bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diasporic Modernism
Authors: Baillie Justine
Published: May 2021

Reading Jean Rhys’s novels alongside the theorizations of the German cultural critic, historian and philosopher Walter Benjamin facilitates enhanced understanding of Rhys’s position as dispossessed Caribbean Creole writer. Rhys’s aesthetic of displacement is modernist in its fractured, fragmentary and elliptical form as she charts the movements and memories of her protagonist Sasha Jensen through the streets of pre-war Paris in Good Morning, Midnight (1939). Sasha’s recollections of the past, its events, ephemera and repetitions, reveal how the notion of renewal through the consumption of the fashionable object of desire is the illusion that belies the myth of progress. In his analysis of the discarded objects of capitalist production and consumption, Benjamin highlights how, in the repetitions of obsolescence, the newly fashionable object, like history itself, is prey to deadly repetition despite the narrative it conveys, that of human progress towards perfection. Reading Rhys and Benjamin together, then, invests Rhys’s work with a significance that goes beyond its surface appearance of the individualistic, tragic descent of a particular woman. Sasha Jensen is adrift in a city of objects which offer only fleeting consolation for the dissolution of identity and repetitions of history.
Sampling Plume Deposits on Enceladus’ Surface to Explore Ocean Materials and Search for Traces of Life or Biosignatures
Authors: Choukroun Mathieu , Backes Paul , Cable Morgan L. , Fayolle Edith C. , Hodyss Robert , Murdza Andrii , Schulson Erland M. , Badescu Mircea , Malaska Michael J. , Marteau Eloïse , Molaro Jamie L. , Moreland Scott J. , Noell Aaron C. , Nordheim Tom A. , Okamoto Tyler , Riccobono Dario , Zacny Kris
Published: May 2021

Enceladus is unique as an astrobiology target in that it hosts an active plume sourced directly from its habitable subsurface ocean. Ice particles from the plume contain geochemical constituents that are diagnostic of the ocean conditions, and may hold traces of life and/or biosignatures, if they exist. Up to 93% of the plume particles fall back onto the surface of Enceladus. The low radiation environment and present-day activity are favorable to the preservation of any complex organics and putative biosignatures contained within these particles. Laboratory experiments and modeling suggest that plume deposits would likely be weakly consolidated and relatively easy to sample. Sampling systems like a dual rasp, under development to achieve technology readiness level (TRL) 5 in 2021, would enable a landed mission on Enceladus’ surface to acquire large amounts of surface materials, a requirement for analysis of trace constituents. A landed mission on Enceladus could greatly enhance our understanding of the chemical makeup of plume particles and the subsurface ocean, and seek traces of life and/or biosignatures.
First record of genus Eratigena (Araneae: Agelenidae) from China, with description of a new species
Authors: Shi Zijian , Wang Luyu , Zhang Zhisheng
Published: May 2021

The genus Eratigena is reported for the first time from China including a new spe­cies E. bowoensis n. sp. (male and female) is described. Detailed description of new species genitalic characters, somatic features by means of photographs and line drawings, as well as comparisons with closely related species and locality map are provided.
Ant genus Strongylognathus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Bulgaria: a preliminary review
Authors: Lapeva-Gjonova Albena , Radchenko Alexander
Published: May 2021

StrongylognathusMayr, 1853 is a Palaearctic genus, comprising 25 ant species and one subspecies, all permanent social parasites, infesting colonies of various species ofTetramoriumMayr, 1855. They have patchy distribution throughout their areas and most of them are very rare and listed as vulnerable.

The taxonomy of theStrongylognathus huberigroup needs thorough revision and the results presented below can be considered as preliminary.

Four species of the socially parasitic ant genusStrongylognathus(S. karawajewiPisarski, 1966,S. huberi dalmaticusBaroni Urbani, 1969,S. aferEmery, 1884 andS. italicusFinzi, 1924) are recorded for the first time from Bulgaria and, together with the previously-knownS. testaceusandS. bulgaricusstat. rev., their total number reaches six. The taxonomic position and geographic distribution of all species are discussed and a Key for their identification, based on worker caste, is compiled.
Centric diatom diversity in the lower part of the Southern Bug river (Ukraine): the transitional zone at Mykolaiv city
Authors: Bilous Olena P. , Genkal Sergey I. , Zimmermann Jonas , Kusber Wolf-Henning , Jahn Regine
Published: May 2021

The diversity of centric diatoms is documented for the transitional zone of the lower part of the Southern Bug River (Ukraine) just before entering the Dnipro-Bug Estuary and compared to earlier results from the upstream sampling sites of the same river system. Benthic samples of the following sites were investigated: north of Mykolaiv City (approximately 5 km), in Mykolaiv City (near Varvarivskyi Bridge), and 5 km south of the city. Twenty-four centric diatom taxa belonging to 11 genera were identified, analysed, and documented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM). Among them, Aulacoseira nivalis is the first report for Ukraine, A. islandica and is the first confirmed record for the studied area since the 1930s. The maximum number of centric diatom taxa found in one station was 21, the minimum 10. Melosira subglobosa was the most common (documented in 57–80% of sites with centric diatoms) and abundant species 7.3–15.7% in relative abundance to all diatom taxa. The discovered diversity of taxa and its comparison with previous results is discussed with regard to the relevance of estuary zones in the research of diatoms.
Note à Lucain, Bellvm Civile , 7, 43
Authors: Chachuat Bénédicte
Published: May 2021

Le vers 43 du chant 7 du Bellum Ciuile est l’un des vers les plus discutés du poème de Lucain : les éditeurs ne s’accordent pas sur le texte à éditer et nombreux sont ceux à avoir tenté de le corriger. Il s’agira dans cet article de montrer d’abord pour quelles raisons le texte transmis par les manuscrits doit être considéré comme corrompu, ce qui aujourd’hui n’est pas admis par tous les philologues. Après avoir localisé et expliqué l’erreur, nous envisagerons ensuite les différentes solutions, jusque-là insatisfaisantes, qui ont été proposées pour remédier à cette corruption. L’étude d’une conjecture inédite permettra enfin de dégager le sens attendu du passage à défaut de pouvoir reconstituer avec certitude le texte de Lucain.
Sem vso noč lutal v krogu
Authors: Mencej Mirjam
Published: May 2021

This book ('I was wandering in circles the whole night long. The symbolism of circular movement in European traditional culture') researches the common symbolism of the circular movement in European tradition and culture through the ethnographical, historical and linguistic sources from different regions of Europe and from different historical periods. The circular movement is identifyed as the movement which is in traditional world view and understanding of the space caracteristic for the movements between this world and the other. At the same time it enables the communication between the worlds and transmition from one to the other.
Transformation of the CIM Model into A PIM Model According to The MDA Approach for Application Interoperability: Case of the "COVID-19 Patient Management" Business Process
Authors: Fakhouri Amr Meryem , Benmoussa Nezha , Mansouri Khalifa , Qbadou Mohammed
Published: May 2021

Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) plays a very important role in improving the development of complex systems. It focuses more on modeling than on classical programming. In this sense, model transformation is at the heart of the Model Driven Architecture (MDA) approach which advocates the use of models throughout the software development cycle on two levels. The first being the transformation of the Computing Independent Model (CIM) into the Platform Independent Model (PIM) and the second concerning the transformation of PIM into Platform Specific Model (PSM).The latter has been dealt with in the majority of research works while the transformation from CIM to PIM which represents the highest level is rarely discussed in research topics. It is for this reason and in the spirit of improving the process of transforming the CIM model into PIM according to the MDA approach, that we have developed this research work in order to propose a new method and new transformation rules for optimization of the business process "COVID-19 patient management". Our contribution consists of the semi-automatic transformation of the CIM model presented by the BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) source model into a PIM target model presented by a class diagram by using a set of transformation and correspondence rules that we performed manually using the language ATL (Atlas Transformation Language). This automatic transformation of the two source and target models is provided by the Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF) which executes the transformation rules described manually in ATL and generates the PIM target model as an XMI (XML Metadata Interchange) file representing the target class diagram.
Teaching Pediatric Surgery in the Online Environment: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Levitskyi Anatolii , Benzar Iryna , Vitiaz Volodymyr , Golovatiuk Dmytro , Karabenyuk Oleksandr
Published: May 2021

The research is aimed at investigating challenges and opportunities of teaching online course in Pediatric Surgery at Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine. The participants were 42 students of the 5-th year of study. After taking the course, the students were offered to fill in 24-item 4-point Likert-type scale containing the statements regarding various issues of distance learning: gaining theoretical and practical knowledge, teacher-student and student-student interaction, the interface and content of the course, technical issues and computer literacy, academic success, development of self-directed learning skills, as well as motivation for learning, critical thinking, problem solving, self-organization and time management skills. The median value for the total cohort is 3 indicating that the majority of students gave affirmative responses. Students positively evaluated the course content and structure, interface of the platform Neuron and the interactive tools like forums, chats, videoconferencing which allowed communicating with peers and the teacher in real time and getting immediate feedback. At the same time, students experience lack of practical skills as quarantine measures don’t allow attending face-to-face lessons, they cannot interact with patients and participate in surgical operations, etc. This is a challenging task to develop medical students’ motivation, professional problem-solving and critical thinking skills in the online environment. The authors offer the recommendations to enhance the quality of online learning: use image-guided surgical simulation tools, implement interactive forms of virtual teaching, case method.
Green Transformational Leadership as a Redefinition of the Organizational Psychological Contract
Authors: Fernandes Diana , Machado Carolina Feliciana
Published: May 2021

This study grounds on the contemporary concern towards sustainability, reviewing literature to ascertain the personality traits of current leaders, framing them under the most effective leadership style in order to leverage organizational green consciousness and performance. It provides insights on the multilevel social dynamics outlining individual citizenship behaviors at work, as it advances that organizations shall rely on green transformational leadership to enhance the workforce green cognitions and behaviors, providing workplace opportunities to engage in environmental management related activities, thus leveraging green consciousness and performance. Hence, this study maps the current leader's personality traits so that their leadership paradigm may be best captured in terms of the value congruence between leaders/followers, solidifying a green psychological climate at the organization, impacting on its psychological capital and ownership, reconfiguring the organizational psychological contract by defining it as a collaborative learning process.
Towards Sustainable Factories
Authors: Calleja Gema , Olivella Nadal Jordi
Published: May 2021

Sustainability is becoming a major objective of factories worldwide in an effort to eliminate or reduce the use of toxic materials and greenhouse emissions, extend the life of products, reuse waste, and conserve energy, not only for meeting the needs of consumers, but also the multi-stakeholders from both within and beyond the supply chain. The increasing global demand for scarce natural resources is posing a great challenge for producing companies. In recent years, the advent of new technologies and the changes in demography and working conditions as well as the desire for individualized products has added greater complexity to manufacturing. In this context, this chapter provides an overview of the main issues affecting the industrial sector on the way ahead towards sustainability, including contemporary trends triggering the requirements for factories of the future as well as the main research and innovation lines necessary to answer such requirements.
Maximum Swelling of the Surface of the Composite Material
Authors: Baidakov D.I. , Komarova L.Yu. , Baidakova N.V.
Published: May 2021

This article proposes a method for quantitative assessment of a multilayer material interaction with a solvent. It is proposed to assess the effect of solvents on the material by the value of its surface's maximum swelling. The advantage of this method is that the determined value of the outer layer's maximum surface swelling does not depend on the time of swelling and is least influenced by the properties of lower layers.
Modelling the Effect of Temperature on the Stability of Bromide and Carbonate Complexes of Europium, Gadolinium, Terbium and Determination of their Thermodynamic Functions
Authors: Fialkovsky Igor , Lutskiy Denis , Alekseev Andrey , Blinov Alexey
Published: May 2021

A method has been developed for calculating the stability constants of inorganic complexes of rare-earth metals at various temperatures, based on analysis of the literature data by obtaining a linear regression equation on the form: . Using this method, the stability constants of bromide LnBr2+ and carbonate LnCO3+ complexes of europium, terbium, and gadolinium in aqueous solutions at temperatures of 50, 75, and 100 ° C were obtained. The obtained values of the coefficients А(T1) and В(T1) of the linear regression equation can be used to calculate the stability constants of complexes of europium, terbium, and gadolinium with other inorganic ligands at given temperatures. Based on the temperature dependence of the stability constants of bromide and carbonate complexes, their standard entropies and enthalpies of formation were calculated. Based on the obtained values of the thermodynamic functions, an assumption was made about the outer-sphere or inner-sphere nature of the complex.
Feasibility of Applying Alkaline-Earth Metal Carboaluminates for Bayer Process Aluminate Solution Purification from Organic Impurities
Authors: Siziakova Ekaterina , Ivanov Pavel , Maximova Regina
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to the problems of aluminate solutions sorption purification from harmful organic impurities in the production of alumina from the Bayer experiment. The study of sorption of basic classes of organic impurities isolated from industrial aluminate solutions showed that magnesium and calcium hydrocarboaluminates have a high selectivity in relation to the most harmful classes of organic substances for the process. The results of the sorption process kinetics and thermodynamics studies are given, optimal technological parameters of sorption purification and conditions for the synthesis of active sorbents from alkaline aluminate solutions and activated magnesium and calcium raw materials are determined.
Preliminary Local Thermal Impact as a Surface Quality Assurance Factor
Authors: Timofeev Dmitriy Yu. , Khalimonenko Aleksei D. , Nacharova Maria A.
Published: May 2021

The article considers the issues of assuring the quality of the surfaces of machine parts by applying a preliminary local thermal impact before their edge cutting machining. In the zone of application of local thermal impact, a zone of metastable structure with respect to the material of the workpiece to be treated occurs. When the cutting plane intersects with the local thermal application line, the formed flow chip is segmented. The created graphs allow assigning of local thermal modes to the surface of the workpiece before edge cutting machining. Application of preliminary local thermal impact will assure the specified quality of the surface of the treated workpiece at semi-finishing and finishing edge cutting machining modes and stable segmentation of the flow chip.
Size Analysis Based on Sorption Study Data for Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles
Authors: Maraeva Evgeniya , Khalugarova Kamilya
Published: May 2021

This work is devoted to the study on the possibility of applying the method of analyzing the particle size of hydroxyapatite at various stages of synthesis. A series of hydroxyapatite powders obtained by chemical deposition using microwave radiation is considered. Determination of the size of hydroxyapatite nanorods is carried out on the basis of data on the density and specific surface area. The specific surface area is analyzed by the sorption method. Determination of the ratio "length / diameter" of nanorods is based on the analysis of images obtained by scanning electron microscopy.
Minimization of Internal Shrinkage Defects in Cast Parts Using 5VA Powder Solder Application
Authors: Gerashchenko Vladislav , Oborin Lev , Testoyedov Nikolay , Kovalev Igor
Published: May 2021

The article presents a method for eliminating the crystallization of thermal nodes and shrinkage defects in the form of micro-friable cavities. The method of soldering on castings from steel grades VNL-1 and VNL-6 using 5VA powder solder has been investigated. Also, the optimal soldering modes were determined, the effects of soldering modes on the properties of the base material and the soldered joint were studied, the corrosion resistance was investigated, the corrosion resistance of the soldered joints in corrosive environments. The conducted studies of sealing by soldering cast parts with microdefects lead to the following results: increased corrosion resistance; ensuring increased tightness; improving the presentation; elimination of surface microdefects.
Study of 3D Models of Composite Duck-Foot Tines
Authors: Ananyev Maxim , Ishkov Alexey V. , Malikov Vladimir N. , Karpov Nikolay
Published: May 2021

The article presents the results of comparative studies of the stress-strain behavior of duck-foot tines made of steel and isotropic fiberglass. The studies were carried out on full-size 3D models of the SKP 01.08.080 (1) part being used on SZS-2.1 type seeders of various manufacturers widely spread in our soil and climatic zone. For the research, we used specialized software: CAD Autodesk Inventor and SolidWorks CAD/CAM system. Models were fastened and loaded using a distributed force of 650 N applied to the toe and wings of a duck-foot tine corresponding to the draught resistance of the part under conditions of its real operation at a speed of movement of up to 2.23 m/s. It has been shown that the deformations occurring in a duck-foot tine made of fiberglass 5...6 mm thick have a magnitude of 1.5...2 times less than those in a steel tine, the strength reserve factor of the steel and composite parts is the same and equals 15, however, its distribution over the part surface is uneven, so the predicted life cycle of the fiberglass part will be 2 times longer than that of the steel part.
Genotoxic Effect of a New Water-Soluble Fullerene Derivative C70 and its Effect on the Transcriptional Activity of Genes that Regulate the Cell Cycle, DNA Repair and Apoptosis
Authors: Savinova Ekaterina A. , Ershova Elizaveta S. , Kraevaya Olga A. , Troshin Pavel A. , Kostyuk S.V.
Published: May 2021

It is important to take into consideration the new fullerene derivatives genotoxicity. In the present is study, we analyzed the new water-soluble fullerene C70 (F350) effects on the human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF) oxidative damage and DNA breaks. We found that the studied compound causes cellular DNA damage and affects the transcriptional activity of cell cycle and cell apoptosis regulating genes.
The Temperature Dependence of the Electrical Conductivity Activation Energy of the of Aqueous Electrolyte Solutions
Authors: Artemkina Yuliya M. , Shcherbakov Vladimir V. , Akimova Irina A.
Published: May 2021

The procedure for determining the activation energy of conductivity Еκ is analyzed depending on the temperature step ΔT. It is shown that with increasing ΔT, the error in the calculation of Eκ decreases, but the calculated value of Eκ decreases. In order not to lose the temperature dependence of the activation energy, it is necessary to choose the optimal value of Δt. In our opinion, this value should not exceed 5 – 10 °C. Taking into account the decrease in concentration with increasing temperature due to a decrease in density has virtually no effect on the accuracy of determining Eκ, provided that ΔT is 5 – 10 °C. It has been shown that in the temperature range 20 – 80 °C, the activation energy of conductivity decreases with increasing temperature. This decrease is due to the rupture of intermolecular hydrogen bonds of the solvent with increasing temperature. It was suggested that the movement of ions in an aqueous solution may be accompanied by the breaking of hydrogen bond of the solvent.
On Durability of Structurally Inhomogeneous Materials
Authors: Mironov Vladimir I. , Lukashuk Olga A. , Ogorelkov Dmitry A.
Published: May 2021

Numerical methods used to calculate strength are based on energy approaches and minimization of functionals of one type or another. Yet the model of a material is limited to stable processes of deformation. As a result, a considerable number of deformation properties related to realization of the softening stage in materials of structural elements remains unaccounted for. To describe fracture as a new phenomenon in the behavior of structures, one needs to apply newer experimental and calculational approaches. The article cites results of modelling and experimental notions on the stage of softening in materials and its role in determining their durability. It is proposed to define the durability of a structurally inhomogeneous material as its capacity of equilibrium deformation beyond its ultimate strength under specified loading conditions. That reflects nonlocality of criteria for the failure of the material, their dependence both on its own properties and the geometry of a structural element. Complete stress-strain diagrams for structural materials of various classes and examples on how the softening stage is realized in structural materials are given.
Effect of the Biodegradable Compounds Composition with Monoglycerides on Mechanical Properties
Authors: Vasilyev Ilya , Ananiev Vladimir , Sultanova Yulia , Kolpakova Valentina
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this work is to improve the production technology of biodegradable hybrid compositions based on low-density polyethylene with thermoplastic starch and new plasticizer–distilled monoglyceride and determination of the composition effect on mechanical properties. Starch was plasticized with a mixture of glycerol and distilled monoglycerides, instead of the known sorbitol. This article describes methods for producing biodegradable hybrid composite films based on polyethylene and thermoplastic starches (corn, pea and rice) with a mass ratio of components, respectively, 40:60÷60:40 and their mechanical properties. Properties and structure of composite films are studied using test methods, rheological parameters, optical microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The advantages of using monoglycerides as a plasticizer in thermoplastic starch/ polyethylene compositions have been demonstrated. Composites obtained using distilled monoglycerides and thermoplastic corn, pea and rice starch have been characterized by 62-81% higher values of critical stress and 62-93% elongation at rupture, compared with BHC containing sorbitol. The thickness of biodegradable hybrid composite films with monoglycerides is 55-86% less than that of films containing sorbitol in composition of thermoplastic starch. Higher elongation values at rupture and lower film thickness will ensure more effective destruction in environment and more cost-efficient use in packaging.
Blow pinwheels improve oxygen saturation of preschool children with post pneumonia in outpatient pediatric departement
Authors: Gea Nurti Yunika Kristina , Nurhaeni Nani , Allenidekania Allenidekania
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to recognize the Pursed Lips Breathing (PLB) modification effect by blowing pinwheel to the oxygen saturation of preschool children with post pneumonia. Also, to analyze the oxygen saturation value of the preschool children with pneumonia on the intervention group and the control group and to recognize the differences. This study design was quasi experimental pre-posttest with control group design. The participants were 30 preschool children with post pneumonia (15 children were in the intervention group, 15 were in the control group) and were chosen by consecutive sampling. This study showed significant differences on oxygen saturation between the intervention group and control group (p=0.018<0.05). Blowing pinwheel affected the oxygen saturation of the preschool age with pneumonia on the intervention group but none on the control group. The results of this study can be used as the basis and reference for the hospital in making policies, as founded that blowing pinwheel affected the oxygen saturation escalation of the preschool children with pneumonia after several exercises. This activity was recommended to be implemented at the hospital as the treatment for the outpatient children with pneumonia and to be carried on at home for the preschool children who were able to perform independently. The recommendation for the further study was to use a true experiment with a larger sample and was not limited to PLB but also to measure the ability to blow.
The microbiology and the efficacy of antibiotic-based medical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis in Singapore
Authors: Chin C.W.D. , Yeak C.L.S. , Wang D.Y.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: Medical therapy including appropriate antibiotic treatment is advocated for the management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), with sinus surgery reserved for treatment failures. This study investigates the microbiology of CRS and their response to culture-directed antibiotic treatment. METHODS: Sinus aspirates of mucopus from 172 consecutive CRS patients, with (n=89) and without (n=83) previous antibiotic treatment, were obtained for bacterial culture at their first visit. Medical treatment which included initial empirical and subsequent culture-directed antibiotics was instituted. Endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) was performed for patients with persistent CRS and/or complications of CRS. A follow-up of 12 months was scheduled for all patients. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty (69.8%) patients were treated successfully by with antibiotic-based medical therapy. Thirty-eight patients (22.1%) did not respond to medical treatment and eventually underwent FESS. The incidence of CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) was higher in FESS group (n=13, 34.2%) than patients with medical treatment only (n=9, 6.7%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen (n=43, 25%) and amongst patients with no prior antibiotic treatment, the incidence was higher in patients with CRSwNP (n=8, 53 %) than CRS without NP (CRSwoNP) (n=20, 27%). The rate of sensitivity of the cultured microbes to amoxicillin with clavulanate and cephalosporins was 78% and 70%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The microbiology of CRS in Singapore is described. Staphylococcus aureus appears to be the most common bacterial isolates in both CRS with and without nasal polyps. Medical treatment with CRS using culture-directed antibiotics is effective in the majority of patients, especially in patients without nasal polyps.
Cefuroxime as a prophylactic preoperative antibiotic in septoplasty. A double blind randomized placebo controlled study
Authors: Lilja Marcus , Makitie Antti A. , Anttila Veli-Jukka , Kuusela Pentti , Pietola Matti , Hytonen Maija
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic antibiotics are often used in septoplasty. However, the number of controlled studies, especially randomized double blind placebo controlled studies on the effect of antibiotics in septum surgery, is very low. The PURPOSE OF THE PRESENT STUDY was to investigate if intravenous cefuroxime given as preoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis 30 minutes prior to surgery diminishes the risk of infection after septoplasty during the first postoperative month among patients with normal immune function. METHODS: This study was a double-blind placebo controlled randomized study and patients were randomized to either an antibiotic prophylaxis-group or placebo-group. RESULTS: In the antibiotic-group, the infection rate was 2.2% (2/92) and in the placebo-group 8.3% (8/96), which is not statistically different. All three deep incisional SSI (septal abscess) occurred in the placebo-group. The preoperative crusting or purulent secretion, or Staphylococcus aureus in the bacterial swab increased the risk of postoperative infection significantly. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the use of one dose of 1500 mg intravenous cefuroxime prior to septoplasty in patients having crusts or purulent secretion in the nasal cavities or if the operation is expected to be prolonged.
Aerodynamic effects of inferior turbinate surgery on nasal airflow--a computational fluid dynamics model
Authors: Chen X.B. , Leong S.C. , Lee H.P. , Chong V.F.H. , Wang D.Y.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: Turbinate reduction surgery may be indicated for inferior turbinate enlargement when conservative treatment fails. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of inferior turbinate surgery on nasal aerodynamics using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. METHODS: CFD simulations were performed for the normal nose, enlarged inferior turbinate and following three surgical procedures: (1) resection of the lower third free edge of the inferior turbinate, (2) excision of the head of the inferior turbinate and (3) radical inferior turbinate resection. The models were constructed from MRI scans of a healthy human subject and a turbulent flow model was used for the numerical simulation. The consequences of the three turbinate surgeries were compared with originally healthy nasal model as well as the one with severe nasal obstruction. RESULTS: In the normal nose, the bulk of streamlines traversed the common meatus adjacent to the inferior and middle turbinate in a relatively vortex free flow. When the inferior turbinate was enlarged, the streamlines were directed superiorly at higher velocity and increased wall shear stress in the nasopharynx. Of the three surgical techniques simulated, wall shear stress and intranasal pressures achieved near-normal levels after resection of the lower third. In addition, airflow streamlines and turbulence improved although it did not return to normal conditions. As expected, radical turbinate resection resulted in intra-nasal aerodynamics of atrophic rhinitis demonstrated in previous CFD studies. CONCLUSION: There is little evidence that inspired air is appropriately conditioned following radical turbinate surgery. Partial reduction of the hypertropic turbinate results in improved nasal aerodynamics, which was most evident following resection of the lower third. The results were based on a single individual and cannot be generalised without similar studies in other subjects.
Forest Dependence among Rural Households in Southern Ghana: Implications for Conservation and Poverty Reduction
Authors: Mantey Philip Prince Kwasi , Teye Joseph Kofi
Published: May 2021

While it is widely acknowledged that an understanding of the determinants of rural households’ forest extraction and dependence on forest resources is important for policies on forest conservation and rural development, the factors that determine Ghanaian households’ dependence on forests are neither adequately explored nor well-understood.  Against this background, this paper examines the extraction and dependence on forest resources among rural households in the forest communities of Southern Ghana. Data were collected through a household livelihood survey and in-depth interviews in two forest communities. Regression models were then used to investigate key factors that condition the households' dependence on forests in the study communities. The findings indicate that almost all households are engaged in forest extraction. The average overall contribution of forests to household income in the study communities was 21 percent and constituted the third largest contributor to household income following crop income and non-farm income. The findings also indicate that forests also play an essential safety net role in the face of unforeseen income shortfalls and ultimately, in poverty alleviation. The results further reveal that the rural household's extraction of forest resources and consequently its dependence on forests (livelihood strategy) are a function of its access to other livelihood assets, its vulnerability context as well as other context variables. Recommended policy interventions for forest conservation and sustainable rural development include securing the natural resource base, broadening poor people's livelihood options and improving access to education in rural communities.
Morphological Changes along the shoreline of the arcuate Niger Delta from Parts of Delta State to Akwa Ibom State between 1986 and 2016
Authors: Amangabara Gordon Tami , Onyewuchi Obinna Michael
Published: May 2021

This study analyzes the morphological changes occurring at the arcuate Niger Delta shoreline by identifying factors that contribute to erosion-induced shoreline changes and the rate of shoreline change from Forcados (Delta State) to Ibeno (Akwa Ibom State). Shoreline changes were compared from 1986 to 2016 as well as among western, central and eastern sections of the arcuate Niger Delta using Landsat satellite imagery within Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. In the assessment of the entire shoreline, accretion was 5,477.814Ha (1.2%) in 1986 and 19181.53Ha (4.1%) in 2016. For erosion, it was 48,400.03 (10.3%) in 1986 and 68398.84Ha (14.5%) in 2016. This indicates that accretion increased by 2.91% and erosion also increased by 4.25% in 30 years. The major accretion was detected within Brass (Bayelsa State), Bonny (River State), Andoni (River State) and Ibeno (Akwa Ibom State). Forcados South Point (Delta State), Sombreiro River mouths and eastern Obolo recorded the highest level of shoreline erosion. For land use/land cover (LULC), vegetation was 27.4% in 1986 but reduced to 22.9% in 2016; a change I attributed to massive conversion of vegetative cover for anthropogenic activities in the area. The study concluded that major erosion cases are due to the changing climate and the velocity of flow of major estuaries into the ocean. The activities that contribute to the shoreline change aside the challenging natural factors are sand mining, hard and engineered structures on the shore and other commercial and social activities. The occurrences of shoreline erosion have contributed to the degradation of these coastal ecosystems, loss of human settlements and livelihood. It is therefore essential to implement precautionary measures to mitigate the risk of shoreline erosion within this sensitive zone
Malaria and intestinal parasites in pregnant and non-pregnant women: a comparative study at the University Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Agboli E. , Tay S.C.K. , Obirikorang C. , Aidoo E.Y.
Published: May 2021

In sub-Sahara African countries, both malaria and intestinal helminth infections are endemic and co-infection commonly occurs. It is estimated that over a third of the world’s population, mainly in the tropics and sub-tropics are infected with parasitic helminths and Plasmodium species thus often leading to co-infections. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of malaria and intestinal parasites in a sample of 760 study participants comprising 380 pregnant women and 380 non-pregnant women attending the University Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Blood and stool samples were analyzed for malaria and intestinal parasites using Giemsa staining technique and direct wet mount method respectively. The overall prevalence of malaria infection, intestinal parasite infection and malaria-intestinal parasite co-infection was 73 (9.6%), 43 (5.6%) and 10 (1.3%) respectively. Malaria infection was higher in pregnant women (12.6%) compared to non-pregnant women (6.6%). Non-pregnant women recorded higher intestinal helminth infection (10%) than pregnant women (1.3%). No case of co-infection was recorded among the pregnant women. The study suggests a higher susceptibility to malaria infection when compared to their non-pregnant counterpart with an association between malaria parasite and intestinal helminths in non-pregnant women.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2015) 4(3), 31-35Keywords: Ante-natal, infection, personal hygiene, maternal screening, hospital
Refractive and binocular vision status of optometry students, Ghana
Authors: Darko-Takyi C. , Owusu-Ansah A. , Appiah-Eduenu C. , Abu E.K. , Boadi-Kusi S.B. , Osei-Akoto Y.
Published: May 2021

To investigate the refractive and non-strabismic binocular vision status of Optometry students in University of Cape Coast, Ghana and to establish any associations between these conditions. A cross sectional study of 105 Optometry students were taken through a comprehensive optometric examination to investigate the refractive and non-strabismic binocular vision status. Fisher’s exact test (IBM SPSS version 21) was used to assess association between these conditions. Prevalence of refractive error and non-strabismic binocular vision dysfunctions were 59.0% and 34.3% respectively. Prevalence of specific refractive errors were 17.1% myopia, 19.0% hyperopia and 22.9% astigmatism. Non-strabismic accommodative and vergence dysfunctions were found to be 21.9% and 12.4% respectively. Specific types of accommodative and vergence disorders were as follows: accommodative fatigue (8.6%), accommodative infacility (6.7%), accommodative insufficiency (4.7%) and accommodative excess (1.9%), convergence insufficiency (1.9%), convergence excess (1.0%), divergence insufficiency (2.9%), basic exophoria (1.9%), and basic esophoria (4.7%). There was a significant association between refractive errors in general and accommodative fatigue (p = 0.030) and between myopia and accommodative excess (p= 0.028). It is critical that potential primary eye care practitioners become aware of their refractive and non-strabismic binocular vision status.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2016) 5(2), 24-29
Prevalence and risk factors of obesity among practicing nurses at three selected hospitals in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Obirikorang Y. , Obirikorang C. , Enoch O.A. , Acheampong E. , Tuboseiyefah P. , Miriam A.A. , Emmanuella N.B.
Published: May 2021

Prevalence and risk factors of obesity is increasing in several populations, and is becoming an enormous problem among occupational/professional groups. The study determined the prevalence and risk factors of obesity among practicing nurses in three selected hospitals in the Kumasi metropolis. This cross-sectional study recruited 825 nurses from Suntreso, Manhyia and Kumasi South Hospitals. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, and lifestyle behaviours of all participants. Obesity was assessed using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratios (WHR) and Waist to height ratio (WHtR). The prevalence of obesity among nurses was 55.9% by WHtR, 35.7% by WC, 29.4% by BMI classification and 27.3% by WHR classification. The pattern of increased prevalence was higher among female nurses and nurses with high professional rank irrespective of the anthropometric parameters used. Logistic regression model indicates that taking meals late at night [odds ratio (OR) = 2.5 (1.1 to 5.7), p=0.0398], taking meals at stressful hours [OR=7.9 (2.1 to 29.8); p=0.0009], and fast food intake [OR=2.6 (1.1 to 6.0), p=0.0370) were independent risk factors of obesity classified by BMI. Taking meals at stressful hours [OR=3.33 (1.4 to 8.2); p=0.0091] and being female [OR=26.8 (3.5 to 207.7); p<0.0001] were significant independent risk factors of obesity classified by WC. Using WHR, being a female [OR=22.1 (1.31 to 380.0); p=0.0009] was an independent risk factor for obesity. Taking meals late at night [OR=2.4 (1.2 to 4.7); p=0.0121], taking meals at stressful hours [OR=3.1 (1.3 to 7.4); p=0.0148], and physical inactivity [OR=2.2 (1.0 to 4.5); p=0.0478] and being a female [OR=4.6 (1.7 to 12.4), p=0.0024] were independent risk factors of obesity using WHtR. Obesity among nurses in the Kumasi metropolis is on a rise and of public health significance. The need to foster healthy lifestyle is essential in health profession and pertinent to prevent obesity and future morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular metabolic risk factors.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2016) 5(3), 45-55Keywords: Obesity, overweight, risk, practicing Nurses, Kumasi Metropolis
Prevalence of neural tube defect and hydrocephalus in Northern Ghana
Authors: Alhassan A. , Adam A. , Nangkuu D.
Published: May 2021

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) which affects approximately one in every thousand pregnancies. The estimates, however, varies from country to country with countries implementing national programmes on folic acid fortification recording lower estimates. Neural tube defects are a common cause of morbidity and mortality especially in low-middle income countries such as Ghana. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of neural tube defect and hydrocephalus in the only tertiary hospital in northern Ghana. This was a 4-year retrospective study from January 2010 to December 2014. Data regarding the age, sex, clinical diagnosis, and treatment outcomes were all retrieved from the registry of medical records using a simple data form designed for this study. During the study period, there were 35,426 deliveries at the facility with 57 cases of neural tube defects, thus giving a prevalence of 1.6 per 1000 births. They were more males than females with a male: female ratio of 2.4:1. All cases were diagnosed at birth. All the cases reported in this study were open neural tube defect (NTD). The most common defect was hydrocephalus occurring in 33 patients representing 57.9%, with spinal bifida occurring in 21 patients representing 38.6%. Encephalocele or cranium bifida occurred in only 5.3% (3 patients). Among the spinal bifida cases, myelomeningocele occurred in 13 patients (59.1%), with meningocele occurring in 8 patients (40.9%). Case fatality was about 15% of diagnosed cases. The prevalence of NTDs in this study is relatively high compared to earlier studies but, is consistent with other findings in the subregion. Prenatal screening and diagnosis are highly recommended since most women undergo routine ultrasonography as part of antenatal service.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2017) 6(1), 18-23Keywords: neural tube defect, prevalence, spinal bifida, Northern Ghana
Serum markers related to depression: A systematic review
Authors: Tavakoli R. , Nouri A. , Masoudi R. , Mirhoseini M. , Ahmadpour F.
Published: May 2021

Depression has a multifactorial aetiology and is one of the most common neurological and psychiatric disorders that are associated with imbalance in certain inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters and impairment of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This review study was conducted to investigate the effect of BDNF and neuromediators on the development and severity of depression. To conduct this systematic review, relevant publications that were published between 2000 and 2016 and were indexed in the PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science databases were retrieved using the depression, serum markers, neurotransmitters, serotonin, BDNF, dopamine, glutamate and gamma amino-butyric acid search terms. A total of 89 articles were included in final analysis. Depression is associated with imbalance of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, melatonin and glutamate in the central nervous system and impairment of BDNF. Taken together, there is a significant relationship between depression and neuromediators, and the decrease and increase in these mediators plays a significant role in depression. Studies have also confirmed that the antidepressant effect of drugs and medicinal plants is essentially related to the serotonergic pathway, especially the 5-HT1A receptor, and drugs and medicinal herbs are likely to exert their antidepressant activity through altering dopaminergic and serotonergic systems.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2017) 6(3), 30 - 42
The Principle of Effective and Efficient Restructuring and the Future of the Nigerian Nation: The Role of Social Science Education
Authors: Iwegbu Chuks Justus , Uwaifo Emmanuel C.
Published: May 2021

This study on ‘The Principle of Effective and Efficient Restructuring and the Future of the Nigerian Nation: The Role of Social Science Education’ examines critically the meaning of Restructuring and effective restructuring defining restructuring as a concept which connotes the act of re-organizing, re-arranging, re-planning all the existing institutions and structures in the society while effective and efficient restructuring is one which encapsulate Economic, Political, Social, Cultural Educational, Health structures and institutions of any nation for a possible new and better result for renewed development of man and his environment. The various types of restructuring in our society were outlined and briefly explained with particular emphasis and restricted attention given to Economic Restructuring. The role of Social Science Education in achieving all round restructuring projects for all round national development and sustained unity is holistically discussed. The issue of entrepreneurship is also highlighted as a positive step towards attaining Economic Restructuring. The paper concludes by asserting that functional and effective Entrepreneurship Education in a nation is a panacea for a sustained restructured economy and recommendations on how to better the process of all inclusive Economic Restructuring was proffered.

Keywords: Restructuring, Economic Restructuring, Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Education