bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Botswana development vision and localisation of UN Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Musekiwa Norbert , Mandiyanike David
Published: March 2019

This paper considers how the Botswana government could use the experiences of implementing the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to localise their successor Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country’s new development strategy Vision 2036. Despite the recentralisation of some elements of service delivery (water, education, and health) reversing the decentralisation trend, Botswana attained respectable successes in achieving MDG targets. The localisation of development goals must however go beyond simply establishing effective and efficient decentralised local government units, to implementing local economic development strategies that enable communities to take an active role in national development processes. The primary question that this discussion paper seeks to answer is: can Botswana utilise lessons learnt in implementing the MDGs to the SDGs, to foster an empowered local community? The paper highlights how community empowerment is particularly critical in Botswana; on the one hand given the current over-dependence of the economy on a limited number of extractive, finite mineral resources, and on the other because of the multi-dimensional character of poverty and high income inequality afflicting Botswanans. The call for greater decentralisation in Botswana’s Vision 2036 provides a good example for the Commonwealth as it goes beyond the SDGs’ target date of 2030.

KeywordsBotswana; Millennium Development Goals; Sustainable Development Goals; Vision 2036.
Holding governments accountable for service delivery: the local government councils scorecard initiative in Uganda
Authors: Muyomba-Tamale Lillian , Cunningham Kiran
Published: March 2019

Uganda’s Local Government Councils Scorecard Initiative is a strategic social accountability initiative designed to enable citizens to demand excellence of their local governments and enable local governments to respond to citizen demands for effective and efficient service delivery. Begun in 2009, it is one of the signature programmes of Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE), a public policy research and advocacy think tank in Uganda. The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Uganda Local Governments Association. The centrepiece of the initiative is the local government council scorecard, a capacity-building tool for assessing the performance of district-level elected officials in accordance with roles and responsibilities set out in the Uganda’s Local Government Act 1997 (as amended). Incorporating multiple links in the supply and demand chain of good governance and accountability – citizens, civil society organisations, local government and central government – the administration of the scorecard and dissemination of performance results is grounded in an action research methodology. Follow the positive reception of the initiative after eight years of implementation in Uganda, it is hoped that other countries will look to adapt this methodology to engage in similar types of social accountability initiatives.
Statistically based approach to select worst-case groundwater scenarios for environmental risk assessment of pesticides in Brazil
Authors: Scorza Jr Romulo Penna , Canesin Fábio , Seabra Fábio , Comunello Éder
Published: March 2019

Exposure scenarios in combination with simulation models have been used in the procedure of Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) of pesticides to estimate exposure concentrations in environmental compartments.The appropriate definition of exposure scenarios is primordial to guarantee ERA purpose to evaluate if a pesticide use in an intended area can be considered safe. This work had the aim to present and test a geo- and statistically based approach to define worst-case groundwater exposure scenarios for Brazil. To do so, soil-climate data of Mato Grosso do Sul state consisting of 42 locations (3 soil classes and 14 meteorological stations) were used to generate populations of Predicted Environmental Concentrations (PEC) at 3 and 5-m depth for a simulation period of 24 years. A total of 3,780 graphs were generated of PEC populations for 15 “dummy” pesticides. After setting equal risks in both dimensions (spatial and temporal) equal to 20%, the overall risks exceedance of tested worst-case groundwater exposure scenarios were about 10% for both depths. Thus, this approach can be considered suitable to guarantee a pre-defined overall risk exceedance once defined by the regulatory authorities in Brazil.
Retrieval of aerosol composition directly from satellite and ground-based measurements
Authors: Li Lei , Dubovik Oleg , Derimian Yevgeny , Schuster Gregory L. , Lapyonok Tatyana , Litvinov Pavel , Ducos Fabrice , Fuertes David , Chen Cheng , Li Zhengqiang , Lopatin Anton , Torres Benjamin , Che Huizheng
Published: March 2019

Abstract. This study presents a novel methodology for remote monitoring of aerosol composition over large spatial and temporal domains. The concept is realized within the GRASP (Generalized Retrieval of Aerosol and Surface Properties) algorithm to directly infer aerosol composition from the measured radiances. This approach is different from the conventional methods that use post-processing of the retrieved aerosol optical properties for aerosol typing. The proposed method assumes observed aerosols as mixtures of particles composed of black carbon, brown carbon, absorbing insoluble, non-absorbing insoluble embedded in a soluble host. The algorithm then derives size distribution and the fractions of these components. The complex refractive index of each component is fixed a priori and the complex refractive index of mixture is computed using mixing rules. The approach is first tested with synthetic data and the uncertainties are estimated. Then, it is applied to the real ground-based AERONET and space-borne POLDER/PARASOL observations, known to be sensitive to aerosol complex refractive index. The study presents a first attempt to derive aerosol composition from satellites. The obtained aerosol optical characteristics are highly consistent with the standard products (R of ~ 0.9 for aerosol optical thickness). The approach also presented an ability to separate between aerosol properties in fine and coarse size fractions, in case of POLDER/PARASOL and AERONET. Examples of application to POLDER/PARASOL on the global scale are presented. The obtained spatial and temporal patterns of the aerosol composition agree well with our knowledge on aerosol sources and transport features. Finally, limitations and perspectives are discussed.
Total Replacement of Fish Oil by Balanites aegyptiaca and Adansonia digitata Seed Oils in Diets of Clarias anguillaris Fry
Authors: Sagne Mariama , Fall Jean , Loum Abdoulaye , Ndong Diegane , Diouf Malick
Published: March 2019

Clarias anguillaris fries were fed with three isoproteic (30.25%) and isoenergetic (1.42 MJ/Kg) diets to evaluate the effects of plant seed oil on the growth performance, feed efficiency and survival rate. The test was carried out on Clarias anguillaris with an initial average weight of 0.07 g distributed in 6 plastic tanks with a stocking density of 15 fries each. The treatments were in duplicate for 45 days. The results of this experiment showed that the fish fed diet B containing Adansonia digitata seed oil as a source of lipid has the best total average weight gain (AWGa) (0.15g) compared to those fed with P and S diets containing fish oil and the Balanites aegyptiaca seed oil respectively. Similar results were obtained with the specific growth rate, which showed a significant difference between the fish fed with B diet and those fed with S and P diets that do not differ significantly between them. The best feed conversion rate (FCR) was obtained with the fish fed with B diet, which showed a significant difference with the fish fed with P and S. The best survival rate (SR) of 80% was obtained with the fish fed with diet B, followed by 73% in fish fed with diet S, and finally the lowest value 67% was contained in the fish fed with the control diet P. The best protein efficiency ratio (PER) was obtained with the fish fed with diet B (1.16) followed by the fish fed with diet S (0.80) compared with the fish fed with the control diet P (0.74). From the results of this study, we can say the replacement of fish oil with Balanites aegyptiaca seed oil and Adansonia digitata seed oil has no negative impact on the growth of Clarias anguillaris fries. In conclusion, diet B containing Adansonia digitata seed oil appears to be more suitable for Clarias anguillaris fry growth.
Packaging Features Effecting on Milk Buying Behavior in Karachi
Authors: Khan Osaf Ahmed , Siddiqui Danish Ahmed
Published: March 2019

This paper examined the packaging features effecting milk buying behavior. Four packaging features were selected that included nutritional information, price, country of origin, & quality standards, and their impact on milk consumption and purchase behavior is analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. The study was carried out in urban areas of Karachi, among 318 respondents using Likert scale based questionnaire. The findings suggested that all four packaging features have a significant positive impact on consumers buying behavior. Consumers are attracted towards those products which provides enough and adequate amount of information on its products’ packaging. Nutritional information is among one of the important element that needs more focus and it will surely results in a positive way to the manufacturers of dairy products. Hence, producers and marketers of milk should focus on their product’s packaging features especially on the verbal element as a primary strategy in order to influences consumers buying behavior.
Relationship between Emotional Labor Behavior and Burnout Level of Football Coaches
Authors: Tolukan Ersan
Published: March 2019

In the scope of this research, it is aimed to determine emotional labor behavior and burnout level of football coaches and to examine the relationship between them. In this study conducted in relational survey model, Emotional Labor Scale developed by Diefendorff et al. (2005) and adapted to Turkish by Basım and Beğenirbaş (2012), and Maslach Burnout Sclae developed by Maslach and Jackson (1981) and adapted to Turkish by Ergin (1992) were applied to 321 voluntary participants. Descriptive statistics (number of participants, minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation) regarding emotional labor and burnout levels of participants were calculated. Besides, pearson correlation coefficient was calculated with the aim of determining the level of relation between the sub-dimensions of emotional labor and burnout. p significance level in difference tests was taken as 0,05. Research results showed that burnout levels of coaches were low; as the sub-dimensions of emotional labor scale, the factors of deep acting and genuine emotions were high, and the factor of surface acting was low. According to the correlation results, it was determined that there was a low level negative relation between their burnout levels and surface acting behavior and a low level positive significant relation between deep acting behavior and genuine emotions.
Perception of safety of urban residents
Authors: Czuba Beata , Krawczyńska Karolina
Published: March 2019

Modern cities generate many threats. Based on the conducted pilot studies and analysis of available statistical data, the authors of the article try to answer the following questions of what determines the sense of safety of urban residents and how residents assess their own safety.
EMG FIELD ANALYSIS IN DYNAMIC MICROSCOPIC/NANOSCOPIC MODELS OF MATTER
Authors: Fiala Pavel , Bartušek Karel , Dědková Jarmila , Dohnal Premysl
Published: March 2019

We discuss a numerical model (macro/micro/nanoscopic) to enable more accurate analysis of electro-hydro-dynamic (EMHD) processes in water at the level of atoms. Dedicated experiments have shown that inserting a relatively homogeneous periodic structure (deionized, degassed, or distilled H2O) in a magnetic field will influence the atomic basis, molecules, and relevant bonds. In this context, the present paper focuses on the designing, analysis, and evaluation of the behavior of an extensive system that represents H2O from the microscopic perspective, and it also outlines the properties and changes of the bonds in the examined water samples. Complementarily, a simple example is used to define the results obtained from analyses of the generated spiral static gradient magnetic and non-stationary gradient electromagnetic fields from the frequency range of f = 1 GHz to 10 GHz.
SLUG FLOW VELOCITY ESTIMATION DURING PNEUMATIC CONVEYING OF BULK SOLID MATERIALS BASED ON IMAGE PROCESSING TECHNIQUES
Authors: Miłak Mateusz , Leszczyńska Agnieszka , Grudzień Krzysztof , Romanowski Andrzej , Sankowski Dominik
Published: March 2019

The article presents the use of fast cameras and image processing and analysis methods to determine the velocity of pneumatic transport of bulk material. The presented solution is dedicated to the analysis of dense flow in the form of slugs moving in a horizontal section of the pipeline. The developed image-processing algorithm is based on the estimation of the bulk solid material level in the pipeline in particular moments of the process. The acquisition of an image containing the area of two separate sections of the pipeline allows to determine the shift-time of material between two pre-defined pipeline regions. The obtained results indicate the proper action of the developed system.
Four new species of Brueelia Kéler, 1936 (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) from African hosts, with a redescription of Nirmus bicurvatus Piaget, 1880
Authors: Gustafsson Daniel R. , Zou Fasheng , Oslejskova Lucie , Najer Tomas , Sychra Oldrich
Published: March 2019

Four new species of Brueelia Kéler, 1936 are described and illustrated. All of them parasitize African endemic host species in the families Passeridae, Ploceidae, and Estrildidae (Passeriformes). They are: Brueelia pofadderensis sp. nov. ex Passer melanurus damarensis Reichenow, 1902 and P. m. vicinus Clancey, 1958; B. semiscalaris sp. nov. ex Granatina granatina (Linnaeus, 1758); B. sima sp. nov. ex Malimbus nitens (Gray, 1831); B. terpsichore sp. nov. ex Euplectes jacksoni (Sharpe, 1891) and E. progne delamerei (Shelley, 1903). In addition, Brueelia bicurvata (Piaget, 1880) is redescribed and reillustrated from non-type material. A summary of all published records of lice in the Brueelia complex from Africa since 1980 is provided. We also estimate the unknown diversity of African species of Brueelia based on an index of host specificity calculated for each host family independently. The unknown diversity is estimated to be over 1000 species of Brueelia from African hosts, compared to the < 50 species in this genus currently recorded from Africa.
Textos inéditos de Friedrich Sellow. 3 - Viagem pela província de São Pedro do Rio Grande do Sul (1823-1825)
Authors: Marchiori José Newton Cardoso , Büneker Henrique Mallmann , Marchiori Neto Daniel Lena
Published: March 2019

O relatório da viagem de Friedrich Sellow ao Sudeste do Rio Grande do Sul entre agosto de 1823 e janeiro de 1825 é aqui publicado pela primeira vez em língua portuguesa, com o aporte de comentários dos autores. O texto é de grande importância para a História e para as Ciências Naturais devido à notável contribuição do viajante prussiano ao conhecimento regional em fins do primeiro quartel do século dezenove.
Anatomia do lenho de duas espécies de Lafoensia (Lythraceae)
Authors: Raddatz Dione Dambrós , Machado Paulo Fernando Dos Santos , Rosa Rossana Cortelini da , Dewes Junior Joel , Sutili Fabrício Jaques , Marchiori José Newton Cardoso
Published: March 2019

São anatomicamente descritos e ilustrados os lenhos de Lafoensia nummuraliifolia e Lafoensia pacari. Ambas as espécies apresentam porosidade difusa, vasos solitários e em curtos múltiplos radiais, elementos vasculares curtos, placas de perfuração simples, pontoações intervasculares alternas, pequenas, arredondadas e ornamentadas, parênquima axial ausente, raios finos heterogêneos e fibras septadas dimorfas (de paredes finas e espessas), em largas faixas tangenciais alternadas. Os vasos de diâmetro muito pequeno, bem como as fibras de paredes espessas e, em sua maioria, gelatinosas, atestam caráter reófilo a ambas as espécies.
Introducción
Authors: Imbroda Ortiz Blas Jesús
Published: March 2019

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Mucho más que mapas. El uso de los GIS en el estudio económico-territorial del condado de Barcelona y en el análisis del paisaje espiritual durante la Edad Media
Authors: Soler Sala Maria
Published: March 2019

Los GIS constituyen una herramienta de gran interés para la representación y análisis de los datos históricos. Habiendo trabajado con ellos durante más de quince años, el presente artículo pretende un doble objetivo. Por un lado, presentar algunas de las investigaciones realizadas con GIS sobre el territorio, la economía y el paisaje espiritual de época medieval. Y por el otro, reflexionar sobre la utilidad de los GIS en la investigación histórica: sus oportunidades, éxitos y limitaciones.La experiencia de trabajo con GIS demuestra que son una plataforma útil para el análisis histórico, aunque su potencial es mucho mayor del que somos capaces de aprovechar quienes de manera autodidacta los utilizamos en nuestra investigación. Tal obstáculo solo puede superarse a partir de la creación de equipos interdisciplinarios capaces de afrontar los principales retos de futuro: el análisis 3D y el uso de algoritmos complejos.
Architect Domenico Fontana: in the mazes of authorship
Authors: Kaladžinskaitė Auksė
Published: March 2019

The article is dedicated to the discussion of the biography of Italian-born architect Domenico Fontana (b. circa 1680 – d. before 1755) and his professional activities in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The publication presents data about his origins and the circumstances of his arrival in the GDL. The sources affirming his activity in the Grodno Powiat and Vilnius are analysed. Historical sources confirm that in 1726 Domenico Fontana was building a refectory in a monastery for the Jesuits of Grodno (he did not fulfil his obligations and did not complete his work) and served as an expert upon request by Paulius Karolis Sanguška: evaluated the in-progress construction project of the residence and designed and built the Palace of Mykolas Kazimieras Radvila Žuvelė in 1739 (the building has not survived). Based on the stylistic characteristics of the sole surviving object he designed and built in 1720–1736, the Grodno Basilian Church, the objects are analysed to whose construction he could have contributed according to indirect attestations in the sources. It is concluded that it is still difficult to characterise Domenico Fontana’s individual style based on the known yet insufficient facts about his activities. In order to establish Fontana’s stylistic manner, an analysis of only the Grodno Basilian Church is not sufficient. Similarly reserved, laconic, and ascetic forms of Baroque were gaining prominence as a result of the architect Tylman van Gameren’s popularity in Warsaw at the time. Directions for further research are indicated.
Nationalpolitik og skolebyggeri. Det hemmelige statstilskud til gennemførelsen af folkeskoleloven i Sønderjylland 1937-1970
Authors: Nørr Erik
Published: March 2019

I anledning af 200-året for de danske skolelove af 1814 og den samtidige skolelov for Slesvig og Holsten bringer Sønderjyske Årbøger en længere skolehistorisk artikel, som handler om den sønderjyske skoles endelige integrering i den danske folkeskole. Det krævede en stor indsats at få folkeskoleloven af 1937 gennemført i Sønderjylland blandt andet på grund af de mange små skoler. Ved hemmelige forhandlinger mellem de sønderjyske amtmænd og skoledirektioner og undervisningsministeren og hans ledende embedsmænd blev der skaffet et stort ekstraordinært sønderjysk tilskud til skolebyggeri i næsten alle sønderjyske kommuner. Pengene blev skaffet uden om de normale kanaler, da det tyske mindretal ikke måtte få nys om sagen. Der blev i 1937-38 anvendt nationale begrundelser for tilskuddet. Mere overraskende er det, at den nationale kamp i begyndelsen af 1950’erne fortsat kunne bruges til at skaffe et nyt millionbeløb til de sønderjyske skoler, hvoraf de sidste penge først blev brugt i 1970.
Prøve af sønderjydsk Lydskrift
Authors: Olrik Axel
Published: March 2019

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Consolidation alters motor sequence-specific distributed representations
Authors: Pinsard Basile , Boutin Arnaud , Gabitov Ella , Lungu Ovidiu , Benali Habib , Doyon Julien
Published: March 2019

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies investigating the acquisition of sequential motor skills in humans have revealed learning-related functional reorganizations of the cortico-striatal and cortico-cerebellar motor systems accompanied with an initial hippocampal contribution. Yet, the functional significance of these activity-level changes remains ambiguous as they convey the evolution of both sequence-specific knowledge and unspecific task ability. Moreover, these changes do not specifically assess the occurrence of learning-related plasticity. To address these issues, we investigated local circuits tuning to sequence-specific information using multivariate distances between patterns evoked by consolidated or newly acquired motor sequences production. The results reveal that representations in dorsolateral striatum, prefrontal and secondary motor cortices are greater when executing consolidated sequences than untrained ones. By contrast, sequence representations in the hippocampus and dorsomedial striatum becomes less engaged. Our findings show, for the first time in humans, that complementary sequence-specific motor representations evolve distinctively during critical phases of skill acquisition and consolidation.
The SNAP-25 linker supports fusion intermediates by local lipid interactions
Authors: Shaaban Ahmed , Dhara Madhurima , Frisch Walentina , Harb Ali , Shaib Ali H , Becherer Ute , Bruns Dieter , Mohrmann Ralf
Published: March 2019

SNAP-25 is an essential component of SNARE complexes driving fast Ca2+-dependent exocytosis. Yet, the functional implications of the tandem-like structure of SNAP-25 are unclear. Here, we have investigated the mechanistic role of the acylated “linker” domain that concatenates the two SNARE motifs within SNAP-25. Refuting older concepts of an inert connector, our detailed structure-function analysis in murine chromaffin cells demonstrates that linker motifs play a crucial role in vesicle priming, triggering, and fusion pore expansion. Mechanistically, we identify two synergistic functions of the SNAP-25 linker: First, linker motifs support t-SNARE interactions and accelerate ternary complex assembly. Second, the acylated N-terminal linker segment engages in local lipid interactions that facilitate fusion triggering and pore evolution, putatively establishing a favorable membrane configuration by shielding phospholipid headgroups and affecting curvature. Hence, the linker is a functional part of the fusion complex that promotes secretion by SNARE interactions as well as concerted lipid interplay.
STUDY OF OAK FORESTS AND SCRUBS OF HORNBEAM VEGETATION, METALS CONTENT OF TEUCRIUM CHAMEDRYS AND SOILS THE FIRST YEAR AFTER WILDFIRE ON VIDLIC MOUNTAIN
Authors: MARIJA MARKOVIĆ , VESNA STANKOV JOVANOVIĆ , VIOLETA MITIĆ , SLAVIŠA STAMENKOVIĆ , MARIJA ILIĆ , DUŠICA PEŠIĆ
Published: March 2019

On the Vidlič Mountain in southeastern Serbia in the summer of 2007. the wildfire occurred, in which burned beech and oak forests, scrubs of hornbeam, dry pastures and rocky ground vegetation. The influence of wildfire on oak forests and hornbeam the first year after fire was followed. Depending of the speed with which the fire crossed the soil cover, there was a partial or total destruction of vegetation, plant species and their habitats. In the burned areas, soil was more alcaline in comparison to the non burned areas. Heavy metal content (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and Fe) was generally increased both in the soil and plant species of Teucrium chamaedrys from the burned area, thought bellow the permitted limits for each metal.
Key words: fire, Vidlič, oak forests, scrubs of hornbeam, diversity, soil, heavy metals.
Big data analytics in the health sector: challenges and potentials
Authors: Jovanovic Milenkovic Marina , Vukmirovic Aleksandra , Milenkovic Dejan
Published: March 2019

Research Question: The introduction of the Big Data concept in the healthcare sector points to a major challenge and potential. Motivation: Our goal is to indicate the importance of analyzing and processing large amounts of data that go beyond the typical ways of storing and processing information. Тhе data have their own characteristics: volume, velocity and variety. There are different structures. Analysis of these data is possible with the Big Data concept. Its importance is most evident in the health sector, because the preservation of the health status of the population depends on adequate data analysis. Idea: The idea of the paper is that big health data analytics contributes to a better quality provision of health services. The process is more efficient and effective. Data: Health analytics suggests that more and more resources are being utilized globally. In order to achieve improvements, health analytics and Big data concepts play a vital role in overcoming the obstacles, working more efficiently and aiming at providing adequate medical care. Tools: The Big data concept will help identify patients with developed chronic diseases. Big data can identify outbreaks of flu or other epidemics in real time. In this way, they are managed by the healthcare system, reducing overall healthcare costs over time, and increasing revenues. Findings: A key policy challenge is to improve the outcomes of the healthcare system,  data collection and analysis, security, storage and transfers. Big data are the potential to improve quality of care, improve predictions of diseases, improve the treatment methods, reduce costs. Contribution: This paper points to the challenges and potentials of Big Health Data analytics and formulates good reasons to apply the Big Data concept in healthcare.
Genome-wide characterization of endogenous retroviruses in snub-nosed monkeys
Authors: Wang Xiao , Wang Boshi , Liu Zhijin , Garber Paul A. , Pan Huijuan
Published: March 2019

Background

Endogenous retroviruses (ERV) are remnants of former exogenous retroviruses that had previously invaded the germ line of the host that can be vertically transmitted across generations. While the majority of ERVs lack infectious capacity due to the accumulation of deleterious mutations, some ERVs remain active and produce potentially infectious viral particles. ERV sequences have been reported in all mammals; however, the distribution and diversity of ERVs in several primate taxa remains unclear. The aim of this study was to identify and classify the ERV sequences in the genomes of the golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) and the black and white snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti), two endangered primate species that exploit high altitude (2,500–4,500 m) temperate forests in southern and central China.

Methods

We used a TBLASTN program to search the ERV sequences of golden snub-nosed monkey genome and the black and white snub-nosed monkey genome. We retrieved all complete accession sequences from the homology search and then used the program, RetroTector, to check and identify the ERV sequences.

Results

We identified 284 and 263 endogenous retrovirus sequences in R. roxellana and R. bieti respectively. The proportion of full-length sequences of all ERV was 30% in R. roxellana and 21% in R. bieti and they were described as class I and class II or gamma-retrovirus and beta-retrovirus genera. The truncation pattern distribution in the two species was virtually identical. By analyzing and comparing ERV orthologues among 6 primate species, we identified the co-evolution of ERVs with their host. We also examined ERV-like sequences and found 48 such genes in R. roxellana and 63 in R. bieti. Some of those genes are associated with diseases, suggesting that ERVs might have involved the abnormal expression of certain genes that have contributed to deleterious consequences for the host.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that ERV sequences are widely distributed in snub-nosed monkeys, and their phylogenetic history can mirror that of their hosts over long evolutionary time scales. In addition, ERV sequences appear to have an important influence on the evolution of host pathology.
Assessment of Agricultural Practices in Maize Crops (Zea mays) Based on Elemental Profile and Chemometrics Analysis
Authors: Heredia J. Zaldarriaga , Moldes C.A. , Savio Marianela , Azcarate Silvana M. , Gil R. A. , Camiña J. M.
Published: March 2019

In this work the effects produced by two treatments on maize crop samples have been studied. Analysis of maize grain based on two types of agronomical conditions was performed on: (a) lots treated with different fertilizers and (b) lots with different crop density. Analysis was carried out by microwave induced plasma with optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES) and included the quantification of 11 elements: Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb and Zn. With the purpose of understand the effect of agricultural practices on elemental profile, principal components analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were used as chemometrics tools, finding a correct grouping of each crop based on the type of treatment. The obtained models can be useful to evaluate agricultural strategies, as well as for determining potential yields in maize crops.
Assessment of Protein C and Protein S of Pregnancy Loss Victims
Authors: Ada Igwe, Chioma , Charles Adias Teddy , Mgbeoma Eze Evelyn , Ogechi Nwachuku Edna
Published: March 2019

Background: The haemostatic changes that result in thrombophilia during the pregnant state have been linked to pregnancy loss.

Objective: Assessment of Protein S, and Protein C assays in pregnancy loss victims in Abia State, South East, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving women in their reproductive years. Study population was stratified into 3 groups and the Protein C and Protein S concentrations measured and compared among the three groups.

Results: A total of 130 apparently healthy Nigerian women of child-bearing age were enrolled in the study. The study groups consisted of 70 women who had just lost a pregnancy, 30 women                  with normally progressing pregnancy and 30 nonpregnant women. The protein C concentration for the pregnancy-loss subjects was significantly lower than that of the normal pregnancy at p ≤ 0.01 while that of Protein S showed non-significance (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Protein C deficiency is associated with increase in pregnancy loss.
Classifying Quadratic Forms Over Z2 in Five Variables
Authors: Acharyya Amrita , Thompson Gerard
Published: March 2019

Quadratic forms in ve variables over the eld Z2 are classified by extending results previously obtained for four variables. It is shown that only one new form genuinely involving ve variables appears.
Experiences of Fathers of Babies Admitted into a Neonatal Unit in a Tertiary Hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Opara P. I. , Alinnor E. A.
Published: March 2019

Introduction: In time past mothers were regarded as sole caregivers of NICU babies, however the fathers’ role is now increasingly being recognized. Mothers are involved in providing care such as feeding, hygiene, and kangaroo mother care. Fathers are usually called on for medical bills and usually enter the neonatal unit for observational visits. The aim of the study was to determine experiences of fathers during the hospitalization of their babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) which is referred to as the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out in the neonatal clinic of UPTH over a period of 10 weeks. Participants were fathers who had brought their babies for follow up. Information obtained using interviewer administered questionnaires included biodata, occupation and experiences during their babies’ stay in SCBU.

Results: There were thirty seven participants, 15 (40.5%) of whom were in the middle socioeconomic class. Generally the experience was described as stressful by 25 (62.5%), confusing by 5 (12%), and pleasant by 7 (18.9%) fathers.

Contributors to stress were financial implications of babies’ care (13: 35.1%), illness in the mother (5: 13.5%), lack of care for other children (16: 43.2%) and worries about procedures and equipment used on their babies (14; 37.8%). Fathers also experienced disruptions in family (14; 35.1%) and social life (22; 55%). Thirty three (82.5%) fathers had family support. Religion and prayers were some of the strategies fathers employed to cope with their stress.

Conclusion: Fathers found the SCBU experience stressful. The financial burden of care contributed to the stress and some fathers resorted to prayers as a coping mechanism.
Development of Pumpkin Young Plants Receiving Dosages of Phosphorus from Different Sources
Authors: Franco Tayssa Menezes , Oliveira Junior Marcos Vinicius Reis de , Alves José Darlon Nascimento , Oliveira Moreira Wendel Kaian , De Souza Juciley Lima , De Lima Marcus José Alves , Galvão Emerson Carneiro , Da Conceição Heráclito Eugênio Oliveira
Published: March 2019

Aims: The research aimed to analyze the effect of five different dosages and three sources of phosphorus on the growth and development of young plants of pumpkins (Cucurbita moschata), cultivar Jacarezinho.

Study Design: The experimental design utilized was the completely randomized design with the factorial arrangement 5 x 3 with three repetitions.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was performed in a greenhouse of the Federal Rural University of Amazônia in the Capitão Poço City, Pará State. The research was carried out from March to April 2016.

Methodology: The analyzed variables were plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD), number of leaves (NL), fresh root mass (FRM), fresh aerial mass (FAM), dry aerial mass, (DAM) and dry root mass (DRM) at 30 days after sowing. The averages of dosages x sources interactions were submitted to a regression analysis.

Results: There was a significant effect of the interaction dosage x source for the PH, FAM and DAM. However, the dose of fertilizer got an effect on the SD, with linear response. The plots that did not reserve any fertilizers showed the least response for all variables. ARAD was the source that had the least performance in the analyzed variables in comparison to others sources.

Conclusion: The superphosphate and triple superphosphate sources provided better development and accumulation of dry matter.
Culture Effect on Repurchasing Intention of Counterfeits Products
Authors: Alhidari Abdullah M.
Published: March 2019

The aim of this paper is to illustrate the key cultural factors of consumers repurchase intentions toward counterfeit products. The study is also examining the influence of culture and social factors on attitudes towards counterfeiting products and repurchase intention among Saudi consumers.  a survey was used, a total of 509 respondents (39% female) completed and usable responses from the sampling frame who lives in Saudi Arabia. The results indicate that consumer’s culture by itself might not explain their counterfeit products repurchase intention. The consumer’s attitude towards these products might help managers to understand their behavior. A social influence which considers as an external factor was not an important factor explaining consumers’ behavior regarding counterfeits products. The current study adds to the literature by investigating the key culture antecedents of Saudi consumers repurchase intentions toward counterfeit products. Additionally, empirical evidence contributes to the practitioners in the Saudi culture.
Changes in Intraocular Pressure and Anterior Chamber Depth after Phacoemulsification in Non-Glaucomatous Patients
Authors: Abdallah Mona , Ali Omar M. , A. Mohammad Abd El-Nasser , Soliman Wael
Published: March 2019

Aims: To evaluate changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) after uneventful phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

Study Design: Prospective interventional comparative study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, Assuit University Hospital, Assuit, Egypt between September 2016 and October 2017.

Methodology: 100 Patients with visually significant cataract (39 males (39%) and 61 females (61%). All patients underwent uneventful phacoemulsification. Intraocular pressure and ACD were measured preoperatively by using Goldmann applanation tonometer and Ultrasonography  respectively, and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively.

Results: The postoperative ACD was higher than the preoperative value by 0.26± 0.06 mm at 1 week, 0.45±0.06 mm at 1 month, and 0.59±0.08 mm at 3 months postoperatively (P=.000). P < 0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. The IOP at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively was lower than the preoperative value by 1.03±0.3 mmHg, 1.52±0.46 mmHg, and 2.14±0.62 mmHg, respectively (P=.001).

Conclusion: This study revealed that there was a decrease in IOP and increase in ACD after cataract extraction by phacoemulsification. Patients with ocular hypertension, open-angle glaucoma, and narrow-angle glaucoma may benefit from cataract extraction.
Effects of Shear Rate during Energetic Material Processing on Reactivity
Authors: Sweeney Michael A. , Bratton K. Ryan , Woodruff Connor , Cagle Colt , Hill Kevin J. , Pantoya Michelle L. , Christopher Gordon F.
Published: March 2019

Energetic materials are often processed at high rates of deformation as colloidal slurries and then cured. The slurries are non‐Newtonian colloidal solutions that exhibit changes in microstructure with variations in applied flow. This study shows that changes to microstructure due to applied flow affect the reactivity of energetic thin films. Energetic thin films of identical composition and geometry are prepared with different applied shear rates, which produce variations in the film microstructure by segregating smaller particles toward surfaces. Results show that films exhibit significant gains in flame speed with increasing shear rate. The differences in flame speed are linked to variations in microstructure. Specifically, densification of smaller particles near a boundary promote increased flame speeds. However, when particles become segregated, larger particles tend to contribute less to the overall reaction because they burn slowly compared to the smaller particles. When segregated, the larger particles may not be adding chemical energy to the reaction front because propagation is dominated by the more ignition sensitive smaller particles. This study demonstrates explicit changes in reactivity arising from changes in processing conditions that affect microstructure. Controlling applied shear rate introduces a new approach to regulating energetic material reactivity when processed using extrusion‐based advanced manufacturing techniques.
Room‐Temperature Mesoscopic Fluctuations and Coulomb Drag in Multilayer WSe2
Authors: Doan Manh‐Ha , Jin Youngjo , Chau Tuan Khanh , Joo Min‐Kyu , Lee Young Hee
Published: March 2019

Mesoscopic fluctuations, manifesting the quantum interference (QI) of electrons, have been theoretically proposed in bilayer Coulomb drag systems. Unfortunately, these phenomena are usually observed at cryogenic temperatures, which severely limits their novel physics for pragmatic applications. In this paper, observation of room‐temperature QI and Coulomb drag in a multilayer WSe2 transistor is reported via graphene contacts separately at its top and bottom layers. The central layers of WSe2 act as an insulating region with a width of few nanometers, which spatially separates the top and bottom conducting channels and provides a strong Coulomb interaction between them, leading to large conductance oscillations at room temperature. The gradual suppression of the oscillations with the increase in the applied magnetic field and/or injected current further confirms the QI phenomenon. With the decrease in temperature, the Coulomb drag effect is exhibited in the system owing to the increased thickness of the insulating region. This study reveals a novel approach for realization of advanced quantum electronics operating at high temperatures.
An Organic Emitter Displaying Dual Emissions and Efficient Delayed Fluorescence White OLEDs
Authors: Li Chenglong , Liang Jixiong , Liang Baoyan , Li Zhiqiang , Cheng Zong , Yang Guochun , Wang Yue
Published: March 2019

The design and synthesis of one‐compound‐based white light organic solids that can be employed to fabricate efficient organic white light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) still remains a challenge. In this contribution, a classic organic donor–acceptor (D‐A) type molecule (PTZ‐BP) is presented, which is composed of phenothiazine (PTZ) as an electron donor and benzophenone (BP) as an electron acceptor. Intriguingly, PTZ‐BP displays dual emission and thermally activated delayed fluorescence properties. Its dual emission originates from locally excited state and intramolecular charge transfer excited state, respectively. PTZ‐BP‐doped thin film is used to fabricate efficient white light OLEDs with external quantum efficiency of 6.2%, which is among the highest values reported for the single‐emitter‐based small molecules white fluorescence OLEDs with similar Commission Internationale de L' Eclairage (CIE) coordinates so far.
Testosterone‐dependent facial and body traits predict men's sociosexual attitudes and behaviors
Authors: Polo Pablo , Muñoz‐Reyes Jose Antonio , Pita Miguel , Shackelford Todd K. , Fink Bernhard
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Strategic Pluralism Theory contends that human mating strategies are calibrated toward short‐term (ST) or long‐term (LT) mating according to the expression of condition‐dependent traits and characteristics of the social and physical environment. Traits reflecting the effects of testosterone have been considered condition‐dependent traits that provide information about the calibration of male mating strategy. We investigated the relationship of muscle mass and facial masculinity with attitudes and behaviors reflecting ST and LT mating tactics.

Methods

We measured skeletal muscle mass (SMM) through bioelectrical impedance and facial width‐to‐height ratio (fWHR) in a sample of Chilean men (n = 206; mean age = 22.52 ± 4.65 SD), and collected information about sociosexual attitudes and past sexual behavior.

Results

Our results showed an interaction effect of SMM and fWHR on unrestricted (but not restricted) sociosexual attitudes and past sexual behavior. Individuals with a consistent expression of both traits (ie, high SMM and fWHR or low SMM and fWHR) reported higher levels of unrestricted sociosexual attitudes and a greater number of lifetime and previous‐year sexual partners.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the intensity and consistency of expression of body and facial masculinity is important in signaling male mating tactics and sociosexual attitudes.
Large‐Ring Cyclodextrins as Chiral Selectors for Enantiomeric Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Sonnendecker Christian , Thürmann Sebastian , Przybylski Cédric , Zitzmann Franziska D. , Heinke Nicole , Krauke Yannick , Monks Kate , Robitzki Andrea A. , Belder Detlev , Zimmermann Wolfgang
Published: March 2019

Large‐ring cyclodextrins (CD) are cyclic glucans composed of 9 or more α‐1,4‐linked glucose units. They are minor side products of bacterial glucanotransferases (CGTases, EC 2.4.1.19) and have previously been available only in very small amounts for studies of their properties in supramolecular complex formation reactions. We engineered a CGTase to synthesize mainly large‐ring CD facilitating their preparation in larger amounts. By reversed phase chromatography, we obtained single CD samples composed of 10 to 12 glucose units (CD10, CD11, and CD12) with a purity of >90 %. Their identity was confirmed by high resolution mass spectrometry and fragmentation analysis. We demonstrated the non‐toxicity of CD10–CD12 for human cell lines by a cell proliferation assay and impedimetric monitoring. We then showed that CD10 and CD11 are efficient chiral selectors for the capillary electrophoretic separation of the enantiomeric pharmaceuticals fluvastatin, mefloquine, carvedilol, and primaquine.
Molecular Heterostructures of Covalent Triazine Frameworks for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Huang Wei , He Qing , Hu Yongpan , Li Yanguang
Published: March 2019

Conjugated polymers have emerged as promising candidates for photocatalytic H2 production owing to their structural designability and functional diversity. However, the fast recombination of photoexcited electrons and holes limits their H2 production rates. We have now designed molecular heterostructures of covalent triazine frameworks to facilitate charge‐carrier separation and promote photocatalytic H2 production. Benzothiadiazole and thiophene moieties were selectively incorporated into the covalent triazine frameworks as electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating units, respectively, by a sequential polymerization strategy. The resulting hybrids exhibited much improved charge‐carrier‐separation efficiency as evidenced by photophysical and electrochemical characterization. An H2 evolution rate of 6.6 mmol g−1 h−1 was measured for the optimal sample under visible‐light irradiation (λ>420 nm), which is far superior to that of most reported conjugated‐polymer photocatalysts.
The Role of Alkali Metal in α‐MnO2 Catalyzed Ammonia‐Selective Catalysis
Authors: Hao Zhifei , Shen Zhurui , Li Yi , Wang Haitao , Zheng Lirong , Wang Ruihua , Liu Guoquan , Zhan Sihui
Published: March 2019

The unexpected phenomenon and mechanism of the alkali metal involved NH3 selective catalysis are reported. Incorporation of K+ (4.22 wt %) in the tunnels of α‐MnO2 greatly improved its activity at low temperature (50–200 °C, 100 % conversion of NOx vs. 50.6 % conversion over pristine α‐MnO2 at 150 °C). Experiment and theory demonstrated the atomic role of incorporated K+ in α‐MnO2. Results showed that K+ in the tunnels could form a stable coordination with eight nearby O
atoms. The columbic interaction between the trapped K+ and O atoms can rearrange the charge population of nearby Mn and O atoms, thus making the topmost five‐coordinated unsaturated Mn cations (Mn5c, the Lewis acid sites) more positive. Therefore, the more positively charged Mn5c can better chemically adsorb and activate the NH3 molecules compared with its pristine counterpart, which is crucial for subsequent reactions.
Electrochemical Real‐Time Mass Spectrometry (EC‐RTMS): Monitoring Electrochemical Reaction Products in Real Time
Authors: Khanipour Peyman , Löffler Mario , Reichert Andreas M. , Haase Felix T. , Mayrhofer Karl J. J. , Katsounaros Ioannis
Published: March 2019

Methods that provide real‐time information are essential to resolve transients occurring at dynamic interfaces. Now a powerful method is presented that enables the time‐ and potential‐resolved characterization of liquid and gaseous products of electrochemical reactions shortly after their formation. To demonstrate its extraordinary potential, the electrochemical real time mass spectrometry (EC‐RTMS) approach is used to determine the products of the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) during potential step or sweep experiments on pristine and in situ anodized copper. The enhanced formation of several C2+ products over C1 products is tracked directly after copper anodization, with unprecedented temporal resolution. This new technique creates exciting new opportunities for resolving processes that occur at short timescales and eventually for guiding the design of new, robust catalysts for selective electrosynthesis under dynamic operation.