• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.93-100
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• 2018

Some small mammals occur as household pests and harbour a number of parasites that could be of public health importance. This study profiled the helminth and protozoan parasites in trapped small mammals within and around human dwelling places (houses) located across 4 major towns (Auchi, Benin, Ekpoma, and Uromi) and environs in Edo state, Nigeria. Six genera (Apodemus sp., Crocidura sp., Mastomys natalensis, Mus musculus, Rattus sp., and Sorex sp.) were identified from 502 trapped small mammals. Overall, M. musculus (71.9%) and Rattus rattus (20.1%) were the most frequently trapped. In total, on examination of blood, gastrointestinal contents, and brain tissues, 12 helminth taxa (Angiostrongylus sp., Aspicularis sp., Capillaria sp., Gongylonema sp., Heterakis spumosa, Hymenolepis diminuta, Hymenolepis nana, Mastophorus muris, Moniliformis moniliformis, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Strongyloides sp., Trichosomoides sp., and Trichuris sp.), and 6 protozoan parasites (Babesia sp., Trypanosoma lewisi, Plasmodium sp., Eimeria sp., Isospora sp., and Toxoplasma gondii) were isolated. Most prevalent helminths with relatively heavy mean intensity were Strongyloides sp. and Heterakis spumosa, while Plasmodium, Eimeria, and Isospora were the most prevalent protozoan parasites. Generally, intrinsic factors like sex and age had marginal influence on the rate and burden of infection in M. musculus and R. rattus. Although the infection rate and prevalence of zoonotic parasites were low, they were largely recovered in rodents from Ekpoma. This study elucidates the public health implication of the presence of zoonotic parasites in these small mammals.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.279-289
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• 2012

This study conducted a comparative analysis of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in the Fosu and Benya lagoons in Ghana, based on the anthropogenic effect on the two lagoons. Salinity, oxygen, temperature, conductivity, turbidity and pH were measured, invertebrate richness and species densities were determined. The AZTI Marine Biotic Index (AMBI) and multivariate statistics were used to determine the different responses of fauna to pollution. The fauna were categorized into five ecological groups based on the degree of tolerance of the different species to pollution: disturbance-sensitive species; disturbance-indifferent species, disturbance-tolerant species, second-order opportunistic species; and first-order opportunistic species. The Fosu Lagoon supported more pollution tolerant species, whereas the Benya Lagoon had more species that were sensitive to organic enrichment under relatively unpolluted conditions. Chironomus sp., which is adapted to virtually anoxic conditions, was the most abundant in the Fosu Lagoon whereas Nemertea sp. was the most abundant in the Benya Lagoon. The numerical and relative abundance (%) of all 7 taxa in the Fosu Lagoon was 1,359 and 92.35%, respectively. The numerical and relative abundance (%) of all 34 taxa in the Benya Lagoon was 2,459 and 87.52%, respectively. Expectedly, the level of dissolved oxygen in the less saline Fosu Lagoon was higher than that in the more saline Benya Lagoon. The reduced photoperiod and photosynthetic activities of aquatic plants might account for this trend. There is a need to implement comprehensive monitoring and management initiatives for sustaining the ecological health of coastal lagoons in Ghana in order to support the many people that depend upon these ecosystems for their livelihood.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.557-563
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• 2018

Background Numerous Dupuytren's fasciectomy techniques have been described, each associated with unique surgical challenges, complications and recurrence rates. We describe a common ground surgical approach to Dupuytren's disease; 3-dimensional fasciectomy (3DF). 3DF aims to address the potential contributors to the high recurrence rate of Dupuytren's disease and unite current limited fasciectomy practice that varies considerably between surgeons. Methods We describe the 3DF principles; raising thin skin flaps (addressing dermal involvement), excising diseased palmar fascia with a 3-5 mm clearance margin (treating highly locally recurrent conditions) and excising the vertical septae of Legueu and Juvara (providing deep clearance, hence addressing all potentially involved pathological tissue). The surgical outcomes between traditional limited fasciectomy (LF) and 3DF are compared. Results From the 786 operations included (n=585), postoperative recurrence rates were significantly lower for the 3DF group (2/145, 1.4%) than the LF group (72/641, 11.2%) (P= 0.001), and the time to recurrence was significantly longer ($5.0{\pm}0years$ vs. $4.0{\pm}0.2years$; P<0.0001). With recurrence excluded, there were no differences between the postoperative complication rates for 3DF (5/145, 3.5%) and LF (41/641, 6.4%) (P=0.4). Conclusions Our results suggest that 3DF leads to lower recurrence rates and a longer disease-free period for patients, without increasing complications. 3DF provides a safe, efficacious, common ground surgical approach in the treatment of Dupuytren's flexion deformity.

• Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.12-22
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• 2015

When it comes to the architecture design, Kuma Kengo rejects a strong and violent subject-centered position and advocates the design that is object-oriented. As can be seen in 'gentle architecture', 'three lows principle', 'natural architecture', and 'connecting architecture', he clearly expresses the objective nature of architecture design in those terms. In this respect, the purpose of this study is to make a close inquiry into the meaning, effect and characteristics of objectivity. In particular, we try to identify the contents of 'impure architecture', which has a clear ambivalence to be an instrumental expression strongly settled in the objectivity, in an aesthetic standpoint. To do that, we systemized the concept of mimesis and the theory of subversive appropriation by Walter Benjamin and Theodor Adorno in to a frame of interpretation. By systemizing translation, subversion, verbalization and the dialectic structure of the aesthetics of negation, we interpreted the features of his works as an objective work and 'impure architecture'. His objectivity leads the situation by subversively appropriating the inherent elements of architectural conditions based on a dialectic solution in which inquiries on logical and scientific materials have played a critical role. Above all, through all these processes, he tried to suggest a language as a new technique for materials and structures. Ultimately, we could find out that this object oriented design sublates a subject oriented way that is monolithic and repetitive regardless of objects. Rather, it is a way that is effective in creating a new way of design by making a different approach to a new object rather unfamiliarly, yet deeply.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.621-629
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• 2019

In this study we attempted to screen bacteria and fungi that generate electricity while treating wastewater using optimized double-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) system parameters. Optimization was carried out for five best exoelectrogenic isolates (two bacteria and three fungi) at pH values of 6.0, 7.5, 8.5, and 9.5, and temperatures of 30, 35, 40, and 45℃; the generated power densities were measured using a digital multimeter (DT9205A). The isolates were identified using molecular characterization, followed by the phylogenetic analysis of isolates with known exoelectrogenic microorganisms. The bacterium, Proteus species, N6 (KX548358.1) and fungus, Candida parapsilosis, S10 (KX548360) produced the highest power densities of 1.59 and 1.55 W/m² (at a pH of 8.5 and temperatures of 35 and 40℃) within 24 h, respectively. Other fungi-Clavispora lusitaniae, S9 (KX548359.1) at 40℃, Clavispora lusitaniae, S14 (KX548361.1) at 35℃-and bacterium-Providencia species, N4 (KX548357.1) at 40℃-produced power densities of 1.51, 1.46, and 1.44 W/m², respectively within 24 h. The MFCs achieved higher power densities at a pH of 8.5, temperature of 40℃ within 24 h. The bacterial isolates have a close evolutionary relationship with other known exoelectrogenic microorganisms. These findings helped us determine the optimal pH, temperature, evolutionary relationship, and exoelectrogenic fungal species other than bacteria that enhance MFC performance.

• Archives of design research
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• v.18 no.2 s.60
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• pp.101-110
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• 2005

Simulacre is one of the major topics in the Western philosophy since Plato. Since the 20th century, the Western philosophy is based on rationalism toward 'absolute truth' founded on Platonic Ideas. The concept of Simulacre is ignored and rejected until the modern days. However, Simulacre is gaining its attention at this time of image. and the time of Simulacre. The concept of postmodern Simulacre started from Walter Benjamin is developed by Gnther Anders, Jacques Derrida, Gilles Deleuze, and Jean Baudrillard. This study, based on the Jean Baudrillard's concept of Simulacre, examines today's Simulacre phenomena and analyzes the cinematic works of Oshii Mamoru who displays the concept of Simulacre in his films. Analyzing and evaluating his recent visual works based on Simulacre theory with such superficial methods as advanced special visual effects is a mistake that demeans Simulation? (Matrix). Today, Simulacre phenomena are scattered all over our life. The search of its substance and the analysis of his artworks will be a foundation that makes a new alternative suggestion.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.193-201
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• 2017

ZnO, ZnO: Cu, Ga, and ZnO: Cu, Ga, Ag thin films were obtained by oxidization of ZnS and ZnS: Cu, Ga films deposited onto glass substrates by electron-beam evaporation from ZnS and ZnS: Cu, Ga targets and from ZnS: Cu, Ga film additionally doped with Ag by the closed space sublimation technique at atmospheric pressure. The film thickness was about $1{\mu}m$. The oxidation was carried out at $600-650^{\circ}C$ in air or in an atmosphere containing water vapor. Structural characteristics were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the films were measured at 30-300 K using the excitation wavelengths of 337, 405 and 457.9 nm. As-deposited ZnS and ZnS: Cu, Ga films had cubic structure. The oxidation of the doped films in air or in water vapors led to complete ZnO phase transition. XRD and AFM studies showed that the grain sizes of oxidized films at wet annealing were larger than of the films after dry annealing. As-deposited doped and undoped ZnS thin films did not emit PL. Shape and intensity of the PL emission depended on doping and oxidation conditions. Emission intensity of the films annealed in water vapors was higher than of the films annealed in the air. PL of ZnO: Cu, Ga films excited by 337 nm wavelength exhibits UV (380 nm) and green emission (500 nm). PL spectra at 300 and 30 K excited by 457.9 and 405 nm wavelengths consisted of two bands - the green band at 500 nm and the red band at 650 nm. Location and intensities ratio depended on the preparation conditions.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.1255-1262
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• 2014

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate any associations between benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the VDR gene (FokI, BsmI, ApaI and Taq${\alpha}$I loci) and the CYP17 gene (MspA1I locus), as well as TA repeat polymorphism in SRD5A2 gene among Lebanese men. Materials and Methods: DNA extracted from blood of 68 subjects with confirmed BPH and 79 age-matched controls was subjected to PCR/PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The odds ra=tio (OR) of having a genotype and the relative risk (RR) of developing BPH for having the genotype were calculated and the alleles were designated risk-bearing or protective. Results: Our data indicated that the A and B alleles of the VDR ApaI and BsmI SNPs were highly associated with increased risk of BPH (p=0.0168 and 0.0002, respectively). Moreover, 63% of the controls compared to 43% of the subjects with BPH were homozygous for none of the risk-bearing alleles (p=0.0123) whereas 60% of the controls and 28% of the subjects with BPH were homozygous for two or more protective alleles (p<0.0001). Conclusions: For the first time, our study demonstrated that ApaI and BsmI of the VDR gene are associated with risk of BPH among Lebanese men. Our study also indicated that overall polymorphism profile of all the genes involved in prostate physiology could be a better predictor of BPH risk.

• Cartoon and Animation Studies
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• s.17
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• pp.205-218
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• 2009

The duplication of art works has been made for wide distribution and profit from long time ago. With material duplication due to recent development of digital duplication media its concept was intervened in art works and the meaning gets expanded more. In this thesis, I will review on the concept of recently marked arts duplication connecting with modern mass culture, compare with duplication of machinery duplication era and research on the features to establish in new way. After all, the duplicational features of digital art works got deeply connected with the characteristics of generalized modern digital mass culture for duplication. In previous times old-fashioned machinery duplication such as pictures, woodblock prints and films played their roles as democratic and social value of art works and now it will be enough to say that the modern digital art works could be developed to be non-materialized factor of art works with the concept of duplication as well as duplication of objects just like previous cases. Besides duplicational factors derived spatial and emotional effects with visional sympathy in existing machinery duplication era and could have verified that the object for duplication was transferred from minor commercial producers to major audience.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.103-108
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• 2020

Recently, consumer demand for safe but minimally processed food has rapidly increased. For this reason, many food processing industries are applying hurdle technology to enhance food safety, extend shelf life, and make foods appear minimally processed. Meanwhile, studies have shown that a treatment (stress) meant to inactivate foodborne pathogens may trigger adaptation mechanisms and could even offer cross protection against subsequent treatments. Also, certain routine farm practices such as antibiotic and herbicide use could result in the development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Such bacteria may be tolerant to food processing-associated stress and be more likely to remain viable in processed foods. In this review, we discuss the correlation between food processing-associated stress and antibiotic resistance. We also discuss molecular mechanisms such as the use of sigma factors, SOS response pathways and efflux pumps as means of cross protection against antimicrobial compounds and other food processing-associated stresses.