bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
User Motivation and Acceptance of Mobile Services in Nigeria
Authors: Foluke Okocha Olabisi
Published: June 2018

This study was designed to investigate the factors that influence the motivation and acceptance of mobile services in Nigeria. This understanding is valuable for improved commercialization of telecommunication services, and in the customer relationship management process as the success of mobile service adoption is dependent on user needs. Three separate questionnaires were designed and used as the major instrument of data collection. A purposive sampling method was adopted for the study; three hundred and ten questionnaires were administered on three different categories of respondents. Data analysis was carried out using principal component analysis, regression and logistic regression. The results showed that for entertainment services (caller tunes), informational services (internet modem) and mobile banking services, the major motivating factor for its use was the preference of the song, convenience in browsing and convenience in banking respectively whereas the major preventing factor was high cost for entertainment services and internet modem service and insufficient information for mobile banking. Results also showed that for entertainment services perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence and economic issues where important in determining a user's intention to use but for the internet modem service perceived ease of use is the only significant factor in determining a user's intention to use. For mobile banking services, social influence and economic issues are significant in determining use. It is therefore imperative for telecommunication firms to study and consider the unique characteristics of each mobile category and use these findings in the design of their services.
False-positive 18F fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-avid benign hepatic tumor: Previously unreported in a male patient
Authors: Sureka Binit , Rastogi Archana , Mukund Amar , Sarin Shiv Kumar
Published: June 2018

We report a case of 18F fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)–computed tomography-avid histologically confirmed inflammatory hepatic adenoma in a 77-year-old male patient without any history of steroid, alcohol use. This is the first case report of inflammatory hepatic adenoma in a male patient documented in the published literature showing uptake on 18F-FDG PET. Previous single case report of 18F-FDG PET-avid hepatic adenoma in a male patient was of hepatocyte nuclear factor-1-α subtype.
Iain M. Banks – Human, Posthuman and Beyond Human
Authors: Leach Antonia
Published: June 2018

Iain M. Banks has been at the forefront of the space opera science fiction scene since the publication of the first Culture novel, Consider Phlebas, in 1987. Upon Banks’ death in 2013, the culture series became a complete body of work. Whilst some criticism has focused on the social and political implications of the culture universe, little has engaged with the philosophical concepts that underpin it in relation to the current debate regarding our posthuman future. This paper seeks to show how Banks problematises the relationship between the human and posthuman through an exploration of the representation of the posthuman body. Furthermore, it also seeks to address the implications of current concepts of what it means to be human by exploring the relationship between the posthuman and form of Artificial Intelligence that Banks presents. to illustrate these arguments, three culture texts will be discussed: The Player of Games (1988), Excession (1996), and “The State of the Art” (1989).
Genetic structure of a small closed population of the New Zealand white rabbit through pedigree analyses
Authors: Sakthivel M. , Balasubramanyam D. , Kumarasamy P. , Raja A. , Anilkumar R. , Gopi H. , Devaki A.
Published: June 2018

The genetic structure of a small population of New Zealand White rabbits maintained at the Sheep Breeding and Research Station, Sandynallah, The Nilgiris, India, was evaluated through pedigree analyses. Data on pedigree information (n=2503) for 18 yr (1995-2012) were used for the study. Pedigree analysis and the estimates of population genetic parameters based on the gene origin probabilities were performed. The analysis revealed that the mean values of generation interval, coefficients of inbreeding and equivalent inbreeding were 1.49 yr, 13.23 and 17.59%, respectively. The proportion of population inbred was 100%. The estimated mean values of average relatedness and individual increase in inbreeding were 22.73 and 3.00%, respectively. The percentage increase in inbreeding over generations was 1.94, 3.06 and 3.98 estimated through maximum generations, equivalent generations and complete generations, respectively. The number of ancestors contributing the majority of 50% genes (fa50) to the gene pool of reference population was only 4, which might have led to reduction in genetic variability and increased the amount of inbreeding. The extent of genetic bottleneck assessed by calculating the effective number of founders (fe) and the effective number of ancestors (fa), as expressed by the fe/fa ratio was 1.1, which is indicative of the absence of stringent bottlenecks. Up to 5th generation, 71.29% pedigree was complete, reflecting the well maintained pedigree records. The maximum known generations were 15, with an average of 7.9, and the average equivalent generations traced were 5.6, indicating a fairly good depth in pedigree. The realized effective population size was 14.93, which is very critical, and with the increasing trend of inbreeding the situation has been assessed as likely to become worse in future. The proportion of animals with the genetic conservation index (GCI) greater than 9 was 39.10%, which can be used as a scale to use such animals with higher GCI to maintain balanced contribution from the founders. From the study, it was evident that the herd was completely inbred, with a very high inbreeding coefficient, and the effective population size was critical. Recommendations were made to reduce the probability of deleterious effects of inbreeding and to improve genetic variability in the herd. The present study can help in carrying out similar studies to meet the demand for animal protein in developing countries.
Flood risk related to a fluvial system modified by dams with emphasis on morphodynamic and hydrological aspects
Authors: Echevarria Karina Vanesa , Degiovanni Susana Beatriz , Blarasin Mónica Teresa , Eric Carlos , Andreazzini María Jimena
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Villa Dolores and peripheral localities (Córdoba province, Argentina) flood risk was analyzed. They have expanded their urban area on the inactive channel of De Los Sauces River after the dam construction. Downstream receives water from 5 sub-basins whose upper basins, located in Mountains, generate the largest flash floods affecting these locations. The risk was analyzed considering the hazard in three different threat scenarios and vulnerability. The areas of greatest risk are reduced and they are confined to urbanized fluvial belt sectors in historical floodplain and low terraces. Geomorphological studies were effective for risk estimation, being irreplaceable in the hazard mapping.
Importance of high resolution nitrogen deposition data for biogeochemical modeling in the western Baltic Sea and the contribution of the shipping sector
Authors: Neumann Daniel , Friedland René , Karl Matthias , Radtke Hagen , Matthias Volker , Neumann Thomas
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Atmospheric deposition accounts for up to a third of the nitrogen input into the Baltic Sea and contributes to eutrophication. It is useful to use three-dimensional biogeochemical models to evaluate the contribution of atmospheric nitrogen deposition to eutrophication because bioavailable nitrogen impacts eutrophication differently depending on time and place of input – e.g. nitrogen is processed and denitrified faster in flat coastal regions. The western Baltic Sea, which is stressed by high nutrient loads, is characterized by many small islands and a wrinkled coast line. In regions with this type of coastal features, the grid resolution of atmospheric chemistry transport models (CTMs) has a strong impact on the modeled nitrogen deposition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of finer spatially resolved deposition data as input for simulations with the ecosystem model ERGOM. This study also focused on the shipping contribution to the marine nitrogen budget via deposition of shipping-emitted nitrogen oxide (NOx). Differences in the modeled dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) caused by refined nitrogen deposition were identified in some coastal sections and between the Danish islands. Patches of enhanced DIN concentrations were found distant to the coast in model runs forced by the finer resolved data. These were caused by better resolved precipitation events. The differences between fine and coarse resolution deposition of the same CTM were low compared to the difference to EMEP deposition, which was a third comparison data set. The shipping sector contributed a maximum of 10 % and on average less than 5 % to DIN. In summary, particularly small scale ecosystem model studies in bights are expected to benefit from spatially higher resolved nitrogen deposition data. The shipping sector is a relevant contributor to the marine nitrogen deposition but its contribution to the marine DIN pool is rather low.
"Eppur continua a muoversi". La dinámica colonial del conocimiento científico a través de las revistas y los índices de impacto
Authors: D'Antonio Maceiras Sergio
Published: June 2018

Cuando se trata la geopolítica del conocimiento suele hacerse referencia a la ciencia, las universidades y sus modelos de conocimiento, pero en la actualidad las carreras académicas giran en torno a las publicaciones científicas y su impacto. Por ello el objetivo principal de este trabajo es analizar la dinámica y evolución de estos agentes. Para ello se utilizan como marcos de referencia las epistemologías del sur, y dentro de este marco se interrogan y ponen en cuestión las diferentes afirmaciones que la ciencia ha hecho sobre sí misma, y sobre el método de difusión hegemónico en la actualidad: el artículo científico. Inicialmente se describe la evolución de la ciencia y cómo las revistas y los índices han cobrado su protagonismo actual. Posteriormente, se analizan una serie de alternativas actuales, interrogándoles si amplían el horizonte de posibilidades o, por el contrario, ahondan en las dinámicas colonialistas y elitistas. Finalmente se muestra por qué en la actualidad las alternativas se construyen como posibles en tanto que pueden ser integradas por el sistema hegemónico de gestión del conocimiento; mientras que las resistencias ofrecen estrategias y marcos prácticos de acción con capacidad para plantear y ampliar nuevos horizontes de posibilidades.
ESTUDO DA CIRCULAÇÃO DOS VENTOS NA BAÍA DE GUANABARA/RJ, ENTRE 2003 E 2013
Authors: Oliveira-Júnior José Francisco , Terassi Paulo Miguel de Bodas , Gois Givanildo De
Published: June 2018

A cidade do Rio de Janeiro e a sua região metropolitana apresentam atributos fisiográficos como a existência de maciços, lagoas, floresta urbana, manguezais e a Baía de Guanabara, que interagem com a circulação local e de mesoescala dos ventos. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o padrão de circulação de ventos na Baía de Guanabara no período de 2003 a 2013. Foram utilizados os dados do código METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) das Estações Meteorológicas de Superfície dos Aeroportos do Galeão (SBGL) e Santos Dumont (SBGRJ). Na análise dos ventos foi criado um pré-processador em linguagem FORTRAN para extração da velocidade e direção do vento do código METAR dos aeroportos e, depois representados pela rosa dos ventos e histogramas pelo software WRPLOT. A série temporal de vento foi submetida ao teste Run na escala anual. O teste Run mostrou que ambas as estações SBGL e SBRJ são livres de correlação serial ou persistência temporal, as exceções foram os anos de 2005, 2006 e 2009. A direção dos ventos para a escala anual mostrou que a Estação SBGL apresenta ventos predominantes de sudeste e leste, ao passo que a Estação SBRJ, com maior influência da brisa marítima dada a sua maior proximidade com o Oceano Atlântico, registrou o domínio de ventos de sul (>32%). O padrão cíclico diário de direção dos ventos indicou que na Estação SBRJ a influência da brisa marítima é mais notável em comparação à Estação SBGL.
Del rigor: epistemología y educación
Authors: Langón Mauricio
Published: June 2018

El rigor suele asociarse a la ciencia y a la investigación, pero no a la enseñanza ni a la extensión. Se quiebra así la solidaridad entre las actividades propias de la docencia universitaria; se abandona la idea de universidad y su compromiso. En este trabajo discuto la intelección de la enseñanza (particularmente la disciplinar) como actividad no “rigurosa”, concepción ligada a un uso del “rigor intelectual” que lo restringe a la aplicación de normativas. Desde los resultados de una reciente investigación discuto el sentido y valor que suele darse al rigor, su uso rigorista como dispositivo de “control de calidad”, y sus efectos en procedimientos, productos y productores en el campo intelectual. Procuro criticar ese modelo y mostrar la viabilidad de otro modelo desde lo didáctico-filosófico, intentando abrir una vía que podría desarrollarse desde otras didácticas disciplinares. Espero contribuir a recuperar en su integridad la profesión docente y su carácter universitario.
DECAMERÃO: A SUSPENSION OF IDENTITY PARA A LEITURA DO EXCLUÍDO
Authors: Fritoli Luiz Ernani
Published: June 2018

Uma teoria da leitura para o Decamerão, um clássico da literatura italiana que dialoga
ironicamente tanto com sua referência imediata - a Divina comédia - quanto com o
leitor.

RIASSUNTO
Una teoria della lettura per il Decameron, un classico della letteratura italiana, che
dialoga ironicamente sia con il suo immediato precorritore - la Divina commedia - sia
con il lettore.
O PROFESSOR-PESQUISADOR: UM SONHO QUE PODE SE TORNAR REALIDADE
Authors: De Almeida Mariza Riva , Scheidt Déborah
Published: June 2018

Este trabalho vislumbra o professor no papel de realizador da pesquisa-ação, uma
categoria de pesquisa que envolve não só a investigação de um problema ou questão
do âmbito da sala de aula, como também a tomada de um conjunto de atitudes
objetivas que visam à modificação de práticas pedagógicas e à subseqüente resolução
do problema.
PRÁTICA REFLEXIVA ENTRE PROFESSORES: UMA ABORDAGEM COLABORATIVA NA FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES DE INGLÊS
Authors: Maimone Ivone Santana , Gimenez Telma Nunes
Published: June 2018

Este estudo faz parte de um sub-projeto de iniciação científica Abordagem reflexiva na formação de professores de Inglês e a perspectiva dos formadores, cujo foco era identificar as diferentes concepções de reflexão de um grupo de formadores de professores de Inglês atuando em um curso de Letras. Dando continuidade ao tema, o objetivo deste trabalho será em uma possível instância de aprendizagem em reuniões de educadores envolvidos com a disciplina Prática de Ensino de Língua Inglesa, de modo a detectar os padrões interacionais assumidos e o papel dos interagentes na construção de novos conhecimentos sobre formação de professores de inglês em estágios iniciais.
Spiritual Grammar
Authors: Longo F. Dominic
Published: June 2018

“Spiritual grammar” is a term coined to identify a genre of religious literature that until now has not been recognized as such. The salient characteristic of this genre is that it makes constant references to the grammatical structures of language as a metaphor for how the self is structurally embedded in spiritual reality. In Spiritual Grammar, two medieval religious texts serve as the main examples of this genre, namely, The Grammar of Hearts (Naḥw al-qulūb) by the great Sufi shaykh and Islamic scholar ʿAbd al-Karīm al-Qushayrī (d. 1074) and Moralized Grammar (Donatus moralizatus) by Christian theologian Jean Gerson (d. 1429), chancellor of the University of Paris. By violating what Jacques Derrida called “the law of genre,” Qushayrī and Gerson used the genre of “spiritual grammar” to engender saintly subjects. Grammar thus provides the two masters with a fresh way of explaining spiritual reality to their pupils and disciplining the souls of their readers. Moreover, comparative theological study of this “queer” genre of religious literature makes possible the construction of a theology of grammar that sees the human person and spiritual reality in new ways. Recent preoccupation with the interconnections among the linguistic and spiritual dimensions of the human condition ensures the relevance of “spiritual grammar” for us today.
Natural History of Structural Hip Abnormalities and the Potential for Hip Preservation
Authors: Wylie James D. , Peters Christopher L. , Aoki Stephen Kenji
Published: June 2018

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) exerts a significant burden on society, affecting 3% of Americans aged >30 years. Recent advances in the understanding of the pathoanatomy and pathomechanics of the hip have led to treatment options for young adults with hip pain. Femoroacetabular impingement, specifically cam-type femoroacetabular impingement, hip dysplasia, and the sequelae of pediatric hip disease can predispose the hip to early OA. However, many patients with abnormal anatomic findings do not develop early OA, suggesting that there exist other patient characteristics that are protective despite abnormal bony anatomy. Outcome studies show that arthroscopic and open hip procedures improve pain and function in patients with symptomatic hips. However, there is currently limited evidence that these procedures extend the life of the patient's natural hip. Additional studies are needed to determine protective or adaptive factors in patients with abnormal anatomy who do not develop early OA and to determine whether joint preserving hip surgery extends the life of the native hip joint.
Role of Advanced Imaging in the Diagnosis and Management of Active Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
Authors: Laine Jennifer C. , Martin Benjamin D. , Novotny Susan A. , Kelly Derek M.
Published: June 2018

Since the first description of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease a century ago, the diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and treatment decisions have been based on plain radiographs. The goal of treatment is prevention of femoral head deformity, yet radiographic prognostic classifications are applied in the fragmentation stage, often after deformity occurs. These classifications are assigned too late in the progression of the disease to maximize the effects of intervention. Thus, alternative mechanisms to determine femoral head involvement earlier in the disease course are warranted. Increasingly, MRI has been used in the study of the disease. Gadolinium-enhanced and diffusion-weighted MRI has shown promising results that correlate with radiographic classifications and the early radiographic outcome. Advanced imaging has improved the assessment of hinge abduction, yet the exact definition remains controversial. The role of imaging in the management of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is rapidly evolving. New or refined imaging techniques may eventually allow earlier prognosis and treatment.
Community of Practice: An Effective Way to ESL Teacher Professional Development in Vocational Colleges
Authors: Kong Shan
Published: June 2018

Teacher professional development is essential to English teaching reform in vocational colleges. Community of practice presents a new way for professional development of ESL teachers in vocational colleges in China. This paper introduces and discusses the process of creating and exploring ESL teacher community of practice in a vocational college. And it points out that teacher community of practice is an effective way to teacher professional development.
A Health-Check of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in Rural Primary Schools of Bangladesh
Authors: Hoque Mohammed Shamsul , Idrus Rozhan M. , Islam Yousuf Mahbubul
Published: June 2018

Bangladesh ELT situation has been deteriorating for the last four decades. Regional and national projects including ELTIP and EIA proved to be futile in improving this situation, especially, in the Bangladesh rural primary schools with almost 0% properly trained English teachers to implement the current CLT curriculum. This article investigates the on-going poor health-status of CLT at randomly selected schools of northern Bangladesh through delving into the research gaps linked with the ELT practitioners’ own English proficiency, their training needs, motivation and teaching skills; their perception on the instructional module; and perception of the YLs of English in Bangladesh. This enquiry uses a mixed method involving a questionnaire survey, semi-structured interview with ELT teachers, teacher trainers, head-teachers and lesson observation followed by a workshop and informal discussion with 100 participants from all ELT stake-holders to validate the findings of the earlier questionnaire survey. The findings conclude that ineffective and lack of teacher training, non-availability of English subject teacher, unproductive instructional materials, unhelpful learning environment, learners’ socio-economic background, teachers’ poor competence in English and knowledge of CLT methods are responsible for this deterioration. It recommends that implementation of a rigorous teacher training program for CLT to produce English subject teachers for each school, production of a pedagogically user-friendly instructional module for CPD, a culture-oriented teaching-learning environment and a program of regular guidance and supervision by CLT experts would address the gaps prevailing in the ELT (and CLT) situation at the rural primary schools of Bangladesh.
Multi Factor Stock Selection Model Based on LSTM
Authors: Zhang Ru , Huang Chenyu , Zhang Weijian , Chen Shaozhen
Published: June 2018

This paper takes CSI- 300 stock as the research object, and uses the LSTM model with memory characteristics and the traditional multi factor analysis to build an improved multi factor stock selection model. In back testing experiments, we use the trained LSTM model to forecast the stock returns and make a portfolio classification to construct the investment strategy. The result shows that the multi factor stock selection model based on LSTM has good profit forecasting ability and profitability.
Alpha Mangostin and Xanthone from Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) Role on Insulin Tolerance and PPAR-γ in Preclinical Model Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Welly Ratwita  , Elin Yulinah Sukandar  , Neng Fisheri Kurniati    , I Ketut Adnyana
Published: June 2018

Objective: This research elaborated role of alpha mangostin and xanthone on insulin resistance and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)-γ by measuring blood glucose level and PPAR- γ expression on adipocyte cell culture.
Methods: Insulin tolerance test were conducted using male wistar rat divided into 9 groups, which were normal, control (D-Glucose induced only), glibenclamide, various doses of a-mangostin and xanthone (5, 10, 20 mg/kgbw). All group induced by D-glucose 3 g/kg orally 30 minutes later. Blood glucose levels changes were observed at 90th and 150th minute. While other study observed PPAR-γ expression on adipocyte cell culture that treated with a-mangostin/xanthone/pioglitazone in various concentration.
Results: KITT in all treatment groups were significantly different (p<0.05) when compared to the positive control group, except xanthone 5 mg/kgbw. This suggests that a-mangostin 5, 10 and 20 mg/kgbw, xanthone 10 and 20 mg/kgbw, as well as metformin, have the effect of lowering insulin resistance in white rats given a 10-day fatty emulsion. Almost similar with thiazolinedione, alpha mangostin and xanthone increase PPAR-g expression in adipocyte when the concentration bigger. But xanthone effect not as good as α-mangostin or thiazolinedione effect.
Conclusion: Alpha mangostin and xanthone are two substances that showed potential effect to improve insulin tolerance by increasing PPAR-g in adipocyte.
Calcium Intakes in the Diet of Eastern Morocco’s Population
Authors: El-Houcine Sebbar  , Hicham Sam  , Zaina Sidqi  , Ennouamane Saalaoui    , Mohammed Choukri
Published: June 2018

Purpose: Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in the world. Most epidemiological studies show that calcium and vitamin deficiencies are very frequent not only in the elderly population but also in the general adult population. The aim of our work was to evaluate the calcium intake in population of eastern Morocco by the translated version in Moroccan Arabic dialect of Fardellone questionnaire.Methods: The version translated into Arabic dialect Fardellone questionnaire was tested on a sample of 1000 subjects. The age distribution was calculated on the distribution of the general Moroccan population according to the most recent population and housing census of September 2014. Therefore, subjects younger than 15 years represented the first age group, the subjects aged 16 to 59 years represented the second age group and the subjects older than 60 years represented by the third age group.Results: The study population included 56% women (n = 560), 44% of men (n = 440). The subjects aged less than 15 years accounted for 11% (n = 110), those aged 15 to 59 73.1% (n = 731) and those aged over 60 years 15.9% (n = 159). The mean calcium intake was respectively 4907 mg by week (that means 701 mg/day). The assessment of calcium intake by age group showed a deficiency in all three groups. The average consumption of calcium per day was significantly lower than the recommended daily amount for the three age groups. Patients aged over 60 years is the age group most under nourished calcium. The comparison of both gender found a deficit higher among women than among men.Conclusion: Evaluation of the calcium intake is an essential tool for better management of metabolic bone diseases.
Cardio-Nephroprotective Effects of Guava and Olive Leaves Extracts on Doxorubicin-Induced Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Eman Aly Sadeek Fadlalla
Published: June 2018

Objective: Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anticancer drug that is known to increase oxidative stress in several organs. Our objective was to evaluate the possible cardioprotective and nephroprotective effects of guava leaves extract (GLE) and olive leaves extract (OLE) on DOX-induced toxicity in rats.Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 rats each, as follows: a normal control group, a DOX group (a single dose of DOX; 30 mg/kg intraperitoneally), a GLE group (500 mg GLE/kg body weight), and an OLE group (500 mg OLE/kg body weight) for 12 d. DOX was administered in the DOX, GLE, and OLE rats, which were sacrificed 4 d after DOX administration.Results: DOX injection resulted in a significant elevation in serum lactate dehydrogenase, creatinin kinase-MB (CK-MB), total protein, urea, and creatinine. Cardiac as well as renal glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) were significantly decreased, whereas tissue lipid peroxidation significantly increased. Pretreatment with GLE and OLE significantly reduced the elevated concentrations of serum lactate dehydrogenase, KC- MB, urea, creatinine and total protein (P < 0.05). GLE and OLE increased cardiac as well as renal GSH and CAT concentrations and decreased malondialdehyde concentrations.Conclusions: GLE and OLE showed promising protective effects against DOX-induced cardio-nephrotoxicity, which might be attributed to their antioxidant activities.
Impact of Chemotherapy Treatments on Dietary Intakes of Macro and Micronutrients among Jordanian Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Safaa A. Al-Zeidaneen  , Mousa A. Ahmad    , Ali D. Al-Ebuos
Published: June 2018

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer related deaths among women worldwide. Nutritional factors may account for the large variation in BC incidence around the world. Most studies have shown no link between dietary intakes and increased risk of BC.Objective: To evaluate the dietary intake of macro and some micronutrients among BC patients with respect to chemotherapy treatment.Methods: A total of 168 BC patients aged 20-70 years attending BC clinics at the Jordanian Royal Medical Services, Jordan were evaluated for dietary intake. The study design permitted to include 60 newly-diagnosed BC patients who were not exposed to any type of interventions and 108 recently-diagnosed BC patients (up to three months). Recently group member were sub-divided in two sub-groups to control exposure to chemotherapy. The Chemo group (have exposed to chemotherapy) and the non-chemo group (have exposed to other types of treatments interventions). Calculations were based on the computerized nutrient analysis program (the food processor nutrition and fitness analysis software (ESHA), version 10.6/.3, Salem, USA).Results: Energy, macronutrients and micronutrients intakes were not significantly different considering exposure to chemotherapy. However, they were less than recommended in all BC patients.Conclusion: The possible risk of dietary undernutrition among BC patients that need a careful monitoring, evaluation and managements care plan.
Physico-Chemical, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Evaluation of Zizyphus nummularia (Burm. F.) Stem Bark
Authors: Babita Aggarwal  , Pankaj Sharma    , H.S. Lamba
Published: June 2018

Zizyphus nummularia (Burm. F.) (Family: Rhamnaceae) used as a folk medicine. The study was designed to lay down the various physicochemical and phytochemical standards which will be helpful to ensure the purity, safety, and efficacy of this medicinal plant. In the lime light of fewer and less potent antioxidant extracts, it is screened for antioxidant potency also. All physico-chemical properties were found within the measurable amount. Preliminary phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and steroids. Total phenolic content and flavonoid content was found to be 10.7±0.1 and 2.57±0.1 respectively. Extract also found to posses significant antioxidant activity which can be correlated with phenolic content. IC50 of 0.042 mg/mL was found during DPPH radical scavenging activity. 2.75 mmol AA/ mg extract was found to be as total antioxidant capacity along with a concentration of 383.4 µg/ml during reducing power activity. The study would help in the authentication stem bark useful for laying down pharmacopoeial standards and help in finding improved antioxidant agents from the extract. It is found to be posse’s significant antioxidant property, possibly by adsorbing and neutralizing free radicals.
Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Profile of Syngonium podophyllum Schott Stems: A Fecund Phytopharmakon
Authors: Md. Sahab Uddin  , Md. Sarwar Hossain  , Md. Tanvir Kabir  , Imon Rahman  , Devesh Tewari  , Mohd. Raeed Jamiruddin    , Abdullah Al Mamun
Published: June 2018

Background: Oxidative stress has been shown to play an imperative role in copious disease pathology. Plants are acquaintances of mankind and mainstay for the treatment of oxidative stress linked disorders. Therefore, the objective of the existing study was to assess the phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity of crude methanol extract (CME), n-hexane (NHF), chloroform (CLF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and aqueous (AQF) fractions of Syngonium podophyllum (S. podophyllum) Schott stems.Methods: The S. podophyllum Schott stems extract and its fractions were subjected to phytochemical analysis to detect the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, tannins, resins, flavonoids and steroids. The antioxidant profile was determined by total antioxidant activity (TAA), reducing power activity (RPA) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity tests and correlated with the estimation of total flavonoid content (TFC).Results: In CME and its fractions of S. podophyllum Schott stems all of the tested phytoconstituents (alkaloids, tannins, resins, flavonoids and steroids) were detected at various concentration except carbohydrates and saponins. In TAA test, highest absorbance (2.18 nm) which is a measure of high antioxidant activity was reported in CME compared to remaining fractions. Likely in RPA test with respect to all fractions similar denouements were found for CME (3.29 nm). In case of DPPH scavenging test, the CME showed highest scavenging activity (77.89 %) having IC50 of 41.02 ?g/ml (P < 0.05) compared to remaining fractions. The antioxidant activity is possibly due to the highest TFC (7.45 mg of GAE/g of dried extract) reported in CME compared to existing fractions.Conclusion: The aforementioned outcomes recommend that CME of S. podophyllum Schott stems can be a possible cradle of plant-derived natural antioxidant and can be used to avert diseases linked with free radicals.
Thrombolytic, CNS Depressant and Anti-Diarrhoeal Activities of Ethanolic Extract of Bark of Syzygium cumini L. Skeels: An In-Vivo and In-Vitro Study
Authors: Fokhrul Abedin  , Md. Saddam Hussain  , Areful Islam  , Niloy Sen  , Abhijit Das  , Auditi Kar  , Md. Monir Hossain  , Md. Shalahuddin Millat    , Mohammad Safiqul Islam
Published: June 2018

The present study was aimed to create scientific insights that validate the traditional use of bark of ethanolic extract of S. cumini in thrombosis, CNS depression and in diarrheal cases. The CNS depressant activity was evaluated by observing the locomotor activity of the animals in the open field and forced swim methods at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight and the anti-diarrheal activity was evaluated through castor oil induced method and charcoal induced GI motility tests. Finally thrombolytic activity assessment was done by employing Streptokinase as standard. In this study, among the five different concentrations 10 mg/ml showed maximum clot lysis that was 48.5%, whereas standard showed 51.05% lysis of clot. In case of open field test, the mean number of movement at 60 min were 20 and 31.11 at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively. In case of castor oil induced method the above two doses of bark extract of S. cumini exhibited 23.07% and 36.67% of diarrheal inhibition compared to the standard Loperamide (5mg/kg) was 50%. For charcoal induced GI motility test, diarrheal inhibition was 23.07% and 36.67%. The present revealed that ethanolic bark extract of bark of S. cumini justify its traditional uses through good thrombolytic, CNS depressant and anti-diarrheal activity.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) as a New Target for the Treatment of Glycerol-Induced Nephropathy
Authors: Shaza Anwar Al Laham
Published: June 2018

Objective: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring nutrient composed of sulfur, oxygen and methyl groups. MSM may have anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activity. The present work was done to investigate the possible cure effect of methylsulfonylmethane on glycerol-induced acute renal failure (ARF) in rats.Methodes: After water deprivation, a kidney injury was induced in rats by intramuscular administration of glycerol 10 mL/kg (50% vol./vol. in saline). Several parameters including macroscopic score, histopathological and biochemical were determined to assess the degree of treatment.Results: Results showed that MSM decreased macroscopic and microscopic kidney’s injury scores caused by glycerol. MSM also significantly reduced urea and creatinine levels compared to glycerol-induced ARF group.Conclusion: MSM as a natural product has a curing effect against glycerol-induced myoglobinuria.
The Effect of Moringa-Based Supplementation on Fetal Birth Weight in Jeneponto Regency
Authors: Andi Imam Arundhana  , Muhammad Syafruddin Nurdin  , Veni Hadju  , Ansariadi    , Andi Zulkifli
Published: June 2018

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality besides preterm birth. Proper interventions during pregnancy can prevent an adverse pregnancy outcome. This study aims to see the effect of Moringa leaf capsule on birth weight.Methods: This study was double blind randomized controlled trial (DB-RCT) which consisted of three groups namely, Moringa powder (PG), Moringa extract (EG), and iron-folate (IG) groups. The intervention was given for 12 weeks. The samples were 453 pregnant women in six sub-districts in Jeneponto Regency. Data on birth weight and placental weight were measured by trained midwives. The weight of the placenta was measured to determine the placental ratio to birth weight. In addition, some socio-economic variables such as age, gestational age, eating frequency, smoking, and Hb levels were measured in this study. Logistic and linear regression were conducted in this study.Result: The Moringa leaf supplementation groups (PG and EG) delivered child with better weight than iron supplementation (3240.03±453.82, 3161.91±527.70, 3100.89±412.15, respectively). The placenta to birth weight ratio (PBWR) showed that IG group became lowest, merely 16.19%. The most influenced factor to LBW is the unhappiness of the women with her pregnancy (OR = 26.3, 95% CI = 1.227 - 566.474, p = 0.037).Conclusion: Moringa powder supplementation can be used as an alternative in improving new born baby weight. Pregnant women need to be happy and avoid stress to prevent LBW.
Croire, s’impliquer, s’attacher : perspectives d’intervenants d’unités de longue durée en psychiatrie sur l’expérience d’accompagnement vers le rétablissement
Authors: Turcotte Karl , Dallaire Bernadette
Published: June 2018

Cette étude qualitative porte sur l’expérience des intervenants dans l’accompagnement au rétablissement dans les unités d’hébergement et de soins de longue durée en psychiatrie de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec. Neuf intervenants de différentes professions (infirmiers, professionnels, éducateurs spécialisés) ont été rencontrés entre février et juin 2014. Chacun a participé à une entrevue semi-dirigée et complété le Recovery Attitude Questionnaire, version à 7 items (RAQ-7). Les propos recueillis font ressortir trois composantes centrales de l’expérience d’accompagnement, à savoir l’espoir, l’implication et l’attachement envers la personne aidée. La relation entre ces trois composantes n’est cependant pas une dynamique fermée, car des facteurs contextuels, environnementaux et interprétatifs sont également en cause ; notamment le fait de côtoyer quotidiennement des usagers présentant des symptômes importants, la culture du milieu d’intervention, ainsi que l’attitude de l’intervenant et les définitions qu’il élabore à propos du concept de rétablissement. La prise en compte de ces facteurs peut favoriser une implantation réussie de modes d’intervention favorables au rétablissement des usagers dans les milieux d’hébergement et de soins de longue durée en psychiatrie.
Osteophyte
Authors: Zhao Lucy
Published: November 2024

In this narrative medicine essay, a medical student discusses the challenges of conveying her grandmother’s feelings to her physician while serving as an interpreter for her grandparents’ clinic visits.
Mechanically Robust and Thermal Insulating Nanofiber Elastomer for Hydrophobic, Corrosion‐Resistant, and Flexible Multifunctional Electromagnetic Wave Absorbers
Authors: Xiao Junxiong , Zhan Beibei , He Mukun , Qi Xiaosi , Zhang Yali , Guo Hua , Qu Yunpeng , Zhong Wei , Gu Junwei
Published: November 2024

Multifunctionalization of electromagnetic wave absorbing materials (EMWAMs) presents a promising avenue for their application in complex scenarios. However, the effective integration of multiple supplementary functions into EMWAMs continues to pose a significant challenge. Herein, a novel nanofiber elastomer (NFE) incorporating multicomponent inorganic FeS2/S,N co‐doped carbon nanofibers (NFs) and organic component (Ecoflex) are designed and synthesized. The sulfur doping ratios and species can be effectively modulated via controlling the amount of sulfur and sulfurization temperature. The optimized FeS2/S,N co‐doped carbon NFs/Ecoflex NFE not only exerted an excellent impedance matching characteristic, but also displays boosted conductive loss and polarization loss capacities. Amongst, the designed NFE achieved an ultra‐wide effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 7.40 GHz and minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −21.82 dB at the thin matching thickness (≈2.00 mm). Furthermore, FeS2/S,N co‐doped carbon NFs/Ecoflex NFE simultaneously presents greatly improved mechanical property, thermal insulation, hydrophobicity, and corrosion resistance. Through designing metastructures, the NFE with a periodically closed‐ring resonant structure realized an EAB of 32.64 GHz (ranging from 7.36 to 40.00 GHz). Overall, this research contributes valuable insights for the design of next‐generation EMWAMs with satisfactory multifunctionalities, demonstrating their significant potential for application in smart devices and challenging environments.
Boosting the Efficiency of Perovskite/Organic Tandem Solar Cells via Enhanced Near‐Infrared Absorption and Minimized Energy Losses
Authors: Cui Xinyue , Xie Guanshui , Liu Yuqiang , Xie Xianqiang , Zhang Huarui , Li Hongxiang , Cheng Pei , Lu Guanghao , Qiu Longbin , Bo Zhishan
Published: November 2024

The compatibility of perovskite and organic photovoltaic materials in solution processing provides a significant advantage in the fabrication of high‐efficiency perovskite/organic tandem solar cells. However, additional recombination losses can occur during exciton dissociation in organic materials, leading to energy losses in the near‐infrared region of tandem devices. Consequently, a ternary organic rear subcell is designed containing two narrow‐bandgap non‐fullerene acceptors to enhance the absorption of near‐infrared light. Simultaneously, a unique diffusion‐controlled growth technique is adopted to optimize the morphology of the ternary active layer, thereby improving exciton dissociation efficiency. This innovation not only broadens the absorption range of near‐infrared light but also facilitates the generation and effective dissociation of excitons. Owing to these technological improvements, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells increased to 19.2%. Furthermore, a wide‐bandgap perovskite front subcell is integrated with a narrow‐bandgap organic rear subcell to develop a perovskite/organic tandem solar cell. Owing to the reduction in near‐infrared energy loss, the PCE of this tandem device significantly improved, reaching 24.5%.
Breaking Mass Transport Limit for Hydrogen Evolution‐Inhibited and Dendrite‐Free Aqueous Zn Batteries
Authors: Zhang Jingmin , Cao Leo N. Y. , Li Rongrong , Yang Jun , Li Longwei , Yang Kai , Wang Zhong Lin , Pu Xiong
Published: November 2024

It is commonly accepted that batteries perform better at low current densities below the mass‐transport limit, which restricts their current rate and capacity. Here, it is demonstrated that the performance of Zn metal electrodes can be dramatically enhanced at current densities and cut‐off capacities exceeding the mass‐transport limit by using pulsed‐current protocols. These protocols achieve cumulative plating/stripping capacities of 11.0 Ah cm−2 and 3.8 Ah cm−2 at record‐high current densities of 80 and 160 mA cm−2, respectively. The study identifies and understands the promoted (002)‐textured Zn growth and suppressed hydrogen evolution based on the thermodynamics and kinetics of competing reactions. Furthermore, the over‐limiting pulsed‐current protocol enables long‐life Zn batteries with high mass loading (29 mgcathode cm−2) and high areal capacity (7.9 mAh cm−2), outperforming cells using constant‐current protocols at equivalent energy and time costs. The work provides a comprehensive understanding of the current‐capacity‐performance relationship in Zn plating/stripping and offers an effective strategy for dendrite‐free metal batteries that meet practical requirements for high capacity and high current rates.
Self‐Trapped Excitons in 3R ZnIn2S4 with Broken Inversion Symmetry for High‐Performance Photodetection
Authors: Du Chun , Huang Ziqi , Zhou Jing , Su Jiayun , Yu Peng , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Yan Jiahao , Yao Jiandong , Chen Yicun , Duan Xuanming
Published: November 2024

Exploring novel materials with intrinsic self‐trapped excitons (STEs) is crucial for advancing optoelectronic technologies. In this study, 2D 3R‐phase ZnIn2S4, featuring broken inversion symmetry, is introduced to investigate intrinsic STEs. This material exhibits a broadband photoluminescence (PL) emission with a full width at half maximum of 164 nm and a large Stokes shift of ≈0.6 eV, which arises from the distortion of [ZnS4]6‐ tetrahedral unit induced by the symmetry breaking and strong electron‐phonon coupling. The photophysical properties of the STEs exhibit a high Huang‐Rhys factor (15.0), rapid STEs formation time (166 fs), and extended STEs lifetime (1039 ps), as demonstrated by experimental evidence from temperature‐dependent PL, Raman spectroscopy, and ultrafast absorption spectroscopy. Additionally, STE‐induced photoconductive effect is elucidated, indicating that intrinsic STEs in 3R‐ZnIn2S4 can provide a synergistic effect that enhances absorption capacity, localization, and lifetime by capturing the self‐trapped hole state. Consequently, the 2D 3R‐ZnIn2S4 photodetector exhibits remarkable broad‐spectrum photosensitivity, including a photo‐switching ratio of 11286, response times of less than 0.6 ms, responsivity of 15.2 A W−1, detectivity of 1.02 × 10¹¹ Jones, and external quantum efficiency of 5032% under 375 nm light. These findings provide new ideas for exploring materials with intrinsic STEs to achieve novel high‐performance photodetector applications.
Standing 1D Chains Enable Efficient Wide‐Bandgap Selenium Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Qingxiang , Wang Xia , Li Zongbao , Lu Wenbo , Wen Xin , An Xioayan , Feng Mingjie , Yan Hui‐Juan , Hu Jin‐Song , Xue Ding‐Jiang
Published: November 2024

The recent surge in tandem solar cells and indoor photovoltaics has renewed interest in selenium (Se), the world's first photovoltaic material, due to its intrinsic wide bandgap of ≈1.9 eV, high stability, and non‐toxicity in small quantities when applied in photovoltaics. However, with a 1D chained crystal structure, Se tends to grow crystalline films with a lying orientation—chains parallel to substrates arising from the low surface energy; this results in poor carrier transport across chains held together by weak van der Waals forces. Here a substrate‐heating strategy that facilitates the interfacial bonding between Se and substrate is introduced, enabling the growth of Se films with a standing orientation—chains perpendicular to substrates. This achieves efficient carrier transport along covalently bonded chains. The resulting Se films thereby exhibit a fourfold increase in carrier mobility compared to lying‐oriented Se films. Consequently, Se solar cells are achieved with the highest power conversion efficiency of 8.1% under AM1.5G 1‐sun illumination. The unencapsulated devices exhibit negligible efficiency loss after 1 000 h of storage under ambient conditions.