bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Resolution Numerical Simulation of Surface Wave Development under the Action of Wind
Authors: Chalikov Dmitry
Published: June 2020

The paper describes the numerical experiments with a three-dimensional phase-resolving model based on the initial potential equation of motion with free surface at deep water in the periodic domain written in the surface-following nonstationary curvilinear nonorthogonal coordinate system. The numerical scheme is based on Fourier-transform method. The vertical velocity on surface is calculated by solving the three-dimensional Poisson equation for the velocity potential. The velocity potential is represented as a sum of linear and nonlinear components. The linear component is described by Laplace equation. The nonlinear component is calculated by solution of the three-dimensional Poisson equation with the iterated right-hand side. The model includes some algorithms for calculation of the energy input from wind as well as for calculation of breaking and high-frequency dissipation. Initially, the conditions are assigned as a set of small waves corresponding to JONSWAP spectrum at high wave number. In response to waves’ growth, the spectrum shifts to lower wave numbers. The evolution of spectrum is generally in an agreement with the observed data. The wave spectrum and the spectra of different rates of energy transformation as well as the statistical characteristics of wave field for different stages of development are described.
Formation of Aromatic and Flavor Compounds in Wine: A Perspective of Positive and Negative Contributions of Non-SaccharomycesYeasts
Authors: Godoy Liliana , Acuña-Fontecilla Andrea , Catrileo Daniela
Published: June 2020

Wine is a complex matrix that involves compounds of different chemical nature, with volatile compounds being primarily responsible for the aromatic quality of the wine. The formation of these volatile compounds is mainly due to yeasts’ metabolism during alcoholic fermentation. Several studies in the microbiology field have reported that Saccharomyces cerevisiae is responsible for alcoholic fermentation, influencing the sensory quality of the wine and affecting the metabolic activity of other genera and species of yeasts, called non-Saccharomyces, which would positively affect sensory quality. Non-Saccharomyces yeasts, considered until recently as undesirable or spoilage yeasts, can improve the chemical composition and aroma profile of the wine. The activity of these yeasts is considered essential for the final wine aroma profile. Thus, the metabolism of these microorganisms could be a decisive factor that strongly influences the aroma of the wine, impacting on its quality. However, there are few studies that explain the impact of non-Saccharomyces yeasts on the final wine aroma profile. This chapter summarizes relevant aspects and pathways involved in the synthesis of aromatic compounds by non-Saccharomyces yeasts as well as studies at the genetic and transcriptional level associated with their formation.
Plant-Derived Compounds against Microbial Infections and Cancers
Authors: Thierry M. Bitchagno Gabin , Nchiozem-Ngnitedem Vaderament-A. , Tseme Wandji Nadine , Cedric T. Noulala Guy , Alain T. Fobofou Serge , Ndjakou Lenta Bruno
Published: June 2020

Plants synthesize and preserve a variety of metabolites known as natural products. Many of them are easily extractable and can be used as starting material or chemical scaffolds for various purposes, especially in drug discovery. Numbers of reports have listed valuable candidates with privilege scaffolds currently in active development as drugs. New compounds with anticancer and antiinfective activities have been discovered recently, some presented these backbones. The present book chapter aims to highlight these findings from plants which can be considered valuable for the development of new drugs against malignant cells and infective diseases. Interest in anti-infective agents is increasing due to the resistance of microorganisms to existing drugs and newly emerging infectious diseases. This resistance is also, nowadays, associated to some forms of cancers. In addition, the value of plants as essential part in the health care pipeline in low- and middle-income countries is under consideration even though these countries are almost all surrounded by a rich and untapped biodiversity. People are always relying on “modern drugs and treatment” which is unfortunately not affordable to all. Therefore, the present compilation of data on plant-derived compounds can inspire the formulation of ameliorated traditional medicines (ATM) against the targeted diseases and the conservation of species.
Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults: Practical Diagnosis Guide
Authors: Mihai Diana , Cristina Plesa Florentina , Docu Axelerad Any , Munteanu Alice , Claudia Ghinescu Minerva , Adella Sirbu Carmen
Published: June 2020

With its increasing incidence in younger population and as a leading cause of disability, ischemic stroke represents a real public health problem. This chapter aims to evaluate the most common risk factors and causes for ischemic stroke in the young. Though some are identical to those found in older patients, most of them are specific to this population segment. Furthermore, another objective is to provide some guidance in approaching the case based on some important clinical clues. Due to the lack of universal management guidelines, it is up to the physician to judge the particularities of each case and to carry out the variety of investigations necessary for determining the cause.
Parental Coping Styles of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Report from Iran
Authors: Ali Samadi Sayyed
Published: June 2020

Coping with challenges associated with caregiving for a child with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) could be a parental stressful task. The present study is aimed at exploring the coping styles adopted by parents to handle the demands of this diagnosis for their children. To understand the parental coping style of Iranian parents who are caregiving for their offspring with ASD, a mixed-method approach is considered in which deep interview and self-report questionnaires were used. In all, 43 parents were recruited from different services for individuals with ASD across Tehran. The finding showed that ASD had multiple impacts on Iranian parents’ general well-being. They also used less effective coping styles to meet the associated demands of caregiving for a child with ASD. These impacts were similar to reported findings for parents in other countries, but there were some special features of parenting that might be rooted in the Iranian culture or special contexts such as limitation of the formal and informal supports and services.
Flavonoid-Mediated Modulation of CYP3A Enzyme and P-Glycoprotein Transporter: Potential Effects on Bioavailability and Disposition of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Iqbal Muzaffar
Published: June 2020

The consumption of herbal products and dietary supplements along with conventional medicines has raised concerns regarding herb-drug interactions. The available literature from experimental and clinical studies suggested that the consumption of herbs or dietary supplements that modulate efflux proteins, especially P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and metabolic enzyme CYP3A, may cause clinically relevant herb-drug interactions by alteration of bioavailability and disposition profiles of targeted drug. It has been also hypothesized that both CYP3A and P-gp work synergistically to limit systemic exposure of orally administered substrate drugs. Many in vitro and in vivo studies suggested that co-administration of flavonoids significantly enhances the bioavailability of orally administered drugs, which may be due to inhibition of the CYP3A enzyme and P-gp transporter. Recently, a large number of orally administered tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been clinically approved for cancer chemotherapy, and many are currently estimated to be under development. TKIs are all primarily metabolized by CYP3A, and most of them are also substrates of P-gp. Numerous studies have suggested that the plasma exposure of orally administered TKIs increases when co-administered with other drugs due to their dual inhibitory activities against P-gp and CYP3A. However, limited data are available regarding the interaction between flavonoids and TKIs. The objective of this article is to review the potential role of flavonoids in modulation of CYP3A enzyme and P-gp transporter and their influence on bioavailability and disposition of TKIs.
Parrilla urethra: A sequalae of electric shock torture to genitals in men. A 40 case series in Kashmir (India)
Authors: Khawaja Abdul Rouf , Dar Manzoor , Dar Yasir , Magray Javeed , Sheikh Tariq , Zahur Suhail
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Since the 20th century, electric shock torture has become one of the most prevalent methods of torture partly because it produces sequelae that are more challenging to visibly detect, particularly when administered using high voltage and low current. In sexual torture, a wire is wrapped around the head of the penis and a wire electrode is inserted into the urethra.This produces unbearable pain and can lead to urethral strictures with devastating physical and psychological consequences.

Objective: To document electric shock torture to genitals as an etiologic agent in urethral stricture and erectile dysfunction amongst survivors of electric torture introducing the term “parrilla urethra” for the electric shock torture urethral stricture.

Materials and methods: The study included 40 patients who attended the Department of Urology, Directorate of Health services, Srinagar, Kashmir, India with obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) / obstructive uroflowmetry between March 2010 and November 2014. All cases had an antecedent of electric shock torture to genitals six months to one year prior to examination. Pre-post psychological impact and well-being was used through Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores.

Results: The mean age of patients was 35.6 years. Most of the urethral strictures were located in the anterior urethra. Some degree of erectile dysfunction was present in all (100%) of patients. Psychological sequelae including depression, anxiety, acute stress disorder and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder were observed. Patients were treated with standard urethroplasty procedures after addressing the urethral stricture.This improved both physical and psychological sequelae of torture.
Psychiatric experience with perpetrators
Authors: Lansen Johan
Published: June 2020

Reprinted with permission from

Journal of Medical Ethics, 17(Suppl), 55–57. doi: https:/doi.org/10.1136/jme.17.suppl.55

© 1991 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd & Institute of Medical Ethics. All rights reserved.
Launch of IRCT report on conversion therapy
Authors: Editorial Team Torture Journal
Published: June 2020

On 23 April 2020, IRCT published its re- search on the global practice of conversion therapy. The report, entitled “It’s Torture Not Therapy,” compiles information on the “practices, practitioners and roles of states in conducting, supporting, promoting and acquiescing in conversion therapy” and is in- tended to supplement the Expert Statement of the Independent Forensic Expert Group on the same issue, also printed in this edition of Torture Journal.
Wpływ cofki zbiornika zaporowego na koryto rzeki górskiej – perspektywy badań = The impact of dam-reservoir backwater on mountain river channel – research perspectives
Authors: Liro Maciej , Krzemień Kazimierz
Published: June 2020

Dam reservoir construction is one of the most important factors shaping river-valley morphology in the Anthropocene. While a large number (>58,000) of these constructions are in operation all over the world, we remain quite ignorant of what happens upstream of them (in so called backwater zone), especially for the case of gravel-bed rivers. Existing studies have shown that adjustments of the gravel-bed river in the backwater zone differ between the initial and long-term adjustments. The initial adjustments (occurring ≈ <20 years following dam construction) are controlled by large floods and in-channel deposition which trigger bi-directional bar↔bank interactions (bank erosion causing bar growth and vice versa) resulting in channel-widening. The long-term adjustments (≈ >20 years following dam construction) are characterized by river sinuosity increa sing and channel planform stabilization resulted from deposition of fine sediment and associated vegetation expansion. The long-term adjustments are controlled by the initial river morphology, which creates accommodation space for the deposition of fine sediment and for the associated expansion of vegetation on channel bars. The multi-thread river in backwater zone is significantly narrowed, its sinuosity increase (phase 1) and the planform is stabilized (phase 2). Whereas, in the case of initially single-thread river only planform stabilization occur (phase 2). This article summarizes recent findings on the backwater effects on gravel-bed channel morphodynamics, suggesting that backwater zones may be treated as hot-spots of human-induced changes in river geomorphology and biogeomorphology.
Teodor Llorente, cinquanta anys després: una polèmica entre Joan Fuster i Josep M. Bayarri
Authors: Cano Mateu J. Àngel
Published: June 2020

Resum: Aquest article analitza la polèmica generada en la premsa valenciana l’any 1961 entre Joan Fuster i Josep M. Bayarri, arran del cinquantenari de la mort de Teodor Llorente. Mentre que Fuster reclama un debat intel·lectual al voltant del líder de la Renaixença valenciana i, de retop, dels referents propis, Bayarri en té prou amb commemoracions i celebracions, com misses, lectures de poemes o articles de diari. Aquest enfrontament dialèctic amaga dues maneres totalment oposades d’entendre el valencianisme de postguerra: d’una banda, un valencianisme que proposa l’autocrítica i la reflexió; d’una altra, un valencianisme o «regionalisme» irracional, de caire sentimentalista i antiintel·lectual. L’article analitza, doncs, el posicionament i l’abast de la defensa de Llorente per part d’aquests dos autors.Paraules clau: Teodor Llorente, Joan Fuster, Josep M. Bayarri, valencianisme, postguerra..Abstract: This paper analyses the controversy that Joan Fuster and Josep M. Bayarri create on the Valencian press in 1961, as a result of the fifty years after Teodor Llorente’s death. Whereas Fuster demands an intellectual discussion about the leader of the Renaixença in Valencia and the Valencian writers, Bayarri settles for commemorations and celebrations, masses, poetry readings or journal articles about him. This dialectic confrontation conceals two totally opposed ways of understanding the Valencianism of the postwar period. On the one hand, there is a Valencianism that proposes a self-criticism and a reflection; on the other hand, we find a Valencianism or an irrational «regionalism» that is sentimentalist and anti-intellectual. Therefore, this essay analyses the points of view about Llorente made by these two authors.Keywords: Teodor Llorente, Joan Fuster, Josep M. Bayarri, Valencianism, postwar period.
'Flipping the Script': The Not-So-Distressed Damsel and the Shirking of the Blame in Curial e Guelfa
Authors: OBrien Erica
Published: June 2020

Abstract: This article explores the ways in which motifs of feminine culpability, typically articulated by the male courtly lover to his beloved lady in the Spanish sentimental novel, are subverted in the anonymous fifteenth-century Catalan chivalric novel Curial e Güelfa. This subversion of culpability motifs is facilitated in Curial e Güelfa since there is also a subversion of gender roles within the amorous relationship of the novel’s protagonists: a female lover, Güelfa, who courts her male beloved, Curial. I demonstrate how the same tactics used by the male courtly lover in the sentimental novel to blame the beloved lady for his suffering and the demise of the relationship are employed by the female characters of Curial e Güelfa toward the beloved man. However, feminine blame still occurs in Curial e Güelfa, manifested as feminine self-blame and blame between women, while the male characters engage in self-absolution, absolution of other men, and utter shirking of the blame.  Keywords: Curial e Güelfa, sentimental novel, culpability, blame, absolution.Resum: Aquest article explora les formes en què els motius de la culpabilitat femenina, típicament articulats per l’amant cortesà masculí a la seua estimada, en la novel·la sentimental espanyola, es canvien en la novel·la cavalleresca catalana del segle XV Curial e Güelfa. La subversió dels motius de culpabilitat es facilita en Curial e Güelfa, perquè també existeix una subversió dels rols de gènere dins la relació amorosa dels protagonistes de la novel·la: una amant femenina, Güelfa, que corteja al seu estimat masculí, Curial. Demostre com les mateixes tàctiques utilitzades per l’enamorat cortesà en la novel·la sentimental  per culpar a l’estimada pel seu patiment i la desaparició de la relació són emprades pels personatges femenins del Curial e Güelfa cap a l’estimat. Tanmateix, la culpa femenina encara es troba al Curial e Güelfa, manifestada com l’autoinculpació  i la culpa femenina entre les dones, mentre que els personatges masculins practiquen l’autoabsolució, l’absolució dels altres homes i l’elusió completa de la culpa.
Keywords: Curial e Güelfa, novel·la sentimental novel, culpabilitat, pecat, absolució.
Literatura i espiritualitat en els textos valencians del segle XV
Authors: Peirats Navarro Anna Isabel
Published: June 2020

Literatura i espiritualitat en els textos valencians del segle XV
L’encaix de la narrativa sense ficció de Víctor Labrado en el paradigma de la novel·la històrica valenciana
Authors: Escandell Dari
Published: June 2020

Resum: L’escriptor valencià Víctor Labrado (Sueca, 1956) s’ha erigit com un dels grans referents contemporanis en el camp de la novel·la de no-ficció en català, subgènere narratiu que conjumina la intenció metanovel·lesca amb fidedignes discursos testimonials. Ara bé, ¿les obres cabdals de Labrado –peculiars, idiosincràtiques i gens usuals– poden ser considerades també, sense subterfugis ni matisos, novel·la històrica? A grans trets: trames guerracivilistes empeltades d’entrevistes, dosis generoses de periodisme documental i absència gairebé absoluta de ficció. La tècnica i l’estil propi no suposen, però, cap impediment perquè molts llibres seus siguen alhora novel·la històrica, si fem cas dels topoi convinguts per la crítica especialitzada. No debades, aquests exemplars esdevenen, al capdavall, testimoni viu d’un temps passat; vivències i peripècies de gent anònima que rescaten de l’oblit, des de la particularitat més universal, la realitat valenciana d’un segle passat vilment estigmatitzat pel conflicte civil de l’any 1936 i la dictadura consegüent. ¿N’hi ha prou amb això, però, perquè aquesta etiqueta o clixé siga atribuïble també a la resta de la seua obra i trajectòria? El present article analitza a nivell tècnic, argumental i conceptual els llibres essencials de Labrado per tal de determinar quina part de la seua novel·lística sense ficció pot o no considerar-se al seu torn novel·la històrica.Paraules clau: Víctor Labrado, novel·la sense ficció, novel·la històrica, literatura catalana, valencià.Abstract: The Valencian writer Víctor Labrado (Sueca, 1956) has emerged as one of the great contemporary references in the field of the non-fiction novel in Catalan, a narrative subgenre that combines the fictional intention with real testimonial speeches. However, can Labrado’s capital books –peculiar, idiosyncratic and unusual– be considered also, without subterfuges or hints, historical novels? Broadly speaking: are his Spanish civil war plots grafted with interviews, generous doses of documentary journalism and almost absolute absence of fiction, historical novels? Its techniques and style are no impediment to say so, if we pay attention to the topoi agreed by the specialized critic. In fact, these novels become, in short, a living testimony of our past time: they rescue from oblivion the experiences and adventures of anonymous people, from the most universal particularity, and the Valencian reality of a past century stigmatized by the civil conflict of 1936 and the consequent dictatorship. Is that enough, however, to attribute this label to the rest of his literary works? This paper analyses the techniques, the plots and the concepts of Labrado’s essential books to determine what part of his nonfiction novels may or may not be considered historical.Keywords: Víctor Labrado, nonfiction novel, historical novel, Catalan literature, Valencian
Retolació ceràmica urbana dels segles XVIII i XIX: les fàbriques de València
Authors: Navarro Beatriu , Cebrian i Molina Josep Lluís
Published: June 2020

Resum: Les ciutats començaren a retolar amb taulells els noms dels carrers i dels edificis públics, i a numerar les cases, en compliment de la Cèdula reial de 1769 promulgada per Carles III. En aquest article estudiem l’evolució de la retolació urbana al llarg dels segles XVIII i XIX. A partir de diversos casos documentats –Xàtiva, Sogorb, València, Ciutat de Mallorca– i dels taulells i plaques ceràmiques conservats, analitzem aquesta vessant de la taulelleria valenciana.

Paraules clau: taulelleria, toponímia urbana, segle XVIII, segle XIX, València

Abstract: The cities began to signal the names of streets and public buildings with tiles, and to number the houses, in accordance with the Royal Decree of 1769 promulgated by Carles III. In this paper we study the evolution of urban signage throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Based on documented examples –Xàtiva, Sogorb, Valencia, Ciutat de Mallorca– and the preserved ceramic tiles and plates, we analyze this aspect of Valencian tilework.

Keywords: glazed tiles, urban toponymy, 18th century, 19th century, València
Baptista Tafolla, Miquel de Morales i Joan Ximenes. Violència, amistat, criminalitat i amor. Joc de contrastos d’un triangle amorós del darrer terç del segle XVI
Authors: Mompó Navarro Jacob
Published: June 2020

Resum: Per algun motiu que desconeixem, Baptista Tafolla va declarar davant la Inquisició que havia comés el crim nefand de sodomia amb altres homes. En les seues declaracions van aflorar els noms de fra Miquel de Morales, religiós trinitari del monestir de Sant Bernat d’Alzira, i Joan Ximenes, escuder del senyor de Miraflores. L’eficaç procediment inquisitorial convertia els acusats d’un procés de sodomia en testimonis en els processos d’altres reus. D’aquesta manera es van unir els tres vèrtexs d’un triangle amorós en una documentació que palesa els moments de violència i criminalitat que van viure els nostres protagonistes, per bé que els tres gaudiren d’una relació duradora entre l’amistat, el desig i l’amor.

Paraules clau: Sodomia, homosexualitat, Inquisició, crim contra natura, marginalitat

Abstract: For some unknown reason, Baptista Tafolla declared in front of the Inquisition that he had committed the crime of sodomy with other men. In his statements appear the names of Father Miquel de Morales, a Trinitarian religious of Sant Bernat d’Alzira monastery, and Joan Ximenes, the squire of the Lord of Miraflores. The effective inquisitorial procedure converted the accused of a sodomy trial into testimonies in other trials. In this way, the three vertexes of a love triangle converge in a documentation that highlights the moments of violence and criminality that our protagonists experienced, although tthey enjoyed a lasting relationship between friendship, desire and love.

Keywords: Sodomy, homosexuality, Inquisition, crime against nature, marginality
Affordances of a video examination: Opportunities for pre-service teachers to demonstrate professional knowledge of teaching and learning
Authors: Adalberon Erik
Published: June 2020

The present study reports on an alternative examination design where pre-service teachers took part in observation and analysis of a video-recorded classroom situation, and how this affected their opportunities to demonstrate their conceptual knowledge of teaching and learning. The
findings from analysing 21 written examination reports suggest that the pre-service teachers were able to make use of the video recordings in a meaningful way to discuss professionally relevant issues. However, their responses to the various parts of the examination differed. While the first
part elicited a wide range of responses and interests, the last part was dominated by clearly academic aspects of knowledge.
Nye læreplaner i utdanningsprogrammet restaurant- og matfag – kompetanse for fremtiden?
Authors: Eben Bjørn , Spetalen Halvor
Published: June 2020

Den norske yrkesopplæringen er inne i sin første store reform siden Kunnskapsløftet i 2006. Fra høsten 2020 vil alle læreplanene i det skole- og lærlingebaserte opplæringsløpet oppdateres, og innholdet i disse læreplanene vil bidra til å forme framtidens fagarbeidere.  

I denne artikkelen tar vi utgangspunkt i nasjonale og internasjonale beskrivelser av hvilke yrkeskompetanser det er behov for i fremtidens arbeidsmarked med særlig vekt på yrkesutøvelse i restaurant- og matfagbransjene. Dette er bransjer som har en stor utfordring med å skaffe tilstrekkelig antall faglærte yrkesutøvere. Spørsmålet om hvilken kompetanse framtidens faglærte i restaurant- og matfagbransjene bør inneha, har derfor stor betydning for både skole og næringsliv.

Spørsmålet vi undersøker i denne artikkelen er derfor: I hvilken grad er den nye Vg1-læreplanen i utdanningsprogrammet restaurant- og matfag tilpasset fremtidens kompetansebehov slik det beskrives gjennom forskning, styringsdokumenter og sluttkompetansebeskrivelser fra Faglig råd for restaurant- og matfag?

Empirien i artikkelen er basert på en kvantitativ spørreundersøkelse som kartlegger yrkesutøvelsen til yrkesutøvere i restaurant- og matfagene og tekstanalyser av sluttkompetansebeskrivelser fra Faglig råd for restaurant- og matfag og den nye Vg1-læreplanen i utdanningsprogrammet restaurant- og matfag. Artikkelens teoretiske fundament hviler i stor grad på styringsdokumenter slik som stortingsmeldinger og NOU’er sammen med nasjonal- og internasjonal forskning om nødvendig arbeidslivskompetanse for fremtidens yrkesutøvere.

Resultatene viser at det er liten forskjell mellom hva faglærte og ufaglærte yrkesutøvere gjør av arbeidsoppgaver i bedriftene. Betydningen av å være faglært er derfor relativt liten i det daglige arbeidet i bedriftene. I forarbeidene til nye læreplaner i restaurant- og matfag er sluttkompetansen i de ulike yrkene i restaurant- og matfag beskrevet av Faglig råd for restaurant- og matfag(2018) og høringsutkast fra Utdanningsdirektoratet. Analyser viser at kompetansemålene i den nye Vg1-læreplanen i varierende grad er tilpasset nødvendig kompetanse for et fremtidig arbeidsmarked slik denne kompetansen er beskrevet i forskning og styringsdokumenter.
Historical museum collections and contemporary population studies implicate roads and introduced predatory bullfrogs in the decline of western pond turtles
Authors: Nicholson E. Griffin , Manzo Stephanie , Devereux Zachary , Morgan Thomas Paul , Fisher Robert N. , Brown Christopher , Dagit Rosi , Scott Peter A. , Shaffer H. Bradley
Published: June 2020

The western pond turtle (WPT), recently separated into two paripatrically distributed species (Emys pallida and Emys marmorata), is experiencing significant reductions in its range and population size. In addition to habitat loss, two potential causes of decline are female-biased road mortality and high juvenile mortality from non-native predatory bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana). However, quantitative analyses of these threats have never been conducted for either species of WPT. We used a combination of historical museum samples and published and unpublished field studies shared with us through personal communications with WPT field researchers (B. Shaffer, P. Scott, R. Fisher, C. Brown, R. Dagit, L. Patterson, T. Engstrom, 2019, personal communications) to quantify the effect of roads and bullfrogs on WPT populations along the west coast of the United States. Both species of WPT shift toward increasingly male biased museum collections over the last century, a trend consistent with increasing, female-biased road mortality. Recent WPT population studies revealed that road density and proximity were significantly associated with increasingly male-biased sex ratios, further suggesting female-biased road mortality. The mean body size of museum collections of E. marmorata, but not E. pallida, has increased over the last 100 years, consistent with reduced recruitment and aging populations that could be driven by invasive predators. Contemporary WPT population sites that co-occur with bullfrogs had significantly greater average body sizes than population sites without bullfrogs, suggesting strong bullfrog predation on small WPT hatchlings and juveniles. Overall, our findings indicate that both species of WPT face demographic challenges which would have been difficult to document without the use of both historical data from natural history collections and contemporary demographic field data. Although correlational, our analyses suggest that female-biased road mortality and predation on small turtles by non-native bullfrogs are occurring, and that conservation strategies reducing both may be important for WPT recovery.
Epiphytic bryophyte biomass estimation on tree trunks and upscaling in tropical montane cloud forests
Authors: Lai Guan-Yu , Liu Hung-Chi , Kuo Ariel J. , Huang Cho-ying
Published: June 2020

Epiphytic bryophytes (EB) are some of the most commonly found plant species in tropical montane cloud forests, and they play a disproportionate role in influencing the terrestrial hydrological and nutrient cycles. However, it is difficult to estimate the abundance of EB due to the nature of their “epiphytic” habitat. This study proposes an allometric scaling approach implemented in twenty-one 30 × 30 m plots across an elevation range in 16,773 ha tropical montane cloud forests of northeastern Taiwan to measure EB biomass, a primary metric for indicating plant abundance and productivity. A general allometry was developed to estimate EB biomass of 100 cm2circular-shaped mats (n= 131) with their central depths. We developed a new point-intercept instrument to rapidly measure the depths of EB along tree trunks below 300 cm from the ground level (sampled stem surface area (SSA)) (n= 210). Biomass of EB of each point measure was derived using the general allometry and was aggregated across each SSA, and its performance was evaluated. Total EB biomass of a tree was estimated by referring to an in-situ conversion model and was interpolated for all trees in the plots (n= 1451). Finally, we assessed EB biomass density at the plot scale of the study region. The general EB biomass-depth allometry showed that the depth of an EB mat was a salient variable for biomass estimation (R2= 0.72,p< 0.001). The performance of upscaling from mats to SSA was satisfactory, which allowed us to further estimate mean (±standard deviation) EB biomass of the 21 plots (272 ± 104 kg ha−1). Since a significant relationship between tree size and EB abundance is commonly found, regional EB biomass may be mapped by integrating our method and three-dimensional remotely sensed airborne data.
Green Synthesis of Chromium Nanoparticles by Aqueous Extract of Melia azedarach, Artemisia herba-alba and Bacteria Fragments against Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Kotb O. M. , El-Latif F. M. Abd , Atawia A. R. , Saleh Sherif S. , El-Gioushy S. F.
Published: June 2020

This study was carried out at the Tissue Culture and Germplasm Conservation Research Laboratory, Horticulture Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt. in cooperation with Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Egypt. from 2016 to 2020.

Medicinal plants contain many reduction substances e.g. terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides. Melia azedarach and Artemisia herba-alba are rich in these compounds that are able to reduce chromium metal (VI) to chromium nanoparticles (Cr2O3). Chromium oxide nanoparticles were green synthesized by the reduction of potassium dichromate solution with Melia azedarach and Artemisia herba-alba plant extract. In biological methods, Cr2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized by two biological agents of Erwinia amylovora dry matter and extraction. The resulting Cr2O3 nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy. The antibacterial effect of Cr2O3 nanoparticles against E. amylovora gave the highest inhibition zone for Cr2O3 nanoparticles reduction by Artemisia followed by Melia (31.0 and 25.0 mm respectively). These particles were shown to have an effective bactericide on contaminated callus pear cells by Erwinia bacteria which gave survival 75% and 50% and 0.0% contamination.
Growth and Yield of Three Turmeric Varities (Curcuma longa L.) under Mango Based Agroforestry
Authors: Kona K. N. , Rahman M. S. , Hossain S. , Akter N. , Ali M. M.
Published: June 2020

An experiment was conducted at the Department of Agroforestry and Environment, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh during 24 March 2018 to 10 January 2019, to investigate the growth and yield of different turmeric varieties under mango trees and open control. The experiment consisted of two factors with three replications. Among the two factors, one factor was two production systems: T1 =Mango + Turmeric and T2=Open control + Turmeric; the second factor was three turmeric local varieties: V1=Thailand, V2= Malshira and V3= Debipat. Interaction treatments between factor A and factor B were T1V1, T1V2, T1V3, T2V1, T2V2 and T2V3 combinations. The experiment was laid out following a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Findings of the study revealed that growth and yield of turmeric significantly varied in the main effect of different agroforestry production systems. The highest fresh weight of rhizome (11000 kg/ha) was obtained in T2 and lowest (7055 kg/ha) in T1. The highest dry weight of rhizome (2126 kg/ha) was found in T2 and lowest (1456 kg/ha) was in T1. On the other hand the highest fresh weight of rhizome was 9777 kg/ha found with (V2) and lowest 8055 kg/ha with (V3), the highest dry weight of rhizome was 2013kg/ha found in V1.In case of interaction, the highest fresh rhizome weight (13611 kg/ha) and dry rhizome weight (2631 kg/ha) were recorded in T2V2 and T2V2, respectively. However, the lowest were found in T1V2 (5944 kg/ha) and T1V2 (1208 kg/ha).
Seaweed: A Novel Organic Biomaterial
Authors: Verma Nidhi , Sehrawat Anita R. , Pandey Digvijay , Pandey Binay K.
Published: June 2020

The seaweeds are macroscopic living resources having significant amount of growth regulators, macronutrients as well as micronutrients which are essential for the growth of crop plants. The fertilizers that are derived from seaweeds are known as new generation fertilizers or modern fertilizers which are devoid of harmful effects of chemicals. Seaweeds contains considerable amount of nutrients which are easily absorbed by plants hence beneficial for the positive growth of crop plants. In the present situation seaweeds are found to be more suitable to crop plants to increase growth parameters as compared to chemical fertilizers. The positive effects of seaweed have been observed in many crops like Cajanus cajan, Abelmoschus esculentus, Arachis hypogea, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, Lablab purpureus, Cicer arietinum etc. This review helps in encouraging the students and research scholars towards the uses of different seaweeds on growth and development of many crop plants.
Evaluation of Different Fungicides and Bioagents for the Management of Chickpea Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri)
Authors: Mahajan Seethiya , Kumar Deepak , Singh Santosh Kumar , Mahajan Deepak , Kumar Devendra , Paswal Shazia
Published: June 2020

The incidence of the chickpea wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri ranged between 8.11 - 21.67 and 10.98 - 23.99 per cent with an overall mean disease incidence of 15.64 and 16.86 per cent respectively during Rabi seasons of 2016-17 and 2017-18 in surveys conducted fortnightly in the different chickpea growing areas of Jammu sub-tropics. The maximum growth inhibition of pathogen i.e., 78.44 per cent was observed by local isolate T. harzianum (Th-III) and P. fluorescens (Pf-III) was least effective in controlling the growth of pathogen i.e., 53.00 per cent in In vitro studies. Among chemicals, carbendazim at 100 ppm was significantly effective in inhibiting the growth of pathogen (98.67%), while copper oxychloride and mancozeb showed inhibition of 83.11 and 82.22 per cent, respectively. Both the antagonists were highly sensitive to propiconazole (Tilt), carbendazim (Bavistin), difenoconazole (Score), iprodione + carbendazim (Quintal) and metalaxyl (Ridomil), giving no growth of T. viride (TV-III) and T. harzianum (TH-III). TMTD (Thiram) recorded least inhibition of both the bioagents. Under field conditions, bioagents recorded maximum seed germination of 90.21 and 90.07 per cent, whereas least germination was recorded in mancozeb (84.17 and 83.10%). Carbendazim recorded lowest disease incidence (14.92 and 14.97%) over untreated control (44.42 and 45.77%). However, maximum grain yield was recorded in azoxystrobin + T. harzianum-III (14.30 and 14.57 q/ha) and azoxystrobin + T. viride-III (14.15 and 14.38 q/ha) and the least grain yield was recorded in mancozeb (10.58 and 10.64 q/ha) during Rabi 2016-17 and 2017-18. Maximum increase in grain yield was recorded in azoxystrobin + T. harzianum-III (62.31 and 62.43%) followed by azoxystrobin + T. viride-III (62.61 and 60.87%) during Rabi 2016-17 and 2017-18.
Cause and Effect of Farmers’ Suicides in Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Niranjan H. K. , Chouhan R. S. , Sharma H. O. , Thakur S. S.
Published: June 2020

The study examined the cause and effect of suicide on family members in Surajpur, Chhattisgarh, India. Suicide victims in this district in 2014 were highest among all districts of the state. Cases were examined based on production and market risk, sociological, psychological and other family related factors. Primary data were collected through survey and interview schedule while secondary data were gathered from the office of the Additional Director General of Police. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data. Out of 194 suicide cases, 50 were purposively selected as sample size. Results revealed that, prior to suicide, victims mingled with their own family members (64%) and neighbors/households friends (68%). It was also found out that major causes of suicide were family problems and commitments, followed by marriage related issues. Effect of farmers’ suicides showed that households had lost their major provider (38%), and had felt insecurity in the family (42%). The major causes of suicides prevailing were found to be social and farming related causes. Among these social related causes were found to be more prominent as compared to farming related causes. The prominent causes of farmers’ suicide in Chhattisgarh as recognised by the majority of the respondents were found to be family problems, illness drug abuse/alcoholic addiction, fall in social reputation, extra martial affairs and quarrel between victims and others. None of farmers was found to commit suicides due to poverty.
Hopf Bifurcation Analysis for a Two Species Periodic Chemostat Model with Discrete Delays
Authors: Ireri Jane , Pokhariyal Ganesh , Moindi Stephene
Published: June 2020

In this paper we analyze a Chemostat model of two species competing for a single limiting nutrient input varied periodically using a Fourier series with discrete delays. To understand global aspects of the dynamics we use an extension of the Hopf bifurcation theorem, a method that rigorously establishes existence of a periodic solution. We show that the interior equilibrium point changes its stability and due to the delay parameter it undergoes a Hopf bifurcation.Numerical results shows that coexistence is possible when delays are introduced and Fourier series produces the required seasonal variations. We also show that for small delays periodic variations of nutrients has more influence on species density variations than the delay.
TTK regulates proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells through the Akt‐mTOR pathway
Authors: Huang Hongxia , Yang Yadong , Zhang Wenyuan , Liu Xinzhu , Yang Geng
Published: June 2020

TTK (also known as Mps1) is the core component of the spindle assembly checkpoint, which ensures proper distribution of chromosomes to daughter cells to maintain genome integrity and to balance growth and division. However, the function of TTK in tumorigenesis has not been extensively studied, especially in relation to the development of gastric cancer. In this study, survival and tumor recurrence data related to TTK expression level in gastric cancer patients were collected and analyzed. We observed that TTK expression was negatively correlated with survival and tumor recurrence in vivo. TTK was also upregulated in gastric cancer cells and was observed to be essential for the proliferation and survival of gastric cancer cells. Knockdown of TTK inhibited proliferation and increased apoptosis. Furthermore, we report that TTK regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells through the Akt‐mTOR pathway. Knockdown of TTK inhibited activation of Akt‐mTOR signaling. In summary, our data indicate that TTK is involved in the regulation of gastric cancer proliferation and apoptosis.
Stability analysis of delayed fuzzy Cohen‐Grossberg neural networks with discontinuous activations
Authors: Abdelaziz Meryem , Chérif Farouk
Published: June 2020

In this article, we investigate the dynamical behavior of a class of delayed fuzzy Cohen‐Grossberg neural networks (FCGNNs) with discontinuous activation functions subject to time delays and fuzzy terms. By using the inequality analysis technique and the M‐matrix theory, sufficient and proper conditions are given in order to establish the existence, convergence, and global exponential stability of equilibrium point of the system. In particular, we discuss the impact of discontinuous neuron activations on the existence and exponential stability of equilibrium point for FCGNNs. Two numerical examples are provided to substantiate the theoretical results.
Overdose resurgence amid pandemic fuels debate over treatment access measures
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: June 2020

Widespread reports in recent months of a resurgence in opioid overdoses and related problems as the nation combats COVID‐19 are intensifying the call for greater flexibility in ensuring access to treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). This is leading in some quarters to support for making some recently implemented emergency responses permanent, though there remains a general consensus that not enough concrete outcome data is yet available to fully evaluate the measures' impact so far.
What PAARI has been doing to help people with addiction during COVID‐19
Authors: Hunter Allie
Published: June 2020

The mission of the Police Assisted Addiction & Recovery Initiative (PAARI) is to build the capacity of law enforcement agencies to design and implement nonarrest programs that create pathways to treatment and recovery for those suffering from substance use disorders. Law enforcement officers are on the front lines of both the opioid epidemic and the COVID‐19 pandemic, and their efforts right now are more important than ever.
Neuromodulation Management of Chronic Neuropathic Pain in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Yu Kai , Niu Xiaodan , He Bin
Published: June 2020

Neuromodulation is a clinical tool used for treating chronic neuropathic pain by transmitting controlled physical energy to the pre‐identified neural targets in the central nervous system. Its drug‐free, nonaddictive, and improved targeting characteristics have attracted increasing attention among neuroscience research and clinical practices. This article provides a brief overview of the neuropathic pain and pharmacological routines for treatment, summarizes both the invasive and noninvasive neuromodulation modalities for pain management, and highlights an emerging brain stimulation technology, transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS), with a focus on ultrasound transducer devices and the achieved neuromodulation effects and applications on pain management. Practical considerations of spatial guidance for tFUS are discussed for clinical applications. The safety of transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation and its future prospectives on pain management are also discussed.
From Arteries to Capillaries: Approaches to Engineering Human Vasculature
Authors: Fleischer Sharon , Tavakol Daniel Naveed , Vunjak‐Novakovic Gordana
Published: June 2020

From microscaled capillaries to millimeter‐sized vessels, human vasculature spans multiple scales and cell types. The convergence of bioengineering, materials science, and stem cell biology has enabled tissue engineers to recreate the structure and function of different hierarchical levels of the vascular tree. Engineering large‐scale vessels aims to replace damaged arteries, arterioles, and venules and their routine application in the clinic may become a reality in the near future. Strategies to engineer meso‐ and microvasculature are extensively explored to generate models for studying vascular biology, drug transport, and disease progression as well as for vascularizing engineered tissues for regenerative medicine. However, bioengineering tissues for transplantation has failed to result in clinical translation due to the lack of proper integrated vasculature for effective oxygen and nutrient delivery. The development of strategies to generate multiscale vascular networks and their direct anastomosis to host vasculature would greatly benefit this formidable goal. In this review, design considerations and technologies for engineering millimeter‐, meso‐, and microscale vessels are discussed. Examples of recent state‐of‐the‐art strategies to engineer multiscale vasculature are also provided. Finally, key challenges limiting the translation of vascularized tissues are identified and perspectives on future directions for exploration are presented.
Bacterium‐Templated Polymer for Self‐Selective Ablation of Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Qi Guobin , Hu Fang , Kenry  , Chong Kok Chan , Wu Min , Gan Yunn Hwen , Liu Bin
Published: June 2020

The recognition and inactivation of specific pathogenic bacteria remain an enormous scientific challenge and an important therapeutic goal. Therefore, materials that can selectively target and kill specific pathogenic bacteria, without harming beneficial strains are highly desirable. Here, a material platform is reported that exploits bacteria as a template to synthesize polymers with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristic by copper‐catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization for self‐selective killing of the bacteria that templates them with no antimicrobial resistance. The bacteria‐templated polymers show very weak fluorescence in aqueous media, however, the fluorescence is turned on upon recognition of the bacteria used as the template to synthesize the polymer even at a low concentration of 600 ng mL−1. Moreover, the incorporated AIE fluorogens (AIEgens) can act as an efficient photosensitizer for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation after bacteria surface binding, which endows the templated polymers with the capability for selective bacterial killing. The bacterium‐templated synthesis is generally applicable to a wide range of bacteria, including clinically isolated multidrug‐resistant bacterial strains. It is envisioned that the bacterium‐templated method provides a new strategy for bacteria‐specific diagnostic and therapeutic applications.