bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estudio comparativo del porcentaje de osteointegración entre implantes convencionales con distintas superficies e implantes experimentales
Authors: Alobera Gracia M.A. , Clemente de Arriba C. , Sobrino del Riego J.A. , Ferrandiz Bernal J. , Alonso Rodríguez C.
Published: August 2020

Se realizó un estudio histomorfométrico comparativo del porcentaje de osteointegración (B.I.C.: bone implant contact) entre implantes dentales comerciales, con distintas superficies (titanio liso, plasma spray de titanio, hidroxiapatita y SBM), e implantes experimentales (aleación MA-956 y superficie de rutilo), desarrollados en el Centro Nacional de Investigaciónes Metalúrgicas (CSIC).

Los implantes se colocaron de forma intramedular en el extremo distal de los fémures de 36 conejos de la cepa Nueva Zelanda. Los animales fueron sacrificados a las 10 y 20 semanas.

El B.I.C., cociente entre el perímetro total del implante y el perímetro en contacto directo con el tejido óseo, se valoró para cada muestra.

El estudio estadístico se realizó mediante el análisis de la varianza multifactorial. Los resultados no mostraron diferencias significativas entre los distintos grupos estudiados, ni con respecto al tipo de implante utilizado (p=0,16), ni con respecto al tiempo (p=0,90).

Podemos concluir que los implantes experimentales empleados se han comportado de manera semejante, a lo largo del tiempo estudiado, a los implantes comerciales utilizados en la clínica de forma habitual.

An histomorphometric comparative study of BIC (bone implant contact) between trading dental implants with several surfaces (smooth, titanium plasma spray, hydroxiapatita and SBM) and experimental implants (MA-956 alloy and rutile surface) developed by National Center for Metallurgical Research (CSIC), was realized.

The implants were located intramedullarly in the distal femur in 36 New Zeland rabbits. The animals were sacrificed at 10 and 20 weeks.

B.I.C., quotient between total perimeter of implant and contact bone-implant zones, was assessed for each sample.

The statistical study was performed by multifactorial variance analysis. The results showed no significant differences between the studied groups, in relation to the type of implant (p=0.16) and the time (p=0.90).

The data lead us to conclude that experimental implants and conventional implants had similar behaviour patterns through the studied period.
Análisis biomecánico de la carrera tras 40km de bici en competición
Authors: Calamejías A. , Veiga Fernández S.V. , Navarro Cabello E.
Published: August 2020

En triatlón, una de las partes más duras y estratégicas del deporte es la transición del ciclismo a la carrera a pie. El principal problema de los estudios analizados es que han sido llevados a cabo en laboratorios, donde la poca especificidad de los tests utilizados representan un handicap. Tanto las variables fisiológicas (lactato y frecuencia cardiaca) como la velocidad muestran diferencias considerables entre los valores obtenidos en estudios de laboratorio y los obtenidos en competición. Por otro lado ya hay quien reclama la necesidad de realizar este tipo de estudios en situación real de competición, donde los triatletas se encuentran motivados plenamente y el esfuerzo es totalmente específico y máximo [1].

Por tanto, los objetivos del presente estudio fueron: a) analizar si existen diferencias en la biomecánica de carrera en comparando los valores obtenidos en competición con los de los estudios realizados en laboratorios; b) analizar si la eficiencia de carrera desciende en las primeras vueltas debido al ciclismo previo; y c) examinar las posibles diferencias que pudieran existir entre hombres y mujeres.

Los resultados muestran diferencias significativas (p<0,05) entre géneros para la mayoría de las variables estudiadas. Asimismo, existen diferencias significativas (p<0,05) para la longitud de ciclo y la velocidad de los chicos entre vueltas.

The most strategic part of a triathlon is the cycle-run transition. According to the references found in the bibliography it is important to remark that authors have used non-specific tests, because physiological (lactate and heart rate) and velocity variables have shown considerable differences between the values obtained from laboratory-based studies and those from real competition. However, there is a need to perform these kind of studies in competition, when the triathletes are highly motivated and the effort is maximum [1]

Therefore, the objectives of the present study were: A) to analyze the kinematic changes in running pattern comparing competition with laboratory-based studies; B) to analyse if the running efficiency drops at the first laps due to the previous cycling; C) to examine the possible differences between men and women.

The results show significant differences (p<0.05) between men and women in many of the variables studied. Also, significant differences (p<0.05) were found in men’s stride length and velocity between laps.
Valoración de la fuerza explosiva en esgrima
Authors: Juárez D. , López de Subijana C. , De Antonio R. , González P. , Navarro E.
Published: August 2020

La fuerza explosiva es una capacidad física muy importante en la esgrima, por lo que su valoración resulta importante para el control y planificación del entrenamiento. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue valorar la fuerza explosiva general y específica en tiradores de alto nivel. Se aplicaron dos tests genéricos de fuerza explosiva (salto vertical sin contramovimiento –SJ-, y salto vertical con contramovimiento -CMJ-), y cuatro tests específicos (Fondo desde parado -F-, Fondo desde Saltos -FS-, Flecha desde parado -FL- y Flecha desde Saltos -FLS-) a 17 tiradores masculinos pertenecientes al equipo nacional español absoluto de esgrima. Se utilizaron dos plataformas de fuerza, una para cada apoyo. A partir de los datos de las fuerzas de reacción se obtuvieron las variables determinantes de la fuerza explosiva tales como el desplazamiento vertical (detente) o la velocidad horizontal de de despegue. Se observa que la batería de tests llevada a cabo proporciona, en un corto periodo de tiempo, una información de gran relevancia para el control y la planificación del entrenamiento con el objetivo de intentar optimizar el rendimiento de los deportistas. Se han encontrado diferencias significativas entre las fuerzas verticales máximas en cada apoyo en el salto vertical lo que puede estar asociado con asimetrías de la fuerza muscular.

Explosive strength is one of the most important physical capacities in fencing. The evaluation of explosive strength is fundamental for the planning and control of the training program. The purpose of this study was to assess the general and specific explosive strength in 17 senior male fencers of the national Spanish team. They carried out general explosive strength tests: Squat Jump (SJ) and Counter Movement Jump (CMJ); and specific explosive strength tests: Lunge from static position (F), Lunge from bounces (FS), Flèche from static position (FL) and Flèche from bounces (FLS). From the information of the reaction forces there were obtained the determinant variables of the explosive strength, such as the vertical displacement or the takeoff horizontal speed. The results were obtained from two force platforms, one for each support. Results showed that the tests carried out provided, in a short time, relevant information to plan and control the training program in order to the improve athletes performance. Significant differences were found between the vertical maximal strength in each support in the vertical jump. These differences can be associated with asymmetries of the muscular force.
Lesiones de partes blandas por fricción
Authors: Bonjorn M. , Rosines M.D. , Sanjuan A. , Forcada P.
Published: August 2020

La lesión por fricción es una lesión de partes blandas que dentro de su rareza se encuentra más frecuentemente en el contexto de los accidentes de tráfico. Las fuerzas tangenciales se transmiten des del asfalto, ruedas de los vehículos a tejido celular subcutáneo conduciendo a un gran deslizamiento del mismo sobre la fascia muscular. El movimiento anormal provoca la rotura de vasos linfáticos y vasculares conduciendo una colección serohemática. Las situaciones más frecuentemente encontrada son aquellas las cuales contienen masas musculares grandes. Normalmente es una lesión de larga evolución e infradiagnosticada en sus estados iniciales. Se presenta como una tumoración fría, dolorosa e incapacitante con piel adyacente intacta o con petequías. Se diagnostica con exploración física y pruebas complementarias, como ecografía.

El tratamiento teniendo en cuenta diferentes ítems puede consistir en medida conservadoras o llegar a procedimientos quirúrgicos. En la literatura no se pone de manifiesto variabilidad en los resultados de diferentes procedimientos terapéuticos.

Injury by friction is an injury of soft parts that although not frequent it is not unusual in the context of the traffic accidents. The tangential forces are transmitted from the asphalt and the wheels of the vehicles to the cellular subcutaneous fabric, producing a big sliding on the muscular fascia. The abnormal movement breaks the lymphatic and vascular glasses leading to a serohematic collection. The most usual situations are that ones which contain muscular big masses. Normally it is an injury of long evolution and infradiagnosticated in its initial conditions. The skin appears as a cold, painful tumor and disabling with adjacent skin intact or with petechiae. It is diagnosed by physical exploration and with additional tests, like ultrasound scan.

The treatment, considering different items, can consist on conservative measures or even surgical procedures. In the literature variability is not revealed in the results of different therapeutic procedures.
Masa muscular, fuerza isométrica y dinámica en las extremidades inferiores de niños y adolescentes con síndrome de Down
Authors: González-Agüero A. , Villarroya M.A. , Vicente-Rodríguez G. , Casajús J.A.
Published: August 2020

En general se ha observado que las personas con síndrome de Down (SD) tienen valores inferiores de fuerza muscular comparados con personas sin SD. También existe un déficit de masa muscular en los adultos con SD comparados con otros sin SD. Sin embargo, ningún estudio hasta la fecha había evaluado esta masa muscular en población pediátrica. Nuestro estudio pretende poner de manifiesto si también a edades tempranas existe un déficit de masa muscular y además relacionar ambos valores. Los niños y adolescentes con y sin SD (15±3 y 14±3 años respectivamente) de nuestro estudio obtuvieron valores similares de masa muscular ajustada por talla y estadio puberal, pero el grupo con SD obtuvo valores inferiores de fuerza (p<0.05). Además de esto, el grupo con SD ejerció menos kilogramos de fuerza por cada kilogramo de masa muscular. Alguna causa fisiológica o de transmisión podría explicar esta falta de fuerza ya que, al menos en esta franja de edad no existe un déficit de masa muscular. Deberían incentivarse los programas de entrenamiento específicos para este tipo de población para comprobar si es posible un incremento en su fuerza muscular.

Generally it has been observed that population with Down syndrome (DS) has lower levels of muscular strength compared with others without DS. It is also known a deficit between muscular mass between adults with and without DS. However, there are no studies until the date which evaluated muscular mass in paediatric populations. Our study pretends to show whether also in earlier ages it does exist a deficit in the muscular mass and also to relate both values. Children and adolescents with and without DS (15±3 y 14±3 years respectively) from the study had similar values of muscular mass adjusted by height and puberal status, but DS group obtained lower values in all strength parameters. In addition, DS group also performed less kilograms of strength by kilogram of muscular mass. Some physiological or transmission impairment could explain this lack of strength as it known that there are not deficit in the muscular mass. Specific and adapted for this population training programs should be promoted to check whether an enhancement in their muscular strength is possible.
Estudio experimental del relleno de cavidades óseas con hidroxiapatita asociada a colágeno
Authors: Morales de Cano Juan Manuel , Romero Ruiz J. , García Ruzafa A. , Fernández Sabaté A.
Published: August 2020

La cirugía ortopédica y maxilo-facial necesita realizar en muchas ocasiones resecciones masivas de tejido óseo. Esto ha hecho que se hayan propuesta la utilización de materiales inertes como sustitutos óseos, gracias a la habilidad que tienen de permitir la regeneración del hueso, tanto en el campo de la medicina como de la odontología. Nuestro trabajo tiene por objetivo estudiar un biomaterial compuesto de hidroxiapatita asociado a colágeno como material de sustitución ósea (Collapat de OSTEO AG) en forma de esponjas, con un peso de 500 mg y de un tamaño de 35x30x6 mm. Se han intervenido 50 animales de experimentación (conejo Albino de Nueva Zelanda), divididos por 16 animales. Los animales de este grupo fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente realizándose una cavidad a nivel metafisodiafisario en el fémur y otra en la tibia, pero en ninguna de las cavidades se realizaron implantes. Los animales del grupo II o grupo estudio estaban comprendidos por 34 animales, a los que se les realizó la misma intervención, pero se le implantó una esponja de hidroxiapatita-colágeno de las dimensiones antes descritas, en cada una de las cavidades. El estudio ha demostrado una regeneración ósea de la cavidad rellenada a expensas de la rápida reabsorbción del colágeno, y de una lenta reabsorbción de la hidroxiapatita.
Propioceptores articulares y musculares
Authors: Vega José A.
Published: August 2020

La función de los mecanorreceptores de las articulaciones y músculos se considera asociada a

la propiocepción. Sin embargo, existen evidencias de que la propiocepción no sólo depende del

morfotipo de mecanorreceptor presente en dichos tejidos sino también de las propiedades de las

neuronas sensitivas primarias y las fibras sensitivas asociadas a ellos, así como de su proyección

sobre el asta posterior de la médula espinal. Este artículo resume las bases morfológicas de la

propiocepción a nivel del sistema nervioso periférico, analizando: a) las neuronas sensitivas

primarias propioceptivas; b) los tipos de fibras nerviosas sensitivas que llegan a los propioceptores;

c) la inervación sensitiva de articulaciones y músculos; d) los morfotipos de mecanorreceptores

asociados a la propiocepción; e) los datos recientes obtenidos a partir de animales deficientes en

factores clave para el desarrollo del sistema propioceptor.
Efecto del contenido del agente de refuerzo en materiales cerámicos compuestos de hidroxiapatitacircona
Authors: Delgado García-Menocal José Angel , Martínez Salvador , Morejón Lizette , Ginebra Molins Maria Pau , Fernández Aguado Enrique , Planell Estany Josep Anton , Clavaguera-Mora M. T.
Published: August 2020

En este trabajo se estudia el efecto del contenido partículas de circona parcialmente estabilizadas

con magnesia (Mg-PSZ) en el comportamiento mecánico de cerámicas de hidroxiapatita (HA) reforzadas

con circona. Se emplearon cantidades de 10, 20 y 30% (en peso) de circona. Los materiales

fueron obtenidos mediante prensado uniaxial y sinterización en oxígeno húmedo a una temperatura

de 1250°C por 4 horas. La caracterización mediante difracción de rayos X y espectroscopía infrarroja

reveló que la hidroxiapatita fue la única fase fosfato cálcica. Los mejores valores de densidad relativa

y de resistencia mecánica (tenacidad a la fractura y resistencia a la flexión en tres puntos) se

alcanzaron para un contenido de 20% en peso de Mg-PSZ. El estudio fractográfico permitió afirmar

que un 10% de circona resulta insuficiente para mejorar significativamente la resistencia mecánica

del material compuesto mientras que un 30% inhibe la correcta sinterización de la matriz de

hidroxiapatita.
Caracterización de recubrimientos de hidroxiapatita depositadas sobre la aleación Ti6Al7Nb a través de aspersión térmica a plasma
Authors: Carvalho Zavaglia Cecília Amelia , Silva R. F. , Santos S. A , Pelliciari de Lima Carmo Roberto
Published: August 2020

Hydroxyapatite (HA) coated onto titanium alloys by atmospheric plasma-arc spraying is a promising

technique for improving biocompatibility of materials. The tissue adherence to the HA coating

increases when compared to the provided by the natural environment of the human body.

Hidroxyapatite coating applied to a Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy substrate by plasma spray was characterized

morphologically via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray diffraction. X-Ray diffraction

results of the HA layer indicated the presence of crystalline HA, amorphous phase and another

constituents, like tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and calcium oxide. However, after annealing at a

temperature of 600oC there was recristalisation of the amorphous phase and transformation of some

of the TCP to HA. SEM results revealed a lamellar morphology which is typical of plasma sprayed

surfaces. The HA/alloy interface exhibited some irregularities, however these are not present in the

majority of the interfacial area.
Pretensado y comportamiento mecánico del pericardio de ternera utilizado en la construcción de bioprótesis cardíacas
Authors: Carrera A. , García Pérez J.M. , Jorge Herrero E. , García Sestafé José Vicente , Millán I.J , Cordón A. , Martín Maestro M. , Calero P. , Téllez G. , Castillo Olivares J.L.
Published: August 2020

Este trabajo analiza las propiedades mecánicas de un tejido biológico, pericardio de bovino

empleado como biomaterial en la fabricación de bioprótesis cardíacas. Para ello se sometió

pericardio de ternera a un estrés de tracción, uniaxial, en escalones de carga, con retirada de dicha

carga tras cada escalón. Los escalones de carga fueron de aproximadamente 2,3 y 8 MPa sucesivamente,

continuándose finalmente el ensayo hasta la rotura. Se ensayaron 32 muestras, 16 tratadas

con glutaraldehído como grupo de control y 16 tratadas con cloroformo/metanol. La resistencia

media a rotura estuvo entre 19.14 MPa y 32.60 MPa sin encontrar diferencias estadísticamente

significativas en la comparación de las series ensayadas. Se estudio también el estrés remanente

tras cada escalón de carga, siendo este constante en su valor para cada ensayo. Para un valor

medio de estrés inicial de 2.14 MPa, el estrés remanente medio fue de 0.36 MPa (16.82 % del estrés

inicial) muy similar al estrés máximo de trabajo descrito para un velo valvular. La aplicación de un

estrés progresivo produce una disminución de la deformación con pérdida de la elasticidad ,pero

un comportamiento mas homogéneo del pericardio. Este hallazgo no se afectó, por la región de

pericardio de donde se obtuvo la muestra o por tratamiento químico recibido. Estos ensayos permiten,

mediante una recta de regresión Xi=f(Ymax.),conocer la deformación (Xi) que puede sufrir el

pericardio de ternera, tras un estrés de pretensado previo (Ymax.), cuando posteriormente se le

somete a un estrés.
Some ideas about electrochemical characterization of dental alloys
Authors: Peláez Ernesto , Dieter Muller Wolf , Valdés Maura
Published: August 2020

Extensions and modifications of standard electrochemical techniques, accounting for unique

conditions related to biological considerations, have proved useful in attacking some problems

related to biocompatibility of the Biomaterial. Some authors have demonstrated that modern

electrochemical techniques can be used to clarify some difficult problems in the field of biomaterials.

Precious alloys can not be apply for all cases especially such as long range bridges or prostheses.

For this reason, Ni-Cr as well as Co-Cr casting alloys have been used for dental application as

alternatives to precious alloys. The biocompatibility of Ni-Cr alloys have been questioned because

of their corrosive, allergenic, and even mutagenic potentials.

The nature of passive films on metals and alloys is the ultimate factor which controls their

corrosion behavior. There is little reliable information on the effects of the physical and chemical

factors involved in the tissue response to an implant and the associated ionic release on the cellmaterial

interaction.

Depending of the casting process during the production of a dental prosthesis, these alloys may

show different phases, ones may be more stable than other. For this reason, the development of a

quick and simple method for determining the corrosion behavior as a control test in the production

Biomecánica, 9 (1), 2001, pp. 66-70

67

of a dental prosthesis is of great interest.

The purpose of this work was to show some results on the corrosion behavior of two different

commercial alloys: Wiron 99 ( Ni-Cr alloy) and Aurolloyd kf (Au alloy). These results were obtained

by several electrochemical methods: Open Circuit Potential vs time and Liner Sweep Voltammetry

for Wiron 99, and Open Circuit Potential vs time and Cyclic Voltammetry for Aurolloyd kf. In the

case of the Ni-Cr alloys, it is concluded that with the combination of both methods, it is possible to

know how the corrosion behavior of casting individual dental Ni-Cr alloy prosthesis is, and in the

case of Au alloy, it is concluded that the differences in electrochemical behavior strongly depend of

surface oxides formed. These results showed that one of the studied combination, Eoc-Rp or Eoc-CV

characterization, could be selected as control test after casting of individual prosthesis.
A comparative study between PI and cascaded sliding regulator based on rotor flux oriented control for photovoltaic pumping system and fuzzy MPPT optimization
Authors: Zerimeche Ines , Haouam Abdeslam , Mehazzem Fateh , Nabti Khalil , Chenni Rachid
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a comparative study between the PI and the cascaded sliding regulator is made, based on rotor flux oriented control for the photovoltaic pumping system. In order for the motor-pump to be always optimized and operate at the maximum power for each change of illumination or temperature, it is necessary to integrate the MPPT tracking system, we used the fuzzy MPPT technique. The three-phase converter is controlled by the technique of vector width modulation (SVPWM), characterized by low response time and oscillation. Simulations of the proposed structures are validated under Matlab/Simulink. The obtained results show the superiority of cascaded sliding mode control combined with fuzzy MPPT technique, they confirm the effectiveness of this control structure in terms of parametric robustness and ensure proper operation over the entire speed range.
Ligne, sensation et métaphore dans la peinture persane du XVe siècle
Authors: Balafrej Lamia
Published: August 2020

This article explores the tension between sensation and representation in Persian painting, and the role of the line in expressing and embodying the metaphorical possibilities of the medium. Persian painting from the fifteenth century has most often been approached as illustrative, a grid of figures and motifs representing fixed meanings. This paper argues that Persian painting’s system of representation, although seemingly articulated into differentiated signs, cannot be reduced to a pre-given text. Using primary sources that illuminate the terms in which Persian painting and drawing could be described by their historical audiences, I reveal that contemporary viewers were also attentive to the sensory work of the artist, especially visible in the line’s materiality. Examining the lyrical verve of each motif’s contour, the period eye uncovered the artists’ sensation, as well as a series of images linking the line to the artist’s bodily movements, the face of the beloved, and the pursuit of mystical desire.
Writing and the Exhibition: The Structures of Museum Revolutions
Authors: Chaumier Serge , Chare Nicholas
Published: August 2020

La muséologie a connu des stades dans son développement qui correspondent à de véritables paradigmes. La muséologie participative, fort en vogue actuellement, n’est pas sans fondements, elle succède à des approches plus classiques qui ont néanmoins favorisé les conditions de son apparition. Les publics n’y ont pas les mêmes rôles et les mêmes implications. La muséologie d’objets, d’idées, de point de vue, la muséologie participative, toutes ces formes déterminent des conditions d’accès différentes. Dès lors, chaque muséologie crée des cibles de publics. Toutefois, si de nouvelles façons et de nouvelles raisons de faire des expositions apparaissent, pour autant les approches plus anciennes ne disparaissent pas. Chacune d’entre elles dessine des sensibilisations différentes, visant des publics plus ou moins élargis et permettant ou non de véritables conditions d’appropriation. Les médiations qui y sont déployées diffèrent. Nous nous intéresserons à ces stades de la muséographie et à ce qu’ils impliquent comme conséquences pour les publics.
Single molecule poly(A) tail-seq shows LARP4 opposes deadenylation throughout mRNA lifespan with most impact on short tails
Authors: Mattijssen Sandy , Iben James R , Li Tianwei , Coon Steven L , Maraia Richard J
Published: August 2020

La-related protein 4 (LARP4) directly binds both poly(A) and poly(A)-binding protein (PABP). LARP4 was shown to promote poly(A) tail (PAT) lengthening and stabilization of individual mRNAs presumably by protection from deadenylation (Mattijssen et al., 2017). We developed a nucleotide resolution transcriptome-wide, single molecule SM-PAT-seq method. This revealed LARP4 effects on a wide range of PAT lengths for human mRNAs and mouse mRNAs from LARP4 knockout (KO) and control cells. LARP4 effects are clear on long PAT mRNAs but become more prominent at 30–75 nucleotides. We also analyzed time courses of PAT decay transcriptome-wide and for ~200 immune response mRNAs. This demonstrated accelerated deadenylation in KO cells on PATs < 75 nucleotides and phasing consistent with greater PABP dissociation in the absence of LARP4. Thus, LARP4 shapes PAT profiles throughout mRNA lifespan with impact on mRNA decay at short lengths known to sensitize PABP dissociation in response to deadenylation machinery.
The Representation of Female Psychic Individuality in K. S. Maniam’s “Mala”
Authors: Dughayyim Aldhafeeri Hilalah
Published: August 2020

This paper examines the feminist insights of the female individuality K. S. Maniam’s “Mala.” Female individuals, in psychoanalysis visions of delirium, have to cope with their needs and aspirations as their males counterparts. Women have to prove their ability stand and ask for their equality even in patriarchal dominated societies. They are a position that renders their human potential to do their affairs independently in the light of humanistic premises. Moreover, females could improve their status by asserting their given human ability to obtain equality and right position in whatever community. Yet, women may face obstacles and hindrances which might belittle their ability to assert their rights and potential thoughts. In this regard, females could be fruitful and active in society. The male conceptualization of females, on the other hand would lead women to be different and progress towards goodness. Therefore, it will apply Carl Yung’s concept of projection mechanism to explore the feminist psychic individuality in Maniam’s “Mala.” Thus, the study’s implication lies in its interpretation of feminist psychic individuality and how it this individuality controls the behavioral reaction of women.
Thomas Hardy: A Torchbearer of Feminism Representing Sufferings of Victorian Era Women
Authors: Saeed Nadia , Shaikh Muhammad Ali , John Stephen , Haider Kamal
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this paper was to highlight the miserable plight of women during the Victorian era, the age of social reforms, political improvements, collective welfare, and material prosperity. During this age, Queen Victoria worked on various issues that had remained the cause of unrest among the people. Her efforts, in this regard, were indeed commendable, but she took no interest to resolve issues of women who had been suffering terribly under patriarchy. The subject of women remained ignored for many years, then some writers started to highlight the miserable state of these passive creatures who were the constant victims of social, political and economic injustices, inequalities, deprivations, and domestic violence. Of all the feminists, Thomas Hardy stood unique as he brought to light almost all areas of life where women were suffering awfully and their voices were suppressed under the male-dominated system. Hardy took serious note of the long-ignored subject of society and provided a vivid and realistic picture of Victorian society through his extraordinarily brilliant novels. Thomas Hardy’s famous masterpiece ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles: A Pure Woman” is one of the best novels depicting women-related issues that shook the minds of the people to proceed towards this delicate matter. The contents or events described in the novel confirmed that women were the disadvantaged section of society who were deprived of their due rights and respect in society. They were objectified and preferred to a man in each sphere of life.
The Influence of Topic Management on the Speaking Ability of Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners
Authors: Shiri Sepideh , Abdilah Hassan
Published: August 2020

In English as a Foreign Language (EFL) settings where English is not the spoken language, Topic Management has been recognised as one of the factors that influence the speaking ability of learners (Du-Babcock, 1999). In Iran, many intermediate EFL learners find it very difficult to manage the speech aspect of the English language. The present study examines the influence of Topic Management on the speaking ability of Iranian intermediate EFL learners. It provides useful insights on teaching speaking skills through Topic Management to improve the speaking ability of learners. In this study, quasi-experimental design was used. 40 intermediate learners were selected and divided into two groups, the Control Group and the Experimental Group. Three tests were administered to obtain data from the participants. These were a proficiency test to check the English proficiency level of the participants, a speaking pre-test to check their speaking ability before the treatment, and a speaking post-test to check their speaking ability after the treatment. The results indicate that Topic Management has an influence on the speaking ability of Iranian EFL learners. That is, the more the student is confident in managing the topic the more he/she is able to sustain the conversation. The study concludes that Topic Management can be a facilitative approach to improving Iranian intermediate EFL learners’ speaking ability.
Classification of genomic components and prediction of genes of Begomovirus based on subsequence natural vector and support vector machine
Authors: Pei Shaojun , Dong Rui , Bao Yiming , He Rong Lucy , Yau Stephen S.-T.
Published: August 2020

Background

Begomoviruses are widely distributed and causing devastating diseases in many crops. According to the number of genomic components, a begomovirus is known as either monopartite or bipartite begomovirus. Both the monopartite and bipartite begomoviruses have the DNA-A component which encodes all essential proteins for virus functions, while the bipartite begomoviruses still contain the DNA-B component. The satellite molecules, known as betasatellites, alphasatellites or deltasatellites, sometimes exist in the begomoviruses. So, the genomic components of begomoviruses are complex and varied. Different genomic components have different gene structures and functions. Classifying the components of begomoviruses is important for studying the virus origin and pathogenic mechanism.

Methods

We propose a model combining Subsequence Natural Vector (SNV) method with Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm, to classify the genomic components of begomoviruses and predict the genes of begomoviruses. First, the genome sequence is represented as a vector numerically by the SNV method. Then SVM is applied on the datasets to build the classification model. At last, recursive feature elimination (RFE) is used to select essential features of the subsequence natural vectors based on the importance of features.

Results

In the investigation, DNA-A, DNA-B, and different satellite DNAs are selected to build the model. To evaluate our model, the homology-based method BLAST and two machine learning algorithms Random Forest and Naive Bayes method are used to compare with our model. According to the results, our classification model can classify DNA-A, DNA-B, and different satellites with high accuracy. Especially, we can distinguish whether a DNA-A component is from a monopartite or a bipartite begomovirus. Then, based on the results of classification, we can also predict the genes of different genomic components. According to the selected features, we find that the content of four nucleotides in the second and tenth segments (approximately 150-350 bp and 1,450–1,650 bp) are the most different between DNA-A components of monopartite and bipartite begomoviruses, which may be related to the pre-coat protein (AV2) and the transcriptional activator protein (AC2) genes. Our results advance the understanding of the unique structures of the genomic components of begomoviruses.
Essential Oil Compositions of Aframomum danielli Seed (Ataiko)
Authors: Emmanuel Peters Dikioye , Okerenta Blessing Minaopunye Onyegeme- , Sarah Kojo,
Published: August 2020

Background: Differentiation in oil quality and the volatile component of essential oils (EOs) is associated with climatic conditions, the geographical location of collection sites and other ecological and genetic factors defining its chemotypes.

Objective: Hence this study was aimed at characterizing volatile constituents of Aframomum danielli seed collected in Choba, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, South-South region of Nigeria.

Methods: Essential oils (EOs) were analyzed using gas chromatography–flame ionization detector (GC-FID).

Results: A total of forty-two EO (99.96%) constituents were identified, monoterpenes were 32 (99.93%) and sesquiterpenes: 10 (0.03%) No oxygenated sesquiterpenes were detected. Oxygenated monoterpene was higher consisting of 18 EO compounds; 66.94% while monoterpene hydrocarbons comprised of 14 EO compounds; 32.99%. Chemical constituents in the EO include: 1,8- cineole (50.95%), β-pinene (11.79%) –terpineol (9.15%), γ –terpinene (7.45%), Sabinene (6.03%), - pinene (3.41%), α –terpinenly acetate (3.38%), terpinene-4-of(2.44%) and α-thujene (2.11%).

Conclusion: Aframomum danielli from this geographical location could serve as a rich source of 1,8- cineole.
A Socio-demographic Comparison of Malnutrition and Malaria Prevalence among Primary School Children in Gombe State Nigeria
Authors: Danjin Mela , Adewoye Solomon O. , Sawyerr Henry O.
Published: August 2020

Background: Despite the complex nature of inter-relationship between malnutrition and malaria, there has been continued emphasis and need to further re-examine the twin issues side-by-side with a view to forging an integrated public health care strategy.   

Objective: This study aimed to make comparison and possibly add to the increasing body of evidence on the relationship between malnutrition and malaria among apparently healthy primary school children in Gombe state, Nigeria.

Methodology: Between the months of March and June 2019, a total of 745 school children aged 6 to 15 years were studied using a cross sectional design. Selection of the children was done by means of a multi-stage sampling technique, from 12 public and 6 private schools in 6 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. Levels of malnutrition among the subjects were measured using three anthropometric indices, namely; stunting (Height-for-age Z-scores, HAZ), underweight (Weight-for-age Z-scores, WAZ) and wasting (Weight-for-height Z-score, WHZ); while screening for malaria infection was done using rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits. The WHO AnthroPlus and IBM SPSS version 21 statistical software packages were used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics was employed to summarize research findings, while chi square statistics was used to compare proportions at 0.05 alpha significance level.

Results: About half (50.9%) of the subjects were boys while girls constitutes the rest 49.1%. The overall prevalence of stunting was 22.5% (19.6 - 25.6), underweight 20.9% (18.1 - 23.9), and wasting, 16.8% (13.7 - 20.4). Furthermore, malaria infection prevalence among the subjects was 13.6%. Age group and sex were found to be significantly associated with malnutrition (underweight or stunting or both) but they weren’t with malaria. On the other hand, while place of residence and level of education were significantly associated with malaria, they were not associated with malnutrition. Overall, both malnutrition and malaria were found to be significantly associated with type of school, senatorial district, tribe, religion, occupation of father, occupation of mother and level of education of mother. On the whole, malnutrition and malaria were significantly associated.

Conclusion: In light of the above epidemiological pattern of distribution and associations between the two public health problems, the design of intervention programmes should integrate approaches targeted at the two issues among primary school children.
Performance Evaluation of Different Accession of Anacardium occidentale L. Seed under Various Substrates
Authors: Hamida Aminatou , Jacob Massai Tchima , Madi Oumarou Palou , Elisabeth Yaboki , Jérémie Boursi , Christian Aoutaksa Bouba , Dieudonné Ranava
Published: August 2020

This study aims to determine which accession of cashew has the best growth rate and germination in the nursery. Trial was conducted in the year 2019 using split-plot design. The first factor is the provenance of seeds, namely the Sudano-Sahelian zone and High Guinean savannah zone, and the second factor is type of organic matter entering the substratum composition cow dung (BV), goat droppings (BC) and poultry droppings (FP). The data were taken on the percentage of seed germination and growth parameters (height, number of leaves, collar diameter and leaf area). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare means between treatments and the means were separated by LSD test (Least Significant Difference). The results obtained indicate that the seed from sudano-sahelian zone has a good percentage of germination and best plant growth than those obtained from Guinean savannah highland Zone. The maximal percentage of germination after 28 days of sowing is 86.11%, 80% and 62.33% respectively in the BV, BC and FP substratum for the seed of sudano-sahelian zone against 84.44% (substratum FP), 82.22% (substratum BC) and 71.11% (substratum BV) for the seed of Guinean highland Savannah Zone. Regarding the growth of plant, for the two seed used, substrate with cow dung has high influence on the number of leaves, plant height and diameter of plant than the substrate that content the two other organic manures. In contrary, the surface area of leaf and the height to diameter ratio has been stimulated by the substratum containing goat droppings for the seed of sudano-sahelian zone. However, for the seed of Guinean highland Savannah, the high surface area was obtained in the substratum containing cow dung. The result showed that utilization of organic manures in the substrate composition may constitute a great potential for improving seed germination and plant growth of Anacardium occidentale. Seed from sudano-sahelian zone and substratum that consists cow dung and goat droppings may be suggested to farmers for better production of Anacardium occidentale saplings in a nursery.
Self-Medication Practice among Amman’s Householders: Prevalence and Factors
Authors: Shehade Salah A. Al , Zarzour Raghdaa H. Al , Alshehadeh Abdul Razzak , Bal’awi Derar , Hamade Salem
Published: August 2020

Aims: This study is set out to explore the prevalence and the influencing factors of self-medication practice, besides, to assess the knowledge levels of Amman’s householders.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using pre-tested questionnaires. The householders (n=601) were randomly selected from two disparate regions in Amman (West and East), which reflect different segments of the society.

Results: Self-medication was practised by more than half (53.1%) of Amman’s Householders. The East of Amman householders shows a relatively lower rate (49.7%) of self-medication than the West of Amman ones (56.5%), which can be attributed to the higher ability to pay for medicines and a higher level of knowledge among West residents that might allow them to go directly to the pharmacies without consulting a physician. The relatively severe illness (e.g. respiratory diseases and eye complaints) showed the lowest influence for self-medication, which indicates a good level of awareness about the importance of consulting the health care professionals. Furthermore, the two main reasons for self-medication were experiencing a good result from previous self-medication (87.8%) and saving time (84.6%). The self-medication practice was associated with the education level and the knowledge level; the knowledge level of West of Amman residents was correlated positively with the self-medication practice prevalence; nevertheless, East ones presented a less notable pattern.

Conclusion: There is a knowledge gap regarding the proper SM practice, the health professionals must effectively educate the patients regarding the responsible self-medication practice and thus limit the adverse outcomes.
Comparision of CT Colonoscopy and Conventional Colonoscopy in Evaluation of Colorectal Malignancies
Authors: Jefferson Beno , Venkatraman I. , Prabakaran M.
Published: August 2020

CT colonoscopy is one of the recent advances in the field of Computed tomography with various post processing techniques. The aim of work is to evaluate and compare the role of CT colonoscopy and conventional colonoscopy in diagnosing and characterizing the colorectal malignancies.

Subject and Methods: Our study included 50 patients with lower GI sypmtoms; 6 of them had colorectal malignancies. They ranged in age from 28 to 60 years. All patients were subjected to CT colonoscopy examination and results were compared to conventional colonoscopy and documented by histopathology in all cases.

Results: The results in our study showed that CT colonoscopy has equal sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing colorectal malignancies when compared to conventional colonoscopy and further helps in delineating the locoregional extent of the lesion.
Encounters and conversations: an office café space as a “magnet space”
Authors: Satoh Tai , Sano Tomonori
Published: August 2020

A study was conducted on the activities of office workers at a café space with a lounge in a free‐address office to investigate communication at a “magnet space.” The major results were as follows: (i) The encounter probability between two office workers at the magnet space could be estimated by a formula based on Little's law, which considers the frequency of use as well as the mean and standard deviation of the stay time. Analyzing more data for the estimated formula of the encounter rate, which is suggested in this study, can confirm more thoroughly the actual situation of an encounter and conversation in the magnet space of the office. (ii) Installing a lounge‐like workspace adjacent to the café space increased the encounter probability between workers at the café space.
Adaptive control of feedforward nonlinear systems with uncertain time‐varying parameters and an unknown time‐varying delay in the input
Authors: Oh Sang‐Young , Choi Ho‐Lim
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we consider a global regulation problem for a class of feedforward nonlinear systems. The key features of our considered system are identified by the presence of uncertain time‐varying parameters associated with main diagonal states and input and an unknown time‐varying delay in the input. Moreover, the growth rates of nonlinearity and the input‐delay are only known to be finite. To solve our considered problem, we give a process to obtain a compact set that contains the allowed time‐varying parameters. Then, we propose an adaptive controller which handles both unknown growth rate of nonlinearity and input‐delay for system regulation. We carry out the rigorous system analysis and show the effectiveness of our proposed control scheme via an application example.
Intercalation of Metal Ions into Ti3C2Tx MXene Electrodes for High‐Areal‐Capacitance Microsupercapacitors with Neutral Multivalent Electrolytes
Authors: Li Shuo , Shi Qi , Li Yang , Yang Jie , Chang Ting‐Hsiang , Jiang Jianwen , Chen Po‐Yen
Published: August 2020

Microsupercapacitors (MSCs) with neutral multivalent electrolytes are safer, cheaper, and exhibit higher theoretical energy densities compared with the MSCs with acidic and alkaline electrolytes. Multivalent charge carriers (e.g., Mg2+, Zn2+) in the MSCs with Ti3C2Tx MXene electrodes have not been demonstrated, which could theoretically achieve higher specific capacitances and energy densities. However, because of the larger size of multivalent charge carriers, the MXene electrodes require further modifications to facilitate reversible electrochemical reactions. Herein, through spontaneous intercalation of various metal ions into MXene multilayers, twelve metal ion intercalated MXene electrodes (Mn+‐MXene) are fabricated and demonstrate improved electrochemical performance. Different nanopillar effects are observed between divalent Be2+ and trivalent Al3+ intercalants, which are systematically investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation. Among all Mn+‐MXene electrodes, the Be2+‐MXene electrode largely facilitates the charge‐transfer process with minimal disturbance of electrolyte diffusion rates, showing improved specific capacitances and high rate performance in univalent (Li2SO4, Na2SO4, K2SO4) and multivalent electrolytes (BeSO4, MgSO4, ZnSO4). Finally, flexible Be2+‐MXene MSCs with neural ZnSO4 gel electrolytes are fabricated, demonstrating superior areal capacitances (77.2 mF cm−2) and high energy density (3.86 μWh cm−2 at 0.12 mW cm−2) together with high user safety.
Neural Progenitor Cells Alter Chromatin Organization and Neurotrophin Expression in Response to 3D Matrix Degradability
Authors: Madl Christopher M. , LeSavage Bauer L. , Khariton Margarita , Heilshorn Sarah C.
Published: August 2020

Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) are promising therapeutic candidates for nervous system regeneration. Significant efforts focus on developing hydrogel‐based approaches to facilitate the clinical translation of NPCs, from scalable platforms for stem cell production to injectable carriers for cell transplantation. However, fundamental questions surrounding NPC‐hydrogel interactions remain unanswered. While matrix degradability is known to regulate the stemness and differentiation capacity of NPCs, how degradability impacts NPC epigenetic regulation and secretory phenotype remains unknown. To address this question, NPCs encapsulated in recombinant protein hydrogels with tunable degradability are assayed for changes in chromatin organization and neurotrophin expression. In high degradability gels, NPCs maintain expression of stem cell factors, proliferate, and have large nuclei with elevated levels of the stemness‐associated activating histone mark H3K4me3. In contrast, NPCs in low degradability gels exhibit more compact, rounded nuclei with peripherally localized heterochromatin, are non‐proliferative yet non‐senescent, and maintain expression of neurotrophic factors with potential therapeutic relevance. This work suggests that tuning matrix degradability may be useful to direct NPCs toward either a more‐proliferative, stem‐like phenotype for cell replacement therapies, or a more quiescent‐like, pro‐secretory phenotype for soluble factor‐mediated therapies.