bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foliar-mediated Ag:ZnO nanophotocatalysts: green synthesis, characterization, pollutants degradation, and in vitro biocidal activity
Authors: Jaffri Shaan Bibi , Ahmad Khuram Shahzad
Published: February 2019

A green, biomimetic, and one-pot synthesis of silver-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Ag) nanoparticles via hydrothermal route utilizingPrunus cerasiferaleaf extract has been reported for the first time. Synthetic route involved optimization for leaf extract. Doped nanoparticles were characterized for crystalline, optical, compositional, and morphological makeup via X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Direct energy bandgap was calculated through Tauc plot. The incorporation of Ag+into Zn2+sites within ZnO crystal was obtained using leaf extract as a reducing agent. Ag inculcated positional modifications in ZnO structure confirmed via XRD-shifted peaks. Ag:ZnO nanoparticles were found to be an efficient nanophotocatalyst against bromocresol green and bromophenol blue (R2=0.83 and 0.95, respectively) in direct solar irradiance. Degradation efficiencies up to 86% and 95% in less than 15min were achieved. Furthermore, the synthesized doped nanoparticles expressed highly active to active zones of inhibition against nine microbes of pathogenic nature toward human and crops. Doped nanoparticles inhibitory activity was found to exceed standard antibiotic drugs ampicillin and amphotericin B in a standard Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay. Creditable photocatalytic and antimicrobial activities of synthesized doped nanoparticles signify their prospects in commercialization into nanophotocatalyst and bactericidal/fungicidal agent at industrial scale.
Bioconversion of pine stumps to ethanol: pretreatment and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation
Authors: Mendes Cátia Vanessa Teixeira , Vergara Priscilla , Carbajo Jose María , Villar Juan Carlos , Rocha Jorge Manuel dos Santos , Carvalho Maria da Graça Videira de Sousa
Published: February 2019

The technical viability was investigated for the conversion of Pinus pinaster stumps to value-added products via a chain of pretreatments and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) steps to obtain bioethanol. Sequential steam explosion (SE), organosolv (OS) pretreatment and soda-anthraquinone pulping (Na/AQ) were performed resulting in an unbleached pulp (UBP), which was successfully converted via SSF to bioethanol with concentrations up to 79 g l−1, which corresponds to a conversion yield of 97% and productivity of 1.09 g l−1 h−1 at 15% total solids. Accordingly, delignification steps by oxygen bleaching are not necessary for bioethanol production. Different industrial softwood (SW) pulps were also tested as reference materials. Total lignin contents up to 4.5% in SW-based pulps had no adverse effects on SSF efficiency.
Development of a reinforced styrene-free unsaturated polyester composite based on bamboo fibers
Authors: Qiu Renhui , Liu Wendi , Wu Yili , Li Kaichang
Published: February 2019

Bamboo fibers (BFs) are abundant but underutilized as reinforcing fibers in wood plastic composites (WPCs). BFs were investigated as reinforcing fibers for unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites (BF-UPE). The UPE was prepared from condensation polymerization of propylene glycol (PG), isophthalic acid (IPA) and maleic anhydride (MA). Acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) was used instead of styrene which is usually applied as a diluent in most of the commercial UPE resins. The properties of BF-UPE were compared with those of kenaf fibers-UPE (KF-UPE). BF-AESO-UPE composites had tensile strengths (TSs), which were comparable to those of BF-styrene-UPE composites, while their flexural strength (FS) and impact strength (IS) were higher than those of BF-styrene-UPE composites. The glass transition temperature (T
g) of BF-AESO-UPE composites was lower than that of BF-styrene-UPE composites. BF-AESO-UPE composites had lower TS than KF-AESO-UPE composites, while their FS was comparable to that of KF-AESO-UPE composites.
Quercetin Recovery from Onion Solid Waste via Solid-Phase Extraction Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles
Authors: Hassan Saad S. M. , Abdel Shafy Hussein I. , Mansour Mona S. M. , Sayour Hossam E.
Published: February 2019

The present study deals with the valorization of the onion solid waste (i. e. peel) by extracting quercetin (Qu) compound, as a natural antioxidant food ingredient. It is used as a raw material for cosmetic, fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The onion peel, as a solid waste, is a highly rich source of Qu that is a valuable source of many useful biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. For this purpose, Qu molecular-imprinted polymer nanoparticles (Qu–MIP NPs) and its corresponding non-imprinted polymer (NIP) were prepared using precipitation/polymerization method. The prepared Qu–MIP NPs and its corresponding NIP were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscope. The prepared Qu–MIP NPs and its corresponding NIP could successfully rebind Qu at binding capacities of 60 and 10.0 mM/g, respectively. Thus, the prepared Qu–MIP NPs could successfully recover 260 mg Qu from 1 kg onion peel.
Gestational age-related changes in shear wave speed of the uterine cervix in normal pregnancy at 12–35 weeks’ gestation
Authors: Horinouchi Takashi , Yoshizato Toshiyuki , Muto Megumi , Fujii Masahiro , Kozuma Yutaka , Shinagawa Takaaki , Morokuma Seiichi , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Ushijima Kimio
Published: February 2019

Background

This study aimed to analyze age-related changes in shear wave speed (SWS) of the normal uterine cervix.

Methods

We studied 362 women with a normal singleton pregnancy at 12–35 weeks’ gestation. The SWS of the cervix was measured using transvaginal ultrasonography at the internal os region of the anterior cervix (IOA), posterior cervix (IOP) and cervical canal (IOC), and at the external os region of the anterior cervix (EOA), posterior cervix (EOP) and cervical canal (EOC). The following parameters were analyzed: (1) time trend of SWS of the individual sampling points, (2) comparison of SWS in the internal cervical region and SWS in the external cervical region, and (3) comparison of SWS between the internal and external cervical regions. Statistical analyses were performed using mixed-effects models.

Results

The SWS of IOP decreased in bilinear regression, with a critical change in the rate at 22 weeks, whereas the SWS of the remaining points decreased linearly. The estimated values of SWS of IOP at 84, 154 and 251 days were higher than those of IOA and IOC (P<0.001). The estimated values of SWS of IOP at 84 and 154 days were higher than those of EOP (P<0.001). Significant differences between IOP and EOP were shown until 244 days (P<0.05). The estimated value of SWS of IOC at 84 days was higher than that of EOC (P<0.001). Significant differences between IOC and EOC were shown until 210 days (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The SWS of the uterine cervix in pregnancy decreases with advancing gestation. The SWS of IOP had the highest value among the sampling points with unique characteristics.
Clinical importance of the 75-g glucose tolerance test (GTT) in the prediction of large for gestational age (LGA) fetuses in non-diabetic pregnancies
Authors: Fadiloglu Erdem , Tanacan Atakan , Unal Canan , Aydin Hakli Duygu , Beksac Mehmet Sinan
Published: February 2019

Objective

To demonstrate clinical importance of the 75-g glucose tolerance test (GTT) in the prediction of large for gestational age (LGA) fetuses in non-diabetic pregnancies.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 75-g GTT screening results of 356 pregnancies without prompt diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) between January 2013 and December 2017. Newborns with a birthweight greater than the 90th percentile were evaluated as LGA. Pregnancies with LGA and non-LGA fetuses were compared by demographic and historical factors – maternal age, gravidity, parity, birthweight, birthweek, GTT results and birthweight percentiles – via Student’s t-test. Multiple linear regression using the backward elimination method was performed to define the correlation between parameters and LGA (P-value of <0.20 was identified as the threshold). Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed for further analysis.

Results

The cohort was consisted of 45 (12.6%) and 311 (87.4%) pregnancies with LGA and non-LGA fetuses, respectively. Maternal age and 2nd-h GTT results were found to be significantly higher in patients with LGA newborns (P<0.001 and P=0.016, respectively). Fasting glucose levels and GTT 1st-h results were also higher (P=0.112, P=0.065). The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.055 by multiple linear regression analysis. Accordingly, GTT 2nd-h result and maternal age were statistically significant and contributed to the explanation of LGA, although the R2 value was not that much higher (P=0.016; P=0.001). Maternal age and GTT 2nd-h results were found to be associated with LGA fetuses with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.662 and 0.608 according to ROC curve analysis.

Conclusion

Maternal age and 75-g GTT 2nd-h results were significantly higher in gestations with LGA newborns without GDM.
False high testosterone of unknown reason in a clinically inconspicuous female
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Yan , Xie Erfu , Ma Jianfeng , Xu Hua-Guo , Pan Shi-Yang
Published: February 2019

Background

This report investigates an unusual total testosterone result in a middle-aged female.

Case presentation

A 40-year-old female patient was found to have high serum total testosterone of 30.82 nmol/L on a Beckman Coulter UniCel® DxI800 automatic chemiluminescence immunoanalyzer without appropriate clinical appearance. Heterophile antibody interference was considered for elevated testosterone and investigated; reanalysis of the original serum sample and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were performed. Reanalysis of the original serum sample using Roche® and Siemens® immunoassays both gave a normal total testosterone level. Beckman Coulter® also excluded the possibility of interference by heterophile antibodies. Finally, LC-MS/MS showed that the total testosterone level was in the normal range.

Conclusions

This report highlights the importance of ruling out the interfering factors for false high values of the analyte in laboratories.
New insight on the structural diversity of holothurian fucosylated chondroitin sulfates
Authors: Ustyuzhanina Nadezhda E. , Bilan Maria I. , Nifantiev Nikolay E. , Usov Anatolii I.
Published: February 2019

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfates (FCS) are unique glycosaminoglycans isolated from body walls of sea cucumbers (holothuria). These biopolymers are composed of a chondroitin core [→4)-β-D-GlcA-(1→3)-β-D-GalNAc-(1→]n bearing fucosyl branches and sulfate groups. Structural variations of FCS are species specific and depend on type, amount and position of branches, as well as on degree and pattern of sulfation of a backbone and branches. A wide spectrum of biological properties was determined for these polysaccharides including anticoagulant, antithrombotic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory activities. Structural features of FCS influence significantly on their biological effect. In this review recent data about structural variations within holothurian FCS are summarized. The NMR data of the key building blocks are presented, which may be used for the analysis of new FCS.
The evolution of past-hab in Cuzco Quechua
Authors: Cahlon Rammie
Published: February 2019

In Cuzco Quechua (CQ), a periphrastic construction optionally marked for the past tense is said to serve as past habitual. The study focuses on the evolution of this construction in CQ. Its development replicates the cline suggested by Bybee et al. in 1994 and supports their findings but not in full: Although the habitual marker in CQ is restricted temporally to the past, it bears no past tense marking. The article sketches the different stages and concludes that the construction in question had further grammaticalized to a past imperfective.
Progressivity and habituality in Shumcho
Authors: Huber Christian
Published: February 2019

This article is concerned with some features of the tempo-aspectual system of Shumcho, a small West Himalayish (Tibeto-Burman) language spoken in a few villages in the district Kinnaur (State of Himachal Pradesh) in the Indian Himalayas, and provides a descriptive account of the language’s strategies to express progressive or habitual action and the effects of the respective markers with various types of predicates. I also consider the semantic (evidential) properties of the copulas and their interaction with the aspect/tense system, and offer some thoughts on the historical development of imperfective and perfective constructions as met in the present-day language.
Holographic lensless fiber endoscope with needle size using self-calibration
Authors: Scharf Elias , Kuschmierz Robert , Czarske Jürgen
Published: February 2019

Endoscopes enable optical keyhole access in many applications for instance in biomedicine. In general, coherent fiber bundles (CFB) are used in conjunction with rigid lens systems which determine a fixed image plane. However, the lens system limits the minimum diameter of the endoscope typically to several millimeters. Additionally, only pixelated two-dimensional amplitude patterns can be transferred due to phase scrambling between adjacent cores. These limitations can be overcome by digital optical elements. Thus, in principle thinner, lensless, holographic endoscopes with a three-dimensional adjustable focus for imaging and illumination can be realized. So far, several techniques based on single mode CFB and multi mode fibers (MMF) have been presented. However, these techniques require access to both sides of the fiber, in order to calibrate the bending and temperature sensitive phase distortion, which is not possible in a real application. We present the feasibility of an in-situ calibration and compensation of a CFB with single sided access. A lensless endoscope with a diameter of only 500 µm, a spatial resolution around 1 µm and video rate capability is realized.
Adjective complementation patterns and judgement: Aligning lexical-grammatical and discourse-semantic approaches in appraisal research
Authors: Su Hang , Hunston Susan
Published: February 2019

This study takes a lexical-grammatical approach to exploring the evaluation of human behaviour and/or character. It uses adjective complementation patterns as the starting point to examine the lexical-grammatical resources at risk in the appraisal system ofjudgement, aiming to explore the extent to which we can arrive at the same categorization of the resources realizingjudgementif a formal or lexical-grammatical approach, rather than a discourse-semantic one, is taken. Using a corpus compiled of texts categorized as ‘Biography’ in the British National Corpus, the study, on the one hand, shows that most of the items identified can be very satisfactorily classified in terms posited in thejudgementsystem, suggesting that the nomenclature from that model is useful. On the other hand, a considerable number of items have also been identified which construe attitudes towards emotional types of personality traits, leading to the proposal of a potentially useful new judgement category and further an adjusted system ofjudgement. The heuristic potential of aligning the lexical-grammatical and discourse-semantic approaches to appraisal is further discussed.
Effects of a Soccer Tournament on the Psychohormonal States of Collegiate Female Players
Authors: Broodryk Adele , Pienaar Cindy , Edwards David , Sparks Martinique
Published: February 2019

Broodryk, A, Pienaar, C, Edwards, D, and Sparks, M. Effects of a soccer tournament on the psychohormonal states of collegiate female players. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 1873–1884, 2021—A gap exists in the literature concerning the connection between soccer players' hormonal and psychological responses when playing a tournament, or even a match, and its outcome (victory or defeat). This study evaluates the effects of a week-long tournament on the psychohormonal states of collegiate female soccer players. Eight players' cortisol (saliva sample), mood states (Incredibly Short Profile of Mood States [ISP]), and state-anxiety (state subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) were assessed 1 hour before and 15 minutes after every game. Cortisol increased significantly after most matches, with intramatch differences observed (p < 0.05, d > 1.2). Match intensity influenced cortisol secretion, with greater secretion as intensity increased. The ISP demonstrated intramatch differences for the subscales' fatigue, depression, tension, and vigor (p < 0.05). Matches lost produced a higher total mood disturbance (TMD) index compared with matches won (p = 0.001, d = 1.4). Cortisol correlated with the TMD and various mood subscales before a winning outcome, with the ISP correlating at all times with the anxiety scores (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results indicate that physiological and psychological variables combine to contribute to the stress response during a tournament. Focusing on high-intensity activities and minimizing fatigue are important, as both are associated with raised cortisol and negative mood states. Finally, implementing a mood questionnaire over a tournament can be beneficial, as sensitive information on players' hormonal and perceived anxiety states, which subsequently affect physical performance, can be obtained.
Application of Harmonic and Total Harmonic Distortion Instrumentation in Corrosion
Authors: Zhang Xueyuan , Moosbauer Dominik
Published: February 2019

Linear polarization resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are widely applied in corrosion for studying the electrode/solution interface, films, coatings, and corrosion rates. Most potentiostatic and galvanostatic EIS measurements are based on the use of a perturbation signal (i.e., frequency or amplitude modulation of a sine wave) applied to the specimen. The determination of corrosion rate via linear polarization resistance and EIS requires the constants of Tafel slopes in the cathodic and anodic reaction of a corrosion process, but these techniques cannot provide that. The present instrumentation research is related to the modulation of frequency and amplitude for development of harmonic analysis and total harmonic distortion. The main purpose of this preliminary study is to increase the signal-to-noise ratio and to obtain additional information about the corrosion system (e.g., corrosion rate, Tafel slope). Variable amplitude signals can increase the signal level for higher-quality EIS data. However, the voltage amplitude cannot follow a linear relationship when the impedance increases at lower frequencies. Even though a high-amplitude sine wave will bring distortion in the response signal when a signal with a high-amplitude sine wave is applied on the corrosion system, the corrosion rate and Tafel slope can be derived from higher harmonics of the response signal. Frequency and amplitude modulation techniques and their application to corrosion are discussed and reviewed in the present research.
A Subpopulation of Amygdala Neurons Mediates the Affective Component of Itch
Authors: Sanders Kristen M. , Sakai Kent , Henry Tyler D. , Hashimoto Takashi , Akiyama Tasuku
Published: February 2019

Itch consists of both sensory and affective components. For chronic itch patients, the affective component of itch affects both quality of life (leading to psychological comorbidities) and disease prognosis (by promoting scratching of itchy skin). We found that acute itch stimuli, such as histamine, induced anxiety-like behavior and increased activity (c-Fos expression) in the amygdala in adult male C57BL/6 mice. Itch stimuli also increased activity in projection areas to the amygdala, suggesting that these regions form a circuit for affective itch processing. Electrophysiological characterization of histamine-responsive amygdala neurons showed that this population was active on a behaviorally relevant timescale and partially overlapped with pain signaling. Selective optogenetic activation of histamine-responsive amygdala neurons in adult male and female Fos:CreERT2;R26Ai14mice using the Targeted Recombination in Active Populations system enhanced both scratching and anxiety-like behavior. These results highlight the importance of itch-responsive amygdala neurons in modulating itch-related affect and behavior.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe sensation of itch includes an affective component that leads to stress and anxiety in chronic itch patients. We investigated the neuronal basis of affective itch in mice, with a focus on the amygdala, the key brain region for the generation of anxiety. A subpopulation of amygdala neurons responded to itch stimuli such as histamine. Optogenetic activation of histamine-responsive amygdala neurons affected both scratching and anxiety-like behavior. Therefore, this population appears to be important for mediating the affective component of itch.
Addition of Vitamin B Complex to Prime Solution in Cobalamin-Deficient Patients to Prevent Postoperative Delirium
Authors: Demirdas Ertan , Atilgan Kivanc
Published: February 2019

Objective: In this study, we investigated whether the addition of vitamin B complex to prime solution for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in cobalamin-deficient patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) helps prevent the development of postoperative delirium (POD).
Materials and Methods: In the present study, 69 of 138 patients with serum vitamin B12 levels <200 pg/mL based on the blood sample taken within 1 week prior to on-pump CABG between January 2013 and December 2017 were enrolled. The control group included 69 patients. Vitamin B complex (25 mg vitamin B1, thiamine hydrochloride, 2.734 mg vitamin B2, riboflavin phosphate ester monosodium, 5 mg vitamin B6, pyridoxine hydrochloride, 15 mcg vitamin B12, 50 mg niacinamide, and 17.2 mg D-panthenol) was added to the prime solution for CPB in the study group. The Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) was used for the diagnosis of POD, and the severity of delirium was assessed by using the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (DRS-R-98).
Results: Twenty-nine patients in the control group (42%) and 18 patients (26%) in the study group developed POD (P = .017), delirium severity scores were higher in the control group (16.5 ± 2.9 versus 15.03 ± 2.48, P = .034). Logistic regression analyses showed vitamin B complex was an independent protective factor for preventing the development of POD in patients undergoing on-pump CABG (odds ratio [OR]: 0.23, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.06-0.83, P = .025).
Conclusion: On the basis of the results of our study, the addition of vitamin B complex to the prime solution for CPB decreases the incidence of POD in cobalamin-deficient patients undergoing on-pump CABG.
Creación de competencias y capacidades en el subsector lechero costarricense
Authors: Barboza-Arias Luis Miguel
Published: February 2019

La dinámica productiva del subsector lechero en Costa Rica ha experimentado cambios importantes como consecuencia de su evolución histórica. Estas transformaciones propiciaron la incorporación de innovaciones que han surgido, en mayor o menor medida, como resultado de procesos institucionales de adaptación a las condiciones geográficas y climatológicas del país. Este estudio aborda la gestión de la innovación institucional en el subsector lechero costarricense y su objetivo principal es analizar los efectos sobre la creación de competencias y capacidades de productores lecheros. Se realiza una breve caracterización del subsector lechero, así como una descripción general de los actores organizacionales que participan en la promoción de mecanismos para la gestión de ideas y conocimientos. Se utiliza la metodología de estudios de caso, en particular, el análisis de tres experiencias que ejemplifican los efectos de la transferencia tecnológica en la organización del sector y la acción colectiva de productores primarios en localidades diferentes del país. El estudio concluye que el sistema nacional de innovación costarricense tiene un rol central en el establecimiento de la agenda de innovación agropecuaria y la transferencia tecnológica, sin embargo, presenta puntos de mejora en cuanto a apoyar los procesos de gestión del conocimiento y creación de capacidades. Se determina además la necesidad de continuar avanzando en el fortalecimiento de áreas estratégicas de acción conjunta que faciliten medios de participación efectiva a los ganaderos y un diálogo institucional coherente con las estrategias de desarrollo local inclusivo.
Scleral Patch Graft With Fibrin Adhesive For Post Pterygium Scleral Thinning
Authors: N Dr. Shivananda , Pal Dr. Neeta , Korir Dr. Frederick
Published: February 2019

Scleral patch graft is commonly done for scleral thinning post pterygium surgeries. This procedure is done with sutures. Review of literature revealed few such cases. Scleral patch graft with fibrin glue has not been done so far. The novelty of our procedure is that we have applied fibrin glue to the scleral bed and pasted the graft over it. Then this graft was secured with minimal sutures. This not only saves the operative time but also increases patient comfort post op. Herein, we present a case of post pterygium surgery scleral melt successfully treated with scleral patch graft with fibrin adhesive.
Comparative Study Of The Effect Of Topical Corticosteroid With Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Agents On Post-Operative Inflammation And Corneal Astigmatism After Cataract Surgery.
Authors: Pal Dr. Neeta , Subramanian Dr. Thanikachalam , John Bosco Dr. A. , Chawda Dr. Vijay
Published: February 2019

Purpose:To compare the effects of topical corticosteroid with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents on postoperative control of inflammation, pain and corneal astigmatism.

Setting: Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital & Postgraduate Institute, Puducherry.

Methods:A prospective comparative study in two hundred patients with visually significant cataract, undergoing manual small incision cataract surgery with implantation of posterior chamber intraocular lens were randomly assigned into four groups with minimum 50 patients in each.  All cases of uncomplicated cataract surgery were assigned to following groups to receive one of the following topical anti-inflammatory agents as postoperative medications: Group A- 1% predinsolone acetate, Group B -0.5% ketorolac tromethamine, Group C 0.09% Bromfenac eye drops, Group D 0.1% Nepafenac eye drops. All patients were examined on 1 day (baseline), 3th day, 5th day, 7th day, 14th day and 1month after surgery for assessment of ocular pain, anterior chamber cells and flare and corneal astigmatism.

Results:The cells and flare were least in bromfenac group on the 3rd postoperative day.Nepafenac is effective in inflammation control from 5th postoperative day. There was a significant association of use of drug and severity of ocular pain upto 1stpostoperative week. There was statistically significant difference between NSAIDs and steroid on postoperative astigmatism (P <0.001).

Conclusions:Bromfenac is effective as an anti-inflammatory agent in the immediate postoperative period. All the NSAIDs are found to be as effective as steroid after 1 week onwards. The NSAIDs showed reduced astigmatism changes and stabilizes astigmatism much quicker than steroids.
A powerful in vivo alternative model in scientific research: Galleria mellonella
Authors: Singkum Pantira , Suwanmanee San , Pumeesat Potjaman , Luplertlop Natthanej
Published: February 2019

Murine models are suggested as the gold standard for scientific research, but they have many limitations of ethical and logistical concern. Then, the alternative host models have been developed to use in many aspects especially in invertebrate animals. These models are selected for many areas of research including genetics, physiology, biochemistry, evolution, disease, neurobiology, and behavior. During the past decade,Galleria mellonellahas been used for several medical and scientific researches focusing on human pathogens. This model commonly used their larvae stage due to their easy to use, non-essential special tools or special technique, inexpensive, short life span, and no specific ethical requirement. Moreover, their innate immune response close similarly to mammals, which correlate with murine immunity. In this review, not only the current knowledge of characteristics and immune response ofG. mellonella, and the practical use of these larvae in medical mycology research have been presented, but also the better understanding of their limitations has been provided.
Criterion score of the physical and psychophysiological condition of students in the context of determining their individual adaptability to physical loads
Authors: Yagotin R. S. , Degtyarenko T. V. , Bosenko A. I. , Plisko V. I. , Dolinsky B. T.
Published: February 2019

Purpose: to suggest and to evaluate the criterion score of the physical and psychophysiological condition of students. The basis of the score is the individual-directed pedagogical control at physical education. Material and methods: the study involved students (n = 75, age - 17-19 years). The physical condition was determined by applying anthropometry and motor skills testing. The psychophysiological condition was studied according to objective parameters of psychomotor qualities and functional capabilities of the cardio-respiratory system. Results: It was realized the criterion score of the individual degree of students’ adaptability to physical loads. It was determined the most significant interrelation between the indicators of motor qualities and psychomotor parameters of students. It was revealed the approaches of realization the complex individual-directed pedagogical control in the physical education of students. Conclusions: criteria of physical and psychophysiological capabilities of students are recommended for determining their adaptability to physical loads.
The Role of Computer-Supported Discussion for Language Teacher Education: What Do the Students Say?
Authors: Johnson E. Marcia
Published: February 2019

This paper will report on findings from the author's on-going study of the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) to support postgraduate second-language teacher education. Students enrolled in a distance education CALL course used web-based conferencing to support both required and optional computer-based assignments. Transcripts of their online communication were analyzed to determine what they discussed and whether social cohesion was enhanced through use of CMC. Findings from the study are reported according to organizing categories of social interaction and different tasks that can affect online communicative exchanges. More broadly, the article discusses curriculum design features and their implications for technology-enhanced instructional practice.
Learning Foreign Language through an Interactive Multimedia Program: An Experimental Study on the Effects of the Relevance Component of the ARCS Model
Authors: Chang Mei-Mei , Lehman James D.
Published: February 2019

This experimental study investigated effects of intrinsic motivation and embedded relevance enhancement within a computer-based interactive multimedia (CBIM) lesson for English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. Subjects, categorized as having a higher or lower level of intrinsic motivation, were randomly assigned to learn concepts related to criticism using a CBIM program featuring English language text, videos, and exercises either with or without enhanced relevance components. Two dependent variables, comprehension, as measured by a posttest, and perceptions of motivation, as measured by the Modified Instructional Material Motivation Survey (MIMMS), were assessed after students completed the CBIM program. Two-way ANOVA was used to analyze the collected data. The findings indicated that (a) the use of relevance enhancement strategies facilitated students’ language learning regardless of learners’ level of intrinsic motivation, (b) more highly intrinsically motivated students performed better regardless of the specific treatments they received, (c) the effects of the two variables were additive; intrinsically motivated students who learned from the program with embedded instructional strategies performed the best overall, and (d) there was no significant interaction between the two variables.
Implications of Research on Human Memory for CALL Design
Authors: Forester Lee
Published: February 2019

A basic understanding of general research on human memory can help guide CALL design to new innovations. Though this statement seems self-evident, most CALL software does not exploit research in psychology to the fullest extent possible. In addition, many CALL software reviews do not consider issues of cognition and memory in their analyses. This article offers a brief overview of what is generally accepted about how human memory works as it applies to CALL. Such a basis can help both CALL designers and users develop a more sophisticated understanding of what CALL software can and should do in supporting learning. A number of interactions from various CALL products will be discussed in the light of the research summarized here.
Rootstock-scion interaction:3. Effect on the composition of Cabernet Sauvignon wine
Authors: Miele Alberto , Rizzon Luiz Antenor
Published: February 2019

Abstract The interaction among rootstock, scion and environment may induce different responses to the grapevine physiology and consequently to the grape and wine composition. The vineyards of Serra Gaúcha, Brazil, are established in soils that may have different physicochemical attributes. Furthermore, the grapevines are grafted on a wide diversity of rootstocks. Therefore, this study aimed to determine their effect on the wine composition of the Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) grafted on Rupestris du Lot, 101-14 Mgt, 3309 C, 420A Mgt, 5BB K, 161-49 C, SO4, Solferino, 1103 P, 99 R, 110 R, Gravesac, Fercal, Dogridge and Isabel, featuring some genetic diversity altogether. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with 15 treatments, three replicates and 10 vines per plot. The grapes were harvested at maturity for three years, and then wines were made in glass recipients of 20 L. When alcoholic and malolactic fermentations were over, the wine analyses were performed on twenty-five variables related to alcohol, acidity, dry extract, polyphenols and volatile compounds. The main results show that all variables were affected year by year, some of them by the rootstock and a few by the interaction between rootstock and year. The rootstock effect was observed mainly on variables related to alcohol, acidity and ashes. Results show that the CS/101-14 Mgt wine had higher alcohol content than CS/Dogridge and CS/Isabel wines, which was probably due to the 101-14 Mgt rootstock favoring an early grape ripening. However, higher pH values were observed in the CS/Rupestris du Lot, CS/5BB K and CS/Gravesac than CS/420A Mgt, CS/110 R and CS/Isabel wines. These results show that there is a diversity of rootstocks that can be used by the growers due to the Cabernet Sauvignon wine composition similarities.
Lipid content and fatty acids compositions in commercial cuts of young goat meat
Authors: Machado Bruna Aparecida Souza , Gomes Ivana Silva , Nunes Cassiane da Silva Oliveira , Andrade Graciele de Queiroz , Nery Tatiana Barreto Rocha , Reis João Henrique de Oliveira , Barbosa Josiane Dantas Viana , Druzian Janice Izabel
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACT: Brazil has the largest herd of goats of the American continent, with more than 9 million head. Goat farming is considered a growing and important activity for the economy, mainly in the northeastern region of Brazil .In this research, were determined the lipid content and the composition of fillet and shank fatty acids of young goats, registered in the inspection sector of the Ministry of Agriculture and marketed in the city of Salvador (Bahia). The average percentage of total lipids in the fillet was 1.68±0.04 and in the shank of 4.02±0.09, this is a significant difference between the cuts (P<0.05). Twenty-seven (27) fatty acids were identified in the cuts, most are palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0) and oleic acid (C18:1ω9) present in 21.32%, 20.39%, 34.49% in the fillet and 21.74%, 21.94%, 33.38% in the shank, respectively. The total sums of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids ranged of 42.75 to 45.23% and 14.04 to 12.35% between fillet and shank cuts, respectively. The ratio of PUFA/SFA was 0.35 for fillet and 0.15 for shank, and the ratio ω6/ω3 was 3.07 for fillet and 2.27 for shank. Therefore, is a significant difference in total lipid content and fatty acid composition in commercial cuts of beef fillet and shank.
Immuno-Oncology in China
Authors: Lu Shun , Chabner Bruce A.
Published: February 2019

Immuno-oncology has been heralded as a breakthrough cancer treatment, and Chinese researchers have emerged as important contributors to this area of research. The Immuno-Oncology Special Issue highlights articles by researchers in China, focusing on immunotherapy for various cancer types from different perspectives for the benefit of our readers.
PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade Therapy in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Xia Liliang , Liu Yuanyong , Wang Ying
Published: February 2019

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has become one of the most promising approaches in the field of cancer therapy. Unlike the current therapies that target tumor cells, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted therapy, ICIs directly restore the exhausted host antitumor immune responses mediated by the tumors. Among multiple immune modulators identified, the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis leading to the exhaustion of T-cell immunity in chronic infections and tumors has been widely investigated. Therefore, blocking antibodies targeting PD-1 or PD-L1 have been developed and approved for the treatment of various advanced cancers, including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), making them the most successful ICIs. Compared with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy significantly improves the durable response rate and prolongs long-term survival with limited adverse effects in both monotherapy and combination therapy for advanced NSCLC. However, extensive challenges exist for further clinical applications, such as a small fraction of benefit population, primary and acquired resistance, the lack of predictive and prognostic biomarkers, and treatment-related adverse effects. In this article, we summarize the latest clinical applications of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy in advanced NSCLC worldwide, as well as in China, and discuss the bottlenecks related to the use of this therapy in clinical practice. An exploration of the underlying mechanism of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy and biomarker identification will maximize the application of ICIs in advanced NSCLC and facilitate bedside-to-bench studies in cancer immunotherapy as well.
Crecer entre dos mundos: el portugués como lengua de herencia en España
Authors: Azevedo-Gomes Juliana
Published: February 2019

Language and culture are part of the identity construction of individuals. When a child grows in a different country of his parents, his identity will be more complex, since there’s an alive language and culture in his familiar environment, nevertheless, different from the majority language and culture of the country he lives.  This minority language is defined as heritage language (He 2010, Kondo-Brown 2005, Van Deusen-Scholl 2003) or colonial language (Carreira 2004, Fishman & Peyton, 2001).
This paper addresses to recognize the strategies of Brazilian relatives immigrated to Spain to transmit the Portuguese as a heritage language (POLH/PLH) to their children who live in Catalonia, Spain. In this autonomous community there are no bilingual’s schools that teach Portuguese, so that the only resource that the relatives are able to count on is an Association that offers weekly classes and some events related on Brazilian calendar. The results point to a relative awareness about their primordial role in the heritage language transmition. Moreover, they recognize as a difficulty the communication restriction contexts and as a support an institution that promotes POLH/PLH and the necessity of maintaining the family ties in order to children value their family language and culture.
INFLUENCE OF A NEWS BACKGROUND ON COMPANY COST: REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND DIRECTION OF FUTURE RESEARCHES
Authors: Vladimirova O. A.
Published: February 2019

Information factor of influence on company capitalization is considered. The researches revealing mutual influence between share prices and a news background of the organization (positive, negative or neutral) are analysed. Influence the fake of news on the market cost of the company and possibility of restoration of reputation after influence the fake news is analysed. The conclusion that a news background, first of all his quality, is a disputable factor of influence on company cost became result. He demands bigger attention and bigger number of researches, introduction of new models of his analysis and correlation with company capitalization. Further researches have to be devoted to the analysis of influence of pessimistic, optimistic and neutral news on dynamics of capitalization of the companies. Having studied a number of the companies, it will be possible to draw a conclusion on what group of branches is more subject to influence of information background. Further it will be possible to formulate behavior model which is preferable to the company, seeking to increase the capitalization and to reduce risks of volatility of the actions.
Editors' Introduction
Authors: Brueggemann Brenda Jo , Olson Elizabeth Brewer
Published: February 2019

No abstract available.
The Role of Multinational Corporations in the Supply of Agricultural Production Technology to China & India
Authors: Pray Carl , Nagarajan Latha , Naseem Anwar
Published: February 2019

Policy makers in Asia have long struggled with the challenge of how to access agricultural technology from multinational corporations (MNCs)while protecting their farmers and food and input industries from excess market power. This paper describes the pathways by which farmers can access technology and research capacity from foreign firms. Then it examines some of the policies that India and Chinese governments have used to encourage access. The recent history of research and technology transfer to these countries is reviewed to do a preliminary assessment of how these policies work. India has had a much more liberal policy on foreign investment in recent years which resulted in more access to MNC research and technology. So far, however, there are no studies that show this policy led to higher benefits to farmers or lower costs of transferring technology. Studies of benefits and costs of these policies could be very useful to Indian and Chinese policy makers.
Facilitating Inclusive Rural Transformation in the Asian Developing Countries
Authors: Huang Jikun
Published: February 2019

Rural economy has experienced significant transformation in Asia, although the transformation differs largely among the countries. This paper examines the path, major driving forces and the likely consequences of rural transformation (RT) in China and other developing countries in Asia. We argue that: 1) There is a general path and trend of rural transformation in Asia; 2) In each stage of rural transformation, there are specific institutions, policies and investments (IPIs), which can stimulate and speed up the transformation; 3) Rural transformation and structural transformation (ST) are interconnected, successful RT can stimulate economic growth and ST, and ST can enhance rural transformation through labor‐intensive industrialization; 4) The speed of RT is positively associated with rural poverty reduction and therefore more inclusive RT. The paper concludes with several policy implications for inclusive rural transformation in Asia in general and in different categories of countries in particular.
Food Value Chain Investments and the Small Farmer Linkage: Indian Experience, Potential, and Policy
Authors: Singh Sukhpal
Published: February 2019

The agri‐food value chains in the developing world are evolving fast due to many changes in policy and practice. In India, modern domestic food supermarkets have been present for more than 15 years now. Furthermore, in late 2012, foreign direct investment in multi‐brand retail trade, including food, was permitted up to 51% of equity with other conditions of investment and operations. This paper tries to understand the role of investment (both domestic and foreign) in food/fibre value chains in improving the farmer/producer linkage. It uses empirical evidence from the experience of Indian domestic food retail supermarkets, and (mostly) foreign investment‐based wholesale supermarkets in India, to examine the role such investments can play. It specifically examines the role and implications of investments in supermarkets for farmer income improvement, from a value chain perspective. It also explores various mechanisms which could be used to leverage the presence of such investments in food supermarkets and analyses the role of policy and regulation to promote/protect the small producer interests in food markets.
Islamic Economics as A New Current of Economic Development in Indonesia
Authors: Iskandar Iskandar
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study explores to provide an alternative solution to the problems of Indonesian economy through the empowerment and embodiment of Indonesia's Islamic economy, by looking at the problems of income distribution, economic inequality and the problem of industrialization. This issue provides a new point of view that Islamic economics is not merely a banking issue. The methodology used in this study is an explanation by describing the phenomena that exist through quantitative and qualitative data. The results of this discussion are expected to provide policy direction for policy makers in solving problems related to industrialization, income distribution and inequality. The main problem of Indonesia's economic development is the lack of wisdom-based development ethics. Lesson in this study is the new current of Islamic economics. Non-usury economic solutions based on wisdom in Islam. Islamic economics has experienced many developments and are increasingly embedded in the hearts of Indonesian muslims. Potency of zakat and waqf endowments, fair income distribution and the process of distribution through the mechanism of production and zakat may render solutions for income disparity and poverty alleviation. AbstrakStudi ini mengeksplorasi untuk memberikan solusi alternatif untuk masalah ekonomi Indonesia melalui pemberdayaan dan perwujudan ekonomi Islam Indonesia, dengan melihat masalah distribusi pendapatan, ketimpangan ekonomi dan masalah industrialisasi. Masalah ini memberikan sudut pandang baru bahwa ekonomi Islam bukan hanya masalah perbankan. Metodologi yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penjelasan dengan menggambarkan fenomena yang ada melalui data kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Hasil diskusi ini diharapkan dapat memberikan arahan kebijakan bagi para pembuat kebijakan dalam menyelesaikan masalah yang terkait dengan industrialisasi, distribusi pendapatan dan ketidaksetaraan. Masalah utama pembangunan ekonomi Indonesia adalah kurangnya etika pembangunan berbasis kebijaksanaan. Pelajaran dalam penelitian ini adalah arus baru ekonomi Islam. Solusi ekonomi non-riba berdasarkan kebijaksanaan dalam Islam. Ekonomi Islam telah mengalami banyak perkembangan dan semakin tertanam dalam hati umat Islam Indonesia. Potensi zakat dan wakaf wakaf, distribusi pendapatan yang adil dan proses distribusi melalui mekanisme produksi dan zakat dapat memberikan solusi untuk disparitas pendapatan dan pengentasan kemiskinan.