bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Agricultural Extension Services through Knowledge Management Practices in the Delta Region of Egypt: An Applied Study of Knowledge Management Model
Authors: Aly Salama Heba Essam El-Dien 
Published: October 2019

Knowledge management is considered as an essential factor for the sustainable development of enterprises in the agricultural context. A consecutive workshops were conducted for senior and junior agricultural extension workers (AEWs) of two Governorates of the Delta region namely: Beheira and Kafr-Elsheikh. A purposive sample of 11 senior AEWs and 20 junior AEWs was selected. The Wiig knowledge management model (KMM) of four stages was used to identify the knowledge management practices. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used for presenting interview responses and Chi Square Test was used to determine the differences between senior and junior AEWs regarding their responses .The most important results were: the respondents obtain explicit knowledge from the statistics department and pamphlets. Types of formulating and documenting knowledge were the periodical minutes and reports. The available knowledge was compatible with the farmers' problems. Remembering the explicit knowledge was facilitated by frequent use of the acquired knowledge. Explicit knowledge was kept on computer bases of the specialized departments. Aggregating and categorizing knowledge were rallying on personal efforts. The practical knowledge was provided through awareness-raising meetings with farmers. Significant differences were found between senior and junior AEWs regarding their responses concerning: obtaining the tacit knowledge, compatibility of knowledge with farmers' problems, and retrieving knowledge. Among the most important recommendations were: conducting training programs on knowledge management concept and practices for AEWs and establishing knowledge management units at the central and the two Governorates level. Some suggested recommendations are: forming specialized team to organize and document the tacit knowledge, allocating storage units for knowledge including new tools and the required electronic devices, coordinating research institutions with agricultural extension organizations in transferring farmers' problems through formal procedures, and supporting the provision of AESs and developing the evaluation methods of the provided services. These predictors, however, need further work to validate reliability.
Static Leaching and Alteration Mechanisms of Zirconium Alkali Resistant Glasses Containing Heavy Metals
Authors: Mbemba K. M. , Djanarthany S. , Losno R. , Ory S. , Jomard F. , Madon M. 
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study is to understand mechanisms that occur during leaching of alkali-resistant zirconium-containing glasses in acid and alkaline solutions. For this, we have developed 5 glass compositions: two alkali-resistant model glasses type CEMFIL, V1 (with zirconium and without heavy metals) and V2 (with zirconium and heavy metals), then three glasses of fly ashes V3 (without zirconium and with heavy metals), V4 (with 30 % of V3, zirconium and heavy metals) and V5 (with 60% of V3, zirconium and heavy metals). V4 and V5 are obtained using V3 as raw material and supplementing with SiO2, ZrO2 and Na2O to give them alkali-resistant properties. Glasses leaching in acidic and basic medium led to an important basification from the first times of alteration at pH = 4 when a basification decrease is observed for solutions initially at pH = 13. Normalized elementary mass losses results showed that, glass alteration is higher for low-calcium glasses (V1 and V2) and V4 and V5 glasses have the lowest elemental mass losses at pH = 4 and 13. SIMS profiles made on glass alteration films permitted to observe behaviour of H, Na, Ca, Si and Zr elements after 28 days at pH = 4 and 13 and understand the different dissolution mechanisms involved. SIMS profiles showed that a hydrated film develops on glass surface characterized by hydrogen enrichment and sodium depletion irrespective of the glass. These glasses are also characterized by a surface enrichment of zirconium (except V3 which does not contain zirconium) whatever the pH. Hydrated film thickness confirm that V1, V2 and V3 glasses are more altered than V4 and V5 glasses. These results are confirmed by ICP-AES leachate analysis.
Determinants of Successful Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome in a State University Teaching Hospital in South East, Nigeria: A 5 Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Orji Chinonyelu J. , Chime Onyinye H. , Ossai Edmund N. 
Published: October 2019

Aim: The 2018 World Health Organization Global Tuberculosis Report enlisted Nigeria as one of the seven countries worldwide that accounted for 64% of all new cases of tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and determinants of tuberculosis treatment outcomes at a Tertiary Hospital in South East, Nigeria.
Study Design: Retrospective cohort.
Place and Duration: The Enugu State University Teaching Hospital Directly Observed Treatment Center, between April 2009 and March 2013.
Methods: Completely filled data were extracted from tuberculosis treatment cards and registers of 445 clients (255 males, 190 females; age range 0-90 years) who assessed care at the DOTS clinic. Tuberculosis treatment success outcome is defined as cured or completed TB treatment.
Results: Of 445 registered patients, majority was males (57.3%), lived in urban areas (68.1%), and were newly diagnosed (97.8%). Of the 93.7% with pulmonary tuberculosis, 62% were smear negatives cases (62%). While the male to female ratio of the clients was 1.3:1, their mean age was 42 ± 16.7 years. About half (50.6%) had chest x-ray findings that were not diagnostic of Tuberculosis. While TB/HIV co-infection rate was 32.8%; 16% and 19.3% had commenced anti -retroviral and co-trimoxazole preventive treatment respectively. Treatment success was reported in 67.9% of all clients and was associated with being older than 14 year (AOR=12.0, 95% CI: 2.5 – 58.0) and having positive chest findings (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 0.3-0.6).
Conclusions: The TB success rate in was 67.9% Being older than 14 years, having PTB and positive chest x ray findings were the predictors of good treatment outcome in this study. There is an urgent need to track and report the treatment outcome of patients who are lost to follow up since they constitute 20% of missed cases in this center.
Influence of Climatic Variables on Whole-plant Water use of Cocoa under Limited Soil Moisture Condition
Authors: Omotayo Femi S. , Oguntunde Philip G. , Olufayo Ayorinde A. 
Published: October 2019

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is a cash crop that is cultivated in many tropical regions of the world and is highly productive under favourable climatic conditions. Cocao, being originally an under storey tree of rainforests in tropical America, is traditionally cultivated below the canopy of shade trees. This study is carried out to establish the influence of climatic variables on whole-plant water use of cocoa under limited soil moisture conditions. An experimental plot was made in an even – aged 54 years old cocoa plantation which was demarcated while Water use measurement carried out for 20 consecutive days at the center of the cocoa plantation field at the Federal University of Technology, Akure using the temperature difference method (Sap flow meter). The results of evaporation rate and water consumed by crops led to decrease in soil water in the monitored root zone from 0.049 to 0.015 m3 m-3. Solar radiation reached a high value of 1002.37 Wm-2, with day time average of 238.02 Wm-2. Temperature ranges between 16.41 and 34.19ºC with a daily average of about 24.39ºC. Relative humidity varied from 98.60% to less than 32.37% with daily mean of around 74.90%. Vapour pressure varied from 0.01 to 2.87 kpa. The day time wind speeds rarely exceed 5.2 ms-1 while the daily averages were generally around 1.09 ms-1. The results also show that transpiration, (Ec) is mostly influenced by solar radiation with a correlation coefficient of 0.71 while other variable like temperature, Vapour pressure deficit, and Relative humidity has correlation coefficient of 0.62, 0.50 and 0.58 respectively. The total amount of rainfall during the experiment was 38.9 mm. This shows that solar radiation has greater influence on the transpiration of the cocoa plant than other variables in the study area.
A Modified Solution of the Nonlinear Singular Oscillator by Extended Iteration Procedure
Authors: Ikramul Haque B. M. , Ayub Hossain M. M. 
Published: October 2019

A modified solution of the nonlinear singular oscillator has been obtained based on the extended iteration procedure. We have used an appropriate truncation of the obtained Fourier series in each step of iterations to determine the approximate analytic solution of the oscillator. The third approximate frequency of the nonlinear singular oscillator shows a good agreement with its exact values. Earlier different authors presented the analytic solution of the oscillator by using various types of methods. We have compared the results obtained by the modified technique with some of the existing results. We see that some of their techniques deviate from higher-order approximations and the present technique performs comparatively better. The rate of change of percentage of error of the presented modified solution shows the validity of convergence.
Assessment of Biventricular Function in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation: A Cross-sectional Study Using Two-dimensional Speckle Tracking Imaging
Authors: Fathia Mghaieth Zghal , Selim Boudiche , Kais Sammoud , Jihen Ayari , Jihen Ben Ammar , Bassem Rekik , Abdeljelil Farhati , Sana Ouali , Noureddine Larbi , Manel Ben Halima , Sami Mourali Mohamed 
Published: October 2019

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is a common but often under diagnosed condition. According to literature, OSA prevalence in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients varies from 21 to 85%. OSA is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for biventricular dysfunction. The present study aimed to compare left and right ventricular functions, assessed by conventional echocardiographic parameters and speckle tracking imaging, in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients with and without severe OSA.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted. Forty successive patients with NVAF were included. All of them had a clinical screening for symptoms suggestive of OSA and underwent polysomnographic study. Patients were divided into two groups (group 1: without severe OSA with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) < 30 events per hour (e/h), and group 2: having severe OSA with an AHI ≥ 30 e/h). Echocardiography was performed in all patients. Left and right ventricular function parameters were measured including global longitudinal strain (GLS) and myocardial performance index (MPI).
Results: OSA was diagnosed in 90% of NVAF patients. The average AHI was 22.1 ± 13 e/h. Eleven patients (27.5%) had mild OSA, 9 patients (22.5%) had moderate OSA, and 16 patients (40%) had severe OSA. General clinical characteristics were comparable between groups. A statistically significant association was demonstrated between severe OSA and impairment of left ventricular GLS (-17.3 ± 4.5 vs. -14.9 ± 3%, in group 1 and 2 respectively, p = 0.02) and left ventricular MPI (0.37 ± 0.09 vs. 0.49 ± 0.13, in group 1 and 2 respectively, p = 0.01). Right ventricular lateral wall strain was non significantly lower in group 1 compared to group 2 (-22.5 ± 8.4 vs. -18.4 ± 5.8%, in group 1 and 2 respectively, p = 0.15). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, left ventricular GLS impairment (> -18%) and MPI > 0.37 were independent predictors of severe OSA.
Conclusion: Severe OSA was diagnosed in 40% of NVAF patients. Impairment of left ventricular GLS and left MPI were statistically associated with severe OSA.
Quality of Life in Pediatric Cancer Patients
Authors: Hegazy Amal , Al Bar Hussain , H. Alamri Sultan , Almahmoudi Fatimah Ahmad , Al Ghamdi Wafa Saleh , Abdulgader Esraa 
Published: October 2019

Background: In recent years the survival rates for children diagnosed with cancer has increased as result of successful treatment. Evaluation of health related quality of life during the process of treatments is important for recognition of acute dysfunction related to therapy and disease.
Aim: Aim of the study is to identify the health-related quality of life in pediatric cancer patients and to detect the potential predictors of a total quality of life and its domains.
Materials and Methods: It is a cross-sectional study done on convenient sample of pediatric cancer patients. Their diagnosis was confirmed at pediatric hematology clinic and day care unit at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Results: A total number of 51 children participated in this study, their age ranging from 8-15 years with mean 10.15± 2.52. Hematological malignancies represented 70.5% of the sample, with the highest percentage for acute lymphocytic leukemia (45%). The mean value of the total quality of life is 73.48, which is referred to as a good quality of life. The best scores of subscales were cognitive problems (92.54), communication (82.67), and nausea (76.86), otherwise poorer score was detected. Although the value of total quality of life was relatively good however visiting the hospital more than 3 times per month, male gender, duration of therapy and duration of diagnosis more associated with more pain and hurt, great worry and treatment anxiety.
Conclusion: Higher frequency of hospital visits, male gender, longer duration of diagnosis, longer duration of therapy, and increased intensity of therapy were all associated with more pain and hurt, great worry, nausea, and treatment anxiety which reflect a poor quality of life among the study group.
Effects of Trace Elements Compositions of Igneous Intrusions on Public Health in Ishiagu Area of the Southern Benue trough, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Nwachukwu I. , Ukaebgu V. U. , Egesi N. 
Published: October 2019

Some health implications of structurally-controlled igneous intrusions in Ishiagu area of southern Benue Trough were studied using the field investigations, trace element geochemistry and geostatistical studies of some of the igneous rocks, the surrounding water and edible vegetables. Results of the study revealed that the average concentrations of these trace metals in the igneous rocks decreased from Mn to Mg as follows: Mn (1431 ppm), Sr (419.5 ppm), Ba (58.11 ppm), Cu (45.63 ppm), Pb (5.48 ppm), As (1.20 ppm), Mo (3.270 ppm), Cd (0.960 ppm) and Mg (0.940 ppm); in water decreased from Mg to Cd as follows: Mg (5.840 mg/l), Sr (1.270 mg/l), Fe (0.3 mg/l), Mo (.013 mg/l), Mn (0.002 mg/l), Ni (0.001 mg/l), As (0.0004 mg/l), Ni (0.001 mg/l), Co (0.0001 mg/l), and Cd (0.0001 mg/l), while in the edible vegetables trace elements decreased from Fe-Ni as follows: Fe (8540 mg/kg), Mg (4085 mg/kg), Al (2352.1 mg/kg), Pb (360.76 mg/kg), Sr (182 mg/kg), Zn (53.38 mg/kg), Ba (46.3 mg/kg) Cu (21.75 mg/kg), Mo (8.97 mg/kg) and Ni (4.92 mg/kg). Geostatistical analysis of the edible vegetables indicates that the bioaccumulation factor of the vegetation with respect to the rock decreased from Pb to Ni as follows: Pb> Mo >Cd >As> Fe > Cr > Cu > Zn>Sr>Mg>Ni. The concentrations of Fe, Ni, Cu, Cr, Mn, Cd, Pb and Zn in water and edible vegetables are higher than the permissible levels recommended by World Health Organization. Thus, the inhabitants of the study area are at risk of myocardial infarction, insulin alteration, anemia, neurodegenerative conditions in humans, renal dysfunction, metal fumes fever, hair and skin discoloration, respiratory tract diseases, carcinogenic diseases, kidney disease, fanconi syndrome, lipid peroxidation of the heart, liver and spleen, hypertension, anemia, colic, headache, brain damage and central nervous system disorder, kidney disease, neurotoxin, lipid peroxidation in the heart, liver and spleen, fanconi syndrome, oesteomalacia, renal dysfunction, learning disabilities and hyperactivity, loss of vision, heart and liver failures, skin irritation, hazardous effects on lungs and brains. The outcome of this study has provided a data base for intervention endeavors for health practitioners to comprehensively monitor and control health issues arising from geologic and mining processes in Ishiagu area of Ebonyi State. The area is in dire need of standard medical facilities, which will, among other things, offer medical aids, document such health matters and keep surveillance so as to detect impact of the trace metals on the health of the inhabitants of the study area.
In vitro Assessment the Antifungal Activity of Dissotis multiflora (Melastomataceae) and Paullinia pinnata (Sapindaceae) Leaves Extracts on Candida Species - Experimental Study
Authors: Ngandeu Albert , Gonsu Hortense , Afagnigni Alian , Voundi Steve , Chafa Anicette , Abange William , Betote Patrick , Noubom Michel , Nyegue Maximilienne 
Published: October 2019

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the antifungal activity of Dissotis multiflora (Melastomataceae) and Paullinia pinnata (Sapindaceae) leaves extracts on six species of Candida.
Study Design: This study was an experimental study.
Duration and Place of the Study: Between March to August 2017, Department of Microbiology, Microbiology laboratory, University of Yaoundé I. Bacteriology laboratory, Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital (YUHC).
Methodology: The fungal strains were isolated from vaginal swab women at the sampling unit of the YUHC. The identification test blastosis and gallery method allowed to differentiate Candida albicans ATCC37037 to Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida haemolinii and Candida lipolytica in the Bacteriology laboratory of the YUHC. C. albicans ATCC 37037 came from the Microbiology laboratory of the University of Yaoundé I. The antifungal activity of extracts was carried out on agar medium using (aromatogram) and microdilution method. The effect of the combination of methanolic fractions were assess by the chessboard method.
Results: Phytochemical analysis of gude extracts of D. multiflora and P. pinnata revealed the presence of secondary metabolites such as phenols, tannins, anthraquinones, alkaloids, saponins, steroids and flavonoids in both extracts. In general, all of six fungal strains were susceptible to different extracts and fractions with inhibition diameters ranging from 10.33 mm for methanolic fraction of D. multiflorao C. parapsilosis to 19 mm for the same fraction on C. haemolinii).
Both the MICs and the MFCs of actives extracts ranged respectively from 0,78 to 12,5 mg / ml and 1,56 to 25 mg/ml, the majority being fungicidal. The combinations showed significant antifungal activity compared to those of the fractions taken individually, especially with MICs reductions of the order to 75%.
Conclusion: The antimicrobial activities of the molecules present in our two extracts could justify their use in traditional medicine in the treatment of candidiasis.
A comparison of Chinese and American memories for public events
Authors: Schmidt Stephen R. , Qiao Lijuan 
Published: October 2019

SummaryMemory for public events was compared across Chinese and U.S. participants to explore competing explanations for cultural differences in flashbulb memories. Participant recall of the canonical features of events was more detailed and more likely to include a specific time in the United States than in the Chinese reports. Vividness was positively correlated with the flashbulb memory scores only in the U.S. sample. In both cultures, emotion, national importance, and thinking about the event predicted vividness and recall of memory details. Chinese participants reported primarily disasters and social events, and their memories were more likely to include international events than U.S. participants. The U.S. participants recalled primarily political events and terrorism. These results suggest that culture has important influences on the quantity, level of detail, completeness, and vividness of autobiographical memories as well as on the types of events triggering flashbulb memories.
Anxiety after remembering stressful academic versus brush with death events: The moderating roles of future time perspective and personal intimacy
Authors: Bluck Susan , Liao Hsiao‐Wen 
Published: October 2019

SummaryThis study examines: (i) whether recalling stressful autobiographical events results in anxiety, (ii) the relation of memory qualities to anxiety, and (iii) the relation of future time perspective and personal intimacy to experiencing anxiety. Participants (N = 120) completed Future Time Perspective, Personal Intimacy and State Anxiety scales. They were randomly assigned to recall a brush with death, a stressful academic deadline, or a no‐stress control. Memory qualities (vividness and significance) were assessed. As expected, recalling stressful events resulted in anxiety with more personally significant events related to higher anxiety. Having a more open‐ended future time perspective related to lower anxiety after recalling a stressful academic deadline, whereas greater personal intimacy predicted lower anxiety after recalling a brush with death. Findings are discussed in terms of factors that may serve to moderate the link between stressful memories and the experience of anxiety.
Sunlight Control of Interfacial Magnetism for Solar Driven Spintronic Applications
Authors: Zhao Yifan , Zhao Shishun , Wang Lei , Zhou Ziyao , Liu Junxue , Min Tai , Peng Bin , Hu Zhongqiang , Jin Shengye , Liu Ming 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe inexorable trend of next generation spintronics is to develop smaller, lighter, faster, and more energy efficient devices. Ultimately, spintronics driven by free energy, for example, solar power, is imperative. Here, a prototype photovoltaic spintronic device with an optical‐magneto‐electric tricoupled photovoltaic/magnetic thin film heterojunction, where magnetism can be manipulated directly by sunlight via interfacial effect, is proposed. The magnetic anisotropy is reduced evidenced by the out‐of‐plane ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) field change of 640.26 Oe under 150 mW cm−2 illumination via in situ electron spin resonance (ESR) method. The transient absorption analysis and the first‐principles calculation reveal that the photovoltaic electrons doping in the cobalt film alter the band filling of this ferromagnetic film. The findings provide a new path of electron doping control magnetism and demonstrate an optical‐magnetic dual controllable logical switch with limited energy supply, which may further transform the landscape of spintronics research.
Esophageal perforation caused by a central venous catheter: A case report and literature review
Authors: Chen Wei‐Ming , Chiang Ming‐Shih , Wang Po‐Chang , Wei Kuo‐Liang , Tung Shui‐Yi , Chang Te‐Sheng , Hung Chao‐Hung 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMalposition of the central venous catheter is rare but may cause morbidity and mortality. Here, we presented a male patient who suffered from a misplaced central venous catheter into the esophagus and caused perforation. We removed the misplaced central venous catheter directly after evaluated by computed tomography. We provided an available method to evaluate and solve this problem after literature view. In catheter‐related esophageal perforation patient, conservative treatment is an optional therapy after removed the misplaced catheter without fluoroscopy guided according to clinical presentation.