course on PH and other health professions (KP) students.
Methods: During the course, KP students cooperated in groups to solve a challenge from practice, where they practiced bringing their professional competencies into play. PH students participated by listening to their preliminary ideas and giving them feedback. All students were invited to answer electronic questionnaires, and at a workshop, teachers from both colleges shared their reflections on the results. The workshop was recorded and transcribed verbatim. All data was analysed in Excel and NVivo R1.
Results: Five KP students (38%) and 27 PH students (63%) responded. Nine themes were derived, e.g., PH students’ professional confidence was boosted; KP students have underrated the competencies of PH students; it is important to know each other’s strengths and competencies.
Conclusion: PH and KP students learned more about their competencies, those of other professions, and how they can complement each other in patient care.
Análise Espaço-Temporal da Mudança de Uso e Ocupação da Terra no Município de Cameta, Pará – 1985 a 2020
Authors: Farias Suzi Gonçalves , Pereira Carla Braga
Published: March 2024

As mudanças ambientais resultantes das ações humanas vêm se intensificando desde os séculos XIX e XX, estabelecendo a configuração socioespacial moldada pelo processo histórico de apropriação do lugar conforme os interesses da população envolvida. Em vários municípios do estado do Pará, incluindo Cametá, o processo de conversão da floresta primária em outras classes de uso da terra ocorre continuamente, independente da sua temporalidade e espacialidade. Nesse viés, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar as dinâmicas das classes de uso e cobertura da terra no município de Cametá no intervalo de 30 anos (1985, 2005 e 2020), utilizandobases digitais do projeto MapBiomas e técnicas de geoprocessamento. Após o tratamento dos dados constatou-se que aFormaçãoFloresta foi a classe mais alterada, culminando em perda espacial principalmente para Pastagem e Formação Campestre, a classe Infraestrutura Urbanaapresenta a maior taxa de expansão territorial, contabilizando o crescimento de 280%de área. Conclui-se que apesar do diagnóstico de modificação da cobertura vegetal, os impactos ambientais presentes na área de estudo não foram tão expressivos. Por outro ângulo, a ampliação em demasia do espaço citadino traz um alerta para as autoridades competentes sobre as questões sociais, econômicas e ambientais na sede municipal.