June 2018

  1. Premoboere Edna Ateboh and Raimi Morufu Olalekan
    Journal Area:
    ABSTRACT:

    Petroleum activity has been highly instrumental in yielding economic rewards for resource producing countries and supplying a vital energy source, but it also has the potential to cause profound environmental impacts. Oil pollution forms part of the general malaise of environmental pollution. The disastrous effect of oil pollution is now beyond question. The restive situation in the Niger Delta can be blamed on heinous environmental crimes and breach of good environmental management by multinational oil companies. Over the past decades, the Niger Delta terrain has been overrun through deliberate over-exploitation carried out in total disregard of the basic principles of sustainable environmental management. The impact of the oil spill includes habitat degradation, pollution from gas flaring and these are cumulative and have acted synergistically with other environmental stresses to impair ecosystems and severely compromise human livelihoods and health. These unfortunate incidents make the victims individuals and host community, landowners, pond owners and other property owners to demand compensation and has progressively pushed the Niger Delta to the brink of ecological disaster. Despite international treaties, declarations, industry best practices and the recognition of their application in the absence of adequate environmental laws and enforcement in developing countries such as Nigeria, environmental pollution from oil and gas activities continue unabated. This paper sets out to examine the corporate civil liability and compensation regime for environmental pollution in the Niger Delta. It will focus on legislation covering pollution in the Niger Delta Region occasioned by oil and gas activities particularly, the basis of environmental policy and legislation in Nigeria and including the concept of corporate social responsibility, its role in the Niger Delta particularly considering the host communities’ needs, and more significantly, whether its application erodes conformity with legal requirements and standards.

    Pub. Date: June 30, 2018
    Paper No:
    2076
  2. Tecaztipocla Eduardo López Hernández, Roberto Rivera Villanueva and Erik Couttolenc González
    Journal Area:
    ABSTRACT:

    Introduction: Thyroid cancer is considered the most frequent endocrine neoplasm, the American Association for the Study of the Thyroid (ATA), projected that by 2019 it becomes the third non-fatal cancer in the order of prevalence in women. The thyroid nodule as its most frequent form of presentation, through the use of ultrasound with high spatial resolution, can be captured in 19-67% of healthy individuals. Among the large number of thyroid nodules detected, only 5% -15% are only 5% to 7% of cases. For the differential diagnosis of these thyroid nodules, fine needle aspiration (FNAB) is considered an accurate and cost-effective method for evaluation with a high sensitivity and diagnostic specificity; Associated with this, it has been considered that the elevation of some scabies markers indirectly malignant nodular degeneration. Few studies have evaluated the statistical power in the achievement of ultrasonographic parameters as biochemical in the prediction of the malignant thyroid nodule, which would co-contribute in the clinical act. Objetives: To establish the diagnostic correlation between the serum levels of Thyrotropin and Anti-Tritoglobulin Antibodies and the ultrasound findings that allow the prediction of malignant thyroid nodule development using the BETHESDA and TI-RADS classifications. Material and Method: An observational, cross-sectional, comparative and ambispective study was carried out. Temporary-spatial location of the study: April 2016 to March 2018, Radiology service of the Naval General Hospital of High Specialty. The normal distribution of the TSH values, anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (Anti Anti Tg) and patient age according to the Z value of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic was studied. We use measures of central tendency using the statistical package SPSS version 21.0. Results: Were analyzed 136 cases associated with thyroid nodule, of which 122 (89.7%) were female and 14 (10.3%) male. Age was in the range of 19 to 77 years with an average of 48.7 +/- 14.6 years of standard deviation. Active military were 50.7% of the cases and right holders or military retired 49.3%.According to the histopathological study, 22 cases of thyroid cancer were identified for a prevalence of 16.2% in the sample of clinical suspicion; 63.2% of the cases resulted malignant neoplasia (atypia with undetermined significance, follicular neoplasm and probable thyroid cancer) and only 20.6% were benign.More than half of the thyroid nodules studied were hypoechoic (59.6%), 66.9% had vascularity, 67.9% microcalcifications, 74.3% poorly defined borders, and 48.5% wider than high positive. In 44.9% the location of the nodule was in the isthmus, 45.6% the size ranged between 1 and 2 cm, slightly more than half (52.9%) had TSH> 1.64 mU / L while 65.4% had anti-thyroglobulin antibodies> 40 IU / ml.Comparing malignant versus benign cases according to the gold standard (Bethesda scale) a TSH value> 1.64 mU / L presented 14.7 times [IC95% 4.1-51.9, p = 0.0001] plus risk of malignancy; while those above 0.40 IU / ml of anti-thyroglobulin antibodies have a 1.8-fold increased risk [IC95% 0.8-4.3, p = 0.13] of malignancy.Each Bethesda diagnosis corresponded to an ascending ultrasound score from 1.14 for non-diagnostic sample to 1.81 for probable CA and 1.95 for CA and, at the same time, it is evident that TSH levels increased correlatively and this is because the ultrasound score it is correlative (rho 0.465, p = 0.0001) to the levels of thyrotropin Conclusion: It is concluded that the combination of serum thyrotropin levels with an ultrasound characterization under the TI-RADS system, in right-holders of the Naval Hospital, were highly predictive of nodular malignant thyroid disease, conditioning a feasible diagnostic method for the evaluation of patients carrying thyroid nodule, thus avoiding, getting to perform unnecessary biopsies and surgeries.

    Pub. Date: June 30, 2018
    Paper No:
    2078
  3. Rasha Magdy Ibrahim Mohammed, Dr.Ragia Mohamed Kamel and Dr. GhadaAbd El Moniem
    ABSTRACT:

    Background: The use of notebook computers has increasedand become very popular among computer users due to their light weight, small size, portability, and battery power optionand become the main cause of increased muscle activities in the neck and shoulder region between computer users. Purposes: To investigate the isokinetic measurements of shoulder muscle performance in notebook computer users. Design: Two groups post-test design. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy subjects were be selected from students and employees of the Faculty of Physical Therapy Cairo university. The subjects were assigned randomly into two equal groups Group (A)is fifteen subjects whoare computer users. Their mean age (22.33±1.11) years, weight (75.36±17.6) kg, height (170.13±8.5) cm and BMI (25.87±5.17) kg/m2.Group (B) is fifteen subjects who are non computer users. Their mean age (22.8±3.4) years, weight (68.26±16.9) kg, height (171.53±10.35) cm and BMI (23.58±4.11) kg/m2. All participants were tested for shoulder flexion from 90° to 180° and shoulder abduction from 15° to 135° at angular velocity 60°/ sec and 180°/ sec for both ranges to measure muscle work, torque and work fatigue of shoulder flexors and abductors using Biodex system 3 isokinetic dynamometer. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in shoulder flexors work, torque and work fatigue at angular velocity 60°/ sec, and at angular velocity 180°/ sec. There were no significant differences between two groups in shoulder abductors work, torque and work fatigueat angular velocity 60°/ sec, and at angular velocity 180°/ sec. Conclusion: Notebook computers proved to have no effect over shoulder flexors and abductors performance during shoulder movement.

    Pub. Date: June 30, 2018
    Paper No:
    2079
  4. Toumi, A. and Bernard, M.
    ABSTRACT:

    A fatigue test program was carried out with the aim to study the effect of the cold working process on the fatigue crack propagation life. Plate specimens of 7475-T7351 aluminium alloy containing a pre-cracked fastener hole with different edge margins have been subjected to cyclic loading of constant amplitude. During a test, the fatigue crack length was monitored using a video-camera system; the results permitted to establish the evolution of the crack along the bore and across the short ligament of the specimen. Three-dimensional finite element simulation of the cold working process has been conducted for establishing the residual stress field around the fastener hole. The residual stress distribution resulting from the process was then combined with the applied stress for calculating the crack propagation life, taking into account the edge margin effect.

    Pub. Date: June 30, 2018
    Paper No:
    2162
  5. Kirti Suman Wadhwa and Dr. Vandana Sabharwal
    ABSTRACT:

    This is an exploratory cross-sectional study undertaken among college going student to explore the present usage of smart phones for accessing nutrition information and factors affecting it. Data has been collected from randomly selected 200 college students (105 boys and 95 girls) by administrating a questionnaire- cum interview schedule. The result revealed that statistically higher percentage of girls (58.9 %) than boys (41.0 %) were using their mobiles for obtaining nutrition information (χ2=6.46; p=0.011). Of these only 40.6 per cent subjects were reportedly induced behavior change subsequent to assessing nutrition information. Behavior changes induced were better food choices being made and better dietary habits. Most desired characteristics reported by students for encouraging access of nutrition information through smart phones were that information should be valid, authentic, attractive, creative, downloadable, unpaid with provision of off-line access. The frequency of use of smart phones for accessing nutrition information was positively associated with duration of usage of smart phones, perceived importance of nutrition in good health, use of smart phones for accessing emails and use of smart phones to search information as reported after applying Spearman Correlation. On the other hand participants who preferred seeking nutrition information from medical professionals did not prefer the use of smart phones for such information. It can be thus concluded that college going students in the present scenario are smart phone savvy and this can be successfully used as an opportunity for imparting nutrition education but its use is presently being undermined.

    Pub. Date: June 30, 2018
    Paper No:
    2183
  6. Usoro, Abosede A. and Udongwo, Udeme I.
    ABSTRACT:

    The evolution and development of indigenous management theories in Africa have been tremendously affected by Colonialism. This actually accounts for the retarded progress of African management theories and principles. Introduction and infusion of western management literatures and practices have successfully silenced the astonishing management prowess of the pre-colonial Africa. The paper argued for the development of indigenous African management philosophy, which will be rooted in the Africa culture and value system that will bring about the panacea to some unique problems experienced by some African organizations in the continent. It was concluded that the Ubuntu management system that categorically discussed the humaneness, communalism and African patriotism has proven to be a source of comfort and the sterling African culture steeped in hardwork, honesty and team spirit is a starting point for the development of indigenous African management philosophies.

    Pub. Date: June 30, 2018
    Paper No:
    2187
  7. Priyanka Dey Suchi, Nishat Ferdousi, Nadia Noor, Imamul Huq, S. M., Badhan Saha and Mohammad Moniruzzaman
    Journal Area:
    ABSTRACT:

    Water-soluble inorganic pollutants may constitute an environmental toxicity problem if their movement through soils and potential transfer to plants or groundwater is not arrested. Biochar has recently been used to sequester carbon and remediate soil with both heavy metal and organic pollutants. The characteristics of biochar are influenced mainly by the preparation temperature and biomass sources. Biochars were produced from three different sources (viz., cow dung, poultry manure, and sewage sludge) at two different temperatures (low temperature - +250ºC and high temperature - +450º C). Different physical (e.g. surface area, SEM, EDX), chemical (CEC, organic carbon, N, P, K, S, As) and physicochemical (pH) properties of the prepared biochars were measured. Two sets of experiment (Arsenic treated and non-treated soils) were done. The capability of biochars produced at different temperature to abate arsenic (As) accumulation in plants (Ipomoea aquatica) was carried out in pot culture experiment. Biochars were applied at 5 t/ha to soil spiked with 1 mg/L of As solution (80% arsenite + 20% arsenate). Plants were grown for 45 days after germination. Incubation study was also done to see the sorption of water soluble arsenic (As) by biochars with time. To alleviate arsenic accumulation in plant the efficacy of biochar was in order of Sbch>Pbcl>Cbcl for arsenic non-treated soil and in arsenic treated soil the order was in Sbch>Pbch>Cbcl.

    Pub. Date: June 30, 2018
    Paper No:
    2105
  8. Hiral Soni, Snehal Joshi and Ragini Zatale
    ABSTRACT:

    After stroke, hand impairment is very common and its recovery is often incomplete. Early neuroplastic changes may form the basis for restitution of motor function after stroke. Neuroplasticity starts from day one immediately after injury or insult to cortex. Mental practice being one of the principles of motor learning can accelerate neuroplastic changes. Thus to compare the efficacy of mental practice and physical practice over only physical practice on hand function in individuals with stroke, this study was conducted. Methodology: 50 stroke patients divided into two groups i.e. control and experimental. Subjects were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Control group received conventional physiotherapy and experimental group received mental practice and conventional physiotherapy. Outcome measures: nine-hole peg test, voluntary control and motor assessment scale. Outcome measures were evaluated prior to the interventions and after 20 sessions of treatment. Results of the study: Significant difference was observed in both the groups pe and post intervention. The experimental group showed better improvement than conventional group. Conclusion: combination of mental practice and physical practice is more effective than physical practice for improvement of hand function.

    Pub. Date: June 30, 2018
    Paper No:
    2188
  9. Dhaval K. Patel and Ajesh N. Desai
    Journal Area:
    ABSTRACT:

    Introduction: it is important for the women to know when they are ovulating. Being infertile is the biggest social stigma faced by Indian women. The ability to detect the period of potential monthly fertility is of great importance for women in their reproductive years, both in terms of contraception as well as conception. There is increasing demand of women for cheap self test to predict the fertile period in each menstrual cycle. Objectives: The purpose of our study is comparative analysis of salivary ferning test by using KNOWHEN ovulation microscope versus cervical ferning test to predict the ovulation and to detect sensitivity and specificity of salivary ferning test and to correlate the salivary ferning with cervical ferning and Trans vaginal sonographic findings (TVS). Methods: This is a prospective observational type of study conducted on all healthy married women volunteers age between 21 – 40 years attending gynec OPD in sola civil hospital, Ahmedabad, with regular menstrual cycle From April 2016 to September 2016. Result: Salivary ferning test by KNOWHEN ovulation microscope is accurate method of detecting ovulation. Its accuracy is 86.5% as compare to cervical ferning which has accuracy of 89.4%. Conclusion: There was strong correlation between salivary ferning and cervical ferning. Hence can be use instead of cervical ferning as both have same accuracy. Salivary ferning test can be used as a self test by using KNOWHEN ovulation microscope so it is more user’s friendly than cervical mucus test.

    Pub. Date: June 30, 2018
    Paper No:
    2192