bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of feasibility and effectiveness of ASHA-Soft (Online Payment and Performance Monitoring System) program in Rajasthan
Authors: Joshi Nitin , Bhardwaj Pankaj , Suthar Praveen , Joshi Vibha
Published: August 2020

Objective: ASHA-Soft is the pioneer e-Health program which was launched to manage online payment and for monitoring performance of ASHA workers in Rajasthan. There is a paucity of studies which documents the feasibility and effectiveness of this program with aim to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of ASHA-Soft program.

Methods: Study was conducted in Jodhpur using quantitative and qualitative method. Primary and secondary data approach was used to assess feasibility and effectiveness of ASHA-Soft. Purposive sampling was done to recruit 150 ASHA workers having experience of more than 5 years to capture the perception before and after implementation of ASHA-Soft. Qualitative data was also obtained from ASHA workers and key stakeholders. To assess the effectiveness secondary data was obtained from various sources was analyzed.

Results: Mean age of participants were 35.51 + 6.7 years. Most of ASHAs agreed that ASHA-Soft mediated timely payment (68%) and payment according to their performance (81%). It also increased their motivational level (96%).There were no significant difference in different work experience of ASHAs and perception towards ASHA-Soft regarding timely payment (p=0.99), improving quality of life (p=0.66) and motivation level (p=0.40). This program has provided standard online procedure of online payment and monitoring for ASHAs. Incentives received by ASHAs increased to 77%, performance increased by 7% and 9% for maternal health and child health respectively within one year of its initial implementation.

Conclusions: Study finding demonstrate that ASHA-Soft program is acceptable to the users and is effective in terms of meeting organizational requirement.
Complex Limiting Velocity Expressions as Likely Characteristics of Dark Matter Particles
Authors: Soln Josip
Published: August 2020

Many astrophysical and cosmological observations suggest that the matter in the universe is mostly of the dark matter type whose behavior goes beyond the Standard Model description. Hence it is justifiable to take a drastically different approach to the dark matter particles which is here done through the bicubic equation of limiting particle velocity formalism.

The bicubic equation discriminant $D$ in this undertaking satisfy $D\succeq 0 $ determined by the congruent parameter $z$ satisfying $z^{2}\succeq 1$, where formally $z(m)=3\sqrt{3}mv^{2}/2E$, \ with $m$, $v$, and $E$ being respectively, particle mass, velocity and energy. Also nonlinearly related to the the particle congruent parameter $z$ is the particle congruent angle $% \alpha $ . These two dimensionless\ parameters $z$ \ and $\alpha $ simplify expressions in the bicubic equation limiting particle velocity formalism when evaluating the three particle limiting velocities, $c_{1},$ $c_{2}$\ and $c_{3},$ (primary, obscure and normal) in terms of the ordinary particle velocity, $v$. Corresponding to these limiting velocities \ one then deduces, with equal values, dark matter particle energies $E\left(c_{1}\right) $, $E\left( c_{2}\right) $ and $E\left( c_{3}\right) $. The exemplary values of the congruent parameters are in these regions, $1\preceq z\prec 3\sqrt{3}$ $/2$ and $\pi /2\succeq \alpha \succeq \pi /3$ . Already within these ranges of congruent parameters, the bicubic formalism yields for squares of particle limiting velocities that $c_{1}^{2}$ and $c_{2}^{2}$ are complex conjugate to each other, $c_{1}^{2\ast }=c_{2}^{2}$ ,and that $% c_{3\text{ }}^{2}$is real. The imaginary portions of $c_{1}^{2}$ and $% c_{2}^{2}$ do not change the realities of numerically equal to each other dark matter energies $E\left( c_{i}\right) ,i=1,2,3.$ In fact, real $E\left(c_{1,2}\right) $ energies can be equally evaluated with $c_{1,2}^{2}$ or $% \func{Re}$ $c_{1,2}^{2}$ or even with $\func{Im}c_{1,2}^{2}$ so that in new notation, $E\left( _{1,2}^{2}\right) =E\left( \func{Re}c_{1,2}^{2}\right) =E\left( \func{Im}c_{1,2}^{2}\right) $ $=E\left( c_{3}^{2}\right) $ all with the same real values. However, in these notations, the real particle momenta are $\overrightarrow{p}\left( (\func{Re}c_{1,2}^{2}\right) $ and $\\overrightarrow{p}\left( (c_{3}^{2}\right) $, defined with respective energies and, while in similar forms , numerically are different from each

other.
Early Computed Tomography Findings of Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pneumonia
Authors: Yilmaz Pinar Diydem , Kadiyoran Cengiz , Bakdik Suleyman , Poyraz Necdet , Vatansev Hulya
Published: August 2020

Background: Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is highly contagious and threatens human health. Chest computed tomography (CT) is an accurate imaging modality for diagnosis and follow-up. Objectives: To investigate early CT features of COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: Retrospective study. Sixty-three patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (28 men, 35 women; age range, 21 - 85 years; mean, 59 years) confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were enrolled in this retrospective study and CT findings were evaluated. Patients were classified into three groups for estimating COVID-19 pneumonia, according to CT features. Results: Nineteen (30%) patients classified as out of COVID-19 pneumonia had normal CT findings. Twenty-eight (44%) patients, classified as highly suggestive for COVID-19 pneumonia, had typical findings for COVID-19 pneumonia. In highly suggestive for COVID-19 pneumonia group most common CT features were peripheral (64%), multilobar (96%), patchy, and round (54%) ground-glass opacity (GGO) (57%). Air bronchogram (93%), crazy-paving patterns (79%), and vascular thickening (61%) were the most common special findings. We only detected these rare findings such as halo sign, reverse halo sign, lymphadenopathy, pleural and pericardial effusion, pleural thickening, and fibrotic lines in patients with COVID-19 with chronic diseases. Conclusions: The early CT findings are peripheral, multilobar, patchy, and round ground glass opacities accompanied by vascular thickening, crazy-paving pattern, or air bronchogram sign. Rare findings are only seen in the presence of concomitant diseases.
Definitions and Psychological Impacts of Quarantine and Strategies to Reduce It: A Review Paper
Authors: Sadeghmoghadam Leila , Khoshkhoo Matineh , Saadati Niloofar
Published: August 2020

Context: Worldwide outbreak of coronavirus has been declared by the World Health Organization as a global emergency. Quarantine, as one of the first important health measures to control and spread epidemic diseases, is the focus of health authorities and policymakers in most societies. This study was designed to obtain the psychological impact of quarantine and strategies to reduce it. Evidence Acquisition: This is a “narrative review” study done through advanced search with the keywords Quarantine, Home isolation, COVID-19, Coronavirus, Mental Health, Psychological effect in the Scopus, Pumped, Clinical Key, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science databases from 2019-2020. The articles were included in the study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Systematic searching and screening of the titles resulted in 68 initial titles that decreased to 46 after reviewing the abstracts, and 19 articles were included in the final review. Results: Quarantine can lead to psychosocial problems from feeling lonely to depression and anxiety disorders. Certain counseling, as well as educational and supportive interventions, can make this situation tolerable. Conclusions: For acceptance and adherence to quarantine conditions, clear and transparent information about the disease and its prevalence and meeting the needs of people such as psychological, informational, and financial needs in each country are essential to reduce fear and anxiety.
Detrimental Effect of Mobile Phone Electromagnetic Field on Permeability of Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: Shabani Fatemeh , Jadidi Majid , Esmaili Mohammad Hadi , Sameni Hamid Reza , Nazari Hossein
Published: August 2020

Background: Exposure to different frequencies would have a profound effect on the brain tissue extract supernatant’s optical density and hexakis-2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) build-up. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the blood-brain barrier permeability after electromagnetic field irradiation. Methods: In this study, 150 male albino rats were randomly divided into 25 groups. They had an intraperitoneal injection of Evans blue 24 hours before experiments. Before 15 or 30-min Electromagnetic Field (EMF) irradiation (900, 1700, and 1900 MHz), 500 μCi (18.5 MBq) of 99mTc -MIBI was injected via the caudal vein. The rats decapitated 15, 30, 45, or 60 min after radiotracer injection to evaluate the brain-specific activity and brain tissue extract supernatant’s optical density. Results: No significant difference was found between the groups in 60-min post-injection activity after 15-min EMF radiation at 900, 1700, and 1900 MHz. The brain-specific activity with 30-min EMF radiation showed a significant increase in the 900 MHz group compared to others. Brain/whole body-specific activity in all experimental groups after 15-min EMF radiation showed no significant differences. On the other hand, the brain/whole body-specific activity ratio with 30-min EMF radiation showed a significant increase in the 900 MHz group compared to other groups. A comparison between the brain tissue extract supernatant’s optical density in the experimental groups after 15 and 30-min EMF radiation showed no significant difference in Evans blue accumulations in brains. Conclusions: It may be concluded that mobile phone electromagnetic field radiation may increase the blood-brain barrier permeability. As most humans use mobile phones for daily communications, all users around the world need to be advised of the effects of modern call devices.
Effect of High-Intensity Interval Exercise in the Morning and Evening on Platelet Indices and Exercise-Induced Thrombocytosis
Authors: Zar Abdosaleh , Ahmadi Fatemeh , Krustrup Peter , Fernandes Ricardo J.
Published: August 2020

Background: Platelets (plts) are involved in thrombosis. However, intense exercise can affect the number and activation of plts. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of acute high-intensity interval exercise performed in the morning and the evening on plt indices and exercise-induced thrombocytosis. Methods: Eleven healthy young adult active male (70.60 ± 8.26 kg) subjects performed high-intensity interval exercise (40 m shuttle sprints at maximum speed for 20 m in a track) on two distinct experimental days (at 8:00 - 9:00 and 15:00 - 16:00) separated by a three-day washout period. Blood samples were taken before and immediately after each exercise session from the antecubital vein by a repetitive venous puncture in a sitting position. Results: Data indicated that after high-intensity interval exercise, there were increases in the number of plts in the morning (P = 0.03) and the evening (P = 0.001). In addition, it was observed that mean plt volume and plt larger cell ratio was higher in the morning pre-test and post-test (P < 0.05), while plt distribution width was only higher in the morning pre-test (P = 0.03). Conclusions: It seems that it may be safer to perform high-intensity interval exercise in the evening due to lower mean plt volume, plt larger cell ratio, plt distribution width, and risk of thrombosis.
Melanoma Epidemiology and Early Detection in Europe: Diversity and Disparities
Authors: Forsea Ana-Maria
Published: August 2020

Melanoma claims annually more than 20,000 lives in Europe and is an important public health burden through its continuously increasing incidence and with its high mortality, costs, and complexity of care in advanced stages. Epidemiological surveillance is indispensable for the research into its causes, new prognostic markers, and innovative therapies, as well as for the building of efficient cancer control plans. However, important differences in the sources and availability of accurate epidemiological data exist among European countries and regions, contributing to a heterogeneous picture with 20-fold differences in the reported national melanoma incidence rates, divergent mortality trends, and solid disparities in survival across the Continent. Countries in the eastern half of Europe report the lowest incidence rates, but high case fatality, persisting and increasing mortality, a higher proportion of thicker tumors and late diagnosis, and lower survival rates. They are the least well equipped with quality cancer registration and reporting, and they lag behind in efficient cancer control plans implementation. This review highlights the main differences in melanoma epidemiology across Europe, together with an insight into their underlying causes in the areas of melanoma registration, early diagnosis, and prevention. These differences should be acknowledged and understood by physicians, researchers, and all stakeholders involved in improving melanoma care and outcomes, as no one-size-fits-all solution can tackle the melanoma problem in Europe. Instead, there is a need for nuanced strategies, adapted to the heterogeneous national and regional contexts, that would build on European diversity to eliminate the outcome disparities.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Update on Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Combalia Andrea , Carrera Cristina
Published: August 2020

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for most nonmelanoma skin cancer–related metastatic disease and deaths. Histopathology and correct surgical excision remain the gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of SCC; however, new diagnostic imaging techniques such as dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy have increased the diagnostic accuracy in terms of early recognition, better differential diagnosis, more precise selection of areas to biopsy, and noninvasive monitoring of treatments. The therapeutic intervention in patients with severe actinic damage and multiple in situ/low-risk SCC, and the development of innovative treatments such as epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors for locally advanced and metastatic SCC, are improving considerably the approach to the disease. This review summarizes the up-to-date knowledge in the field of detection, treatment, and monitoring of cutaneous SCC.
Diagnostic Concordance in Tertiary (Dermatologists-to-Experts) Teledermoscopy: A Final Diagnosis-Based Study on 290 Cases
Authors: Marchetti Anne , Dalle Stephane , Maucort Boulch Delphine , Amini-Adl Mona , Debarbieux Sébastien , Poulalhon Nicolas , Perier-Muzet Marie , Phan Alice , Thomas Luc
Published: August 2020

Background: Teledermoscopy (TDS) improves diagnostic accuracy and decreases the number of unnecessary consultations.

Objectives: To determine the diagnostic concordance in tertiary (dermatologist-to-experts) TDS with histopathology/follow-up–based diagnosis.

Methods: A descriptive retrospective cohort study including 290 requests.

Results: Perfect diagnostic concordance was found in 202 (69.7%) cases and partial agreement in 29 (10%). Disagreement was found in 59 (20.3%) cases. Perfect concordance on the benign/malignant nature of the lesion was found in 227 (78.3%) cases and disagreement in 63 (21.7%). In onychology, diagnostic concordance was perfect in 43 (76.8%) cases, partial in 7 (12.5%), and there was disagreement in 6 (10.7%). Final concordance on the benign/malignant nature of the lesion was perfect in 48 (85.7%) and there was disagreement in 8 (14.3%) nail cases. For pediatric requests, diagnostic concordance was perfect in 29 (65.9%) cases, partial in 5 (11.4%), and there was disagreement in 10 (22.7%). Final concordance on the benign/malignant nature of the lesion was observed in 34 (77.3%) cases, disagreement in 10 (22.7%).

Conclusions: This study confirms that tertiary TDS improves diagnostic accuracy of pigmented skin lesions. Moreover, it shows encouraging results in unusual conditions such as ungual and pediatric skin tumors. The main limitation was the retrospective nature and the “real-life” setting of our study that could have created a selection bias toward inclusion of the most difficult cases.
Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia
Authors: Rossi Alfredo , Caro Gemma , Fortuna Maria Caterina , Pigliacelli Flavia , D'Arino Andrea , Carlesimo Marta
Published: August 2020

Background: Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is one of the most dramatic side effects of chemotherapy. Currently no guidelines are available for its prevention and treatment. Several devices and drugs are used, but results are often disappointing.

Aims: Our aim is to analyze drugs and devices proposed in the literature for prevention and treatment of CIA induced by cytotoxic drugs and to discuss the evidenced-based opinion.

Methods and Results: Scalp cooling is the only agent that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for CIA prevention. Minoxidil and bimatoprost should not be used during chemotherapy administration, but they can be used after chemotherapy discontinuation to obtain greater regrowth.

Conclusions: Therapy should always be modulated for the patient and no fixed protocol should be used. Trichoscopy and trichogram could be useful tools in supporting this treatment.
Cryptocurrency and blockchain: sphere of application in tax field of the Russian Federation
Authors: Tikhonova Anna Vital'evna
Published: August 2020

This article is dedicated to the question of taxation and tax management of a number of operation in digital environment, namely related to the use of cryptocurrency. Special attention is paid to blockchain technologies as a promising tool for improvement of tax management and automation of business processes. The relevance of this work on the one hand is substantiated by the increasing trade volume on the digital markets hand, while on the other – weak foundation, insufficient technical capabilities of tax management of such operations and univerdsally accepted approaches. The results of research can be used by the Ministry of Finances and Government of the Russian federation in development of strategies for improvement of tax policy. The author determines the global trends of recognition/non-recognition of cryptocurrency as a specific type of property, assets of payment method. A brief overview of foreign approaches towards tax regulation of cryptocurrency is presented. The author systematizes the Russian legislative framework on taxation of digital currency, describes the evolution of national approaches to fiscal regulation in this area. A formulation of modern interpretation of cryptocurrency as the object of taxation by different types of taxes (corporate tax, value-added tax, corporate property tax, personal property tax) is provided. The author determines the possibilities for development of tax management with the use of blockchain technologies, as well as forecasts main consequences of such transformations for businesses and the state.
Taxation of potential income from rentals: reality and illusion of equal tax burden
Authors: Bratko Tatiana Dmitrievna
Published: August 2020

Different forms of income taxation often become the subject of criticism among taxpayers in the Russian Federation and abroad. From this perspective, the tax for potential income from rental set by Taxation Code of the Russian Federation, paid within the framework of patents system of taxation, is not an exception: in 2019, a Russian taxpayer Sergey Aleksandrovich Glukhov disputed its constitutionality with reference to incompliance to the principles of equality and economic feasibility of taxation. This article provides a comparative-legal analysis of provisions of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation and the Supreme Court of the Unites States dedicated to constitutional principles of taxation: fairness, equality, economic feasibility, adequacy, etc. The author offers an original systemic interpretation of the Russian principle of economic feasibility of taxation and other legal principles, considering their interpretation by the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation and practice of implementation of the constitutional principles of taxation in the United States. Based in this interpretation, the article gives an alternative assessment to taxation of potential income from rentals, paid within the framework of patent system of taxation in Russia. The conclusion is formulated that due to the principle of separation of powers, the questions of fair and economically feasible allocation of tax burden comprise an exclusive prerogative of legislators.
Flaws in taxation of transnational corporations using the transfer-pricing rules
Authors: Iugina Anastasiia Andreevna
Published: August 2020

The subject of this research is the transfer-pricing rules applied in various countries, their peculiarities and flaws from the standpoint of approach to taxation of transnational corporations overall; as well as practical issues of implementation of transfer-pricing rules for transnational corporations and fiscal authorities, namely the problems of avoidance of taxation by the representatives of transnational corporations and ambiguity of the applied approaches towards regulation. The author examines differences in the rules applied by various jurisdictions, as well as law enforcement problems emerging thereof. Relevance of the topic is substantiated by high significance of transfer-pricing rules for taxation of transnational corporations, as well as the need for ensuring universality in international taxation. The main conclusions lie in determination of substantial ambiguity in the transfer-pricing riles, associated with the lack of information on comparable transaction in the available information systems, as well as assessment of rules with regards to each individual situation. The mechanism employed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation, aimed ate elimination of flaws in transfer-pricing rules, such as consensual procedure, are expensive and often ineffective for transnational corporations. Therefore, elimination of dual taxation is achieved only in some situations. Differences of legislation on transfer pricing in various jurisdictions can also lead to dual taxation of transnational corporations. Moreover, the “arm’s length” principle do not allow reflecting synergetic effects that emerge in the context of activity of transnational corporation, and thus, definition of taxation base within the framework of acting transfer-pricing rules is incomplete.
The use of affidavit in practice of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East
Authors: Lestev Anton Evgen'evich
Published: August 2020

The U.S. lawyers played the leading role in organization and arrangement of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East (IMTFE) intended for trial of the main Japanese war criminals. Tribunal was established by a charter issued by the U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur, who was appointed as a Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in Japan. Therefore, prevalence of Anglo-Saxon legal family is evident in the practice of tribunal. One of them is the use of affidavit in the Tokyo International Military Tribunal. The article applies the method of comparative legal studies; conducts analysis of the legal norms stipulated in decrees of the tribunals. Dogmatic method is employed for interpretation of legal norms presented in the decrees. The author examines the practice of presenting and usage of affidavit in the course of judicial procedure in the International Military Tribunal for the Far East. Affidavits were provided into the tribunal by prosecution witnesses, as well as by defendants themselves. The article also demonstrated the use of affidavits by the U.S. administration for political purposes.  
Spending free and leisure time by urban residents of the Republic of Karakalpakstan during the 1960’s – 1980’s
Authors: Seydametova Gulnara Utarbaevna
Published: August 2020

This article is dedicated to one of the important questions of studying the everyday life of urban population – organization of leisure in the cities of Karakalpakstan during the 1960’s – 1980’s. Based on the scientific analysis, the author generalized the experience in organization of leisure on the republic, as well as determent its development trends, patterns and peculiarities, regional specificities of organization of leisure in the cities of Karakalpakstan in the period from 1960’s to 1980’s. The work leans on the principles of critical interpretation of sources, systematization, and comparative data analysis. Research methodology is structured on the local material. The application of local approach suggests focusing attention on the peculiarities of problems pertaining to organization of leisure in a specific region, in this case – the Republic of Karakalpakstan for the indicated period. The scientific novelty consists in conducting the first within national historiography analysis of the history of organization of leisure for urban population of Karakalpakstan during the 1960’s – 1980’s. The detailed statistics allows examining the main forms of spending leisure time by the regional population, as well as its development prospects in the Republic of Karakalpakstan.
Content of the users with the level of infiltration and technical characteristics of the Internet in China
Authors: Lin' Do
Published: August 2020

The subject of this research is the level of content of China’s users with the provided services on the Internet access. The article examines the technical characteristics of information and communication networks in China, coverage of territory with the services of mobile Internet. Attention is given to preferences of Chinese Internet users with regards to services of information and telecommunication companies. The article is dedicated to examination of sociology of the Internet in China; reviews the question of age and gender stratification, preferences in using separate apps, software and services using the Internet; economic preferences of Chinese Internet users. The author comes to the conclusion the over the recent years the Internet in China took a quantum leap at the level of infiltration into society, as well as technical support means. Taking into account the emergence of 5G technologies, there is high potential for development. The author underlines that the government policy in the area of Internet formed a particular behavior pattern of Chinese users – they are presented as responsible and disciplined, eager to pay for the content, actively use subscription services, and demonstrate increase in Internet usage. A conclusion is made that the potential for development of digital economy in the country is especially high.
Effect of Holistic Adoption of Dairy Farming Technologies on Households Farm Income of Small and Marginal Farmers: A Study of Telangana
Authors: Sri Ch. Ramya , Suhasini K.
Published: August 2020

Dairy farming provides an excellent opportunity for self-employment of unemployed youth. It is also an important source of income generation for small and marginal farmers and agricultural labourers. Since agriculture is mostly seasonal, there is a possibility of finding employment throughout the year for many persons through dairy farming and landless labourers. Dairy farming in India is more of subsidiary activity represented by plurality of small holder dairy farmers and entrepreneurs. The value of milk alone is well above Rs.35 thousand crores and livestock contributes nearly 5% to National GDP, accounting for more than 25% of agricultural GDP (Planning Commission, 2010). Cluster sampling technique is adopted for identification of three clusters, which are mutually homogeneous but internally heterogeneous. Three clusters included three mandals of Khammam district i.e., Mudigonda, Kusumanchi, Nelakondapalli are selected for the study. The income from dairy farming is surpassing the income from crop production enterprises and the risk is less compared to crop. The dairy animals are not improved breeds, so improved breeds and cross-bred suitable dairy units will enhance the income from dairy. Even though the farmers have both livestock and dairy enterprises, there is a lack of integration to the extent of 50% of the sampled farmers. Such awareness has to be created. There is capital crunch created faced by marginal and small farmers, credit support and technical support would enhance the household income. Need for Government role in improving the supply of inputs and services to dairy farmers/beneficiaries at their doorsteps with minimum cost by promoting milk co-operatives which maintain the milk chilling and processing centres and play a remunerative price within a stipulated time. Developing viable farmer’s cooperatives societies/federations like: milk producers’ cooperative societies at village and district levels, federations, boards and corporations is needed.
Assessment of Protein Quality of Complementary Food Made from Maize (Zea mays) Supplemented with Crayfish (Euastacus spp) and Carrot (Daucus carota) Using Albino Rats
Authors: Umerah N. N. , Alawuba N. M. Oly- , Asouzu A. I. , Ani P. N. , Oluah C. G. U. , Ezike C. O.
Published: August 2020

Background: Assessment of protein quality is aimed at determining the ability of a protein to meet up with the needs for maintenance, growth, pregnancy and lactation.

Objective: To evaluate the protein quality of complementary food made from local food blends using albino rats.

Methods: Maize, carrot, crayfish, milk and other ingredients were purchased, processed and used for the study. The maize, crayfish and carrot flours were blended in the ratio of 100:0:0, 70:25:5, 70:20:10, 70:15:15, 70:10:20 and 70:5:25 respectively. The six diets provided 10% protein for six groups of rats. The diets were fed to forty (40) weanling albino rats in a 21-day growth period and 7-days Nitrogen balance study. Milk was used as control and Nitrogen free diet was used for the estimation of endogenous nitrogen. The result generated were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 22.

Results: The result showed that over 70% of the nitrogen consumed by all the five groups of rats fed the mixed diets were absorbed and retained. Among the test diet groups, the 70:20:10 diet had the highest absorbed nitrogen (2.10 g), retained nitrogen (2.00 g), biological value (80%) and net protein utilization (77%) which was significantly different from the other groups. The 70:20:10 diet had the highest Total digestibility (94%), highest food intake (230g), weight gain (52.10%) and PER (2.7) that were comparable with the reference protein (milk) at (p>0.05). The mineral metabolism of all the rats fed the test diets were absorbed and retained.

Conclusion: The study revealed that complementary food of high protein quality and nutrient dense can be produced from blends of maize, carrot and crayfish. All the complementary food made from blends of maize, carrot and crayfish blend were of higher nutrient quality than the popular homemade complementary food made of maize alone. It is imperative that blends of local foods stuffs should be used as complementary food instead of only cereal in order to improve the nutritional status of a growing child and also curb prevalence of protein energy malnutrition that is common among under five.
Investigation of Global Crude Oil Price Shocks verses Exchange Rates Nexus: Evidenced from Tanzanian Shillings
Authors: Mwankemwa Suma , Kibona Isack , Said Aziza M.
Published: August 2020

This study investigated the nexus of crude oil price shocks and exchange rates of Tanzanian shillings (TSh) as an oil importing country. Using weekly series data for the period 01/01/2005 to 31/12/2015, Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model was employed to test the relationship of crude oil prices and Tanzanian exchange rates. In addition, Granger Causality was tested to check the causality of these two variables. The findings of this study show that oil prices granger causes the exchange rate of TSh while exchange rates of TSh cannot Granger cause the oil prices. Also, the impulse response functions revealed that crude oil price shocks initially had a significant negative effect on TSh, however, there was a slightly negative effect on crude oil starting from TSh as a granger causer. VAR results showed that all the coefficients of TSh do not significantly influence crude oil prices. Crude oil price coefficients had a negative significance towards explaining the variability of Tanzanian shillings’ exchange rates (TZS).This revealed that a change in oil prices would precede changes in TSh movements.
Successful Treatment of Pulmonary Embolus Secondary to Diabetic Ketoacidosis with Tissue Plasminogen Activator
Authors: Agarwal Arun , Agarwal Mamta , Bhanderi Hiren , Charan Vishal Singh
Published: August 2020

A 75-year-old woman with a history of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus attended triage with complaints of nausea, occasional vomit, pain in epigastrium and some vague heaviness in breathing of 4-5 days duration. On her physical examination she had mild tachypnea, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) 92% on room air, and high blood glucose and ketones respectively. She was evaluated and diagnosed to have bilateral submassive pulmonary Thromboemboli.

She was managed with fibrinolytic treatment, Heparin, and supportive treatment along with management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Etiological examinations did not reveal any underlying cause. The contribution of diabetes and its acute complication, DKA, to the development of pulmonary thromboembolism is controversial and is discussed. This case with the presentation of sub-massive pulmonary embolism in a patient of DKA with no underlying cause identified is being reported owing to its rareness.
A Critique on the Foundational Response Surface Methodology for Exploring Optimal Regions
Authors: Usen John E. , Okoi Essien J. , Egomo Eric M. , Henshaw Ekeng N. , Hogan Edet B.
Published: August 2020

The interest of most process engineers in industries is usually to optimize the yield of their processes. Not until 1951, imprecise methodologies were used in industries for this purpose. However, in 1951, G. E. P. Box and K. B. Wilson invented the technique of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) as one used for the optimization of the yield of processes. Being an initial idea, this paper has considered RSM as a foundational idea. In particular, it criticizes this foundational idea from the angle of its intuitive approach to searching for near-optimal settings of industrial processes, should such processes fail to run at optimal settings. RSM uses the tools of canonical transformation and analysis (a trial-and-error routine) for this search. Regardless, the foundational response surface methodology is acknowledged to be primarily efficient for determining the optimum response.
Domestication of Wild Fruit Trees in Communities of Mayo-Belwa LGA, Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Umar M. R. , Nyako F. D.
Published: August 2020

The study was carried out to assess the domestication of wild fruit trees in communities of Mayo-Belwa LGA of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Seven wards within the LGA (Tola, Mayo-Fareng, Binyeri, Gangfada, Gorobi, Gangwaso and Nasarawo Jereng) were selected for Agroforestry. 14 farms from each of the selected wards were randomly sampled and surveyed for observation and recording of indigenous fruit trees on the farms and also by ocular inspecting the proportion of farm land under fruit trees cultivation. Results shows that preference matrix ranking was used to generate a species priority list of indigenous fruit trees preferred by the local people through the use of questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as table, frequencies and percentages were used to analyse the data obtained which includes, proportion of indigenous fruit trees DBH ranging (10.1-45.1), basal area ranging (80.1-1597.8), agricultural crops grown alongside fruit trees, local people towards wild fruit trees domestication, socio-economic variables of the respondents, and opportunities and constraints to on-farm cultivation of indigenous fruit trees. The result of the findings indicated that indigenous fruit trees species on-farm was relatively moderate:- The average proportion of farmland under indigenous fruit trees DBH was however low in Gorobi ward and higher in Binyeri ward. Some of the preferred indigenous wild fruit trees were Vitallaria paradoxa, Vitex doniana, Annona senegalensis and Tamarindus indica among others. The study recommended that in order for indigenous fruit trees to meaningfully contribute to household food security and incomes, there is need to: Formulate clear policies and by-laws on conservation of indigenous tree resources. Trees are assets, which contribute to the well-being of the rural community and through their longevity, serve as a cultural linking element throughout generations. Policy-makers and decision-makers also need to be kept informed of the latest advances in domestication and commercialization.
COVID 19 Outbreaks and Impact on Developing Countries like Bangladesh
Authors: Sarwar A. S. M. , Tarafder Shirin , Rahman Md. Moshiur , Razzak Khandaker Sabit Bin , Bushra Anika , Rahman Sabrina
Published: August 2020

COVID-19 creates panic not only in China but also in developing countries like Bangladesh because it is a pandemic. More than 8.06 million cases and 440290 deaths were caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in 216 countries. There are no approved vaccines or antiviral drugs for the disease, and therefore the most effective measures are non-therapeutic interventions to control the spread of the virus. Beyond the dissemination of the disease itself, the COVID-19 pandemic has major consequences, including economical, cultural, and social impacts. The effect of coronavirus would prevent about 24 million people in eastern Asia and the Pacific alone from  avoiding  hunger. Bangladesh has sufficient limitations to limit the spread of the virus and there is a lack of information among rural communities about the crisis. Therefore the consequences  of Corona issue will slow down the development, jobless in many sectors, and major economic crisis.
Effect of Ginger Nanoparticles on Hepato-renal Toxicity Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in Rats
Authors: Elrhman Sanaa Yasser Abd- , Fattah Hanaa Mostafa Abd El- , Morsy Gehan M. , Elmasry Shimaa
Published: August 2020

Aims: The current study was developed to investigate the influence of ginger (G), ginger nanoparticles (GNPs) and ginger nano-base (GNB) on hepato-renal toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats in comparison with silymarin (SM).

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University.

Methodology: Fifty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups. Group (1): Rats received distilled water orally and injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with single dose of corn oil (1 ml/kg b.wt). Group (2): Rats were injected with single dose of CCl4 diluted with corn oil (1:1) (1 ml/kg b.wt. i.p.) at the 4th week of experiment. Groups (3), (4) and (5): Rats were orally received 50 mg /kg b.wt./day of G, GNPs and GNB, respectively for 8 weeks and injected with CCl4 as group 2. Group (6): Rats were orally received 100 mg /kg b.wt /day of SM for 8 weeks and injected with CCl4 as group 2. 

Results: Our results documented that injection with CCl4 caused significant increase (p<0.05) in liver function tests [serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities], kidney function tests [serum creatinine, urea, uric acid and cystatin C] and serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF- α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β). On the other hand, there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Hepatic catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes activity, with histopathological changes in liver and kidneys tissues. Oral administration of G, GNPs, GNB and SM caused an enhancement of liver and kidney function, decreasing serum oxidants and inflammatory markers levels while increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, also an improvement of organs histopathological changes was observed.

Conclusion: Our data proved that using ginger in the form of GNPs and GNB are more efficient in ameliorating hepato-renal toxicity induced by CCl4 than using native ginger as evidenced by biochemical analysis and histological examination of liver and kidneys tissues.
Effect of Foliar Application of Nutrients on Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Cv. Bhagwa
Authors: Kumar Gitesh , Sharma D. D. , Kuchay M. A. , Kumar Rakesh , Singh Gopal , Kaushal Bhawna
Published: August 2020

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of foliar application of nutrients on growth, yield and fruit quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa in the experimental farm of the Horticultural Research and Training Station and Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kandaghat, Solan, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (India), during the year 2016 - 2017. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four foliar applications of potassium nitrate, KNO3 (0.5%, 1% and 1.5%); calcium chloride, CaCl2 (0.5%, 1% and 1.5%); boric acid, H3BO3 (0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6%) and their combinations. The first spray was applied one month after fruit set, and the remaining three ones were applied at one month interval. Among the various treatments, significant increase in plant height, plant spread, plant volume, fruit size, fruit weight, fruit yield, total soluble solids, total sugars, reduction in fruit drop and fruit cracking were recorded with the application of KNO3 (1%) + CaCl2 (1%) + H3BO3 (0.4%).  Leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg were also significantly affected by the foliar application of KNO3 (1%) + CaCl2 (1%) + H3BO3 (0.4%). Therefore, the combined foliar application of KNO3 (1%), CaCl2 (1%) and H3BO3 (0.4%) was found the best treatment for the improvement of growth, yield and fruit quality of pomegranate.
Carbon Sequestration Potential of Oil Palm Plantations in Tamil Nadu Regimes, India
Authors: Rakesh S. S. , Davamani V. , Kamaludeen Sara P. B. , Maragatham S. , Lakshmanan A. , Parameswari E. , Velmurugan M.
Published: August 2020

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), being a potential carbon sequestering perennial crop by biological means, has helped in mitigating global warming and climatic fluctuations. In our study, we selected Tenera hybrids in three oil palm plantations of major oil palm growing regions of Theni and Thanjavur districts of Tamil Nadu, India during the year 2019. Carbon sequestration potential was assessed by the standard procedures and methodology. The present study revealed that carbon sequestration was higher in trunks, which was found to be 2.57 t C/ha (tons of carbon per hectare) in 4 years, 22.33 t C/ha in 8 years and 59.79 t C/ha in 15 years with respect to the age of plantation. The roots sequestered carbon for about 0.67 t C/ha in 4 years, 5.80 t C/ha in 8 years and 15.54 t C/ha in 15 years old plantations and the fronds sequesters about 1.41 t C/ha in 4 years, 2.44 t C/ha in 8 years and 3.01 t C/ha in 15 years old oil palm plantations. The findings  evidenced that the biomass production in oil palm increased proportionally with different age group of oil palm. This findings established the importance of oil palm plantation for  carbon sequestration to reduce natural as well as anthropogenic sources for climatic fluctuations.
Effect of Levels of Coconut Shell Biochar and Farm Yard Manure on Soil Properties under Upland Rice Cultivation
Authors: Arunkumar B. R. , Thippeshappa G. N. , Bhogi Basavarajappa H.
Published: August 2020

An field experiment were conducted at ZAHRS, UAHS, Shivamogga, during summer 2018 to know the effect of biochar and Farm Yard Manure (FYM) on soil properties. The experiment was planned in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 16 treatments consisting of four levels of biochar at 2, 4, 6 and 8 t ha-1 and two levels of FYM at 5 and 10 t ha-1 which were applied alone and in combinations. The recommended dose of fertilizer was applied commonly to all the treatments with three replications. The result revealed that combined application of 8 t ha-1 biochar + 10 t ha-1 FYM with Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) (100:50:50 kg ha-1) to soil significantly decreased the soil Bulk density (1.30%) and Permanent wilting point (2.13%) and increased the soil porosity (50.94%), Maximum water holding capacity (37.30%), Field capacity (19.71%) and water stable aggregates (67.40%) as compared to initial soil properties of experimental site. Significantly increased the soil pH (initial acidic (5.88) to neutral at harvest (7.05)), Electrical Conductivity (EC) (0.37 dS m-1), Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) (17.86 [cmol (p+ kg-1)]), available Nitrogen (340.24 kg ha-1), Phosphorus (79.54 kg ha-1), Potassium (252.46 kg ha-1) and Sulfur (13.55 mg kg-1). Soil Diethylene triamine penta acetic acid (DTPA) extractable micronutrients, soil enzymes and microbial biomass compared to absolute control and RDF alone treatments.
Investigation and Optimization of Production Variables: A Case of Plastic Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Ezeliora Chukwuemeka Daniel , Umeh Maryrose N. , Dilinna Anodebe Malachy
Published: August 2020

The study evaluates and analysis the extrusion plastic production variables in Innoson Plastic Manufacturing Company, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. The research method adopted is the application of statistical tools and design of expert tools to evaluate and to analyze the influence of the variables. The statistical correlation of the variables is to understand the significant relationship between the variables. The parameters are all significance except time. This show that time is not significant in modeling the system. The use of design expert was applied to evaluate the extrusion plastic production variable to understand what the variables portray and its influence on production. The mixture design method of D-optimal Non-Simplex Screening model was used to optimize the production variables which entails that the best quantity of product that is to produce is 9204.461 units. The results show that the industry should be conscious of highly influence input variable during production.