bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Em torno da memória e do testemunho
Authors: Cornelsen Elcio Loureiro , Umbach Rosani Ketzer
Published: September 2020

O dossiê especial “Em torno da memória e do testemunho”, da Revista Eletrônica Literatura e Autoritarismo, reúne artigos que abordam aspectos conceituais com enfoque na relevância da memória e do testemunho dentro dos processos de construção do passado no presente.
A superação do autoritarismo em José J. Veiga
Authors: Santos Gabriel Gustavo dos , Bellini Nerynei Meira Carneiro
Published: September 2020

José J. Veiga (1915-1999) foi, conforme atesta grande parte da crítica literária brasileira, um dos maiores e mais importantes escritores do país, de modo que em seu universo ficcional o leitor depara-se com críticas tenazes às mazelas sociais, aliadas a circunstâncias absurdas e insólitas.  Em Sombras de Reis Barbudos de José J. Veiga, subjacente ao singelo enredo, o autor realiza crítica e denúncia tenazes à ditadura militar brasileira, ocorrida entre os anos de 1964 e 1985, por meio do emprego de metáforas e hipérboles habilmente entretecidas em uma obra fantástica. Há articulações relevantes tanto quanto à estruturação do fantástico literário como dos significados alusivos aos abusos da ditadura, denunciados por meio da literatura fantástica.
1918: O fim do século XIX, 100 anos depois
Authors: Machado José Otaviano da Mata
Published: September 2020

Com a temática “1918: O fim do século XIX, 100 anos depois”, este dossiê da Revista Literatura e Autoritarismo contempla uma seleção de debates sobre o centenário do fim da Primeira Guerra Mundial, que não pretende de forma alguma esgotar a pletora de leituras que oferece, mas sim oferecer pontos de apoio para a continuidade desses estudos por todos os interessados em compreender as guerras modernas através das narrativas que delas emergem.
Nada de novo no front: reflexões da Grande Guerra
Authors: Guevara Larissa , Jaeckel Volker
Published: September 2020

A presente pesquisa tem o objetivo de sustentar certas reflexões sobre a experiência humana em meio aos combates da Primeira Guerra Mundial e a importância que a literatura detém para a construção e preservação da memória desse conflito. Neste artigo, o livro que norteará os apontamentos é o romance “Nada de novo no front” (Im Westen nichts Neues) de Erich Maria Remarque, veterano de guerra alemão que se destaca ao construir em sua obra personagens e batalhas que simbolizam a lógica desumana da guerra, o enfrentamento entre as nações e como o indivíduo reagiu perante os custos do primeiro grande conflito do século XX, e o livro documental “Vozes esquecidas da Primeira Guerra Mundial” de Max Arthur que em parceria com o Museu Imperial de Guerra apresenta relatos reais de soldados e civis que vivenciaram esse contexto.
Glória feita de sátira: A grande guerra de Mario Monicelli
Authors: Fernandes Ana Carolina
Published: September 2020

Esse trabalho pretende investigar o filme A grande guerra (1959), do diretor italiano Mario Monicelli. Acusado de anti-patriotismo à época de seu lançamento, a obra revisita os conflitos da Primeira Guerra Mundial em um registro cínico e tragicômico. Monicelli é considerado um dos nomes mais expressivos do gênero das Commedia all'italiana, um estilo popular que dominou o cinema italiano nas décadas de 60 e 70, caracterizado pela crítica social e sátira de costumes. Com A Grande Guerra, o diretor consagrou-se como referência na cinematografia mundial ao realizar uma das primeiras produções na Itália a desviar do padrão e retratar a primeira guerra fora dos moldes fascistas de representação. A partir de uma análise de seus recursos narrativos e dispositivos visuais, essa comunicação busca explorar as conexões que o filme de Monicelli estabelece com a história, particularmente em relação à retórica de propaganda do cinema da era fascista.
Pollen load and distribution on the body of Elaeidobius kamerunicus Faust. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) within oil palm plantations
Authors: Tambunan Van Basten , Sahari Bandung , Buchori Damayanti , Hidayat Purnama
Published: September 2020

The African oil palm weevil, Elaeidobius kamerunicus is an effective pollinator of oil palm. Each individual palm produces exclusively male or female inflorescence so that the success of pollination depends on the ability of the pollinator to transfer pollen from male to female flowers. The objective of this research was to study the amount of pollen carried by E. kamerunicus between male and female inflorescences (pollen load) and the amount of pollen carried on each part of the weevil’s body (pollen distribution). Fifty each of male and female  E. kamerunicus individuals were collected from male and female flowers on trees in 3 locations: Siantar (North Sumatra), Dramaga (West Java), and Morowali (Central Sulawesi). Data on pollen load and pollen distribution on the weevil’s body were analyzed using ImageJ software. Results show that E. kamerunicus individuals collected more pollen from male flowers than from female flowers. In addition, male insects carried more pollen on their bodies than female insects. Pollen distribution on weevil body parts was highest on the elytra, followed by the thorax, abdomen, legs, and head respectively.
Športne aktivnosti po vstavitvi totalne kolčne endoproteze
Authors: Stropnik Domen , Krištof-Mirt Pika , Lenasi Helena
Published: September 2020

Vstavitev totalne kolčne endoproteze je ena od najpogostejših in najuspešnejših ortopedskih operacij z visokim deležem zadovoljnih bolnikov. Število vstavljenih kolčnih endoprotez po svetu iz leta v leto narašča, vse večji je tudi delež mlajših operirancev. Po posegu bolniki v večini lahko nadaljujejo vsakodnevne aktivnosti, primerne svoji starosti in telesni zmogljivosti. Z dokazi opredeljena jasna navodila in smernice, katerih športnih aktivnosti naj bolniki po operaciji ne bi izvajali, se še niso oblikovala. Kirurgi se ravnajo po posameznih priporočilih in osebnih izkušnjah. Z retrospektivno opazovalno pilotsko raziskavo smo preverili izvajanje športnih aktivnosti pred in več kot eno leto po vstavitvi totalne kolčne endoproteze pri slovenskih bolnikih, mlajših od 60 let. Analizirali smo vprašalnika Harris Hip Score (HHS) in University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), ki so ju preiskovanci izpolnili pred operacijo in več kot 1 leto po njej. Pred operacijo se je večina slovenskih preiskovancev omejevala na nizko stopnjo aktivnosti; kar 62 % iz te podskupine je bilo po operaciji sposobnih zmernih obremenitev (plavanje, ples, hoja v hribe, golf, balinanje, hišna opravila), 15 % pa je celo doseglo visoke stopnje aktivnosti (tenis, smučanje, delo na kmetiji, kontaktni športi).Čeprav je smiselno, da se držimo določenih priporočil, bi vsakemu bolniku morali individualno svetovati glede športnega udejstvovanja po posegu, glede na njegovo predoperativno ukvarjanje z različnimi športi in želeno stopnjo aktivnosti po operaciji.
Pattern regulation in a regenerating jellyfish
Authors: Sinigaglia Chiara , Peron Sophie , Eichelbrenner Jeanne , Chevalier Sandra , Steger Julia , Barreau Carine , Houliston Evelyn , Leclère Lucas
Published: September 2020

Jellyfish, with their tetraradial symmetry, offer a novel paradigm for addressing patterning mechanisms during regeneration. Here we show that an interplay between mechanical forces, cell migration and proliferation allows jellyfish fragments to regain shape and functionality rapidly, notably by efficient restoration of the central feeding organ (manubrium). Fragmentation first triggers actomyosin-powered remodeling that restores body umbrella shape, causing radial smooth muscle fibers to converge around ‘hubs’ which serve as positional landmarks. Stabilization of these hubs, and associated expression of Wnt6, depends on the configuration of the adjoining muscle fiber ‘spokes’. Stabilized hubs presage the site of the manubrium blastema, whose growth is Wnt/β-catenin dependent and fueled by both cell proliferation and long-range cell recruitment. Manubrium morphogenesis is modulated by its connections with the gastrovascular canal system. We conclude that body patterning in regenerating jellyfish emerges mainly from local interactions, triggered and directed by the remodeling process.
The effects of chloride dynamics on substantia nigra pars reticulata responses to pallidal and striatal inputs
Authors: Phillips Ryan S , Rosner Ian , Gittis Aryn H , Rubin Jonathan E
Published: September 2020

As a rodent basal ganglia (BG) output nucleus, the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) is well positioned to impact behavior. SNr neurons receive GABAergic inputs from the striatum (direct pathway) and globus pallidus (GPe, indirect pathway). Dominant theories of action selection rely on these pathways’ inhibitory actions. Yet, experimental results on SNr responses to these inputs are limited and include excitatory effects. Our study combines experimental and computational work to characterize, explain, and make predictions about these pathways. We observe diverse SNr responses to stimulation of SNr-projecting striatal and GPe neurons, including biphasic and excitatory effects, which our modeling shows can be explained by intracellular chloride processing. Our work predicts that ongoing GPe activity could tune the SNr operating mode, including its responses in decision-making scenarios, and GPe output may modulate synchrony and low-frequency oscillations of SNr neurons, which we confirm using optogenetic stimulation of GPe terminals within the SNr.
Novel C1q receptor-mediated signaling controls neural stem cell behavior and neurorepair
Authors: Benavente Francisca , Piltti Katja M , Hooshmand Mitra J , Nava Aileen A , Lakatos Anita , Feld Brianna G , Creasman Dana , Gershon Paul D , Anderson Aileen
Published: September 2020

C1q plays a key role as a recognition molecule in the immune system, driving autocatalytic complement cascade activation and acting as an opsonin. We have previously reported a non-immune role of complement C1q modulating the migration and fate of human neural stem cells (hNSC); however, the mechanism underlying these effects has not yet been identified. Here, we show for the first time that C1q acts as a functional hNSC ligand, inducing intracellular signaling to control cell behavior. Using an unbiased screening strategy, we identified five transmembrane C1q signaling/receptor candidates in hNSC (CD44, GPR62, BAI1, c-MET, and ADCY5). We further investigated the interaction between C1q and CD44 , demonstrating that CD44 mediates C1q induced hNSC signaling and chemotaxis in vitro, and hNSC migration and functional repair in vivo after spinal cord injury. These results reveal a receptor-mediated mechanism for C1q modulation of NSC behavior and show that modification of C1q receptor expression can expand the therapeutic window for hNSC transplantation.
Empathic pain evoked by sensory and emotional-communicative cues share common and process-specific neural representations
Authors: Zhou Feng , Li Jialin , Zhao Weihua , Xu Lei , Zheng Xiaoxiao , Fu Meina , Yao Shuxia , Kendrick Keith M , Wager Tor D , Becker Benjamin
Published: September 2020

Pain empathy can be evoked by multiple cues, particularly observation of acute pain inflictions or facial expressions of pain. Previous studies suggest that these cues commonly activate the insula and anterior cingulate, yet vicarious pain encompasses pain-specific responses as well as unspecific processes (e.g. arousal) and overlapping activations are not sufficient to determine process-specific shared neural representations. We employed multivariate pattern analyses to fMRI data acquired during observation of noxious stimulation of body limbs (NS) and painful facial expressions (FE) and found spatially and functionally similar cross-modality (NS versus FE) whole-brain vicarious pain-predictive patterns. Further analyses consistently identified shared neural representations in the bilateral mid-insula. The vicarious pain patterns were not sensitive to respond to non-painful high-arousal negative stimuli but predicted self-experienced thermal pain. Finally, a domain-general vicarious pain pattern predictive of self-experienced pain but not arousal was developed. Our findings demonstrate shared pain-associated neural representations of vicarious pain.
Sox17 and β-catenin co-occupy Wnt-responsive enhancers to govern the endoderm gene regulatory network
Authors: Mukherjee Shreyasi , Chaturvedi Praneet , Rankin Scott A , Fish Margaret B , Wlizla Marcin , Paraiso Kitt D , MacDonald Melissa , Chen Xiaoting , Weirauch Matthew T , Blitz Ira L , Cho Ken WY , Zorn Aaron M
Published: September 2020

Lineage specification is governed by gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that integrate the activity of signaling effectors and transcription factors (TFs) on enhancers. Sox17 is a key transcriptional regulator of definitive endoderm development, and yet, its genomic targets remain largely uncharacterized. Here, using genomic approaches and epistasis experiments, we define the Sox17-governed endoderm GRN inXenopusgastrulae. We show that Sox17 functionally interacts with the canonical Wnt pathway to specify and pattern the endoderm while repressing alternative mesectoderm fates. Sox17 and β-catenin co-occupy hundreds of key enhancers. In some cases, Sox17 and β-catenin synergistically activate transcription apparently independent of Tcfs, whereas on other enhancers, Sox17 represses β-catenin/Tcf-mediated transcription to spatially restrict gene expression domains. Our findings establish Sox17 as a tissue-specific modifier of Wnt responses and point to a novel paradigm where genomic specificity of Wnt/β-catenin transcription is determined through functional interactions between lineage-specific Sox TFs and β-catenin/Tcf transcriptional complexes. Given the ubiquitous nature of Sox TFs and Wnt signaling, this mechanism has important implications across a diverse range of developmental and disease contexts.
Nurturing nature
Authors: Dreosti Elena
Published: September 2020

Mutant zebrafish exhibit different behaviours depending on the genetic background of the fish they were raised with.
Reference Bioelectrical Impedance Values for Children of Normal Body Mass Index in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Mangia Cristina Malzoni Ferreira , Carneluti Alexandre , Andrade Maria Cristina
Published: September 2020

Background: Bioelectrical analysis measures two bioelectrical vectors: Resistance (R) and reactance (Xc). Resistance is the pure opposition of a biological conductor to the flow of an alternating current through the intra and extra-cellular ionic solution and it is inversely related to the dynamics of body fluids and body composition.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the reference values of the indexes bioelectrical impedance (BI) for children of normal body mass index in southeastern Brazil of middle-income country.

Methods: Two hundred eighty-one children with normal body mass index were included in the study (135 female and 146 male), aged 4 to 129 months, selected from federal public urban school in São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, where bioelectrical impedance values resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) values were measured in order to establish reference values of these parameters.

Results: The anthropometric variables, body mass index, z-scores and bioelectrical impedance parameters were evaluated. For both genders, the mean and standard deviation of anthropometric variables were: age (months): 73.42 ± 34.65; weight (kg): 23.5 ± 9.46; height (m): 1.16±0.22; BMI (kg/m2): 16.65±1,75; Xc (ohms): 63.92±9.6; R (ohms): 749±75.26. For analysis, the children were stratified into three groups for each gender, being divided by ages: 4 to 23 months; 24 to 71 months and 72 to 129 months. Linear regression analysis showed R had a significant progressive decrease with age (p=0.0003) while Xc had a progressive increase (p=0.0065) with age increase. We analyzed by multiple regression the associations between R and Xc with anthropometric variables by age group to establish the reference values, confidence intervals and the tolerance limits for a new individual observation.

Conclusion: The BI reference values were established, in a field where there is a relative lack of publications, and we collected relevant information about resistance and reactance in a population of middle income setting that could be used in epidemiologic studies and could be used reference value in children with altered body composition.
Comparative Study of Nebulization with Salbutamol vs Saline Solution at the Acute Phase of Bronchiolitis of 100 Children Aged 1 to 23 Months
Authors: Mebrouk Nadia , Hafidi Naima El , Benbrahim Fadoua , Benchekroun Soumia , Mahraoui Chafiq
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Infant bronchiolitis is the most common acute viral infection infection of the lower respiratory tract in children.  Many pharmacological interventions have been suggested, including bronchodilators, yet the efficacy of bronchodilators in the treatment of this infection is still controversial.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of nebulization of salbutamol vs. saline solution in the acute phase of bronchiolitis.

Materials and Methods: Using a randomized selection process, 52 infant patients received salbutamol, and 48 received a saline solution.  The patients included in the study were aged 1 to 23 months and presented with their first episode of wheezing.  During patient selection, we excluded children who were asthmatic or had other pulmonary issues prior to their bronchiolitis episode.  Three nebulizations were performed for each patient, at one-hour intervals, after admission to the hospital.  Wang's score and oxygen saturation were recorded for each patient on arrival, then at 30 minutes after each nebulization.

Results and Conclusion:  During the treatment period (which lasts three hours), the mean Wang score decreased from 7 to 3.5, and the mean oxygen saturation increased from 92.5% to 95.6%.  Statistical analysis of the data, based on a parametric statistical test of the Student type (T-test), shows that there is no significant difference between nebulization with salbutamol and those given saline solution. The evolution of the clinical scores leads to the general conclusion that we cannot recommend using salbutamol nebulization over saline solution for the treatment of bronchiolitis.
Effect of Cropping System under Tillage and Mulching on Soil Physical Properties and Water Use Efficiency by Maize (Zea mays L.) in Southern Benin
Authors: Kouelo Alladassi Félix , Agonvinon Mahugnon Socrate , Avakoudjo Julien , Akplo Tobi Moriaque , Houngnandan Pascal , Azontonde Hessou Anastase
Published: September 2020

In agriculture, water has become a limiting factor because of the effects of climate change felt by farmers. This situation seriously compromises agricultural production through pockets of drought, delayed and early cessation of rains and then an increase in the length of the dry season.

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the effect of tillage and vegetative mulch on soil physical properties and maize water use efficiency in ferralitic soil of southern Benin.

Study Design: The Factorial Complete Randomized Block Design with 4 repetitions was implemented.

Place and Duration of Study: The experimental site is located at Allada, in southern Benin, and conducted between May 2017 and July 2017.

Methodology: Tillage (No-tillage, flat tillage) and straw mulch rate (0%, 50%, 75% soil cover) and their interaction was been tested during this study. The physical properties of soil and maize water use efficiency were determined.

Results: Tillage significantly reduced soil temperature by 2.65% and improved soil permeability by 60%. Tillage also significantly improved water use efficiency for maize grain from 3.88 to 7.88 kg.mm-1.ha-1 and for maize biomass from 12.67to 23.31 kg.mm-1.ha-1. Mulching significantly improved soil moisture from 11.54% to 13.13%, water use efficiency for maize grain from 4.26 to 7.58kg.mm-1.ha-1 and for maize biomass from 14.50 to 22.05 kg.mm-1.ha-1. Mulching also significantly reduced soil temperature by 11%. The combination of tillage and mulching significantly improved water use efficiency for maize grain and biomass production. The highest water use efficiency (8.87 kg.mm-1.ha-1 for maize grain and 25.17 kg.mm-1.ha-1 for maize biomass) was achieved with tillage combined with mulching at 75% soil cover. The interaction between these two factors significantly reduced soil temperature by 11.30% (tillage combined with mulch at 75% soil cover) compared to control (no-tillage and no-mulch).

Conclusion: This study showed that tillage and mulching at 50% or 75% soil cover improves soil physical properties and water use efficiency for maize production in the context of climate change.
Study on Contribution of Genetic and Environment to Perceptual Cognitive Skills of Twins
Authors: . Annu , Dhanda Bimla
Published: September 2020

The contribution of genetic was ranging from 50-65% in the variations of perceptual cognitive skills of twins. The current twin study design elucidated the contribution of genetic and environment to a wide range of perceptual cognitive skills. To conduct twin study, 100 pairs of twins from two districts namely; Bhiwani (N = 90) and Hisar (N = 110) of Haryana State were taken. Genetic and environmental influences were assessed in twin study design. The perceptual cognitive skills of twins were measured using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children- Revised (WISC-R). Heritability estimate was used to examine the genes contributed to shape the cognitive skills of twins. The result of heritability estimates revealed that the heritability estimates of perceptual cognitive skills namely picture completion, picture arrangement, block design and object assembly in Bhiwani district were 63%, 57%, 61% and 60% and in Hisar district were 54%, 52%, 58% and 56% respectively. The findings clearly elucidated that the perceptual cognitive skills were more influenced by genetic background than the environmental factors. The monozygotic twins were more correlated in their general cognitive abilities than the dizygotic twins.
Development and Quality Evaluation of Ready to Serve (RTS) Beverage from Banana Pseudo Stem
Authors: Buvaneshwari K. , Sashidevi G. , Hemalatha G. , Arunkumar R.
Published: September 2020

Vegetable beverage was part of a balanced diet that make sure the vigor and healthy body. Vegetable juices were rich in fiber content which was quickly inducing the feeling of satiety and also improve digestion. The objective of this study was to formulate and prepare ready to serve (RTS) banana pseudo stem beverage. Two banana varieties were selected viz., ottu vazhai (syn Mupaddai) (V1), vayal vazhai (V2). Banana pseudo stem beverage was developed from banana tender core, natural flavorings (lemon, mint)extracts, 2% citric acid as a anti-browning agent, KMS (70ppm) as preservative and CMC (0.1%) as a stabilizer. The proximate composition, physico- chemical analysis, sensory evaluation and microbial study of the pseudo stem beverage was evaluated using standard procedures. The beverages were evaluated at 15 days interval period. During storage conditions the quality of juice with minimum significant changes in chemical properties was observed with the addition of KMS. Based on the sensory evaluation, lemon juice flavored pseudo stem beverage was highly accepted by consumer than mint flavored beverage. Storage study for the pseudo stem beverage was also carried out and significant difference was noticed in beverage. Compare to vayal vazhai (V2), the yield of juice (87.0%) content was higher in ottu vazhai (syn Mupaddai) (V1).The maximum desirable results were obtained from (V1) lemon flavored beverage stored at refrigeration condition. The results were showed that pH (3.28 to 4.75), TSS (12 to 14.0° brix), Acidity (0.35 to 0.26) and vitamin C (0.77 to 0.59). From the storage studies, the lemon flavored pseudo stem beverage (Mupaddai variety V1) was found to be the best in nutrient retention and sensory evaluation than mint flavour beverage and it was accepted up to 45 days.
Biostimulants: Potential and Prospects in Agriculture
Authors: Bhupenchandra Ingudam , Devi Soibam Helena , Basumatary Anjali , Dutta Samiron , Singh Laishram Kanta , Kalita Prakash , Bora S. S. , Devi S. Roma , Saikia Amarjit , Sharma Priyanka , Bhagowati Seema , Tamuli Babita , Dutta Namita , Borah Kripal
Published: September 2020

In the last thirty years, numerous scientific revolutions have been planned to improve the ecological balance of agricultural production methods, via a considerable decrease of inorganic compounds like pesticides, synthetic plant growth hormones and fertilizers. A favorable and environment sustainable modernization should be the practice of normal plant biostimulants (PBs) which augment flowering, plant evolution, fruit formation, crop output and efficient nutrient mobilization, and ability to endure a varied array of abiotic stressors. PBs was primarily deciphered via exclusive of various functions similar to fertilizers or plant protection by-products. They are assorted constituents and microbes resorted to boost plant development. This review aimed to present the plant biostimulants definition, major classifications, and impacts on floras, soil and ecology.
Organoleptic Approach of Drinks Formulations from Coffee and Cocoa Extracts
Authors: Daouda Sidibe , Adama Coulibaly , Ysidor Konan N'Guessan , Désiré Kadjane Assoua , Romuald Mahan Makado , Marius Biego Godi Henri
Published: September 2020

Aims: The current work evaluates some organoleptic characteristics of various formulations from diluted coffee and cocoa extracts.

Study Design: Raw extract produced from Cocoa and Coffee beans, Diluted Extract Formulations processed, and Organoleptic Analyses performed for Sensory profile and Sensory acceptance of the formulations.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Sciences from Felix Houphouët-Boigny University in Abidjan, between March 2019 and July 2019.

Methodology: Six (6) diluted formulations of coffee extracts (dilutions 1/5, 1/10, and 1/20) and cocoa extracts (dilutions 1/3, 1/5, and 1/8) were prepared using variable amounts of concentrated raw coffee and cocoa extracts and mineral water. The acceptance of these formulations by consumers was thus probed, just as the sensory perception index of their appearance (brown), texture (turbidity), and flavor (sweet, acid, bitter). The sensory assessment was achieved from taster's panels.

Results: The coffee extract dilutions 1/5 to 1/20 were filled invarious coffee aroma (2.58/7 to 3.25/7) and sweetness (0.92/7 to 1.33/7). But the coffee dilution 1/20 has enjoyed 50% tasters and highlighted light brown appearance (2.58/7) and light acid flavor and bitterness (1.92/7 and 2.25/7). The cocoa extract dilutions 1/3, 1/5 and 1/8 exhibited similar and light sweetness of 1/7 to 1.33/7. However, the dilution 1/8 was accepted by 48.33% panellists. It was rated with lightest brown appearance (3.25/7), cocoa aroma (2.67/7), and bitterness (3.08/7), and also moderate acid flavor (2.67/7).

Conclusion: Diluted extract formulations of coffee 3 (dilution 1/20) and cocoa 3 (dilution 1/8) could be used for the formulation of new drinks products.
Higher Education in the 21st Century: Relevance, Sufficiency, Challenges and Remedies from Graduates’ Perspective
Authors: Mwangi Wangui Patrick , Ingado Diana
Published: September 2020

Changes in life are ever bound to take place and as a result, what was important yesterday may be obsolete tomorrow, and education is not an exception. Prior to the 21st century, necessity of changes in education had been identified by many researchers and international organizations concerned with education. This had been brought about by the fact that things were changing and education had to keep the pace. In light to this fact, this study was carried out in Eldoret town, Kenya, in order to investigate whether education was up-to-date in the 21st century. It targeted university and college graduates. It was guided by four objectives namely: the relevance of education in this century, the sufficiency, the challenges facing the education in the century and the solutions to the challenges. 300 graduates from 28 different higher learning institutions were considered and data collected using questionnaires. Purposive sampling method was employed. Data analysis was performed in R software and Microsoft Excel for both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results show that, the rate of unemployment among graduates in Eldoret stands at 56.3% (p=0.0163) and 83.4% (p<0.0001) of these unemployed graduates are seeking employment. Among the employed, 59.5% (p=0.0180) are in non-self-employment. At higher learning institutions, majority (74.3%) of the graduates feel that they only gained knowledge while only 3.7% gained both skills and knowledge. Those who don’t find higher education in the 21st century useful in preparing graduates for 21st century’s life are 93.0% (p<0.0001), which is the same as those who don’t find what they gained from higher education useful in their life. The need for reforms in higher education in 21st century for the sake of meeting modern expectations and realization of developments was supported by 98.7% (p<0.0001). 99.7% (p<0.0001) admitted to have faced challenges when studying, which is the same as those with remedies to the challenges. The conclusions are: the higher education in the 21st is not useful, sufficient and relevant for modern life, it is full of challenges and reforms are necessary to help realize developments and modern expectations, and graduates can be useful in finding solutions to the challenges. Recommendations are: the stakeholders should embrace these findings and make necessary reforms to ensure that higher education in 21st century meets the 21st century’s expectations in transforming the modern society, and more research to be done involving wider scope.
The Relationship between Perceived Leadership Styles of Principals and Teacher Retention and Satisfaction
Authors: Jr. Leroy Hamilton, , Jr. Berkley N. King,
Published: September 2020

Approximately 33% of beginning public school teachers in the United States leave the profession before completing their first year in the classroom [1] and nearly 50% of new teachers leave the profession after only 5 years [2]. The literature review explicated factors of the possible interrelationship between teacher satisfaction, retention, and leadership of building principals. Data were collected through cross-sectional surveys that measured attitudes and practices [3].

The independent variable was the leadership traits of the building principal. The dependent variable was job satisfaction that was measured by surveys distributed as the primary instrument for gathering data within the given population. The population for the study was K-12 teachers in five school districts from the coastal region of Virginia. A positive correlation was found between teacher job satisfaction and the principal’s leadership score; r (298) = .63, p = .001. The findings support the study’s main hypothesis. In addition, in comparing the unique contribution of the school that the teacher worked at and the teachers’ perception of their principal’s  leadership, leadership style had 17 times more explaining power (35.8% vs. 2.0%) forthe variation in the teachers’ job satisfaction score. Thus, the key finding of the study indicated a relationship between perceived leadership styles of principals and teacher retention and  satisfaction.

Preservice and in-service K-12 educational leaders may be able to apply the findings from the study to help improve teacher retention.
The International Legal Problems of Ensuring the Availability of Medications in Conditions of the COVID-19
Authors: Bakalinska Olga , Myronenko Nataliia , Stefan Olena , Atamanova Yuliya , Orliuk Olga
Published: September 2020

In the context of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the risks of individual pharmaceutical market players or groups of players taking measures to supply medications that may lead to an economically unjustified increase in drug prices or artificially create a shortage of products are increasing worldwide.

Aims: Finding the best way to protecting intellectual property rights for medications in conditions of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Methods: The methodological basis of the study was formed by an integral and coordinated system of scientific methods that contributed to the study of such a complex socio-legal phenomenon as the availability of medicinal products in conditions of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. At the same time, a synergistic approach was applied, which combined the special research methods of various branches of law, pharmaceutical science and practice.

Results: The article reveals and identifies the distinctive features of using patent protection measures and parallel imports in the drug markets of various countries of the world and the impact of the TRIPS Agreement on the availability of medications for the public in conditions of the COVID-19.

Conclusion: For many countries, including Ukraine, the introduction of parallel imports can be efficient in the short term. Allowing parallel imports of medications has significantly fewer negative consequences for the copyright holder, since the improper quality of the products, in which the invention is used without the use of a trademark, most often does not affect the business reputation of the patent owner. Nevertheless, the chosen model of permitting the use of parallel imports to ensure the availability of medications in Ukraine remains a topical and controversial issue that requires a lot of professional discussion. Legislators should be very careful and cautious about the development and implementation of the institution of parallel imports of medications to Ukraine paying attention to the development of a whole system of quality and transparency control for procedures related to parallel imports to this country.
Pilot Study: Assessment of Drug-Food and Drug-Drug Interactions in the Outpatient Settings
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. , Alkhawaja Faisal Z. , Khan Mohd. F.
Published: September 2020

Background: A drug-drug interaction arises when the pharmacologic effect of a medication is changed by the action of other medication causing unexpected clinical effects. Drug-drug interactions are widely known but the identification of the consequences of food and drug interactions has been growing slowly.

Aim: The present study aims to describe the occurrence of drug –food and drug-drug interactions in the outpatient settings in Riyadh city.

Methodology: A retrospective study was piloted in Riyadh city. The prescriptions were reviewed to identify potential drug - food and drug–drug interactions using Drug Interactions Checker.

Results: About 16.16% of the prescriptions included a drug - drug interaction. The most frequent interaction was the interaction between ciprofloxacin and metronidazole (25.00%) that is a minor interaction. Regarding drug – food interactions there were 40 interactions, the majority of these interactions were moderate. The most common drug - food interactions were metronidazole with food (20.00%) that is a major interaction.

Conclusion: Drug interactions with other drugs or with foods are common. These interactions could have a beneficial or a harmful effect. Physicians and pharmacists should use programs that detects the drug interactions.
Regression Models for Predicting Quantities and Estimates of Steel Reinforcements in Concrete Beams of Frame Buildings
Authors: Ugochukwu S. C. , Nwobu E. A. , Udechukwu-Ukohah E. I. , Odenigbo O. G. , Ekweozor E. C.
Published: September 2020

The traditional method of quantifying reinforced concrete steel reinforcements via taking off can be tedious, time consuming and prone to errors which can affect project success due to cost and schedule overruns, disputes and in certain cases, outright abandonment. In Nigeria, some quantity surveyors have developed ‘rule of thumb’ techniques to quantify reinforcements in order to beat pre-contract datelines based on their past experience, but there are still not widely accepted and a unified formulae or empirical basis of generating these quantities is still lacking. This study thus, developed easy-to-apply, time saving regression models for predicting the quantities/weight and material cost estimates of 16mm, 12mm and 8mm diameter high yield reinforcement bars in beams of varying sizes, using the volume of beam concrete as the independent or predictor variable. Data on concrete volume, weight of Y16, Y12 and Y8 reinforcement was collected via taking off/measurement process from 30 structural drawings of frame buildings of varying nature obtained from registered structural engineers and analyzed using correlation and regression statistics. Results indicate high coefficients of determination (R2) ranging from 0.82 to 0.92 which indicate that the predicted values from a forecast models fit with the real-life data. Thus, 3 predictive models were advanced as follows: WY16= -811.265+ 177.339 (Vc) ;WY12= -510.189 + 63.218(Vc); WY8  = -43.273+ 22.533 (Vc), where: W = reinforcement weight and Vc = volume of concrete. The study concludes that concrete volume is a good predictor variable when establishing the weight of reinforcement in beams. The import of these predictive models for construction cost professionals cannot be overemphasized for ease and accuracy of feasibility estimating, preparation of bills of quantities, material ordering, auditing construction costs, vetting consultants’ estimates and contractors’ quotations.
Remote Sensing Data Based Rainwater Harvesting Approach for Remote Rural Areas - A Case Study, Blue Nile Area, Sudan
Authors: Mohamed Gar Al-Nabi Ibrahim
Published: September 2020

The method of water harvesting is very crucial to the collection of the volume of water required for sustainable water supply. Most physical water scarcity remote rural areas worldwide are characterized by a reasonable amount of rainfall. These areas lack the suitable Surface Rainwater Harvesting System (SRHS) to collect the required water volume. To address this problem a remote sensing data based Surface Rainwater Harvesting Approach (SRHA) was proposed. The proposed approach was tested on existing surface rainwater harvesting systems (SRHS) in residential and agricultural areas inside the study area. The study area is bounded by latitudes 11°-12° N and longitudes 33°-34° E, with an approximate area of 11,000 km2. The SRTM90 DEM data of the study area was processed using QGIS application program hydrological modules. The hydrological model of the area was created, the catchment areas were derived and draining capacities for the specific test sites were calculated. The results revealed that the remote sensing data based approach is capable of locating sites with draining capacities 82 and 8 times those of the traditional systems in the residential and agricultural areas respectively. These results demonstrated that the proposed approach can facilitate locating optimum surface rainwater harvesting sites that would provide sustainable water supply and mitigate physical water scarcity problem in remote rural areas.
Information Content of the Model for Calculating the Finite Precision of Measurements
Authors: Menin Boris
Published: September 2020

Aims: We argue that the choice of a specific qualitative–quantitative set of variables in a model by a conscious observer fundamentally limits the achievable accuracy of the measurement process.

Place and Duration of Study: Mechanical & Refrigeration Consultation Expert, between January 2020 and July 2020.

Methodology: Using the concept of “finite information quantities” introduced by Gisin, we try to present it as a practical tool in science and engineering in calculating the proximity indicator of a model to the phenomenon being studied.

Results: The formulated metric (comparative uncertainty) allows us to set the optimal achievable uncertainty of the model and to confirm the impossibility of implementing the principle of infinite precision.

Conclusion: Any attempt to search for a universal physical theory must consider the uncertainty caused by the observer’s vision and the working of the human brain.
Effect of Fermentation on Bacteria Isolates and Phytochemical Properties of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) Beans
Authors: Ibitoye F. O. , Osaloni A. R. , Adebote V. T.
Published: September 2020

This investigation was carried out to assess the bacteria associated with cocoa beans at different stages of fermentation and determine the changes in the phytochemical constituents of the fermenting beans. The pour plate technique was used for bacterial isolation while phytochemicals were assessed based on standard qualitative chemical reactions. The total bacterial count on the cocoa beans reduced during fermentation from the initial 86.2±0.02 x 105 CFU/g (day 0) to 1.00±0.00 x 105 CFU/g on day 5. However, there was an increase in the lactic acid bacteria count from 48.7±0.03 x 105 CFU/g (day 0) to 111.7±0.03 x 105 CFU/g on day 3, then reduced to 51.4±0.01 x 105 CFU/g on day 5. Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus were isolated from the cocoa beans at different stages of the fermentation. There was a gradual increase in the temperature of the fermenting cocoa mass from the initial 25.6°C recorded at the beginning of the fermentation to 42.8°C recorded on day 5. Also, the pH of the fermenting cocoa beans reduced significantly from 6.1 at the commencement of the fermentation to 3.2 on day 5. In the total titratable acidity assay, the acidity of the cocoa beans increased from 3.12% at the beginning of the fermentation to 7.12% on day 5. Further, in the phytochemical screening, only alkaloids, phenols, steroids and flavonoids were detected in the beans throughout fermentation period whereas tannin and saponin were not found in the beans at any stage of fermentation. The preset phytochemicals got reduced in intensity as fermentation advanced. From these results, it can therefore be concluded that fermentation helps to improve the taste quality and phytochemical properties of Nigerian cocoa beans.
Cosmic string in Abelian-Higgs model with enhanced symmetry — Implication to the axion domain-wall problem
Authors: Hiramatsu Takashi , Ibe Masahiro , Suzuki Motoo
Published: September 2020

Abstract

In our previous work, we found new types of the cosmic string solutions in the Abelian-Higgs model with an enhanced U(1) global symmetry. We dubbed those solutions as the compensated/uncompensated strings. The compensated string is similar to the conventional cosmic string in the Abrikosov-Nielsen-Olesen (ANO) string, around which only the would-be Nambu-Goldstone (NG) boson winds. Around the uncompensated string, on the other hand, the physical NG boson also winds, where the physical NG boson is associated with the spontaneous breaking of the enhanced symmetry. Our previous simulation in the 2+1 dimensional spacetime confirmed that both the compensated/uncompensated strings are formed at the phase transition of the symmetry breaking. Non-trivial winding of the physical NG boson around the strings potentially causes the so-called axion domain- wall problem when the model is applied to the axion model. In this paper, we perform simulation in the 3+1 dimensional spacetime to discuss the fate of the uncompensated strings. We observe that the evolution of the string-network is highly complicated in the 3+1 dimensional simulation compared with that seen in the previous simulation. Despite such complications, we find that the number of the uncompensated strings which could cause can be highly suppressed at late times. Our observation suggests that the present setup can be applied to the axion model without suffering from the axion domain-wall problem.
Higuchi bound on slow-roll inflation and the swampland
Authors: Lüben Marvin , Lüst Dieter
Published: September 2020

Abstract

In this paper we study the implications of the generalized Higuchi bound on massive spin-two fields for the derivative of the scalar potential within bimetric theory. In contrast to the recent de Sitter swampland conjecture, an upper bound on the derivate of the scalar potential follows from the generalized Higuchi bound. In combination, this leaves a window for the derivate of the scalar potential. We discuss this bound in several representative bimetric models and parameter regions.
Unattainability of the trans-Planckian regime in nonlocal quantum gravity
Authors: Briscese F. , Modesto L.
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Based on the ultraviolet asymptotic freedom of nonlocal quantum gravity, we show that the trans-Planckian energy regime is unattainable in laboratory experiments. As physical implications, it turns out that the violation of causality, typical of nonlocal field theories, can never be detected in particle accelerators, while the asymptotic freedom of the theory provides an elegant solution to the so called trans-Planckian cosmological problem.
Immediate versus secondary DIEP flap breast reconstruction: a multicenter outcome study
Authors: Prantl L. , Moellhoff N. , von Fritschen U. , Giunta R. E. , Germann G. , Kehrer A. , Lonic D. , Zeman F. , Broer P. N. , Heidekrueger P. I.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) at the time of mastectomy is gaining popularity, as studies show no negative impact on recurrence or patient survival, but better aesthetic outcome, less psychological distress and lower treatment costs. Using the largest database available in Europe, the presented study compared outcomes and complications of IBR vs. delayed breast reconstruction (DBR).

Methods

3926 female patients underwent 4577 free DIEP-flap breast reconstructions after malignancies in 22 different German breast cancer centers. The cases were divided into two groups according to the time of reconstruction: an IBR and a DBR group. Surgical complications were accounted for and the groups were then compared.

Results

Overall, the rate of partial-(1.0 versus 1.2 percent of cases; p = 0.706) and total flap loss (2.3 versus 1.9 percent of cases; p = 0.516) showed no significant difference between the groups. The rate of revision surgery was slightly, but significantly lower in the IBR group (7.7 versus 9.8 percent; p = 0.039). Postoperative mobilization was commenced significantly earlier in the IBR group (mobilization on postoperative day 1: 82.1 versus 68.7 percent; p < 0.001), and concordantly the mean length of hospital stay was significantly shorter (7.3 (SD3.7) versus 8.9 (SD13.0) days; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

IBR is feasible and cannot be considered a risk factor for complications or flap outcome. Our results support the current trend towards an increasing number of IBR. Especially in times of economic pressure in health care, the importance of a decrease of hospitalization cannot be overemphasized.