bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Investigation into the Effect of Different Standard Instructions on the Fire Resistance Rating of Intumescent Coated Steel Sections
Authors: Zaki Aya , Elkady Ramy M. , Khalaf Tamer M. , Elkady Mahmoud A. , Shebl Sayed
Published: June 2022

Many building members such as walls, columns, floor contains various components and materials that should be designed to meet their legal obligations outlined in the building regulations especially for fire safety requirements. The performance of those materials under fire-exposure conditions is of major importance in securing safe constructions. To evaluate the conformity of these structural elements, it is necessary to determine the fire-resistance rating as specified according to a wide range of European, American and other test standards. A comparative study was conducted between NFPA 251 and EN 13381-8 to investigate the contribution of the difference in standard specification conditions in affecting the measured fire rating time. For this purpose, six steel columns (of IPE 360 designation) were coated with intumescent paint at the same dry film thickness (DFT) to evaluate the fire resistance rating considering the conditions that listed in both NFPA 251 and EN13381-8. The results showed that the furnace time temperature curves for both standards were functionally equivalent since the standard deviations don’t exceed 5%. Variations in the fire ratings (representing 9% up to 20% of the test time) attributed to the increased temperature sensing locations which provide comparable readings with lesser deviations/ scattering.
Design Process of Electric Vehicle Power System
Authors: Pham Xuan Mai , Bui Ga Van , Pham Ha , Pham Le Hoang Phu
Published: June 2022

This paper presents the research on the process of designing and optimizing the powertrain of electric vehicles, such as the general arrangement of electric vehicles, the design of electric motors, transmission systems, battery systems, as well as selecting the appropriate layout design. In addition, the article analyzes the computational models of electric drive systems, energy systems and calculates the performance of these systems in accordance with actual use. Finally, design and simulation calculations of the powertrain and energy of electric vehicles are performed using Simcenter Amesim software. Keywords: Electric vehicle, battery, electric motor, Simcenter Amesim
Investigation on the microbiological hazards in an artisanal soft cheese produced in northern Italy and its production environment in different seasonal periods
Authors: Crippa Cecilia , Pasquali Frédérique , Lucchi Alex , Gambi Lucia , De Cesare Alessandra
Published: June 2022

The present study aimed at assessing the occurrence of microbiological hazards (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O157) in an artisanal soft cheese produced in northern Italy. In the same product total bacterial count, lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae were enumerated, and pH and water activity measured in two batches sampled in summer and winter. Samples of raw materials, environmental swabs from the production processes and cheese during 15 days of storage at 2 and 8°C as well as dynamic temperature of 2°C for 5 days and 8°C for 10 days were collected and tested. The load of total bacterial count was significantly higher in the winter batch in comparison to the summer one, with a significant increase at the end of the storage period also noticed for lactic acid bacteria. Statistical higher values of pH were registered in raw materials and end of storage in winter batch. S. aureus was confirmed only in the winter batch within samples (n=4) of stored cheese. On plates used for E. coli O157 detection, colonies of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca were isolated. The results suggest that the highest bacterial population in the winter batch was associated to a higher pH in stored cheese and a higher number of biological hazards identified. Their isolation started in the maturation room suggesting this step as relevant for possible cheese contamination.
Prosthetic management of a postsquamous cell carcinoma patient with maxillomandibular resection including lip
Authors: Sohmat Phibadahun , Jurel Sunit Kumar , Singh Raghuwar Dayal , Chand Pooran , Solanki Neeti
Published: June 2022

Maxillofacial defects not only create esthetic and functional problems for the patient but also have psychological and social impact on the patient. The present clinical report describes the management of a patient who had undergone partial maxillectomy, hemimandibulectomy, and partial resection of the lip on the left side. Rehabilitation of this patient was done using silicone lip prosthesis and maxillary obturator. These prostheses improve the esthetics, function, and provide confidence to the patient, hence improving his social life. The lip prosthesis was retained by two magnets that were attached to the denture cum obturator to provide good retention and stability to the lip prosthesis.
Pediatric extremity rhabdomyosarcoma treated with re-brachytherapy in recurrent setting
Authors: Kapoor Ankita Rungta , Chandra Manish , Bhalavat Rajendra , Bakshi Chetna , Anchan Chetan , Bauskar Pratibha , Markana Saurabh
Published: June 2022

Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are pediatric soft-tissue sarcomas arising from immature mesenchymal cells that are intended to form striated skeletal muscles. Brachytherapy delivers high-dose of precised radiation to the target tissue with high conformity, sparing the nearby normal tissues, hence allowing dose escalation and reducing the likelihood of normal tissue toxicity. There is a scarcity of reports on the use of brachytherapy for extremity RMS. We report the case of pediatric extremity RMS treated with re-brachytherapy in recurrent setting. A 4-year-old boy diagnosed with RMS of right upper arm underwent local excision of the lesion. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed suspicious residual lesion. Revision surgery followed by brachytherapy with 30 Gy in 10 fractions twice a day over 5 days was delivered. The child developed local recurrence after 12 months. Reexcision and re-irradiation with brachytherapy were done delivering 27 Gy in 9 fractions twice a day over 5 days. The child is disease-free 18 months posttreatment with no significant disparity in limb length suggestive of successful preservation of growth epiphysis. Re-irradiation with interstitial brachytherapy can be considered as an option for the treatment of recurrent pediatric extremity rhabdomyosarcoma, in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy, despite treated previously with brachytherapy.
Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Topical Amlexanox 5%, Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1%, and Tacrolimus 0.03% in the Treatment of Oral Erosive Lichen Planus – A Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Seth Vaibhav , Patil Rajendra G. , Moger Ganapathi , Singh Udita , Sharma Abhinav , Saxena Smriti
Published: June 2022

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of the topical application of amlexanox paste with triamcinolone acetonide paste and tacrolimus paste in the treatment of oral erosive lichen planus.

Study Design:

This study was a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial. Forty patients aged 18–70 years with erosive oral lichen planus received amlexanox 5% paste (n = 10), triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% paste (n = 10), tacrolimus 0.03% paste (n = 10), and glycerin as placebo (n = 10) for 15 days. Outcome measures included pain using visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and the erosive area in cm2 was evaluated both before (baseline) and during the trial (i.e., days 7 and 15).

Results:

After 15 days of treatment, all the groups showed significant reductions in erosive areas and VAS scores (P <.001) except for the glycerin-treated group, where it was found to be non-significant. No systemic side effects and adverse reactions were observed in the present study.

Conclusion:

It was found that the topical application of 5% amlexanox paste appeared as effective as 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide paste and 0.03% tacrolimus paste in the treatment of oral erosive lichen planus.
Effectiveness of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Spirulina as an Adjuvant Antioxidant to Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Oral Submucous Fibrosis – A Comparative Study
Authors: Chandran Kana Veettil Aiswarya , Abhinethra Mariyappa Shantha , Deepak Timmasandra Ashwathappa , Choudary Amirneni Sailaja , Upasana Lingaiah
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic insidious and a well-recognized potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity. Due to its high morbidity and malignant transformation rate, relentless efforts have been made to improve effective management, despite not much improvement in the prognosis. Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. With its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating properties, Spirulina has shown promising results in the management of OSMF. This present study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of Omega-3 fatty acids and Spirulina in the management of OSMF.

Aims and Objectives:

To find out and compare the effectiveness of Omega-3 fatty acids and spirulina in the management of OSMF.

Methods and Material:

40 OSMF patients with clinically diagnosed OSMF were selected and divided into two groups. Group A was given biweekly intralesional injections of 1.5 ml Dexamethasone in 4 mg/1 ml and Hyaluronidase 1500 IU mixed with Lignocaine 0.5 ml for six weeks and with omega-3 fatty acid capsules 1 gm three times daily for three months. Group B received similar intralesional injections but with spirulina 500 mg twice daily for three months. All the patients were followed up every month for 3 months and then after six months.

Results:

Both groups improved mouth opening, cheek flexibility, and VAS burning sensation except tongue protrusion (p < 0.05). When the efficacy was compared between two drugs, statistically insignificant results were found for mouth opening, tongue protrusion, cheek flexibility, and burning sensation.

Conclusion:

Omega 3 and Spirulina can be effective adjunctive treatment options in patients with OSMF to reduce subjective symptoms. Statistically, significant improvement was seen in both groups.
Usage of Antihistamines and Topical Corticosteroids in the Management of Geographic Tongue
Authors: Poornachitra P. , Vadivel Jayanth K.
Published: June 2022

Geographic tongue (GT) is a benign inflammatory condition of the tongue with map-like areas of erythema. In symptomatic cases, pharmacotherapy is advised to improve quality of life and reduce chances of recurrence.

Aim:

The study aimed to compare the usage of antihistamines and topical corticosteroids in the management of symptomatic geographic tongue.

Objective:

The objective was to evaluate the most common drug used in symptomatic geographic tongue management and assess the association between patient gender and drugs given.

Materials and Methods:

The treatment data of patients (n = 88) was collected from Dental Information Archival System with data from June 2019 to February 2021. The usage of antihistamines and topical steroids was assessed over two weeks to relieve clinical symptoms.

Results:

The association between drug type, drug name, and reduction in the clinical symptoms after two weeks of the review was statistically significant, with an X2 value of 9.132 at a P value of 0.010 (p < 0.05). The association between drug type, drug name, and gender was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). 38.6% of cases were prescribed Diphenhydramine maleate syrup. It was followed by Betamethasone Mouthwash which was used for 31.8% of cases. Triamcinolone acetonide and Chlorpheniramine tablets were prescribed for 15.9%and 13.6%patients, respectively.

Conclusion:

Antihistamines should be the first drug type of choice in treating symptomatic GT. Topical steroids could be considered an adjunct or standalone second drug type of choice.
Oral Health Condition and Complications in Pediatric Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pranitha V , Meghana C , Dwijendra K. S , Ravindra S. V , Mounika P. B. N , Ramana P Uma
Published: June 2022

Background:

Better knowledge of the prevalence of oral complications in children with malignancy improves oral health through an interdisciplinary approach between oncologists and pediatric dentists.

Aim:

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of oral health status in pediatric cancer patients to palliate and relieve the discomfort.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted in a cancer hospital in Hyderabad for 10 days. 158 patients aged [1-15 yrs] diagnosed with malignancy and receiving chemotherapy were selected and evaluated with a self-validated questionnaire followed by oral examination.

Results:

The data collected was processed and analyzed using the SPSS22 version [Corporation (IBM), Washington, DC., USA]. Mucositis 47% was the most common complication, followed by gingivitis 23.9%, xerostomia 12%, oral pain 11.6%, herpes 3%, and candidiasis 1.8%.

Conclusion:

Oral care of pediatric cancer patients is of critical importance in maintaining the patient's overall well-being, which can be achieved by a systematic approach at different stages of treatment.
Mucormycosis in HIV Positive Diabetic Individual Amid Covidien Epoch - A Rare Case Report
Authors: Waghmare Mandavi , Banerjee Anwesha , Pinto Janice , Shetty Naveen
Published: June 2022

Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fulminant fungal infection that can cause significant morbidity and frequent mortality in susceptible patients. Common predisposing factors include diabetes mellitus and immunosuppression. Even though this fungus is ubiquitous, the immune system usually prevents the disease, and it is rare. But in the present pandemic era, Mucormycosis has become a prevalent disease among immunocompromised patients and individuals with systemic pathosis. The infection begins in the nose and paranasal sinuses due to inhalation of fungal spores. The fungus invades the arteries leading to thrombosis that subsequently causes tissue necrosis. The infection can spread to orbital and intracranial structures by direct invasion of blood vessels. Here, we describe an interesting and rare case of sino-nasal mucormycosis in a seropositive, uncontrolled diabetic and suspected Covid positive individual to emphasize early diagnosis and treatment of this fatal fungal infection.
Assessment of the Morphology of Soft Palate by Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Gupta Gargi Sen. , Meghana HC. , Shetty Ujwala S. , Rai Devishree V. , Rao Prasanna K. , Kini Raghavendra
Published: June 2022

Background:

Soft palate is an anatomical structure that helps modify the quality of voice and breath while swallowing. In patients with cleft palate, obstructive sleep apnea, oral submucous fibrosis, and skeletal craniofacial malocclusions, soft palate dysfunctions are frequently seen. Knowing the soft palate's morphological variations thus helps us to assess and manage such patients better.

Aims:

To assess the morphology of the Soft Palate in Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in different age and gender groups and to find its association with: Need's ratio, Velar Length, Width, and Pharyngeal Depth in different morphological velar types.

Methods and Material:

The study sample consisted of 60 patients aged 20-50 years. Patients who underwent Cone Beam Computed Tomography scans of the whole maxilla (16×16 FOV) were taken up for the study. Measurements and Interpretation of Velar Length, Width, and Pharyngeal Depth were made.

Results:

A statistically significant correlation was observed in Velar width with an R-value of 0.04. An increase in velar width was noted with an increase in age. Leaf shape soft palate was the more prevalent type, followed by rat tail and butt shape. In male patients, the velar length and pharyngeal depth were significantly greater compared to female patients.

Conclusion:

By knowing different types of the soft palate and all the variations in the parameters as the reference, the dental surgeon can plan any invasive surgical procedure related to velopharyngeal dysfunctions better and avoid any complications arising from velopharyngeal dysfunctions.
Household food security, child nutrition and food safety among vegetable producers and non-producers in Dugda woreda, Oromia region, Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Abaya , Ashenafi Mogessie
Published: June 2022

Household vegetable production is believed to contribute to household food security. This prompted the study to evaluate household food security status, household knowledge and practices in child nutrition, food safety and water sanitation among vegetable-producing and non-vegetable-producing households in two kebeles found around Meki town, Dugda woreda. For comparison, 147 households who produced vegetables and 147 other households who did not produce vegetatbles were randomly selected. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Vegetable producing households (49%) generated higher monthly income (ETB 3000 - > 4000) than non-producing ones (ETB 500 to 2000). More vegetable-producing households (61%) were food secured than non-vegetable-producers (16%). Based on Bloom’s cut off point, knowledge, positive attitude and appropriate practice in child feeding practices in all households was poor (< 60%). Vegetable producers and non-producers had good (87%) and moderate (77%) knowledge, and moderate positive attitude towards safe food handling (61%, 64%, respectively). Appropriate food handling practices were poor (< 60%) in both cases. Personal hygiene knowledge and practice were also poor in both types of households although positive attitude towards personal hygiene was moderate in both cases (61%-64%). Knowledge, attitude and practice in water sanitation was poor in both types of households. This study showed that, although vegetable producers earned more income and were in a better food security status, adequate training in child nutrition and food safety, which are important components of food security, is needed.
Common inhibiting factors for technology shifting from physical to virtual computing
Authors: Ally Said , Jiwaji Noorali
Published: June 2022

Due to the rapid growth of cloud computing demands and the high cost of managing traditional physical IT infrastructure, virtualization technique has emerged as a foremost and key success factor for technology adopters to attain the intended benefits. However, the transition from physical to virtual computing is confronted with overwhelming adoption inhibitors rarely known to adopters. This paper examines inhibiting factors which have triggered to low adoption rate of virtualized computing infrastructure despite being the fastest growing and globally accepted technology. Survey results from 24 companies indicate that lack of relevant virtualization skills, security uncertainties, low computing demands and change management issues are the utmost inhibitors. In public entities, the slowness in the adoption process is highly caused by the low computing demands, lack of virtualization coverage in ICT policies, resistance to change, choice of technology and the lack of virtualization project priority in the ICT master plans. On the other hand, the use of open-source hypervisors and support and maintenance are specific inhibitors affecting the private sectors. This paper is useful for adopters who have virtualized their server resources or have a plan to virtualize in the near future.
Comparative activity of Platinum and Gold nanoparticles catalysts for Carbon monoxide oxidation
Authors: Emmanuel Jovine
Published: June 2022

The activity of Pt and Au nanoparticles catalysts over titania support for carbon monoxide oxidation was investigated. Pt and Au catalysts were synthesised by a high-throughput physical vapour deposition methodology (HT-PVD). A parallel thermographic screening methodology, which enabled the quantification of the activity of Pt and Au catalysts for CO oxidation reaction, was applied. A particle size effect in the catalytic activity of Pt and Au was observed, with the smallest particles exhibiting the highest activity. The activity of Pt and Au catalysts increased with temperature. Au catalyst displayed high activity at 80 ℃, while Pt catalyst had higher activity at 170 ℃. Although CO oxidation on Pt and Au catalysts is particle size-dependent, results show that Au nanoparticles catalyst exhibits the strongest particles size dependence as compared to Pt catalyst.
Non-Point Source Pollution Modelling: An Overview
Authors: Abdulkareem J. H. , Solomon R. I.
Published: June 2022

The objective of this paper is to provide a critical evaluation of the data available from existing studies concerning non-point source pollution (NPS). NPS pollution is complex and difficult to detect and manage when compared with point source pollution. To tackle its risk, it is vital to have precise simulations and estimations of NPS pollutants. Different modelling techniques applied to NPS pollution were reviewed and classified as either physically-based models or empirical. The physically-based models (White box models) can be used both for long-term and daily time steps. They require initial model data as well as watershed morphological and physiographic, which makes them complex and not easy to use. Empirical models on the other hand are called black-box models or metric models and can be used for both long-term, daily time steps with minimal data requirement and requires less skill to operate. Although their results are easy to interpret, these types of models are only suitable within the boundary of a certain domain. The findings of this review will serve as a guide to water resource planners in identifying the type of NPS model they need to apply to a particular catchment for a particular problem.
Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Secondary Metabolites from Microporus xanthopus (Fr.) Kuntze (Polypore) Collected from the Wild in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Sholola M. T. , Adongbede E. M. , Williams L. L. , Adekunle A. A.
Published: June 2022

The secondary metabolites in medicinal mushrooms are responsible for their activity against infectious diseases, cancer, diabetes, and diseases caused by presence of free radicals in the body. Microporus xanthopus a polypore medicinal mushroom was collected from the wild in Lagos Nigeria and identified using standard manuals and oligosaccharides, polysaccharide and polyphenols extracted from its tissues were investigated for antibacterial and antioxidant activities. M. xanthopus oligosaccharides were extracted with neutral and acid detergents and hydrolysis with concentrated H2SO4. Polysaccharides and polyphenols extracted with hot water and acidified methanol, respectively. Concentrations of oligosaccharides, polysaccharides and polyphenols were determined with the total carbohydrate and total phenolic quantification assay kits, respectively. The antioxidant activities of the extractsnvestigated using the DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay and Trolox Antioxidant Equivalent Capacity (TEAC) Assay in In-Vitro experiments in 96-well microtiter plates. The antibacterial effect of the extracts was determined with broth microdilution assay using human pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli (0157:H7) and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC®700698 (MRSA). Oligosaccharides showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (86%) with half maximal effective (EC50) of 16.46µg/mL. The highest TEAC value (1.18µM TE/g) was recorded in the oligosaccharide extract and the least TEAC value (0.39µM TE/g) was in the polyphenol extract. The most potent antimicrobial agent was the oligosaccharide extract with IC50 of 44.64 µg/mL and 40.08 µg/mL for E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. Oligosaccharide extracts were more active than the polyphenol and polysaccharide extracts. M. xanthopus oligosaccharides can be developed as potential new dietary supplements with antioxidant and antibacterial activities.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of African Basil (Ocimum gratissimum) Leaf for Disinfecting Well - water obtained from Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Ayeni O. O. , Oyegoke S. O. , Ndububa O. I. , Adetoro A. E.
Published: June 2022

The demand for potable and affordable water led to comparative research of the efficacy of Ocimum gratissimum Leaf (OGL) extract by collecting well water and treated with OGL extract. Both treated and untreated samples were subjected to physiochemical and bacteriological examinations. Data obtained showed that the pH and feacal coliform counts ranged from 6.17 to 6.74 and 0 to 192 CFU/100 mL for well water sample A; 6.56 to 7.24 and 0 to 118 CFU/100 mL for well water samples B; 6.81 to 7.79 and 0 to 75 CFU/100 mL for well water samples C respectively. The OGL extract includes various bioactive components (i.e. steroids, tannins, etc) according to the phytochemical tests. The first feacal coliform count was above the allowed range (i.e. >50 CFU/100 mL) and the pH value tended to be acidic (6.5), with a colour of >15 H.U. and an unclear (brownish) appearance. The Coliform count was lowered with each dosage of OGL extract until it reached zero count after 24 hours’ contact time at an optimum dosage of 5 mL and the total bacteria counts were gone. The beneficial influence (s) from this study confirms the disinfectant potential of OGL extract for well water treatment.
Managing School Administrators’ Effectiveness Through Capacity Building Programmes in Secondary Schools of Sokoto State, Nigeria
Authors: Muhammad S. Mera , Bolatito A. Omotayo
Published: June 2022

The study examined the management of school administrators’ effectiveness through capacity building training and development in secondary schools in Sokoto state, Nigeria. The study used descriptive survey research design and the population of the study consisted of 161 participants (school administrators). Research Advisor (2006) was used to select sample size of 132, using multi-stage sampling techniques such as deliberate, proportionate and simple random sampling. Self-constructed questionnaire titled: Managing school Administrators. Effectiveness through Capacity Building Questionnaire (MSAETCBQ) to collect data based on four (4) Likert scale rating. Face and content validity of the research instrument was done by jury experts in educational administration and planning, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria. The study used test re-test method of reliability for the research instrument through a pilot study conducted and a reliability index of 0.82 was obtained. Descriptive statistics such as mean (X), percentages (%), tables and frequency counts were used for the data analysis. The study found that school administrators’ regular participation in capacity building programmes updates and enhances their administrative effectiveness. The study recommended that, there is need for government through the Ministry of education to provide adequate funds for regular capacity building programmes for school administrators for improved skills and effective service delivery.
Assessing Pedagogical Competence Performance of Pre-Service Business Educators in North East, Nigeria
Authors: Bello M.I. , Egunsola A.O.E. , Awak R.S.
Published: June 2022

The purpose of the study was to explore pedagogical competence performance of Pre-service Business Educators’ (PBEs) in North East, Nigeria. The design for the study was a descriptive survey design. The area for the study covered all Federal Universities of Technology in North East Nigeria offering Business Education courses. The population of the study stood at 1064, when split, 491, 491 and 82 are PBEs’, Cooperating Supervisors (CS) and University Supervisors (US) respectively. Stratified proportionate sampling technique was employed to arrive at 514 guided by Krejcie and Morgan table for determining sample size, which when split accounts for 216, 216 and 82 PBEs, CS and US respectively. One structured questionnaire, namely, Pedagogical Competence Performance Schedule Questionnaire (PCPSQ) used for data collection were adapted from three different authors. The PCPSQ contains 21, 21 and 18 items covering Instructional Design (ID), Classroom Management (CM) and Classroom Assessment Techniques (CAT) competences. Results obtained in the pilot tested questionnaire revealed Cronbach’s alpha of PCPSQ to be 0.89. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS (Version 25). The findings of the study among others revealed a significant difference among the triad in two out of the three clusters, consisting of CM and CAT. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others a synergy be created between Universities and Ministries of Education, where workshops and seminars are carried out to availed those that are directly involved in teaching practice the skills in CM and CAT competences.
Learning Innovations for Addressing Emerging Challenges of Adult Education Instruction in Nigeria During Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Inusa Diana , Umar M. Abubakar
Published: June 2022

Education of citizens is a right enshrined in diverse documents of the international organization evidenced by declarations and treaties. This right was truncated by COVID-19 pandemic when schools were closed in almost every country at diverse times. Apart from live learning centres being shutdown, several other challenges financial constraints, unemployment, poor learning and academic achievement emanated from the pandemic which jeopardize the educationally vulnerable adult learners. Hence, the emergence of asynchronous strategies of transmitting knowledge to learners. These strategies include distance, online, zoom and mass media learning methods. These new ways of learning have the tendencies of absorbing the effect of the pandemic and curtailing the spread of the virus as well as improving the standard of learning environment and societal development. The study recommends that; infrastructure of the online or distance education system needs to be strengthened; access to every adult learner should be established; in-service training should be provided to instructors in order to improve instructors’ distance or online teaching competencies.
Non-parametric Method of Detecting Differential Item Functioning in Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) 2019 Economics Multiple Choice Items
Authors: Aituariagbon K. Ehis , Osarumwense H. Judith
Published: June 2022

This study analyzed Non-Parametric Methods of Detecting Differential Item Functioning (DIF) in SSCE 2019 Economics Multiple Choice Items. Three (3) research questions were raised to guide the study. The survey research design was employed. The population of the study consists of 14,400 SS II Economics students from Edo South Senatorial District of Edo State, Nigeria. The number of sample size used in the study was 1,440 SS II Economics students. The stratified random sampling technique was adopted for this study. The instrument used to gather information was 60 Economics multiple choice items of NECO SSCE 2019 June/July. The instrument was validated by experts in Economics and Measurement and Evaluation and Quality Assurance Unit of National Examination Council (NECO) officials. Reliability was determined using Cronbach’s Alpha Statistics and coefficient of 0.72 was obtained to detect the items that functioned differentially by sex, three (3) DIF methods (Mantel Haenszel, Standardized p-diff and transform item difficulty (delta plot) were used. The findings showed that the three (3) methods displayed DIF. It was found that standardized p-difference and transform item difficulty are most suitable methods than Mantel Haenszel statistics in detecting 2019 Economics Multiple Choice Items prepared by SSCE 2019. It was also recommended that other non-parametric statistics be used to detect differential item functioning.
Effect of Dictation on Upper Basic Education Students’ English Language Writing Skill in Billiri LGA, Gombe State
Authors: Bega H. Joseph. , Moses D. Hassan , Molta M. Gerson
Published: June 2022

This study was on the effects of dictation on upper basic education students’ English language writing skill in Billiri LGA, Gombe state. The study was guided by two research questions and the quasi-experimental research design involving two groups (Dictation and the other Non-Dictation) was used. The population of the study comprised upper basic education students of public Secondary Schools in Billiri LGA from a sample of 127 students from two intact classes selected by the simple random sampling technique to participate in the study. One validated instrument tagged: Upper Basic Education Dictation Writing Skill Test (UBEDWST) with reliability coefficient of 0.81 was used to collect data. The research questions were answered using the mean and standard deviation statistics and computed by the aid of the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS version 23). The results obtained showed students exposed to dictation had improved spelling ability and achieved more in writing skill. The study concluded that dictation can positively influence Upper Basic Education Students’ Spelling and writing skill. The study recommended that Upper Basic Education students should be introduced to dictation activities in English language classrooms by their teachers to enhance their spelling ability and texts formation. Also, teachers of English language should make dictation a basic part of their teaching of writing and essay development. The paper recommends that teachers of English language should adopt dictation strategies such as dicto-comp and split dictation by exposing their students to interact and discover ways of constructing different sentences.
Effect of enalapril maleate-folic acid tablets on inflammatory response and myocardial endoplasmic reticulum stress-related factors in hypertensive rats
Authors: Zu Yugang , Zhang Xiaoqiong , Feng Cuina
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To determine the effect of enalapril maleate folate on inflammatory reaction and myocardial endoplasmic reticulum stress-related factors in hypertensive rats.Methods: Eighty (80) hypertensive rats with SBP > 140 mmHg were equally assigned to control and study groups. Rats in control group were given normal saline by gavage, while the observation group was given enalapril maleate powder (10 mg/kg/day). After 4 weeks of treatment, 2 mL of inferior vena cava blood was collected from each of the two rat groups. The level of homocysteine (Hcy) was determined with Hcy assay kit, while C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients were determined by latex immunoturbidimetry. Serum FBG was assessed using automatic biochemical analyzer. The expression levels of GRP78, CRP94, chop and caspase-12 in aortic smooth muscle cells were assayed immunohistochemically.Results: Central arterial pressure (MAP), aortic media thickness, lvwi, HWI FBG and CRP were significantly higher in the study rats, while Hcy level was lower, than in controls (p < 0.05). There were significantly lower levels of glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78), CRP94, CHOP and caspase-12 in study rats than in control rats (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Enalapril maleate-folate slows down inflammatory reaction by reducing the levels of Hcy, CRP and FBG. It inhibits the expressions of GRP78, CRP94, CHOP and caspase-12 in myocardium, reduces damage to myocardial cells, and alleviates or reverses left ventricular hypertrophy in rats with high blood pressure. This provides new insight into the research and development of other drugs.
Efficacy of roxithromycin with gamma globulin in children with mycoplasma pneumonia and its effect on immunity
Authors: Dong Yihui , , Qi Xuejiao , Lin Xiaojie , Yu Maomin , Zhang Huijuan , Sun Haixiang
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of roxithromycin plus gamma globulin in the treatment of children with mycoplasma pneumonia (MPP) and its effect on immune function.Methods: From January 2019 to January 2021, 100 children with MPP assessed for eligibility in Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Shandong Province, China, were recruited and randomized (1:1) to receive either gamma globulin (control group) or roxithromycin plus gamma globulin (study group). Levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgM, and IgG were evaluated. Clinical indices, including fever reduction, cough disappearance, duration of hospital stay, etc were also assessed.Results: The study group had a significantly higher clinical efficacy (88 %) than the control group (68 %) (p < 0.05). After treatment, patients in the study group showed lower levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The eligible patients given roxithromycin plus gamma globulin showed significantly higher levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgM, and IgG versus those given gamma globulin alone (p < 0.05). Patients in the study group had a shorter time lapse before fever reduction, cough disappearance, lung sign disappearance, and duration of hospital stay than those in the control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Roxithromycin plus gamma globulin demonstrate significant benefits in the treatment of children with MPP by mitigating inflammatory response, enhancing immune function, and also significantly alleviating clinical symptoms. Thus, the combination treatment shows good potentials for use in clinical practice.
TWIST1 silencing attenuates intracranial aneurysms by inhibiting NF-κB signaling
Authors: Wang Deng , Lai Dan , Peng Chengfu
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Twist family basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor 1 (TWIST1) on intracranial aneurysms.Methods: A rat model of intracranial aneurysm was established by ligating the posterior branches of both the renal and left common carotid arteries. Pathological changes in the intracranial arterial wall were investigated using hematoxylin-eosin staining. TWIST1 expression was assessed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot, while vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis was investigated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Inflammation was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: Rats with intracranial aneurysms had degenerative changes in vessel wall structure. Inintracranial aneurysm rats, TWIST1 was upregulated in arterial wall sections, and TWIST1 knockdown ameliorated the pathological changes to the arterial wall. TWIST1 silencing reduced serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and suppressed vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis in rats with intracranial aneurysms. TWIST1 knockdown increased phospho (p)-inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB (IκB) and decreased IκB and p-p65 in intracranial aneurysm rat arterial wall sections.Conclusion: In intracranial aneurysms, silencing TWIST1 promoted vascular remodeling and suppresses vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis and inflammation through inactivating NF-κBsignaling, revealing TWIST1 silencing as a potential treatment strategy.
A Mathematical Model and Sensitivity Analysis of Lassa Fever with Relapse and Reinfection Rate
Authors: Erinle-Ibrahim Latifat M , Adebimpe Olukayode , Lawal Waheed O , Agbomola Joshua O
Published: June 2022

In this research paper, we depict an unprecedented four-dimensional ordinary differential equation modeling the dynamic transmission of the Lassa fever virus incorporating relapse and reinfection rate. Recent studies showed that the recovered individuals from Lassa fever can again be susceptible; which contradicted the common assumptions made by different researchers on modeling of Lassa fever. So, this article corrects and states the implications of the assumptions on the population density. The numerical simulations unveil the effect of relapse, reinfection, and treatment rate in the affected population. Performing sensitivity analysis suggests all new incorporated parameters can impact the infection dynamics substantially. The stability analysis was carefully estimated where expression for each compartmentalized variable was calculated at both disease-free and persistence (endemic) equilibrium. Also, the basic reproduction number of the novel model was calculated using the Next Generation Matrix. The analytical results justify that the persistence (endemic) and the disease-free equilibrium are locally and globally asymptotically stable using both Routh Hurwitz Criterion and Comparison Theorem.

Keywords: Lassa fever, Reinfection rate, Relapse rate, Treatment rate, Sensitivity analysis.
Impact of Radio Operating Environments on Broadband Connectivity
Authors: Massawe Libe V , Chitamu Peter J
Published: June 2022

Broadband connectivity and services commonly referred to as the Internet is the key enabling facility for the modern digital economy and the driver for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR or Industry 4.0). In Tanzania, there are over 49% Internet subscriptions for mobile broadband services using 3G UMTS and 4G standards infrastructure, which are predominantly available in urban areas. The non-urban areas remain mostly 2G coverage areas and lack mobile broadband connectivity and services. Transforming existing 2G mobile networks to broadband infrastructure can be achieved by swapping 2G sites with 3G or 4G sites or incrementally replacing 2G sites with 3G or 4G sites on demand. In this work, we investigated the performance of the UMTS family of standards to deliver broadband connectivity and services outside major towns and cities in three different radio operating environments, namely hilly, undulating and flat terrain landscapes. Results show that the achievable 3G data rate deteriorates depending on the type of operating environment as the internet user moves away from the base station. Therefore, mobile broadband deployment in non-urban areas is not simply replacement of 2G sites for 3G sites; it will require special deployment strategies to achieve a total broadband coverage.

Keywords: Internet Services; Mobile Broadband; Radio Channel Modelling; Telecoms Industry Innovation; Sustainable Infrastructure Development
Characterization of Clay and Granite Dust Blends as Novel Materials for Energy Storage and Diffuser in Constructing Flat-plate Solar Collector
Authors: Ajiboye Tajudeen Kolawole , Fabiyi Mustapha Olawale , Mustapha Ndagi , Abdulkareem Sulaiman
Published: June 2022

Sun is the main source of solar energy, and the energy it releases to the Earth’s surface in one hour is more than what the whole planet consumes in a year. This present work is about characterizing novel material that can be used as energy storage and diffuser in constructing flat plate solar collector. Materials used are clay and granite dust obtained from Okelele and Kulende Quarry sites, both in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The materials were sun-dried; the clay crushed before the two materials were sieved into different particle sizes. They were thereafter blended into different ratios and then characterized for thermal, physical and mechanical properties. Results showed that the highest thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and compressive strength were obtained from sample of particle size 0.075 mm and clay: granite ratio 50:50 (0.268176 W/mK, 3.58514 10–4 m2/sec and 3.571 N/m2, respectively). This same blend has a density of 0.91 g/cm3 and specific heat capacity of 824 J/kgK. This sample, having the optimal thermal, physical and mechanical properties will be a good replacement for conventional insulating materials currently being used for solar flat-plate collector construction as it will serve as both energy storage and diffuser.

Keywords:    Solar energy; solar collector; insulating material; clay; granite dust; thermal conductivity; thermal diffusivity
Analisis Tindak Tutur dalam Podcast Indonesia “Sudah Lulus Pendidikan, Terus Apa?”
Authors: Hani Nur Alifah  , Susi Dwi Haryanti  , Asep Purwo Yudi Utomo
Published: June 2022

Salah satu fungsi bahasa adalah untuk berkomunikasi. Proses berkomunikasi dilakukan oleh penutur dan mitra tutur yang menghasilkan tindak tutur, yaitu suatu kalimat dalam situasi tertentu sebagai bagian dari komunikasi bahasa. Tujuan dalam penelitian ini yaitu: (1) Mendeskripsikan bentuk-bentuk tindak tutur ekspresif, asertif, direktif, dan komisif dalam podcast Indonesia "Sudah Lulus Pendidikan Terus Apa?", (2) Mendeskripsikan maksud tindak tutur ekspresif, asertif, direktif, dan komisif dalam podcast Indonesia "Sudah Lulus Pendidikan Terus Apa?". Pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah pendekatan pragmatik dan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian adalah teknik simak dan catat.  Teknik analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian berupa tahap deskripsi, klasifikasi, analisis, interpretasi, evaluasi, dan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan tindak tutur ekspresif, asertif, direktif, dan komisif yang terdapat dalam podcast Indonesia "Sudah Lulus Pendidikan Terus Apa?". Tindak tutur ekspresif ditemukan sebanyak enam belas kali dengan yang dianalisis meliputi aspek menanyakan kabar, mengucapkan terima kasih, memuji, mengeluh, dan meminta maaf; tindak tutur asertif ditemukan sebanyak empat belas kali dengan yang dianalisis meliputi aspek memberitahukan, menyatakan, dan mengingatkan; tindak tutur direktif ditemukan sebanyak empat belas kali dengan yang dianalisis meliputi aspek menyarankan, meminta, memerintah, dan menasihati; tindak tutur komisif ditemukan sebanyak empat kali dengan yang dianalisis meliputi aspek memanjatkan doa dan berjanji. Manfaat yang dapat diperoleh dari penelitian ini yaitu sebagai referensi pada berbagai aktivitas berbahasa.

Kata Kunci: Ekspresif, asertif, direktif, komisif, podcast
Merdeka Belajar Dan Kampus Merdeka Dalam Menyongsong Link And Match Dunia Pendidikan
Authors: Sila I Made , Rai Ida Bagus , Sutika I Made
Published: June 2022

Konsep link and match dapat digunakan sebagai media untuk meningkatkan relevansi Pendidikan tinggi dengan kebutuhan dunia usaha dan dunia industri (DU/DI). Sehing kerjasama antara pendidikan tinggi dangan dunia kerja professional perlu dilakukan. Melalui Kerjasama fungsional link and match Pendidikan tinggi dan dunia kerja professional secara konseptual akan memiliki peluang yang cukup besar untuk melahirkan lulusannya menjadi calon tenaga kerja yang professional. Dalam rangka mengantisipsi masalah tersebut Kemendikbud istek, mengeluarkan kebijakan Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM), dengan harapan Pendidikan tinggi dapat menjadi pionir dalam membangun calon tenaga kerja yang professional. Dalam konsep MBKM memperkenalan mahasiswa sedini mungkin dengan kebutuhan masyarakat dan dunia kerja, membangun kreatifitas serta inovasi mahasiswa. Kebijakan MBKM diharapkan dapat menjawab keluhan masyarakat terhadap lulusan perguruan tinggi, yang dianggap belum kompeten dan kopetitif Penulisan ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif. Metode penelitian kualititatif adalah cara yang digunakan untuk menjawab masalah dari penelitian berkaitan dengan data berupa narasi yang sumbernya berasal dari wawancara, pengamatan, dan dokumen. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa konsep MBKM memberikan peluang yang sangat besar dalam pembentukan kompetensi lulusan perguruan tinggi sesuai dengan kebutuhan dunia kerja yang profesional.