bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MORPHOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF KING OYSTER MUSHROOM AGAINST AUGMENTATION OF COTTON WASTE WITH CITRUS PEEL
Authors: Jahangir Muhammad M. , Khatana Muhammad A. , Khan Nasir A. , Samin Ghufrana , Ziaf Khurram , Farooq Muhammad U. , Iqbal Waseem
Published: March 2019

The utilization of agro-industrial waste materials for production of mushrooms has become a crucial research precedence recently. Pleurotus eryngii is considered one of the most famous mushrooms because of nutraceutical and high nutritional value. Therefore, a study was conducted in Medicinal and Mushroom Lab to evaluate the morphological attributes of king oyster mushroom against cotton waste (CW) and citrus peel (CP) based substrates. CW alone and its different combinations with CP i.e. T0: CW (100 %), T1: CW (98%) + CP (2%), T2: CW (96%) + CP (4%), T3: CW (94%) + CP (6%), T4: CW (92%) + CP (8%) and T5: CW (90%) + CP (10%) were used in experiment. The experiment was conducted by applying 2-factor factorial under completely randomized design with 5 replications. Different morphological attributes viz. spawn running and mycelium growth initiation, duration to complete mycelium growth (days), pinhead development, pinheads/bag, duration to complete flushes (1st,2nd, 3rd), mushroom fresh weight, yield/bag and biological efficiency were calculated. Results were analyzed by ANOVA and mean values are equated by LSD test at 5% probability level. Results indicated that spawn running, the growth of mycelium, duration to complete flushes, pinhead development and duration, yield and biological efficiency all were significantly influenced by treatment T2 (CW 96% + CP 4%) as compared to control. Overall results revealed that combinations of citrus peel and cotton waste can be utilized as a promising substrate for king oyster mushroom production.
UNDERSTANDING INVASIVE PLANT MYCOPARASITES AND THEIR REMEDY THROUGH ADVANCED MOLECULAR APPROACHES
Authors: Parvaiz Aqsa , Mustafa Ghulam , Joyia Faiz A.
Published: March 2019

Fungi are historically notorious pests that have threatened availability of quality food. Several invasive species have appeared to be destructive for valuable crop species and even led to famine in certain severe cases. Surveillance and eradication of these disastrous microbial invaders is dependent on their sentinel behavior. Molecular Biology has helped to great extent in understanding these epidemic agents. Plant defense system as well as plant microbe interaction have well been explored and proved quite fruitful in understanding metabolic pathways involved in pathogenesis and defense response. Ultimately, researchers are able to define strategies for the control of these invasive pathogens. Genome editing has successfully been employed to develop pathogen resistant crops. Antifungal proteins have been expressed through transgenic technology to develop disease resistant plants. A few have proved to be the real success stories whereas others are at the stage of infancy. This review is an update about research work accomplished to-date, for the characterization and identification of fungal pathogens, metabolic pathways activated during plant pathogen interaction, advancements in the detection of fungal pathogens and transgenic plants developed to withstand pathogen attack.
SINGLE SPORE ISOLATION AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF TRICHODERMA SPECIES FROM AGRICULTURAL FIELDS OF ZHEJIANG PROVINCE, CHINA
Authors: Khattak Baharullah , Wang Hong K. , Lin Fucheng , Ullah Saif , Jamal Qaiser , Khan Ijaz A.
Published: March 2019

It is well known that Trichoderma spp. can be used as a biological control agent against variety of plant pathogens. In this study, Trichoderma species were isolated from rhizosphere samples of various sites in Zhejiang province, China. A total of 41 soil samples were processed for the isolation of single cell culture of Trichoderma sp. Out of which, 32 species of the genus Trichoderma, were isolated and characterized by using single spore isolation method. The isolates were subjected to sequencing, for precise identification up to species level. Trichoderma harzianum was isolated from maximum (09) number of soil samples, followed by T. velutinum, isolated from 3 soil samples. The other isolated species of the genus Trichoderma were; lixii, atroviride, koningii, longibrachatum, rossicum, gamsii, koningiopsis, tomentosum, afroharzianum, viride, citroviride, aureoviride, simmonsii and hamatum. It was concluded that Trichoderma sp. were abundantly found in the agricultural soils of Zhejiang province, China.
EFFECT OF SOME ESSENTIAL OILS ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF FRUIT ROT OF LEMON CAUSED BY ASPERGILLUS NIGER UNDER IN-VITRO CONDITIONS
Authors: Ali Ahmed , Abro Manzoor A. , Syed Rehana N. , Khan Moeezullah , Saeed Hassan
Published: March 2019

It is common observations that during storage, transportation and marketing fruits and vegetables suffer from many postharvest diseases. Generally the diseases are controlled by applying different chemicals in the form of fungicides. On the other hand, these fungicides are also hazardous for health and disturb the equilibrium of the natural environment. In this regard, researchers have found that certain plant essential oils not only keep away the insects but also show fungicidal actions against some plant pathogens. The aim of current investigation is to find out some suitable and effective essential oils against the growth fruit rot of lemon caused by Aspergillus niger under in-vitro conditions. For this purpose, pathogenicity test against A. niger was performed. The antifungal components of some essential oils like clove, tarpin, neem, castor, chamomile, and rose oil were carried out at different doses i.e. 50 µl and 100µl to find out their effectiveness against A. niger. The results showed that, high severity of disease was determined through the cut method of inoculation as compared to the injection method. Minimum colony growth (1.11% and 0.55%) was examined when plates treated with clove oil at the dosage of 50µl and 100µl followed by tarpin oil (42.22% and 38.89%), neem oil (42.96% and 41.11%), castor oil (52.96% and 50.00%) and chamomile oil (71.85% and 67.77%) respectively. In comparison to control (100%), maximum growth (91.85% and 89.62%) was observed when treated with rose oil at the dosage of 50µl and 100µl. When the inoculated lemon fruits were treated with aqueous solution of essential oils, it was observed that minimum rotting (12.53%) was recorded for clove oil followed by neem oil (13.30%), tarpin oil (13.42%), rose oil (14.27%), castor oil (15.16%) and chamomile oil (17.25%), respectively as compared to control (23.37%). On the basis of present investigation it was concluded that clove oil is highly effective against linear colony growth of A. niger under in-vitro conditions.
Zolidronate Induced Osteonecrosis of Jaw
Authors: Mohammad Gull , Aziz Shiekh Aejaz , Lone A R , Banday Manzoor Ahmad , Pandita Vimal , MIr M Hussain
Published: March 2019

A 70 year old patient diagnosed as multiple Myeloma (IgG type, stage-IIIA) was started on chemotherapy and bisphosphonates (Zoledronic acid 4 mg I/V over 15 minutes monthly). Till October 2009 patient had received 15 doses of zoledronic acid when he started with swelling of right side of mandible. Patient presented to dentist who started him on antibiotics. Clinical possibility of osteonecrosis of jaw (ONJ) was substantiated when an ortho-panatomograph (OPG) revealed osteolytic lesion at the site of clinical inflammation. (J Med Sci 2009; 12 (1):27)
A case series of patients with de novo Philadelphia-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia at tertiary care center SKIMS
Authors: Baba Shahid Mudasir , Malik Manzoor Ahmad , Baba Rafia Anjum , Bhat Javid Rasool , Jan M Aleem , Geelani Sajad Ahmad , Shah Zafar Amin
Published: March 2019

The well-established molecular pathogenesis of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and its consequences for laboratory testing and clinical management illustrate a classic paradigm for the importance of molecular diagnostics in targeted drug therapy. The success of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), Imatinib, as the currently recommended first-line treatment of early chronic phase CMLhas both fueled the need for timely and reproducible molecular testing of the BCR-ABL fusion transcript in diagnosis and monitoring. As ongoing research continues to refine guidelines for monitoring residual disease in patients undergoing TKI therapy, an understanding of molecular technologies and their interpretation is critical. In this regard, we at Cancer Diagnostic and Research Centre, Immunology and Molecular Medicine established a gold standard RT-PCR and RQ-PCR technique to diagnose and monitor residual disease in CMLpatients. JMS 2016; 19(2):82-84
Urine Collection And Transport
Authors: Jan Abiroo , Fatima Akeela
Published: March 2019

The most common urine specimen received is the per-urethral voided urine. Healthy urethra is unsterile and it is extremely critical that urine specimens be collected carefully to minimise urethral contamination. There are several types of urine specimens and the results of each type are determined by different guidelines. Therefore, it is essential that each urine specimen received by the laboratory is clearly labelled as to the type of collection of urine specimen. JMS 2017; 20(1):52-53
Pneumococcal Vaccination in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Bhat Tariq , Wani Muzaffar , Wani Imtiyaz Ahmad
Published: March 2019

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) denotes structural and/or functional impairment of kidneys that persists for more than three months (1). CKD is arbitrarily divided into stages 1 to 5 based on the level of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), with invariable need for dialysis and transplantation in stage 5. In poorer regions of world including Kashmir not many patients live long enough to go to later stages of CKD as they eventually die in earlier stages (3/4) due to cardiovascular diseases and infections 2,3. JMS 2017;20(2):111-114
Klinefelter’s Syndrome Presenting with Recurrent Ischemic Strokes- A Case Report
Authors: Purra Waris , Rasool J , Misgar R A , Wani A I , Bashir M I , Masoodi Shariq R
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Klinefelter’s syndrome (KS) is one of the most common chromosomal disorders associated with testicular dysfunction and male infertility with an incidence of 1:500 to 1:1000 in new born male infants and prevalence of 0.2%.1-3 KS is the set of symptoms that result from the presence of two or more X chromosomes.3-4 KS is often associated with abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus and auto-immune diseases.1-3 Thrombotic risk in KS is comparable to that of inherited thrombophilias and estimated prevalence of thrombotic events like VTE and PE is similar in both.5-9

 Case Report: We report case of a 40 year old male who presented to us with dysglycemia for control of blood glucose. He had history of recurrent ischemic strokes in past, primary infertility and hypertension. We diagnosed him with Klinefelter’s syndrome and attributed his presentation to metabolic syndrome and the hypercoagulable state associated with this syndrome. We managed this patient with aspirin, statins, insulin and testosterone. JMS 2017;20(2):101-103
Laron syndrome – A case Report
Authors: Bhat Javaid Ahmad , Bhat Moomin Hussain , Bhat Hilal , Sood Mona , Masoodi Shariq Rashid
Published: March 2019

Background : Laron & colleagues (1966) reported a rare genetic disorder in Israliei Jewish sublings which was characterized by insensitivity to growth hormone due to abnormality in growth hormone receptor or post receptor signaling pathway.Case Report: We hereby report a case of a 5 year old female child who presented to us with features similar to Laron syndrome. The diagnosis was made & confirmed by various Lab. investigations like low IGF-I levels and managed accordingly. JMS 2017; 20 (2):104-106
Uphill Task: Can We Ever Conquer Against New Emerging Viruses?
Authors: Sheikh Farooq A
Published: March 2019

Every time there is a major infectious disease outbreak that scares us, such as Ebola in West Africa, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) on the Arabian Peninsula and South Africa, and Zika virus in South and Central America and the Caribbean; this time arising from a mosquito-borne agent that has spread stealth around the globe [ 1]. It remains one of the great mysteries of the Zika epidemic: Why did a virus that existed for decades elsewhere in the world suddenly seem to become more destructive when it landed in Latin America? An intriguing study in mice, which has prompted some skepticism among experts, suggests that a single genetic mutation- called S139N, first arose in an Asian strain of the Zika virus in 2013, just before a small outbreak in French Polynesia, helped transform the Zika virus into a devastating force in Latin America [2 ]. JMS 2017;20(2):115-116
Case of Metastasis of Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma Lower Limb To Brain Diagnosed on Squash Cytology
Authors: Khurshid Sumat Ul , Lone Iqbal , Feroz Imza , Mir Wajahat
Published: March 2019

A 19‑year‑old male patient was admitted, after experiencing occasional headaches during the previous 6 months. The patient's headaches had become progressively more severe 1 month prior to admis­sion to hospital, and were associated with right upper limb weakness. As revealed by cranial computed tomog­raphy, a high‑density lesion was observed in the left parietal region [CT values, 52 Houns field units, (HU)] and a peripheral low‑density edematous zone was visible.(figure a) . The medical history of the patient included an indolent 4x4 cm subcutaneous iliac mass in the left lower limb from last one year, which the patient had neglected. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed as space occupying lesion brain. During surgery, a purplish‑red tumor was observed in the brain. Intraoperative crush cytology was asked for. JMS 2017;20(2):108
Clinical pattern and causative agents of adverse cutaneous drug reactions in a tertiary care hospital SKIMS Soura Srinagar.
Authors: Singh Surjeet , Wafai Zahoor A , Koul Ajaz
Published: March 2019

Background: Adverse drug reactions are the most frequent side effects of drugs. Most of them being benign but can prove fatal sometimes.

Aim: To study the different clinical spectrum of cutaneous adverse drug reactions and to determine causative drugs.

Methods: It was a prospective hospital based study carried out for a period of 3 years. It was part of continuous adverse drug reaction monitoring carried out by our pharmacovigilance center at SKIMS.

Results: Out of 1225 total adverse drug reactions 685 were enrolled as cutaneous ADR’s. Most common types observed were maculopapular rash (43.9%), fixed drug eruptions (36.2%) and urticaria (15.1%). The drugs most incriminated for various cutaneous ADR’s were antimicrobials (48.7%), anticonvulsants (22%), and NSAIDS (17.9%). Antimicrobials were also responsible for maximum of (58.3%) of severe cutaneous ADR’s like TEN and SJS.

Conclusion: Pattern of cutaneous ADR’s and their causative drugs are similar to those observed in other regions with small variations, as reported by similar studies. However, due to emergence of newer drugs and differing trends in use of drugs, both pattern of cutaneous ADR’s as well as drugs causing them are changing every year. Further studies of similar nature with more expertise are required for safe use of drugs in future. JMS 2017;20(2):73-76
Nasal Trauma in Neonates receiving CPAP And its Prevention in tertiary care hospital.
Authors: Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad , Bhat Altaf Ahmad , Akhthar Rukaya , Wani Mudassir Ahad , Wani Tariq
Published: March 2019

Objectives: This study was done to evaluate the frequency and severity of nasal trauma secondary to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) in neonates and different methods to reduce the nasal septum injury via CPAP

Methods: This is a prospective study carried out in the Neonatal Care Unit (NCU) of LAL DED maternity hospital associated with department of pediatrics Government Medical College, Srinagar, Kashmir. The study included newborns that underwent NCPAP with prongs on admission and those receiving NCPAP after weaning from ventilator, from 1st January 2016  - 1st jan 2017. Neonates noses were monitored from the first day of NCPAP treatment until its weaning. Nasal trauma was reported into Three Grades: (I) Erythema/pressure indentation (II) superficial Erosion and (III) Septal necrosis.

Results:-258 newborns were included in study, 136 males and 122 females. All enrolled newborn received CPAP. Babies were randomly allocated to different groups in which no barrier and different barriers were applied. Randomization ofgroup of infants who received no barrier(group 0) and different barriers( group 1,2,&3) was done by systematic allocation, in which first newborn was randomly designated to no barrier group 0 on particular day of admission ,and subsequently alternating with other three groups i.e group 1,group 2, group 3. The mean gestational age, birth weight and CPAP days in each group is 31wk (GA28-35 wks),1200 gms(0.7kg-1.8kg) & 5 days(3-10days) respectively. Incidence of Septal  necrosis was 26.7% in the babies that had ‘No barrier applied at septal hudson prongs interface (Group0), which was significantly more (p<0.001) when compared with other three groups, within which its incidence was 2.8% in Cotton applied at septal and hudson prongs interface with glycerine (Group1), 7.1% in Danaplast applied at interface(Group2) and 0.0% in Cotton soaked with normal saline(Group3) respectively. In Group 0 nasal septal injury Grade 1 is (35%),grade 2 (35%),and grade 3(30.0%), in Group 1, grade 1 septal injury is (84%), grade 2(12.7%) & grade 3(2.8%),In Group 2 grade 1 is (65.7%),grade2(30.0%),grade3 (4.3%) and Group3 grade1(80.7%),grade2(19.3%) and Grade3 (0.0%)

Conclusions: Nasal trauma is a frequent complication of NCPAP, especially in preterm babies and babies requiring nasal prongs for longer duration. And can be prevented by applying a barrier as in group 1,2 &3 in our study shows statistically significant decreased in severe nasal septal injury. JMS 2017;20(2):96-100
Role of Asprin in Healthy Elderly
Authors: Malik Ajaz A
Published: March 2019

Cardiovascular disease are among the principal causes of disability and death in older persons and therefore preventive interventions for such diseases are a high priority.Secondary prevention trials have established the efficacy of low dose aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (fatal , non-fatal myocardial infarction fatal or non-fatal stroke , or hospitalisation for heart failure). The benefits of low dose ASPRIN outweigh the risk of majorhaemorrhage (hemorrhagic stroke, symptomatic intracranial bleeding are clinically significant extra-cranial bleeding) associated with it in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. However, the role of low dose aspirin in primary prevention in elderly healthy individuals is unclear. JMS 2018;21(1):68-69
Sociodemographic, Clinical Profile and Outcome of Tuberculosis in Baramulla District of North Kashmir of India
Authors: Wani Abdul Ahad , Bhat Javeed Iqbal , Naik Muzafar , Dar Nisar Ahmed , Ahmed Syed Masood
Published: March 2019

Background: India accounts for one-fourth of the global tuberculosis (TB) burden. Since the countrywide implementation of RNTCP, tuberculosis care has received renewed focus. Directly observed treatment short-term (DOTS) is a cornerstone of RNTCP program.

Objective: To evaluate demographic profile, clinical presentation and outcome of TB in district Baramulla of North Kashmir.

Methods:  A prospective study over a period of seven years in patients diagnosed with TB in district Baramulla of North Kashmir.

Results: This study was conducted prospectively over seven years from March 2011 to February 2017. A total of 802 patients were enrolled in the study. Among them, there were a total of 638 adult patients and 164 paediatric patients with a male: female ratio of 1:0.99. Majority of patients belonged to rural areas of north Kashmir and had received no or elementary education. Pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed in 530 (66 %) patients and 272 (34%) patients were diagnosed as extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Sputum for AFB was important mode of diagnosis in our series and was positive in 525 (65%) our patients. Majority of patients presented with fever, weight loss, and night sweats. None of the patients had Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). There was a consistent improvement in AFB isolation among TB patients over the study period. Majority of our patients were cured completely of disease

Conclusion: Sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis remains the most common presentation of tuberculosis in North Kashmir. There is a steady increase in the proportion of bacteriologically confirmed TB cases over the study period. Furthermore, DOTS treatment is successful in all forms of tuberculosis. JMS 2018;21(1):11-16
Congenital Intercostal Hernia: A Rare Entity
Authors: Andrabi Syed Muzamil , Dar Mohd Yousuf , Bhat Javid Ahmad
Published: March 2019

A 35-year-old male patient presented to the General Surgery Out Patient Department with a history of swelling on the left lateral chest since birth. The swelling appeared during inspiration and disappeared during expiration. JMS 2018;21(1):48
Abdominal Hydatidosis: Surgical Perspectives
Authors: Malik Ajaz Ahmad
Published: March 2019

Hydatid disease or Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease (Krabbe and Finsen 1862) caused by the larva of Echinococcus species and is one of the oldest known parasitic diseases to man. The disease has a worldwide distribution and is also well recognised and documented in the Indian subcontinent. The disease is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcosis. Humans are accidental intermediate/dead-end hosts whereas animals can be both intermediate and definitive hosts. The two main types of hydatid diseases are caused by E.granulosus and E.multilocularis, former being the most common type in humans and liver is the most commonly affected organ [1]. The other types include E.vogeli, E.oligarthus, E.shiquicus, E.ortleppi and E.equinus. In humans, 50-75% of the cysts occur in liver, 25% in lungs and 5-10% distribute along the arterial system [2] JMS 2018;21(1):1-2
Excess lifetime cancer risk due to natural background radiations of Soil in North Kashmir
Authors: Shah Mudasir Ashraf , Thoker Mukhtar , Ahmad Sajad , Radha C Anu
Published: March 2019

Background: Long-term exposure to environmental radioactivity and the associated external exposure due to gamma emitting radionuclides have serious health effects particularly on cancer risk. Of course, the soil radioactivity depends on the underlying rocks and consequently, the soil type and geographic conditions.Objectives: Evaluation of excess life time cancer risk due to natural radioactivity of the soil of the surface layer of the Nichahoma lignite belt and the soil of villages surrounding the lignite belt.Methods: In this particular study, stirring radionuclides of the Ra226, Th232, and K40 present in the soil samples of the lignite belt and soil of the villages surrounding the lignite belt were measured by using a low-background Pb-shielded gamma spectroscopic counting assembly utilizing NaI(Tl) detector for the measurement and to evaluation the radiation hazard indices and excess lifetime cancer risk.Results: The excess lifetime cancer ranged from 0.65×10-3 to 0.71× 10-3 (average ~0.68×10-3) for the soil of the lignite belt and from 1.15×10-3 to 1.34×10-3(average ~1.25×10-3) for the soil of the villages surrounding the belt. The correlation analyses, performed between the radium equivalent activity and excess lifetime cancer risk for the two types of the sample, showed a very strong and linear dependence of excess lifetime cancer risk on radium equivalent activity and measured dose rate for the soil of the lignite belt compared to the soil of the villages surroundingthe lignite belt.Conclusion: Compared to the world average, the average value of computed excess lifetime cancer risk for both the categories of investigated samples in the study was found to be higher than 0.29. JMS 2018: 21 (2):101-108
Biliocolonic Fistula Through Cystic Duct Remnant
Authors: Andrabi Syed Muzamil , Bhat Javaid Ahmad , Dar Mohd Yousuf , Shah Mubashir Ahmad
Published: March 2019

Cystic duct remnant-colonic fistula is a rare entity. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature. They usually arise after open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone diseases. Other causes may include malignancies and inflammatory bowel diseases. We are presenting a case of bilioenteric fistula involving cystic duct remnant and transverse colon in a female patient who had undergone open cholecystectomy five years before. JMS 2018: 21 (2):120-121
Bilateral adrenal histoplasmosis diagnosed on CT guided biopsy
Authors: Nazir Mir Wajahat un , Lone Mohd Iqbal , Khursheed Sumat Ul , Samoon Nuzhat , Shah Shahida
Published: March 2019

Adrenal histoplasmosis is an uncommon mycotic disease occurring in only 0.65% of non-AIDS patients. We report a case of bilateral adrenal histoplasmosis diagnosed on CT guided biopsy in a diabetic patient. JMS 2018: 21 (2):126
Nephrolithiasis in PHPT
Authors: Misgar Raiz Ahmad , Wani Arshad Iqbal
Published: March 2019

Sir,

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common disorder and is the third most common endocrine disorder after diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders.  This common endocrine disorder has scaled down into an asymptomatic disease revealed by routine biochemical evaluation of patients for a variety of skeletal and non-skeletal symptoms in much of the western world. However, in India, and similar developing regions of world it continues to be for the most part an overtly symptomatic disease with skeletal, renal and other organ system manifestations. JMS 2018: 21 (2):129
Ultrathin hydrophobic films based on the metal organic framework UiO-66-COOH(Zr)
Authors: Andrés Miguel A , Sicard Clemence , Serre Christian , Roubeau Olivier , Gascón Ignacio
Published: March 2019

This work reports on the fabrication, optimization and characterization of ultrathin films containing submicrometer particles (sMPs) of the hydrophilic and water stable UiO-66-COOH(Zr) metal organic framework (MOF). MOF particles of ≈200 nm have been synthesized and assembled at the air–water interface by the Langmuir–Blodgett technique. The use of different solvents, mixtures of solvents and surfactants has been investigated in order to improve the stability of MOF dispersions and reduce particle aggregation. The compact MOF/surfactant films containing 10 wt % octadecylphoshonic acid (ODP) have been deposited on substrates of different nature by Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) and Langmuir–Schaefer (LS) methods, showing that the presence of even only one MOF/ODP monolayer can increase the water contact angle of highly hydrophilic substrates such as mica or glass up to 120°. These films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, revealing the formation of a continuous film where ODP molecules adopt an almost vertical position and cover MOF particles. Moreover, the presence of MOF particles significantly enhances the surface roughness and allows ultrathin, hydrophobic coverage to be obtained. Finally, it has been shown that the crystallinity and the porosity of the MOF remains almost unaltered in MOF/ODP films.
Comparison of institutional dynamics of regional development publishing and printing activities in Ukraine: methodological and practical aspects
Authors: Bazyliuk Volodymyr , Shtangret Andriy , Sylkin Oleksandr , Bezpalko Iryna
Published: March 2019

The study of the impact of institutions on the economy necessitates the assessment of such impacts and the definition of a clear list of methods and criteria for evaluation. The purpose of our research is the formation of a methodological approach that would allow to compare the institutional dynamics of the regional development of publishing and printing activities. In the process of scientific research, the method of modified gravity modeling was used. The objective of the study is the publishing and printing activity and the assessment of its development. Information base of research on the main results of the publishing and printing activities in three regions – Kyiv (city), Kharkiv and Lviv regions. The study period is 4 years. Economic and mathematical calculations according to the method of comparing the institutional dynamics of the regional development of the PPA presented in this paper are based on the method of modified gravity modeling. Were obtained data on the institutional distance between the leading regions of publishing and printing activities, confirming the conclusions about the presence of significant disparities in the development of activities. The methodological approach to comparing the institutional dynamics of regional development activities (based on a modified gravity model) will allow to assess the impact of basic institutions on the regional development of PPA and the possibility of a quantitative comparison of such effects. The presented approach is based on the concept of institutional distance between points in the space of indices of institutional development of activities in the two regions under consideration.
The K Dwarf Advantage for Biosignatures on Directly Imaged Exoplanets
Authors: Arney Giada N.
Published: March 2019

Oxygen and methane are considered to be the canonical biosignatures of modern Earth, and the simultaneous detection of these gases in a planetary atmosphere is an especially strong biosignature. However, these gases may be challenging to detect together in the planetary atmospheres because photochemical oxygen radicals destroy methane. Previous work has shown that the photochemical lifetime of methane in oxygenated atmospheres is longer around M dwarfs, but M dwarf planet habitability may be hindered by extreme stellar activity and evolution. Here, we use a 1D photochemical-climate model to show that K dwarf stars also offer a longer photochemical lifetime of methane in the presence of oxygen compared to G dwarfs. For example, we show that a planet orbiting a K6V star can support about an order of magnitude more methane in its atmosphere compared to an equivalent planet orbiting a G2V star. In the reflected-light spectra of worlds orbiting K dwarf stars, strong oxygen and methane features could be observed at visible and near-infrared wavelengths. Because K dwarfs are dimmer than G dwarfs, they offer a better planet-star contrast ratio, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) possible in a given observation. For instance, a 50 hr observation of a planet at 7 pc with a 15 m telescope yields S/N = 9.2 near 1 μm for a planet orbiting a solar-type G2V star, and S/N = 20 for the same planet orbiting a K6V star. In particular, nearby mid-late K dwarfs such as 61 Cyg A/B, Epsilon Indi, Groombridge 1618, and HD 156026 may be excellent targets for future biosignature searches.
The house cricket (Acheta domesticus) as a novel food: a risk profile
Authors: Fernandez-Cassi X. , Supeanu A. , Vaga M. , Jansson A. , Boqvist S. , Vagsholm I.
Published: March 2019

Novel foods represent sustainable alternatives to traditional farming and conventional foodstuffs. The house cricket (Acheta domesticus) is considered as one of the most promising reared insects due to their attractive nutritional profile and lower feed conversion ratio compared to other animals. However, putative health hazards associated with consumption of crickets have previously not been investigated. The present study assesses the risks of A. domesticus reared in closed systems controlled by the implementation of hazard analysis and critical control points and good farming practices. Due to the novelty of the topic, data scarcity has been a limiting factor, hence comparative evidence from closely related species belonging to the order Orthoptera (e.g. grasshoppers, locusts, and other cricket species) have been included. The present risk profile identified as main hazards: (1) high total counts of aerobic bacteria; (2) presence of spore-forming bacteria post thermal processing; (3) accumulation of cadmium and other heavy metals; and (4) a possible increase of allergenic reactions due to exposure to insects and insect derived products. Important data gaps regarding edible crickets and their safety as novel foods have been highlighted in the future perspective section, representing aims for future research. Identified data gaps include: (1) farming conditions of the insects being studied; (2) data on the impact of thermal processing of the products prior to consumption; (3) fungal communities and mycotoxins-producing fungi in reared crickets; and (4) heavy metals not fully assessed (chromium, aluminium and arsenic) and other chemical hazards produced during processing (i.e. heterocyclic aromatic amines, acrylamide). The present risk profile explores food safety risks related to consumption of A. domesticus, thereby constituting an example of chemical and microbial hazards risk profiling on edible insects, covering rearing to consumption.

Graphical abstract - Risk profile of edible crickets.
Obsolescence sans conscience n’est que ruine de l’âme
Authors: SAERENS Patrick
Published: March 2019

L’obsolescence programmée n’est pas née avec les nouvelles technologies. Elle est consubstantielle de l’économie de marché. Le processus a toutefois pris de l’ampleur ces vingt dernières années à la suite de l’apparition d’une conscience écologique et de la mondialisation. La passivité de la communauté internationale peut sembler étonnante puisqu’à l’exception d’une convention sans impact réel, aucun texte ne vise l’obsolescence programmée. Seule l’Union européenne semble prendre le problème à bras le corps par des textes visant à réguler sous l’angle environnemental, mais d’aucuns s’interrogent si l’ilot européen pourra contrebalancer les efforts conjugués d’États protectionnistes dont les choix économiques sont prioritaires sur toute autre considération Quant aux États émergents, ils ne disposent pas de leviers puissants pour peser sur ce paradigme qui risque de perdurer.Les efforts pour lutter contre les nuisances du phénomène sont essentiellement à rechercher au sein de certains États pionniers (Belgique, Pays-Bas,). Le résultat est très mitigé : face à des sociétés, souvent basées à l’étranger qui évoquent le secret des affaires ou la protection de leurs brevets, les lois ne prévoient aucune procédure de contrôle a priori. Les lourdes procédures nécessaires pour sanctionner ce phénomène accroissent encore la fracture numérique. L’échappatoire pourrait venir des fabricants eux- mêmes. Garantir une plus longue vie de leurs appareils constitue parfois un outil marketing puissant. Mais la situation ne sera profondément modifiée que si le consommateur prend pleinement conscience qu’une amélioration technologique, parfois à la marge, ne nécessite pas le remplacement systématique de produits.
L’irruption du numérique au Sud : le cas de l’Afrique
Authors: Bienaymé Alain
Published: March 2019

Si le numérique a progressé au Nord avec Internet dans le sillage des ordinateurs et de l’informatique, au Sud le téléphone mobile, relativement peu onéreux, s’est imposé comme la porte d’entrée du monde digital. Il rencontre un large succès auprès des jeunes générations. L’élévation à un niveau d’interconnexion sans précédent des populations africaines fait du numérique un probable accélérateur de développement. L’arriération des structures de production ne dresse pas un obstacle infranchissable à la diversification des activités pour peu que les facilités de communication soient employées à satisfaire les besoins locaux : agriculture et pêcheries, commerces alimentaires, transports, services postaux et financiers, éducation et santé. Le numérique aide à mobiliser les diasporas africaines afin qu’elles transmettent à leurs compatriotes leur expérience de professionnels qualifiés. Si certains pays sont à l’aube d’un véritable décollage économique, la preuve devra en être donnée en terme de création nette d’emplois, non seulement dans les télécommunications, mais dans tous les autres secteurs d’activité utilisateurs des infrastructures numériques et que le développement devra entraîner. Il est fait état des initiatives qui se multiplient sur le continent africain grâce à l’outil numérique. Toutefois, les premiers succès ne doivent pas faire oublier les obstacles qui empêchent d’exploiter au mieux les potentialités de l’outil. Si ces obstacles concernent notamment le coût d’accès à l’électricité, ils tiennent pour la plupart à des méthodes de gouvernance inadaptées aux exigences du développement.
Critique de la gouvernance numérique
Authors: Mve Ondo Bonaventure
Published: March 2019

Le nouveau contexte géopolitique issu du 11 septembre 2001 a mis en avant le recours à la biométrie dans les aéroports comme outil de sûreté, de sécurité et de contrôle pour faciliter l’identification et l’authentification massive des individus. Ce dispositif est désormais étendu au processus électoral dans l’ensemble des pays du monde.En Afrique, beaucoup de pays l’ont adopté pour tenter de crédibiliser les élections, des contextes endogènes liés à l’opacité du mode de fonctionnement de ces institutions. C’est pourquoi la gouvernance numérique, si elle veut redonner la confiance et assurer la transparence, doit s’appuyer sur l’implication réelle et libre des acteurs sociaux eux-mêmes.
La médecine connectée et l’Afrique : soigner des indigents sans infrastructures ?
Authors: PALE Titi
Published: March 2019

La santé connectée est l’avenir des soins et du marché de l’innovation technologique. En janvier 2017 à Las Vegas, la Consumer Electronics Show (CES), qui est le plus grand salon annuel de l’innovation technologique, constatait que « l’avenir technologique est clairement orienté vers le médical : l’espace dédié aux startups de la santé a augmenté de 40 % entre 2014 et 2016. » Dans cette communication, notre objectif est de montrer que pour les pays en voie de développement et plus particulièrement ceux d’Afrique, ces avancées technologiques reposent le problème de la fracture numérique en de termes nouveaux. Il faut en effet constater que les avancées de la médecine connectée offrent des avantages inégalement répartis sur la surface de la terre. Nous montrons le rôle nocif du sous- équipement en infrastructures dans le développement de cette nouvelle fracture numérique autour des soins à distance du médecin. Si à New York, Paris et Tokyo les questions portent sur la sécurisation des données (blog data) et de l’autonomie du patient (quantified self), dans la brousse et les savanes africaines, la mise en place d’un réseau connecté est toujours aussi problématique. En cause, l’absence d’infrastructures de divers ordres (routes, télécommunications, antennes relais, électricité, etc.), dont l’enjeu pour la santé est désormais capital en raison du rôle qu’elles doivent jouer dans la mise en place et la rentabilisation de projets e-médicaux. Quelles sont les infrastructures manquantes au développement de la médecine connectée en Afrique ? Quels risques pour le développement de l’e- médecine en Afrique, et quels enjeux à l’heure où la biomédecine est à l’épreuve des pratiques et registres de soins bricolés entre « médecine du pauvre », « héritage colonial » et « tradition africaine » ?
L’information en périodes de conflits ou de crises : des médias de masse aux médias sociaux numériques
Authors: Bogui Jean-Jacques , Agbobli Christian
Published: March 2019

Les médias de masse ont toujours joué un rôle important pendant les périodes de conflits ou de crises dans le monde, car le contrôle de l’information pendant ces périodes devient un enjeu crucial. Cependant, l’émergence des médias sociaux numériques a fait perdre aux médias de masse et aux journalistes leur pouvoir de contrôle de l’information transmise au public et des débats dans l’espace public. Cette contribution de nature théorique, s’intéresse aux mutations que l’on a pu observer dans la circulation de l’information en périodes de conflits ou de crises à l’heure des médias sociaux numériques et leur impact sur les acteurs (autorités politiques, militaires et populations).
Réputation et image touristique tunisienne face à la propagande terroriste
Authors: Anouar Lahouij Mohamed
Published: March 2019

Le soulèvement qu’a connu la Tunisie en 2011 ainsi que les attentats terroristes ont reçu une couverture médiatique intensive dans le monde et ont eu un effet négatif sur le secteur du tourisme. Cet article vise à analyser l’effet du terrorisme et de l’instabilité politique en Tunisie et dans la région ainsi que la dégradation de l’image du pays en tant que destination touristique attirante. Cette situation nécessite la mise en place d’un modèle global pour restaurer une image positive afin de reconquérir les touristes.
Relevance of Chemically Functionalized Nano-Fillers and Modified Nanocomposite in Energy Systems
Authors: Babatunde Damilola Elizabeth , Denwigwe Iheanacho Henry , Babatunde Olubayo Moses , Agboola Oluranti , Akinsipe Gbemisola Deborah
Published: March 2019

Reliable energy systems and advances in nanotechnology together will play key role in channeling future cutting edge inventions and developments in all spheres. In this review article, the pertinence of functionalizing nanofillers and modifying nanocomposites for improved performance in various energy applications such as energy conversion, energy efficiency, energy storage, alternative energy and energy saving are expounded. This article also presents structures and unique properties of commonly used nanofillers; advances, improvement potentials and characterization of nanocomposites used in energy systems. Theoretical and experimental literature reviewed revealed that nanofillers engender improved properties in polymeric matrices. Functionalization is applicable to all types of nanofillers in use today, a number of functionalized nanofillers are already commercially available; and more extensive research is needed to achieve optimal improved results with the use of nanofillers and nanocomposites in various fields of applications.
Polymer Nanocomposites for Advanced Automobile Applications
Authors: Agboola Oluranti , Popoola Patricia A. P. , Sadiku Rotimi , Sanni Samuel Eshorame , Babatunde Damilola E. , Abatan Olubunmi G. , Fayomi Sunday Ojo , Fasiku Oluwaseun V.
Published: March 2019

The automotive industry is one major sector that consume material such as plastic at the advanced technological level. Hence, automotive plastics are now gaining attention due to the desire for light weight and low CO2 emission from vehicles. It is therefore anticipated that polymer nanocomposites will significantly enhance the performance of current technologies for car industries due to their excellent mechanical, chemical, thermal, electrical and barrier properties and their influence on fire retardancy. Hence, with the use of polymer nanocomposites, the encouraging outcomes in different sectors of automotive industry has resulted to new horizons in terms of advanced polymer nanocomposites for automobile applications. This chapter reviews advance polymer composites for automobile applications. Methods of fabricating polymer nanocomposites and several applications of polymer nanocomposites in automotive industries are discussed.
Polyaniline Nanocomposites
Authors: Majumdar Dipanwita
Published: March 2019

Polyaniline in various forms has been widely explored as an electrode material for supercapacitors due to its high theoretical charge storage capacity, facile-cost-effective synthesis, good mechanical strength and ultrafast charge transport. However, commercialization of such pristine forms is very much restricted by low solubilities, rapid agglomeration during device design accompanied by poor electrochemical life and fast environmental decomposition. The blending with nano-carbon materials, metal oxides and other competent materials, may result in high quality materials– “nanocomposites” with superior features is ideally fit for future generation energy storage devices. The present chapter deals with detailed discussions on designing, the fabrication of such binary and ternary nanocomposites, correlating their morphology with electrochemical behavior, so as to optimize their supercapacitive performances. Such an attempt would help to outline the present status and future aspects of these materials which will be of first-hand assistance especially to the beginners to this field of research.
Existing Robotics Technologies for Implementation of Special Education
Authors: Zahariev Roman Zahariev , Valchkova Nina
Published: March 2019

Collaborative robots (Cobots) are described from the point of view of the cognitive processes underlying the perception and emotional expression of learners based on individual human interacting with non-humanoid robots. The chapter describes a project that is aimed at the development and prototyping of mobile cognitive robotic system designed for service and assistance to people with disabilities. In creating this robot called “AnRI” (anthropomorphic robot intelligent) the experience from building the previous one was used, and it was used in the project Conduct Research into the Adoption of Robotic Technologies in Special Education by Children, Young People, and Pedagogical Specialists. It is described as a device of the robot and realization of cognitive processes to integrate knowledge-related information from sensors, actuators, and multiple sources of information vital to the process of serving people with disabilities.
Learner Attitudes Towards Humanoid Robot Tutoring Systems
Authors: Dimitrova Maya , Wagatsuma Hiroaki , Tripathi Gyanendra Nath , Ai Guangyi
Published: March 2019

A novel framework for investigation of the learner attitude towards a humanoid robot tutoring system is proposed in the chapter. The theoretical approach attempts to understand both the cognitive motivation as well as the social motivation of the participants in a teaching session, held by a robotic tutor. For this aim, a questionnaire is delivered after the eye tracking experiment in order to record the type and amount of the learned material as well as the social motivation of the participants. The results of the experiments show significant effects of both cognitive and social motivation influences. It has been shown that cognitive motivation can be observed and analyzed on a very individual level. This is an important biometric feature and can be used to recognize individuals from patterns of viewing behaviors in a lesson. Guidelines, drawn from first-person accounts of learner participation in the study, are also formulated for achieving more intuitive interactions with humanoid robots intended to perform social jobs like being teachers or advisors.
Information Security Problem and Solution Approaches in Social Applications
Authors: Rath Mamata
Published: March 2019

A social network is a portrayal of the social structure between actors, mostly individuals or organizations. It indicates the ways in which they are connected through various social familiarities ranging from casual acquaintance to close familiar bonds. This chapter exhibits an exhaustive review of various security and protection issues in social networks that directly or indirectly affect the individual member of the network. Furthermore, different threats in social networks have been focused on that appear because of the sharing of interactive media content inside a social networking site. Additionally, the chapter also reports current cutting-edge guard arrangements that can shield social network clients from these dangers.