bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metastatic large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of larynx: Individualizing tumor biology by dual tracer positron emission tomography/computed tomography (68Ga-DOTATATE and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose) molecular imaging and disease stabilization following 177Lu-DOTATATE peptide receptor radionuclide therapy after initial progression on chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Jadhav Sonali , Basu Sandip
Published: April 2019

Debate exists on the disease biology and course of primary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of larynx, being classified as a variant of atypical carcinoid by the World Health Organisation-2005 classification, while literature of its aggressive behavior indicating poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (akin to pulmonary LCNEC) exists. The utility of dual tracer positron emission tomography/computed tomography (68Ga-DOTATATE and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose) in deciphering the dynamic tumor biology and feasibility of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is illustrated in metastatic LCNEC of epiglottis after disease progression following conventional chemoradiotherapy. Relatively, atypical sites of soft-tissue metastases (subcutaneous tissue of arm, scrotal sac, peritoneum, and lamina of thyroid cartilage) and xiphisternum and disease stabilization following 177Lu-DOTATATE PRRT were other noteworthy unique aspects of this report.
Применение теории решеток к анализу схем цифровой подписи
Authors: Guselev Anton Mikhailovich
Published: April 2019

Проведен анализ четырех атак на определенную в стандарте ГОСТ Р 34.10-2012 схему цифровой подписи. Для этих атак, использующих аппарат теории решеток, получены верхние асимптотические границы вероятности успешной реализации. На основании полученных численных оценок делается вывод о том, что рассмотренные методы анализа, основанные на использовании теории решеток, не способны понизить стойкость схемы цифровой подписи, определенной в стандарте ГОСТ Р 34.10-2012.
Условная предельная теорема для близких к критическим ветвящихся процессов с финальным типом частиц
Authors: Vatutin Vladimir Alekseevich
Published: April 2019

Доказана предельная теорема о распределении числа частиц в близких к критическому ветвящихся процессах с финальным типом частиц при условии невырождения таких процессов к далекому моменту времени.
The value of potassium, pH and D-dimer levels in early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia: an experimental study on rats
Authors: Hot Semih , Egin Seracettin , Ilhan Mehmet , Bademler Suleyman , Dikker Okan , Aciksari Kurtulus , Kamali Gulcin , Seckin Ismail , Tanriverdi Gamze , Kamali Sedat , Guloglu Recep
Published: April 2019

Introduction

The aim of this randomized controlled experimental study was to evaluate the efficacy of potassium, pH and D-dimer levels in blood, as well as potassium and pH levels in peritoneal lavage fluid, in the early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia.

Material and methods

This study was conducted at the Istanbul University Center of Experimental Medicine after having received approval from the Istanbul University animal testing ethics committee. Male albino Wistar rats (n = 24; 250 to 350 g) were divided into two control groups and two ischemic groups. Levels of potassium, pH, and D-dimer in blood and levels of potassium and pH in peritoneal lavage fluid were analyzed for 1 h and 2 h after the induced acute mesenteric ischemia procedure. The degree of ischemic injury was determined using the histopathological damage score in tissue samples taken from the terminal ileum.

Results

Ischemic groups had statistically significant differences in potassium and pH in blood and peritoneal lavage fluid compared to non-ischemic groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between control and ischemic groups in terms of D-dimer and histologic grading results after 1 h (p = 0.132, p = 0.475 respectively), while there was a significant difference between control and ischemic groups after 2 h (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The levels of potassium, pH, and D-dimer could be useful in daily practice for the early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia.
An Overview of Empty Container Repositioning Studies and Research Opportunities
Authors: Gençer Hüseyin , Demir M. Hulusi
Published: April 2019

The imbalances in world trade also affect container traffic and lead to large differences in import and export rates of many locations. As a consequence of this, the surplus containers are repositioned to locations where they are required, which causes high costs. Many studies in the literature have addressed this issue from different aspects. This study examines the studies and trends in empty container repositioning (ECR) practices and reveals the missing research areas in the literature. It discusses the mathematical models developed in the literature and addresses real-life applications of the liner carriers. The study also emphasizes how the opportunities in technological development can be used in ECR practices and provides suggestions for research topics that can be studied in the light of current trends in container shipping. It exhibits the actors involved in ECR operations and discusses the strategies applied in liner shipping. The main purpose of the study is to put forward research and real-life application opportunities in the field of ECR.
The Impact of Training & Development and Communication on Employee Engagement¬ – A Study of Banking Sector
Authors: Siddiqui Danish Ahmed , Sahar Noor-us
Published: April 2019

This study analyzed the impact of training, development and communication on employees engagement in banking sector of Karachi. Data was taken thorough questionnaires from 120 employees out of which 100 were returned. Different statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used for analysis. Results showed a positive impact of training and development and internal communication on engagement. Findings of the study have the potential of practical implication for managers and employees alike where they can increase engagement level in banking sector through strategic and tactical communication process and fulfilling the training needs of employees to meet the requirement of current job settings. Hence, practitioners need to understand the value of the participatory factors to compete effectively at the national and global levels through effective implementation in the engagement strategy.
Examining the Impact of Shipping Charge Fairness on Consumer Satisfaction and Behavior
Authors: Jones Angela L. , Griffis Stanley E. , Schwieterman Matthew A. , Daugherty Patricia J.
Published: April 2019

Firms are increasingly recognizing that consumers' perceptions of price fairness should be considered when making logistics decisions at the firm level. A key element of price fairness is the shipping charges that consumers pay. This is especially critical with respect to online retail shipping charges as they represent a substantial portion of consumers' total cost and are visible to consumers before they place an order. Perceptions of the fairness of these prices are believed to impact online shoppers' selection of a retailer as well as influence subsequent purchase behavior. While large retailers may be able to leverage scale economies in shipping to offer free shipping on many orders, smaller firms may not be able to offer this to consumers. Thus, the general expectations of consumers are an important competitive factor in the environment, especially for the small and medium enterprises that are employers of 70 percent of US workers. This study assesses the impact of shipping charge fairness upon consumer satisfaction, repurchase, and positive word-of-mouth outcomes for a focal firm. Additionally, the moderating influences of shipping charge magnitude and consumer experience are examined. Consumer perceptions of fairness are found to influence satisfaction as well as willingness to repurchase and make positive referrals.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Financial Performance of Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies in Lesotho: Evidence From Maseru District
Authors: Mmari Goodluck A. , Thinyane Lebitso C.
Published: April 2019

SACCOS play a major role of providing financial access to poor people who are excluded from the services of Formal Financial Institutions (FFIs). However, they also face number of challenges which may affect their performance. Most of the previous studies in the area of SACCOS did not concentrate on their performance. The aim of this study therefore was to assess performance of SACCOS in Maseru District, Lesotho. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design where data were collected at one point in time. A sample size of 369 respondents was computed by the use of formula by Yamane (1967). Respondents in the sample were selected by using simple random sampling technique. However, respondents from individual SACCOS were proportional to the total number of members in particular SACCOS. This was done in order to make the sample representative of all SACCOS in the study area. Analyses of data were done by using different techniques which include: mathematical equations (i to vii); different financial ratios; tables; graphs; bar charts and other types of descriptive statistics like mode and percentages. It was found that socio economic characteristics of members were supportive to financial performance of the SACCOS. Furthermore, SACCOS in the study area achieved high performance in terms of ratios of members’ capital; loan delinquency; volumes of savings in the SACCOS; and growth of total assets. On the other hand, the SACCOS realised poor financial performance in terms of ratio of fixed assets to total assets; and share capital owned by members.
Revitalizing the Quest for Professionalism in Business and Management: Purpose, Knowledge, Behavior, and Expectation
Authors: L. Romme A. Georges
Published: April 2019

One of the biggest challenges of our time is to develop the management discipline into a true profession. In this respect, business schools have been accused for failing to promote better policies and management practices as well as failing to educate students, as prospective managers, about their moral and social responsibilities. This essay outlines a multi-dimensional framework for professionalization, involving the dimensions of purpose, knowledge, behavior, and expectation. Subsequently, this framework is used to define and explore various paths out of the current intellectual stasis of the field of management and business. A key pathway is creating a shared sense of professional purpose and responsibility; another important route involves developing a professional body of knowledge informed by both discovery and validation; third, so-called ‘trading zones’ need to be developed, to offer opportunities for (professionals with) different voices and interests to meet; and the expectations that societal stakeholders have of professional conduct and performance by managers should be raised. Finally, the implications arising from these four pathways for business schools are explored. One of the most challenging implications is the need to improve the alignment between what management professors say they do and what they actually do – as researchers and educators.
Structure and Its Reliability and Validity of Employees’ Trust in Organizational Safety
Authors: Liu Su Xia , Zhou Ying , Cheng Yao , Joshua Atteh Sewu Gilbert
Published: April 2019

Employees’ trust in organizational safety is conducive in enhancing employees’ safety participation behavior from a psychological perspective. This study conceptualized employees’ trust in organizational safety and divided it into 3 dimensions by reviewing the previous literature. Questionnaires were designed based on the reference and revision of relevant scales in previous studies. Data was collected from 716 frontline employees to confirm the reliability and validity of the structure of employees’ trust in organizational safety. The result indicated that employees’ trust in organizational safety can be divided into three aspects and the scale with 16-items is valid and reliable.
Destination Strategies to Enhance Secondary and Niche Tourism Products: Literature Review and Case Study
Authors: Remondino Marco
Published: April 2019

The topic of this article is enhancing destination competitiveness, with particular interest to entrepreneurial strategies able to valorise secondary and niche attractions. A literature review reveals that, by means of cooperation, local stakeholders could increase success of mass destinations, while promoting the discovery of niche attractions, with a positive impact on the whole territory. Also, the role of DMOs is important, facilitating cooperation among between private and public stakeholders and among private companies. Destination branding strategies could be set, to define the competitive advantages of a territory, leveraging on synergies among primary and secondary attractions. The specific case study of Liguria is proposed and analysed by means of a questionnaire, spread among potential tourists, so to investigate their perceptions about both the capacity of the territory to offer secondary tourism products and the existence and effectiveness of collaborative strategies among local stakeholders. This Italian region has a tourism concentrated during summertime (bathing season), but possesses other specific features, that could differentiate the offer and potentially attract tourists also in other periods. The questionnaire, in fact, reveals that many tourists also like to explore the inland, which should therefore be further promoted. It also emerges than about 9% of tourists didn’t take advantage of secondary tourism products, not being aware of them, while about 46% believe that secondary attractions could be interesting for tourism, but are not adequately exploited, due to the lack of both strategic cooperation among local businesses and direct promotion.
Does Fintech Help to Improve the Private Enterprises Financing Situation?—— Evidence from the Chinese Market
Authors: Zhu Man , Jiang Xingyu
Published: April 2019

Financing difficulties have plagued private enterprises for a long time. Emerging Fintech is expected to improve private enterprises’ financing situation by enhancing the risk control in bank loans. This paper constructs the Fintech Policy Index and the Fintech index by text quantitative analysis and factor analysis method respectively. It selects the data of 96 private enterprises in China from 2010 to 2017 as samples, using Time-Varying Parameter State Space Model to explore how Fintech affect private enterprises’ financing situation. The research shows that the elasticity coefficient of Fintech and private enterprises’ financing development develops as W-type and has obvious stage characteristics. At present, the elasticity coefficient of China's Fintech and private enterprise financing is in the upward trend of W-type. Fintech is helping the private enterprises’ financing, which is gradually to be realized.
Wyznaczanie struktur diagnozowania porównawczego przy użyciu algorytmu genetycznego
Authors: Strzelecki Łukasz
Published: April 2019

W artykule wykazano, że metoda adaptacyjna – algorytm genetyczny – może być skutecznie wykorzystana do wyznaczania struktur diagnozowania porównawczego. Zaproponowano odpowiednią funkcję przystosowania, a także przeprowadzono analizę jej użyteczności w oparciu o wyniki badań empirycznych.

The paper shows that an adaptive method – a genetic algorithm - can be used during designing of diagnostic comparison structures. A suitable adaptation function is proposed and results of empirical experiments are presented confirming usability of developed solution.
Badanie czasu wskazywania obiektu przez użytkownika testem wielokierunkowym. Część I – wyniki z lat 2010-2011.
Authors: Donigiewicz Antoni
Published: April 2019

W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań czasu wskazywania obiektów w wielokierunkowym teście wskazywania wykonane w latach 2010-2011. Badania oparto na normie ISO 9241-9. W badaniach wykorzystano mysz i mysz odwróconą. Wyznaczono współczynniki równania Fittsa. Badania wykonane w latach 2015-2016 zostaną przedstawione w drugiej części artykułu. The paper presents results of the time-of-course test for items examined during the multidirectional test. The study was conducted in accordance with the ISO 9241-9 in 2010-2011. The study utilized a mouse and an inverted mouse (trackball). The coefficients of the Fitts equation were determined. Further research (2015-2016) will be presented in the second part of the paper.
Method of determining the longest simple chain in a graph with the use of a genetic algorithm
Authors: Mielniczuk Łukasz , Strzelecki Łukasz
Published: April 2019

This paper discusses the issue of determining the longest simple chain in a graph by using a heuristic algorithm – a genetic algorithm. A method enabling the effective determination of the longest chain in any connected, undirected graph without loops.
Management of severe hidradenitis suppurativa with biologic therapy and wide excision
Authors: Lim Shi Yu Derek , Cheong Ee Cherk , Oon Hazel H.
Published: April 2019

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory follicular occlusive disease that involves the intertriginous areas. Treatment methods include conventional topical and systemic medication, radiotherapy, biologic agents, and surgical excision. Of late, there has been an increased focus on the use of biologic agents in patients with moderate to severe HS. Here, we present the case of a 46-year-old man with Hurley stage III HS for whom wide excision was ultimately curative, after aggressive medical therapy with the use of infliximab and adalimumab had succeeded in limiting the body surface area affected by the disease. This case demonstrates the effective treatment of severe HS with a combination of biologic therapy and surgery.
Covering a Graph with Clubs
Authors: Dondi Riccardo , Mauri Giancarlo , Sikora Florian , Zoppis Italo
Published: April 2019

Finding cohesive subgraphs in a network has been investigated in many network mining applications.
Several alternative formulations of cohesive subgraph have been proposed,
a notable one of them is $s$-club,
which is a subgraph whose diameter is at most $s$.
Here we consider a natural variant of the well-known
Minimum Clique Cover problem,
where we aim to cover
a given graph with the minimum number of $s$-clubs,
instead of cliques.
We study the computational and approximation complexity of this problem,
when $s$ is equal to 2 or 3.
We show that deciding if there exists a cover
of a graph with three $2$-clubs is NP-complete, and that
deciding if there exists a cover
of a graph with two $3$-clubs is NP-complete.
Then, we consider the approximation complexity
of covering a graph with the minimum number of $2$-clubs
and $3$-clubs.
We show that, given a graph $G=(V,E)$ to be covered,
covering $G$ with the minimum number of $2$-clubs is
not approximable within factor $O(|V|^{1/2 -\varepsilon})$,
for any $\varepsilon>0$, and
covering $G$ with the minimum number of $3$-clubs is
not approximable within factor $O(|V|^{1 -\varepsilon})$, for any $\varepsilon>0$.
On the positive side, we give an approximation
algorithm of factor $2|V|^{1/2}\log^{3/2} |V|$ for covering
a graph with the minimum number of $2$-clubs.
Effect of chestnut and acorn flour on wheat / wheat-barley flour properties and bread quality
Authors: Hruškova Marie , Svec Ivan , Kadlčikova Ivana , Hruškova Marie
Published: April 2019

Additions of barley flour alone or with combination of chestnut and acorn flour (30%; 30+5%; 30+10%) were aimed at increasing the dietary fibre content in wheat bread. In this regard, enhancement by acorn flour elevated the dietary fibre by a greater extent (up to 7.80%) compared to barley or chestnut flours. Increasing the proportion of non-traditional raw materials also influenced flour pasting properties during the amylograph test as well as the farinograph and extensigraph properties of nonfermented dough. In contrast to the wheat flour, analysis of Falling Number and Zeleny values showed a decrease in technological potential of flour composites of approximately 30%. Water absorption increased about 2 percentage points, mainly with enhancement by chestnut flour. All the non-traditional raw materials slowed dough development, whilst dough softening degree differed according to actual composition. Dough viscous and elastic properties worsened as shown by a decrease of in energy absorbed, depending on the type and the addition of the non-traditional products. Changes in flour composition were reflected in amylograph viscosity maximum, which became lower with increasing amounnts of chestnt and acorn flour. A significant worsening of the bread specific volume as well as of bread shape (vaulting) corresponded with a partial dilution of the gluten matrix. Compared to the wheat bread, 10% chestnut flour caused bread size to diminish to less than one half of the wheat loaf. Statistically, the principal features were water absorption, dough softening degree and extensigraph energy together with specific bread volume. In terms of wheat flour and bread quality, the influence of barley flour overcame the effects of adding chestnut or acorn flours.
Rapid ecological specialization despite constant population sizes
Authors: Rakotoarivelo Andrinajoro R. , O’Donoghue Paul , Bruford Michael W. , Moodley Yoshan
Published: April 2019

Background

The bushbuck,Tragelaphus scriptus, is a widespread and ecologically diverse ungulate species complex within the spiral-horned antelopes. This species was recently found to consist of two genetically divergent but monophyletic lineages, which are paraphyletic at mitochondrial (mt)DNA owing to an ancient interspecific hybridization event. The Scriptus lineage (T. s. scriptus) inhabits the north-western half of the African continent while Sylvaticus (T. s. sylvaticus) is found in the south-eastern half. Here we test hypotheses of historical demography and adaptation in bushbuck using a higher-resolution framework, with four nuclear (MGF, PRKCI, SPTBN, and THY) and three new mitochondrial markers (cytochrome b, 12S rRNA, and 16S rRNA).

Methods

Genealogies were reconstructed for the mitochondrial and nuclear data sets, with the latter dated using fossil calibration points. We also inferred the demographic history of Scriptus and Sylvaticus using coalescent-based methods. To obtain an overview of the origins and ancestral colonisation routes of ancestral bushbuck sequences across geographic space, we conducted discrete Bayesian phylogeographic and statistical dispersal-vicariance analyses on our nuclear DNA data set.

Results

Both nuclear DNA and mtDNA support previous findings of two genetically divergent Sylvaticus and Scriptus lineages. The three mtDNA loci confirmed 15 of the previously defined haplogroups, including those with convergent phenotypes. However, the nuclear tree showed less phylogenetic resolution at the more derived parts of the genealogy, possibly due to incomplete lineage sorting of the slower evolving nuclear genome. The only exception to this was the montane Menelik’s bushbuck (Sylvaticus) of the Ethiopian highlands, which formed a monophyletic group at three of four nuclear DNA loci. We dated the coalescence of the two lineages to a common ancestor ∼2.54 million years ago. Both marker sets revealed similar demographic histories of constant population size over time. We show that the bushbuck likely originated in East Africa, with Scriptus dispersing to colonise suitable habitats west of the African Rift and Sylvaticus radiating from east of the Rift into southern Africa via a series of mainly vicariance events.

Discussion

Despite lower levels of genetic structure at nuclear loci, we confirmed the independent evolution of the Menelik’s bushbuck relative to the phenotypically similar montane bushbuck in East Africa, adding further weight to previous suggestions of convergent evolution within the bushbuck complex. Perhaps the most surprising result of our analysis was that both Scriptus and Sylvaticus populations remained relatively constant throughout the Pleistocene, which is remarkable given that this was a period of major climatic and tectonic change in Africa, and responsible for driving the evolution of much of the continent’s extant large mammalian diversity.
Ability emotional intelligence in young people and older adults with and without depressive symptoms, considering gender and educational level
Authors: Navarro-Bravo Beatriz , Latorre José M. , Jiménez Ana , Cabello Rosario , Fernández-Berrocal Pablo
Published: April 2019

Background

There is little research on differences in Emotional Intelligence (EI) ability at different stages of adult development. The few published studies tend not to use older adult samples. Previous studies on EI ability and age have shown contradictory results. Our main objective was to evaluate results in EI ability across different stages of adult development, taking into account gender, depressive symptoms, and educational level.

Methods

We interviewed 166 participants (108 women), 66 of whom were aged 18–30 years, 53 aged 31–60 years, and 40 aged 61–76 years. All were either working or enrolled in colleges at the time of the study. The assessment tools used were the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT), a test that assesses performance-based EI, and the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale, a tool to evaluate depressive symptoms.

Results

Young people, women, and participants with a higher educational level achieved higher scores on the MSCEIT. Additionally, depressive symptomatology was only partially associated with the MSCEIT (i.e., with the using emotions branch). However, a subsequent joint analysis of the independent effects of variables age, gender, educational level, and depressive symptomatology and their interactions on MSCEIT total suggests that only educational level and depressive symptomatology were associated with EI ability, with the direct relationship between age and gender with MSCEIT disappearing. Additionally, our study indicated an interaction effect between age and depressive symptoms, showing that participants in age cohorts 18–30 and 31–60 and without depressive symptoms have a higher EI ability.

Discussion

Our study suggests that the direct effects of age and gender on EI ability across adult development, using a wide age range, can change or disappear when effects of educational level and depressive symptomatology, and their interactions, are controlled for. Our results also suggest that EI ability is a protective factor against depression in some age cohorts. This novel aspect of our study does not appear in the previous literature. However, prospective studies are needed to verify these findings and examine whether other psychological variables could determine the relations between age, gender and EI ability across adult development.
Tracking neonicotinoids following their use as cotton seed treatments
Authors: Kohl Kristina L. , Harrell Lauren K. , Mudge Joseph F. , Subbiah Seenivasan , Kasumba John , Osma Etem , Barman Apurba K. , Anderson Todd A.
Published: April 2019

Neonicotinoids are a leading class of insecticides on the global market, accounting for nearly 25%. They are widely used in both agricultural and residential settings. Causing neuron failure by irreversibly binding to the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, neonicotinoids offer broad spectrum efficacy against a variety of pests. However, because they are non-selective with regard to insect species, there has been some concern with neonicotinoid use over threats to pollinators such as honeybees, and potential indirect effects to migratory waterfowl as a result of invertebrate prey population depletion. In order to study occurrence and fate of neonicotinoids (thiamethoxam and imidacloprid), we analyzed cotton leaves on plants grown from neonicotinoid-treated seeds and corresponding soil samples between cotton rows. Neonicotinoid concentration data from cotton leaves appears to be consistent with the claim that seed treatments protect plants for 3–4 weeks; by 30 days post-planting, neonicotinoid concentrations fell, in general, to 200 ng/g or lower. This represents about a 10-fold decrease from plant concentrations at approximately 2 weeks post-planting. It was found that neonicotinoids used as seed treatments remained present in the soil for months post planting and could be available for runoff. To that end, 21 playa wetlands were sampled; 10 had at least one quantifiable neonicotinoid present, three of which were classified as grassland or rangeland playas, two were urban, and the remaining five were cropland playas. In several instances, neonicotinoid concentrations in playas exceeded EPA chronic benchmarks for aquatic invertebrates.
Adoption of Integrated Homestead Farming Technologies by the Rural Women of RDRS
Authors: Aurangozeb Md. Khalid
Published: April 2019

The purpose of the study was to investigate the adoption of integrated homestead farming technologies by the rural women in Rangpur Dinazpur Rural Service (RDRS), problem confrontation during adoption of integrated homestead farming technologies and explore the relationships with selected characteristics of the rural women. Four Upazilas, namely, Lalmonirhat Sadar, Aditmari, Kaligonj and Hatibanda under Lalmonirhat district, were selected for this study. Among the RDRS beneficiaries 250 rural women under RDRS constituted the population for this study Out of these 250 rural women, 100 (i.e. 40% of the total population) rural women were as the sample for the study. The findings revealed that the highest proportion (71%) of rural women had high, 21% medium and 8% had low integrated homestead farming technologies. The findings also showed that the age of rural women had significant negative correlation with their adoption of integrated homestead farming technologies. Rest of the selected characteristics of rural women, namely, education, family size, annual income from field crop, annual income from homestead, contact with extension media, cosmopoliteness, innovativeness and aspiration in farming had significant positive relationships with their adoption of integrated homestead farming technologies. Problem confronted by rural women under RDRS was measured through a scale containing 12 statements on the problems based on adoption of integrated homestead farming technologies. In respect of problem confrontation, the findings revealed that the highest proportion (51%) of rural women had medium; 24% had high and 25% had low problem confrontation during adoption of integrated homestead farming technologies.
Effects of Organic-based Fortified Foliar Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of ‘Lakatan’ Banana (Musa acuminata)
Authors: Magbalot-Fernandez Alminda , Montifalcon Lara
Published: April 2019

To determine the effect of Organic-based Fortified Foliar Fertilizer (OFF) on the growth and yield of ‘Lakatan’ banana, this study was conducted at the University of Southeastern Philippines, Tagum – Mabini Campus, Mabini Unit, Mampising, Mabini, Compostela Valley Province, from December 2015 to March 2016.         

The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six treatments replicated three times. The treatments were: T1- control; T2- Recommended Rate of NPK fertilizer/ha; T3 - ½ RR of NPK/ha; T4 –Organic-based Fortified Foliar fertilizer (OFF) at 100 ml/16 liters of water; T5 - ½ RR of NPK + OFF; and T6 - RR of NPK + OFF.

Results showed that no significant effects were observed in terms of the plant height at 15, 30, 45 days after application (DAA), pseudostem girth at 15, 30, 45 DAA, and number of hands per bunch. However, significant differences were obtained in the number of leaves, number of fingers per bunch, fruit weight (kg) and yield (tons/ha) of ‘Lakatan’ banana.

The highest number of leaves were obtained in T6 – RR of NPK fertilizer/ha + OFF which is comparable to T5 – ½ RR of NPK fertilizer/ha + OFF. T6 – RR of NPK+ OFF also had the highest number of fingers per hand than the rest of the treatments as much as 21% higher than the control. The fruit weight of T6 – RR of NPK+ OFF has 61% higher than untreated and the yield of 37 tons/ha is higher than the national average yield of 9.4 tons/ha in ‘Lakatan’ banana.
Evaluation of Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Potential of Ocimum gratissimum and Telfairia occidentalis Leaves
Authors: Airaodion A. I. , Ibrahim A. H. , Ogbuagu U. , Ogbuagu E. O. , Awosanya O. O. , Akinmolayan J. D. , Njoku O. C. , Obajimi O. O. , Adeniji A. R. , Adekale O. A.
Published: April 2019

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the phytochemical content and antioxidant potential of Ocimum gratissimum and Telfairia occidentalis leaves.

Study Design: This study was made to fit a one-way Analysis of Variance.

Place and Duration of Study: This research was carried out in the Department of Premedical Science, Educational Advancement Centre, Ibadan and Pharmaceutical Laboratory of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria between January and June, 2018.

Methods: Both plants were purchased from Bodija market in Ibadan, Nigeria. The leaves were removed from the stem and washed with running water to remove contaminants. It was oven dried at 37˚C and milled into powder and extracted with ethanol. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of the phytochemical content as well as antioxidant potential were investigated.

Results: The result showed that O. gratissimum is significantly higher in flavonoids content but lower in alkaloids when compared with those of T. occidentalis at P<0.05. No significant difference was observed in the concentrations of saponin, tannin, total phenolics and phytic acid in O. gratissimum when compared with those of T. occidentalis respectively at P<0.05. Antioxidant investigation showed that O. gratissimum is higher in ferric-ion reducing power but lower in ascorbic acid when compared with T. occidentalis respectively at P<0.05. The percentage inhibition of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate radical scavenging potential was observed to decrease with decreasing concentration for both plants but that of O. gratissimum was lower when compared with that of T. occidentalis respectively.

Conclusion: This pharmacological study is a useful tool for further drug development from the natural plant products.
Efficacy of Trans-Mastoidal Vestibular Galvanic Stimulation in Improvement of Gait Performance and Upright Postural Stability in Hemiplegic C.P. Children
Authors: Azzam Ahmed M.
Published: April 2019

Objectives: This work was carried out to investigate the efficacy of galvanic vestibular stimulation in improving of gait performance and upright postural stability in hemiplegic cerebral palsy children.

Method: Thirty children were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned into two groups; group A (galvanic vestibular stimulation plus vestibular training program), and group B (vestibular training program only). Stride length and time, walking speed tests and modified Ashworth, pediatric balance scales were used to detect and follow the walking performance and upright postural stability.               This measurement was taken before initial treatment and after 12 weeks of treatment. The            children parents in both groups A and B were instructed to complete 3 hours of the home routine program.

Results: Data analysis was available on the 30 hemiplegic cerebral palsied children participated in the study. The difference between pre and post-treatment results was significant representative in stride length , time and walking velocity, spasticity changes and pediatric balance scores in study groups while insignificant improvement in control groups.

Conclusion: The combined vestibular training program and trans-mastoidal vestibular galvanic stimulation are suggested in improving walking performance and upright postural stability in a static and dynamic situation. So this selective physiotherapy approach may be used as a strong choice for improving walking and balance abilities in hemiplegic C.P children.
Prevalence of Streptococcus agalactiae Serotypes Associated with Anogenital Colonization among Pregnant Women in Jos
Authors: Samuel Dahal A. , Egah Daniel Z. , Yvonne Kandakai-Olukemi T.
Published: April 2019

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of GBS serotype distribution in Jos University Teaching Hospital.

Materials and Methodology: This was a hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study of 300 women receiving health care at the Jos University Teaching Hospital between July 2017 and November 2017. Systematic sampling technique was employed in recruiting consenting subjects for this study. High vaginal and anorectal swabs were collected from each subject after obtaining their consent by signing a structured consent form. The identiﬁed Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) isolates were serotyped using immuLex strep-B antisera from SSI Diagnostica, 2 Herredysvejen, DK-3400 Hillerod Demnark to identify the different serotypes. The results obtained were computed using SPSS version 21.

Results: A total of 300 women obtaining health care in Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) were enrolled in this study between the months of July, 2017 and November, 2017. In all, vaginal and anorectal swabs were taken from 200 pregnant women and 100 non-pregnant women. The age range of the study population was between 16 years to 48 years with a mean age of 31.9 year (SD ± 6.6). The prevalence rate among the study population was 6.3%. The colonization rate among pregnant and non-pregnant women was 6.5% and 6.0% respectively with no signiﬁcant statistical difference. Serotype Ia was the commonest isolate responsible for 42.1% of the GBS isolates. Serotype III accounted for 31.6% of the isolates, followed by serotype V (15.8%). Serotype II was less common, responsible for only 10.5%.

Conclusion: This study showed that GBS colonization rate among the study population was 6.3%. Approximately, 6.5% and 6.0% prevalence rate were found among pregnant and non-pregnant women respectively. Of all the GBS isolates, serotypes Ia, II, III, and serotype V were isolated with serotype Ia being the most prevalent serotype. This knowledge of serotype distribution will help in instituting serotype speciﬁc GBS vaccines for the prevention of GBS diseases in Jos.
Effect of Salinity on Germination of Lettuce Cultivars Produced in Brazil
Authors: Rosas Jorge Tadeu Fim , Junior Edilson Marques , Lorenzoni Rodrigo Monte , Santos Fernando Ferreira Lima dos , Martins Rodrigo Nogueira
Published: April 2019

The challenge of recovering degraded soils due to salinity excess leads to the search for more effective strategies that can overcome this problem. Among these, one of the approaches is the use of resistant plant varieties in affected areas. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different doses of salts on seed germination and seedling formation of two lettuce cultivars (Hanson and H121) and to verify the existence of tolerance among the cultivars. A completely randomized design was used in a 2x5x4 factorial scheme, where the cultivars were evaluated under five distinct salt doses (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mol.m-3, conductivities of 0.0, 2.8, 5.4, ​​8.0 and 10.6 dS.m-1, respectively), with four replicates. In this sense, the following variables were evaluated: germination rate (GR), germination speed index (GSI), seedling height (SH), root length (RL) and percentage of dry matter in relation to fresh matter (DM%). As a result, the Hanson cultivar presented better performance than the H121, under all the different salt doses, in all the studied variables. Also, the EC of 2.8 dS.m-1 did not affect any of the studied variables, including both cultivars. However, EC above 2.8 dS.m-1had, significantly, reduced the development of the cultivars. The Hanson cultivar was influenced only in the variables SH, RL and DM%, where and DM% were influenced by EC values above 8.0 and 10.6 dS.m-1, respectively. The cultivar H121 was significantly influenced by all evaluate dvariables, which demonstrates its greater susceptibility to salinity.
Enhancing Photoacoustic Intensity of Upconversion Nanoparticles by Photoswitchable Azobenzene‐Containing Polymers for Dual NIR‐II and Photoacoustic Imaging In Vivo
Authors: He Shuqing , Song Jun , Liu Jianfeng , Liu Liwei , Qu Junle , Cheng Zhen
Published: April 2019

Near‐infrared photoacoustic (PA) imaging is developing rapidly as an alternative to optical imaging and promises benefits in terms of deeper tissue penetration and higher spatial resolution. This paper proposes a strategy to enhance the PA intensity of upconverted nanoparticles (UCNPs) by functionalized photoswitchable azobenzene‐containing poly (acrylic acid) (UCNPs@PAA‐Azo) to yield a PA signal that is up to six times higher than that of UCNPs without a decay in NIR‐II emission. The mechanism of enhanced photoacoustic activity of the UCNPs@PAA‐Azo can be attributed to the decay of UV and blue light as well as vibrations of the azobenzene group. This technology delivers high resolution of the hind limb vasculature using dual NIR‐II and PA imaging. Using this nanoprobe, NIR‐II imaging provides real‐time means for the precise resection of the lymph node (LN) during surgery, where PA imaging allows for quicker (up to 30 min) detection of LNs than that through NIR‐II imaging. Combining the advantages of dual NIR‐II and PA modalities allows us to achieve complementary information and improve the accuracy of disease diagnosis. This work is critical to the synthesis of dual NIR‐II and PA modal probes and is utilized in small animals imaging with high resolution and a high signal‐to‐noise ratio.
Enhanced Photoresponse in MoTe2 Photodetectors with Asymmetric Graphene Contacts
Authors: Wei Xia , Yan Faguang , Lv Quanshan , Zhu Wenkai , Hu Ce , Patanè Amalia , Wang Kaiyou
Published: April 2019

Atomically thin 2D materials are promising candidates for miniaturized high‐performance optoelectronic devices. This study reports on multilayer MoTe2 photodetectors contacted with asymmetric electrodes based on n‐ and p‐type graphene layers. The asymmetry in the graphene contacts creates a large (Ebi  ∼ 100 kV cm−1) built‐in electric field across the short (l = 15 nm) MoTe2 channel, causing a high and broad (λ = 400–1400 nm) photoresponse even without any externally applied voltage. Spatially resolved photovoltage maps reveal an enhanced photoresponse and larger built‐in electric field in regions of the MoTe2 layer between the two graphene contacts. Furthermore, a fast (∼10 µs) photoresponse is achieved in both the photovoltaic and photoconductive operation modes of the junction. The findings can be extended to other 2D materials and offer prospects for the implementation of asymmetric graphene contacts in future low‐power optoelectronic applications.
Copper‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Dehydrogenative Ring‐Opening Reaction of Glycine Esters with α′‐Angelicalactone: Approach to Construct α‐Amino‐γ‐Ketopimelates
Authors: Wu Rui , Li Jun , Wang Yajun , Quan Zhengjun , Su Yingpeng , Huo Congde
Published: April 2019

A copper‐catalyzed aerobic oxidative dehydrogenative reaction of glycine derivatives with α′‐angelicalactone is achieved under mild and simple reaction conditions. This strategy can be applicable to a wide range of gylcine esters, including complex substrates derived from (+)‐dehydroisoandrosterone or menthol, thus enabling the oxidative dehydrogenative ring‐opening reaction for producing diverse functionalized α‐amino‐γ‐ketopimelate derivatives in an atom‐economic manner.

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Transition Metal‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 3‐Coumaranone‐Containing NH‐Aziridines from 2H‐Azirines: Nickel(II) versus Gold(I)
Authors: Sakharov Pavel A. , Rostovskii Nikolai V. , Khlebnikov Alexander F. , Khoroshilova Olesya V. , Novikov Mikhail S.
Published: April 2019

A catalytic nucleophilic addition reaction of 3‐hydroxybenzofuran‐2‐carboxylic acid derivatives to 2H‐azirines for the high‐yield synthesis of NH‐aziridines with a 3‐coumaranone substituent has been developed. The Ph3PAuNTf2‐catalyzed reaction is diastereoselective to give predominantly (RS,SR)‐isomer of aziridine in good yield. The Ni(hfacac)2‐catalyzed reaction affords aziridines in up to 98% yield and low or moderate diastereoselectivity, which in some cases is opposite to that observed for the gold(I)‐catalyzed reaction. The Ph3PAuNTf2 works well for sterically hindered azirines as well as benzofurans bearing electron‐withdrawing groups, whereas Ni(hfacac)2 is the catalyst of choice for the preparation of aziridines having diazoacetyl substituent. The latter compounds can serve as substrates for the synthesis of fused aziridines via Buchner ring expansion reaction.

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Pyridine‐Based Organocatalysts for Regioselective syn‐1,2‐Silaboration of Terminal Alkynes and Allenes
Authors: Morimasa Yohei , Kabasawa Kosuke , Ohmura Toshimichi , Suginome Michinori
Published: April 2019

An organocatalytic silaboration of terminal alkynes and allenes was established using pyridine‐based catalysts. In the presence of 4‐cyanopyridine (1–2 mol%), alkyl propiolates underwent regio‐ and stereoselective addition of silylboronic esters in toluene at 135 °C to afford (Z)‐3‐boryl‐2‐silylacrylates in good yields. 2,6‐Dichloro‐4,4′‐bipyridine and 4‐(3,5‐dichlorophenyl)pyridine also exhibited high catalyst efficiency for the 1,2‐silaboration of ethyl propiolate, whereas 1,1‐silaboration was induced by P(n‐Bu)3, t‐BuOK, and ICy to afford ethyl 3‐boryl‐3‐silylacrylates as Z/E mixtures. The silaboration of ethynylbenzenes and terminal allenes was also catalyzed by 4‐cyanopyridine to afford (Z)‐β‐boryl‐α‐silylstyrenes and β‐borylallylsilanes in a regioselective manner.
Synthese, Eigenschaften und Anwendung von Tetrakis(pentafluorethyl)gallat, [Ga(C2F5)4]−
Authors: Niemann Mark , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Hoge Berthold
Published: April 2019

Schwach koordinierende Anionen (WCA) sind sowohl aus akademischen Gründen als auch für technische Anwendungen von hohem Interesse. Tetrakis(pentafluorethyl)gallat, [Ga(C2F5)4]−, ein neues WCA, ist durch die Reaktion von [GaCl3(dmap)] (dmap=4‐Dimethylaminopyridin) mit LiC2F5 zugänglich. Das Anion [Ga(C2F5)4]− zeigte gegenüber Salzsäure oder wässriger Lithiumhydroxid‐Lösung keine Zersetzung. Verschiedene Salze von [Ga(C2F5)4]− wurden mit den Kationen [PPh4]+, [CPh3]+, [(O2H5)2(OH2)2]2+ und [Li(dec)2]+ (dec=Diethylcarbonat) synthetisiert. Die Thermolyse von [(O2H5)2(OH2)2][Ga(C2F5)4]2 führt zum Tris(pentafluorethyl)gallan‐Dihydrat, [Ga(C2F5)3(OH2)2]. Alle Produkte wurden durch NMR‐ und IR‐Spektroskopie, Massenspektrometrie, Röntgenkristallstrukturanalyse und mittels Elementaranalyse charakterisiert. Ergänzend wird ein Ausblick für die Anwendung von [Li(dec)2][Ga(C2F5)4] als Leitsalz in Lithium‐Ionen‐Batterien gegeben.
Regio‐ and Enantioselective Formal Hydroamination of Enamines for the Synthesis of 1,2‐Diamines
Authors: Yu Lu , Somfai Peter
Published: April 2019

The asymmetric formal hydroamination of enamines using a CuH catalyst is reported. The method provides a straightforward and efficient approach to the synthesis of chiral 1,2‐dialkyl amines in good yields with high levels of enantioselectivities for a broad range of substrates, and should have significant value for the preparation of molecules bearing a 1,2‐diamine motif.
Palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative coupling of α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids with aryl tosylates
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chen Gairong , Wang Kaikai , Xia Ran
Published: April 2019

We report a general method for selective cross‐coupling of α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids with aryl tosylates enabled by versatile Pd(II) complexes. This method features the general cross‐coupling of ubiquitous α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids by decarboxylation. The transformation is characterized by its operational simplicity, the use of inexpensive, air‐stable Pd(II) catalysts, scalability and wide substrate scope. The reaction proceeds with high trans selectivity to furnish valuable (E)‐1,2‐diarylethenes.