bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Factors for Failure of Limb Salvage in Blunt Leg Trauma Associated with Vascular Injuries
Authors: Al-Zoubi Nabil A. , Shatnawi Nawaf J. , Khader Yousef , Heis Mowafeq , Aleshawi Abdelwahab J.
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

Blunt leg trauma is common; however, it is rarely associated with significant vascular injury. This study was undertaken to determine the risk factors attributed to failure of limb salvage in acute postoperative period in blunt leg trauma with vascular injuries after revascularization.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients with blunt leg trauma involving bone and soft tissue associated with vascular injuries. They were studied in terms of demographic data, associated comorbidities, mechanism of trauma, associated extra leg injuries, type and nature of bone fractures, soft-tissue injuries, nerve injuries, time of ischemia, Injury Severity Score (ISS), Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS), injured vascular segments, modality of vascular repair, modality of bone fixation, thrombosis at the site of vascular repair, complications, limb salvage failure, and mortality.

Results:

Vascular injuries were identified in 45 arterial segments and 9 popliteal veins among 31 patients. The patients were 93% male, with a mean age of 31 years. The MESS ranged from 6 to 11, and the ISS ranged from 9 to 41. The main pathology of the injured vessels was contusion/thrombosis in 28 legs, which were repaired by interposition-reversed long saphenous vein graft. Seven patients developed postoperative thrombosis and underwent thrombectomy/embolectomy. Failure of limb salvage occurred in seven limbs with no mortality.

Conclusions:

Severe multi-segmental bone fractures, prolong ischemic time of >10 h, and MESS of ≥9 are significant predictors of limb loss in patients with blunt leg trauma in association with vascular injuries.
Perioral pigmentation
Authors: Bhatt Siddharth , Neema Shekhar , Vasudevan Biju
Published: November 2022

Perioral pigmentation is a commonly encountered condition in the skin Out Patient Department (OPD), occurring due to a variety of primary as well as secondary causes. The affection of the perioral skin being readily visible negatively impacts the patient’s quality of life. As the etiology of perioral pigmentation is multifactorial, treatment modalities vary according to the cause. The perioral skin, because of its location close to the mouth, is exposed to various allergens associated with food, saliva, toothpaste, cosmetics, etc., which can all lead to allergic manifestations resolving with pigmentation. Certain other dermatoses like melasma can first present with pigmentation over the perioral region. Infections like chikungunya and dengue and infestation with Demodex mite can also lead to pigmentation at this site. Perioral pigmentation can also be a marker of underlying systemic disease. Localized lentigines-like pigmentation can be associated with various cancer predisposition syndromes like Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Diffuse pigmentation can occur due to Addison disease, vitamin deficiencies, or can be drug-induced. All these causes of pigmentation are seen more commonly in type IV and V skin. Currently, very little literature is available elucidating the cause of perioral pigmentation and the diagnostic approach. This article reviews the causes of perioral pigmentation and highlights their important features.
Knowledge and use of sunscreens among traders at an urban market in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Otrofanowei Erere , Anaba Ehiaghe Lonia , Akinkugbe Ayesha Omolara , Adeife-Cole Olufolakemi , Ayanlowo Olusola , Ikebudu Viola , Sarkar Rashmi
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

Public health awareness on sun-protection practices especially sunscreen use is established in developed countries compared with some other tropical African countries. Open-market traders in Nigeria, who typically have black skin, spend up to 8 hours in daylight with unprotected sun exposure.

Aim:

To determine prevalence of the knowledge of sunscreen use and to discover if adequate and appropriate sunscreen use is practiced by market traders.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study on 307 consenting traders at Sandgrouse Market in Lagos, Nigeria. Demographic data and responses to questions on sun exposure and its effects, knowledge and use of sunscreen, source of knowledge, and frequency of application were documented with a predesigned study questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS 22.

Results:

More females (207; 67.4%) were observed and the mean age was 42.7 ± 12.8 years, though most were within the 35- to 39-year age range. One-third (102; 33.2%) were unaware that sun exposure could damage the skin and only 30 (9.8%) were aware of or knew what sunscreen meant. Commercials or advertisements were the most common source of knowledge and females were significantly more aware of sunscreens (P = 0.018).

Conclusion:

There is poor knowledge and awareness of the use of sunscreen among urban market traders in Nigeria who have prolonged unprotected exposure during their daily activities. Females were significantly more aware of sunscreens than males but there was no significant difference in the use pattern.
Frictional melanosis and macular amyloidosis – exploring the link
Authors: Kombettu Ashwini Padubidri , Gurumurthy Chethana , Rangappa Vinutha , Shastry Veeranna
Published: November 2022

Frictional melanosis is a condition that is often encountered in dermatology practice. The acquired pigmentary disorder has clinical similarity to the condition termed macular amyloidosis. These two entities have etiological-epidemiological and clinical overlap. Dermoscopy and histopathology can demonstrate subtle differences. The review is an attempt to understand the different etiological aspects proposed for these conditions. We discuss the clinical features of the two conditions, dermoscopic features and histopathological changes. It is imperative for dermatologists to be aware of the similarities and the differences between the two entities for their better management.
Pityriasis alba
Authors: Ramteke Komal A. , Kar Sumit , Patrick Safa , Sawant Ajinkya , Ambhore Vivek
Published: November 2022

Background:

Pityriasis alba (PA) is a common, benign skin disorder occurring predominantly in children and adolescents. It is characterized by the presence of multiple, ill-defined, hypopigmented patches with fine scaling particularly over the face.

Aims and objectives:

To study the clinical characteristics and epidemiologic parameters in the context of current scenario in a rural tertiary care hospital in central India.

Materials and methods:

We conducted a descriptive observational study over a period of 1 year. We studied 100 clinically diagnosed patients with PA of the age group 2 to 15 years during this study.

Results:

Most common age group of patients observed was 6 to 10 years. About 87% patients had Fitzpatrick skin type IV followed by type III (7%) and type V (6%). Male to female ratio was 1.17:1. Maximum patients belonged to class III (50%) followed by class IV (37%) and class V (10%) according to the modified Kuppuswamy socioeconomic status scale (2018). Maximum patients had age of onset ranging from 6 to 10 years. Clinical characteristics revealed that maximum patients had 0 to 5 patches, with a duration of 1 to 2 months most commonly over cheeks. Associated features such as itching, scaling, and erythema were present in 18%, 98%, and 1% of the patients, respectively. Pallor was observed in 28% patients. However, significant history of atopy was elucidated in only 21% of patients. Around 6% patients showed positive family history of having PA and 14% having a positive history of atopy in first-degree family members.

Conclusion:

Due to the easily visible hypopigmented patches most commonly over face, PA is a common cause of concern in pediatric age group. In recent times, possibility of multiple factors other than atopy should be kept in mind while thinking of the associating or implicating factors which will lead to proper management of this pigmentary disorder.
Validation of the health-related quality of life questionnaire for adult strabismus AS-20 in the Arabic language
Authors: Alamri Reem Saleh , Alyousef Mayar Abdulkarim , Bamardouf Noha Omar , Alharbi Badr Ali , Raffa Lina H.
Published: November 2022

Background:

The impact of strabismus to the quality of life (QoL) in adult patients has not been assessed and explored in Arab countries.

Aims:

This study aims to assess the validity and reliability of the Arabic-translated adult strabismus-20 (AS-20) questionnaire in determining the impact of strabismus on health-related QoL (HRQoL) of patients.

Settings and Design:

A cross-sectional study on the psychosocial and functional scores collected from 161 adult patients with strabismus, diagnosed from 2011 to 2021 in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah City. Population with no strabismus manifestation was used as the control group.

Subjects and Methods:

One hundred and sixty-one adult patients, with a minimum age of 18 years with manifest strabismus, were contacted via phone calls to answer the QoL questionnaire list using Arabic-translated AS-20 questionnaire.

Statistical Analysis Used:

A model of Alpha (Cronbach) was used to determine the reliability test of the Arabic-translated AS-20 questionnaire. A comparison of two mean scores was performed using an independent t-test or Welsch's t-test, which was only significant at < 0.05 level.

Results:

The overall AS-20 mean scores for male and female adults were 66.79 ± 28.2, with a total psychosocial and functional mean score of 65.70 ± 30.9 and 67.88 ± 30.8, respectively. In general, female patients have a higher mean score than male patients for all the subscale items, except item 6. The case group, involving strabismic patients, showed significantly lower AS-20 scale mean scores as compared to control (48.53 ± 25.8 vs. 83.48 ± 18.1), with mean scores of 43.85 ± 25.9 and 53.87 ± 24.8 for males and females, respectively. Moreover, excellent overall score was obtained in internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.918).

Conclusions:

With its excellent test-retest reliability results, the Arabic version of the AS-20 questionnaire was an applicable tool for assessing strabismus among Arabic-speaking patients. Prominent impact of strabismus on patient's HRQoL was determined by the significantly lower AS-20 scores of the patients than those of the control.
Assessment of awareness, experience, and attitude of Saudi women about oral health changes during the menstruation
Authors: Almutairi Abdullah Saleh
Published: November 2022

Background:

One of the systemic conditions that lead to several changes in the oral cavity is hormonal changes which occur during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, so the awareness of women about these oral changes during the menstruation is important to motivate them toward maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent or reduce oral health changes during menstruation and to seek treatment if needed and not ignore them.

Aims:

This study aims to assess awareness, experience, and attitude of Saudi healthy menstruating women about oral health changes during menstruation.

Setting and Design:

This study was performed by distributing a questionnaire in the Arabic language to 401 healthy menstruating females between 18 and 45 years of age among the general population of Saudi Arabia.

Methodology:

A self-administered closed-end questionnaire was designed comprising 21 questions to assess the awareness, experience, and attitude of females about oral health changes during menstruation.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The frequency analysis and percentages for all answers were calculated. In addition, pairs of Chi-square analyses were conducted between the dependent and independent variables.

Results:

This study's results showed that halitosis was the oral change that the participants experienced most during their menstruation followed by a mouth burning sensation (36.4%), gingival bleeding (33.9%), alteration in taste sensation (31.2%), gingival swelling (30.2%), formation of oral ulcers (23.25), and increased tooth mobility (18.7%). 53.11% of the participants in this study were aware of the relationship between menstruation and oral health changes and 48.87% of them agreed that maintaining good oral hygiene can reduce these oral changes during menstruation.

Conclusion:

More than half of the participants in this study were aware of the relationship between menstruation and oral health changes and approximately half of them agreed that maintaining good oral hygiene can reduce these oral changes during menstruation.
Hormonal, metabolic, and Vitamin D status variabilities among Saudi women with polycystic ovarian syndrome versus nonpolycystic ovarian syndrome controls
Authors: Sindi Ramya Ahmad
Published: November 2022

Background:

Vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabia is alarmingly high and can affect all human ages. However, the characteristic hormonal and metabolic features, and the systemic Vitamin D levels, among Saudi women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) remain largely unknown.

Aims:

This retrospective study aimed to identify the hormonal, metabolic, and Vitamin D status variabilities among infertile Saudi women with PCOS versus those of non-PCOS fertile women as controls.

Materials and Methods:

The medical records of a total of 99 women (49 PCOS and 50 controls), with matched age and body mass index, were analyzed in this study. For each woman who met the study inclusion criteria, the analyzed parameters included the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), androgen, total testosterone (TT), estradiol, progesterone, thyroid hormones, the fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and lipid profile concentrations.

Results:

Compared to the controls, women with PCOS had significantly lower levels of 25(OH) D, SHBG, FSH, and estradiol, but they had significantly higher levels of LH, androgen, TT, FPG, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. There were no differences between the two groups regarding the other parameters.

Conclusions:

The present findings highlight the prevalence of sex hormones, metabolic, and Vitamin D status disturbances among Saudi women with PCOS. Large-scale retrospective and prospective studies are therefore essential to realize these findings.
Antibody Responses and Reactogenicity of a Heterologous, Full-Dose Messenger RNA-1273 Booster in Heavily SARS-CoV-2–Exposed CoronaVac-Vaccinated Health-Care Workers in Indonesia: A Real-World Observational Study
Authors: Sinto Robert , Utomo Dwi , Suwarti  , Nelwan Erni J. , Surendra Henry , Natasha Cindy , Fransiska  , Theresia Deborah , Ranitria Adella Faiqa , Subekti Decy , Nuraeni Nunung , Handayani Winahyu , Rahardjani Mutia , Baird J. Kevin , Dunachie Susanna , Shankar Anuraj H. , Hamers Raph L.
Published: November 2022

Real-world data on heterologous boosting with messenger RNA (mRNA)-1273 (Moderna) after inactivated COVID-19 vaccination are limited. We report mRNA-1273 boosting in heavily SARS-CoV-2–exposed Indonesian health-care workers who received a two-dose CoronaVac 6 months prior. Between August and November 2021, we measured SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific IgG binding antibody (Bab) titers in all 304 participants, and neutralizing antibody titers in a random subset of 71 participants, on stored paired serum samples taken before and 28 days after a full-dose (100-μg) mRNA-1273 booster. At the time of the mRNA-1273 boost, 107 participants (35.2%) were not previously infected (naive vaccinated), 42 (13.8%) were infected before CoronaVac (infected vaccinated), and 155 (51.0%) were infected after CoronaVac (mostly during the Delta wave; vaccinated infected). At time of the mRNA-1273 boost, neutralizing antibodies could still be detected in 83% of participants (59 of 71) overall, 60% of naive-vaccinated participants (15 of 25), 95.7% of vaccinated-infected participants (22 of 23), and 95.7% of infected vaccinated participants (22 of 23). After the mRNA-1273 boost, 100% of participants (71 of 71) had neutralizing antibody activity, with increases in median Bab and neutralizing antibody serum titers of 9.3- and 27.0-fold overall, 89.1- and 2,803.4-fold in naive-vaccinated participants, 15.9- and 19.9-fold in infected-vaccinated participants, and 2.2- and 18.4-fold in vaccinated-infected participants. In the multivariable analysis, Bab titers after the mRNA-1273 boost were greatest in individuals who had a previous virus breakthrough post-CoronaVac, and when a longer time period (> 4 months) had elapsed since the most recent prior “spike antigen exposure” (either second CoronaVac or virus breakthrough). Overall, adverse reactions were mild and short-lived. In conclusion, a full-dose mRNA-1273 booster after CoronaVac was well tolerated and immunogenic after 28 days, including in those with very low antibody levels.
Sensitivity of Antigen, Serology, and Microbiology Assays for Diagnosis of the Subtypes of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis at a Teaching Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Vítor Falcão , Viana Joshua Araújo , Sawamura Marcio Valente Yamada , Magri Adriana Satie Gonçalves Kono , Nathan Costa Andre , Abdala Edson , Mariani Alessandro Wasum , Benard Gil , Chaves Magri Marcello Mihailenko
Published: November 2022

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is divided into five subtypes. The diagnosis of CPA is complicated due to poor sensitivity of the laboratory tests. Diagnostic performance of different antigen, serological, and microbiological methods in subtypes of CPA is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance in different subtypes of CPA. A total of 91 participants with CPA were included, and the study was performed at Hospital das Clínicas of University of São Paulo. Bronchoalveolar lavage galactomannan (73%, 11/15), serology by immunodiffusion test (81%, 61/75), and histology (78%, 39/50) had the best sensitivity. The counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) titers had a significant statistical difference between the CPA subtypes (P < 0.001), in which the forms chronic fibrosing pulmonary aspergillosis (CFPA) and subacute invasive aspergillosis (SAIA) had higher titers: 1/64 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1/32–1/256) and 1/64 (1/32–1/128). C-reactive protein generally presented lower values (median 15 mg/L, IQR: 6–33), with higher values in SAIA and lower values for Aspergillus nodule. Overall, we found a low diagnostic sensitivity of current tests. Regarding the CPA subtypes, we did not find great differences in the performance of the tests, but it is observed that the inflammatory markers and CIE titers tend to be higher in forms of the more extensive lung parenchyma involvement, such as SAIA and CFPA.
Kinetics of Neutralizing Antibodies against Omicron Variant in Vietnamese Healthcare Workers after Primary Immunization with ChAdOx1-S and Booster Immunization with BNT162b2
Authors: Chau Nguyen Van Vinh , Nguyet Lam Anh , Dung Nguyen Thanh , Quang Vo Minh , Truong Nguyen Thanh , Toan Le Mau , Hung Le Manh , Man Dinh Nguyen Huy , Khoa Dao Bach , Phong Nguyen Thanh , Ngoc Nghiem My , Thao Huynh Phuong , Ty Dinh Thi Bich , Thanh Pham Ba , Ny Nguyen Thi Han , Thanh Le Kim , Thuy Cao Thu , Anh Nguyen To , Hong Nguyen Thi Thu , Nhu Le Nguyen Truc , Yen Lam Minh , Thwaites Guy , Thanh Tran Tan , Tan Le Van , _ _
Published: November 2022

We studied the development and persistence of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain, and Delta and Omicron (BA.1 and BA.2) variants in Vietnamese healthcare workers (HCWs) up to 15 weeks after booster vaccination. We included 47 HCWs, including group 1 (G1, N = 21) and group 2 (G2; N = 26) without and with breakthrough Delta variant infection before booster immunization, respectively). The study participants had completed primary immunization with ChAdOx1-S and booster vaccination with BNT162b2. Neutralizing antibodies were measured using a surrogate virus neutralization assay. Of the 21 study participants in G1, neutralizing antibodies against ancestral strain, Delta variant, BA.1, and BA.2 were (almost) abolished at month 8 after the second dose, but all had detectable neutralizing antibodies to the study viruses at week 2 post booster dose. Of the 26 study participants in G2, neutralizing antibody levels to BA.1 and BA.2 were significantly higher than those to the corresponding viruses measured at week 2 post breakthrough infection and before the booster dose. At week 15 post booster vaccination, neutralizing antibodies to BA.1 and BA.2 dropped significantly, with more profound changes observed in those without breakthrough Delta variant infection. Booster vaccination enhanced neutralizing activities against ancestral strain and Delta variant compared with those induced by primary vaccination. These responses were maintained at high levels for at least 15 weeks. Our findings emphasize the importance of the first booster dose in producing cross-neutralizing antibodies against Omicron variant. A second booster to maintain long-term vaccine effectiveness against the currently circulating variants merits further research.
Two Nigerian States (Plateau and Nasarawa) Have Eliminated Transmission of Human Onchocerciasis—A Report of Post-Ivermectin Mass Drug Administration Surveillance
Authors: Miri Emmanuel S. , Eigege Abel , Kahansim Barminas , Nwodu Kenrick , Sambo Yohana , Mancha Bulus , Adelamo Solomon , Umaru John , Kadimbo Jonathan , Danboyi Jacob , Mafuyai Hayward , Makata Emeka , Akpan Nse , Akilah Joel , Igbe Michael , Coalson Jenna , Rakers Lindsay , Griswold Emily , Unnasch Thomas R. , Nwoke B. E. B. , Noland Gregory S. , Richards Frank O.
Published: November 2022

Transmission of Onchocerca volvulus (causing “river blindness”) was interrupted in two states of Nigeria (Plateau and Nasarawa) in 2017 in accordance with 2016 WHO guidelines. Ivermectin mass drug administration was halted in January 2018, and posttreatment surveillance activities were conducted over a 3-year period. Vector Simulium damnosum s.l. flies were collected during the 2019 (39 sites) and 2020 (42 sites) transmission seasons. Head pools were tested by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of third-stage O. volvulus larvae; 15,585 flies were all negative, demonstrating an infective rate of < 1/2,000 with 95% confidence. In 2021, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health declared the two-state area as having eliminated transmission. Plateau and Nasarawa states are the first of 30 endemic states in Nigeria to have met the WHO criteria for onchocerciasis elimination. Post-elimination surveillance will need to continue given the risk of reintroduction of transmission from neighboring states.
The (in)visibility of translation and translators in the Swedish publication of post-Soviet Russian literature
Authors: Podlevskikh Carlström Malin
Published: November 2022

In this article the (in)visibility of translation and translators in Sweden is studied, based on the analysis of a corpus of 82 post-Soviet Russian novels. The aim is to investigate how (if at all) the peritexts reveal the foreign nature of the text and the identity of the translator. The analysis shows that the translator is rather invisible in the external peritext, which is placed on the cover or dust jacket of the published translation, while the foreign (and consequently also the translated) nature of the novel is highlighted. The translator’s visibility inside Swedish translations of post-Soviet nov­els is usually signaled on the title page. Apart from this, the translator is invisible. A few translator’s comments and notes are included in the translation, but usually these are inconspicuous and not explicitly attributed to the translator. Moreover, they are written in an apologetic tone and do not seem to wish to disturb the reader.
Alluring translations after the Spanish-American War
Authors: Mellinger Christopher D.
Published: November 2022

This article presents a case study of a Spanish-language newspaper, The Puerto-Rico Eagle, published in Puerto Rico after the Spanish-American War in order to identify the various ways in which the practice of translation manifests and to what ends these translations are used. This inquiry seeks to reconcile two approaches to translation history – first, to understand the history of translation practices in this colonial context and, second, to recognise the role that translation played in this colonial time and space. Bringing together these two approaches to translation history, this article provides preliminary insights into the multi-faceted nature of translation in Hispanophone news­papers, be it an unmarked effort to influence and persuade readers, a means to establish authority and inspire confidence, or a sensational act worthy of news coverage unto itself. In doing so, the article points toward potential avenues for future inquiry into translation in the Spanish-speaking Caribbean with newspapers as a site of translation activity.
Facing two faces of malnutrition among schooling adolescents in North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Omotoso A.B.O , Adediran K.I , Abdulmalik J.O , Omigbodun O.O
Published: November 2022

Adolescence is a period of transition in which there are unique nutritional requirements. Our study determined the nutritional status of adolescents, schooling in north-central Nigeria.  A cross-sectional study was conducted among 512 in-school adolescents. The sociodemographic and anthropometric data were analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22 and the WHO Anthro software (Version 3.1.0) respectively. Chi square statistics tested the association between categorical variables at 5% level of statistical significance. Binary logistic regression analysis determined the predictors of anthropometric indicators. From eight public schools, 512 students were interviewed, 53.5% of which were girls. While 21% were underweight, 20% were overweight, 12.1% were stunted and 0.1% was obese. Being from a polygamous family was predictive of stunting. The dietary pattern was starchy and meat consumption was rare. Meal skipping and snacking were common.

The two faces of malnutrition were common among the adolescent students. There is a need for nutrition education and effective school mental health policies in Nigeria and across Africa. Good nutrition among adolescents has an impact on mental health and education – two promising pillars to support the demographic dividend of Africa’s youthful population.
Hazardous effects of plastic wastes on land biodiversity: A review
Authors: Anunobi T. J
Published: November 2022

Plastic pollution is ubiquitous throughout the world’s ecosystem. Increase in the world’s plastic production and use, inefficient recycling, indiscriminate disposal, synthetic nature and non-biodegradability of plastics have made it a considerable threat to biodiversity. The impact of plastic wastes on humans and the environment is becoming apparent. However, information on the impacts of plastic wastes on biodiversity is mostly directed towards marine environment with scarce information on land biodiversity although terrestrial environment is the major source of marine contamination. Terrestrial plastic waste contaminants are derived from long term used plastic containers and single-use plastic products, which are introduced by anthropological means, flood water, sewage and wind dispersal. Gradual breakdown of large plastic wastes give rise to microplastics, which increase its abundance in the environment. Plastics threaten wildlife in terms of entanglements, ingestion and chocking, which often results in loss of body parts or mortality. Plastics as vectors of invasive species in marine ecosystem have been widely established. Although not much is known on the importation of invasive species on terrestrial ecosystem by plastic wastes, there is possibility that plastic waste can be a potential vector of terrestrial alien species. Contamination of soil with microplastics alters soil habitats and disturbs the natural biophysical properties of the soil environment that leaves a negative impact on soil biota by reducing their activities and indirectly affecting food production. Accumulation of plastic wastes provides breeding ground for disease vectors, which has contributed to increased prevalence of emerging infectious diseases. This review examines the impact of plastic wastes on terrestrial biodiversity as it affects soil organisms, land animals and breeding of disease vectors.
Population dynamics of the mona monkey, Cercopithecus mona (Schreber, 1774) and anthropogenic threats in selected areas of Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Olaleru F. , Emmanuel M.M , Agbaosi J. S , Agidi H. C , Tijani O. F.
Published: November 2022

The mona monkey (Cercopithecus mona) is the major non-human primate adapted to swamp forests that characterizes Lagos State. It is useful in ecological services as seed disperser and reforestation. Efforts to legally conserve this species have been ineffective due to non-enforcement of conservation laws. This study determined the population estimate and threats to C. mona in order to provide useful information for its conservation in Lagos State. Using total head count and questionnaires, the occurrence, abundance, population composition, and the anthropogenic threats to the C. mona in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) viz: Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki and Kosofe were determined. Population surveys were conducted during the wet and dry seasons from September, 2021 to April, 2022. Data were collected through field surveys and administration of questionnaires. The data were analysed descriptively and inferentially. Significant differences were at p<0.05. Mona monkeys were sighted in all the three LGAs. The estimated population was 466 individuals. The highest wet and dry season’s population of 206 and 196, respectively were recorded in Ibeju-Lekki LGA. The juveniles (185) and adult females (104) were the most abundant in the three LGAs. There was a significant difference (Chi-square = 16.18, p< 0.05) in the population of infants in Ibeju-Lekki and Kosofe LGAs. A decline in C. mona population was indicated by 54.4% of the respondents, while 50.8% showed that high rate of urbanization was a major threat to the monkeys. Most respondents (74.7%) indicated that decline in forest cover over the years was affecting the monkeys’ population. The need for conservation of C. mona is critical in Lagos State. This could be achieved through the effective enforcement of existing conservation laws and promulgation of new efficient ones.
Impact of environmental degradation on biodiversity conservation in Nigeria
Authors: Mafiana C. F , Jayeola O. A , Iduseri E. O
Published: November 2022

Biodiversity is critical for sustainability but it is being increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities, such as  abitats’ degradation through deforestation, unsustainable shifting cultivation and draining of wetlands; as well as industrialisation and overexploitation of flora and fauna which includes unsustainable fishing, excessive consumption of fuel wood and overharvesting of medicinal plants. Human modification of the ecosystems does not only lead to biodiversity loss but can also cause a continuous shift in earth’s ecological equilibrium, resulting in degradation and environmental stress. Notably, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) is aimed at averting this impending crisis. This article examines the impact of environmental degradation and conservation on biodiversity in Nigeria and espouses suggestions towards the attainment of sustainable development goals.
The Analysis Effectiveness of Guided Inquiry Implementation to Improve Students’ Science Process Skills
Authors: Sulistyani Kartika , Indana Sifak , Sudibyo Elok
Published: November 2022

In improving science process skills, several learning approaches are carried out by teachers to achieve these objectives. One of the learning approaches used is the guided inquiry implementation. The objective of this research was to analyse effectiveness of the guided inquiry implementation to improve science process skills for elementary, junior high, and senior high school students. The research method used is study literature from various studies that have been published in journals, both nationally and internationally. Based on the analysis of 30 articles using the guided inquiry implementation, it is concluded that this learning approach is effective in improving science process skills, but teachers need to be aware for some strengths and weaknesses of this learning approach, so they need to be creative and innovative to develop the method used based on the characteristics of students in order to achieve the objective. Additionally, the use of the guided inquiry implementation can also improve long term memory, critical and creative thinking skills, motivation to learn science, and improve cognitive learning outcomes in science.
Development of Conflict Management Style Media Development Based on Android to Know the Style of Managing Conflict of High School Students
Authors: Budiarti Qorina Aris , Hariastuti Retno Tri , Sartinah Endang Pudjiastuti
Published: November 2022

This study aims to develop a set of android CMS (Conflict Management Style) to find out the style of managing conflict among high school students  as an important information to reduce conflict appropriately and responsibly that meets the assessment criteria of acceptability includes aspects of usability, feasibility, accuracy and propriety. This research uses the Borg & Gall development research method which includes: (1) preliminary studies; (2) planning; (3) initial product development; (4) testing expert validation; (5) product revision. After that, the data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. The material expert test assessment shows 92.19%, means that the contents of CMS (Conflict Management Style) android material is very good, no revision needed. Not only that, the Rating media expert test also shows a very good results, which is 100%, it means that this application design can be considered as a very good one. So concluded that the development of android-based conflict management style understanding media to determine students' conflict management styles had met the criteria for good acceptability in the design and content of the discussion, so that the Android CMS (Conflict Management Style) could be used as information to reduce and direct conflict.
Infodemi Di Tengah Pandemi Menurut Perspektif Immanuel Kant
Authors: Seran Juliati Elisabeth , Ludji Irene
Published: November 2022

Infodemik di tengah pandemi menjadi persoalan krusial karena isu tersebut telah menjadi fenomena yang secara moral dapat merugikan kualitas hidup manusia. Banyaknya informasi di media sosial terkait COVID-19 termasuk hoaks telah menggiring penggunanya pada cara berpikir dan bertindak yang salah. Di Indonesia, banyak kasus negatif yang terjadi akibat mengkonsumsi berbagai penipuan di media sosial. Melihat infodemik di tengah pandemi, penulis menggunakan teori etika Immanuel Kant untuk menganalisis fenomena tersebut. Teori etika Kant menekankan peran individu sebagai agen moral. Hasil dari analisis ini menunjukkan bahwa ketidakmampuan individu untuk berperan sebagai agen moral memungkinkan berkembangnya infodemik di tengah pandemi. Sikap apatis dalam menerima dan menyebarkan informasi kepada orang lain tanpa verifikasi adalah tindakan yang tidak etis dan pada akhirnya memengaruhi kualitas hidup masyarakat.
Menafsirkan Film Horor Supranatural dengan Wawasan Dunia Kristen
Authors: Winarjo Hendra
Published: November 2022

Artikel ini menawarkan kerangka teologis untuk menafsirkan film horor supernatural dengan pandangan dunia Kristen berdasarkan narasi penciptaan, kejatuhan, penebusan, dan pemuliaan. Dengan melakukan studi kepustakaan, artikel ini mendeskripsikan film horor supranatural. Ini menganalisis pandangan dunia Kristen tentang hubungan antara Tuhan, manusia, dan setan, serta film pocong melalui pandangan dunia tersebut. Dengan demikian, film horor supranatural dapat menampilkan nilai dan harapan yang mendukung narasi Kristiani. Di sisi lain, juga bisa menolak narasi Kristiani karena film horor supranatural sebagai produk religi dan budaya memiliki nilai dan gagasan yang tidak selalu sejalan dengan wahyu Tuhan, yang berakar dari wahyu Tuhan yang memandang setan dan sebagainya sebagai ciptaan yang terbatas. telah dikalahkan melalui karya Kristus, dan janji kekalahan terakhir iblis dan seterusnya di langit dan bumi yang baru. Pada akhirnya, artikel ini memaknai narasi film pocong sebagai studi kasus. Alhasil, film pocong memiliki ketidaksesuaian dengan narasi Kristiani, seperti orang mati bisa "hidup kembali". Namun, mereka juga memiliki kesamaan, seperti menekankan keberadaan makhluk gaib yang berperan antagonis.
Kontekstualisasi Pendidikan Agama Kristen Bagi Remaja
Authors: Tanama Yulia Jayanti , Pakpahan Duma Fitri , Purnama Wahyu Sapta
Published: November 2022

Usia remaja cenderung kritis tentang segala sesuatu dalam kehidupannya termasuk tentang agama dan iman yang dianutnya maka diperlukan strategi yang tepat untuk menyampaikan kebenaran Alkitab yang dapat diterima secara akal dan dialami dalam kehidupan nyata. Oleh sebab itu, tujuan penelitian untuk mengimplemtentasikan strategi pembelajaran konstekstual dalam pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Kristen serta kontektualitasnya untuk usia remaja. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskritif kualitatif melalui wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi.  Hasil penelitian yaitu strategi pembelajaran konstektual merupakan strategi yang sesuai dengan usia remaja karena menarik, menambah pengetahuan, melatih berpikir kritis, serta menantang untuk mampu menganalisis serta dapat diaplikasikan secara nyata pada aspek fisik, emosi, dan minat remaja sesuai kebenaran Firman Tuhan.
Botschafter des Protestantismus: Außenpolitisches Handeln von Zürcher Stadtgeistlichen im 17. Jahrhundert
Authors: Rindlisbacher Thomi Sarah
Published: November 2022

Geistliche auf grenzüberschreitender Mission: Die geistliche Elite Zürichs als außenpolitischer Akteur in diplomatie- und konfessionsgeschichtlicher Perspektive. Im Zürich des 17. Jahrhunderts genoss die reformierte Stadtgeistlichkeit weitreichende politische Mitspracherechte. Insbesondere während Phasen der Annäherung zwischen Zürich und protestantischen Mächten nahmen etliche Mitglieder der geistlichen Elite Einfluss auf die außenpolitischen Geschäfte: Sie nutzten ihre theologischen Kontakte in ganz Europa als Informationsnetzwerke, leisteten handfeste Unterstützung für fremde Diplomaten in der Eidgenossenschaft, wirkten mittels Predigten und Petitionen auf die Meinungsbildung in Zürich ein und standen ihrer Obrigkeit – dem Zürcher Rat – als Gesandte, Berater, Übersetzer und Informanten zur Seite. Sarah Rindlisbacher Thomi widmet sich dieser bisher wenig beachteten Verflechtung von Religion und Außenpolitik. Sie macht anhand von sechs Detailstudien das diplomatische Agieren von einzelnen Stadtgeistlichen sichtbar, das stets in Zeiten des intensiven Austauschs zwischen Zürich und fremden Mächten fiel, darunter protestantische Reichsfürsten, die Niederlande, England und Schweden. In einer Kombination von diplomatie-, kultur- und kirchengeschichtlichen Ansätzen beleuchtet die Studie Praktiken, Argumentationen und Logiken des grenzüberschreitenden Austauschs im konfessionellen Zeitalter.
Medha: Microcoded Hardware Accelerator for computing on Encrypted Data
Authors: Mert Ahmet Can , Aikata  , Kwon Sunmin , Shin Youngsam , Yoo Donghoon , Lee Yongwoo , Sinha Roy Sujoy
Published: November 2022

Homomorphic encryption enables computation on encrypted data, and hence it has a great potential in privacy-preserving outsourcing of computations to the cloud. Hardware acceleration of homomorphic encryption is crucial as software implementations are very slow. In this paper, we present design methodologies for building a programmable hardware accelerator for speeding up the cloud-side homomorphic evaluations on encrypted data.First, we propose a divide-and-conquer technique that enables homomorphic evaluations in the polynomial ring RQ,2N = ZQ[x]/(x2N + 1) to use a hardware accelerator that has been built for the smaller ring RQ,N = ZQ[x]/(xN + 1). The technique makes it possible to use a single hardware accelerator flexibly for supporting several homomorphic encryption parameter sets.Next, we present several architectural design methods that we use to realize the flexible and instruction-set accelerator architecture, which we call ‘Medha’. At every level of the implementation hierarchy, we explore possibilities for parallel processing. Starting from hardware-friendly parallel algorithms for the basic building blocks, we gradually build heavily parallel RNS polynomial arithmetic units. Next, many of these parallel units are interconnected elegantly so that their interconnections require the minimum number of nets, therefore making the overall architecture placement-friendly on the platform. As homomorphic encryption is computation- as well as data-centric, the speed of homomorphic evaluations depends greatly on the way the data variables are handled. For Medha, we take a memory-conservative design approach and get rid of any off-chip memory access during homomorphic evaluations.Finally, we implement Medha in a Xilinx Alveo U250 FPGA and measure timing performances of the microcoded homomorphic addition, multiplication, key-switching, and rescaling routines for the leveled fully homomorphic encryption scheme RNSHEAAN at 200 MHz clock frequency. For the large parameter sets (log Q,N) = (438, 214) and (546, 215), Medha achieves accelerations by up to 68× and 78× times respectively compared to a highly optimized software implementation Microsoft SEAL running at 2.3 GHz.
Adapting Belief Propagation to Counter Shuffling of NTTs
Authors: Hermelink Julius , Streit Silvan , Strieder Emanuele , Thieme Katharina
Published: November 2022

The Number Theoretic Transform (NTT) is a major building block in recently introduced lattice based post-quantum (PQ) cryptography. The NTT was target of a number of recently proposed Belief Propagation (BP)-based Side Channel Attacks (SCAs). Ravi et al. have recently proposed a number of countermeasures mitigating these attacks.In 2021, Hamburg et al. presented a chosen-ciphertext enabled SCA improving noise-resistance, which we use as a starting point to state our findings. We introduce a pre-processing step as well as a new factor node which we call shuffle node. Shuffle nodes allow for a modified version of BP when included into a factor graph. The node iteratively learns the shuffling permutation of fine shuffling within a BP run.We further expand our attacker model and describe several matching algorithms to find inter-layer connections based on shuffled measurements. Our matching algorithm allows for either mixing prior distributions according to a doubly stochastic mix matrix or to extract permutations and perform an exact un-matching of layers. We additionally discuss the usage of sub-graph inference to reduce uncertainty and improve un-shuffling of butterflies.Based on our results, we conclude that the proposed countermeasures of Ravi et al. are powerful and counter Hamburg et al., yet could lead to a false security perception – a powerful adversary could still launch successful attacks. We discuss on the capabilities needed to defeat shuffling in the setting of Hamburg et al. using our expanded attacker model.Our methods are not limited to the presented case but provide a toolkit to analyze and evaluate shuffling countermeasures in BP-based attack scenarios.
High-performance concrete in road pavement construction
Authors: Solovyova V. Ya. , Stepanova I. V. , Razuvaev D. A.
Published: November 2022

This paper describes that concrete physical and mechanical properties such as density, crack resistance, durability and reliability can be improved with introducing a high-performance chemical additive based on polycarboxylate polymers modiﬁed with electrolytes based on group I metal cations of the main subgroup in D.I. Mendeleev’s table. These high mobility polymers facilitate their diffusion ability. It is recommended to use silicon hydroxide nanoparticle dispersion as an additional component as they have such unique properties as increased reactivity.

The superplasticity and reactivity of the complex chemical additive under study proved to increase cement hydration process and enhance the formation of new hydrate phases, which contributed to a greater bending tensile strength and chemical resistance of concrete. The use of this complex chemical additive increased the compressive strength by more than 41 % and the bending tensile strength by 56 %, which contributed to concrete crack resistance.

Concrete water resistance was proved to increase by 75 % and corresponded to W14 class while concrete frost resistance increased by 70 % to the value of F2500, and chemical resistance increased by 16 % to the value Kx.s. l 0.93. According to GOST 58895-2020, this advanced concrete corresponds to the concrete with increased chemical resistance.

According to the test results of physical and mechanical properties, concrete with this complex chemical additive is recommended to use in federal highway pavement construction.
A Study of Wagon Turnaround in the Current Context
Authors: Nikiforova G. I.
Published: November 2022

Wagon turnaround remains the key performance indicator of railway transport operations characterizing the efﬁciency both of a wagon ﬂeet owner and of “Russian Railways” Company (RZD). Freight logistics efﬁciency in the railway sector can also be assessed using this indicator. For determining the wagon turnaround time, the duration of operations at technical stations, freight handling time and the time in motion are taken into account. “Russian Railways” company and operator companies control the three components of the wagon turnaround time. The synergies of railways, intermodal types of transport, and private railways belonging to major freight owners are of particular interest. Their interaction efﬁciency can be calculated using the wagon turnaround formula that considers the freight idle time and the local operations factor. The local operations at the station for serving private tracks and port sidings are regulated by a number of documents that determine the procedure for supply and departure of wagons, the number of wagons in supply, the regularity of these operations, the number and series of shunting locomotives, etc. The optimal number of wagons in supply will be determined by the minimum cost of wagon movement and wagon idle time on the station tracks. The calculation of the cost function sensitivity will make it possible to determine the limits in the optimal wagon movement changes.
Smart Charging and Consumer Behavior in the United States
Authors: Hernandez Mindy , Kothari Vishant , Werthmann Emmett , Uyeki Robert , Myers Erika , Kenny-Manning Roman
Published: November 2022

To ensure that charging electric vehicles (EVs) supports, rather than strains, the nation’s electric grids, we will need consumers to adopt smart charging, also known as vehicle-grid integration (VGI). This paper presents the findings of a consumer survey on VGI of prospective and current Honda EV owners in the United States.