bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performances Management When Modelling Internal Structure of a Production Process
Authors: Pinto Claudio
Published: June 2020

Performance management is a central point for both public and private organizations. In the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method, performance management takes the form of measuring relative efficiency. Furthermore, considering each organization and or production process as a black box,  inputs are transformed into outputs. In reality, production organizations or processes are composed of different parts that carry out different related activities. For this reason, modeling the internal structure of a production process like a system of interconnected parts makes it possible to measure its performance at the sub-process level. In this paper, we hypothesized a production process, made up of three interconnected parts. It is a new strategy to acquire relative efficiency consisting of building a block inside the system with at least two sub-processes. This step refers to a basic model of relational Network Data Envelopment Analysis (NDEA). Also, we used the additive decomposition formula to measure the efficiency of the whole process. We highlighted the differences in the measurement, between the direct application of the relational NDEA model and the measurement with the block approach model.We compared the cumulative empirical distribution functions of the efficiency scores of a sub-process with the decomposition formula multiplicative and our  approach. In conclusion, the paper proposes, a new strategy to measure the relative performances of a production process model as a network system of three subprocesses, which combines the NDEA and the DEA. This allows us to reevaluate, the indications of policy at the individual sub-process level (block). Moreover, it is a versatile approach which allows aggregation of the sub-processes in blocks, according to the particular policy requirements, legislative technological constraints, etc.
The Application of a Managerial Competency Model in Employee Promotion—Combination of AHP and VIKOR Methodology
Authors: Shun HsienYu , Wang KuoYan
Published: June 2020

Managerial competency model is a main structure that lists competencies needed for manager’s position. This paper established a employee promotion application combined with managerial competency model and AHP-VIKOR methodology. Research was carried using qualitative and quantitative methods. The managerial competency model is explained through a literature review and internal interview is to confirm the specific competency items that suitable for case company. Research from expert panels is used to evaluate the managerial competency of the candidates in the case study. The quantitative tool was AHP and VIKOR model. AHP was applied to calculate the criteria weights of managerial competency items. VIKOR multi-criteria decision making model ranked the alternatives and the most suitable promotion candidate was selected. The results from the VIKOR model were used as the decision-making basis for the promotion of the best candidate. This research expected to use the quantitative method to support the executive management level to develop internal talent base on a objective evaluate results.
Een complexe doelgroep en integraal samenwerken: hoe doe je dat?
Authors: Bitter Lisette , Veen Violaine , Paalman Carmen
Published: June 2020

An integrated-personalized-approach for multi problem young adults. A functional mix of organizational conditions and professional competences is needed

Professionals from various organisations within Dutch local governments are working together in an integrated-personalized-approach in order to prevent disturbing and criminal behavior in multi problem young adults. The Startbaan study, which focused on the collaboration within such local integrated-approaches, shows that multidisciplinary collaboration is hard to reach because of the amount and versatility of organisations involved as well as the complexity of problems in multi problem young adults. Results from the Startbaan study combined with findings from literature show that a functional mix of organizational conditions and specific professional abilities is needed in order to work together successfully.
Gluren bij de buren
Authors: Janssen Janine , Juncker Karlijn , Haans Teun , Trommelen Berna
Published: June 2020

Lessons learned from Flemisch Family Justice Centres

Issues regarding domestic violence and abuse of children are considered to be complex phenomena. Often ecological models are used in order to explain that on different levels – societal, group and individual – factors that are of influence. With some of these aspects can be dealt, while others are more complex to influence. In practice professionals with different disciplinary backgrounds need to collaborate in order to be of assistance to families in need. As a model for collaboration so-called Family Justice Centers (FJC) have been developed. This concept originated in the United States and is nowadays also adopted in Europe. In the Netherlands there is a lot of interest in these FJC’s. In this contribution the impression of two visits two FJC’s in neighboring region Flanders (Belgium) is described. What can we learn from their experiences? What are the challenges of international comparisons of forms of policies and collaborations regarding the care for families and children?
Gegevens delen, privacy en domeinoverstijgend werken
Authors: van Gorp Anke , Bitter Lisette , Poel Verena , Paalman Carmen
Published: June 2020

Sharing data, privacy and an integrated-personalized-approach. The complexity of the GDPR

At the level of local government, preventive and repressive measures are used within an integrated- personalized-approach to prevent disturbing and criminal behaviour. This integrated approach is only possible when the professionals involved can share data of subjects in order to get good insight of the existing problems and to find possible solutions. The Startbaan study, which focused on the collaboration within such an integrated-approach on young adults with multiproblems and justice contacts, shows that privacy regulations are perceived as being obstructive by professionals. More knowledge about the GDPR, its legal bases and domain specific regulations is necessary for an integrated-approach.
Umbilical Cord Blood Lipid Profile in Healthy Neonates in Iran
Authors: Kermani Asadollah , Namakin Kokab , Sharifzadeh Gholam Reza , Faal Gholam Reza
Published: June 2020

Background: Coronary heart diseases (CAD) and their risk factors are among the major causes of death in Iran. Since these risk factors begin to develop early in life, it is vital to diagnose those newborns at high risk of CAD. Objectives: The present study investigated the umbilical cord blood lipid profile of term and preterm neonates. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the lipid profiles of 292 neonates, of which 276 were term and 16 preterm, were examined at a teaching hospital. Results: The lipid profile results of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein were 69.8, 34.9, 23.6, and 31.5 in term neonates and 80.5, 25.5, 25.1, and 38 in preterm neonates, respectively. Conclusions: According to the current paper, the lipid profiles of eastern Iranian neonates were similar to those reported in global studies. Moreover, except for triglycerides in the female neonates, lipid profiles were significantly higher among the male neonates.
Erratum: Improved First-Principles Calculation of the Third Virial Coefficient of Helium
Authors: Garberoglio Giovanni , Moldover Michael R. , Harvey Allan H.
Published: June 2020

The calculations of C(T) for 3He in the original paper were in error at the
lowest temperatures due toan incorrect accounting for the quantum statistics of
fermions, as explained in Ref. [2]. A corrected version of Table 6 is given below. The
calculations for 4He are not affected by this error.
Current Concepts Imaging in COVID-19 and the Challenges for Low and Middle Income Countries
Authors: Mendel Jeffrey , Lee Justine , Rosman David
Published: June 2020

With nearly 3,800,000 cases and 270,000 deaths reported worldwide, COVID-19 is a global pandemic unlike any we have seen in our lifetimes (1). As early as 1995, the WHO was warning of a global infectious disease crisis, citing 30 new infectious diseases emerging in the past 20 years, loss of antibiotic effectiveness, low rates of immunization, poverty, and inadequate investment in public health contributing to the more than 17 million people dying each year from infectious diseases, principally in Low and Middle Income countries (LMIC) (2). Unlike previous infectious diseases, at the time of this writing over 63% of the total reported cases of COVID-19 are in 6 High Income Countries (HIC): USA, Italy, Spain, France, Germany and the UK.

Information concerning the imaging findings in COVID-19 has been rapidly disseminated from the centers first affected by the pandemic. This article attempts to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the imaging findings in COVID-19, focusing on pulmonary findings, and offer recommendation for the use of imaging for diagnosis and surveillance of COVID-19, particularly in LMIC.
Regards croisés sur l’évolution de la pénurie d’eau de la ville de Zinder (Niger) de 1900 à nos jours
Authors: Malam Abdou Moussa , Saley Boubé Bali , Mamadou Ibrahim , Issaka Brah Laminou
Published: June 2020

Depuis les années 1920, la ville de Zinder est confrontée à une pénurie récurrente d’eau de consommation dont les causes sont diversement interprétées selon les contextes et les périodes. Ce travail propose des regards croisés pour appréhender la profondeur du problème. À partir d’un inventaire de récits étiologiques analysés avec les outils de la mythocritique d’une part, des données hydrométriques et des enquêtes d’autre part, les questions relatives à la production et à la gestion de l’eau, au pessimisme des populations quant à une solution définitive sont étudiées. Les analyses croisées mettent en évidence trois principales explications. D’abord, l’imaginaire populaire enseigne que la pénurie d’eau trouve son explication dans des mythes qui, loin d’être de simples ornements culturels, s’inscrivent dans une perspective de légitimation d’un pouvoir face à des envahisseurs à la peau blanche. Ensuite, l’analyse de débits des forages met en exergue la faible disponibilité de la ressource du fait du soubassement cristallin très peu altéré. Ainsi, sur une quinzaine de forages échantillonnés autour de la ville, la productivité moyenne est de 0,57 m3∙h-1 (±0,47). Soixante pour cent des forages ont un débit inférieur à la moyenne et sont à peine considérés comme productifs. Enfin, les volumes d’eau produits par les stations de pompage sont toujours inférieurs aux besoins croissants des usagers. Les infrastructures hydrauliques réalisées et les arguments scientifiques fournis convainquent de moins en moins les populations quant à la résolution définitive de la pénurie d’eau. De ce fait, selon l’interlocuteur ou l’échelle spatiale d’analyse, la pénurie s’interprète comme une donnée naturelle, économique et sociopolitique. Pour gérer cette pénurie, les structures d’exploitation de l’eau de la ville ont développé des stratégies telles que le délestage, l’utilisation de « bons » d’accès à l’eau et la limitation des branchements.
“Boulevard Strip” in Yekaterinburg
Authors: Bulatova Evgeniya Konstantinovna
Published: June 2020

The subject of this research is the analysis of Yekaterinburg beautification project “Boulevard Strip” that includes the street quarter of Verkh-Isetsky Boulevard – Repina Street – Moskovskaya Street – Popova Street. The object of this research is the analysis of advantages and disadvantages of the project “Boulevard Strip”, from the perspective of which the recreational territories should form a uniform landscape and urban development system of the city. The main goals consist in the assessment of current state of the development of recreational systems of Yekaterinburg, and analysis of transformation and reconstruction of the “boulevard strip”. Yekaterinburg marks desolation of boulevards that yet are not subject to reconstruction in comparison with the new boulevards and boulevard rings that have already undergone a large-scale reconstruction, including with application of the principles of landscape urbanism. A popular boulevard is located within the structure of microdistrict, remote from road transport, designed for playground, active and passive recreation. These characteristics should serve as the basis for designing new boulevards.
FMRP promotes RNA localization to neuronal projections through interactions between its RGG domain and G-quadruplex RNA sequences
Authors: Goering Raeann , Hudish Laura I , Guzman Bryan B , Raj Nisha , Bassell Gary J , Russ Holger A , Dominguez Daniel , Taliaferro J Matthew
Published: June 2020

The sorting of RNA molecules to subcellular locations facilitates the activity of spatially restricted processes. We have analyzed subcellular transcriptomes of FMRP-null mouse neuronal cells to identify transcripts that depend on FMRP for efficient transport to neurites. We found that these transcripts contain an enrichment of G-quadruplex sequences in their 3′ UTRs, suggesting that FMRP recognizes them to promote RNA localization. We observed similar results in neurons derived from Fragile X Syndrome patients. We identified the RGG domain of FMRP as important for binding G-quadruplexes and the transport of G-quadruplex-containing transcripts. Finally, we found that the translation and localization targets of FMRP were distinct and that an FMRP mutant that is unable to bind ribosomes still promoted localization of G-quadruplex-containing messages. This suggests that these two regulatory modes of FMRP may be functionally separated. These results provide a framework for the elucidation of similar mechanisms governed by other RNA-binding proteins.
CRISPR-Cas12a exploits R-loop asymmetry to form double-strand breaks
Authors: Cofsky Joshua C , Karandur Deepti , Huang Carolyn J , Witte Isaac P , Kuriyan John , Doudna Jennifer A
Published: June 2020

Type V CRISPR-Cas interference proteins use a single RuvC active site to make RNA-guided breaks in double-stranded DNA substrates, an activity essential for both bacterial immunity and genome editing. The best-studied of these enzymes, Cas12a, initiates DNA cutting by forming a 20-nucleotide R-loop in which the guide RNA displaces one strand of a double-helical DNA substrate, positioning the DNase active site for first-strand cleavage. However, crystal structures and biochemical data have not explained how the second strand is cut to complete the double-strand break. Here, we detect intrinsic instability in DNA flanking the RNA-3′ side of R-loops, which Cas12a can exploit to expose second-strand DNA for cutting. Interestingly, DNA flanking the RNA-5′ side of R-loops is not intrinsically unstable. This asymmetry in R-loop structure may explain the uniformity of guide RNA architecture and the single-active-site cleavage mechanism that are fundamental features of all type V CRISPR-Cas systems.
Self-restoration of cardiac excitation rhythm by anti-arrhythmic ion channel gating
Authors: Majumder Rupamanjari , De Coster Tim , Kudryashova Nina , Verkerk Arie O , Kazbanov Ivan V , Ördög Balázs , Harlaar Niels , Wilders Ronald , de Vries Antoine AF , Ypey Dirk L , Panfilov Alexander V , Pijnappels Daniël A
Published: June 2020

Homeostatic regulation protects organisms against hazardous physiological changes. However, such regulation is limited in certain organs and associated biological processes. For example, the heart fails to self-restore its normal electrical activity once disturbed, as with sustained arrhythmias. Here we present proof-of-concept of a biological self-restoring system that allows automatic detection and correction of such abnormal excitation rhythms. For the heart, its realization involves the integration of ion channels with newly designed gating properties into cardiomyocytes. This allows cardiac tissue to i) discriminate between normal rhythm and arrhythmia based on frequency-dependent gating and ii) generate an ionic current for termination of the detected arrhythmia. We show in silico, that for both human atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, activation of these channels leads to rapid and repeated restoration of normal excitation rhythm. Experimental validation is provided by injecting the designed channel current for arrhythmia termination in human atrial myocytes using dynamic clamp.
Dreaming with hippocampal damage
Authors: Spanò Goffredina , Pizzamiglio Gloria , McCormick Cornelia , Clark Ian A , De Felice Sara , Miller Thomas D , Edgin Jamie O , Rosenthal Clive R , Maguire Eleanor A
Published: June 2020

The hippocampus is linked with both sleep and memory, but there is debate about whether a salient aspect of sleep – dreaming – requires its input. To address this question, we investigated if human patients with focal bilateral hippocampal damage and amnesia engaged in dreaming. We employed a provoked awakening protocol where participants were woken up at various points throughout the night, including during non-rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep, to report their thoughts in that moment. Despite being roused a similar number of times, dream frequency was reduced in the patients compared to control participants, and the few dreams they reported were less episodic-like in nature and lacked content. These results suggest that hippocampal integrity may be necessary for typical dreaming to occur, and aligns dreaming with other hippocampal-dependent processes such as episodic memory that are central to supporting our mental life.
CD56 regulates human NK cell cytotoxicity through Pyk2
Authors: Gunesch Justin T , Dixon Amera L , Ebrahim Tasneem AM , Berrien-Elliott Melissa M , Tatineni Swetha , Kumar Tejas , Hegewisch-Solloa Everardo , Fehniger Todd A , Mace Emily M
Published: June 2020

Human natural killer (NK) cells are defined as CD56+CD3−. Despite its ubiquitous expression on human NK cells the role of CD56 (NCAM) in human NK cell cytotoxic function has not been defined. In non-immune cells, NCAM can induce signaling, mediate adhesion, and promote exocytosis through interactions with focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Here we demonstrate that deletion of CD56 on the NK92 cell line leads to impaired cytotoxic function. CD56-knockout (KO) cells fail to polarize during immunological synapse (IS) formation and have severely impaired exocytosis of lytic granules. Phosphorylation of the FAK family member Pyk2 at tyrosine 402 is decreased in NK92 CD56-KO cells, demonstrating a functional link between CD56 and signaling in human NK cells. Cytotoxicity, lytic granule exocytosis, and the phosphorylation of Pyk2 are rescued by the reintroduction of CD56. These data highlight a novel functional role for CD56 in stimulating exocytosis and promoting cytotoxicity in human NK cells.
How the brain constructs dreams
Authors: Wamsley Erin J
Published: June 2020

Deep inside the temporal lobe of the brain, the hippocampus has a central role in our ability to remember, imagine and dream.
Popławski II: A Half-Hearted Embrace of Hierarchical Supremacy
Authors: Haket Sim
Published: June 2020

In the Popławski II judgment, it is held that primacy of EU law provides the legal basis for the duty of consistent interpretation and State liability. This corresponds to a perspective where there is a hierarchical relationship between EU and national law. However, another feature
of this hierarchical model, i.e. the possibility to disapply conflicting national law, without having recourse to direct effect, is rejected.
Development of a novel in vitro insulin resistance model in primary human tenocytes for diabetic tendinopathy research
Authors: Tan Hui Yee , Tan Sik Loo , Teo Seow Hui , Roebuck Margaret M. , Frostick Simon P. , Kamarul Tunku
Published: June 2020

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) had been reported to be associated with tendinopathy. However, the underlying mechanisms of diabetic tendinopathy still remain largely to be discovered. The purpose of this study was to develop insulin resistance (IR) model on primary human tenocytes (hTeno) culture with tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) treatment to study tenocytes homeostasis as an implication for diabetic tendinopathy.

Methods

hTenowere isolated from human hamstring tendon. Presence of insulin receptor beta (INSR-β) on normal tendon tissues and the hTeno monolayer culture were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. The presence of Glucose Transporter Type 1 (GLUT1) and Glucose Transporter Type 4 (GLUT4) on the hTeno monolayer culture were also analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Primary hTeno were treated with 0.008, 0.08, 0.8 and 8.0 µM of TNF-α, with and without insulin supplement. Outcome measures include 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino]-2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-NBDG) assay to determine the glucose uptake activity; colourimetric total collagen assay to quantify the total collagen expression levels; COL-I ELISA assay to measure the COL-I expression levels and real-time qPCR to analyze the mRNA gene expressions levels of Scleraxis (SCX), Mohawk (MKX), type I collagen (COL1A1), type III collagen (COL3A1), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9 and MMP-13 in hTeno when treated with TNF-α. Apoptosis assay for hTeno induced with TNF-α was conducted using Annexin-V FITC flow cytometry analysis.

Results

Immunofluorescence imaging showed the presence of INSR-β on the hTeno in the human Achilles tendon tissues and in the hTeno in monolayer culture. GLUT1 and GLUT4 were both positively expressed in the hTeno. TNF-α significantly reduced the insulin-mediated 2-NBDG uptake in all the tested concentrations, especially at 0.008 µM. Total collagen expression levels and COL-I expression levels in hTeno were also significantly reduced in hTeno treated with 0.008 µM of TNF-α. The SCX, MKX and COL1A1 mRNA expression levels were significantly downregulated in all TNF-α treated hTeno, whereas the COL3A1, MMP-9 and MMP-13 were significantly upregulated in the TNF–α treated cells. TNF-α progressively increased the apoptotic cells at 48 and 72 h.

Conclusion

At0.008 µM of TNF-α, an IR condition was induced in hTeno, supported with the significant reduction in glucose uptake, as well as significantly reduced total collagen, specifically COL-I expression levels, downregulation of candidate tenogenic markers genes (SCX and MKX), and upregulation of ECM catabolic genes (MMP-9 and MMP-13). Development of novel IR model in hTeno provides an insight on how tendon homeostasis could be affected and can be used as a tool for further discovering the effects on downstream molecular pathways, as the implication for diabetic tendinopathy.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Study of Co (II) and Cu (II) Complexes of Sulfamethoxazole
Authors: Adamu Usman Abubakar , Magaji Buhari , Mohammad Adamu Baba , Sani Mukhtar Muhammad , Adoram Nitte
Published: June 2020

Complexes of Co and Cu with SMZ were successfully synthesized (1:2 molar ratio) in good yield and characterized by using UV-vis, FTIR, melting point/decomposition temperature, electrical conductivity and solubility in different solvents of varying polarity and proticity. All the prepared complexes were coloured. From the IR results, 529, 631, 528 and 779 cm-1 bands were observed in the spectra of the complexes which were absent in the free ligand spectrum thus, showing the presence of metal-ligand bond (coordination) in the complexes. The electronic spectral data of the complexes suggest an octahedral and tetrahedral geometry for all the complexes. The ligand and the Co (II) complex were found to be soluble polar protic solvents at both room and elevated temperature while, Cu (II) complex was found to be insoluble in polar protic solvent (ethanol) at room temperature but soluble at elevated temperature. The metal complexes are insoluble in non-polar solvent at both temperatures. More so, the ligand was found to be soluble in non-polar solvent at both temperatures. The electrical conductivity measurements indicated that the synthesized complexes are non-electrolytes. The synthesized metal complexes showed improved broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus as compared to the ligand.  Thus, the complexes [Co(C10H11N3O3S)] and [Cu(C10H11N3O3S)] are good leads to be developed into antibiotics against the tested antimicrobial agents (E. coli and S. aureus).
Nutrition Food Labeling in the Saudi Market between Compliance and Relaxing Policy
Authors: AlMughthem Amal , Jradi Hoda , Bawazir Amen
Published: June 2020

Background: With increased demand for prepackaged food, the nutrient content of those products has increased especially fat, sugar, and sodium. We aimed to assess the compliance of nutritional labeling and to analyze the stated nutritional components as presented on prepackaged food products in Saudi market.

Methods: A total of 1153 foods were randomly sampled from fourteen stores. Nutritional information was taken from nutrient declarations present on food labels and assessed through a comparison of mean levels and assess compliance with Saudi Food and Drug Authority regulations.

Results: Overall, of the total number of products surveyed, 88% displayed nutritional facts, while 12% did not. Of the total products that had nutritional facts, only 38% met SFDA requirements while 97% disclosed the four key nutritional elements (energy, carbohydrate, protein and fat). In total, almost one third of the products had a high fat content, 40% were high in sugar and 20% were high in Sodium. We found also, 20% listed hydrogenated fat in their ingredient information, 90% of which was fully hydrogenated, while 10% was partially hydrogenated.

Conclusion: There was a high percentage of products that displayed nutritional facts, but only a small percentage complied with SFDA's recent regulations. Food reformulation could have an extraordinary potential to overcome the increase in nutrition-related chronic disease in Saudi Arabia, and the information acquired from this paper provides an overview of thinking about the food supply as a major source needed for a national intervention.
Effect of Packaging and Storage on Quality Characteristics of Dried Wild Pomegranate Arils (Anardana) Prepared in Solar Tunnel Drier
Authors: Thakur Abhimanyu , Thakur N. S. , . Hamid , Kumar Pradeep , Bhatt Kanchan
Published: June 2020

Wild pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits were procured from Karsog area of Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India (1265 m above mean sea level). The arils extracted from the fruits were dehydrated in a solar tunnel (30-45°C) drier to prepare value added product Anardana. The developed product was packed in three different packaging materials viz. gunny bags, aluminium laminated pouches (ALP) and aluminium laminated pouches with vacuum (ALPV) and stored under ambient and refrigerated temperature for a period of 12 months so as to evaluate overall effect of storage period, storage condition and packaging material. After 12 months of storage period, higher retention of various quality characteristics like TSS, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugars, anthocyanins content, sensory characteristic scores with less increase in moisture content, NEB (non-enzymatic browning),HMF (hydroxymethyl furfural) and furfural content was observed in Anardana packed in ALPV followed by ALP and gunny bags. The changes in the quality characteristics of the Anardana were slower in refrigerated storage conditions as compared to ambient conditions.
Growth Response of Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) to Varying Levels of Phosphorus, Zinc and Arbuscular Mycorrhizae
Authors: Bhardwaj Gitika , Sharma Uday , Brar Perminder Singh , Kaushal Rajesh
Published: June 2020

The present study was conducted to evaluate the growth response of Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) to varying levels of Phosphorus (P), Zinc (Zn) and Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (AM). A pot experiment with twenty-four treatment combinations was setup in the net house. The treatment combination consisted of 4 levels of P: P0- 0, P50 - 237.5 kg ha-1 SSP, P75 - 355.5 kg ha-1 SSP and P100- 475 kg ha-1 SSP, 3 levels of Zn: Zn50- 5 Kg ha-1 ZnSO4, Zn75-7.5 Kg ha-1 ZnSO4, Zn100- 10 Kg ha-1 ZnSO4 and 2 levels of AM: I0- 0 and I15- 15 g per pot. The main objective of the study was to reduce the antagonistic interaction between P and Zn by using AM fungi. The results of combined effects of application of P, Zn and AM revealed that P, Zn addition along with AM fungi improved plant growth parameters, plant nutrient content and total nutrient uptake (both above ground and underground portion) of the plant. The results indicated increase in plant height, root length and total nutrient uptake by increasing the level of P, Zn and Arbuscular Mycorrhizae. Also, Arbuscular Mycorrhizae enhanced plant growth by reducing Phosphorus or Zinc deficiency. Antagonistic effects of P and Zn addition on plant nutrient content and total nutrient uptake were absent due to application of AM fungi. Our results indicated that by using appropriate levels of AM fungi along with P and Zn, antagonistic interactions can be reduced for maximizing the plant nutrient content and nutrient uptake which may lead to improvement in plant growth and nutrition.
Adoption Level of Good Dairy Management Practices among Dairy Farmers in Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Gupta Jagdeep , Subash S. , Devi M. C. A. , Mandi Kalyan
Published: June 2020

Good dairy management practices are a widely important tool for facilitating and promoting farmers' production and marketing of healthy, high quality milk and milk products to meet food and consumer expectations. In this context, the present research study was designed to make an attempt to find out the extent of adoption of animal welfare practices by the dairy farmers at field level. The study was conducted in the Central plain zone of Uttar Pradesh State. Four districts (Hardoi, Auraiya, Allahabad and Kaushambi) were selected purposively. One block from each district and from each block two villages and from each village 15 farmer-respondents were selected randomly. A total of 120 respondents were finally approached for the primary data collection. The salient findings with regard to adoption of good dairy management practices revealed that, more than half of the respondents (55.83%) belonged to medium level of adoption category, followed by 27.56 and 16.67% in low and high level of adoption category, respectively. The study further suggests sensitizing and training the extension personnel’s /veterinarians about the good dairy management practices and strengthening the dairy extension services among dairy farmers in the study area.
Evaluation of Rice Genotypes for Salinity Tolerance at Reproductive Stage Using Phenotypic and Molecular Markers
Authors: Kumar Anuj , Dwivedi D. K. , Bharti Pradeep K. , Singh Vineeta , Kumari Preeti , Khan N. A.
Published: June 2020

Rice is the single largest source of food energy for more than half of the world’s population. Salinity may be a serious environmental constraint to crop production. Salinity screening of twenty rice genotypes were performed at the reproductive stages, in the net house of department of PMB&GE. Phenotyping of the genotypes was done at EC 12dS/m at reproductive stage in net house. Most desirable genotypes days to 50% flowering were IR-68144-2B-2-2-3-1-120, CSR-13, FL-478, NDR-359, AYYAR and NUD-2, SAMBHA MANSURI and MTU-1010; for plant height IR-68144-2B-2-2-3-1-127, NUD-3, NUD-2, NDRK-2008, IR-91171-66-3-2-1-3, SAMBHA MANSURI, TARAMON and  MTU-1010; for panicle bearing tillers/plant FL-478, NDR-359 and SWARNA; for panicle length IR-68144-2B-2-2-3-1-127, IR-91167-99-1-1-1-3, IR-29, FL-478, NDRK-2008 and IR-92953-49-1-3; for spikelets/panicle IR-91167-99-1-1-1-3, NDRK-2008, SWARNA , IR-92953-49-1-3, IR-91171-66-3-2-1-3, IR-83668-35-2-2-2 and MTU-1010; for grains/panicle SWARNA, IR-92953-49-1-3, IR-91171-66-3-2-1-3, IR-83668-35-2-2-2, NDRK-2008 and MTU-1010 for spikelet fertility % NUD-3, IR-29, FL-478, NDRK-2008, SWARNA, IR-91171-66-3-2-1-3 and IR-83668-35-2-2-2; for test weight  NUD-3, NDRK-2008, IR-29 and SWARNA for biological yield/plant AYYAR, TARAMON and NUD-3; for harvest index FL-478, IR-68144-2B-2-2-3-1-120, IR-91167-133-1-1-2-3 and NUD-2; for Na+ NUD-3 and FL-478; for K+ IR-91167-133-1-1-2-3, NDR-359 and MTU-1010; for Na+/K+ IR-68144-2B-2-2-3-1-127, IR-91167-99-1-1-1-3, NUD-3, FL-478, IR-64 and SAMBHA MANSURI; for grain yield/ plant (g) AYYAR and FL-478  were reported highly significant in mean performance for yield and its components traits. Analysis of variance, estimates of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, estimates of heritability and genetic advance in percent of mean were recorded for all the characters among 20 rice genotypes in saline condition. Molecular analysis with SSR markers differentiates the rice genotypes into tolerant and susceptible based on banding pattern. The tolerant rice genotypes were NUD 3, IR-68144-2B-2-2-3-166, IR68144-2B-2-2-3-1-120, IR68100-2B-2-2-3-1-127, IR-1167-31-3-1-33 and IR-91171-66-3-2-1-3 and susceptible were NDR-359, Taramon, MTU-1010,  Swarna and IR-64. The identified salt tolerant genotypes can be potential germplasm sources for future breeding programmes.
Relative Proximate Composition and Mineral Analysis of Three Garlic Varieties Available in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Dipa , Lina Nazia Nawshad , Roy Rajib Kanti , Lyzu Chadni , Ahamed Zubayed , Akhter Samina , Mohanta Liton Chandra , Lipy Evena Parvin , Hakim Mahmuda , Roy Dipankar Chandra
Published: June 2020

Garlic is one of the most common spices in south-east Asian cuisine. Since ancient times, it has been used as traditional medicine, herbal remedies and flavoring ingredients. Large varieties of garlic are available across the world. The majority of Bangladeshi markets are availed with three of its varieties. These are Imported Large Multi-clove garlic from India or China, Bangladeshi Indigenous Multi-clove and Single-clove garlic. This study was aimed to investigate proximatecomposition, mineral concentration and energy value of Imported Large Multi-clove variety, Bangladeshi Indigenous Multi-clove and Single clove garlic. Imported Large Multi-clove variety was found to contain 6.53±0.08% moisture, 70.25±0.27% carbohydrate, 18.92±0.04% protein, 0.57±0.16% fat and 3.72±0.03% ash, whereas Indigenous Single-clove and Multi-clove contain 7.80±0.04% & 6.51±0.04% moisture, 71.41±0.09%&72.73±0.06%carbohydrate, 17.37± 0.06% and 17.40±0.04% protein, 0.19±0.01% and 0.21±0.02% fat, 3.22±0.01% and 3.14±0.02% ash respectively. Few Significant Distinction Were observed in nutrient and calorie contents. No single variety could be adjudged nutritionally superior or inferior to others.
Assessment of Overweight, Obesity and the Dietary Habits of Undergraduate Students of Lagos State University
Authors: Arisa N. , Anaemene D. , Mekwunye W.
Published: June 2020

Aims: To determine the prevalence of overweight, obesity and dietary habits of under graduate students of Lagos State University.

Study Design: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria, between June 2016 and July 2016.

Methodology: 150 undergraduate students were selected through multistage random sampling. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habit and physical activity was obtained using structured questionnaire. Weight, height, Percentage Body Fat (PBF), waist and hip circumferences were measured according to standard procedures to compute Body Mass Indices (BMI), Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) and finally determine nutritional status. The data were presented as frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviations. Chi square was used to test for significant differences and level of significance set at 0.05.

Results: The mean BMI, PBF and WHR of the participants were 23.4 ± 2.3 kg/m2, 23.1 ± 5.0% and 0.83 ± 0.09, respectively. Majority of the participants (86.7%) were of normal weight while 8% (10.4% males and 5.5% females) and 5.3% (5.2% males and 5.5% females) were overweight and obese, respectively. Using WHR, more number of students were overweight/obese (34%) compared to BMI (13.3%) and PBF (8.7%), all indicated higher abnormal status among males than females. Few students exhibited poor eating (15%) and physical inactivity (16%) habits. Majority of the students (75.3%) skipped breakfast and the least daily consumed food group was legume/nut group (0.5%). Snacks (42%) and processed (20%) foods were consumed more than roots/tubers (14%) which are staple foods.

Conclusion: Central obesity was high among undergraduate students of Lagos State University. Breakfast skipping and low legume meal consumption were major dietary problems. Healthy lifestyle should be promoted among the university students to prevent overweight/obesity and its associated diseases.
Maternal “Oxygen and Fluids Therapy” to Correct Abnormalities in the Cardiotocograph (CTG): Scientific Principles vs Historical (Mal) Practices
Authors: Chandraharan Edwin
Published: June 2020

Some Guidelines on Cardiotocograph (CTG) trace continue to recommend the administration of oxygen and fluids to the mother to correct the abnormalities observed on the cardiotocograph. However, the fetus has a separate autonomic nervous system, blood volume, haemoglobin concentration, oxygen saturation and cardiovascular responses as compared to the mother. Therefore, administration of oxygen and fluids to the mother to correct observed “suspicious” CTG traces should be questioned in contemporary obstetric practice. This commentary examines the scientific principles and current scientific evidence on these historical practices, and all practising midwives and obstetricians should urgently review their individual clinical practice, based on the knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry as well as a critical review of current scientific evidence to prevent avoidable patient harm. Current evidence suggests that administration of oxygen to the mother, who has a normal oxygen saturation does not correct the observed abnormalities on the CTG trace, and it may in fact lead to harm. Similarly, administration of fluids (oral or intravenous) to a woman during labour who is not dehydrated or hypotensive may not only cause maternal dilutional hyponatremia and resultant complications, but also, it may cause neonatal convulsions. Women and babies expect every healthcare provider to practice evidence-based medicine during the intrapartum period, which is based on logic, common sense and robust scientific principles, irrespective of what is erroneously stated by some CTG guidelines.
Adsorption Properties of Thermally Treated Rice Husk for Removal of Sulfamethazine Antibiotic from Pharmaceutical Wastewater
Authors: Balarak Davoud , Bandani Fatemeh , Shehu Zaccheus , Ahmed Nehad J.
Published: June 2020

Equilibrium sorption of the Thermally Treated Rice Husk (TTRH) for Sulfamethazine (SMT) adsorption was studied. The Physico-chemical properties of the modified rice husk were determined. The equilibrium sorption data were fitted into Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms. Of the three adsorption isotherm, the R2 value of Langmuir isotherm model was the highest. Also compared to other isotherms the AARE coefficient for the Langmuir isotherm is low, which indicates favorable sorption. The maximum monolayer coverage (qm) from Langmuir isotherm model was determined to be 19.11 mg/g, the separation factor indicating a favorable sorption experiment is 0.446. Also from Freundlich Isotherm model, the sorption intensity (n) which indicates favorable sorption and the correlation value are 1.84 and 3.79 respectively. The mean free energy was estimated from Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm model to be 9.18 KJ/mol which clearly proved that the adsorption experiment followed a physical process.
The Isolation of Antimicrobial Resistant Aeromonas spp. from Aquaculture Samples and their Susceptibility to Medicinal Plant Extracts
Authors: Chikwendu C. I. , Obi R. K. , Ibe K. C. , Orji J. C.
Published: June 2020

Aeromonas spp, ubiquitous in both terrestrial and aquatic environments are becoming renowned as enteric pathogens of serious public health concern as they have a number of virulence and resistant determinants that are linked to both human and aquatic diseases due to consistent and incorrect use of antibiotics in aquaculture. The effect of crude aqueous and ethanol extracts of some medicinal plants on antimicrobial resistant Aeromonas spp. isolated from aquaculture water and fish samples was studied. Two hundred and forty (240) Aeromonas isolates, made up of 168 Aeromonas hydrophila and 72 Aeromonas salmonicida, were recovered from aquaculture water and fish gill samples collected from different commercial fish ponds using selective media. The isolates were assessed for their antibiotic susceptibility against ten (10) conventional antibiotics using the Kirby-Bauer technique. Extracts from three medicinal plants, Vernonia amygdalina, Ocimum gratissimum and Garcinia kola were also analyzed for their antimicrobial effects on the isolates that were resistant to the conventional antibiotics. Aeromonas hydrophila isolates expressed the highest resistant rates of 100%, 78.6% and 70.8% to aztreonam, cefotaxime and neomysin respectively, and the A. salmonicida isolates also had a similar trend of high resistant rates of 100%, 87.5% and 77.8% to aztreonam, neomysin and cefotaxime respectively. Antimicrobial resistant analyses with the plant extracts showed 100% inhibition of the isolates at 100 mg/ml for both aqueous and ethanol extracts. Phytochemical screening identified the presence of certain phytochemicals like alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, steroids and glycosides which could have accounted for the antimicrobial effects of the plant extracts under study. It can be inferred then, that extracts from Vernonia amygdalina, Ocimum gratissimum and Garcinia kola can inhibit resistant aquaculture Aeromonas isolates and so can present an alternative source of antimicrobials in the effort to combat the increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture.
Prospektive Erfassung der postinterventionellen Lebensqualität nach Adenotomie und Adenotonsillotomie bei Kindern
Authors: Stupp F. , Grossi A. , Hoffmann T. K. , Sommer F. , Lindemann J.
Published: June 2020

Hintergrund

Die Bewertung der Effektivität der Adenotomie (AT) und Adenotonsillotomie (ATT) bei symptomatischer adenotonsillärer Hyperplasie orientiert sich in Studien oft nur am Ausmaß der postoperativen Symptomreduktion. Daher sollte erstmals im Rahmen dieser Studie erfasst werden, ob die AT und ATT zu einer postoperativen Verbesserung der kindlichen Lebensqualität (LQ) mittels dem Fragebogen „Glasgow Children’s Benefit Inventory“ (GCBI) und einer visuellen Analogskala (VAS) zur LQ führt.

Material und Methoden

Es wurden n = 111 Kinder prospektiv rekrutiert (3 bis 6 Jahre, ♂ 65 % ♀ 35 %, Æ Alter 4,2 Jahre, AT (66 %), ATT (34 %), Follow-up 3,5 Monate). Die kindliche LQ wurde mittels GCBI (24 Items) und einer VAS zur LQ (0 bis 10 Punkte) erfasst.

Ergebnisse

Bei 107 Kindern (96,4 %) ergab sich eine postoperative Verbesserung der LQ anhand der GCBI-Score-Werte. Es ergab sich ein mittlerer Score-Wert von +32,7 ± 22,14, Konfidenzintervall (KI) [+28,5–+36,9] mit maximal +97,9 und minimal −25,0 Punkten. In der Gruppe ATT wurde mit +39,4 ± 25,18 ein signifikant höherer mittlerer Score-Wert als in der Gruppe AT +29,3 ± 19,67 erreicht (p = 0,024). Bei 91 (82,0 %) der Kinder gaben die Eltern postoperativ einen höheren Punktewert in der VAS an, bei 16 (14,4 %) bemerkten die Eltern keine Änderung, nur bei 4 (3,6 %) verschlechterte sich die LQ.

Diskussion

Schon die reine Rachenmandelhyperplasie beeinflusst die allgemeine LQ relevant. Die Verbesserung der LQ in GCBI und VAS durch die Operation belegt den klaren Benefit. Bei zusätzlicher Hyperplasie der Gaumenmandeln verbessert eine zusätzliche Tonsillotomie die LQ noch deutlicher. Adenotomie und Adenotonsillotomie sind daher bei differenzierter Indikationsstellung effektive Operationen, um neben der reinen Symptomreduktion auch eine signifikante Verbesserung der kindlichen LQ zu erzielen.
The evolution of parental care strategies in subsocial wasps
Authors: Field Jeremy , Gonzalez-Voyer Alejandro , Boulton Rebecca A.
Published: June 2020

Insect parental care strategies are particularly diverse, and prolonged association between parents and offspring may be a key precursor to the evolution of complex social traits. Macroevolutionary patterns remain obscure, however, due to the few rigorous phylogenetic analyses. The subsocial sphecid wasps are a useful group in which to study parental care because of the diverse range of strategies they exhibit. These strategies range from placing a single prey item in a pre-existing cavity to mass provisioning a pre-built nest, through to complex progressive provisioning where a female feeds larvae in different nests simultaneously as they grow. We show that this diversity stems from multiple independent transitions between states. The strategies we focus on were previously thought of in terms of a stepping-stone model in which complexity increases during evolution, ending with progressive provisioning which is a likely precursor to eusociality. We find that evolution has not always followed this model: reverse transitions are common, and the ancestral state is the most flexible rather than the simplest strategy. Progressive provisioning has evolved several times independently, but transitions away from it appear rare. We discuss the possibility that ancestral plasticity has played a role in the evolution of extended parental care.

Significance statement

Parental care behaviour leads to prolonged associations between parents and offspring, which is thought to drive the evolution of social living. Despite the importance of insect parental care for shaping the evolution of sociality, relatively few studies have attempted to reconstruct how different strategies evolve in the insects. In this study, we use phylogenetic methods to reconstruct the evolution of the diverse parental care strategies exhibited by the subsocial digger wasps (Sphecidae). Contrary to expectations, we show that parental care in this group has not increased in complexity over evolutionary time. We find that the ancestral state is not the simplest, but may be the most flexible strategy. We suggest that this flexible ancestral strategy may have allowed rapid response to changing environmental conditions which might explain the diversity in parental care strategies that we see in the digger wasps today.