bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Large Number of Brazilian’s Runners does not Result in Excellent Performance in World Marathons
Authors: Silva Ronaldo Aparecido da
Published: June 2020

Despite the number of practitioners it seems that there are few athletes in Brazil with expressive results internationally. Objective: Compare the performance of the Brazilian elite runners in the marathons around of the world. Methods: A retrospective study comparing the time and positions of the Brazilian founders with the main athletes in the world in the 12 main marathons of the world, from 2016 to 2018. Results: Data show that the number of street marathon runners increases in Brazil each year, but our elite marathoners have not achieved lower times (p<0.001), positions far from the main African athletes and poor performance in the majors, worldwide and Olympic Games. Conclusion: Despite physical training, the performance of Brazilian marathoners is not enough to compete with Kenyan athletes and Ethiopians due to the genetic superiority, and physiology, and biomechanics features of Africans. This distance seems to occur due to differences in the metabolic and biomechanical mechanisms that make the running economy of these African marathoners more efficient, so they are almost unbeatable in marathons, because the modality requires a lot of resistance and great cardiorespiratory capacity.
Marcadores moleculares tumorais
Authors: De Cassia Rosa de Jesus Joyce , Rocha Oliveira Carlos Jorge
Published: June 2020

Introdução: Câncer é o nome dado a um conjunto de mais de 100 doenças que tem em comum o crescimento desordenado de células que invadem órgãos e tecidos podendo espalhar-se para outras regiões do corpo. A identificação dos estágios iniciais das doenças crônicas pode reduzir taxas de morbidade e mortalidade, o que pode ser realizado por meio de três níveis de programas de prevenção. Cunhou-se o termo biomarcador para qualquer molécula ou característica biológica que possa ser detectada e medida revelando processos biológicos normais, patológicos ou a resposta farmacológica após intervenção terapêutica. A incidência do câncer cresce no Brasil, como em todo o mundo, num ritmo que acompanha o envelhecimento populacional decorrente do aumento da expectativa de vida. Esta Revisão de Literatura objetiva realizar um levantamento dos marcadores tumorais utilizados na detecção, diagnóstico e prognóstico dos tipos de câncer mais incidentes na população brasileira. Metodologia: Foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico integrou livros e periódicos nacionais e internacionais indexados em bases de dados online - Bireme, PubMed e SciELO. Conclusão: O câncer é um problema de saúde pública em todo o mundo, portanto, métodos diagnósticos capazes de prevê-lo são realmente muito significativos. Marcadores tumorais são macromoléculas presentes no sangue ou em outros líquidos corporais, cuja presença geralmente está associada ao aparecimento de um tumor. Exames laboratoriais geralmente são solicitados a fim de fazer a triagem para prevenir uma doença, estabelecer um diagnóstico, orientar o tratamento ou avaliar o prognóstico. Sendo assim, apesar de possuir limitações, os marcadores tumorais cumprem essas finalidades. A literatura nacional disponível sobre o assunto “marcadores tumorais” ainda é muito limitada. Conhecer mais sobre o câncer ajudaria a evitá-lo ou, em último caso, orientaria as pessoas a procurar auxílio desde o início.
Emendas parlamentares e o orçamento federal para o esporte brasileiro (2004-2015)
Authors: Castro Suélen Barboza Eiras de , Scarpin Jorge Eduardo , Mezzadri Fernando Marinho
Published: June 2020

O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar magnitude e características das emendas aprovadas no orçamento do Ministério do Esporte (ME) de 2004 a 2015. Esta pesquisa, documental e de natureza exploratória, coletou dados do Portal SIGA Brasil. Verificamos que a alocação de emendas parlamentares no orçamento do ME foi prioritariamente proveniente de emendas individuais (R$ 8,2 bilhões) e que, exceto pelas emendas de relatoria, as propostas privilegiaram a implantação de infraestrutura esportiva (R$ 12,9 bilhões). Estados e municípios foram os maiores beneficiários das emendas (R$ 12,5 bilhões). Exceto por Espírito Santo, os estados da região Sudeste totalizaram o maior volume de recursos. Concluímos que a alocação de emendas no orçamento do ME privilegiou o atendimento das demandas individuais dos parlamentares por meio do direcionamento de recursos para pequenas obras, especialmente dos programas “Esporte e Lazer da Cidade” e “Segundo Tempo”, nas localidades as quais encontravam-se vinculados.
Paradoxes of (In)security and Moral Regeneration in Vanuatu and Beyond
Authors: Bratrud Tom
Published: June 2020

This article examines some paradoxical intersections of fear, security, and morality on Ahamb Island in Vanuatu in the South Pacific. I take as my ethnographic vantage point a child-led Christian revival movement that developed in the wake of enduring political conflicts on Ahamb during my fieldwork in 2014. The revival began as a process of moral renewal and turned into a security measure protecting the island against sorcerers found to be responsible for many of the island society’s problems. In the article, I make comparisons between the situation on Ahamb and the recent political and cultural crisis in the UK and USA where an increasing number of people perceive their moral order to be under threat. In both contexts, new charismatic actors of governance emerge and gain a following by identifying an ‘other’ as responsible for the crisis while convincingly presenting themselves as the solution. An important reason for these actors’ appeal, I argue, is that they appear to take people’s concerns seriously in a way that established authorities do not. However, in both Vanuatu, the UK, and the USA there is a paradox in how the actors present themselves as holding the solution to people’s insecurities while at the same time shaping the context for their emergence.
Resposta ao artigo: Cuidados paliativos providos por médicos de família e comunidade na atenção primária à saúde brasileira
Authors: Ferreira da Costa Ludmilla , Silveira Júnior Júlio Cesar , Santos Eliane Mazzuco dos , Gomes Elonir
Published: June 2020

Prezado Editor,O artigo “Cuidados paliativos providos por médicos de família e comunidade na atenção primária à saúde brasileira: um survey nacional” aborda um tema de relevância no contexto nacional em função das transformações epidemiológicas atuais. A expansão da quantidade de pessoas portadoras de condições crônicas, incapacitantes e incuráveis que ameaçam a vida e que independentemente da idade causam intenso sofrimento físico, psíquico e espiritual é motivo suficiente para justificar a necessidade de mais investigações e reflexões sobre as limitações da oferta do cuidado paliativo (CP) na Atenção Primária a Saúde (APS).....
Comparison of ER, PR, Ki67 and HER-2/neu Reactivity Pattern with Patients’ Age, Histologic Grade, Tumor Size and Lymph Node Status in Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer
Authors: Ahadi Mahsa , Heibatollahi Motahareh , Zahedifard Sara
Published: June 2020

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent neoplasm diagnosed in Iranian women. Objectives: The current study was performed to measure the hormone receptor status and its possible connection with the patient’s age, tumor size, histological grade, and lymph node status and involvement in patients with invasive ductal breast cancer (IDBC) Methods: A total of 103 women with IDBC recently diagnosed at the Department of Pathology of Shohada-E-Tajrish Hospital were entered into this study. The mean age of the patients was 48.4 years, and 59.2% of cases were 50 years old or less. Results: Most lesions (78.6%) were more than 2 cm at their greatest dimension. Grade-II lesions were observed in a large number of patients and 59.8% of cases had lymph node involvement. Positive ER, PR, and HER-2/neu were detected in 59%, 57%, and 29% of patients, respectively. A significant correlation was found between patients’ age and histologic score, tumor dimension and both histologic score and nuclear grade, and, finally, between lymph node involvement and nuclear grade. Conclusions: According to previous studies, the evaluation of hormone receptor status in patients with breast cancer is strongly recommended. Here, by studying its possible connection with the patient’s age, tumor size, histological grade, and lymph node metastasis, we detected some biomarkers, which could be used as prognostic indices in these patients. These biomarkers could help us in the clinical management of patients with IDBC by providing the best therapeutic options.
In-vitro Antimicrobial Effect of Silybum marianum Extract on Bacterial Isolates from the Semen of Infertile Men in Iran
Authors: Nanpazi Elahe , Fozouni Leila , Dadgar Teena
Published: June 2020

Background: Genital tract infection is one of the main causes of male infertility. The increasing frequency of drug resistance and side effects of antibiotics have urged researchers to seek alternative sources of antimicrobial agents, such as medicinal herbs, for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the frequency of potentially pathogenic microorganisms in the semen of infertile men and investigate the antimicrobial activity of Silybum marianum extract against the isolates. Methods: Semen samples were collected from 96 infertile men who referred to the Pasteur Laboratory in Gorgan, Iran. Semen samples were first analyzed according to the World Health Organization guidelines and then underwent microbiological tests to identify pathogens. Antimicrobial susceptibility to S. marianum extract was evaluated using the disk diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) method. Moreover, the active components of the extract were identified by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. Results: In the semen analysis, 64% of the samples had problems in the parameters of sperm count, motility, and morphology. In addition, the bacterial contamination was observed in 36% of semen samples. The most and the least common isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (45%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (11%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (11%), respectively. In Gram-positive isolates, S. aureus was mostly resistant to azithromycin (57%). In Gram-negative isolates, Escherichia coli was mostly resistant to gentamicin (37%). The inhibitory activity of S. marianum flower extract was significantly higher than that of S. marianum leaf extract (P < 0.01). Silybin (2.64%) and silychristin (3.07%) were the most abundant constituents of S. marianum flower extract. Conclusions: Bacterial infections play an important role in male infertility and S. marianum extract after purification can be potentially used for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant genital tract infections.
The Effectiveness of Laminectomy Surgery in Marital Adjustment of Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Yousefi Mahsa , Molaie Behnam , Ayadi Nader , Skandaroghli Behzad
Published: June 2020

Background: Chronic low back pain is a common problem in primary care. Low back pain is one of the most common causes of disability that affects different aspects of these patients’ lives. One of the aspects that are affected by chronic low back pain is couples’ marital adjustment. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of laminectomy surgery in marital adjustment of patients with chronic low back pain. Methods: The study design was quasi-experimental. The statistical population of this research consisted of all patients with chronic back pain referred to Fatemi Hospital in Ardabil. The instrument used in this research to collect data was Spanier Dyadic Adjustment scale (DAS) distributed once before surgery and once 3 months after surgery. The data were analyzed by dependent t-test using SPSS software. Results: Forty persons (55.6%) were female, and 32 persons (44.4%) were male. The results showed that marital adjustment significantly increased after the laminectomy surgery in terms of the following dimensions, marital satisfaction, solidarity, affection, and mutual trust compared to the before surgery (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Considering the obtained results, the laminectomy surgery in patients with chronic back pain causes an increase in marital adjustment in terms of all dimensions.
Clinical and Demographic Features of 195 Pediatric Patients with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura, 12-Year Single Center Experience in Shiraz
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Hossein , Masoudi Seyed Alireza , Ebrahimi Narjes , Alyasin Soheyla , Nabavizadeh Hesamodin
Published: June 2020

Background: Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is one of the most common systemic types of vasculitis in children. Although it is a self-limited disease, life-threatening complications such as nephritis may occur. Early diagnosis and follow up might improve the long term outcome in renal involvement. There are few studies that have evaluated HSP in Iran. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate demographic, laboratory data and clinical presentations of admitted HSP patients in a tertiary referral center, over a twelve-year period. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study evaluated 195 patients, diagnosed with HSP, who were admitted to Namazi Hospital in southwest of Iran (2006 - 2018). Demographic, clinical and laboratory findings, as well as treatment outcome of HSP patients were collected. Results: There were 118 males and 77 females with the mean age of 6.7 ± 3.21 years. About 70 (36%) patients showed common cold symptoms two weeks before HSP presentations. Admission course was 1 - 17 days (mean 4.55 ± 2.83) and autumn was recorded with the highest number of admitted patients (44.1%). In the course of hospitalization, 100% of the patients presented with palpable purpura, 61.02% with joint pain and 19.49% with abdominal pain. Moreover, 17.95% of the patients were noted with renal involvement. Laboratory data shows that more than half of patients (54%) had leukocytosis, only 9% of patients had positive CRP but all the patients had high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Total of 43.1% of the patients received corticosteroids. Conclusions: The observed number of male patients with HSP was higher than females and the highest frequency of the HSP cases was observed in autumn. Joint pain and abdominal pain were the predominant clinical presentations, following skin purpura. The presented data can help with further HSP diagnosis and treatment plan.
Geschlecht pollachos legetai
Authors: Bennington Geoffrey ,   DePaul University
Published: June 2020

At an important moment in his reading of Heidegger in Geschlecht III, Derrida wields a pair of semi-technical terms (“polysemia” and “dissemination”) from his own earlier work, and uses them to identify a classical, indeed Aristotelian, vein in Heidegger’s reading of Trakl. This gesture is complex, both in that, in spite of appearances, the Mehrdeutigkeit Heidegger identifies in Trakl is not essentially to do with the term Geschlecht, and in that Derrida’s presentation of Aristotle’s views about polysemia is perhaps over-simplified, or at least leaves open the possibility of a more generous reading. Derrida’s notion of dissemination is shown not to entail a mere exacerbation of polysemia, but a quasi-semantic re-marking of the “syntax” that allows for any semantic effects at all. It is suggested that the fact that this marking can be described by Derrida as “monotonous” might open onto a slightly different reading both of Aristotle’s understanding of pollachos legomenon and pros hen, and Heidegger’s understanding of the Einklang of Trakl’s poetry.
Assessment of the risk status of diseases associated with overweight in students of the University of Pristina - Kosovska Mitrovica
Authors: Mitić Nebojša , Popović Ljiljana
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Obesity is one of the seven leading risk factors for the occurrence of the most common non infectious diseases. An epidemic model of the obesity prevalence increase is also present in the student population. To identify an overweight person, who has an increased relative risk status and who did not develope clinically manifested cardiometabolic disorders is a critical moment for the effective obesity prevention and treatment program. Objective: To determine the prevalence and status of relative risk of developing overweight related diseases among students at the University of Pristina-Kosovska Mitrovica. AUTORI SAŽETAK ENGLISH ORIGINALNI RADOVI Uvod: Gojaznost je svrstana među sedam vodećih faktora rizika za nastanak najčešćih nezaraznih bolesti. Epidemijski model povećanja prevalencije gojaznosti prisutan je i kod studentske populacije. Prepoznavanje osobe sa prekomernom težinom koja je u statusu povećanog relativnog rizika a kod koje se još uvek nisu razvili klinički manifestni kardiometabolički poremećaji je poslednji trenutak za efikasan program prevencije i lečenja gojaznosti. Cilj rada: Odrediti prevalenciju i status relativnog rizika od razvoja bolesti povezanih sa prekomernom uhranjenosti među studentima Univerziteta u Prištini-Kosovska Mitrovica. Metode rada: Procena stepena relativnog rizika od razvoja bolesti povezanih sa prekomernom uhranjenosti rađena je na osnovu izmerenog indeksa telesne mase (BMI-Body mass index), obima struka (WC-Waist circumference) i kombinovano BMI sa WC. Rezultati: U ispitivanju je učestvovalo ukupno 1686 studenta (44,4% muškog pola i 55,6% ženskog pola). Srednje vrednosti telesne težine, BMI i WC bile su ispod vrednosti korišćenih tačaka preseka. Status povećanog relativnog rizika od pridruženih bolesti je imalo: prema BMI-20,2% studenata (27,8% muškaraca i 14,1% žena); prema WC-12,6% (12,2% muškaraca i 12,9% žena) i prema BMI sa WC-20,2% (27,8% muškaraca i 14,1% žena). Postoji značajna razlika u stopi prevalencije koji su u statusu visokog i veoma visokog nivoa rizika u zavisnosti od metode procene (samo prema BMI i prema BMI sa WC). Zaključak: Utvrđena je visoka stopa prevalencije predgojaznosti i gojaznosti, opšte i abdominalne među studentima Univerziteta u Prištini-Kosovska Mitrovica. Oni se mogu svrstati u grupu studenata sa statusom povećanog relativnog rizika od nastanka i razvoja bolesti povezanih sa prekomernom uhranjenosti. Savetovalište za ishranu i dijetetiku u okviru Studentskog centra prema njima mora intenzivirati mere prevencije i eventualnog lečenja gojaznosti.
Contextual Influences on Child Feeding in Two South Asian Immigrant Groups
Authors: Karasz Alison , Shiriti Margia , DeSilva Nilifa , Khurshid Afrida , Bonuck Karen , Ramachandran Usha
Published: June 2020

Child obesity is a major health disparity, with low-income communities bearing a disproportionate burden of disease. Although the powerful influence of socio-economic status on child diet and feeding practices is well established, its local contextual mechanisms are not necessarily well understood. This study used a qualitative comparative design to explore the socio-cultural context of child feeding ethnically similar but economically diverse immigrant families. Seventeen in-depth qualitative interviews conducted with affluent and low-income immigrant mothers from the South Asian subcontinent. We sought to explore potential contextual influences on maternal feeding practices, including: maternal beliefs and values, patterns of help and information seeking, family and household, and impacts of the chrono-system—the role of memory and life transitions. Our findings help to explain mechanisms underlying SES disparities in child obesity in this group, and maybe helpful in designing tailored interventions aimed at reducing these disparities.
Parenting Styles and Family Contributors to the Development of Dietary Behaviors in Arab Children Ages 6-10 Years Old Living in the US
Authors: Tami Suzan , Reed Debra
Published: June 2020

Parenting styles and family contributors are the main determinants of obesity risk in children. To date, no research has been reported on parenting styles/practices and family contributors to the development of dietary behaviors in Arab children living in the US. The objectives of this exploratory mixed-method study were to collect data on parenting feeding styles (Caregiver’s Feeding Style Questionnaire- CFSQ) of Arab mothers and family contributors (Family Nutrition Physical Activity- FNPA) to the development of dietary behaviors in their children; and to collect data on Arab mothers' challenges and strategies to promote healthier dietary behaviors in their children. Although all Arab mothers (n=23) self-assessed that they were authoritative, only seven mothers were categorized as having an authoritative feeding style based on their CFSQ scores. The FNPA overall mean was 3.15, indicating less obesogenic family environment and behaviors. Across focus groups, barriers to desirable dietary intake included low vegetable intake and child being distracted by sweets, junk foods, and technology. All mothers wanted their children to have healthier dietary habits and used positive and negative approaches to achieve that. Positive approaches included no pressure to eat and providing healthier alternative foods. Negative approaches included pressuring the child to eat and rewarding with sweets and technology. In correlation analyses, the mother's BMI was significantly correlated with the child's BMI z-scores (r = 0.325, p = 0.005). This study can guide future efforts in assessing parenting style and assessing the home environment regarding the dietary behaviors of Arab families.
Mutual Recognition, Transnational Legal Relationships and Regulatory Models
Authors: Agudo Jorge
Published: June 2020

The evolution of the EU legal system reveals a generalisation of mutual recognition variations. On the one hand, these variations are always based on the same structuring elements: mutual trust, equivalence and country-of-origin. Depending on the subject (e.g.taking into account whether
harmonisation exists and the EU freedom concerned), each of these structuring elements acquires greater or lesser significance, ultimately determining the degree of conditionality or automaticity at recognition phase. On the other hand, the function of any of those variations creates the legal
conditions to establish transnational legal relationships subject to different national legal orders. All these consequences are the result of two fundamental aspects: 1) The EU option by relational regulatory model which ensures the connection between equivalent national rules, using conflict
of laws with special techniques. 2) The conferral of transnational effectiveness to national rules and administrative actions to allow the exercise of freedoms granted by EU law.
Ensuring effective judicial protection in case of ECB decisions based on national law
Authors: Gagliardi Enrico , Wissink Laura
Published: June 2020

The centralization of the prudential banking supervision within the EU has been organized via the Single Supervisory Mechanism, through a mechanism existing of the European Central Bank (ECB) and the national supervisors, and embedded in the composite legal order within the EU. The
said mechanism required some innovative solutions to ensure effective supervision, including the obligation for the ECB, laid down in Article 4(3) of the SSM Regulation, to apply national law transposing the relevant directives. As a result of this novelty under Union law, the CJEU is facing
actions brought before it against ECB decisions based on national law. Therefore, in its review national law is to be assessed as a question of law. The central question in this research is how effective judicial protection can be ensured by the CJEU in such case, considering the limitations
to the CJEU's jurisdiction with respect to national law. The article starts with discussing the recent cases in which the CJEU was asked to review ECB decisions based on national law (Joined Cases C-152/18 P and C-153/18 P Crédit mutuel Arkéa v ECB & Joined Cases T-133/16
to T-136/16 Caisse régionale de crédit agricole mutuel Alpes Provence v ECB), and the legal questions that remain unanswered in this respect. It then explores the CJEU's approach vis-à-vis national law in other types of legal proceedings. The lessons learned from the latter
analysis is subsequently discussed, as well as new ideas to ensure a more effective judicial protection of national law, on which ECB decisions are based, before the CJEU.
The ECJ as the EU Court of Appeal: some evidence from the appeal case-law on the non-contractual liability of the EU
Authors: Gentile Giulia
Published: June 2020

Legal scholarship has devoted limited attention to the appeal procedure before the Court of Justice of the European Union. However, appeal judgments have assumed renewed importance following the recent EU judicial reform in 2015. Firstly, the centralisation of the appeal procedure in
the hands of the General Court (GC) and the Court of Justice (ECJ) has further strengthened the ECJ's role as a court of appeal of the EU legal order. Secondly, the number of appeal judgments delivered by the ECJ has drastically increased.
 The scope of this article is twofold: it
presents findings on how the ECJ exercises its role as court of appeal; it also seeks to initiate an academic debate on how the appeal procedure shapes the judicial dialogue between the GC and the ECJ in the interpretation of EU law. For this purpose, the article firstly investigates how the
ECJ interprets the notion of 'pleas of law' and 'complex factual assessment'. Since appeals may cover only questions of law, these notions are pivotal in determining the limits of the ECJ jurisdiction when reviewing the decisions of the GC. Secondly, it analyses the interpretative methods
used by the ECJ on appeal, and the divergent judicial interpretations of EU law followed by the GC at first instance. Thirdly, it analyses the balancing of individual rights and general interest in the context of this procedure, and the instances in which the ECJ has reviewed the balance struck
by the GC. Far from being merely doctrinal research, this analysis offers evidence of how the ECJ interprets EU law on appeal, and provides guidance to practitioners and academics as to procedural and substantive aspects of this procedure. As a case study, the paper focuses on the EU case-law
issued on appeals concerning the non-contractual liability of EU institutions.
Right to be forgotten: european data imperialism, national privilege, or universal human right?
Authors: Gstrein Oskar J.
Published: June 2020

The Digital Age has fundamentally reshaped the preconditions for privacy and freedom of expression. This transpires in the debate about a "right to be forgotten". While the 2014 decision of the European Court of Justice in "Google Spain" touches upon the underlying issue of how increasing
amounts of personal data affects individuals over time, the topic has also become one of the salient problems of Internet Governance. On 24th September 2019 the European Court of Justice delivered its judgment in "Google vs CNIL" (C-507/17) which was supposed to clarify the territorial scope
of the right. However, this judgment has raised doubts about the enforceability of the General Data Protection Regulation, and reveals the complex, multi-layered governance structure of the European Union. Acknowledging such complexity at a substantive and institutional level, this article
starts by analysing the judgment. Additionally, to better understand the current situation in the European Union and its member states, recently produced draft guidelines by the European Data Protection Board are presented and discussed, as well as two judgments of the German Federal Constitutional
Court. Subsequently, the European developments are put in international context. Finally, the insights from these sections are combined which allows to develop several conceptual ideas. In conclusion, it is argued that the right to be forgotten remains complex and evolving. Its success depends
on effective multi-layer and multistakeholder interaction. In this sense, it has become a prominent study object that reveals potential venues and pitfalls on a path towards more sophisticated data protection frameworks.
Factor Analysis Model for Diagnostic Assessment and Instructional Approaches in Ghana’s New Curriculum: The Case of Differentiation, Scaffolding and Inclusion
Authors: Senyefia Bosson-Amedenu , Eunice Osei-Asibey , Henry Otoo
Published: June 2020

Ghana’s new Basic Education Curriculum emphasizes on ensuring that every learner benefits from the teaching and learning process. The study used the survey research design aimed at determining the predictive power with which use of Scaffolding, Differentiated techniques and Inclusion approaches predict diagnostic assessment. The features, strategies and principles underpinning instructional Scaffolding, Differentiation and Inclusion approaches as well as Diagnostic assessment formed the basis of the construction of 14 text items used in the questionnaire in this study. The study involved a population of 132 basic school teachers from sixteen (16) regions of Ghana. A sample size of 100 was computed at 95% confidence interval and randomly selected from the population. The reliability of the items was assessed with Cronbach's Alpha (0.976). Bartlett's test of sphericity was statistically significant (P< 0.01, Chi-square =3077.529, DF=91), and the KMO statistic was 0.924. All multiple extraction approaches such as Parallel analysis, Kaiser’s criterion and Scree test suggested retaining two factors. Varimax rotated matrix was used to generate factor scores for modeling the relationships between diagnostic assessment and inclusion, differentiated techniques as well as Scaffolding using multiple linear regressions. From the results, Scaffolding (B1 = .744, B2 =.185, F= 466.442, P<0.001), Differentiated approaches (B1 = .516, B2 =.400, F=312.809, P<0.001) and Inclusion (B1 =.512, B2 =.373, F= 213.375, P<0.001) pedagogical approaches were statistically significant and positively related to diagnostic assessment. Scaffolding, Differentiated approaches and Inclusion approaches were found to have predictive power of 91%, 87% and 82% respectively. Instructional Scaffolding was found to be the most efficient predictor of diagnostic assessment.  This study provides scientific evidence that the Scaffolding, Inclusion and Differentiated techniques outlined in Ghana’s new Curriculum provides sufficiently for Diagnostic assessment although it was not explicitly stated in it. It is therefore recommended for Ghana Education service to run a continuous training programme for teachers in efficient use of these techniques for effective teaching and learning.
Effect of Dietary Diversity and Dietary Behaviors on Nutritional Status of Selected Young Women from Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Mohammad Rahanur , Shill Lincon Chandra , Reza Sompa , Nahar Naimun , Kader Roksana , Bhuyan Md. Aminul Haque
Published: June 2020

Aims: A balanced diet includes a variety of foods from different food groups that are essential for healthy growth and development. The primary goal of this paper was to assess the outcome of dietary diversity and its related factors on nutritional status among young girls in Dhaka city.

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

Methodology: The total number of 100 young girls aged 18 to 25 from four selected areas of Dhaka city were interviewed by a structured questionnaire on dietary diversity, dietary behavior, socio-demographic status and different anthropometric assessment were done using standard technique.

Results: Our study revealed that more than half (55%) of the participants had normal nutritional status, and 12% of the young women were under-weight. The prevalence of overweight and obese were respectively 26% and 7%. The study exhibited a significant correlation between nutritional status with different dietary habits and various food groups. 45% of the study participants had an acceptable dietary diversity score and there was no significant association between dietary diversity score and BMI of young girls.

Conclusion: The nutritional status of the study participants depicted a portrait of the double burden of malnutrition, and the overall nutritional status is shifting more towards overweight and obesity. It also indicates that the dietary diversity score of the selected young girls of Dhaka city is satisfactory, although their knowledge about dietary behavior needs to be improved.
Fresh-Cut Vegetable at Supermarkets in Bangladesh: Focus on Customer Perception and Factors Influencing Purchasing Decision
Authors: Salam Shakila , Afrin Samia , Saha Mousumi
Published: June 2020

The concept of fresh-cut vegetables is relatively new and its demand has increased tremendously. The study was designed to assess the customer's perception and to determine the factors influencing customer's decision to purchase fresh-cut vegetables. Both primary and secondary data were used in this study. A total of 103 vegetable customers from eight outlets of SHWAPNO supermarket were selected through random sampling technique and interviewed directly. For measuring perception of the respondents and identifying influential factors, a 5-point Likert scale and multiple logistic regressions were used. The majority of the customers had moderately favorable attitude towards fresh-cut vegetables. They perceived different attributes of fresh-cut vegetable like ready-to-cook and time-saving nature, appearance, quality and hygiene as most appealing. Results of the Log it model reveals that education, family member, occupation, having maid servant, income, perception have significant effect on purchasing of fresh-cut vegetables. Having higher education, larger family and higher income increases the possibility to purchase fresh-cut vegetables whereas having maid-servant negatively affect their purchasing decision. One fifth portion of total customers complained about the availability, packaging and supplied volume of fresh-cut vegetables. Therefore, it is possible to expand fresh-cut vegetable market in Bangladesh by taking appropriate measures.
Determination of Biological Activities of the Root Bark of Senna singueana
Authors: Hilawea Kidanemariam Teklay , Desta Zelalem Yibralign
Published: June 2020

Aims: Senna singueana is a medicinal plant which is used for the treatment of different kinds of diseases and the plant was selected for the study because of its numerous uses. The main objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the extracts of the root barks of S. singueana.

Methodology: The antibacterial activities of the extracts (determination of Minimal Inhibitory “MIC” and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration “MBC”) were determined by using agar well diffusion method. In addition to this the total flavonoid and total phenolic contents were determined by using aluminum chloride colorimetric complex assay and Folin-Ciocalteu method respectively.

Results: Our results revealed that the total flavonoid content of the extracts is ranged from 30.39 mgQE/100 g to 240.83 mgQE/100 g. The extracts also showed good antioxidant activity and total phenolic content as well as weak to moderate antibacterial activity against some bacteria.

Conclusions: The extracts of the root bark of Senna sinueana showed good total flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity and antibacterial activity. In addition to this, the extracts also showed the presence of some important compounds by phytochemical analysis.
Serological and Molecular Characterisation of Cucumber mosaic virus Infecting Lagenaria siceraria L. in Adim, Biase L.G.A., Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Eyong O. I. , Owolabi A. T. , Mofunanya A. A. J. , Ekpiken E. E.
Published: June 2020

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is one of the most important viral pathogens infecting a wide range of plant species in Nigeria. Mosaic and mottle symptoms were observed on Lagenaria siceraria L. in Adim Southern-Nigeria in 2018 and the infected leaves collected for investigation. This research was aimed at characterising the virus responsible for this infection with a view to identifying it.  Antigen coated plate (ACP) enzyme linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gene sequencing were employed methods in the characterisation process. The Amplified Complementary Deoxyribonucleic Acid (cDNA) was cloned and the nucleotide sequence was determined. Result of serology revealed that the virus belonged to the genus Cucumovirus while the gene sequence obtained when compared to known virus sequences present in the GenBank using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) program available at National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) revealed 97% sequence homologue with Cucumber mosaic virus confirming it as Cucumber mosaic virus. This is the first report of CMV infecting L. siceraria in Nigeria. I recommend further studies on insect and host range test of this virus be carried on.
Shade and Irrigation Effects on Growth, Flowering, Pod Yields and Cacao Tree Survival Following 5 Years of Continuous Dry Season Irrigation
Authors: Charles E. F. , Agele S. O. , Aiyelari O. P. , Famuwagun I. B. , Faboade E.
Published: June 2020

The effects of plantain shade and dry season irrigation on the growth, field survival, flowering and pod production of cacao was investigated. Treatments were a 2 by 2 factorial combinations of shade regimes (Unshaded/open sun and shaded) and irrigation intervals (5-day and 10-day intervals) arranged in a split-plot design. There was an unirrigated but shaded control. The shade regimes constituted the main plot while irrigation intervals were the sub-plot treatments. The growth, dry season survival, flowering and pod/bean yield characters of cacao were enhanced in the unshaded (open sun) compared with the shaded plants. The open sun treatment combined with 5-day irrigation produced the largest canopy development, flowering and pod production compared with shading-irrigation combinations. The shade-irrigation ameliorated microclimate and enhanced growth and development, flowering and uniform fruiting/pod production and total bean yield and reduced dry season mortality (whole tree death, branch and twig dieback). For the non-irrigated but shaded cacao, about 30% dry season mortality (branch and twig dieback) were obtained. Air temperatures within the cacao field were highest for open sun cacao followed by moderate and dense shade respectively. Flowers were more profuse for unshaded (open sun) cocoa compared with the shaded while the yield and yield components of cacao for each harvest dates and total pod and bean yields were significantly different between the unshaded and shaded cacao regimes. Trees that were irrigated at 5-day intervals produced significantly (P < 0.05) higher LAI, branching, flowers and pods compared with those irrigated at 10-day intervals. The 5-day irrigation interval significantly increased percentage of trees bearing flowers and pods, and produced larger number, and heavier pods and beans compared with the 10-day interval. The drip irrigation strategy adopted ameliorated dry season terminal drought (hydrothermal stresses) in cacao. This is a veritable tool to scale up growth, survival, establishment and flower/pod production.
Annona muricata: Comparative Assessment of the Antibacterial Activities of the Leaf and Stem Extracts against Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Clinical Isolates
Authors: Agunloye O. O. , Onifade A. K.
Published: June 2020

This study was conducted to determine the antibacterial effect of crude extracts of Annona muricata, comparing the leaf and stem bark extracts using the same extraction solvents. The bacteria isolates were obtained from the hospital. The isolates obtained are Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis and Streptococcus pyogene; they were confirmed using standard techniques. Multiple antibiotic-resistant was confirmed in the isolates after antibiotic susceptibility testing. Extracts were prepared from the leaf and stem of A. muricata using ethanol, chloroform, cold water and hot water. The antibacterial activities of the crude extracts were assayed using the agar well diffusion method. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, Tannins and flavonoid especially in the ethanol extracts of both leaf and stem part of the plant. All the extract showed varying degrees of antibacterial activities. Chloroform and Hot water rated best for antibacterial activities in this study. A. muricata stem hot water extract has zones of inhibition that ranges from 16.003 ± 0.009 mm to 1.000± 0.006 mm. A. muricata leaf hot water extract has antibacterial effect with zones ranging from 14.500± 0.009 mm to 1.000± 0.006 mm across the isolates. Cold water extracts recorded the lowest zones of inhibition from this study for the stem and Bark antibacterial activities. The stem of A. muricata has higher inhibitory effect on the test isolates compared to the leaf of      A. muricata.
Small-Signal Analysis of Common-Gate Amplifier for RF Applications
Authors: Gomez Frederick Ray I.
Published: June 2020

The paper presents a study of common-gate amplifier focused in small-signal analysis. Small-signal or frequency response of the amplifier determines the maximum frequency of operation and the effective bandwidth of the circuit. With the analysis, the circuit could be modeled and designed to achieve gain at the desired frequency of operation. Design tradeoffs are inevitable and are carefully considered in the analysis and design, for radio frequency (RF) applications.
Physico-Chemical Properties of Water Yam and Cowpea Flour Blends for Production of Snacks
Authors: Nwafor J. O. , Kanu A. N. , Kelechukwu E. C. , Nwohu N. O. , Ezebuiro V. N.
Published: June 2020

Aim: The aim of this study is to produce flour from different blend ratio of water yam and cowpea and determination of the physico chemical properties of the snacks produced from the flour blends.

Introduction: Snacks are something consumed occasionally for pleasure rather than for nutritive purpose. They are mainly produced by wheat flour. Wheat flour, the main ingredient for production of snacks are imported and thus, the cost of importation of wheat flour eat deep into the Nigeria economy and has placed a considerable burden on the foreign exchange reserve, in the long run causes increase in wheat products. Furthermore, over consumption of wheat products leads to celiac disease associated with immunological disease of the upper intestine triggered by the ingestion of gluten containing cereals. Production of alternative flour to wheat flour can be a welcome idea. Cereal has high nutritional value and it has an appreciable protein content.

Study Design: The physico chemical analysis was carried out at the biochemistry laboratory of National Root Crop Research Institute Umudike.

Methodology: The water yam (Dioscorea alata) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) flours were prepared and they were used for water yam/ cowpea blend at different ratio of (ie 100%:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50). The 100% water yam was the control sample. Functional properties and proximate composition of the samples were determined.

Results and Discussion: According to the result generated from the sensory evaluation, it was discovered that yam/ cowpea blend in the ration of 50:50, 60:40 and 70:30 were more acceptable than the other samples. This can be related to the high content of cowpea in the samples.

Conclusion: The yam /cowpea blend in the concentration of 50; 50 was more preferred than the other samples by the panelist.  As a means of nutritional balance yam fortified with cowpea can boost the protein intake of population consuming yam as its main staple.
Analysis of Determinants of Access to Credit for Cotton Producers in Mali
Authors: Lassana Touré , Thione Diop Ibrahima
Published: June 2020

This research analyzed the determinants of cotton producers’ access to credit for in the areas of the Malian Textile Development Company (CMDT). Primary data collection was carried out using questionnaires submitted to 400 producers through multistage stratified sampling procedure (zones and types of farms constituting the strata). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logit model. The values measuring the overall significance of the model are of the order of: Wald's test statistic chi2 = 68.98, Area under the ROC curve = 0.68 and Model good prediction rate = 71.03%. The binomial logit model showed that the significant variables (at the 15% level) affecting cotton producers’ access to credit are age, marital status, level of education, income, interest rate, existence of material collateral and type of farm. It is therefore recommended that the financial institutions, CMDT and the Producers' Cooperatives be enhanced working together for an interest rate set at levels that take into account the sustainability of the credit institutions and managing communication around a fixed interest rate in order to avoid confusion for employees and cotton producers; making less restrictive the conditions for cotton producers to obtain credit for, so that those who do not have access can benefit from credit; revitalizing producers’ training level to enable better management of farm credit by the beneficiaries; setting up an insurance mechanism for cotton producers to cover unpaid debts due to natural climatic hazards and encouraging the population to grow cotton since the increase in active members on the farm has a positive influence on the chances of having access to credit.
NOTCH2NLC GGC Repeat Expansions Are Associated with Sporadic Essential Tremor: Variable Disease Expressivity on Long‐Term Follow‐up
Authors: Ng Adeline S. L. , Lim Weng Khong , Xu Zheyu , Ong Helen L. , Tan Yi Jayne , Sim Wei Ying , Ng Ebonne Y. L. , Teo Jing Xian , Foo Jia Nee , Lim Tchoyoson C. C. , Yu Wai‐Yung , Chan Ling‐Ling , Lee Hwei‐Yee , Chen Zhiyong , Lim Ee‐Wei , Ting Simon K. S. , Prakash Kumar M. , Tan Louis C. S. , Yi Zhao , Tan Eng‐King
Published: June 2020

We screened 662 subjects comprising 462 essential tremor (ET) subjects (285 sporadic, 125 with family history, and 52 probands from well‐characterized ET pedigrees) and 200 controls and identified pathogenic NOTCH2NLC GGC repeat expansions in 4 sporadic ET patients. Two patients were followed up for >1 decade; one with 90 repeats remained an ET phenotype that did not evolve after 40 years, whereas another patient with 107 repeats developed motor symptoms and cognitive impairment after 8 to 10 years. Neuroimaging in this patient revealed severe leukoencephalopathy; diffusion‐weighted imaging hyperintensity in the corticomedullary junction and skin biopsy revealed intranuclear inclusions suggestive of intranuclear inclusion body disease (NIID). No GGC repeats of >60 units were detected in familial ET cases and controls, although 4 ET patients carried 47 to 53 “intermediate” repeats. NOTCH2NLC GGC repeat expansions can be associated with sporadic ET. Carriers presenting with a pure ET phenotype may or may not convert to NIID up to 4 decades after initial tremor onset. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:614–618