bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Vulnerability and Coping Livelihood Strategies of Fishermen in Elmina, Ghana
Authors: Dzantor Selorm A , Aheto Denis W , Adeton Comfort O
Published: August 2020

This study assessed the vulnerability and coping livelihood strategies of fishermen within the context of declining marine fisheries in Elmina, Ghana. One hundred and fifty-five (155) fishermen were purposively selected for questionnaire interviews from January to March 2017. The results showed that most of the fishermen depended heavily on fishing as a major source of livelihood. Nonetheless, their income levels were trifled due to declining fisheries. The vulnerability index of the community proved to be significantly high. The coping livelihood strategies were largely informal, comprising farming and trading, among others. A little over half of the fishermen were willing to leave the fishing sector for different livelihoods, given other prospects. It is concluded that improving livelihoods in the community will require strengthening supplementary livelihood occupations, and educating fishers on the dangers of using illicit fishing methods are required for the growth of the sector and enhancement of income levels of fishermen.
Hubungan Efikasi Diri Dengan Hasil Evaluasi Osce Pada Mahasiswa D3 Keperawatan di Fakultas Ilmu Keperawatan Universitas Islam Sultan Agung Semarang
Authors: Issroviatiningrum Retno , Puspita Sari Dyah Wiji , Kusumaningtiyas Ranti
Published: August 2020

ABSTRAKLatar Belakang: Efikasi diri ialah keyakinan diri seorang individu akan kemampuan yang dipunyainya serta merupakan kesempatan untuk berhasil menyelesaikan tugas tertentu. OSCE diyakini memiliki kekuatan dalam upaya menumbuhkan keyakinan diri pada setiap individu mahasiswa, kemampuan klinis, wawasan dalam teori, serta motivasi sebagai perawat ahli   Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui adakah hubungan antara efikasi diri dengan hasil evaluasi OSCE pada mahasiswa.Metode: Penelitian ini adalah penelitian dengan  menggunakan metode deskriptif korelasi. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan total sampling dengan jumlah responden sebanyak 102 responden.  Hasil: Hasil penelitian diperoleh dari 102 responden, sebagian besar memiliki karakteristik jenis kelamin perempuan dengan persentase 88,5%, responden dengan umur 19 tahun 94,1%, responden dengan efikasi diri sedang 75,5%, responden dengan hasil evaluasi OSCE  kompeten 71,6%.Kesimpulan dan Saran: Penelitian ini didapatkan bahwa hubungan efikasi diri dengan hasil evaluasi OSCE pada mahasiswa D3 Keperawatan di Fakultas Ilmu Keperawatan Universitas Islam Sultan Agung Semarang terbanyak yaitu dengan kategori sedang. Kata Kunci         : Efikasi Diri, Hasil Evaluasi OSCE ABSTRACTBackground: Self-efficacy is an individual's self-confidence in the abilities he has and is an opportunity to successfully complete a particular task. OSCE is believed to have strengths in efforts to foster self-confidence in each individual student, clinical abilities, insights in theory, and motivation as expert nurses. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between self-efficacy and OSCE evaluation results on students. Method: This research is a research using experimental research methods. The sampling technique uses total sampling with 102 respondents. Results: The results of the study were obtained from 102 respondents, most of them had the characteristics of female sex with a percentage of 88.5%, respondents with age 19 years 94.1%, respondents with moderate self-efficacy 75.5%, respondents with competent OSCE evaluation results 71.6 %. Conclusion: This research was obtained about the relationship of self-efficacy with OSCE evaluation results in D3 Nursing students at the Faculty of Nursing at Sultan Agung Islamic University in Semarang with the medium category. Keywords           :    Self-Efficacy, OSCE Evaluation Results
Immunogenicity, Tolerability, and Clinical Effectiveness of 23-Valent Polysaccharide Pneumococcal Vaccine in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Tarasova G. M. , Belov B. S. , Cherkasova M. V. , Soloviev S. K. , Aseeva E. A. , Reshetnyak T. M. , Popkova T. V. , Kosheleva N. M.
Published: August 2020

The aim of the work is to study the immunogenicity, tolerability, and clinical efficacy of the 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (PPV-23) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Material and methods. The study included 61 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of SLE, including 53 women, 8 men, aged 19 to 68 years. The disease activity at the time of vaccination: in 9 patients — high, in 13 — medium, in 34 — low, in 5 — remission. Therapy outline: 59 patients received glucocorticoids (GC) 5–30 mg/day in terms of prednisolone, 45 — hydroxychloroquine (GC), 33 — cytostatics (CS), 22 — genetically engineered biological drugs (GEBD): 11 — rituximab (RTM), 10 — belimumab (BLM). 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine in an amount of 0.5 ml (1 dose) was injected subcutaneously. Follow-up period: 9 patients — 3 months, 52 — 1 year after the vaccination. Patients were examined before vaccination, as well as in 1, 3, and 12 months after the vaccination. Results and discussion. After a year of observation, the number of «responders» to vaccination was 61.5%, «non-responders» — 38.5%. There was a decreased response to vaccine in patients receiving GEBD compared with patients who did not receive GEBD (40% and 75%, respectively), p=0.02. No differences were found against the background of RTM and BLM therapy. Administering GC in a dose exceeding 10 mg/day did not lead to a more significant decrease in response to vaccine compared to other patients. Standard local vaccination reactions of mild to moderate severity were noted in 50.8% of the patients, general reaction of mild severity — in 1 patient (1.6%), hyperergic Arthus-like reaction — in 1 patient (1.6%), the symptoms of which were relieved in 7 days. During the observation period (1 year), not a single case of exacerbation of SLE, reliably associated with the vaccination, was registered, and no new autoimmune phenomena were identified. Clinically positive dynamics was noted in the form of a decrease in the number of episodes of pneumonia, as well as acute and exacerbated chronic bronchitis, sinusitis. Conclusion. Sufficient immunogenicity, good tolerance, and clinical effectiveness of PPV-23 in patients with SLE, incl. those, who received combined immunosuppressive therapy. Further studies are needed in large groups of patients with long follow-up periods.
Structure and electrochemical performance of electrospun-ordered porous carbon/graphene composite nanofibers
Authors: Wang Yi , Song Yanhua , Ye Chengwei , Xu Lan
Published: August 2020

Ordered carbon/graphene composite nanofibers (CGCNFs) with different porous configurations were used as a material to fabricate supercapacitor electrodes. These nanofibers were synthesized by applying a modified parallel electrode to the electrospinning method (MPEM) in order to generate electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers containing graphene. After synthesis, these fibers were submitted to carbonization under a N2 atmosphere at 1100 °C. The influence of the ordering and porosity of CGCNFs on their electrochemical performance was studied. The results showed that by adding deionized water to the spinning solution one could increase the number of mesopores and the specific surface area of CGCNFs, thereby significantly increasing their specific capacitance. In addition, the ordering of CGCNFs within the electrode improved the electron transfer efficiency, resulting in a higher specific capacitance.
Effects of Root Bioaccumulation of Arsenic and Mercury on the Expression of the Nramp2b Gene in Prosopis Alba (Griseb)
Authors: Loyola S , Cárcamo C , Concha F , Becerra C , Pouchucq L
Published: August 2020

Finding of vegetal species suitable for ecologic restoration in arid climates is a primary goal of most of the governmental and private companies for fighting against the desertification and the recovery of contaminated soils. The Prosopis genus, a desert woody leguminous, with a wide distribution around the world, represents a very interesting source of highly tolerant and adaptable trees for revegetation and bioremediation of soils contaminated with metal and metalloids (metal(loid)s). The aim of the present work was to evaluate the South American representative of this genus, P. alba, as a possible solution for restoration of soils contaminated with mercury and arsenic. For this, we assessed possible tolerance mechanisms against both metal (loid) s by means of the evaluation of bioaccumulation behaviors and expression changes in metal (loid) tolerance genes. The results revealed that P. alba was able to tolerate high metal (loid) concentrations, related with the accumulation of high quantities of arsenic and mercury in the roots, with bioaccumulation factors of 2, 8 and 3, 1 respectively. Moreover, changes in the expression levels of the gene codifying for the metal transporter NRAMP2b was also observed after the exposure to the metal (loid) s, decreasing ten times for arsenic and three times for mercury. All of these results revealed the existence of cellular mechanisms that allow P. Alba to tolerate and accumulate high quantities of arsenic and mercury diluted into the substrate, making it a promising prospect for the treatment of contaminated soils.
A Theological Reflection on the Concept of Sin in Christianity
Authors: Addai-Mensah Peter
Published: August 2020

The concept of sin is a phenomenon that no one can gloss over. It is a reality. It permeates the whole of human existence. All the major religions in the world grapple with it as far as relationship with God is concerned. This article discusses the concept of sin. It looks at it from the point of view of Christianity. The article examines how various scholars have defined sin from their own perspectives. It looks at the types of sin, how sin originated and made its presence in the world and the consequences of sin. Finally, the article accounts for the theological implications of sin. It points out that among other things: sin destroys the relationship between God and the human person; separation from God because of sin leads to death and destruction; the concept of sin necessitated the coming of Jesus Christ to bring salvation and liberation to the world. The article does not use a case study. The author uses the literary approach and therefore uses library sources.
Atmospheric Temperature Inversions and He i 5876 Core Profile Structure in White Dwarfs
Authors: Klein Beth , Blouin Simon , Romani Diego , Zuckerman B. , Melis Carl , Xu 许偲 Siyi 艺 , Dufour P. , Genest-Beaulieu C. , Bédard A. , Jura M.
Published: August 2020

We report distinctive core profiles in the strongest optical helium line, He i
λ5876, from high-resolution high-sensitivity observations of spectral type DB white dwarfs. By analyzing a sample of 40 stars from Keck/HIRES and VLT/UVES, we find the core appearance to be related to the degree of hydrogen and heavy element content in the atmosphere. New Ca K-line measurements or upper limits are reported for about half the sample stars. He i
λ5876 emission cores with a self-reversed central component are present for those stars with relatively low hydrogen abundance, as well as relatively low atmospheric heavy element pollution. This self-reversed structure disappears for stars with higher degrees of pollution and/or hydrogen abundance, giving way to a single absorption core. From our model atmospheres, we show that the self-reversed emission cores can be explained by temperature inversions in the upper atmosphere. We propose that the transition to a single absorption core is due to the additional opacity from hydrogen and heavy elements that inhibits the temperature inversions. Our current models do not exactly match the effective temperature range of the phenomenon or the amplitude of the self-reversed structure, which is possibly a result of missing physics such as 3D treatment, convective overshoot, and/or non-LTE effects. The He i
λ5876 line structure may prove to be a useful new diagnostic for calibrating temperature profiles in DB atmosphere models.
The Age Distribution of Stars in the Milky Way Bulge
Authors: Sit Tawny , Ness M. K.
Published: August 2020

The age and chemical characteristics of the Galactic bulge link to the formation and evolutionary history of the Galaxy. Data-driven methods and large surveys enable stellar ages and precision chemical abundances to be determined for vast regions of the Milky Way, including the bulge. Here, we use the data-driven approach of The Cannon, to infer the ages and abundances for 125,367 stars in the Milky Way, using spectra from Apache Point Observatory Galaxy Evolution Experiment (apogee) DR14. We examine the ages and metallicities of 1654 bulge stars within

. We focus on fields with b < 12°, and out to longitudes of l < 15°. We see that stars in the bulge are about twice as old (τ = 8 Gyr), on average, compared to those in the solar neighborhood (τ = 4 Gyr), with a larger dispersion in [Fe/H] (≈0.38 compared to 0.23 dex). This age gradient comes primarily from the low-α stars. Looking along the Galactic plane, the very central field in the bulge shows by far the largest dispersion in [Fe/H] (σ
[Fe/H] ≈ 0.4 dex) and line-of-sight velocity (σ
vr ≈ 90 km s−1), and simultaneously the smallest dispersion in age. Moving out in longitude, the stars become kinematically colder and less dispersed in [Fe/H], but show a much broader range of ages. We see a signature of the X-shape within the bulge at a latitude of b = 8°, but not at b = 12°. Future apogee and other survey data, with larger sampling, affords the opportunity to extend our approach and study in more detail, to place stronger constraints on models of the Milky Way.
The Accretion History of AGN: A Newly Defined Population of Cold Quasars
Authors: Kirkpatrick Allison , Urry C. Megan , Brewster Jason , Cooke Kevin C. , Estrada Michael , Glikman Eilat , Hamblin Kurt , Ananna Tonima Tasnim , Carlile Casey , Coleman Brandon , Johnson Jordan , Kartaltepe Jeyhan S. , LaMassa Stephanie M. , Marchesi Stefano , Powell Meredith , Sanders Dave , Treister Ezequiel , Jan Turner Traceye
Published: August 2020

Quasars are the most luminous of active galactic nuclei, and are perhaps responsible for quenching star formation in their hosts. The Stripe 82X catalog covers 31.3 deg2 of the Stripe 82 field, of which the 15.6 deg2 covered with XMM-Newton is also covered by Herschel/SPIRE. We have 2500 X-ray detected sources with multiwavelength counterparts, and 30% of these are unobscured quasars, with L
X > 1044 erg s−1 and M

B
 < −23. We define a new population of quasars that are unobscured, have X-ray luminosities in excess of 1044 erg s−1, have broad emission lines, and yet are also bright in the far-infrared, with a 250 μm flux density of S
250 > 30 mJy. We refer to these Herschel-detected, unobscured quasars as “cold quasars.” A mere 4% (21) of the X-ray- and optically selected unobscured quasars in Stripe 82X are detected at 250 μm. These cold quasars lie at z ∼ 1–3, have L
IR > 1012
L
⊙, and have star formation rates (SFRs) of ∼200–1400 M
⊙ yr−1. Cold quasars are bluer in the mid-IR than the full quasar population, and 72% of our cold quasars have WISE W3 < 11.5 [Vega], while only 19% of the full quasar sample meets this criteria. Crucially, cold quasars have on average ∼nine times as much star formation as the main sequence of star-forming galaxies at similar redshifts. Although dust-rich, unobscured quasars have occasionally been noted in the literature before, we argue that they should be considered as a separate class of quasars due to their high SFRs. This phase is likely short-lived, as the central engine and immense star formation consume the gas reservoir. Cold quasars are type-1 blue quasars that reside in starburst galaxies.
Using the Mark Weighted Correlation Functions to Improve the Constraints on Cosmological Parameters
Authors: Yang Yizhao , Miao Haitao , Ma Qinglin , Liu Miaoxin , Sabiu Cristiano G. , Forero-Romero Jaime , Huang Yuanzhu , Lai Limin , Qian Qiyue , Zheng Yi , Li Xiao-Dong
Published: August 2020

We used the mark weighted correlation functions (MCFs), W(s), to study the large-scale structure of the universe. We studied five types of MCFs with the weighting scheme ρ

α
, where ρ is the local density, and α is taken as −1, −0.5, 0, 0.5, and 1. We found that different MCFs have very different amplitudes and scale dependence. Some of the MCFs exhibit distinctive peaks and valleys that do not exist in the standard correlation functions. Their locations are robust against the redshifts and the background geometry; however, it is unlikely that they can be used as “standard rulers” to probe the cosmic expansion history. Nonetheless, we find that these features may be used to probe parameters related with the structure formation history, such as the values of σ
8 and the galaxy bias. Finally, after conducting a comprehensive analysis using the full shapes of the W(s)s and W
Δs
(μ)s, we found that combining different types of MCFs can significantly improve the cosmological parameter constraints. Compared with using only the standard correlation function, the combinations of MCFs with α = 0, 0.5, 1 and α = 0, −1, −0.5, 0.5, 1 can improve the constraints on Ω
m
and w by ≈30% and 50%, respectively. We find highly significant evidence that MCFs can improve cosmological parameter constraints.
Late-time Circumstellar Interaction of SN 2017eaw in NGC 6946
Authors: Weil Kathryn E. , Fesen Robert A. , Patnaude Daniel J. , Milisavljevic Dan
Published: August 2020

SN 2017eaw, the tenth supernova observed in NGC 6946, was a normal Type II-P supernova with an estimated 11–13 M
⊙ red supergiant progenitor. Here we present nebular-phase spectra of SN 2017eaw at +545 and +900 days post-max, extending approximately 50–400 days past the epochs of previously published spectra. While the +545 day spectrum is similar to spectra taken between days +400 and +493, the +900 day spectrum shows dramatic changes both in spectral features and emission-line profiles. The Hα emission is flat-topped and boxlike with sharp blue and red profile velocities of ≃−8000 and +7500 km s−1. These late-time spectral changes indicate strong circumstellar interaction with a mass-loss shell, expelled ∼1700 yr before explosion. SN 2017eaw’s +900 day spectrum is similar to those seen for SN 2004et and SN 2013ej observed 2–3 yr after explosion. We discuss the importance of late-time monitoring of bright SNe II-P and the nature of presupernova mass-loss events for SN II-P evolution.
Hunting for Runaways from the Orion Nebula Cluster
Authors: Farias Juan P. , Tan Jonathan C. , Eyer Laurent
Published: August 2020

We use Gaia DR2 to hunt for runaway stars from the Orion Nebula Cluster (ONC). We search a region extending 45° around the ONC and out to 1 kpc to find sources that have overlapped in angular position with the cluster in the last ∼10 Myr. We find ∼17,000 runaway/walkaway candidates that satisfy this 2D traceback condition. Most of these are expected to be contaminants, e.g., caused by Galactic streaming motions of stars at different distances. We thus examine six further tests to help identify real runaways, namely: (1) possessing young stellar object (YSO) colors and magnitudes based on Gaia optical photometry; (2) having IR excess consistent with YSOs based on 2MASS and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer photometry; (3) having a high degree of optical variability; (4) having closest approach distances well-constrained to within the cluster half-mass radius; (5) having ejection directions that avoid the main Galactic streaming contamination zone; and (6) having a required radial velocity (RV) for 3D overlap of reasonable magnitude (or, for the 7% of candidates with measured RVs, satisfying 3D traceback). Thirteen sources, not previously noted as Orion members, pass all these tests, while another twelve are similarly promising, except they are in the main Galactic streaming contamination zone. Among these 25 ejection candidates, ten with measured RVs pass the most restrictive 3D traceback condition. We present full lists of runaway/walkaway candidates, estimate the high-velocity population ejected from the ONC, and discuss its implications for cluster formation theories via comparison with numerical simulations.
Magnetic Reconnection during the Post-impulsive Phase of a Long-duration Solar Flare: Bidirectional Outflows as a Cause of Microwave and X-Ray Bursts
Authors: Yu 余思 Sijie 捷 , Chen 陈 Bin 彬 , Reeves Katharine K. , Gary Dale E. , Musset Sophie , Fleishman Gregory D. , Nita Gelu M. , Glesener Lindsay
Published: August 2020

Magnetic reconnection plays a crucial role in powering solar flares, production of energetic particles, and plasma heating. However, where the magnetic reconnections occur, how and where the released magnetic energy is transported, and how it is converted to other forms remain unclear. Here we report recurring bidirectional plasma outflows located within a large-scale plasma sheet observed in extreme-ultraviolet emission and scattered white light during the post-impulsive gradual phase of the X8.2 solar flare on 2017 September 10. Each of the bidirectional outflows originates in the plasma sheet from a discrete site, identified as a magnetic reconnection site. These reconnection sites reside at very low altitudes (<180 Mm, or 0.26 R
⊙) above the top of the flare arcade, a distance only <3% of the total length of a plasma sheet that extends to at least 10 R
⊙. Each arrival of sunward outflows at the loop-top region appears to coincide with an impulsive microwave and X-ray burst dominated by a hot source (10–20 MK) at the loop top and a nonthermal microwave burst located in the loop-leg region. We propose that the reconnection outflows transport the magnetic energy released at localized magnetic reconnection sites outward in the form of kinetic energy flux and/or electromagnetic Poynting flux. The sunward-directed energy flux induces particle acceleration and plasma heating in the post-flare arcades, observed as the hot and nonthermal flare emissions.
Nonlinear Mechanisms that Regulate the Solar Cycle Amplitude
Authors: Jiang Jie
Published: August 2020

The solar magnetic activity cycle has an amplitude that varies within a wide but limited range of values. This implies that there are nonlinear mechanisms that prevent runaway solutions. The purpose of this paper is to propose observable nonlinear mechanisms in the framework of the Babcock–Leighton-type dynamo. Sunspot emergences show systematic properties that strong cycles tend to have higher mean latitudes and lower tilt angle coefficients. We use the surface flux transport model to investigate the effect of these systematic properties on the expected final total dipolar moment, i.e., cancellation plus generation of dipole moment by a whole solar cycle. We demonstrate that the systematic change in latitude has similar nonlinear feedback on the solar cycle (latitudinal quenching) as tilt does (tilt quenching). Both forms of quenching lead to the expected final total dipolar moment being enhanced for weak cycles and saturated to a nearly constant value for normal and strong cycles. This explains observed long-term solar cycle variability, e.g., the Gnevyshev–Ohl rule, which, in turn, justifies the nonlinear mechanisms inherent in the Babcock–Leighton-type dynamo.
Limits to Rest-frame Ultraviolet Emission from Far-infrared-luminous z ≃ 6 Quasar Hosts
Authors: Marshall M. A. , Mechtley M. , Windhorst R. A. , Cohen S. H. , Jansen R. A. , Jiang L. , Jones V. R. , Wyithe J. S. B. , Fan X. , Hathi N. P. , Jahnke K. , Keel W. C. , Koekemoer A. M. , Marian V. , Ren K. , Robinson J. , Röttgering H. J. A. , Ryan R. E. , Scannapieco E. , Schneider D. P. , Schneider G. , Smith B. M. , Yan H.
Published: August 2020

We report on a Hubble Space Telescope search for rest-frame ultraviolet emission from the host galaxies of five far-infrared-luminous z ≃ 6 quasars and the z = 5.85 hot-dust-free quasar SDSS J0005–0006. We perform 2D surface brightness modeling for each quasar using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo estimator, to simultaneously fit and subtract the quasar point source in order to constrain the underlying host galaxy emission. We measure upper limits for the quasar host galaxies of m

J
 > 22.7 mag and m

H
 > 22.4 mag, corresponding to stellar masses of M
* < 2 × 1011
M
⊙. These stellar mass limits are consistent with the local M
BH − M
* relation. Our flux limits are consistent with those predicted for the UV stellar populations of z ≃ 6 host galaxies, but likely in the presence of significant dust (

mag). We also detect a total of up to nine potential z ≃ 6 quasar companion galaxies surrounding five of the six quasars, separated from the quasars by 1.″4–3.″2, or 8.4–19.4 kpc, which may be interacting with the quasar hosts. These nearby companion galaxies have UV absolute magnitudes of −22.1 to −19.9 mag and UV spectral slopes β of −2.0 to −0.2, consistent with luminous star-forming galaxies at z ≃ 6. These results suggest that the quasars are in dense environments typical of luminous z ≃ 6 galaxies. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that some of these companions are foreground interlopers. Infrared observations with the James Webb Space Telescope will be needed to detect the z ≃ 6 quasar host galaxies and better constrain their stellar mass and dust content.
Distortion of Magnetic Fields in the Dense Core SL 42 (CrA-E) in the Corona Australis Molecular Cloud Complex
Authors: Kandori Ryo , Tamura Motohide , Saito Masao , Tomisaka Kohji , Matsumoto Tomoaki , Tazaki Ryo , Nagata Tetsuya , Kusakabe Nobuhiko , Nakajima Yasushi , Kwon Jungmi , Nagayama Takahiro , Tatematsu Ken’ichi
Published: August 2020

The detailed magnetic field structure of the dense core SL 42 (CrA-E) in the Corona Australis molecular cloud complex was investigated based on near-infrared polarimetric observations of background stars to measure dichroically polarized light produced by magnetically aligned dust grains. The magnetic fields in and around SL 42 were mapped using 206 stars, and curved magnetic fields were identified. On the basis of simple hourglass (parabolic) magnetic field modeling, the magnetic axis of the core on the plane of the sky was estimated to be 40° ± 3°. The plane-of-sky magnetic field strength of SL 42 was found to be 22.4 ± 13.9 μG. Taking into account the effects of thermal/turbulent pressure and the plane-of-sky magnetic field component, the critical mass of SL 42 was obtained to be M
cr = 21.2 ± 6.6 M
⊙, which is close to the observed core mass of M
core ≈ 20 M
⊙. We thus conclude that SL 42 is in a condition close to the critical state if the magnetic fields lie near the plane of the sky. Because there is a very low-luminosity object toward the center of SL 42, it is unlikely that this core is in a highly subcritical condition (i.e., the magnetic inclination angle is significantly deviated from the plane of the sky). The core probably started to collapse from a nearly kinematically critical state. In addition to the hourglass magnetic field modeling, the Inoue & Fukui mechanism may explain the origin of the curved magnetic fields in the SL 42 region.
Discovery of State Transition Behaviors in PSR J1124–5916
Authors: Ge M. Y. , Yuan J. P. , Lu F. J. , Tong H. , Zhou S. Q. , Yan L. L. , Wang L. J. , Tuo Y. L. , Li X. F. , Song L. M.
Published: August 2020

With the 12 year long observations by Fermi-LAT, we discover two pairs of spin-down state transitions of PSR J1124–5916, making it the second young pulsar detected to have such behaviors. PSR J1124–5916 shows mainly two states according to its spin-down rate evolution, the normal spin-down state and the low spin-down state. In about 80% of the observation time, the pulsar is in the normal spin-down state, in which the spin-down rate decreases linearly and gives a braking index of 1.98 ± 0.04. The two transitions to the low spin-down state are in MJD 55183–55803 and MJD 56114–56398, respectively, with fractional amplitudes both ∼0.4%. No significant difference between the γ-ray profiles of the two spin-down states is detected, which is similar to PSR B0540–69, the other young pulsar with state transition detected.
Strategies to Increase Pneumococcal Vaccination in Veterans: An Integrative Review
Authors: Zekan Mary , McIltrot Kimberly , Cotter Valerie
Published: August 2020

The current integrative review aimed to explore the extent to which pneumococcal pneumonia impacts the Veteran population and strategies to increase pneumococcal vaccination in this population. The search strategy began with three electronic databases (CINAHL, PubMed, and Embase). After analysis of 50 studies, considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine studies were selected for final analysis. Three primary themes emerged from the literature: (a) decreased 1-year morbidity and mortality in Veterans with comorbid conditions who received pneumococcal vaccination, (b) significant barriers in outpatient vaccination processes, and (c) the spectrum of pneumococcal disease in Veterans. In general, themes from this review could be useful for stimulating quality improvement initiatives to increase pneumococcal vaccination in Veterans. However, little is known about barriers to Veterans receiving outpatient pneumococcal vaccination. Future research should be directed toward staff education of consensus guidelines. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46
(11), 13–16.]
Development of a single nucleotide polymorphism-based DNA marker for fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) biotyping: a case study from the fall armyworm outbreak in Sri Lanka
Authors: Nanayakkara Dhanesha , Jayatilake Dimanthi , Kodithuwakku Suranga
Published: August 2020

Crop damage caused by fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugipera J.E. Smith (1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has generated concern among agriculturists globally. In 2019, FAW was first reported in Sri Lanka, where it caused significant losses to corn crops. However, given that the two FAW biotypes – “rice strain” (R-FAW) and “corn strain” (C-FAW) – are morphologically identical, the biotype(s) present in Sri Lanka were unknown. The current study used the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (mt-CO1) of FAW to biotype nine FAW samples collected in Sri Lanka. The resulting molecular phylogeny revealed that both R-FAW and C-FAW biotypes were present among the samples. In addition, we used the temperature-switch polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to develop a gel-based molecular marker. Two fragments were successfully amplified by the newly developed marker ABUOP0002, with fragment sizes of 341 bp from R-FAW and 204 bp from C-FAW. This demonstrates that ABUOP0002 can serve as a diagnostic gel-based molecular marker to identify the R-FAW and C-FAW biotypes from samples already identified to species level as S. frugiperda through taxonomical keys and provides a possible alternative to more expensive sequencing-based assays.
Glyphozines and treatment of cardiac disease
Authors: Ferrara Francesco , Granata Giovanni , Pelliccia Chiara , La Porta Raffaele , Vitiello Antonio
Published: August 2020

Glyphozines also called SGLT2 inhibitors, are a new class of agents that inhibit reabsorption of glucose in the kidney, in proximal tubules, and therefore lower blood sugar. They act by inhibiting sodiumglucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2). Glyphozines are used in the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus. In studies with canagliflozin, a member of this class, the medication was found to enhance blood sugar control as well as reduce body weight and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In addition to regulate blood glucose, recent studies have shown that glyphozines have important positive cardiovascular benefits, such as weight loss, decreased volaemia and PA, reduced triglycerides, natriuresis and improved endothelial wall dysfunction. Clinical studies have shown reduction in deaths from cardiovascular events among diabetic patients treated with glyphozines. At the moment these drugs are being studied for an extension of the therapeutic indication also for cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure. In this review, we discuss the class of SGLT2 inhibitors in the treatment of diabetes, and studies focused on their possible role in the treatment of cardiac disease.
Health Information Use by Resident Doctors in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Ehioghae Maria , Madukoma Ezinwanyi
Published: August 2020

The study interrogates health information use by resident doctors in Lagos State University Teaching hospital (LASUTH), Lagos State. Health information has been variously described as the “foundation” for better health, as the “glue” holding the health systems together and as the “oil” keeping the health systems running. It is important for making the right clinical decisions and enhancing professionalism. A survey research design was adopted by the study and the enumeration technique was used to cover all 115 resident doctors that constituted the population. Out of the 115 questionnaire copies administered, 94 copies were returned for data analysis, making the response rate to be 81.7%. The data collected were analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. Findings revealed that the majority of resident doctors in LASUTH have access and use, to a large extent, health information for clinical decision-making. It is, however, recommended that to improve on health information sharing, workshops and seminars on health information should be regularly conducted for resident doctors in LASUTH. This, expectedly, will expose them to new health information trends that will enhance their clinical experience.

Keywords: Health Information, Information Use, Resident Doctors, Clinical Decision-making
Assessment of ICT Skills of LIS Educators for the Adoption of Blended Learning in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ahaiuzu Blessing E. , Nyemezu Chidaka O. , Nsirim Onyema
Published: August 2020

The study assessed ICT skills of Library and Information Science (LIS) educators for the adoption of Blended Learning in Rivers State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, with a population of 45; census sampling technique was adopted to sample all the 45 library educators in four library schools in Rivers. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data for the study. 42 copies of the instrument were returned and found valid for analysis. The data collected were analyzed using mean scores and simple percentages. The findings revealed that despite the fact that LIS educators could use basic computer interfaces, mobile and new media technologies for blended learning, they were not adopting blended learning. The challenges were attributed to lack of facilities, lack of skills and lack of policy. It was therefore, recommended among other things that Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria should formulate a policy that will motivate and guide the use of blended learning in LIS education and LIS educators should acquire skills to exploit blended learning.

Keywords: ICT Skills, LIS Educators, Blended Learning, Rivers State
Connaissances traditionnelles des plantes locales utilisées contre les bio-agresseurs des cultures et produits agricoles chez le peuple Turka au Burkina Faso
Authors: Sourabie Soumaïla , Zerbo Patrice , Yonli Djibril , Boussim Joseph I.
Published: August 2020

La présente étude a pour objectif de faire l’état des connaissances traditionnelles endogènes relatives aux plantes locales utilisées contre les bio-agresseurs des cultures et des produits agricoles. A travers une série d’enquêtes ethnobotaniques réalisée de 2018 à 2019 dans la région des Cascades au Burkina Faso, 150 personnes appartenant à l’ethnie Turka ont été interviewées. Les informations recherchées en utilisant des entretiens semi-directifs, ont concerné les noms locaux des plantes, les parties utilisées, les domaines d’utilisation et leurs modes d'utilisation. Les données collectées ont permis de recenser 33 espèces de plantes réparties en 30 genres et 19 familles utilisées traditionnellement contre les bio-agresseurs agricoles. Ces plantes interviennent sélectivement dans trois domaines : la répulsion des insectes, l’inhibition des herbes envahissantes et la construction des greniers. Les espèces sont utilisées soit directement ou transformées en poudre ou en cendre. Les feuilles sont plus utilisées que les autres organes. Cassia nigricans est l’espèce la plus utilisée pour son effet répulsif et Parkia biglobosa pour son effet inhibiteur. Des études approfondies sur les propriétés chimiques des potentielles espèces permettront de réduire l’impact des produits chimiques en agriculture contre les bio-agresseurs.Mots clés : Ethnobotanique, diversité végétale, ennemi agricole, secteur sud-soudanien, Afrique de l’ouest

English Title:Traditional knowledge of local plants used against pests of crops and agricultural products among the Turka poeple in Burkina Faso

The objective of this study is to provide an overview of endogenous traditional knowledge relating to local plants used against pests of crops and agricultural products. Through an ethnobotanical’s surveys carried out from 2018 to 2019 in the Cascades area in Burkina, 150 Turka ethnic group people were interviewed. Through semi-structured interviews, information looking for were concerned plants local names, their parts used, the domains and the modes of use. Data collected allowed to identify 33 plants’ species belonged to 30 genera and 19 families, used traditionally against agricultural pests. These plants are selectively involved in three domains: repelling insects, inhibiting invasive weeds and building lofts. Species are used either directly or processed into powder or ash. The leaves are used more than other organs. Cassia nigricans is the most used species for its repellent effect and Parkia biglobosa for its inhibitory effect. In-depth studies on the chemical properties of potential species will reduce the impact of chemicals in agricultural against pests.Keywords: Ethnobotany, plant diversity, agricultural pest, South Sudanese sector, West Africa
Effet des coûts de transaction sur la performance économique et l’adoption du coton biologique au Centre et Nord du Bénin
Authors: Agalati Barnabé , Degla Pamphile
Published: August 2020

Face au défi de la dégradation de l’environnement et des problèmes sanitaires liés à la production du coton conventionnel au Bénin, la production du coton biologique initiée depuis quelques décennies peine à se développer. Cet article s’intéresse à l’analyse de l’effet des coûts de transaction (CT) sur la performance économique et l’adoption du coton biologique au Centre et au Nord du Bénin. Basée sur un échantillon aléatoire de 408 producteurs dont 168 adoptants du coton biologique, l’étude a utilisé l’approche d’estimation des CT, la régression logistique et le test t de Student pour l’analyse des données. Les résultats montrent que les CT, plus élevés dans le système du coton biologique réduisent considérablement la performance économique de ce système et affectent négativement la probabilité de son adoption. Outre cet effet, il ressort également l’influence négative d’autres facteurs tels que le sexe, le niveau de rendement, la distance domicile-exploitation, le nombre d’années d’expérience dans la production cotonnière et le mode de faire valoir direct sur l’adoption du coton biologique. La formation technique dans la production du coton biologique et la situation géographique exercent par contre une influence positive sur l’adoption du coton biologique.Mots clés : Déterminants, système de production, économie néo-institutionnelle, agriculture biologique

English Title: Effect of transaction costs on the economic performance and the adoption of organic cotton in central and northern Benin

Regarding the environmental degradation challenge and health problems due to the production of conventional cotton in Benin, organic cotton production initiated several decades ago is struggling to develop. This paper focuses on analyzing the effect of transaction costs on the economic performance and the adoption of organic cotton in central and northern Benin. The study is based on a random sample of 408 producers, including 168 adopters of organic cotton. The transaction costs estimation approach, the logistic regression and the Student's t-test were used for data analysis. The results show that the high transaction costs in the organic cotton system significantly reduce the economic performance of this system and negatively affect the probability of adoption of organic cotton. In addition, there is the negative influence of other factors such as gender, the level of yield, the distance from home to farm, the years of experience in cotton production as well as the direct tenure mode in the adoption of organic cotton. On the other side, technical training in the production of organic cotton and the geographic location have a positive influence on the adoption of organic cotton.Keywords: Determinants, production system, new institutional economics, organic production.
Assessment of the viability of climate adaptation strategies of cassava-based farmers in southern Nigeria
Authors: Henri-Ukoha A.
Published: August 2020

The study examined the viability of climate adaptation strategies of cassava-based farmers in Southern Nigeria. A total of 300 cassava-based farmers were randomly selected. Primary data were obtained through administration of questionnaire, interview schedule and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics which involved the use of percentages, mean and frequency distributions as well as OLS multiple regression model. The specific objectives include: to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, identify the climate change adaptation practices employed, ascertain the viability of the climate change adaptation practices and to determine the factors influencing the use of climate change adaptation strategies by the cassava-based farmers in the study area. Results show that majority of the cassava-based farmers were females, married, had a mean age of 46 years, 19 years farming experience, household size of 8 persons, and mean farm size of 1.23 hectares. Results further showed that the cassava farmers adopted various of adaptation strategies such as mixed cropping 24.3%, crop rotation 16.3%, change in planting date 36.6%, use of improved varieties 63.2%, minimum tillage 37%, early and late planting 35.3% and 13.5% respectively. These practices facilitated the adaptation to climate change by the farmers. However, farming experience, farm size, education, access to extension  services, credits and farm income influenced the viability of the climatic adaptation strategies of the cassava-based farmers in the area. Farmers are advised to take good advantage of seminars, workshops, symposiums, and conferences on climate change and its implications on agricultural production.

Keywords: Assessment; Viability; Adaptation, Climate Change, Strategies, Cassava-based Farmers
Effects of different synthetic hormone preparations on fertilization and hatching in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)
Authors: Uka A. , Asangusung P.S. , Okoro G.G.
Published: August 2020

The effect of different synthetic hormonal preparations on fertilization and hatching in Clarias gariepinus was investigated. The fish were injected with three different synthetic hormones namely: ovaprim, ovulin, and carp pituitary extracts (CPE) designated as treatments A, B, and C respectively. These were all replicated three times in a complete randomized design. The eggs were monitored until fertilization and hatching were completed. The results of the experiment were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). From the results, treatment B had the highest percentage fertilization (79.4%) and hatchability (80.0%), which were significantly different (p>0.05) from both treatments A and C. Treatment C had the least values of 67.7% and 62.30%. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) amongst the water parameters of the culture units examined during the experimental period. The results of this study showed that all the three hormones yielded good performance but ovulin was the best preferred.

Keywords: Ovaprim, ovulin, fertilization, hatching, C. gariepinus.
Microflora of smoked Trachurus trachurus and Scomber scombrus samples in Orlu South East, Nigeria and its implication on public health
Authors: Agbabiaka L.A. , Agu C.O.
Published: August 2020

The study was carried out to assess the microbiological quality of smoked Trachurus trachurus and Scomber scumbrus in four markets in Orlu Local Government Area, South East, Nigeria. Forty freshly smoked samples of Trachurus trachurus and Scomber scumbrus were procured from Eke Eziachi, Orlu Main, Aforaja Umuowa and Afor Ogidi Ihioma markets and analyzed using standard techniques. Results revealed that Orlu main market had the highest level of microbial contamination (mean bacteria and fungi count of 5 x 102 and 10 x 102cfu/g respectively). The highest total viable count (7 x102 cfu/g) of Scomber scumbrus was obtained in Aforaja Umuowa market while the least value of 2 x102 cfu/g was observed in Afor Ogidi Ihioma market. Also, similar value was recorded in Trachurus trachurus at Aforaja Umuowa market. Results from the study indicated that pathogens present in fish samples included bacteria (Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp and Staphylococcus aureus) and fungi (Gliocladium spp., Candida spp., Rhizopus spp., Alternaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Clasdosprium spp., Fonsecaca spp., Chrysoporius spp., mucour spp. and Botrytis spp). The study also showed that freshly smoked Trachurus trachurus and Scomber scumbrus samples sold in the four markets under assessment were contaminated with pathogenic organisms. This may however present some public health implications.

Keywords: Microbial activity, Smoked fish, Orlu, Fish quality; Hygiene
Assessment of the levels of demand and consumer preferences for differently processed fish in Abakaliki Metropolis
Authors: Nwabunike M.O. , Okuwe V. , Igwe G.V.C.
Published: August 2020

The study assessed the relationship between demand and consumer preferences for differently processed (dried and iced) fish products in Abakaliki metropolis. Purposive random sampling technique was used to select the respondents (60 consumers and 20 marketers) who through questionnaire and interview schedule supplied the data used for the study. The data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics in the forms of frequency and percentages. Economic benefit was assessed using gross margin analysis. The results obtained showed that most of the consumers (56.67%) and marketers (65%) of fish products were married females who were within the age range of 35 and 38 years. Mean household size was 7 and 6 persons for consumers and marketers respectively while mean annual income was N105,080 and N183,000 respectively. Results of economic analysis showed that marketers who sold mangala (Bangi mangala) fish in dried form made a gross margin of N1,649,580 while those who sold in iced form made a gross margin of N505,830. In conclusion, selling fish in dried form was more profitable given a net return of N3.631 to every N1 invested as against N1.810 gotten for iced fish marketing. The recommendation was that mangala fish should be processed and sold in dried form to enhance profitability.

Keywords: Assessment, fish, demand, preference, Abakaliki metropolis