Bad Shape Research Articles

The Role of Genetics, Neurobiology, and Psychosocial Factors in the Development and Treatment of Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review

Eating disorders are severe complications affecting peoples’ eating patterns, with erratic practices like purging behaviors, binge eating, and avoidance of food. These disorders result from different causes, including neurotransmitter imbalance, psychological factors like body-shaming, and genetic inheritance. The present review focuses on genetic, neurobiology and psychological factors to provide an understanding of the development of eating disorders and subsequent treatment. The present review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist that guided the evidence collection in the review to ascertain high quality. The Participant, Interventions, Comparison, Outcomes, and Studies (PICOS) protocol guided the establishment of potential studies' inclusion criteria. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessments, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence from the individual studies. Two independent reviewers were tasked with study selection, data collection, and study risk of bias assessed. The reviewers used the Cochrane risk of bias tool to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Fifteen studies met the eligibility tests and were included in the review. A review of the evidence obtained from the included studies revealed that neurobiology, genetics and psychological factors influence the development of eating disorders like binge eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa. In genetics, familial integration and heredity revealed the passing of the genes responsible for the development of anorexia nervosa in subsequent generations. Psychological factors and neurobiology affect self-esteem or body shaming and affect the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, respectively. The treatment interventions aim to restore neurotransmitter levels and confidence after losing confidence and self-body hate due to bad shape. Genetics, neurobiological factors and psychological status are responsible for the development of eating disorders. Bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and purging behaviors result from unregulated 5-HT depletion, can be inherited or can result from body shaming. The evidence shows that eating disorders can be treated based on the aetiologies and pathophysiology. Keywords: Eating disorders, treatment, neurobiological factors, genetics, binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa.

Safety and dream scepticism in Sosa’s epistemology

A common objection to Sosa’s epistemology is that it countenances, in an objectionable way, unsafe knowledge. This objection, under closer inspection, turns out to be in far worse shape than Sosa’s critics have realised. Sosa and his defenders have offered two central response types to the idea that allowing unsafe knowledge is problematic: one response type adverts to the animal/reflective knowledge distinction that is characteristic of bi-level virtue epistemology. The other less-discussed response type appeals to the threat of dream scepticism, and in particular, to the idea that many of our everyday perceptual beliefs are unsafe through the nearness of the dream possibility. The latter dreaming response to the safety objection to Sosa’s virtue epistemology has largely flown under the radar in contemporary discussions of safety and knowledge. We think that, suitably articulated in view of research in the philosophy and science of dreaming, it has much more going for it than has been appreciated. This paper further develops, beyond what Sosa does himself, the dreaming argument in response to those who think safety (as traditionally understood) is a condition on knowledge and who object to Sosa’s account on the grounds that it fails this condition. The payoffs of further developing this argument will be not only a better understanding of the importance of insights about dreaming against safety as a condition on knowledge, but also some reason to think a weaker safety condition, one that is relativised to SSS (i.e., skill/shape/situation) conditions for competence exercise, gets better results all things considered as an anti-luck codicil on knowledge.

The Influence of Sports on College Students’ Learning Adaptability

In today's society, many college students are affected by exam-oriented education, physical quality deviation, loss of learning interest and motivation after the college entrance examination. At present, the overall sports situation and learning adaptability of college students are in bad shape. Under the influence of the educational environment, the vast majority of students will feel confused and uncomfortable after entering college, lack of learning motivation, sports hobbies and interests, and cannot adapt to the new environment and new learning methods. But through sports can increase students' learning adaptability, improve learning enthusiasm. Therefore, it is necessary to raise the awareness of schools, teachers and students on the importance of physical education and sports. Most universities have deficiencies in teacher resources, sports curriculum arrangements and sports facilities, resulting in students lack of sports awareness and unclear understanding of the meaning of sports. In this study, universities and students respectively put forward relevant suggestions. Schools should improve the teaching ability of PE teachers through training, cooperate with external sports clubs to meet the sports needs of different students, and help students find their own sports interests. At the same time, it is necessary to improve college students' cognition of the significance of sports, establish school sports associations, and exercise the quality of college students' adherence to sports under the role of mutual help of peers, and finally improve their learning adaptability through sports.

Comprehensive UHPLC–MS screening methods for the analysis of triazolopyrazine precursor and its genotoxic nitroso-derivative in sitagliptin pharmaceutical formulation

A case study on Sitagliptin drug products and Sitagliptin/Metformin drug products concerning contamination with N-nitrosamines was performed using two newly developed analytical methods for determination of N-nitroso-triazolopyrazine (NTTP; 7-nitroso-3-(trifluoromethyl)–5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazine) and its precursor triazolopyrazine (3-(trifluoromethyl)–5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazine). The method for determination of triazolopyrazine was previously unpublished, the method for determination of NTTP was published only for analysis of active pharmaceutical ingredient Sitagliptin and not the drug forms. Solving the N-nitrosamine contamination is requested by regulatory authorities all over the world and thus is vital for all pharmaceutical companies. The solution always requires a sensitive analytical method. Both newly developed methods use liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (single quadrupole analyzer in case of triazolopyrazine and triple quadrupole analyzer in case of NTTP). Separation of triazolopyrazine was achieved on a column Acquity CSH C18 using a mobile phase consisting of aqueous ammonium formate buffered at pH 4.2 and acetonitrile. Detection was performed using positive electrospray and selected ion monitoring at m/z 193. Separation of NTTP was achieved on a column Acquity HSS T3 using a mobile phase consisting of 0.1 % formic acid in water and methanol. Detection was performed using positive electrospray and multiple reaction monitoring at transitions m/z 222.15→42.05 (collision energy 17 eV) and m/z 222.15→192.15 (collision energy 11 eV). Two issues specific to NTTP and triazolopyrazine previously not described in scientific literature were successfully troubleshooted. Spontaneous degradation of Sitagliptin to triazolopyrazine and methyl (R)–3-amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoate was solved by using N,N-dimethylformamide as sample solvent during development of the method for quantitation of triazolopyrazine. A bad peak shape of NTTP due to the presence of rotamers of NTTP was successfully troubleshooted by increasing column temperature. Both methods were used during an optimization study of manufacturing of Sitagliptin and Sitagliptin/Metformin drug products. The goal of the study was to decrease NTTP content in the final drug product under the strict legislative limit set by Federal Drug Agency. The efficacy of several solutions was proven, but could not be fully disclosed due to Intellectual Property Protection policy of Zentiva. Instead, a brief review of recently published strategies to cope with N-nitrosamine contamination is presented.

Does the COVID-19 epidemic impact on economic sustainability of big agricultural firms in Indonesia?

The current research seeks to determine whether the economic sustainability of large agricultural firms in Indonesia be affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. The agricultural sector’s economic sustainability assures the food supply chain, which ultimately maintains the nation’s food security. In the current research, big agricultural companies are represented by those listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in two consecutive years, 2019 and 2020. Meanwhile, economic sustainability refers to companies’ business performance, which is assessed by some financial ratios, namely the Altman Z-model for forecasting financial difficulties, liquidity, profitability, and leverage. The Altman Z-model is utilized to identify whether the monetary soundness of the business is good, in a precautionary situation, or in bad shape. Surprisingly, our data analysis shows an increase in the sample company’s Z score, liquidity, and profitability from 2019 to 2020. The average Altman Z-score indicates that big agricultural companies are financially healthy. The outcomes of the paired samples t test indicate no disparity in the economic performance of Indonesia’s largest agricultural firms. This study provides evidence that large agricultural companies are resilient in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Does compact city shape matter to residents' happiness?

This paper investigates the impact of city shape variation on residents' happiness in Chinese cities. We first measure the city shape index of Chinese cities between 2000 and 2015 using matched data from the European Space Agency Global Land Cover dataset and the Chinese administrative map to delineate the changes in city shape in China's urbanization. Then we use a reduced-form estimation strategy to examine the causality between city shape variation and urban residents' happiness using our city shape dataset and the microsurvey data of CHIP (Chinese Household Income Project). We find that city shape exerts a negative influence on the happiness of urban residents. Such an effect is more pronounced in large cities. However, well-developed public transportation infrastructure can mitigate the negative impact of a non-compact city shape. Turning to the mechanism, commute time to the workplace and amenities is the main channel through which city shape works. We find that bad shape significantly increases the commute time between residential, workplace, and commercial amenities and therefore makes urban residents unhappy.

Socio-Economic Characteristics of Households Determining Housing Satisfaction in Bauchi Metropolis, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Life satisfaction and housing quality are inextricably linked, and socio-economic factors have an impact on both. Low income families in poor quality housing thus bearing the impact of income-related deficits with housing satisfaction. There is potential call for lower-income families to make more frequent housing adjustment in order to be content with less-than-ideal living conditions. In Bauchi, it has been observed that socio-economic characteristics of an individual translates into his earning, thereby influences his choice of location and housing satisfaction. This study's goal was to determine examining the impact of socio-economic characteristics of households on housing satisfaction in the study area. The study employed a quantitative methodology descriptive survey. 380 household heads received a questionnaire, of which 258 were recouped and used for data analysis. Households were surveyed employing stratified random sampling to gather data on the socio-economic characteristics of the households and satisfaction with environmental and physical characteristics. To determine the symbolic importance of the various elements, the gathered questionnaire was subjected to ordinal regression and descriptive statistics. According to the research findings, household’s satisfaction is correlated with their housing. There is significant link between socio-economic indicators and households’ housing satisfaction in the study area. The socio-economic factors in the study area that had a significant impact on housing satisfaction were gender and farming as a form of occupation. The government was advised to build the social facilities that are needed, repair the ones that are in bad shape, and implement the development control requirements as soon as possible.

The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes

Reviewed by: The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes April Spisak Reyes, Sonora The Luis Ortega Survival Club. Balzer + Bray, 2023 [32p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780063060302 $19.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780063060326 $11.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 9-12 Ari does not speak unless she is comfortable with someone, and fellow classmate Luis is far too handsome and favored in school for Ari to ever feel calm around him. Still, he seems to have taken an interest in her, and she enjoys his attention, but when he sexually assaults her at a party, Ari immediately feels violated and betrayed. She's in even worse shape once humiliating rumors start circulating about her, but the final blow is when she overhears that Luis knew she couldn't say no [End Page 302] and preyed on that. Ari is then, however, approached by others who have been hurt by Luis in various ways, and a revenge club is formed. Ari finds it disconcerting and yet comforting to be with others who have had similar assault experiences, and she also connects with someone else who identifies as neurodivergent (Ari is autistic) while experiencing her first non-toxic crush in Luis' ex-girlfriend. Reyes has an unerring eye for developing tough female protagonists who are wounded but not defeated, still figuring out their place in the world but certain when they find a person worth letting beyond her barriers. Ari's painful steps toward moving the blame off herself to where it rightfully belongs onto Luis are eloquently described in her first-person narration, and a series of positive events at the end of the novel provide a much-needed gentle landing. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

The 2020 Bailouts Left Airlines, the Economy, and the Federal Budget in Worse Shape than Before

The 2020 Bailouts Left Airlines, the Economy, and the Federal Budget in Worse Shape than Before

PREVALENCE OF COMPLICATIONS AFTER ODONTOPLASTY

Background:Cosmetic dentistry, also known as enameloplasty, is what odontoplasty refers to. This cosmetic dentistry treatment that strives to enhance the function of human teeth also includes contouring and reshaping of the teeth. Enhancing the look of a persons teeth by modifying their size, length, or even shape is a popular cosmetic procedure nowadays. This research aimed to assess and understand the issues and complications that are reported to have been faced by many people who have gone through the procedure of odontoplasty. Methods:A cross-sectional study was used to understand the prevalence of complications after odontoplasty. The philosophy of positivism is appropriate for this research as it helped in the descriptive assessment of the quantitative data gathered. An inductive research approach would be implemented because this approach relies on building up new theories and developing perceptions from existing theories. This is the need of this research work, and therefore an approach of inductive nature would be the best fit.The sampling method that was implemented is stratified random sampling, which would help consider those individuals in the UK going through the odontoplasty procedure. The sample age group is within the range of 25-40 years. Results:Study included 562 participants in which all of them responded to study survey questions. The most frequent complication was weak tooth (n= 268, 47.7%). More than third of study participants didnt support the changing of natural appearance of the tooth (n= 216, 38.4%). However, 63% would like to further changing the existing shape and size of their teeth (n= 354). On the other hand, 241 participants believed that odontoplasty is a necessity (42.9%). The same percentage almost recommended others to undergo odontoplasty (n= 239, 42.5%). 312 participants felt moderate pain (55.5%) is more than half of study participants. The most frequent reason why participants underwent odontolplasty was bad shape of teeth (n= 259, 46.1%). Conclusion:The most prevalent consequence was weak teeth. More over a third of survey participants opposed altering the tooths natural look, according to the study findings. However, more than half of individuals would desire to modify their present tooth form and size. Some participants, however, thought that odontoplasty is necessary. Over fifty percent of subjects reported moderate discomfort. About half of them claimed that it would endure for extended period of time.

DNA Identification in Mass Casualty – Forensic Perspective

Fire related mass casualty incidents have always been difficult in terms of identification. Often the bodies recoveredare in such bad shape making the process near impossible to get them identified through secondary methodsof identification. Extremely charred bodies having remnant burnt soft tissue and bones are most difficult to getidentified. It is exactly where Primary method of identification i.e. DNA Analysis comes into play.One such incident occurred at a Sanitizer manufacturing factory where tragic massive fire broke out engulfinglives of seventeen adult humans. The victims were trapped because of ongoing fire making it inescapable. Onautopsy, necessary samples were preserved and sent for DNA Analysis to Forensic Science Laboratory. Bloodsamples of all claiming relatives were also sent to the laboratory for cross matching of the DNA. Identity of allvictims was thus ascertained, once again proving how DNA Analysis has been a scientific boon to the humans.

WALTER DEAN BURNHAM: In Memory and Appreciation

Dean Burnham, who died in San Antonio in October at the age of ninety-two, was an active and enthusiastic supporter of this journal from its inception. His loss deprives editors and managing editors of his energetic and assiduous counsel, especially regarding any writings or commentaries devoted to political parties, elections, political realignments, political polling, and the deep literature on the evolution of American democracy from originalist founding days to the rise of reactionary recent presidents.Because this journal was originally housed at MIT, it was both convenient and illuminating to stroll into Burnham’s office and ask his opinion about a submission or about an idea for a special issue, or to request advice about some aspect of American or European political development. Burnham would always answer the precise questions and then, unprompted, provide context and a compendium of intellectual discourse related to the inquiry. He was integral to the growth of the JIH from its formative years, and ever since.A student of Harvard University’s V.O. Key, Burnham in 1965 published a defining article on declining voter turnout, “The Changing Shape of the American Political Universe,” in the American Political Science Review. Among his many seminal books were Critical Elections and the Mainsprings of American Politics (1970), Democracy in the Making: American Government and Politics (1986), and Voting in American Elections: The Shaping of the American Political Universe Since 1788 (2009). In 2014, he co-wrote—with Thomas Ferguson, a former student—“Americans Are Sick to Death of Both Parties: Why Our Politics Are in Worse Shape Than We Thought,” a study of the 2014 American elections. He also commented in print on the 2016 “change election” that brought Donald Trump to the presidency. As the New York Times’ obituary indicated, Burnham was “one of the most influential political scientists of his generation.” Among Burnham’s many intellectual contributions to this journal was his path-breaking article, “Those High Nineteenth-Century American Voting Turnouts: Fact or Fiction?” XVI (1986), 613–644.Before joining the MIT political science department in 1971, Burnham had taught at Boston University, Kenyon College, Haverford College, and Washington University. In 1988, he departed MIT for the University of Texas, Austin. His students there were as devoted to his breadth of learning and his clever wit as those at MIT had been.Burnham was profoundly interdisciplinary in his interests, his discourse, and his approach to political and social history. He extolled the craft of translating compelling theories and concepts into accessible articles and books, thus contributing mightily to the fashioning and qualitative uplifting of this journal for decades. The JIH’s readers and editors will sadly miss his profound insights and unparalleled wisdom.

Some Rural Hospitals Are in Such Bad Shape, Local Governments Are Practically Giving Them Away

Biomedical Safety & Standards: October 15, 2022 - Volume 52 - Issue 18 - p 137-139 doi: 10.1097/01.BMSAS.0000890256.87314.77

JPA: Joint Metabolic Feature Extraction Increases the Depth of Chemical Coverage for LC-MS-Based Metabolomics and Exposomics.

Extracting metabolic features from liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) data has been a long-standing bioinformatic challenge in untargeted metabolomics. Conventional feature extraction algorithms fail to recognize features with low signal intensities, poor chromatographic peak shapes, or those that do not fit the parameter settings. This problem also poses a challenge for MS-based exposome studies, as low-abundant metabolic or exposomic features cannot be automatically recognized from raw data. To address this data processing challenge, we developed an R package, JPA (short for Joint Metabolomic Data Processing and Annotation), to comprehensively extract metabolic features from raw LC-MS data. JPA performs feature extraction by combining a conventional peak picking algorithm and strategies for (1) recognizing features with bad peak shapes but that have tandem mass spectra (MS2) and (2) picking up features from a user-defined targeted list. The performance of JPA in global metabolomics was demonstrated using serial diluted urine samples, in which JPA was able to rescue an average of 25% of metabolic features that were missed by the conventional peak picking algorithm due to dilution. More importantly, the chromatographic peak shapes, analytical accuracy, and precision of the rescued metabolic features were all evaluated. Furthermore, owing to its sensitive feature extraction, JPA was able to achieve a limit of detection (LOD) that was up to thousands of folds lower when automatically processing metabolomics data of a serial diluted metabolite standard mixture analyzed in HILIC(−) and RP(+) modes. Finally, the performance of JPA in exposome research was validated using a mixture of 250 drugs and 255 pesticides at environmentally relevant levels. JPA detected an average of 2.3-fold more exposure compounds than conventional peak picking only.

Analisis Rasio Profitabilitas Untuk Menilai Kinerja Keuangan Pada PT. Kimia Farma (PERSERO) Tbk

One of the tools to assess financial performance is profitability ratio analysis which aims to measure the overall management effectiveness which is indicated by the size of the level of profit obtained. The better the profitability ratio, the better the profitability of a company. The purpose of this study was to determine the profitability ratios to assess financial performance at PT. Kimia Farma (Persero) Tbk in 2010-2020. The data collection method uses documentation and literature study, and the analytical method used is quantitative analysis using profitability ratio analysis, namely Gross Profit Margin (GPM), Net Profit Margin (NPM), Return On Assets (ROA), Return On Equity (ROE). The results showed that the Gross Profit Margin (GPM) in 2010 was 28.41% based on the criteria for assessing this situation in good condition. In the following years GPM has always increased so that the company is in very good condition. With that we can see that there is an increase in profits obtained. Net Profit Margin (NPM) in 2010 to 2018 was always in a good position, in 2019 and 2020 there was a very far decline to <1% until this position resulted in a bad condition. Return On Assets (ROA) in 2010 to 2018 there has always been a decline in the level of this ratio but even so this ratio is still classified as very good, in 2019 and 2020 this ratio has decreased very much, namely <1% causing this ratio to be in a state of disrepair. good. Return On Equity (ROE) in 2010 to 2018 this ratio experienced a change in the increase or decrease in the level of the ratio >10% so this ratio was fairly good, but in 2019 and 2020 there was a very large decline in the ratio level to <1% this caused this ratio in bad shape in the last two years.

The Impact of Covid-19 on Employees Engagement

When the economy is in such bad shape, any of us who has a job is fortunate. Human resource managers and practitioners are concerned with whether employees are contributing to the organization’s Strategy, goals, and priorities or not, as well as how to proceed with the recruiting and selection process, employee engagement, and training and development programs, as a consequence of the pandemic of Covid-19. Organizations all over the world are in a difficult situation; for the first time in history, the value of a barrel of oil dropped to less than zero on April 20, 2020; the only explanation for this is the ongoing global lockdown. The actual workplace has been transformed into a virtual workplace, and HR managers are now pondering how to effectively involve workers. The aim of this paper was to clarify how employee engagement affects organizational efficiency within Covid-19 pandemic and shed the light on all the factors and provide a set of managerial implications to the professionals.

The Role of Higher Education in the 21 Century

When the economy is in such bad shape, any of us who has a job is fortunate. Human resource managers and practitioners are concerned with whether employees are contributing to the organization’s Strategy, goals, and priorities or not, as well as how to proceed with the recruiting and selection process, employee engagement, and training and development programs, as a consequence of the pandemic of Covid-19. Organizations all over the world are in a difficult situation; for the first time in history, the value of a barrel of oil dropped to less than zero on April 20, 2020; the only explanation for this is the ongoing global lockdown. The actual workplace has been transformed into a virtual workplace, and HR managers are now pondering how to effectively involve workers. The aim of this paper was to clarify how employee engagement affects organizational efficiency within Covid-19 pandemic and shed the light on all the factors and provide a set of managerial implications to the professionals.

The 2020 Presidential Election in Belarus: Erosion of Authoritarian Stability and Re-politicization of Society

AbstractOn August 9, 2020, presidential elections were held in Belarus. Despite blatant electoral fraud and procedural violations, the official results declared Aleksandr Lukashenka reelected for a sixth term. While in the past, even the most obviously fraudulent election results have been followed by an atmosphere of resigned acceptance, this time countless Belarusians took to the streets to contest the results. What made this election different? This analysis of current affairs looks at the 2020 events through the lens of authoritarian consolidation theory, suggesting the unprecedented political mobilization was enabled by erosion in the three pillars of authoritarian stability: repression, cooptation, and legitimation. A majority of the population had been accepting the political status quo out of fear, for social and monetary security provided in exchange for loyalty, or a general understanding that there were no alternatives. Lukashenka did not realize this had largely changed. Nine months later, the foundation of the authoritarian regime is in an even worse shape. The regime’s reliance on repression further counteracts the legitimacy of the system. As a result, it seems it will be difficult for the authorities to re-consolidate authoritarianism, at least in the near future, no matter how the ‘revolution’ unfolds.

Experimental Analysis of In Situ Fenestration of Endovascular Stent-Grafts: Comparison between Needle and Laser Puncture

To evaluate the quality of in vitro fenestrations during in situ fenestration (ISF) and investigate the differences between needle and laser puncture in current stent-grafts. An in vitro study evaluated the damage created by needle ISF on stent-graft fabrics versus laser ISF. Fenestrations were made in 5 different commercially available stent-grafts, including polyester stent-grafts (Relay, Valiant and Hercules) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) stent-grafts (TAG and Ankura). Each stent-graft received fenestration by needle and laser separately, followed by gradual dilation (4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm sequentially) of noncompliant balloons. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations including fenestration diameter, area, shape and margins were conducted using light microscopy and scanning electron microscope. The primary fenestrations created by needle were slit-like with visible cut-off fibers in polyester stent-grafts and were almost circular with clear margins in ePTFE stent-grafts; those created by laser were squared or elliptical with ragged edges and burned fibers in all the stent-grafts. Fabric debris and toxic particles due to burning of the material were generated during laser-assisted fenestration. The Primary holes in polyester stent-grafts (Relay, Valiant and Hercules) by needle showed smaller area (0.05 mm2 vs. 0.22 mm2, 0.52 mm2 vs. 0.70 mm2 and 0.28 mm2 vs. 0.46 mm2; P < 0.01) and worse shape (0.93 vs. 2.46, 1.17 vs. 2.33 and 0.93 vs. 2.47; P < 0.01) than those by laser, while larger area (0.67 vs.0.43, 0.59 vs.0.45; P < 0.05), better shape (3.93 vs. 2.53, 3.90 vs. 2.93; P < 0.05) and better margin (3.83 vs. 2.47, 3.83 vs. 2.53; P < 0.05) in ePTFE stent-grafts (TAG and Ankrura). After gradual balloon dilation, the final holes showed no evident difference in maximal length, fenestration area, scores of shape and margin between the 2 ways of fenestration (P > 0.05). Ankura stent-graft showed the largest holes with best quality than the others. The primary fenestrations were different between needle and laser puncture, laser induced fabric debris and toxic particles release should be cautiously considered. The final fenestrations were similar after gradual balloon dilation.

Acute epileptic electricity supply in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State: Its causes and remediation

Epileptic electric power supply had become a common factor in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. This study looks at the immediate causes of the prolong power failure in the area, in order to proffer solutions to them. Field work and questionnaires were used to obtain data for this study. During the field work, the main 33 KVA Isoko-Kwale transmission line was thoroughly inspected to ascertain its current state. In addition, the primary (11 KVA) and secondary (415 V) distribution lines, the transformer and feeder pillars were also inspected. Furthermore, questionnaires were distributed to three categories of people (electricians, civil servants and traders), to ascertain the remote causes of epileptic power supply in the region. Results obtained from the field work revealed that some of the electrical materials used in the 33 kVA transmission line were in bad shape. There were instances of missing cross arms from the utility poles, and the insulators were fixed directly to the poles. It was also observed that some cross arms were freely handing at the side of the utility poles. Considering the primary and secondary distribution lines, most of them were in bad shape. Slanting utility poles and cables overgrown with tree branches were regular occurrences. In terms of the feeder pillars, some of them were not functioning. The operational feeder pillars showed signs of overloading and burnt cables. The analysis of the questionnaires feedback with chi-square and graphical methods, revealed that: the poor state of electrical materials, and the negligence of the people of the region in adhering to the electrical rules were highly responsible for the poor electrical supply in the area. Results obtained from the study had revealed that the best remedies to the persistent power failure in the area is the total overhauling of the distribution lines patterns and the transformers. In addition, the people should adhere to the Nigeria electrical safety practices by switching off unnecessary appliances. This will help to conserve electrical energy, and minimized overloading of the 33 KVA transmission line.