bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El delta de la Tordera: tensions, reptes i expectatives d’un paisatge rural complex a la perifèria metropolitana de Barcelona
Authors: Panareda Josep M.
Published: March 2020

El delta de la Tordera és petit (ocupa una superfície de 8 km2) i es troba situat a l’extrem septentrional de la regió metropolitana de Barcelona, amb un predomini de l’horta durant la primera meitat del segle XX. Posteriorment s’hi instal·laren diverses indústries, se’n va eixamplar l’espai urbanitzat i s’hi va desenvolupar una activitat turística intensa entorn de les platges. A l’article s’hi presenten les idees clau sobre la situació actual dels usos urbans en un paisatge en mosaic amb conflictes permanents per l’aprofitament de l’aigua, per l’ocupació de l’espai i pels efectes de les crescudes de la Tordera i de l’erosió constant de les platges a causa dels temporals marins. S’hi plantegen com a reptes principals l’acceptació de la dinàmica natural tal com és i que se sàpiga posar límits en el consum urbà, en l’ocupació de l’espai i en la realització de les activitats econòmiques i socials.
Complaint against the judgment of the court of appeal – de lege lata and de lege ferenda remarks
Authors: Kil Jan
Published: March 2020

The subject of the article is the analysis of the complaint against the judgment of the court of appeal, that has been described in chapter 55a of Polish Code of Criminal Procedure and was introduce by Amending Act of 11th March 2016. The purpose of the article is to present and the analyse the new regulation. The article covers the main issues, which are the most crucial both in law doctrine and the judicial application of law. The author
presents the nature of this specific kind of appeal complaint, conditions of its application and the proceedings in this matter. The paper examines each of the issues penetratingly. The study presents the arguments, which justify the implementation of the new appeal measure to the Polish Code of Criminal Procedure. Besides, the author presents legislative proposals connected with the complaint against the judgment of the court of appeal.
De macumba a umbanda: o processo de legitimação da religião dita genuinamente brasileira
Authors: Morais Mariana Ramos de
Published: March 2020

Este artigo aborda o processo de legitimação da umbanda, uma religião afro-brasileira, presente hoje em todo Brasil e mesmo no exterior. Diferentes intérpretes apontam que essa religião surgiu no Sudeste brasileiro nas primeiras décadas do século XX. As práticas nominadas “macumba” e associadas aos negros podem ser pensadas como a origem da umbanda. O estigma do feitiço, atrelado às práticas religiosas afro-brasileiras desde o Brasil colônia, também foi a ela transposto. No intuito de afirmá-la como religião, alguns grupos buscaram uma aproximação com o espiritismo kardecista, visando um certo “embranquecimento” de suas práticas e definindo-a como “genuinamente” brasileira. Outros grupos preferiram enaltecer sua herança africana. Este artigo focaliza, assim, as vias escolhidas por diferentes grupos, especialmente, na primeira metade do século XX, para afirmar como religião práticas antes consideradas feitiço. Para tanto, apresento uma leitura crítica da literatura que aborda a conformação da umbanda, bem como seu processo de legitimação enquanto religião. Além disso, analiso textos produzidos pelos próprios umbandistas.
Tradução "Museus memoriais: a emergência de um novo modelo de museu"
Authors: Sodaro Amy , Meneguello Tradução: Cristina
Published: March 2020

Tradução do capítulo "Memorial Museums", contido no livro "Exhibiting Atrocity: Memorial Museums and the Politics of Past Violence", de autoria de Amy Sodaro,
O desejo como sintoma na economia solidária: uma perspectiva psicossociológica
Authors: Pires Sanyo Drummond , Silva Aline Pereira
Published: March 2020

O presente artigo apresenta uma pesquisa realizada com intuito de analisar a resistência ao processo de incubação em um empreendimento de economia solidária (EES) no ramo cultural na ITESS/UFGD. Partindo dos pressupostos da psicanálise e da psicossociologia, a resistência ao processo de incubação foi analisada levando em conta as possibilidades de manifestação do desejo nas instituições produtivas, bem como a resistência à manifestação do mesmo. Para isso, foram realizadas entrevistas individuais e grupos de discussão com os membros do EES, e observação de campo das atividades do empreendimento, buscando identificar a função que o EES desempenhava na estruturação de processos psíquicos do grupo e de seus membros e o modo como o empreendimento era utilizado pelos mesmos para consecução de seus interesses. Percebeu-se que, para além da dimensão econômica, o EES, cumpria também a função de intermediação de processos identitários e de dinâmicas relacionais entre os seus membros, elementos esses que se mostravam prioritários em relação aos aspectos econômicos. Conclui-se que a resistência ao processo de incubação, e principalmente ao processo de formalização do EES, se dava em função do mesmo se orientar para atividades econômicas do EES, o que, por sua vez, ocorria em prejuízo de suas funções identitárias e sociais. Palavras-chave: Economia solidária. Incubação. Desejo. Mecanismos de defesa.
A Catholic Horace at the English Court: Paratextual Manipulations in Thomas Hawkins's Odes of Horace (1625-1638)
Authors: Belle Marie-Alice
Published: March 2020

This article addresses the ways in which Thomas Hawkins, a translator engaged in the cultural and literary activities of early Stuart court culture, but also in the transnational, Anglo-French Catholic networks of the time, appropriates certainOdes of Horaceto assert his cultural, literary, and ideological values at the courts of Charles I and Henrietta Maria. Focusing in particular on the paratexts of the printed volume in its various editions (1625-1638), which include a translator’s preface as well as a number of commendatory poems from contemporary writers and courtiers, this article revisits Theo Hermans’s (2014a [1985]) and André Lefevere’s (2006 [1992]) seminal methods for analyzing the ‘manipulation of literary fame’ in early modern England. While confirming Hermans’s and Lefevere’s attention to issues of patronage and cultural norms, as well as the pivotal importance of paratexts as markers of such factors, I argue that the strategies of ideological and political encoding at work in the productions of English seventeenth-century court culture are best understood when approached from an “enlarged” (Tymoczko, 2005, 2007) methodological stance. This means complementing well-established analyses of literary manipulation in terms of patronage and cultural norms with specific attention to the material conditions in which translations were produced and circulated; their significance to the complex and ideologically conflicted milieu of the early Stuart court; and the social, political, and religious networks in which translators operated, well beyond the immediate circles of courtly patronage and influence.
Colonialisme, universalisme occidental et traduction
Authors: Chagnon Karim
Published: March 2020

Les récents jalons et subséquentes célébrations de l’histoire coloniale du Canada, du 150e anniversaire de la Confédération canadienne au 375e anniversaire de Montréal, sont l’occasion de souligner la présence immémoriale de plus de 10 000 ans des peuples autochtones sur ce territoire. Le contexte s’avère également propice pour réfléchir au rôle de la traduction entre les langues européennes et autochtones dans le parcours national. D’ailleurs, l’asymétrie actuelle entre les langues d’origine européenne et les langues autochtones illustre comment la traduction a participé à une médiation idéologique qui a historiquement tendu vers la colonisation avec, en contrepartie, l’éradication de la présence des peuples autochtones par des processus d’assimilation. Comment l’existence et la survie des langues autochtones contribuent-elles à mettre en lumière la fonction et les postulats de la traduction au Canada? Dans la réflexion qui suit, je propose de révéler certaines tendances politiques et idéologiques qui se sont exprimées à travers le prisme de la traduction. La traductologie au Canada repose sur des postulats eurocentriques qui, malgré leur ubiquité et leur normalisation, sont éminemment politiques dans leur construction. En déconstruisant ces postulats de la traduction répertoriés par la traductologue Maria Tymoczko (2003) à l’aide d’exemples ancrés dans le contexte de colonialisme d’implantation canadien, je propose de considérer des pratiques de traduction décoloniale qui reflètent des conceptions de la traduction hors des schémas axiologiques occidentaux.
The hazards of smoking and the benefits of cessation: A critical summation of the epidemiological evidence in high-income countries
Authors: Jha Prabhat
Published: March 2020

In high-income countries, the biggest cause of premature death, defined as death before 70 years, is smoking of manufactured cigarettes. Smoking-related disease was responsible for about 41 million deaths in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, cumulatively, from 1960 to 2020. Every million cigarettes smoked leads to one death in the US and Canada, but slightly more than one death in the UK. The 21st century hazards reveal that smokers who start smoking early in adult life and do not quit lose a decade of life expectancy versus non-smokers. Cessation, particularly before age 40 years, yields large reductions in mortality risk. Up to two-thirds of deaths among smokers are avoidable at non-smoking death rates, and former smokers have about only a quarter of the excess risk of death compared to current smokers. The gap between scientific and popular understanding of smoking hazards is surprisingly large.
The Blues-like Elements in John Edgar Wideman’s Sent for You Yesterday
Authors: Zhang Qiong
Published: March 2020

Sent for You Yesterday, having won P.E.N./Faulkner Award as the best work of fiction, is considered to be Wideman’s blues novel in American literary circle. The blues-like elements in this novel is mainly in form. Firstly, the title of the novel is adapted from a piece of blues; secondly, the whole structure of the story is arranged according to the blues; thirdly, the special narration in the novel forms a kind of call-and –response. The blues-like elements in this novel is also in content: the black community is immerged in blues environment and blues is considered as the cultural symbol of African Americans and three generation inherited the cultural heritage by blues. By blues, Wideman combines the black aesthetics and daily life and strengthens the artistic beauty.
Interlanguage Pragmatics, Communicative Competence, Nigeria’s L2 Classrooms
Authors: Uneke Enyi Amaechi , Edwin Orji Chiekpezie
Published: March 2020

In Nigeria, much attention has been given to the teaching and learning of grammatical forms and sound sequences with emphasis on their accuracy and correctness (linguistic competence). This has reflected in the selection of course syllabi, curriculum, instructional materials and methods in our classrooms. A lot studies have been carried out by scholars on the non-native speakers’ use and acquisition of linguistic action patterns in a second language. Though such studies, dubbed interlanguage pragmatics, have all been carried out in Europe and America with focus on speakers of English as a Foreign language (EFL). This area of enquiry has not been adequately explored in Africa in general or Nigerian L2 learners of English as the focus. Thus, little or seldom attention has been given to pragmatics and appropriateness in language use (Communicative competence). This study is therefore, a consciousness - raising effort to highlight the relevance and advantages of teaching pragmatics and the development of pragmatics awareness in our classrooms. This is against the backdrop of the fact that the linguistic competence of most learners of English as a second language is not usually at par with their pragmatic competence. This study foregrounds the need for L2 learners of English to develop a concomitant degree of pragmatic awareness in the use of the language. They must learn how to combine form, meaning, force and context. They need, for example, to learn how to say what they want to say with the required formality or politeness, directness or indirectness, e t c, as required by a given situation or sometimes, to even keep quiet and still communicate intention. The study, domesticating the findings of some current researches in instructed pragmatics, discussed and suggested some classroom activities that could be adopted as part of the methods of teaching pragmatics, and by so doing, highlighted the enormous advantages and usefulness of teaching pragmatics and acquiring pragmatic competence in Nigeria’s L2 classrooms.
The Learner’ Levels of Collocation Knowledge and Idiomatic Expressions: Exploring the Relationship of Acquisition of Two Items of Phraseology
Authors: Alharthi Thamer
Published: March 2020

Whilst there is an ever growing bulk of research focused solely on either single word items or idioms (formulaic sequences as they are usually known) through explicit instruction, this article contributes towards a somewhat severely under-researched field in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context: the importance of incidental learning of collocation knowledge in comprehending idiomatic expressions within an authentic classroom setting in Saudi Arabia. To test this assertion, the study comprised a sample of 34 Arabic-speaking learners of English taking summer BA English courses. Learners’ familiarity of idiom was measured by a means of a background questionnaire which was administered at the beginning of the study. In addition, they were tested by examining the comprehension of the figurative meanings of 15 collocations and the non-compositionality meanings of 15 idiomatic expressions occurring in their EFL coursebook. Learners completed a cloze receptive task and an active recognition task in which each contained short texts composed of 15 collocations and 15 idiomatic expressions respectively. A closer examination of the data reveals that the learning of idiomatic expressions was significantly lower than that of collocations even when target idiomatic expressions were supplemented by contextualized information. It is argued that most learners’ attitudes towards the identification of idioms indicated that they are not familiar with multiword items such as idioms. Interestingly, the results demonstrated that the knowledge of collocations was effective in the learning of idioms. The article concludes by a thorough discussion of these results in relation to their pedagogical implications.
No relationship between researcher impact and replication effect: an analysis of five studies with 100 replications
Authors: Protzko John , Schooler Jonathan W.
Published: March 2020

What explanation is there when teams of researchers are unable to successfully replicate already established ‘canonical’ findings? One suggestion that has been put forward, but left largely untested, is that those researchers who fail to replicate prior studies are of low ‘expertise and diligence’ and lack the skill necessary to successfully replicate the conditions of the original experiment. Here we examine the replication success of 100 scientists of differing ‘expertise and diligence’ who attempted to replicate five different studies. Using a bibliometric tool (h-index) as our indicator of researcher ‘expertise and diligence’, we examine whether this was predictive of replication success. Although there was substantial variability in replication success and in the h-factor of the investigators, we find no relationship between these variables. The present results provide no evidence for the hypothesis that systematic replications fail because of low ‘expertise and diligence’ among replicators.
Proximate composition, functional properties and quantitative analysis of benzoyl peroxide and benzoic acid in wheat flour samples: effect on wheat flour quality
Authors: Nisar Numrah , Mustafa Faiza , Tahir Arifa , Qadri Rashad , Yang Yaodong , Khan Muhammad Imran , Wang Fuyou
Published: March 2020

Background

Extensive milling processes have deprived wheat flour from essential nutrients. The objective of the current study was to assess the nutritive quality of commercial wheat flour (soft flour (SF)) through analyses of proximate composition and functional properties as well as quantification of benzoyl peroxide (BPO; added as bleaching agent in the SF) by comparing the results with whole wheat flour (WF; never received any additives).

Methods

The samples included commercial SF purchased from the local supplier of different flour mills (who use BPO as additive) and a control sample without additives was prepared by grinding the seeds harvested from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; Inqulab 91) crop grown in the experimental field of University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, under optimized field conditions without any fertilizers and insecticides. Functional properties (including bulk density, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, emulsifying activity, foaming capacity, least gelatinization concentration and gelatinization temperature) and proximate composition (including moisture content, ash contents, crude protein, gluten and starch contents) were determined and compared for all the samples. Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and Benzoic Acid (BA) quantification was performed through High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Finally dietary intake was estimated for BPO and BA.

Results

Results showed that SF had lesser fiber, protein and ash contents, whereas, higher damaged starch, fat, gluten and bulk density. A parallel experiment under selected conditions (temperature, time and solute concentration) showed dissociation of BPO into BA soon after the exposure. Observed BA range (13.77 mg/g after 16 h) in SF and exposure level assessment (44.3 ± 1.36 mg/kg/BW) showed higher intake of BA on the consumption of SF. The results revealed the superiority of WF over SF in nutritive qualities as well as free of toxicants such as BA.
DETERMINATION OF RESIDUAL EFFECT OF INDAZIFLAM AND AMICARBAZONE IN TWO SOILS THROUGH BIOASSAY
Authors: Savaris Queli Moreno , Inoue Miriam Hiroko , Mendes Kassio Ferreira , Maciel Cleber Daniel Goes , Helvig Enelise Osco
Published: March 2020

The herbicides indaziflam and amicarbazone effectively control weeds, as they persist for long extensions in the soil. The objective of this work was to evaluate the residual effect of indaziflam and amicarbazone in contrasting textures. Two experiments were conducted, one experiment for each herbicide using a the randomized block design, with four replications, in a 2x6+1 factorial scheme, that is, two types of soils, six application times (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 days after application - DAA) and a control. Used as doses of 100 and 1.400 g ha-1, for indaziflam and amicarbazone, respectively. At each evaluation period, the cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) was sown and the visual intoxication of the species was measured at 21 days after sowing. At 0, 20 and 40 DAA of amicarbazone, phytointoxication was 100% for both soils. It was observed at 100 DAA, ditostically reducing phytointoxication, close to 0%, in sandy soil (DT50 @ 56 days) and 30% in clayey soil (DT50 @ 59 days). Indaziflam provided 100% phytointoxication at all times. It was concluded that the indaziflam had greater residual activity than amicarbazone, regardless of the soil. Already, for the amicarbazone, the effect was higher on the clay texture.
INTERFERÊNCIA DO ESTÁDIO FENOLÓGICO DO CAPIM-AMARGOSO SOBRE A EFICÁCIA DO HERBICIDA GLYPHOSATE
Authors: Andrade Jeisiane De Fátima , Presoto Jéssica Cursino , Carvalho Saul Jorge Pinto de
Published: March 2020

Considera-se que o controle eficiente de plantas daninhas com o uso de herbicidas em pósemergência depende, sobretudo, do estádio de desenvolvimento das plantas alvo no momento da aplicação. Neste sentido, o estádio fenológico das plantas é uma variável importante a ser considerada no ambiente de produção, pois interfere na eficácia do produto e exige readequação das doses recomendadas. Assim sendo, este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar a suscetibilidade do capim-amargoso ao herbicida glyphosate influenciada pelo estádio fenológico no momento da aplicação. Para tanto, dois experimentos semelhantes foram realizados, nos quais os tratamentos foram organizados segundo esquema fatorial 8x5, em que oito foram as doses do herbicida glyphosate (0, 45, 90, 180, 360, 720, 1440, 2880 g ha-1) e cinco os estádios fenológicos do capim-amargoso. Comparado à variável massa seca, observou-se que a variável controle percentual promoveu melhor estimativa da suscetibilidade do capim-amargoso ao glyphosate, considerando-se diferentes estádios fenológicos; para esta variável o cálculo de DL80 resultou em excelente estimativa de suscetibilidade da espécie, obtendo-se a equação y = 26,276x – 112,42. Ou seja, a cada 10 unidades na escala BBCH, necessita-se de 150 g ha-1 adicionais de glyphosate para obter o mesmo DL80.
ESTÁGIOS FENOLÓGICOS ASSOCIADOS AO CONTROLE QUÍMICO NO MANEJO DE SPERMACOCEA DENSIFLORA ORIGINADA DE SEMENTES E REBROTA
Authors: Lima Cauê Costa , Da Silva Rafael Pires , Jeronimo Ana Victoria , Monquero Patricia Andrea , Silva Hirata Andreia Cristina
Published: March 2020

A seleção da espécie Spermacoceae densiflora tem sido verificada em áreas com o uso contínuo do herbicida glifosato. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de herbicidas isolados ou associados ao glifosato aplicados em pós-emergência no controle de S. densiflora em plantas oriundas de sementes e de rebrota, em diferentes estádios fenológicos. Em ambos os casos, utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com 5 repetições, em esquema fatorial 2 x 17 + 1, sendo dois estádios fenológicos da planta daninha (4 e 8 folhas totalmente expandidas) e 16 tipos de controle químico mais a testemunha sem herbicida. Os tratamentos químicos foram: glifosato (1.440 g i.a ha-1), glufosinato de amônio (500 g i.a ha-1), 2,4-D (1.000 g i.a ha-1), chlorimuron-ethyl (20 g i.a ha-1), carfentrazone-ethyl (920 g i.a ha-1), flumioxazin (50 g i.a ha-1), s-metolachlor (960 g i.a ha-1), imazethapyr (100 g i.a ha-1), saflufenacil (50 g i.a ha-1) e a associação de glifosato com estes herbicidas, exceto com glufosinato. No segundo ensaio, plantas de S. densiflora foram cortadas rente ao solo e as plantas oriundas dos rebrotes com diferentes estádios fenológicos (4 e 8 folhas) foram submetidos aos respectivos tratamentos químicos do ensaio 1. No estádio inicial de aplicação destacaram-se os tratamentos glufosinato de amônio, flumioxazin, glifosato + chlorimuron, glifosato + flumioxazin e glifosato + saflufenacil, com controle acima de 96,00%. Para as aplicações mais tardias, os respectivos tratamentos mantiveram elevado controle (acima de 88,00%) excetuando-se glifosato + chlorimuron com 48% de controle. Para plantas oriundas de rebrote todos os tratamentos avaliados não foram eficazes no controle da espécie.
Tuberculosis Model with Exogenous Reinfection and Treatment
Authors: Appiagyei Ebenezer , Osman Mojeeb Al-Rahman El-Nor , Adu Isaac Kwasi
Published: March 2020

The epidemiology of tuberculosis model, which includes exogenous reinfection and treatment, is analyzed. We consider both the diagnosed and the undiagnosed individuals as infectious. Since tuberculosis is treatable, we also included the treatment for diagnosed infective. We presented the basic reproduction number and the stability of the disease-free and endemic equilibria. We also analyzed the model when the exogenous re-infection is set to zero. The exogenous re-infection is shown to be capable of supporting multiple equilibria. Lastly, we presented the global stability and numerical simulations of the model.
A Review on Ethnomedicinal Claims and Spread of Pothos scandens L.
Authors: Sojeetra Niral H. , Acharya Rabinarayan
Published: March 2020

Aim: Present review aims to collect all available ethno medicinal information and research updates on Pothos scandens, a popular drug among the local healers for its multipurpose traditional therapeutic claims.

Materials and Methods: Reported ethno medicinal uses of Pothos scandens from available books related to medicinal plants and research articles on ethno medicine, published till January 2020, were reviewed. Name of the reporting tribe using the plant and their place of reporting, vernacular names, parts used along with its therapeutic indications, with specific method of administration, if any,  through either external or internal usages were noted.

Results: P. scandens is reported for its presence in 13 countries across the globe and in 13 states of India. The plant as a whole or its stem, root and leaf are used in 31 different disease conditions, either through internal administration or external applications. Among these, maximum are indicated in the treatment of asthma, small pox, wounds and bone fracture etc. Its leaves have maximum applications in 11 disease conditions, followed by whole plant in 10, stem in 3 and root in one disease condition. Its leaves are also used as fodder. Pharmacological studies report its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, wound healing activities.

Conclusion: Pothos scandens is having multifaceted ethno-medicinal claims and needs robust scientific evaluation through pharmacological and clinical studies to establish the ethnic claims.
In silico Analysis of Phytochemicals from Coconut against Candidiasis
Authors: Das Sunanya , Nayak Sushree Saraswati , Swain Sitaram , Bhattacharyay Dipankar
Published: March 2020

This in sillico analysis was carried out to evaluate the effect of Coconut extract on Candidiasis. Candidiasis is caused by Candidia tropicalis. The phytochemicals of Coconut were interacted with a 2-enoyl-CoA hydratase enzyme involved in Biosynthesis of Unsaturated Fatty Acid metabolic pathway of Candidia tropicalis. The enzyme was taken as receptor and phytochemicals were considered as ligands. All the interactions were done in Biovia discovery Studio 2020 and the process is known as molecular Docking. Molecular Docking provides us an opportunity to identify the potential phytochemical or component which can act as powerful tool against the pathogen. Out of all the phytochemicals, Folic Acid of Coconut inhibits or blocks the mechanism of action of 2-enoyl-CoA hydratase enzyme of Candidia tropicalis. There is high possibility that these phytochemicals can potentially inhibit others enzymes involved in various metabolic pathways of Candidia tropicalis.
Woody Plants Species Composition and Diversity in West Bank Forest of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Christopher Ariyo, Oluyinka
Published: March 2020

Woody plants species composition, richness, dominance and diversity in west bank forest of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) was undertaken to understand the status of the forest. The analysis of tree species composition, richness and diversity in the forest was carried out with the aim of developing efficient management plan that will ensure biodiversity conservation. Vegetation survey using transects and plot sampling techniques were used to collect data for the study. Three transects of 500 m long each {A (270°W), B (90°E) and C (180°S)} were constructed with the aid of prismatic compass in the forest. 10 sampling plots of 10 m by 10 m each were demarcated along each transect making a total number of 30 sampling plots. In each plot, all woody plant species (trees and shrubs) with girth at breast height (gbh) greater than or equal to 10 cm (gbh ≥ 10 cm) were identified, enumerated and measured. The results showed that 581 woody plants belonging to 65 species and 28 families were encountered in the forest. The most abundant family in the forest was Fabaceae sub families of Caesalpinioidea, Mimosoideae and Palpilinoideae. The forest had Simpson diversity index (D), Shannon-Wiener (H) and Evenness index of 0.012, 0.354 and 0.195 respectively. The total density and basal area of woody plants species in the forest was 1,936.67 individuals’ ha-1 and 98.23 m2 ha−1. Newbouldia laevis had the highest density of 190 ha-1 and relative frequency of 9.811% while Milicia excelsa had the highest basal area of 40.34 m2 ha−1, relative dominance of 41.07% and Importance value index of 14.04%. The study concludes that the forest has a reasonably good tree and shrub species composition and richness, dominated by trees and a repository of many indigenous tropical woody plant species. The study recommends in-depth forest inventory, preparation of management plan and promotion of good governance in management of the forest. Also, further studies on regeneration, structure, soil seed bank, seed physiology and herbaceous plant should be carried out in the forest.
Implementation of Pads Re-layout for QFN Multi-row Breakthrough
Authors: Rodriguez R. , Gomez F. R. , Maming M. G.
Published: March 2020

An alternative design of Quad-Flat No-lead (QFN) leadframe capable with three or more arrays of lead is discussed and presented on this paper. The leadframe design is integrated with connecting bars that can be routed and bonded with wires to decrease the wire span and create a more manufacturable wirebonding structure in densified design of QFN. In addition, the connecting bars produced an inter-connection link between relocated pads and extended input/output (I/O) leads for the 3rd array electrical connections. The implementation of the proposed augmented design would improve the manufacturability of multiple arrays of I/O in QFN, enabling cost-saving initiative and manufacturing solution to devices with multiple arrays requirement.
Radiation Myelitis Risk After Hypofractionated Spine Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
Authors: Jackson Christopher B. , Boe Lillian A. , Zhang Lei , Apte Aditya , Ruppert Lisa M. , Haseltine Justin M. , Mueller Boris A. , Schmitt Adam M. , Yang Jonathan T. , Newman W. Christopher , Barzilai Ori , Bilsky Mark H. , Yamada Yoshiya , Jackson Andrew , Lis Eric , Higginson Daniel S.
Published: December 2024

Importance

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for spinal metastases improves symptomatic outcomes and local control compared to conventional radiotherapy. Treatment failure most often occurs within the epidural space, where dose is constrained by the risk of radiation myelitis (RM). Current constraints designed to prevent RM after spine SBRT are derived from limited data.

Objective

To characterize the risk of RM after spine SBRT and to update the dosimetric constraints for preventing it.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study was conducted in a single tertiary cancer care center with patients treated for spinal metastases from 2014 to 2023. All included participants had undergone spine SBRT, had a minimum of 1-month follow-up with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a maximal cord dose to a voxel (Dmax) greater than 0 Gy, and no overlapping prior radiotherapy. In all, 2051 patients received SBRT to 2835 spinal metastases (levels C1-L2) during the study period.

Exposures

Three-fraction spine SBRT to a prescription dose of 27 to 36 Gy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

RM defined as radiographic evidence of spinal cord injury in the treatment field, classified as grade (G) 1 to G4 or G3 to G4 per the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0. Multiple dosimetric parameters of the true spinal cord structure were assessed for an association with risk of RM to determine the important covariates associated with this toxicity.

Results

The analysis included 1423 patients (mean [SD] age, 61.6 [12.9] years; 695 [48.8%] females and 728 [51.1%] males) who received SBRT for 1904 spinal metastases. Among them, 30 cases of RM were identified, 19 of which were classified as G3 to G4. Two years after SBRT, the rate of G1 to G4 RM was 1.8% (95% CI, 1.2%-2.5%) and the rate of G3 to G4 RM was 1.1% (95% CI, 0.7%-1.7%). The minimum dose to the 0.1 cm3 of spinal cord receiving the greatest dose (D0.1cc) was the most important covariate on univariable cause-specific hazards regression for RM (for G3 to G4: hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.68-2.72; P < .001). A true cord D0.1cc of 19.1 Gy and Dmax of 20.8 Gy estimated a 1.0% risk (95% CI, 0.3%-1.6% and 0.4%-1.6%, respectively) of G3 to G4 RM 2 years after SBRT.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cohort study indicate that a cord (myelogram or MRI-derived) D0.1cc constraint of 19.1 Gy and a Dmax constraint of 20.8 Gy correspond with a 1.0% risk of G3 to G4 RM at 2 years.
Quantifying Patient Preferences and Expectations About Diabetic Retinopathy Monitoring
Authors: Gonzalez Sepulveda Juan Marcos , Yang Jui-Chen , Mastylak Alicja , Wells-Gray Elaine M. , Grace Landon , Fransen Stephen
Published: December 2024

Importance

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness among adults in the US. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual DR monitoring for all individuals with diabetes, yet monitoring rates remain below 70%.

Objective

To evaluate how patient preferences and expectations about DR monitoring are associated with expected monitoring adherence behaviors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this survey study, a web-enabled survey instrument was developed and implemented with a discrete-choice experiment to characterize patient preferences for outcomes of DR monitoring and graded-pair questions to quantify patients’ expectations about the impact of DR monitoring on blindness risk. The survey was conducted through ResearchMatch, a US National Institutes of Health–developed online platform, among adults with self-reported, physician-diagnosed diabetes. Recruitment occurred between September 15, 2023, and October, 17, 2023, and data analysis occurred between October 2023 and December 2023. Results from the 2 tasks were combined to derive patients’ expected monitoring behavior following a recently proposed treatment adherence framework. The survey instrument was pretested in cognitive interviews and validated for the purposes of this study.

Exposure

Survey-based discrete-choice experiment and graded-pair questions

Main Outcomes and Measures

Participants’ relative preferences for DR-related blindness risk reductions, monitoring time, and out-of-pocket monitoring costs were quantified, as well as the degree to which participants expected adherence to monitoring to affect the risk of blindness. By combining how much participants valued specific reductions in blindness risk (relative to monitoring costs) and their expected risk reduction through monitoring, the rate at which patients would maximize the benefit of monitoring appointments was assessed.

Results

The survey was completed satisfactorily by 304 respondents of 542 individuals invited to participate. Mean (SD) respondent age was 40.5 (11.2) years, and 169 respondents (56.1%) were female. Reductions in blindness risk were valuable to participants. Participants required a 3.87 (95% CI, 1.91-5.88) percentage-point reduction in 5-year blindness risk to be fully adherent to an annual 53-minute monitoring visit with a $26 co-payment, but respondents expected DR monitoring to reduce the 5-year blindness risk by 0.71 (95% CI, 0.21-1.28) percentage points.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this online survey study among adults with diabetes, measurement of patient preferences and expectations about DR monitoring with properly validated instruments offered an opportunity to assess patient health behaviors. The association between preferences and monitoring expectations was generally consistent with monitoring nonadherence among adults with diabetes and offers insights that may help address inconsistent DR monitoring.
Natural Macromolecule‐Based Lubricative Catheter Coatings with Sustained Adaptive Antibacterial Property for Encrustation and Infection Prevention
Authors: Zhang Lujiao , Sun Meizhou , Song Weizhuo , Wu Ruonan , Yu Bingran , Duan Shun , Xu Fu‐Jian
Published: December 2024

Catheter‐associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) are a global health burden. Moreover, the friction during urinary catheter placement also induces pain in patients. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop effective antibacterial and lubricative coatings on the surface of urinary catheter. In this work, a facile volatilization film‐forming method is used to construct coatings on catheter surfaces. Xanthan gum (SR), which has good lubricative and antifouling properties, is oxidized to cross‐link with multi‐amino compounds, gentamicin (GS), and gelatin, to fabricate uniform coatings on silicone catheters (SR‐GXGs). The structures of SR‐GXGs are regulated by the components of the film formation solutions. The bacterial metabolism can produce an acidic micro‐environment that can regulate GS release to achieve on‐demand administration. SR‐GXG2 can eliminate 99.99% of common pathogenic bacteria and reduce the dynamic friction coefficient by 98.73%, and showed high stability in a 7‐day flowing experiment. In addition, the universality of this method is demonstrated on various kinds of matrices with different shapes, including commercial urethral catheters. In vivo, SR‐GXG2 can effectively avoid urinary tract injury and encrustation phenomenon because of its good anti‐infection, antifouling, and lubricative properties. This work provides a promising strategy for developing multifunctional antibacterial coatings on medical catheters.
The Lasting Impact of Social Isolation: Behavioral Insights From Former Pet and Entertainer Chimpanzees in a Sanctuary in Spain
Authors: Chen Emma , Pipolo Giulia , Crailsheim Dietmar , Morimoto Juliano
Published: December 2024

Human fascination with chimpanzees has driven extensive research on the species, but also led to exploitation by private owners and entertainment industries. These animals often suffer species‐specific inadequate conditions, which can result in the development and display of abnormal behaviors even after rescue. These behaviors highlight the importance for zoos and sanctuaries to actively prevent worsening the effects of previous inadequate treatment by providing apes with social and stimulating environments that support their recovery. We conducted a 2‐month behavioral survey on two groups of former pet and entertainment chimpanzees (n = 10) at the Fundación MONA sanctuary in Spain. From 116 h of instantaneous scan observations, we documented individual abnormal behaviors (e.g., self‐poking, overgrooming, self‐scratching). We assessed the association between the occurrence of these behaviors and individuals' origin, early history, age at rescue, and pre‐rescue social conditions. We found no significant difference in the frequency of abnormal behavior between pet and entertainer chimpanzees, and between individuals born in captivity versus in the wild. Moreover, we observed that the frequency of abnormal behaviors increased with age at rescue for previously isolated individuals, but the correlation disappeared for those socially housed pre‐rescue. These findings suggest that early social isolation and a late age at rescue may impose long‐term changes on chimpanzees' behavior, and they emphasize the importance of accounting for age at rescue and previous housing conditions in care management and rehabilitation procedures.
Benzyl Ammonium Carbamates Undergo Two‐Step Linker Cleavage and Improve the Properties of Antibody Conjugates
Authors: Li Xiaoyi , Patel Nimit L. , Kalen Joseph , Schnermann Martin J.
Published: December 2024

Targeted payload delivery strategies, such as antibody‐drug conjugates (ADCs), have emerged as important therapeutics. Although considerable efforts have been made in the areas of antibody engineering and labeling methodology, improving the overall physicochemical properties of the linker/payload combination remains an important challenge. Here we report an approach to create an intrinsically hydrophilic linker domain. We find that benzyl α‐ammonium carbamates (BACs) undergo tandem 1,6–1,2‐elimination to release secondary amines. Using a fluorogenic hemicyanine as a model payload component, we show that a zwitterionic BAC linker improves labeling efficiency and reduces antibody aggregation when compared to a commonly used para‐amino benzyl (PAB) linker as well as a cationic BAC. Cellular and in vivo fluorescence imaging studies demonstrate that the model payload is specifically released in antigen‐expressing cells and tumors. The therapeutic potential of the BAC linker strategy was assessed using an MMAE payload, a potent microtubule‐disrupting agent frequently used for ADC applications. The BAC‐MMAE combination enhances labeling efficiency and cellular toxicity when compared to the routinely used PAB‐Val‐Cit ADC analogue. Broadly, this strategy provides a general approach to mask payload hydrophobicity and improve the properties of targeted agents.
Utilizing network analysis to identify core items of quality of life for children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Liu Jin , Chezan Laura C. , Zhao Yue , Hood Sarah K. , Drasgow Erik , Wang Han
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an ultra‐short scale called the Quality of Life for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder 3 (QOLASD‐C3) from the full 16‐item QOLASD‐C scale. We first used network analysis to identify three core items to be retained on the QOLASD‐C3 scale. Second, we used Cronbach's alpha and Pearson Product Moment correlations to determine the reliability and validity of the scale. Third, an optimal cut‐off score of 6 was identified for the using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Finally, we used logistic regression to examine the similarities in the classification status based on demographic characteristics between the quality of life (QOL) status using the QOLASD‐C and the QOLASD‐C3 scales. Results were similar across the two versions and suggested variations in QOL status based on race/ethnicity, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) severity, and parents' socio‐economic status. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Adaptive and Behavioral Profiles in Down Syndrome and Co‐Occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Fucà Elisa , Vicari Stefano , Costanzo Floriana
Published: December 2024

Down syndrome (DS) is the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID). Individuals with DS exhibit an elevated risk of other neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The primary objective of this study was to explore the clinical characteristics of co‐occurring ASD in children and adolescents with DS using a case–control approach. We compared the adaptive and behavioral profiles of a group of participants with both DS and ASD (ASD group) with a group of participants with DS‐only matched by age, sex, and IQ (CON group). Participants in the ASD group exhibited significantly lower adaptive skills than the CON group, despite the IQ‐matching in the moderate/severe ID range. No group differences emerged on internalizing or externalizing behavioral symptoms, but participants in the ASD group exhibited significantly higher social withdrawal, stereotyped behavior, and restricted interests. These findings indicate that, although children with DS—with or without ASD—who have similar low cognitive functioning often exhibit common behavioral traits, paying close attention to the elevation of stereotyped behaviors or restricted interests can improve the detection of co‐occurring ASD in this population, enabling more personalized interventions. Conversely, the presence of ritualistic behaviors or behaviors related to insistence on sameness may not be a strong indicator of underlying ASD in children with DS. Additionally, acknowledging that the presence of ASD contributes to adaptive behavior deficits beyond the impact of moderate‐to‐severe ID alone highlights the critical need for early interventions to enhance daily living skills in this population.
Impact of position of bolster on outcome of prone PCNL—A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Singh Vikram , Dhayal Ishwar Ram , Singh Sanjeet Kumar , Srivastava Alok , Rai Nandan
Published: December 2024

Objective

To determine whether the position of the bolster affects the access tract (supracostal/infracostal) for a superior calyceal puncture during prone PCNL and its effect on pleural complications.

Materials and Methods

It was a randomized clinical trial. Patients in whom superior calyceal puncture was done were divided into two groups by systematic sampling method, group 1 (horizontal bolster) and group 2 (vertical bolster), 50 patients in each group. Standard PCNL was perfomed in all patients. Chest x‐ray was done on POD 0 (postoperative day) and POD 1 for assessment of pleural complication. NCCT KUB was done on POD 1 for assessment of stone clearance.

Results

In group 1, 36 patients (72%) underwent supracostal puncture and 14 patients (28%) underwent infracostal puncture while in group 2, 38 patients (76%) underwent supracostal puncture and 14 patients (28%) underwent infracostal puncture (p‐value‐ 0.820). Two patients (4%) in group 1 & three patients in group 2 had pleural complications in the form of hydrothorax (p‐value‐ 0.666). Four patients in group 1 and five patients in group 2 underwent ancillary procedure for clearance of residual stones.

Conclusion

In our study, the orientation of the bolster either horizontal or vertical does not affect the site of puncture during prone PCNL which probably resulted in no difference in pleural complications in two groups.
Detektion von Spanndrahtbrüchen mit Schallemissionsanalyse
Authors: Fiedler Max , Pirskawetz Stephan , Kaplan Felix , Holst Ralph , Saloga Katrin , Schmidt Sebastian , Sodeikat Christian
Published: December 2024

Spannungsrisskorrosion stellt Brückenbetreiber vor immense Herausforderungen, da sie zu gravierenden Schäden an den Spanngliedern führen kann und gleichzeitig die Methoden zur frühzeitigen Schadenserkennung und Tragfähigkeitskontrolle stark eingeschränkt sind. In diesem Kontext hat sich die Schallemissionsanalyse (SEA) zur Detektion von Spanndrahtbrüchen als bedeutsame Methode etabliert. Diese Technologie bietet einzigartige Vorteile und kann einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Sicherstellung des Weiterbetriebs gefährdeter Bauwerke liefern. Gleichzeitig erfordert die Anwendung der SEA tiefgehende spezialisierte Fachkenntnisse. Mit der zunehmenden Verbreitung und dem steigenden Interesse an dieser Methode ist auch der Bedarf an standardisierten Prozessen und Qualitätskontrollen gewachsen. Diesen Bedarf hat der Fachausschuss Schallemissionsprüfung der DGZfP erkannt und die Richtlinie  SE 05 entwickelt. Diese Richtlinie setzt klare Standards und bietet umfassende Anleitung für die Implementierung und Anwendung der Schallemissionsanalyse zur Detektion von Spanndrahtbrüchen.
NMR structural studies of antimicrobial peptide, LPcin‐YK5, with divalent metal ion and its antimicrobial activity
Authors: Kim Minseon , Park Jujin , Kim Yongae
Published: December 2024

Research studies on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that can combat antibiotic‐resistant bacteria, an issue with antibiotic usage, are garnering attention. Among the AMP types, cationic AMPs can electrostatically interact with the bacterial membrane and destroy it, resulting in bacterial death. In the presence of metal ions, these cationic AMPs possess beneficial antimicrobial activity. In the present study, through structural change analysis and antimicrobial activity tests, we elucidated whether LPcin‐YK5, a bovine‐derived AMP analog with enhanced antimicrobial activity, interacts with the divalent ions copper(II) and zinc(II) ions. We observed that the interaction between YK5 and divalent ions contributed to the secondary structure stability of YK5, resulting in a synergistic effect on the antimicrobial activity; this is consistent with the interaction between other cationic AMPs and divalent ions. Interestingly, the secondary structural changes and antimicrobial activity against gram‐negative bacteria of YK5 were more notable in the presence of zinc(II) than in that of copper(II). Therefore, the effects of YK5 and divalent ions may have implications for designing antibiotics against antibiotic‐resistant microorganisms.