bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural struggles in the lusofonia arena: Portuguese-speaking migrant musicians in Lisbon
Authors: Vanspauwen Barrt P.
Published: February 2018

Approaching music as a point of social connection in the post-colonial city of Lisbon, where cultural entrepreneurs deploy the political concept of lusofonia, this study examines the ways in which local migrant musicians from Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP), as well as Brazil and East Timor, position themselves in this context. In general, the study shows that there is a lack of recognition of the contribution they make to the expressive culture of the Portuguese capital, and this is related to national preconceptions. Surprisingly, despite several existing coun- ter-discourses regarding lusofonia, all interviewed musicians do see some future relevance in this concept. They appeal to both supranational institutions and national governments, asking for structural support in order to promote and disseminate all the expressive culture of Portuguese-speaking African countries, indicating that the contribution of migrant musicians from these countries should be considered as an integral part of Portugal’s cultural expression and heritage. Key words: Lusofonia, Portugal, migrant musicians, cultural policy, postcolonialism
Nursery substrates and provenances influence rooting performance of juvenile, single-node vine cuttings of Gnetum africanum Welw. (Gnetaceae)
Authors: Caspa Roseline Gusua , Biloso Apollinaire , Akalakou Claude , Mafolo Joseph , Tsobeng Alain , Kouodiekong Lazare , Tchoundjeu Zacharie
Published: February 2018

Gnetum africanum Welw. (Gnetaceae) is a forest vine that is highly valued for its leaves which are a source of food and income. Because wild populations are threatened by over-harvesting, there is an increasing need to cultivate the plant, which in turn entails a need for developing good quality planting material. This study investigates the effects of four provenances, four substrates and their interactions on rooting and shoot development of vine cuttings of G. africanum using the non-mist propagation system developed by ICRAF. Single-node, half-leafed vine cuttings were used and data on rooting and leaf production were collected monthly from the second to the fifth months. Rooting percentages were subjected to analysis of variance using logistic regression procedures in Genstat version 12. Provenance (P<0.001), substrate (P<0.001) and interaction between provenance and substrate (P<0.001) showed highly significant effects on rooting. Excel was used to determine rooting percentages, with the highest observed in fine sand on cuttings from Lekie- Assi (81%) and Boumnyebel (79%) which are high G. africanum exploitation areas in the Centre Region of Cameroon. Boumnyebel showed a signficantly higher shoot development than the other provenances. Fine sand and sharp sand can be recommended for rapid, low-cost production of G. africanum planting material. Key words: domestication, rooting substrate, non-mist propagator, vine cuttings
The relation between nostalgia and vitalism in 'Afscheid van Congo: met Jef Geeraerts terug naar de evenaar' by Erwin Mortier
Authors: Bolle Clara
Published: February 2018

This essay elaborates on my presentation on nostalgia and postcolonial literature, as presented at the 8th symposium of the Ghent Africa Platform held in autumn 2014. During this presentation I made a short analysis of how Svetlana Boym’s ideas on nostalgia, as expressed in her book Nostalgia for the Future, can be used to analyse Erwin Mortier’s memories of traveling, as noted in his book Afscheid van Congo: met Jef Geeraerts terug naar de evenaar (Goodbye to Congo: back to the equator with Jef Geeraerts). During my presentation I also introduced the relation between nostalgia and (aesthetic) vitalism. In this paper I will elaborate on the relation between nostalgia and vitalism as a phenomenon within (post)colonial literature. Key words: Svetlana Boym, Erwin Mortier, Jef Geeraerts, vitalism, nostalgia
Phenotypic variation in Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth (Fabaceae) from the humid lowlands of Cameroon
Authors: Tsobeng Alain , Tchoundjeu Zac , Degrande Ann , Asaah Ebenezer , Bertin Takoutsing , Van Damme Patrick
Published: February 2018

Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth (Fabaceae) has emerged as one of the top underutilized agroforestry species with considerable economic and nutritional value in West and Central Africa where the species is endemic and exploited by farmers. However, the species suffers from a level of exploitation that is unsustainable. This dramatically decreases the natural resource base. Key information such as tree variation is needed to develop an ef cient strategy for its domestication. This study therefore assesses the species phenotypic variation in two populations in the forest zone of Cameroon. Overall, 49 trees (19 in Lomie and 30 in Djoum) were sampled. Tree characteristics (diameter at breast height (DBH), height, crown diameter), pod (number of seeds per pod), seed (width, length, thickness, weight) and kernel traits (weight) were recorded. All these parameters were subjected to a combination of multivariate, PCA and cluster analyses. Results revealed four clusters of P. macro- phylla trees with cluster IV considered as the best because it contains four elite trees (LOM/PM/09, LOM/PM/13, LOM/PM/15 and LOM/PM/16) with desirable tree characteristics. Clusters were further considered as different groups of trees, and seeds and kernel traits variation assessed using ANOVA analysis. Significant differences in mean kernel weight occured between groups. Cluster IV presented the highest mean kernel weight (19.25 ± 0.16 g), while cluster III had the lowest (13.28 ± 0.57 g). Within cluster IV, the highest kernel weight (25.83 ± 5.62 g) was found in tree number LOM/PM/09. Kernel weight was found to be positive and strongly correlated (r = 0.95) with seed weight. We can conclude that there is phenotypic variation between the trees of P. macrophylla in terms of DBH, height, crown diameter, number of seeds, seed width, seed length, seed thickness, seed and kernel weight. Results obtained in this study could serve as a useful guide for the selection of targeted P. macrophylla trees either for domestication or for conservation purposes. Key words: Pentaclethra macrophylla, Ideotype, kernel weight, tree selection, tree variation
Améliorer la compétitivité du bois de sciage légal en provenance de la zone agroforestière au Cameroun
Authors: Kana Romain , Sonne Norbert , Ondua Barthelemy , Tadjo Patrick , Ondo Benjamin
Published: February 2018

Since 1997, the year the first community forest in Cameroon was created, sawn wood from community forests has been facing difficulties to find a place in an expanding domestic market. The low competitiveness of community forest products is among the major obstacles to have them help reduce rural poverty as desired in the new forest policies in Central Africa. This article, from the work of the World Wide Fund for Nature team and organizations partners, identifies the factors explaining the low competitiveness of community forests in the domestic market and proposes by way of conclusion some strategies whose implementation will allow community forestry to play its full role in the supply of domestic markets, improving sustainable management of the agroforestry landscape and fostering poverty reduction in rural areas. Key words: wood value chain, artisanal logging, forest policy, community forests
L’expression de la modalité en Kirundi. Exploitation d’un corpus électronique
Authors: Mberamihigo Ferdinand
Published: February 2018

The overall goal of this doctoral study was to investigate the different types of modal markers in Kirundi, to describe their syntactic properties and semantic values, and to establish their frequency in the corpus. To this end, we used both an onomasiological and a semasiological approach, in order to identify and describe the different modal markers. The study was based on a corpus of Kirundi, consisting of 1.9 million tokens, which was compiled according to authoritative standards in the domain, taking into account requirements in terms of balance and representativeness. The corpus comprised texts belonging to a number of different genres/topics and was made up of texts extending over a time span of nine decades. Three types of modal markers were identfied. The most important is the affix oo , commonly labelled potential or conditional in Kirundi descriptions. It is the most frequent modal marker in the corpus, with the largest semantic scope and the greatest number of modal values. Therefore, it stands as the grammatical morpheme dedicated to the expression of modality in Kirundi. The second type of modal marker is a set of verbs, whose semantic values and frequency vary. Some of them have been grammaticalized to the extent that they act as auxiliaries. Others have not been grammaticalized to this extent. The third category consists of adverbs. This category expresses only one modal category: epistemic modality. This study showed the intertwining between modal and non-modal categories, by studying elements whose use overlaps with the domain of modality. On this matter, the situation is that directivity is attested as a post-modal value for markers expressing specifically deontic necessity. As regards volition, it is also a post-modal value attested on markers expressing necessity. As for evidentiality, it is closely associated with epistemic modality. This work showed also that within modal markers in Kirundi, intersubjectification and grammaticalization are linked. The study makes a contribution to the description of a semantic category that is generally under-described in Bantu languages. Moreover, through the method of corpus linguistics, it has used an original approach for a language without written tradition, i.e. the approach of studying and exemplifying linguistic phenomena by looking at natural communication, which is different from elicitation. This thesis has illustrated the advantages offered by such a method, as it allows facts to be expressed statistically. This work has also created the possibility of a diachronic analysis of the development of modal markers in Kirundi. Moreover, as this study dealt only with af rmative forms, an extension to the study of the relationship between polarity and modality in Kirundi would allow for a better understanding of the modal category in Kirundi. Key words: Kirundi, modality, possibility, necessity, directivity, volition, evidentiality, grammaticalization, degrammaticalization, corpus linguistics, onomasiological approach, semasiological approach
Préférences ethnobotaniques des espèces ligneuses locales exploitées pour la production d’huile végétale dans le cercle de Sikasso, Mali
Authors: Dembélé Urbain , Koné Yénizié , Témé Bino , Lykke Anne M. , Kouyaté Amadou M.
Published: February 2018

This study examines the preferences of communities in the Mali-South area in terms of local woody species exploited for the production of oil. The study was conducted using ethnobotanical surveys based on semi-structured interviews in two localities of the circle of Sikasso. The surveyed ethnic groups are the Fulani and Senufo in Ziékorodougou, and Bambara and Fulani in Niankorobougou. The sample totaled 48 informants, including twelve defined by ethnic group in both localities. Vitellaria paradoxa, Lophira lanceolata, Carapa procera and Pentadesma butyraceae are the main local tree species identified for the production of oil in the area. Preference ranking scores revealed that C. procera is a species of priority importance after V. paradoxa. There is a similarity of community preferences in terms of plant species used for the production of edible oil. In contrast, community preference varied in terms of choices for the production of cosmetic oil. This differ- ence appears to be related to the level of knowledge and uses of the products of these plants by local communities. The results of this study will help to integrate the needs of people in term of production of vegetable oil in promotion strategies and sustainable management of forest resources. Key words: indigenous oil trees species, preference ranking, ethnobotany, local knowledge, sub-Saharan Africa
Modern museums in the palaces of the western Grasfields, Cameroon
Authors: Fubah Mathias Alubafi
Published: February 2018

This paper suggests that the recent interest in modern museums in the palaces of the Grassfields is obscurely associated with the need to transform the palaces and, more importantly to address the multiple problems plaguing the royal treasury or traditional palace museums. The paper argues that unlike the royal treasury, the modern museum is significant, partly because it constitutes a democratic space, and partly because it articulates and can be associated with the irony of change and continuity. Method: The findings are based on qualitative data collected from documents and from ethnographic studies on the emergence of modern museums across the region. Results: The paper has contributed to the scholarship on Cameroon, and, in particular, extended Michael Rowlands’ (2008) seminal work on curating postcolonial pasts in the Grass elds by unveiling the modern museum as a democratic lens through which to view the undemocratic royal treasury. Policy implications: The study suggests among others, the need for the Grassfields population to embrace the modern museum – and to see it as a continuation of the royal treasury. The practical implication is to tailor the modern museum to the socio-cultural needs of the target population-particularly women and youths since they are generally excluded from the activities of the royal treasury. Key words : royal treasury, museum, Cameroon, Grassfields, Bambui, youths
Karisimbi. A recent Volcano of the Virunga Area (Rwanda, Zaïre)
Authors: De Mulder Mark
Published: February 2018

This paper deals with the geological structure and the petrologie evolution of Karisimbi, the highest volcano in the Virunga region. As this paper is intended to be understood by non-geologists, a brief review about the methods used by volcanologists, should make things clear for the reader. The field-work data enabled us to describe the morphology, structure and the evolution of Karisimbi. The results of the laboratory studies are summarized in the section petrography-petrochemistry, where some problems concerning nomenclature and interpretation of chemical data are discussed as well. Petrographical and petrochemical information leads us to the origin and the evolution of magmas, which is the ultimate purpose of every petrologist. In the case of Karisimbi, it is suggested that its petrologie evolution took place by simultaneous fractional crystallization and contamination by crustal rocks. Finally, the ages of some typical Karisimbi lavas have been determined by a radiometric dating method (K-Ar), bearing in mind that large errors on these ages are inevitable. KEYWORDS : geology, volcanoes, petrology, Virunga, differentiation
The second Republic of Rwanda: Evolution, Balance and Perspectives
Authors: Reyntjens Filip
Published: February 2018

This paper provides a short survey and assessment of the political evolution of Rwanda since the inception of the Second Republic in 1973. After a period of de facto rule the country returned to constitutional government in 1978. A single party, the Revolutionary National Movement for the Development, had already been created by the military in 1975. The paper examines the constitution, the organisation of elections, political conflict and the respect for human rights and the rule of law. While the regime has achieved considerable successes, the paper argues that its level of institutionalisation remains limited and that its stability and achievements are essentially due to the personality of President Habyarimana. KEYWORDS : civilianisation, constitutional law, political change, Rwanda
Traditional Beers processing in Tanzania: Development Needs
Authors: Tiisekwa Bendantunguka
Published: February 2018

A general account of the status of the traditional alcoholic beverages in Tanzania is presented with special focus on sorghum beers. The traditional procedure used to prepare Mtama (sorghum) beer, a popular alcoholic beverage of Tanzania is described. Based on the personal experience of the author himself and on reports in the literature the problem areas requiring technological improvement on this beer are outlined. The case for immediate research needs, aimed at developing a commercially viable Mtama beer, is argued. KEYWORDS : Mtama beer, sorghum beer, Tanzanian beverages traditional alcoholic beverages
Sites and objects, indigenous library and the history of Laimbwe, Cameroon
Authors: Kah Henry Kam
Published: February 2018

This study focuses on the construction of the history of the Laimbwe people of Cameroon through indigenous methods of enquiry and/or epistemologies. These include analyses of surviving historical objects, sites and artefacts from the pre-colonial period to the reunfication of British Southern Cameroons with the Cameroun Republic in 1961. Some traditional items of the Laimbwe people of Cameroon and existing artefacts as well as sites reveal a very rich history with information that Western and conventional research have not vividly captured. In this paper, we reflect on the salience of these sources in understanding the rich socio-cultural and political history of the Laimbwe. There is a need to document this as an indigenous African library in this age of globali- sation so that indigenous knowledge systems are disseminated to a wider academic audience. A construction of Laimbwe history through these indigenous forms of the library present them as new perspectives of local epistemologies beyond the capture of the western library introduced into Africa during the colonial period and even before. It continues to shape the way African national and local histories are written based on Western interpretations and or epistemologies. Key words: sites, objects, history, Laimbwe, Cameroon
L’analyse de l’ordonnance n°15/081 du 29 octobre 2015 portant nomination des commissaires spéciaux et des commissaires spéciaux adjoints chargés d’administrer les nouvelles provinces en République Démocratique du Congo
Authors: Tshienda Muambi Richard
Published: February 2018

The Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo, approved by the Congolese population through the referendum which took place on 18 and 19 December 2005, highlights, especially in its second paragraph, that the will that animated the primary sovereign to establish in the heart of Africa, the rule of law, and a powerful and prosperous nation founded on a genuine commitment to political democracy [...].” Furthermore, the Constitution forwards the notion of decentralization with, as a result, the free administration of provinces. But it also specifies the division of ter- ritory which increases the number of provinces from 11 to 26. Each of these provinces will have a legal character. On Thursday, October 29, 2015, by presidential order, Joseph Kabila appointed special commissioners and their assistants to lead the new provinces according to the last territorial reform. This individual administrative act divides the Congolese population. For some, this appointment is in line with the Constitution, while for others, it is an outright violation of the “law of laws.” This article has two main goals: firstly, it examines the controversial presidential Order with respect to the Constitution that was applied in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the principle of the rule of law. Secondly, this article suggests a number of political consequences that could result from the analysis presented here. Key words: public law, constitutional law, constitution, constitutionalism, rule of law, decentralization and the free administration of provinces
Modulation of energy homeostasis in maize and Arabidopsis to develop lines tolerant to drought, genotoxic and oxidative stresses
Authors: Njuguna Elizabeth , Coussens Griet , Aesaert Stijn , Neyt Piet , Anami Sylvester , Van Lijsebettens Mieke
Published: February 2018

Abiotic stresses cause crop losses worldwide that reduce the average yield by more than 50%. Due to the high energy consumed to enhance the respiration rates, the excessive reactive oxygen species release provokes cell death and, ultimately, whole plant decay. A metabolic engineering approach in maize (Zea mays) altered the expression of two poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation metabolic pathway proteins, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and ADP-ribose-specifIc Nudix hydrolase (NUDX) genes that play a role in the maintenance of the energy homeostasis during stresses. By means of RNAi hairpin silencing and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing strategies, the PARP expression in maize was downregulated or knocked down. The Arabidopsis NUDX7 gene and its two maize homologs, ZmNUDX2 and ZmNUDX8, were overexpressed in maize and Arabidopsis. Novel phenotypes were observed, such as significant tolerance to oxidative stress and improved yield in Arabidopsis and a trend of tolerance to mild drought stress in maize and in Arabidopsis. Key words: poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, Nudix hydrolase, CRISPR/Cas9, maize, oxidative stress, drought stress
Histoire du politique au Congo-Kinshasa: Les concepts à l'épreuve (1) Mobutu (2)
Authors: Hendrickx Colin
Published: February 2018

This review article analyses two publications which deal with the history of the independent Democratic Republic of the Congo/Zaire, emphasising the reign of President Mobutu Sese Seko. In comparing the two publications, originating from two decidedly different traditions, the pre- sent article concludes that, twenty years after the fall of the Mobutu regime, there is not (yet) a historiographic consensus on the character of the Mobutu regime. Jean-Pierre Langellier, com- ing from the world of journalism, emphasised in his biography of Mobutu the importance of the President’s friendship ties with the West, and the influence of the Cold War. Conversely, scholar Gauthier de Villers relativised the deterministic character of the Cold War on the regime, as well as the unconditional amical ties of Mobutu with his Western allies. Key words: Congo, DRC, Mobutu, Zaire
The Traditional Royal Court among the Bin Kanyok of Zaire
Authors: Wymeersch Patrick
Published: February 2018

This description represents what was more or less an ideal conception of political organization and kingship before the colonial period. If the traditional systems of ruling still remain, the material symbolism of kingship disappeared mostly in the scene of daily life in the king's large capital. cLooking at the political organization, two seemingly contradictory features emerge. On the one hand, there are the politically quasi-independent lineages living in the villages. The chief or eldest of a lineage is at the same time chief of the whole village. On the other hand, there is the formal political organization, build on a hierarchical model and imposed from the top. This political system is notable for its very high degree of centralization, and especially for the strong authority and power of the divine king. For the purpose of government, the kingdom is divided into sub-districts, containing several villages of an area, districts and provinces. They all depend, in hierarchy,from the capital. The capital accommodates most of the members of the royal family, numerous wives and children from the king and the ministers. The king's compound, standing in the middle of the capital, is surrounded by afence. This compound is divided into four specific parts and contains several houses and the palace of the king. On both sides of the royal compound, there is a main street where the ministers and theirfamilies live.The king's person is surrounded by a number of taboos. No one could see him eat in his private kitchen.The principal problem in the political organization is that of the administering the rest of the Kanyok empire, of keeping as a political unit a population divided into autonomous lineages. The model that is followed is, in general, typical of the kingdoms of the southern savanna belt of Zaire. Therefore the structure is pyramidal: the king at the apex delegates his power and authority to the governors. Their position duplicates that of the king, but on a smaller scale. The king is assisted by his ministers to whom he assigned highly specific functions. The king still remains the main focus for all the Bin Kanyok.KEYWORDS : Bin Kanyok, royal court, traditional political systems, Zaire.
Wanjiru's Research for Self in Ngugi Wa Thiong'o's "Minutes of Glory"
Authors: Mordaunt Owen G.
Published: February 2018

This paper deals with Ngugi wa Thiong'o's portrayal of the protagonist in his short story "Minutes of Glory". Wanjiru finds herself trapped in an urban setting and is a victim of her situation and low self-esteem. The story is a poignant and touching study of this young woman who is battling with an identity problem and is seeking acceptance in a post-independence setting where women are exploited by men of the New Africa elite. She is regarded as "a wounded bird in flight: a forced landing now and then but nevertheless wobbling from place to place ..." The story affirms female self-realization rather than perpetual self-alienation, and that validates the persistence in attaining her desired goal. KEY WORDS: Kenya, literature, psychology, short story
Spathodea Campanulata: an Antidiabetic Medicine?
Authors: Laekeman Gert , Niyonzima Gaspard , Scharpe Simon , Vlietinck Arnold , Mets Tony
Published: February 2018

Decoctions of the stem back of Spathodea campanulata (SC) are currently used in Rwanda to treat insulin- and non insulin-dependent diabetics. In order to confirm and further examine hypoglycemic activity of this plant we set up a research project with as final objective a possible standardisation of Spathodea in antidiabetic therapy in Rwanda. Up to now we were able to confirm the blood sugar lowering effect of SC in hyperglycemic mice (Iiyperglycemia provoked by streptozotocin = SZ). Also hyperglycemia in glucose loaded mice (glucose tolerance test = GTT) could be tempered by SC. Despite these clearcut hypoglycemic activity, no rise of insulin was seen in the SC treated mice. Tlie activity must be due to some other mechanism of action. Tlie search for active principles did not lead to satisfying results up to now. We have only indirect evidence for the presence of sugar-like compounds, as SC decoctions enhance the glycemia transiently. Some hypotheses are formulated with regard to mechanisms of action and active compounds of SC. These aspects will guide future research.
Plant Uses by the Topnaar of the Sesfontein Area (Namib Desert)
Authors: Van Damme Patrick , Van Den Eynden Veerle , Vernemmen Patrick
Published: February 2018

The Kuiseb Topnaar use some 50 different plants for food, woodfuel, cosmetics, as drugs, for construction, .... The different plants are presented here and their uses discussed and compared to uses in other settings.
Local Rulers in North Cameroon. The Interplay of Politics and Conversion
Authors: Schilder Kees
Published: February 2018

This article analyses the conversion to Islam of indigenous chiefs in North Cameroon. The chiefs studied belong to the Mundang ethnic group. Their islamisation is interpreted as the outcome of the ambivalence brought about by their intermediary role between local society and the wider society. This approach offers insights in (a) the connection between conversion and political careers; (b) the relation between Islam and ethnic identities; and (c) the popular legitimacy of conversion.KEY WORDS: Cameroon, Mundang, chiefs, Islam, ethnicity, cosmology
Diversidad del género Trichoderma (Hypocraceae) en un Área Natural Protegida en Tabasco, México
Authors: Sánchez Hernández Litzajaya , Arias Mota Rosa María , Rosique Gil José Edmundo , Pacheco Figueroa Coral Jazvel
Published: February 2018

Antecedentes y Objetivos: El estado de Tabasco ha perdido más de 95% de la cobertura vegetal original, tendencia que continúa en la actualidad. El Parque Estatal Agua Blanca (PEAB), declarado Área Natural Protegida (ANP), se encuentra seriamente afectado por actividades antropogénicas como la actividad agrícola y ganadería extensiva. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la diversidad y la dominancia de especies del género Trichoderma dentro del PEAB en sitios con diferente grado de perturbación. El género Trichoderma es un hongo de la división Ascomycota y familia Hypocraceae.Métodos: Las colonias de Trichoderma fueron extraídas de tres parcelas (conservada, semiconservada y perturbada) mediante la técnica de lavado de partículas de suelo. Para la ubicación taxonómica de las especies aisladas, se realizaron microcultivos y preparaciones semipermanentes. Las preparaciones se revisaron bajo el microscopio compuesto y la identificación se realizó con la ayuda de claves taxonómicas.Resultados clave: Se aislaron 209 colonias, ubicadas dentro de 13 integrantes del género Trichoderma; cuatro de ellas representan el primer registro para Tabasco. El índice de diversidad fue significativamente mayor en la parcela perturbada. Los valores altos de la abundancia y de diversidad en el sitio con mayor grado de perturbación se relacionaron de manera significativa con el contenido de carbono. En los sitios semiconservado y perturbado la dominancia estuvo representada por más de dos especies y presentaron el mayor número de especies raras. Las dominantes durante el muestreo fueron Trichoderma piluliferum, T. koningii y T. virens y T. aureviride, T. atroviride y T. asperellum.Conclusiones: El PEAB alberga una alta diversidad del género Trichoderma. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos para esta zona, se puede inferir que la actividad agrícola no influye significativamente sobre la diversidad y el número de colonias de Trichoderma; sin embargo, dichas perturbaciones mostraron un efecto sobre la dominancia de las especies.
Diet and Multiple Sclerosis: Scoping Review of Web-Based Recommendations (Preprint)
Authors: Beckett Jeffrey M , Bird Marie-Louise , Pittaway Jane K , Ahuja Kiran DK
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

There is currently no scientific evidence supporting the use of specific diets in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS); the strongest dietary associations are observed with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. Despite this, there are many websites that provide advice or suggestions about using various dietary approaches to control symptoms or disease progression.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the dietary advice for the symptomatic management of MS available on the internet.

METHODS

This study was a systematic review of webpages that provided dietary advice for the management of MS. Webpages were selected from an internet search conducted in November 2016 using Google, Yahoo, and Bing search engines and the search term “MS diet.” The first two pages of results from each search engine were included for the initial assessment. Duplicates were removed. Data extracted from websites included specific advice relating to diet and its rationale and the citation of supporting scientific literature. Authorship and credential information were reviewed to assess webpage quality.

RESULTS

We included 32 webpages in the final assessment. The webpages made a wide variety of specific recommendations regarding dietary patterns and individual foods to help manage MS. The most common dietary pattern advised on these webpages was the low-fat, high-fiber balanced diet, followed by the low-saturated fat diet, near-vegetarian Swank diet, and the Paleo diet. The main categories of individual foods or nutrients suggested for addition to the diet were: supplements (especially omega-3 and vitamin D), fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. In contrast, the most commonly recommended for removal were saturated fats, dairy, gluten-containing grains, and refined sugar. These recommendations were often accompanied by rationale relating to how the particular food or nutrient may affect the development, prevalence and symptoms of MS; however, very little of this information is supported by the current scientific evidence between diet and MS. Only 9 webpages provided full authorship including credential information.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a wide variety of Web-based dietary advice, which in some cases is contradictory. In most cases, this advice is the result of peoples’ individual experiences and has not been scientifically tested. How people living with MS use this information is not known. These findings highlight the important role health professionals can play in assisting people living with MS in their health information-seeking behaviors.
Adolescent Preferences and Design Recommendations for an Asthma Self-Management App: Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Roberts Courtney , Sage Adam , Geryk Lorie , Sleath Betsy , Carpenter Delesha
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Approximately 10% of adolescents in the United States have asthma. Adolescents widely use apps on mobile phones and tablet technology for social networking and gaming purposes. Given the increase in recreational app use among adolescents, leveraging apps to support adolescent asthma disease management seems warranted. However, little empirical research has influenced asthma app development; adolescent users are seldom involved in the app design process.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this mixed-methods study was to assess adolescent preferences and design recommendations for an asthma self-management app.

METHODS

A total of 20 adolescents with persistent asthma (aged 12-16 years) provided feedback on two asthma self-management apps during in-person semistructured interviews following their regularly scheduled asthma clinic visit and via telephone 1 week later. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, analyzed using SPSS v24, and coded thematically using MAXQDA 11.

RESULTS

Regarding esthetics, app layout and perceived visual simplicity were important to facilitate initial app use. Adolescents were more likely to continually engage with apps that were deemed useful and met their informational needs. Adolescents also desired app features that fit within their existing paradigm or schema and included familiar components (eg, medication alerts that appear and sound like FaceTime notifications and games modeled after Quiz Up and Minecraft), as well as the ability to customize app components. They also suggested that apps include other features, such as an air quality tracker and voice command.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents desire specific app characteristics including customization and tailoring to meet their asthma informational needs. Involving adolescents in early stages of app development is likely to result in an asthma app that meets their self-management needs and design preferences and ultimately the adoption and maintenance of positive asthma self-management behaviors.
A Cross-sectional Feasibility Study Testing the Use of Abstract Animations for the Communication and Assessment of Pain (Preprint)
Authors: Jonassaint Charles , Rao Nema , Sciuto Alex , Switzer Galen , De Castro Laura , Kato Gregory J , Jonassaint Jude H , Hammal Zakia , Shah Nirmish , Wasan Ajay
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Pain is the most common medical symptom requiring care, yet the current methods for assessing pain are sorely inadequate. Pain assessment tools either take too long to complete for point of care use or are too simplistic to capture the dynamic pain experience.

OBJECTIVE

To address this, we developed Painimation, a novel tool that uses graphic visualizations and animations instead of words or numeric scales to assess pain quality, intensity, and course. This study examines the utility of abstract animations as a measure of pain.

METHODS

Painimation was evaluated in a chronic pain medicine clinic. Eligible patients were receiving treatment for pain and reported pain more days than not for at least 3 months. Using a tablet computer, participating patients completed the Painimation instrument, the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), and the PainDETECT questionnaire for neuropathic symptoms.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 207), completed Painimation and indicated it was useful for describing their pain (mean=4.04/5 on a usefulness scale), and 154 out of 196 participants (79%) agreed or strongly agreed that they would use Painimation to communicate with their providers. Animations selected corresponded with pain adjectives endorsed on the MPQ. Further, selection of the electrifying animation was associated with self-reported neuropathic pain (r=.16, P=.03), similar to the association between neuropathic pain and PainDETECT (r=.17, P=.03). Painimation was associated with PainDETECT (r=.35, P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Using animations may be a faster and more patient-centered method for assessing pain and is not limited by age, literacy level, or language; however, more data are needed to assess the validity of this approach. Painimation needs testing in a more homogenous pain population to validate animations as a pain assessment method.
IMPACT OF LIFESTYLE ON THE OCCURRENCE OF ANXIETY AMONGST THE RESIDENTS OF UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Authors: Alomar Muaed Jamal , Abdi Amal Mohamed , Zaman Sumaiya , Abdi Hanadi Mohamed , Quicho Ma. Francheska
Published: February 2018

Objective: To investigate the effect of lifestyle on the occurrence of anxiety. Also, to study the determinants of the severity of anxiety.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 100 randomly selected participants.Results: Many factors were taken into consideration in this study including gender, age, occupational status, marital status, eating habits, physical activity, psychological stress, sleep patterns, medications and smoking habits. Subanalysis of some of the results showed a statistical significance of different aspects of lifestyle affecting levels of anxiety. According to the results found, the lifestyle factors that have significance in the severity of anxiety are psychological stress, exercising, and regularity of exercising (Pearson’s Chi-Square test: P<0.001, Pearson’s R: P=0.027, Spearman Correlation: P=0.045 respectively). About 50% of participants that stated they have some kind of psychological stress fell within the range of severe to very severe anxiety. The majority of those who exercise (39%) fall in the normal range of anxiety, and the majority of those who do not exercise (34%) are in the very severe anxiety range. Among the 14 participants that stated they exercise every day, 46% of them were in the normal range of anxiety while none of them was in the very-severe range. Also, those who exercise a few times a month are ranged more in the severe anxiety level than those who exercise every day.Conclusion: Certain lifestyle factors affect the levels of anxiety in various ways. This research clearly identified that a significant percentage of people who have any sort of psychological stress and do not exercise regularly are at a higher risk of developing or deteriorating anxiety.
A COMPARATIVE PHARMACOGNOSTICAL EVALUATION OF THREE BOTANICAL SOURCE PLANTS OF JIVANTI
Authors: Naik Raghavendra , R. Harisha C. , Acharya Rabinarayan
Published: February 2018

Objective: This study was undertaken to carry out a comparative pharmacognostical evaluation of three botanical source plants used in the name of classical Ayurvedic drug Jivanti.Methods: Leaves of three source plants of jivanti belonging to Asclepiadaceae family i.e. Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.), Holostemma ada-kodien Schult. and Wattakaka volubilis (Linn. f.) Stapf were evaluated for morphological and microscopical characters including quantitative microscopy, surface study, powder microscopy and histochemical studies.Results: Morphologically all the three species showed some similar characters like simple, opposite leaves with reticulate venation. The shape of the leaves were ovate to oblong in L reticulata and H ada-kodien whereas W volubilis was having broadly ovate or suborbicular leaves. Multicellular glandular warty trichomes, rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, lactiferous cells were observed in all the three species whereas prismatic crystals were also present in W volubilis. Palisade ratio and stomatal index were higher in H ada-kodien followed by L reticulata. Characteristic differences in the organoleptic characters like colour, taste, touch were observed in individual powder samples. Test for lignin, calcium oxalate crystal, starch grain and tannin showed a positive result in all the three samples.Conclusion: The present study reports specific pharmacognostical characteristics for the identification and differentiation of each botanical source plant. The observed results can also serve as a reference for any further investigations.
SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE AND METOPROLOL TARTRATE IN PHARMACEUTICAL DOSAGE FORMS, SPIKED WATER AND BIOLOGICAL FLUIDS
Authors: Sharma D. K. , Singh Jasvir , Raj Pushap
Published: February 2018

Objective: A new spectrophotometric method for the determination of propranolol hydrochloride (PRO) and metoprolol tartrate (MTP), beta blocker drugs, has been developed for their analysis in pharmaceutical dosage forms for the purpose of quality control and water samples for monitoring impact on environmental water quality of natural sources and in biological fluids for ascertaining their physiological performance.Methods: The method is based on the derivatization of the amino function present in these drugs to the corresponding yellow copper (I) drug dithiocarbamate derivative through reaction with carbon disulphide, pyridine and copper (I) perchlorate in aqueous acetonitrile and measuring absorbance at 406 nm for propranolol and 400 nm for metoprolol. The different experimental parameters affecting the development and stability of the colour were carefully studied and optimized.Results: The Beer’s law is obeyed in the range of 1.0-40.0 μg/ml of each drug solution with a correlation coefficient 0.999. The maximum relative standard deviations (RSDs) in the analysis of pure PRO and MTP were 1.01 and 1.52 % respectively. The recoveries of the drugs from pharmaceutical formulations, spiked water samples and biological fluids were in the range 98.0-100.5 % with RSDs in the range 0.23-1.94% indicating good accuracy and precision of the method.Conclusion: The instantaneous development of colour and its stability, well-established stoichiometry of the reaction and above simplicity and rapidity of procedures are some special attributes of the proposed method.
ANTIBACTERIAL CAPACITY AND IDENTIFICATION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS BY GCMS OF ALLIUM CEPA
Authors: Sharma Dushyant , Rani Reena , Chaturvedi Monika , Yadav J. P.
Published: February 2018

Objective: Plants offer a novel source for the isolation of a wide variety of medicinal agents. Allium cepa commonly known as onion is very well known medicinal plants and we investigated the antibacterial activity of different extracts and their phytochemical analysis by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS).Methods: The extracts of A. cepa prepared in six different solvents was analyzed for antibacterial activity against nine American type cell culture (ATCC) reference bacterial strains i.e. Shigella flexneri, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi, Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa by using the agar well diffusion method. GCMS analysis also has been carried out for their phytochemical analysis.Results: The results obtained from agar well diffusion assay showed the zone of inhibition range from 10±0.76 to 26±0.76 mm for different extracts. The methanol extract was found most potent against K. pneumonia and S. marcescens with the zone of inhibition of 26±0.76 mm for both strains. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were in the range of 1.87 to 7.5 mg/ml and the MIC values for K. pneumonia and S. marcescens was 1.87 mg/ml. A total of 43 compounds were identified by GCMS analysis. Out of them dodecanoic acid was found common in all extracts.Conclusion: It is concluded that Allium cepa have good antibacterial activity so it can be used for the treatment of various infectious diseases.
The Lexical Morpheme Acquisition of a Learner of English as a Second Language
Authors: Burhansyah Burhansyah
Published: February 2018

The present study aims to examine the acquisition of English lexical morphemes - i.e. past –ed marker and plural –s marker on nouns, in L2 (second language) English within the framework of Processability Theory (henceforth PT). The participant of this research was LE, an Indonesian learner learning English as L2 in an instructional context. The data in the form of essay written by LE was collected longitudinally at four points in time during the period of four months. Based on the data, a distributional analysis was carried out, and then the findings were analysed by using the implicational scaling in accordance with the emergence criterion in order to determine the points of acquisition of the two morphological forms under scrutiny. The research finding indicates that the acquisition points of the lexical morphemes appear to follow PT’s predictions, where the emergence point of past –ed marker and plural –s marker occurred at comparatively the same point in time as hypothesised in PT. Moreover, the finding of this research reveals that the predictions of PT seem to be followed in L2 written English; it indicates PT’s capacity to account for morphological acquisition in both written and spoken language production.     

 

Keywords: processability theory, L2 acquisition, lexical morpheme
Uma imprensa para o teatro
Authors: Penna-Franca Luciana
Published: February 2018

A compreensão da história do teatro amador carioca no final do século XIX e início do XX é possível, em grande medida, pelos periódicos dedicados aos “assuntos teatrais”. Essa produção periodista é significativa tanto em número quanto na sua diversidade, revelando não apenas o lugar que o teatro ocupava na capital, como o reconhecimento da imprensa como espaço de divulgação de peças, formação de públicos e opinião, projeção de artistas, etc., como também de relações pessoais e pedidos e trocas de favores entre empresários e jornalistas. Mais ainda, a produção de jornais pelos clubes dramáticos amadores demonstra a sua compreensão do papel que a imprensa ocupava na divulgação de formas de agir e pensar além dos palcos, mas no próprio cotidiano.
The relation of humor structure appreciation with sensation seeking and judgments of complex-abstract art and sophisticated music
Authors: Sulejmanov Filip
Published: February 2018

The aim of the present study is two-fold. Firstly, the relation between sensation seeking and humor structure appreciation has been investigated (Carretero-Dios & Ruch, 2010), and also the association between humor structure appreciation and complex-abstract art has been reported (Ruch & Hehl, 1998). In that sense, this study aims to replicate previously reported findings. Second, the association between humor structure appreciation and sophisticated music (Rentfrow, Goldberg, & Levitin, 2011) was explored. Results obtained from 77 participants partially supported the predictions. Sensation seeking was negatively related with the aversiveness ratings of Nonsense humor, while pleasantness of complex-abstract art was negatively associated with funniness of Incongruity?Resolution humor and positively with the structure preference index. Aversiveness of Incongruity?Resolution humor correlated negatively with sophisticated music ratings. Finally, ratings on the abstract-art paintings and sophisticated musical excerpts were positively associated. Implications of the findings, limitations of this study and avenues for further research are examined.