bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful Treatment of Congenital Lobar Emphysema in Multiple Lung Lobes in an English Bulldog Puppy
Authors: Regier Penny J. , Gallastegui Aitor , Craft William F.
Published: January 2021

A 5 mo old male intact English bulldog was evaluated at a veterinary referral hospital for acute respiratory distress and chronic difficulty breathing. Thoracic radiographs revealed multifocal pulmonary hyperinflation and hyperlucency suspected in the left caudal and accessory lung lobes. A thoracic computed tomography scan identified severe diffuse enlargement of the caudal subsegment of the left cranial lung lobe and the dorsal process of the accessory lung lobe, with parenchymal hypoattenuation, rounded margins, and thin pulmonary vessels. Based on clinical signs and imaging findings, he was diagnosed with suspect congenital lobar emphysema in multiple lung lobes. A median sternotomy was performed, which revealed a hyperinflated, emphysematous left cranial lung lobe (caudal subsegment) and accessory lung lobe for which two lung lobectomies were performed. The remaining lung lobes were small and atelectatic. Histopathology revealed bronchial cartilage hypoplasia and aplasia and findings consistent with congenital lobar emphysema. The puppy recovered well from surgical treatment of congenital lobar emphysema, requiring multiple lung lobectomies, with subsequent computed tomography–evidenced re-expansion of the remaining lung lobes 3 mo after surgery. The patient is still alive 1 yr after surgery with a normal activity level and no evidence of respiratory compromise.
Sistemas de pensamientos propios: Un aprendizaje desde la Universidad Comunitaria Intercultural
Authors: Gutiérrez Mendoza Silguian Yamillett
Published: January 2021

Los sistemas de pensamientos propios, de pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes son vigentes en la actualidad, frecuentemente invisibilizados por la ausencia del rigor científico, aunque desde las propias formas de producirlos mantengan rigurosidad. Abordar el tema de construcción de conocimientos propios, resulta controvertido y polémico dentro del campo académico, no obstante, los planteamientos posteriores tienen la finalidad de establecer, conveniencia de transformar las sociedades del conocimiento en espacios más diversificados, abiertos e incluyentes, donde pueda coexistir y utilizarse lo científico como lo tradicional. Desde la experiencia de la universidad comunitaria intercultural se realizan planteamientos de construcción colectiva; de creación, recreación y prácticas de saberes y conocimientos, de los pueblos. A largo de toda la discusión se presentan reflexiones y replanteamientos para actuar en la Educación Superior, escenario de instauración de sociedades del conocimiento. Finalizando con afirmaciones y convicciones de que la educación superior intercultural debe ser para la conservación de las culturas; valoración de la diversidad; y legitimar los sistemas de pensamientos propios.
Hacia un modelo de clases participativas de Ciencias Sociales en Educación Secundaria
Authors: Díaz Pérez Adolfo Alejandro , Cruz Acevedo Adilia Aracelly
Published: January 2021

El siglo XXI ha sido un siglo de cambios educativos sustanciales, el profesorado se ha visto envuelto en un proceso profundo de autorreflexión pedagógica que lo ha conllevado a la apropiación del discurso de las innovaciones educativas como un elemento indispensable para obtener mejoras en los resultados educativos. Entre este entramado de innovaciones puestas en el centro de discusión del debate académico, el presente ensayo se plantea como finalidad generar un espacio de reflexión educativa entre profesores en ejercicio y en formación, entorno a las metodologías participativas de los estudiantes en las clases de ciencias sociales como factor esencial dentro de la innovación pedagógica. Para ello, el ensayo inicia haciendo un denso recorrido por las problemáticas relacionadas con las metodologías didácticas y el poco protagonismo que tiene el estudiante en las mismas, luego plantea el tema de las metodologías participativas como un elemento de innovación educativa en los procesos de aprendizajes, para así finalmente sentar las bases de los retos que tiene el profesorado respecto a la implementación de metodologías participativas en el aula de clase, tomando como referencia principal el contexto de la sociedad que avanza e innova día a día.
Efficiency of Different Anti-Dust Agents in Reducing Dust Emission from Forest Road and Deposition on Leaf Surface
Authors: Parsakhoo Aidin , Hosseini Seyed Ataollah , Lotfalian Majid , Mohammadi Jahangir , Salarijazi Meysam
Published: January 2021

Dust is often generated from the dry surfaces of unpaved forest roads as a result of vehicular traffic. Dust particles can negatively affect vegetative growth, water quality and road traffic quality. In this study, some environmental friendly anti-dust agents including sugar cane molasses, polyacrylamide (PAM) and bentonite were used to control dust emission from the road surface under three different concentrations within the 3, 9, 27 and 81 day timeframe. Rear-mounted spray system and dustometer devices were used for implementation of treatments and dust emission recording, respectively. Leaf samples were collected from trees adjacent to road to measure the dust deposited on the leaves by centrifuging dust solution. The results showed that molasses achieved higher efficiencies in term of dust reduction and cost effectiveness than those of PAM and bentonite in Loveh forest, where high levels of fines are present in the road surface materials. 2% and 4% PAM were the most efficient dosages in terms of dust control and cost effectiveness in Shastkalateh and Kouhmian forests, respectively. It was detected that in all sites most of the dust emitted from the road surface was deposited on the leaves of Carpinus betulus L. and Alnus subcordata L., while smooth surface of the leaves retained lower amount of dust in Parrotia persica CAM. It is concluded that the amount of fine aggregates in surfacing materials, type and dosage of anti-dust agent play an important role in the effectiveness and longevity of treatment.
Ocean Electric Field Tests of Carbon Fiber Electrodes Prepared by Nitric Acid Oxidation
Authors: SONG Yusu , LI Hongxia , WANG Yueming
Published: January 2021

The concentrated nitric acid oxidation was chosen as the surface treatments on carbon fibers in this paper. Treated carbon fibers were subjected to subsequent processing and forming, the electrodes applied in marine electric field detection were prepared. The electrochemical properties that related to practical application in marine electric field detection such as potential stability, polarization and cyclic voltammetry performance, the electrochemical impedance and the self-noise were characterized, thus an electrochemical evaluation system was formed to optimize the oxidation technology. Combining with the TGA and FTIR, the physical properties of carbon fibers were characterized and some oxidation laws were induced. The results indicate that the carbon fiber electrode prepared by oxidation 4 hours at 110 ℃ has the best electrochemical performance for detection.
Microwave and Induction Heating-Assisted Biosynthesis of 12CaO 7Al2O3 Electride from Aloe Vera Leaf Extract
Authors: LANGLAR Waramon , AEIMBHU Areeya , LIMSUWAN Pichet , RUTTANAPUN Chesta
Published: January 2021

The white powders used as precursor powders for the synthesis of 12CaO×7Al2O3 electride (C12A7:e-) were prepared by biosynthesis method using Aloe vera extract and microwave assisted synthesis. The C12A7:e- crystals were synthesized by induction heating process under a reducing atmosphere at different times of 3, 4 and 5 min. The structure of C12A7:e- powders was characterized by X-ray diffraction. The XRD analysis revealed that pure C12A7:e- powders were obtained from white precursor powders with an induction heating process time of 5 min. To confirm that the white precursor powders were transformed into C12A7:e- after induction heating process for 3, 4 and 5 min, the optical absorption spectra of powders were investigated by an UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrometer in the wavelength range of 200 – 800 nm. The results show the optical absorption bands at 2.8 eV for the white precursor powders with induction heating time of 3, 4 and 5 min. This is due to the C12A7 was transformed into electride (C12A7:e-). Therefore, the results on the optical absorption spectra are in good agreement with the XRD results.
Self-cleaning and Antibacterial Properties of ZnO Nanoparticles on Cotton Fabric Treated with Maleic Acid
Authors: NOURBAKHSH Shirin
Published: January 2021

Bi-functional finishes of cotton such as wrinkle resistance with antibacterial and self-cleaning are important in textile industry. In this case, reducing cost and duration of processing is essential. For this purpose, cotton fabric was treated with different concentrations of maleic acid (MA), sodium hypophosphite (NaH2PO2) and Zno nanoparticles in two methods of  separately and simultaneously. Crease recovery angle and weight gain tests were examined. For measuring carboxylic acid groups of maleic acid treated cotton fabrics, methylene blue dye was used, and then, reflective spectrophotometer was used to determine methylene blue dye absorption .Self-cleaning and antibacterial properties of ZnO nanoparticles treated cotton fabric were investigated.  For measuring zinc amount, atomic absorption analysis was applied. As the Maleic acid concentration increased, weight gain, crease recovery angle and color yield increased. Color difference or self-cleaning effect of treated fabrics showed that by increasing maleic acid concentration, color difference increased in separate method. In simultaneous treatment, by increasing MA concentration and cross-linked sites, there was a slight increase in ∆E and self-cleaning effect. Results indicated that ZnO nanoparticles amount in separate method of treatment increased as compared with simultaneous method. Antibacterial performance decreased for simultaneous method of ZnO nanoparticles treatment.
Die einkommensteuerliche Berücksichtigung von Erstausbildungsaufwendungen – Anmerkung zum Beschluss des Bundesverfassungsgerichts vom 19.11.2019 – 2 BvL 22/14 u.a.
Authors: Klamet Johannes
Published: January 2021

Erstausbildungsaufwendungen müssen nicht als Werbungskosten im Rahmen der Einkom­mensbesteuerung abziehbar sein. Ihre steuerliche Berücksichtigung steht jedoch nicht zur be­liebigen Disposition des Gesetzgebers. Anmerkung zu Bundesverfassungsgericht, Beschluss vom 19.11.2019, Az. 2 BvL 22/14u.a.
Sicherung der Qualität bei der Ganztagsbetreuung von Grundschulkindern
Authors: Münder Johannes
Published: January 2021

Erläuterung des Gutachtens des Verfassers zu den Möglichkeiten einer rechtssicheren, mög­lichst bundeseinheitlichen Sicherung von Qualitätsstandards der ganztägigen Förderung von Grundschulkindern durch Bundes-, Landesrecht oder kooperatives Handeln von Bund und Ländern. Schwerpunkt ist die Verankerung im SGBVIII und die Kooperation Bund-Länder mittels staatsrechtlicher Verträge.
A Formal Taxonomy of Knowledge Organization: Meta-Analysis and Facet Analysis
Authors: Smiraglia Richard P. , Henry Joshua , Milonas Elizabeth , Marchese Chris , Zherebchevsky Sergey
Published: January 2021

Nearly fifty years after the incorporation of the International Society for Knowledge Organization and the introduction of its formal scientific journal Knowledge Organization, a comprehensive encyclopedia of the domain appeared. The practice of domain analysis for knowledge organization, twenty years after its introduction as a core methodology, has created the largest corpus of theoretical knowledge in the domain analysis of knowledge organization itself. A substantial body of research data, therefore, is available in the corpus of articles and conference papers reporting on the epistemological and ontological pillars of the science of knowledge organization. This paper is a report on the evolution of a formal taxonomy of knowledge organization, which is a product of an exhaustive meta-analysis of the KO domain. Our team compiled the corpus of twenty-nine formal published analyses together with key formative historical documents. We then analyzed the corpus thematically, bibliographically, and using co-word analysis to extract key concepts and the underlying faceted conceptual infrastructure. The taxonomy itself is faceted and is linked where possible to published definitions in the KO literature and as well as to the online ISKO Encyclopedia of Knowledge Organization. A dynamic project, the taxonomy will be maintained as linked open data and will grow as emergent research contributes new concepts or generates new facets.
Towards a Model of Urban Studies Classification
Authors: Balaji B. Preedip , Dhanamjaya M.
Published: January 2021

Evolution of cities is a subject of research for over a hundred years in the organization of urban knowledge systems. Locating five key methodological approaches used by urban scholars and practitioners, this paper demonstrates different relationships between urban studies and classification. Five significant themes form the background of urban studies literature. The first theme sources and literature explore organizing urban materials into sources and literature with a unique dimension of spatiality. The second theme discusses three important facets: scale as a geographic unit of analysis and space as an abstract entity and system as a set of interdependent parts of urban places. The third theme, known as “other” urban, argued for the poor treatment of global south and how it builds inclusivity. The fourth theme, classification and retrieval, investigates the relationship between urban materials and user needs. The last theme, classification schemes, highlights subject treatment of urban in the existing library classification schemes. This paper concludes that the five themes discussed point to a model of urban studies classification. However, this model is not just concerned with urban methods, facets and formats, but explores how each theme interconnects with various sets of people-urbanists, practitioners and librarians-and through studying these actors, established boundaries of urban theories, urban librarianship and knowledge organization are crossed.
Four responses to Nazism
Authors: Pilsworth Ellen
Published: January 2021

This article examines four memoirs (by Jan Petersen, Sebastian Haffner, Nora Waln, and Hermann Rauschning) published in pre-war Britain which describe their authors� firsthand experience of life under National Socialism. These writers came from across the political spectrum, but by 1940 they had all risked their lives to escape and oppose the Nazi regime from a position of exile. Their powerful memoirs were an attempt to explain to international audiences what exactly had taken place in Germany, and to suggest ways forward. Incorporating a range of approaches, these writers� honest reflections on their personal responses to the Nazi movement offer profound insights to readers today, as we try to understand the increasingly distant Nazi era, but are also confronted by a return of far right ideas to mainstream discourse.
Hacia un ecosistema de investigación sobre formación profesional en España
Authors: Echeverría Samanes Benito , Martínez Clares Pilar
Published: January 2021

La mejor forma de fomentar la Investigación sobre Formación Profesional en España (IFPE) es a través de un ecosistema que conecte el potencial tecnológico, investigador, innovador y de emprendimiento con las infraestructuras y talento de sus investigadores y agentes sociales y se refuerce con principios, políticas e inversiones de la estrategia a seguir. Un buen ecosistema de IFPE difícilmente se puede configurar, sin redes sólidas de conexión entre la ciencia, actores socio- económicos y la sociedad en general. Como en otros muchos campos de la actividad, las innovaciones en FP surgen de los intercambios y colaboraciones entre investigadores, centros de formación, universidades, empresas e inversores. Para alcanzar los objetivos, directa o indirectamente relacionados con la FP, ha de implicarse todos los actores /agentes: gobierno, sector privado, sociedad civil y personas particulares. Construir una cultura de investigación e innovación en FP supone un continuo proceso de reflexión-acción-reflexión, que ofrezca espacios reales de intercambio, participación y toma de decisiones sobre su importante función en el desarrollo de la FP. Probablemente éste sea la mejor vía para superar su deficiente reconocimiento social en España y lograr que se convierta en motor de las transformaciones, que necesita nuestra sociedad. Sin duda alguna, experimentar y hacer ciencia en el arte de la formación de aprendices contribuye a la capacitación del capital humano, generador de los cambios y estimula su desarrollo profesional.

 The best way to promote Research about Vocational Education and Training in Spain (IFPE in Spanish) is through an ecosystem that connects the technological, investigative, innovative and entrepreneurial potential with the infrastructures and talent of its researchers and social agents and is reinforced by principles, policies and investments of the strategy to follow. A good IFPE ecosystem cannot be constructed without strong networks of connection between science, socioeconomic actors and society in general. As in many other fields of activity, innovation and research in vocational training arise from exchanges and collaborations between researchers, training centers, universities, companies and investors. To achieve the objectives, directly or indirectly related to vocational education and training (VET), all actors must be involved: the government, the private sector, civil society and individuals. Building a culture of research and innovation in VET involves a continuous process of reflection-action-reflection, which offers real spaces for exchange, participation and decision-making on its important role in the development of VET. This is probably the best way to overcome its poor social recognition in Spain and make it become the engine of the transformation that our society needs. Without a doubt, experimenting in the art of training apprentices contributes to the training of human capital, generation of change and stimulation their professional development.
La justice narrative : l’acte de juger comme expérience herméneutique et éthique. Autour des sentiments de compassion et de culpabilité de la juge Mafalda
Authors: Landheer-Cieslak Christelle , Sautereau Cyndie
Published: January 2021

Par une attention nouvelle aux récits de la pratique du droit, notamment à ceux qui ont été rédigés par ses acteurs (les justiciables, les juges ou les avocats), la justice narrative vise à (re)donner chair aux opérations juridiques et à considérer le rôle des sentiments dans la concrétisation du droit.

Dans cette perspective, le présent article aborde l’opération juridique qu’est l’acte de juger par l’analyse narrative du récit réflexif d’une juge de la Cour du Québec, la juge Mafalda, ainsi surnommée pour conserver son anonymat. Dans son récit, elle raconte un cas d’admissibilité à l’adoption où l’application du droit civil est douloureuse en raison de sa compassion pour des parents vulnérables à qui elle retire leur enfant, entraînant chez elle un fort sentiment de culpabilité. Par la narration de cette juge, l’acte de juger se révèle une expérience herméneutique et éthique complexe où l’interprétation des textes juridiques s’accomplit dans une relation singulière à soi, aux autres et aux institutions.
Fachlichkeit in der Werbung aus kontrastiver Sicht. Henrike Täuscher (2020): Fachlichkeit in der Werbung für Laien. Deutsche und französische Anzeigen im Vergleich. Berlin: Frank & Timme Verlag, 254 S.
Authors: Kałasznik Marcelina
Published: January 2021

The goal of this contribution is to review and to discuss the content of the publication by Henrike Täuscher (2020): Fachlichkeit in der Werbung für Laien. Deutsche und französische Anzeigen im Vergleich. Berlin: Frank & Timme Verlag, 254 S.
Język fachowy a edukacja i rynek pracy. Agnieszka Stawikowska-Marcinkowska, Beata Grzeszczakowska-Pawlikowska (red.) (2018): Języki specjalistyczne 2. Edukacja – Perspektywy – Kariera. Łódź: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego − Primum Verbum, 118 s.
Authors: Lidzba Aleksandra
Published: January 2021

The goal of this contribution is to review and to discuss the content of the publication by Agnieszka Stawikowska-Marcinkowska, Beata Grzeszczakowska-Pawlikowska (red.) (2018): Języki specjalistyczne 2. Edukacja – Perspektywy – Kariera. Łódź: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego − Primum Verbum, 118 s.
A model of entrepreneurial internationalisation in uncertain foreign environments: smaller firms and the global niche strategy
Authors: MAGNANI GIOVANNA , ZUCCHELLA ANTONELLA
Published: January 2021

Purpose of the paper: By proposing a model of SMEs’ entry in foreign markets characterised by uncertainty, we test the relationships among the implementation of a global niche strategy, the perception of lower competition, and international performance. Methodology: Hypotheses are tested on a sample of 110 Australian firms by applying structural equation modelling through the PLS-SEM technique. Results: Our results support the idea that entrepreneurial firms need to create their own environment and, at the same time, control it by exerting high levels of control on manufacturing and technological capabilities and by vertically integrating production processes. Research limitations: More samples from more countries would increase the generalisability of the results. The operationalisation of the components of the global niche strategy which resulted as non-significant need further refinement. Longitudinal studies are required to measure the sustainability of the global niche strategy over time. Practical implications: A customer focus instead of a country focus can help manage perceived uncertainty while growing internationally. Furthermore, decision makers should leverage on product uniqueness through a continuous refinement of technology thanks to insourced production processes. Originality of the paper. To date, no study has advanced a model to represent firms’ internationalisation by considering a process that starts with the formation of strategic antecedents - here represented by the components of the global niche strategy - of international performance.
Comparison of the effects of two laser photobiomodulation techniques on bio-physical properties of Zea mays L. seeds
Authors: Hasan Mohammed , Hanafiah Marlia M. , Alhilfy Intsar H.H. , Aeyad Taha Ziad
Published: January 2021

Background

Laser applications in agriculture have recently gained much interest due to improved plant characteristics following laser treatment before the sowing of seeds. In this study, maize seeds were exposed to different levels of laser treatment prior to sowing to improve their field performance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of pre-sowing laser photobiomodulation on the field emergence and growth of treated maize seeds.

Methods

The maize seeds were first photobiomodulated with two lasers: 1) a helium-neon (He–Ne) red laser (632.8 nm), and 2) a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) green laser (532 nm). Following three replications of randomized complete block design (RCBD), four irradiation treatments were applied (45 s, 65 s, 85 s, and 105 s) at two power intensities (2 mW/cm2 and 4 mW/cm2).

Results

Based on the results, maize seeds pretreated with a green laser and 2 mW/cm2 power intensity for 105 s exhibited the highest rate of seed emergence (96%) compared to the untreated control seeds with a lower seed emergence rate (62.5%). Furthermore, maize seeds treated with a red laser for 45 s showed an increased vigor index compared to the other treatment options and the control (P < 0.01). The treatment groups also showed statistically significant differences in seedling growth characteristics compared to the control group p < 0.01. The green laser produced a significant enhancement of about 24.20 cm in seedling length, 8.2 leaves/plant, and 3.4 cm in stem diameter compared to the untreated seeds. Moreover, the green laser treatment showed 57.4 days to anthesis, which was earlier than the untreated seeds (61.4 days). The results showed that the protein, oil, and starch contents of the seeds irradiated with the green laser were 17.54%, 6.18%, and 73.32%, respectively, compared to the seeds irradiated by the red laser with 16.51%, 6.33%, and 71.05%, respectively.

Conclusions

The photo biomodulation of maize seeds using a green laser light can improve the field emergence, seedling growth, and seed quality of the treated seed compared to the red laser treatment.
Variabel Determinant of Financing Risk, Financing Performance and Zakat in Islamic Banks Indonesia
Authors: Khasanah Riska Uswatun , Roziq Ahmad , Sulistiyo Agung Budi
Published: January 2021

This study aims to find out, test, and prove the influence of sharia financing on financing risk, financing performance, and zakat of Islamic Banks in Indonesia. This research uses a form of quantitative research with a type of exoplanet research. The sample of this study was 12 Islamic Banks in the period 2015-2019. The results of this study found scheme financing influence the risk of financing. Buying and selling financing affects the performance of financing, but not profit-share financing and ijarah financing obtained insignificant to the performance of financing. Buying and selling financing is not significant to zakat, while revenue-share financing and ijarah financing are significant to zakat. Financing risk significant to financing performance. Financing performance significant towards zakat. The findings of this study show that management should be able to manage to buy and selling financing, yield share financing, and ijarah financing to minimize financing risk. Management's ability to manage and minimize financing risks can improve financing performance so that increased financing performance will also increase the company's zakat. Management's ability to manage and minimize financing risks can improve financing performance so that increased financing performance will also increase the company's zakat.
Physico-chemical Characterization of Solutions from Cooked Beans and Their Comparison with Human Urine: Fertilizer and Food?
Authors: Tuebue J. C. Fopoussi , Tchinda I. N. , Djiotsa P. D.
Published: January 2021

The present paper aims to highlight the chemical characteristics of solutions from cooked beans and to compare them with human urine. Solutions of cooked beans were produced by cooking variety of Phaseolus vulgaris L. known as “Meringue” without salts. After this stage, samples of those solutions and samples of the water used for the cooking process were collected for laboratory analysis. A solution from cooked beans is rich in mineral salts, particularly major macro elements (N and K) and minor macro elements (Ca, S, Mg). Concerning the third major macro element, notably the phosphorous, it is present in low amounts. The advantage of this fluid consists in its low amounts of sodium and chlorides, coupled to its low electric conductivity. This fluid has a pH of 6.31. It is made of about 90% of water. A deep parallelism can be established between the human urine and solutions from cooked beans. In fact, these two fluids are rich in nitrogen and potassium, and mainly made of water. But, in the detail, some particularities are present. Human urine has high amounts of sodium and chlorides, this coupled with a high electric conductivity. Concerning solutions from cooked beans, it has high amounts of calcium and magnesium, and a quite nil electric conductivity. The solutions from cooked beans do not require a dilution, but a ridging directly after its application in other to avoid the loose of sulfur and nitrogen through gas emanation. Moreover, the numerous nutrients contained in solutions from cooked beans can be gainfully recycled as soup after flavoring.
Antidermatophyte Activity of Ethanol Extract and Stability of Creams Formulated from Cassia alata Linn
Authors: Oyedeji F. O. , Fawehinmi A. B. , Lawal Hassan
Published: January 2021

There are scientific reports of medicinal plants having curative properties. These properties may be due to the presence of various phytochemicals in the plants. Cassia alata is a specie in the Fabaceae family. The purpose of this study is to determine the antidermatophyte activity of the extract, formulate a cream with the extract and determine the stability of the cream by measuring the pH, Free-thaw test, Centrifugation and sensitivity to light. We also subjected the formulated cream to temperature variation test at -10, 4, 30, 37 and 45o C.  The percentage yield was 8.5%. The extract contain alkaloid (4.24±0.24%), saponin(1.35±0.39%), tannin (0.45±0.29%) and flavonoid (2.42±0.32%) respectively. The antifungal test results showed the activity against  the dermatophytes to be in the increasing order M.furfur (12± 0.2 mm) < Microsporum audounii (12±0.4 mm) < Trichophyton mentagrophtes (14±0.2mm) < Epidermophyton floccosum     (16±0.2 mm).Temperature stability and Centrifuge testing indicated that the formulations were stable. Light testing indicated no change in the colour of the cream. Our study showed that the plant has high potential as an anti-dermatophyte when formulated as a cream for topical use. The stability of the cream formulations indicated that it can be used for the management of dermatophytosis.
Influence of Zeolite on Nitrogen Fractions, Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Nitrogen Uptake of Maize
Authors: Ravali C. H. , Rao K. Jeevan , Anjaiah T. , Suresh K.
Published: January 2021

Imbalanced use of fertilizers for agricultural production has now become a global concern. As a result, studies on how to use efficient methods to reduce nutrient applications at the same time increasing or maintaining crop yield, reducing nutrient losses and improving nutrient use efficiency are imperative. Accordingly, a pot study was conducted to evaluate whether zeolite application might improve selected soil properties, nitrogen use efficiency during maize cultivation. Among all treatments, irrespective of the nitrogen level, NUE (N recovery and agronomic use efficiency of N) showed an increasing trend with the increase of zeolite levels, nitrogen levels and their combination. The highest N recovery and agronomic NUE was obtained in N200Z7.5 (Nitrogen @ 200 kg ha-1 + Zeolite @ 7.5 t ha-1), was on par with N200Z5 (Nitrogen @ 200 kg ha-1 + Zeolite @ 5 t ha-1). N uptake by maize at harvest was highest in N200Z7.5 (Nitrogen @ 200 kg ha-1 + Zeolite @ 7.5 t ha-1).
Ameliorative Effects of Dietary Ocimum gratissimum Leafmeal on African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus Subjected to Pathogenic and Transportation-Induced Stress
Authors: Samuel Olanipekun O. , Oluyemi K. Gbadamosi , Muyiwa Adegbenro , Agbona A. I. , Adebisi S. L.
Published: January 2021

The primary aim of this project is the use of functional feed supplements to ameliorate or reduce the effects of stressors rather than using chemicals that could be harmful and expensive.  Specifically, assessment of the ameliorative effect of locally available phytogenic product, Ocimum gratissimum on the negative effects of stress in African catfish production was carried out in a study that lasted for 70 days. Five experimental diets were formulated, at different inclusion levels of O. gratissimum , as 0.00 g (control), 0.05 g, 0.10 g, 0.15 g, 0.20 g per 100 g of diet denoted as T1 (control), T2, T3, T4, and T5 respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, stress-induced treatments of experimental fish were done using pathogenic and transportation stressors. Zootechnical parameters in terms of growth and nutrient utilization were evaluated. Physiological stress assessment (Aspartate transaminase, AST and Alanine transaminase, ALT) and stress biomarkers (cortisol and glucose) were carried out using liver and blood samples from experimental fish. Results showed that zootechnical parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced with increasing supplementation levels of O. gratissimum. There were better performances in the growth and nutrient utilization indices like weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency and feed conversion ratio as the level of O. gratissimum was increased to 0.15 mg/g in the diets. Curvilinear trends were recorded with a second degree polynomial regression model depicting a strong relationship between SGR and O. gratissimum supplementation in fish diet followed by adverse responses when increased to 0.20 mg/g in the diet. There were significant reduction in stress parameters with increasing supplementation levels of O. gratissimum leaf extract in the diets. The best supplementation level of O. gratissimum was 0.15 mg/g in T4. From the above deductions, this study confirmed the positive ameliorating effects of O. gratissimum on the African catfish during stressful episodes.
A Survey on the Prevalence of Anaemia in Pregnant and Lactating Women Eating Processed Food
Authors: Prusty Shakti Ketan , Sahu Pratap Kumar
Published: January 2021

Anaemia is a medical condition in which there is less number of red blood cells in the blood. Lack of sufficient healthy red blood cells in blood is observed in anaemia patients. In human beings, blood carries oxygen to other body tissues, transport of oxygen is done by red blood cells. An anaemic person always feels tired and weak. Weakness is because of less oxygen in body tissues. The body requirement of iron in pregnant and lactating women is generally high, insufficient intake of iron results in anaemia. Survey on the prevalence of anaemia in the different age group is done but the current survey also puts light on a factor which is not covered before. Because of good taste and availability, processed food intake is increasing in every household. A close link of high intake of processed food and nutrient deficiency in pregnant and lactating women, especially iron deficiency is observed. The current survey opens the future perspective to conduct more research on the connection between packaged food eating habits and prevalence of various diseases.
Sources of Fungal Contamination of Fresh and Dried Fish in Kisii County, Kenya
Authors: Nyamwaka Irene Seila , Monda Ethel , Ombori Omwoyo , Kwach Johnson
Published: January 2021

Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus that frequently invade foods and feedstuffs. In humid climatic conditions like those found in Kisii County, growth of fungi on dried fish and fish feeds is accelerated due to absorption of moisture from the environment as a result of poor storage and sometimes improper drying. This can lead to creation of favourable conditions for the growth of the toxigenic fungi and consequently production of aflatoxins. This study was conducted to determine the main sources of fungal contamination of selected fresh and dried fish sold in Kisii county, Kenya. Samples of fish were randomly obtained from four main markets in the county. A structured questionnaire was used to determine the sources of fish, mode and hygiene of transportation, handling of fish, duration of storage, hygiene of packaging materials and display environment of fish. Levels of fish contamination were expressed in form of colony forming units per gram (CFU/g) of fish. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine mean differences in parameters analysed. The results revealed that CFU/g of fish from control samples were significantly less than those from fresh and dried fish samples from the various sources (p<0.05). There was generally no significant difference between CFU/g from both fresh and dried fish from the various sources. The study found out that fresh and dried fish sold in Kisii county are contaminated with fungi. There is therefore need for frequent surveillance on the sources of fish contamination and public sensitization of all those involved in fish supply chain.  This will help reduce possible aflatoxin contamination thus promoting consumers’ healthy living.
Antifungal Activities of Azardirachta indica Crude Extracts and Fractions against Strain 1161, P37005 and RM1000
Authors: Owoyale A. D. M. , Galadimma M. , Daniyan S. Y. , Adabara N.
Published: January 2021

Azardirachta indica (neem) has served as an alternative medicine in the treatment of some common illnesses that have being associated to man. Azardirachta indica have proven effectively against certain fungi species that can infect human beings and cause disease. This study was aimed at determining the antifungal activities of Azardirachta indica crude extracts and fractions against certain Candida albicans strains: P37005, RM1000 and Strain1161. The reflux method was used for successive extraction of Azardirachta indica leaves which was done by three solvents namely: n- hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. The leaves of Azardirachta indica was assayed for its phytochemicals components which was determined quantitatively. However, the various strains were subjected to the crude extracts of Azardirachta indica at a varying concentration of 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/ml. The activity of n- hexane and methanol crude extracts had higher zones of inhibition than that of ethyl acetate crude extracts. The n- hexane crude extract showed a minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) value of 12.5 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml respectively against the tested strain of P37005(Isolate B4). The value of 6.25 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml were also observed for the n- hexane crude extract against strain RM 1000(Isolate B2). Whereas, the methanol crude extract presented a value of 6.25 mg/ml and 100mg/ml respectively against strain RM1000(Isolate B2). More so, the antifungal activities of the fractions were determined at a concentration of 5mg/ml and 10 mg/ml which showed inhibition for all the strains. The n-hexane fraction F3 of Azardirachta indica had an MIC and MFC value of 12.5 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml against P37005(IsolateB4). The value for the methanol fractions(F6) of Azardirachta indica against strain 1161(Isolate S5) was 3.125 mg/ml and 6.25 mg/ml. It is obvious from this study that the antifungal activities of the crudes and fractions used were less in activity compared to the standard antibiotics(fluconazole).
Microbiological Research of Mineral and Mountain Spring Waters in Bulgaria
Authors: Ignatov Ignat
Published: January 2021

In Bulgaria is observed a great variety of spring waters. They are mineral and mountain spring waters. According to their temperature they can be cold (up to 37 °С), warm (from 37°C to 60 °C) and hot (over 60 °C). This is Bulgarian standard for the qualification of waters according to their temperature.

The mountain spring waters are cold with temperature up to 25 °С.

By their chemical composition they fall into three categories – low mineralized (up to 2 g/L), moderately mineralized (2 to 15 g/L) and highly mineralized (15 – 30 g/L). According to their chemical composition the mineral waters are divided into sulphate, sulfide, hydrogen carbonate, chloride and carbonic. With regards to their gas composition they are nitrogen, sea and carbonic waters.

The waters that correspond to the requirements of Decree No. 14 regarding the resort resources, resort localities and resorts, have balneological parameters.

The main objective of the current review is to show springs, which have been examined by microbiological parameters and are in compliance with Ordinance No. 9 / 2001, Official State Gazette, issue 30, and decree No. 178 / 23.07.2004 regarding the quality of water intended for drinking and household purposes, and Decree № 14 regarding the resort resources, resort localities and resorts.
Fanconi anemia and mTOR pathways functionally interact during stalled replication fork recovery
Authors: Nolan Matthew , Knudson Kenneth , Holz Marina K. , Chaudhury Indrajit
Published: January 2021

We have previously demonstrated that Fanconi anemia (FA) proteins work in concert with other FA and non‐FA proteins to mediate stalled replication fork restart. Previous studies suggest a connection between the FA protein FANCD2 and the non‐FA protein mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). A recent study showed that mTOR is involved in actin‐dependent DNA replication fork restart, suggesting possible roles in the FA DNA repair pathway. In this study, we demonstrate that during replication stress mTOR interacts and cooperates with FANCD2 to provide cellular stability, mediate stalled replication fork restart, and prevent nucleolytic degradation of the nascent DNA strands. Taken together, this study unravels a novel functional cross‐talk between two important mechanisms: mTOR and FA DNA repair pathways that ensure genomic stability.
Insights into the molecular profiles of adult and paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Aung Myint Myat Khine , Mills Megan L. , Bittencourt‐Silvestre Joana , Keeshan Karen
Published: January 2021

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a clinically and molecularly heterogeneous disease characterised by uncontrolled proliferation, block in differentiation and acquired self‐renewal of hematopoietic stem and myeloid progenitor cells. This results in the clonal expansion of myeloid blasts within the bone marrow and peripheral blood. The incidence of AML increases with age, and in childhood, AML accounts for 20% of all leukaemias. Whilst there are many clinical and biological similarities between paediatric and adult AML with continuum across the age range, many characteristics of AML are associated with age of disease onset. These include chromosomal aberrations, gene mutations and differentiation lineage. Following chemotherapy, AML cells that survive and result in disease relapse exist in an altered chemoresistant state. Molecular profiling currently represents a powerful avenue of experimentation to study AML cells from adults and children pre‐ and postchemotherapy as a means of identifying prognostic biomarkers and targetable molecular vulnerabilities that may be age‐specific. This review highlights recent advances in our knowledge of the molecular profiles with a focus on transcriptomes and metabolomes, leukaemia stem cells and chemoresistant cells in adult and paediatric AML and focus on areas that hold promise for future therapies.
Periodontitis aggravates kidney injury by upregulating STAT1 expression in a mouse model of hypertension
Authors: Yang Qin , Ding Handong , Wei Wei , Liu Jie , Wang Jiajia , Ren Jie , Chan Weicheng , Wang Min , Hao Liang , Li Jinle , Yue Yuan
Published: January 2021

Periodontitis is an autoimmune disease of periodontal tissues initiated by plaque. It is known that there is a close connection between periodontitis and CKD with hypertension, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. STAT1 has been reported to play a regulatory role in hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we investigated whether STAT1 regulates periodontitis‐mediated aggravation of kidney injury with accompanying hypertension. A hypertensive renal injury mouse model was established with Nos3 knockout mice, and a periodontitis model was established by implantation with the oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis. The mice were intraperitoneally injected with a STAT1 inhibitor. Periodontitis aggravated kidney injury in hypertensive mice, and upregulation of STAT1 was observed when both periodontitis and hypertension were present; furthermore, STAT1 inhibitor moderated this effect. Moreover, we observed that periodontitis promoted the upregulation of inflammatory and fibrosis gene expression in the kidneys of hypertensive mice. In addition, STAT1 inhibition decreased the expression of pro‐inflammatory and pro‐fibrotic cytokines in the kidney lesion area. Periodontitis augmented the expression of inflammatory and fibrosis genes by upregulating the expression of STAT1, thereby aggravating kidney injury in the hypertensive mouse model.
Consistency of small‐field dosimetry, on and off axis, in beam‐matched linacs used for stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Muñoz Luis , Kron Tomas , Petasecca Marco , Bucci Joseph , Jackson Michael , Metcalfe Peter , Rosenfeld Anatoly B. , Biasi Giordano
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) can be delivered with a standard linear accelerator (linac). At institutions having more than one linac, beam matching is common practice. In the literature, there are indications that machine central axis (CAX) matching for broad fields does not guarantee matching of small fields with side ≤2 cm. There is no indication on how matching for broad fields on axis translates to matching small fields off axis. These are of interest to multitarget single‐isocenter (MTSI) SRS planning and the present work addresses that gap in the literature.

Methods

We used 6 MV flattening filter free (FFF) beams from four Elekta VersaHD® linacs equipped with an Agility™ multileaf collimator (MLC). The linacs were strictly matched for broad fields on CAX. We compared output factors (OPFs) and effective field size, measured concurrently using a novel 2D solid‐state dosimeter “Duo” with a spatial resolution of 0.2 mm, in square and rectangular static fields with sides from 0.5 to 2 cm, either on axis or away from it by 5 to 15 cm.

Results

Among the four linacs, OPF for fields ≥1 × 1 cm2 ranged 1.3% on CAX, whereas off axis a maximum range of 1.9% was observed at 15 cm. A larger variability in OPF was noted for the 0.5 × 0.5 cm2 field, with a range of 5.9% on CAX, which improved to a maximum of 2.3% moving off axis. Two linacs showed greater consistency with a range of 1.4% on CAX and 2.2% at 15 cm off axis. Between linacs, the effective field size varied by <0.04 cm in most cases, both on and off axis. Tighter matching was observed for linacs with a similar focal spot position.

Conclusions

Verification of small‐field consistency for matched linacs used for SRS is an important task for dosimetric validation. A significant benefit of concurrent measurement of field size and OPF allowed for a comprehensive assessment using a novel diode array. Our study showed the four linacs, strictly matched for broad fields on CAX, were still matched down to a field size of 1 x 1 cm2 on and off axis.