bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher Inflammatory Markers are correlated with Worse Cognitive Function in Coronavirus Disease-2019 Patients
Authors: Fitri Fasihah Irfani , Darman Winda Rahmah , Ritarwan Kiking
Published: June 2022

AIM: This study aimed to determine the correlation between inflammation with cognitive function in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS: We recruited COVID-19 patients using consecutive sampling methods in Adam Malik General Hospital Medan, Indonesia. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR,) C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and ferritin serum levels were measured as inflammatory markers . Cognitive function was assessed in several cognitive domains using Forward Digit Span for attention, Bacward Digit Span for working memory, and Trail Making Test parts A and B for executive function. The correlation between inflammatory markers and cognitive function was analyzed using Spearman correlation test.

RESULTS: This study involved 40 COVID-19 patients consisting of 13 (32.5%) males and 27 (67.5%) females; the median age of the patients was 39.5 (19–65) years. We found that higher D-dimer and ferritin levels were significantly correlated with worse BDS scores (r = −0.369 p = 0.019 and r = −0.408 p = 0.009, respectively) and higher ferritin level was also correlated with worse FDS score (r = −0.365 p = 0.020 and). Higher D-dimer and ferritin levels were also significantly correlated with a longer time of completion of TMT-B (r = 0.363 p = 0.022 and r = 0.433 p = 0.005) and higher ferritin level was also correlated with a longer time of completion of TMT-A (r = 0.438 P=0.005). There were no significant correlations between NLR and CRP levels with cognitive function.

CONCLUSION: Higher inflammatory markers are correlated with worse attention, working memory, and executive function in COVID-19 patients.
Influence of BMI on Serum Adiponectin, Resistine, and FBG among Overweight and Obese Females Diabetic Patient Type2
Authors: Hussein Salah Eldin Omar , Altoum Abd Elgadir Alamin , Osman Ahmed L. , Higazi Hassan M. K. I. , Ali Sara , Alfeel Ayman Hussien
Published: June 2022

Abstract:
Background and aim: Obesity is a frequent comorbidity in patients with T2DM and it has been estimated that at least 90% of these patients are overweight or obese.[4] The risks of many complications and comorbidities (e.g., cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease) are considerably increased in patients with T2DM who have concomitant obesity. In this study evaluation the level of Resistine, Fasting Blood Glucose and Adiponectin in overweight, obese versus normal weight, females. Compare with the BMI. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional - case-control study, the target population is a total 204 Sudanese females were recruited to participate in this study (102 overweight, obese versus 102 non-overweight, non-obese), aged 20-50 years. and venous blood samples were collected. Plasma levels of blood glucose were measured using the particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay method Cobas C-311®.While Adiponectin and Resistine estimated by ELISA Kits. Anthropometric measurements, including height and weight, were taken using standard protocols. BMI was calculated as weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in meters squared). Results: According to these results observed significant difference between the means of fasting blood glucose (FBG), adiponectin, Resistine and BMI compare with normal weight, overweight and obese respectively. FBG (mean + SD), normal weight (127 ± 16.7), over weight (153 ± 19.2), obese (189 ± 22.7), P = 0.037, adiponectin, (11.2 ± 1.9), (9.7 ± 1.6), (6.1 ± 1.5), P = 0.043, Resistine, (12.8 ± 1.1) ,(14.2 ± 2.7), (18.2 ± 2.9), P = 0.021, BMI, (18.3 ± 1.7) ,(26.1 ± 2.2), (30.4 ± 3.7), P = 0.006.  In this study, the results show strong negative Correlation between the levels of serum Adiponectin and Fasting Blood Glucose, Adiponectin and Resistine. (P.value = 0.013, r = -7.9). (P.value = 0.019, r = -6.6). While showing in the other side strong positive Correlation between the levels of serum Resistine and Fasting Blood Glucose. (P.value = 0.015, r = 6.0).
Conclusion: Increase of Resistine and Fasting Blood Glucose and reduced of Adiponectin in overweight, obese versus non-overweight, non-obese females. Compare with the BMI.
Keywords: Obese, Overweight, BMI, FBG, Adiponectin and Resistine
Chromatic and morphological anomalies in gymnophionans from India
Authors: Venu Govindappa , Venkatachalaiah Govindaiah , Seetharama Halemane Ganesharao , Balakrishna Gandlahalli Narasimaiah , Lalremsanga Hmar Tlawmte , Browne Robert Kenneth , Nijagunaiah Rajashekharaiah , Raju Narayanappa Govinda , Varadh Kulkarni , Ramakrishna Sompalem , Henle Klaus
Published: June 2022

Caecilians (Gymnophiona) are commonly known as limbless amphibians and are the least understood vertebrate order. In this paper, we documented skin color, eye, jaw, snout, tentacular aperture and cloacal anomalies in 12 individuals of four species belonging to the three caecilian genera Ichthyophis, Uraeotyphlus and Gegeneophis collected from hotspots of caecilian diversity in India, the Western Ghats and Northeast India. As we found the majority of these individuals in coffee and tea plantations, we discuss the possibility that anomalies are the result of exposure to agrochemicals that are frequently used in plantations.
Improving patient access in oncology clinics using simulation
Authors: Keshtzari Maryam , Norman Bryan A.
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Providing timely access is an important measure of patient satisfaction in specialty care clinics such as cancer centers. Excessive patient wait time to see an oncologist is very critical for cancer patients as they often benefit from starting the treatment process as soon as possible. This paper addresses capacity planning for both new and returning patients in cancer clinics. This research is motivated by a cancer center in Texas that seeks to improve its clinical performance to decrease new patient wait time to see an oncologist.Design/methodology/approach: A simulation model is proposed to assess new patient access to oncologists when employing several tactical and operational policies such as resource flexibility, specialization flexibility, and reserving slots for new patients. The model utilizes two years of data collected from a cancer center in Texas.Findings: The results suggest the best combination of operating policies in order to allocate patient demand to providers. This study also determines the required capacity level to provide timely access for new patients.Originality/value: Although the literature in outpatient scheduling and capacity planning is rich, new patient access in oncology clinics has received limited attention. The few existing studies do not consider patient no-shows and cancellations, and to the best of our knowledge, no study addresses individual oncologist clinic flexibility and the idea of reserving slots for new patients.
On the solutions of certain fractional kinetic matrix equations involving Hadamard fractional integrals
Authors: Akel Mohamed , Hidan Muajebah , Boulaaras Salah , Abdalla Mohamed
Published: June 2022

Currently, matrix fractional differential equations have several applications in diverse fields, including mathematical analysis, control systems, economics, optimization theory, physics, astrophysics and engineering. In this line of research, we introduce generalized fractional kinetic equations including extended $ k $-Hurwitz-Lerch zeta-matrix functions. By applying the Hadamard fractional integral properties and via the Mellin integral transform, we present the solution of fractional kinetic matrix equations involving families of Hurwitz-Lerch zeta matrix functions. In addition, we consider a number of specific instances of our key results.
Home quarantine or centralized quarantine? A mathematical modelling study on the COVID-19 epidemic in Guangzhou in 2021
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhu Di , Li Shiqi , Cheke Robert A. , Tang Sanyi , Zhou Weike
Published: June 2022

Several outbreaks of COVID-19 caused by imported cases have occurred in China following the successful control of the outbreak in early 2020. In order to avoid recurrences of such local outbreaks, it is important to devise an efficient control and prevention strategy. In this paper, we developed a stochastic discrete model of the COVID-19 epidemic in Guangzhou in 2021 to compare the effectiveness of centralized quarantine and compulsory home quarantine measures. The model was calibrated by using the daily reported cases and newly centralized quarantined cases. The estimated results showed that the home quarantine measure increased the accuracy of contact tracing. The estimated basic reproduction number was lower than that in 2020, even with a much more transmissible variant, demonstrating the effectiveness of the vaccines and normalized control interventions. Sensitivity analysis indicated that a sufficiently implemented contact tracing and centralized quarantine strategy in the initial stage would contain the epidemic faster with less infections even with a weakly implemented compulsory home quarantine measure. However, if the accuracy of the contact tracing was insufficient, then early implementation of the compulsory home quarantine with strict contact tracing, screening and testing interventions on the key individuals would shorten the epidemic duration and reduce the total number of infected cases. Particularly, 94 infections would have been avoided if the home quarantine measure had been implemented 3 days earlier and an extra 190 infections would have arisen if the home quarantine measure was implemented 3 days later. The study suggested that more attention should be paid to the precise control strategy during the initial stage of the epidemic, otherwise the key group-based control measure should be implemented strictly.
La Presentación de Jesús en el Templo de Diego Valentín Díaz: una nueva interpretación
Authors: De Tena Ramírez Carmen
Published: June 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo es aportar nuevas claves de lectura a la pintura La Presentación del Jesús en el Templo de Diego Valentín Díaz, y con ellas demostrar que, tras su popular iconografía, esta obra esconde la rica vida espiritual de una de las mujeres más célebres de la España del siglo XVII: doña Marina de Escobar. Para ello me he apoyado en el estudio y análisis de fuentes documentales y literarias de la época que coadyuvan a conocer su origen creativo. Por otro lado, y de forma paralela, quisiera hacer nuevas aportaciones a los estudios relativos a la visión mística femenina como origen de nueva iconografía religiosa.
A novel class of bio-lubricants are synthesized by epoxidation of 10-undecylenic acid-based esters
Authors: Lakkoju B. , Vemulapalli V.
Published: June 2022

Mineral-based lubricants are being supplanted by bio-based lubricants because of environmental concerns and the depletion of fossil resources. The derivatives of edible and non-edible oils are considered potential alternatives to existing natural mineral oil base stocks in certain lubricant applications, where immediate intraction with the environment is predicted. A new class of epoxides were synthesized from the undecylenic esters of 2-ethyl hexanol, neopentyl glycol (NPG), and trimethylolpropane (TMP). These unsaturated esters were epoxidized by using meta chloro perbenzoic acid. The synthesized epoxides were characterized by spectral studies (1HNMR, 13CNMR, IR) physio-chemical (density, specific gravity) and lubricant properties (kinematic viscosity, viscosity index, flash point, fire point, cloud point, pour point, copper strip corrosion). TMP epoxide has a high viscosity index, high flash point, and low pour point compared to 2-ethyl hexyl epoxide and NPG epoxide.
The effect of replacing red palm stearin with red palm olein in baked potato cookies
Authors: Xu J. , Liu Y.Y. , Olajide T.M. , Liu H.A. , Weng X.C.
Published: June 2022

Potato cookies were formulated by replacing red palm stearin (RPS) by red palm olein (RPOL) at 0, 17 and 35%, and then baked at 160, 180 and 200 °C for 10, 12 and 15 min. The sensory analysis, using an orthogonal test, showed that a RPS-RPOL ratio of 65:35, baking temperature of 160 ºC, and baking time 12 min were the optimal conditions. Cookies made from 65% RPS + 35% RPOL composition exhibited 0.6 times less squalene, but 1.5 times more β-carotene, tocopherols and tocotrienols than the mixture of RPS and RPOL at 100:0. In addition, cookies with superior oxidative stability were obtained at a lower temperature (160 ºC) and short baking time (10 min). This study demonstrates that the application of RPOL and RPS blending can positively enhance the nutritional properties and oxidative stability of baked food, and that using potato in the baking processing may be beneficial.
Design and Implementation a System for Monitoring the COVID19 Patients Based on the Internet of Thing Applications
Authors: Jasim Nabaa Ali , ALRikabi Haider TH. Salim
Published: June 2022

The Corona Virus (COVID-19) was spread in about 215 countries in 2019. The number of people affected by the epidemic has increased dramatically. Iraq is one of the countries affected by the Coronavirus. Hundreds of Iraqi doctors have died because they contact directly with patients. One of the most serious challenges is the high rate of conduction through contact with people infected with this virus. The impact of the coronavirus can be reduced by using one of the advanced technology methods. The internet of things (IoT) is one of these applications. This paper shows that the role of smart surveillance in reducing the risks of covid-19. To avoid face-to-face interaction, physical contact, and maintain social distancing, the smart monitor is designed in this paper. It is used to monitor the health parameters that are affected when infected with covid-19, such as heart rate, oxygen level, blood pressure, and body temperature in real-time and remotely. This will reduce the workload, workload on the medical staff, and reduce the infection with the covid-19.
Challenges and Issues in Implementing Personal Data Protection
Authors: Ananthan Theshvin Raj , Mohamad Fadli Zolkipli
Published: June 2022

This paper is to discuss the challenges and issues in implementing personal data protection. As the cases related to the personal data breaches is increasing day-by-day among us, so any organizations, system, applications, software or technology components that deal with huge amount of personal data such as contact details, email addresses, addresses and others are in a higher risk sector as the data are valuable. This study highlights the challenges and issues such as the usage of IoT devices, social media, implementation of fourth industrial revolution and also the lack of awareness among users in the process of the implementation of personal data protection. However, all this challenges and issues can be resolved if the users follow the correct method or procedures. Finally, this finding also elaborates some methods that could help users protect their personal data.
Choosing the Right Programming Language in Making a Website Backend Using the Waterfall Method
Authors: Rijanandi Teguh , Dharma Adhinata Faisal
Published: June 2022

Often we are wrong in choosing a good programming language to create a website backend to process the data we have so that the impact is that our website is not able to handle so many requests with a lot of data so users feel uncomfortable because our application takes a very long time to process. processing each user's request. So in this journal, we will try to discuss the selection of the right programming language in making application backends according to the function of the programming language. In this journal, we will compare the programming languages ​​PHP, Python, Java and C# for the manufacture of an application backend that must be able to process very large population data
Storie armene alla corte dei papi: evocazione e riscrittura del passato tra Oriente e Occidente nel Trecento
Authors: Bueno Irene
Published: June 2022

Au cours du XIVe siècle, la pression croissante des Mamelouks en Méditerranée Orientale et l’évanouissement d’une alliance mongole poussent les Arméniens à se tourner vers la papauté et les puissances occidentales dans l’espérance d’obtenir un soutien matériel et militaire. À cette époque, la discussion de projets de croisade ainsi que la reprise des débats théologiques en Occident s’appuient souvent sur l’évocation du passé, ancien et récent, et sur la relecture de faits et d’événements historiques. Par l’intermédiaire d’Arméniens latinophiles, la cour des papes devient ainsi un réceptacle de nouvelles traditions historiques orientales. Les récits historiques contenus dans quelques textes parvenus à la curie dans la première moitié du XIVe siècle font l’objet de cet article. D’une part, en 1307, l’Arménien Het‘um de Korykos consigne à Clément V sa Flor des estoires de la terre d’Orient, un traité historique, géographique, ethnographique et militaire destiné à promouvoir la croisade et l’alliance christiano-mongole. Il devient bientôt l’un des textes sur l’Orient les plus connus en Occident. D’autre part, la confrontation théologique stimule de nouvelles évocations de l’histoire des conciles et d’événements plus récents, témoignant des divisions internes de l’Église et de la société arméniennes à l’époque de la papauté avignonnaise. Ces diverses réflexions sur l’histoire, arménienne ou mongole, relative aux premiers conciles ou aux tensions du présent, sont utilisées pour promouvoir et légitimer l’alliance entre Latins et Arméniens auprès de la curie papale et pour façonner l’image des Arméniens comme partenaires politiques, alliés militaires, ou champions de la foi.
Equitable Higher Education Opportunities and TILT Strategies
Authors: Jordan Melissa
Published: June 2022

This chapter will focus on the effectiveness of implementing the Transparency in Teaching and Learning (TILT) framework strategy among African American and Caucasian students in the classrooms. The main content focuses on the African American and Caucasian students. Emphasis is on implementing all parts of the TILT framework, removing teaching and learning barriers, identification of learning strengths and weaknesses in the African American student, leveling the playing field for all students, and developing guidance that will benefit students in and out of the classroom. Using the TILT framework will help all students understand how and why they are learning course content and will promote a conscious understanding of what is to be expected.
Effectiveness of Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) in Chemistry Courses
Authors: Medawala Wathsala , Nugawela Dulma
Published: June 2022

Transparency in Teaching and Learning (TILT) is a valuable tool that can be used to enhance student learning and performance as well as to enhance instructor teaching experience. In a STEM core field like chemistry, clarity in assignment instructions is needed, and TILT can be very useful in this. In fact, not many examples from the higher education field are available for reference for instructors who want to utilize TILT in their classrooms. The authors aim to fill this gap by giving examples of TILTed assignments in a variety of settings such as lab experiments, data analysis reports, class presentations, and assignments in both lower and upper level chemistry courses given at two public and private 4-year colleges in United Sates. Grade distributions and student responses are used to gauge the success of incorporating TILT into the courses.
Effect of Transparency in Different Modalities
Authors: Wickramage Nadeepa D.
Published: June 2022

Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) is an initiative focused on making the learning process simple and clear, which allows equitable access for all students irrespective of their race and social background. The application of TILT to various disciplines and each course in a discipline can be challenging due to the variabilities in course delivery modality, student learning outcomes, content delivered, etc. Therefore, it is important to study the application of TILT in various settings and study the success. This chapter discusses applying TILT framework in a general business course in a small university for multiple modalities. The effectiveness of implementing TILT in terms of student confidence and student success is discussed in this chapter for different course modalities. When TILT framework is applied in instructional design for different modalities, the impact on student performance, confidence, and choice of learning strategies is further studied.
Impact of Transparency in Learning and Teaching on the Performance of Students in Nigeria
Authors: Umana Etebong Attah , Ojong Blessing Mpantor
Published: June 2022

The study examined the impact of Transparency in Learning and Teaching on the performance of students in Nigeria. The objective of the study was to investigate the factors and challenges facing the adoption of Transparency in Learning and Teaching in Nigeria. The study employed a qualitative research design. Data was collected from six tertiary institutions in South-South, Nigeria. The findings of the study revealed that lack of TILT concept awareness, learning and teaching technological issues, teachers' welfare issues, and poor communication issues are the main challenges that face TILT adoption in Nigeria. Also, technological factors, corruption, self-efficacy factors, cultural factors, and administrative policies are the factors that affect the adoption of TILT in Nigeria. The study concluded that education policymakers, designers, and developers in Nigeria can benefit from the findings in this study, which provides the real picture about the current situation of TILT in Nigeria and could be taken as a guideline to improve the implementation of TILT among students and teachers.
Methods of inoculation of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in specialty maize genotypes under organic agriculture system
Authors: Oliveira Andréia de , Saito Marcelo Akira , Baleroni Alessandra Guedes , Matsuzaki Robson Akira , Bertagna Filipe , Colevate Amanda Tami Kuroda , Scapim Carlos Alberto , Gonçalves Leandro Simoes Azevedo
Published: June 2022

Organic agriculture systems have the nutrients supplied by plant or animal by-products, bioinoculants, and compost-based products as earthworm composts and green manures. However, the quantitative and qualitative parameters of soil amendments depend on their sources, and soil amendments are generally not sufficient to supply the nutritional requirements of maize crops. Moreover, specialty maize requires high levels of N. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate specialty maize varieties supplied with two microbial inoculants applied in two inoculation methods. These factorial treatments were compared with their checks (varieties without inoculation), and the interaction among these factors was also investigated. The trials were carried out during the growing season in 2017–2018 in the State University of Maringá. The popcorn trial followed the randomized complete block design where the factorial 3 × 2 × 2 + 3 had five replications. The trial with white grits maize followed the same experimental design but the factorial scheme was 2 × 2 × 2 + 2 with three replications. Both trials had maize varieties and two species of microbial inoculants (Azospirillum brasilense and Methylobacterium sp.) applied in two inoculation methods, in the seeds and the foliar spray at V4 stage of plant development. The response traits were grain yield and the components of crop production. In both trials, we verified that the majority of the interactions among the factors was non-significant (p > 0.05), indicating the independence of these factors. Furthermore, the microbial inoculants had no beneficial effects on the traits. The possibility of a higher crop yield did not confirm the application of the inoculant in the stage V4. The organic compost may be the key point in mitigating the treatments with microbial inoculants due to the availability of N in the first stages of plant development. The traits also suggest the necessity of more trials about the influence of microbial inoculants on specialty maize production.
Diet of three juvenile fish species of the coastal zone of a Southwest Atlantic beach, Brazil
Authors: Knoeller Jessica , Tomás Acácio Ribeiro Gomes , Vaske Junior Teodoro
Published: June 2022

Surf zones are associated with a shelter area, nursery and feeding for several species of fish. In this study, the dietary habits of three species of fish with demersal habits (Gulf kingcroaker Menticirrhu gracilis, Whitesea catfish Genidens barbus and Barbu Polydacytlus virginicus), were verified in the surf zone area of an active urban beach of Baixada Santista, concerning structure in size, day and night abundances and overlapping diets. A total of 617 fish were analyzed, of which 362 were 194 were G. barbus and 61 were P. virginicus. Stomach contents, represented in Relative Importance Index diagrams, showed that the bivalve Donax gemmula is the most important food item for M. gracilis, scales of Teleostei for G. barbus and Euphausiacea for P. virginicus. In order to evaluate the similarity of the diets, the Macarthur & Levins indices and a cluster analysis with the Bray-Curtis distance were applied revealing that the diet is 44% different between G. barbus and M. gracilis, 5% between G. barbus and P. virginicus and of 84% between M. gracilis and P. virginicus. Anthropogenic waste like plastic, nylon, metal pieces, were only occasionaly observed.
Can mulch be effective in controlling exotic grasses and promoting natural regeneration in ecological restoration?
Authors: Francisco Bruno Santos , Dutra Felipe Bueno , Viveiros Emerson , Almeida Lausanne  Soraya de , Souza Matheus Fontes , Souza Filho Paulo Cesar , Silva José Mauro Santana da , Piña-Rodrigues Fatima Conceição Márquez
Published: June 2022

Mulching use in agriculture has been known since 1802 as the practice of spreading dry leaves and straw on the soil to prevent erosion and water loss. Our study evaluated the mulch effectiveness in the establishment of regenerating seedlings and its contribution to the control of exotic grasses. The studies were carried out in an ecological restoration area in the municipality of Itapira-SP. The treatment with mulching consisted in chemical desiccation with glyphosate herbicide application, keeping the dry grass on the ground. In the control treatment, after chemical weeding, the grass was removed with manual mowing, exposing the soil. Eight months after implantation, we sampled all regenerating seedlings in 100 plots of 50 x 50 cm in each treatment. We considered as seedlings all individuals of tree species less than 100 cm tall. We calculated richness, abundance, similarity, and the relationship of the frequency of seedlings to the height of the mulch. We sampled eight species with 42 seedlings, with only one not identified. The highest abundance and species richness were found in the treatment with mulch (n = 34 individuals; eight species), the most abundant being Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (14 individuals) followed by Solanum mauritianum Scop. (11 individuals), and Platypodium elegans Vog. (three individuals). The presence of exotic grasses was lower in the plots of the mulching (13%) compared to the control treatment (67%). The highest frequency of seedlings was obtained with mulch height from 21 to 37 cm. We suggest that adaptive management practices, such as the use of the mulching technique, can be implemented in ecological restoration areas, because they favor the natural regeneration of native seedlings and can contribute to the control of exotic grasses, but the height of the layer must be controlled.
In vitro and in vivo study of the antiparasitic effect of thymol on poultry drinking water
Authors: Sennouni Chaimae Imane , Oukouia Mounia , Jabeur Imane , Hamdani Houda , Chami Fouzia , Remmal Adnane
Published: June 2022

The current study evaluates the antiparasitic effect of thymol on reducing parasite burden, especially Cryptosporidium load, in poultry drinking water and in improving zootechnical performances of chicks. The first experiment assessed in vitro the anti-cryptosporidium activity of NP (thymol-based product) on drinking water samples using microscopic counting. Samples were treated by increasing concentrations of thymol (1, 2 and 4 g L-1 of NP). In vivo, chicken were randomly assigned to three groups (control and chicks consuming treated water with two concentration of thymol (1 and 2 g L-1 of NP). Water treatment efficiency was evaluated on the intestinal parasitic load and zootechnical performances of animals (Body weight, body weight gain, food intake and the consumption index). In vitro the anti-cryptosporidium effect was dose dependent (p <0.05; p <0.01; p <0.001). The in vivo test showed that the intestinal parasitic load was significantly lower (p <0.05; p <0.01; p <0.001) in the group treated with 2 g L-1 of NP. Additionally, results showed a significant increase (p <0.05; p <0.1; p <0.001) in the body weight and the body weight gain of treated groups during the whole rearing period compared to the control. Furthermore, treated groups represent a lower consumption index compared to the control.
Electric Propulsion System Sizing Algorithm and Structural Design for Delivery Drone
Authors: Diep Khuong Giang Thuy , Vu Ngoc Anh
Published: June 2022

Currently, the difficulty of delivering packages, goods in transportation is a very concerning issue in both urban and suburban areas when traffic congestion is increasing significantly. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to design an unmanned aerial vehicle using quadrotor to transport goods such as food, home appliances or drugs, and blood to customers. This paper presents the sizing algorithm applying blade element momentum theory to determine necessary specifications for the electric propulsion system of multicopters. These results are then used to design the appropriate configuration that can handle the mission profile. Finally, analyzing and evaluating structural strength and failure of the designed delivery drone by applying the Tsai-Wu criterion.
Effect of the Welded Zone Property on Behavior of a Dissimilar Superalloys Friction Joint under Creep Loading at Elevated Temperature - A Simulation Approach
Authors: Tra Tran Hung
Published: June 2022

The forged superalloy Inconel 718 and cast superalloy Mar-M247 were joined via friction welding. The welded zone was recrystallized and formed a thin representative layer on the forged superalloy side adjacent to the interface. The effect of the creep property of the welded layer on the behavior of the joint under creep loading was investigated via numerical simulations. Despite the welded layer being relatively narrow (approximately 200 mm), it significantly effects the stress state and the creep damage parameters in and around the welded zone. When the creep rate of the welded layer is lower than that of the base alloy, the stress concentration is dramatically increases adjacent to the interface. However, the creep rate of the welded layer creep rate is higher than that of the base alloy, the interface stress concentration is reduced. The creep strain and stress exhibited an out-phase relation.
Theoretical Prediction of Quadruple-Pass Solar Air Heater with Longitudinal Fins by a One-Dimensional Approach
Authors: Thao Pham Ba , Truyen Duong Cong , Phu Nguyen Minh
Published: June 2022

Multi-pass solar air heater is attributed to the increase in efficiency due to reduce top heat loss. In this paper, a quadruple-pass solar air heater equipped with longitudinal fins on both sides of an absorber plate was investigated for efficiencies and axial temperature distribution. A mathematical model is formulated in form of ordinary differential equation (ODE) from eight heat transfer equations to solve for four local temperatures of airflow and four local temperatures of surfaces (two glass covers and two absorber plates). ODEs are solved by numerical integration and validated by the comparison with the published data. The current approach is conducted since an analytical model and parametric study on quadruple-pass solar air heater has not been found in the open literature. Among the fin parameters including thickness, quantity, and height, the fin height has a great influence on thermal efficiency. Thermal efficiency can reach 65.7% at maximum fin height. Reynolds number of 5500 achieves maximum effective efficiency of 63.5%. When the Reynolds number is large, heat transfer in the fourth pass is poor due to the sharp drop in surface temperature at high airflow rate.
Heroin Dependence in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka: A retrospective Audit
Authors: Ellepola Anuradha
Published: June 2022

Treatment of Opioid dependence varies from one country to the other, with different national policies. Methadone tablets and syrup were available in Sri Lanka in the past. However, its’ use had been discontinued, and currently there’s only symptomatic management available for patients suffering from Opioid Dependence. Symptomatic treatment is sometimes failed due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

This audit done over 03 months showed treatment dropout of 38 out of 58 patients (65%). Most of the drop out patients had severe withdrawal symptoms on presentation, and had low educational attainment. Sixteen patients (27% of the sample) remained abstinent over 3 months. Rest of the 04 patients used Tramadol 50 mg, Apple (Tramadol 225 mg), Pregabaline and Heroin in lower doses to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Majority of the patients, 56 of 58 (96%), had co morbid substance use (Nicotine, Cannabis, Alcohol). Patients spent a significant proportion of their income for substances. All the patients received pharmacological treatment for withdrawal symptoms. The most distressing withdrawal symptoms were insomnia and body aches. None of the patients had the interest for psychotherapy.

The study emphasises that Heroin dependence is a very significant issue in Anuradhapura district, especially among unskilled and semiskilled workers. Availability of Methodone, Buprenorphine or Buprenorphine/ Naloxone combined pills could have a beneficial role in treating Opioid dependence in Sri Lanka. Proper management of substance related conditions and appropriate national policies and laws on drugs will have a major contribution to country’s development.
RXRα Regulates the Development of Resident Tissue Macrophages
Authors: Philpott Jordan , Kazimierczyk Simon , Korgaonkar Parimal , Bordt Evan , Zois Jaclyn , Vasudevan Chithirachelvi , Meng Di , Bhatia Ishan , Lu Naifang , Jimena Brittany , Porter Caryn , Cherayil Bobby J , Jain Nitya
Published: June 2022

Resident tissue macrophages (RTMs) develop from distinct waves of embryonic progenitor cells that seed tissues before birth. Tissue-specific signals drive a differentiation program that leads to the functional specialization of RTM subsets. Genetic programs that regulate the development of RTMs are incompletely understood, as are the mechanisms that enable their maintenance in adulthood. In this study, we show that the ligand-activated nuclear hormone receptor, retinoid X receptor (RXR)α, is a key regulator of murine RTM development. Deletion of RXRα in hematopoietic precursors severely curtailed RTM populations in adult tissues, including the spleen, peritoneal cavity, lung, and liver. The deficiency could be traced to the embryonic period, and mice lacking RXRα in hematopoietic lineages had greatly reduced numbers of yolk sac and fetal liver macrophages, a paucity that persisted into the immediate postnatal period.
Equivariant cobordisms between freely periodic knots
Authors: Boyle Keegan , Musyt Jeffrey
Published: June 2022

We consider free symmetries on cobordisms between knots, which is equivalent to cobordisms between knots in lens spaces. We classify which freely periodic knots bound equivariant surfaces in the 4-ball in terms of corresponding homology classes in lens spaces. We give a numerical condition determining the free periods for which torus knots bound equivariant surfaces in the 4-ball.
In Silico Identification of Protein Targets for Drug-like Compounds from Epicarp Extract of Cola rostrata K. Shum
Authors: Ajayi B. E. , Oboh B. , Minari J. B. , Fatokun A. A.
Published: June 2022

Fruit epicarp has been found to contain several bioactive compounds which are useful for herbal treatment of several ailments and diseases. The phytochemicals present in C. rostrata epicarp as well as their potential to bind to human proteins and modify their function have not been investigated. This study, therefore, identified the top protein targets of drug-like components of C. rostrata epicarp extract in humans as well as the disease conditions associated with the targets. The identities of constituents of methanol and n-hexane fractions of absolute ethanol extract of C. rostrata epicarp were determined via GCMS analysis. Druglikeness (adherence to Lipinski, Ghose, Veber, Egan, and Muegge filters) and the protein targets of drug-like constituents were determined using SwissADME and SwissTargetPrediction web tools. GCMS analyses revealed the presence of 49 compounds in the n-hexane and methanol fractions. Corynan-16-carboxylic acid, 16,17-didehydro-9,17-dimethoxy-, methyl ester, (16E)-, a yohimbine derivative, was abundant (13.33%) in the methanol fraction. The n-hexane fraction was rich in odd-chain fatty acids and phytosterols. Four drug-like compounds were identified in the fractions: (1) Azelaic acid, monoethyl ester; (2) 3-(2-Methoxymethoxyethylidene)-2,2 dimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane; (3) Cyclododecanol, 1-aminomethyl-, and (4) Corynan-16-carboxylic acid, 16,17-didehydro-9,17-dimethoxy-, methyl ester, (16E)-. The predicted top protein targets of the drug-like compounds include carbonic anhydrase II, protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B, sphingosine kinase 1, maltase-glucoamylase, adenosine A2b receptor, P2X purinoceptor 7, MAP kinase p38 alpha, δ-opioid receptor, and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. Findings show that C. rostrata epicarp contains drug-like phytochemicals with potential against cancer, diabetes, pain and inflammatory diseases, and the extract could have aphrodisiac potential.
Assessment of Physico-mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber and Modified Natural Rubber Vulcanizates with Watermelon Rind as Fillers
Authors: Falope F. Y. , Akinlabi A. K. , Idowu M. A.
Published: June 2022

Natural Rubber (NR) has a relatively low tensile modulus and strength, hence the need for reinforcing fillers to increase its tensile strength, hardness and abrasion resistance. In this study, NR was deproteinized, epoxidized and depolymerized. The functional groups of the NR and the modified NR were determined using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Watermelon Rind (WR) was used as fillers to replace Carbon Black (CB) in the compounding process. The shells were collected, dried, milled and sieved to 75 µm mesh size. Powdered WR was carbonized at 250oC for 1.5 hrs to obtain Carbonized Watermelon Rind (CWR). The Uncarbonized Watermelon Rind (UWR) and CWR powder were characterized based on particle size, loss on ignition, volatile matter, moisture and ash content. The UWR and CWR were used to replace CB at 0, 50 and 100% for the NR and modified NR compounding. The physico-mechanical properties of the different vulcanizates were determined for the effect of modification on the NR. The FT-IR result of the NR samples showed the presence of O-H, C-H, C=C stretching with C=H wagging bands used as the fingerprint region of NR. The results of the physico-mechanical properties revealed that an increase in shell content in the NR decreased its tensile strength and elongation but improved the physico-mechanical properties of the modified NR. This study showed that watermelon rind can be a viable alternative source of carbon filler for improved physico-mechanical properties of modified natural rubber.
Effects of Using Instructional Materials on the Academic Performance of Secondary School Students’ in Economics in Jos-North Local Government Area of Plateau State
Authors: Azi A.S. , Dajan H.J.
Published: June 2022

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of using instructional materials on the academic performance of senior secondary school students’ in economics in Jos-North Local Government Area of Plateau State. Two research questions were used for the study. The design of the study was experimental: the area of the study was two secondary schools (one public and one private secondary school) out of 22 public schools and 97 private schools in Jos-North Local government area of Plateau state. The sample of the study was 87, comprising of 44 and 43 SS 2 Economics students respectively. The research questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and standard error mean. The instrument used in the study was the Economics Students’ Achievement Test (ESAT). The instrument was a 20-item multiple choice test covering the following topics: the theory of demand and supply and population, which were covered during instruction. The instrument was trial tested on 20 students selected from a different school outside the study area using the Kuder-Richardson formula and the reliability of 0.84 was obtained. Hence, the reliability co-efficient was found to be reliable. The students were grouped into experimental and control groups by way of randomization. The findings showed that the experimental group scored higher than the control group which indicates that the use of instructional materials was more effective in teaching economics in secondary schools. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that teachers should be trained and re-trained through workshops, seminars and conferences in order to acquire necessary skills for the improvisation and utilization of instructional materials for teaching economics.
Stakeholders’ Perception on Influence of Covid-19 Pandemic On Activities of Private Senior Secondary Schools in Ilorin Metropolis
Authors: Olaifa A. Sunday , Ismail A. Ramoni , Atanda O. Olaide
Published: June 2022

The study investigated the stakeholders’ perception on influence of Covid-19 Pandemic on activities of private senior secondary schools in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State. Descriptive survey design was adopted using questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. The population of the study was the stakeholders of the private schools at senior secondary level of education in Ilorin Metropolis. The study made use of 30 School Administrators, 120 Teachers and 150 Students of 30 selected private senior secondary schools in all three local government areas that constitute Ilorin Metropolis. The researcher’s self-designed questionnaire was used to obtain information from the 300 respondents. Questionnaire titled: “Covid-19 Pandemic and School Activities Questionnaire (CPSAQ) was used to elicit information. The reliability of the instrument was carried out using test re-test method with reliability index of 0. 849 while the research hypotheses formulated for the study were tested using t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the analysis revealed that there are no significant differences in the perceptions of teachers and students on the influence of Covid-19 on school activities of private senior secondary schools in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State. Although School administrators viewed the influence of Covid-19 on school activities of private senior secondary schools differently. The study recommends that teachers need to prepared themselves to explore the full range of opportunities that remote learning offers through online platforms, social media, Television, radio etc. to ensure continuity of learning during an unforeseen situation that may affect traditional classroom activities. Also school authority should diversify alternative methods through which co- curricular and extracurricular activities of the school can be taken care of in case of an emergency outbreak like Covid-19.
Effect of 7E Learning Cycle on Cell Concept Performance Among Senior Secondary School Slow Learners in Katsina Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed , Lakpini M.A. , Abdulkarim B. , Falalu M.K.
Published: June 2022

The study investigated effect of 7E Learning Cycle on Cell Concept Performance among Senior Secondary School Slow Learners in Katsina Metropolis, Nigeria. Solomon four group design was used. One of the experimental and control groups were pre-tested and post-tested while the second groups were post-tested only. Four schools were selected using simple random technique and assigned to experimental and control groups. The total population was 5,459 SSII Biology students in Katsina Metropolis, out of which 352 students were purposively sampled using Student Intelligence Quotient Ability Test (SIQAT) and retrospective performance. Cell Performance Test (CPT) was used for data collection. The data was analysed using mean, standard deviation, and independent t-test, the post test result revealed significant difference between slow learners exposed to 7E learning cycle in the experimental group and those exposed to conventional method, 7E group performed significantly better than those in the control group. It was concluded that 7E learning cycle enhance better understanding of cell concepts. Some of the recommendations include; teaching of biology should be conducted using the 7E learning cycle as it makes students learn meaningfully and enhances better performance.
Coping Strategies of Educating Students with Special Needs in Gombe State
Authors: Umar M. Fatima
Published: June 2022

Students with special needs are facing a number of problems which they are finding difficult to cope with. In the light of this, this study examined the coping strategies of students with special needs in Gombe State. The demographic variables of gender and type of disability were tested on the respondents’ view. The research design adopted for this study was a descriptive survey. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 257 participants in the study. However, 216 questionnaire forms were valid for data analysis. The instrument used was entitled “Coping Strategies of Students with Special Needs Questionnaire (CSSSNQ)”. Test re-test method was used to establish the reliability of the instrument as co-efficient of 0.73 was obtained. Mean and rank order was used to answer the research questions raised, while t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were employed to test the hypotheses formulated at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that some of the coping strategies employed by these students are working hard to solve their own problems individually, accepting special needs condition as God wishes and avoiding thinking about special needs situation. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that parents of children with special needs should provide for their personal and educational needs so that they can be able to benefit from teaching/learning process; the society should give strong financial, emotional and medical supports to students with special needs to enable them to adjust effectively to school environment; the school counsellors should, on regular basis, help students with special needs with emotional support and anxiety alleviation techniques so that they can become less apprehensive about their future and be able to achieve success in their educational endeavors.