bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Non-compliance to Occupational Safety and Health Practices in the Informal Non-food Manufacturing Sector in Kampala City, Uganda
Authors: Aurice Wekoye Stephen , Nyaora Moturi Wilkister , Makindi Stanley
Published: February 2020

The informal non-food manufacturing sector is an engine of growth and development in both developed and developing countries. It’s unregulated and unregistered in official government statistics. However, this particular sector is faced with occupational safety and health hazards without preventive measures. A number of factors affect compliance with control measures. The study assessed factors influencing non-compliance to occupational safety and health practices in the informal non-food manufacturing sector in Kampala, Uganda. The purpose of the study was to acquire occupational safety and health data on the informal sector and identify needed interventions for mitigation. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted with qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques in 424 firms. Chi-square analysis showed occupational safety and health was good among male respondents compared to females (p<0.05. c2 =23.9), use of Personal Protective Equipment (c2 =40.393, p<0.000), education level (c2 =147.3, p< 0.000), period working at the enterprise (p<0.05. c2 = 87.5, p=0.002) the period spent working provides experience to workers hence better equipped to manage occupational safety and health. Hours spent at work (p<0.05. c2 =19.8), due to less fatigue and exhaustion. Multivariate logistic regression showed that respondents who were 31-40 years old had significantly reduced odds (COR 0.0467-0.0478) of practising occupational safety and health practices at work and able to employ good occupational safety and health practices at work, compared to below 30 and above 50 years. Men in general employed safe practices of occupational safety and health than women (COR 0.0918-0.0997) hence safer at work due to higher literacy in men. Adequate knowledge and awareness had (COR 0.860-0.863) knowledge empowers workers about hazards prevention, usually provided through training by employers. Duration of work (COR 1.189-1.10) as result of experience in managing hazards at work coupled by supervision over time. Use of personal protective equipment (COR of 0.0317- 0.0319) being cheap. Creation of awareness, safe work practices Provision and use of PPE and provision of occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations, as well as proactive multi-media strategies to improve the situation is required.
Validation of Surge Model Using Furrow Gradient and Flow Retardance
Authors: Sujitha E. , Selvaperumal A. , Senthilvel S.
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Surface irrigation, our oldest method of applying water on to the cropped land, has withstood the test of time because of its many advantages. Over the years, minor changes have been made to improve the efficiency of surface irrigation system.

Aim: The present study was taken to validate the existing model with furrow gradient and flow retardance.

Principle: The experimental layout has been made to accommodate the variance such as the furrow gradients (0.3%, 0.6% and 0.1%), the modes of irrigation namely the continuous flow as control and the surge flow as the treatment. Surge irrigation is a relatively new technique whereby water to surface irrigated furrows is applied intermittently in a series of relatively short ON and OFF time periods of irrigation cycles.

Results: It is claimed that the ON-OFF cycling of the flow for specific time periods produces surges during the ON period and influences the soil intake during the OFF period when water soaks into the soil. The net result is a reduction in soil infiltration rates during subsequent surge ON periods and an increase in the rate of water front advance. The SURGEMODE model can only gives the net water front advance time that can be predicted for non-vegetated condition and a standard reference slope. However when the furrow is getting vegetated or when the slope gradients are changed, the water front advance predicted through the existing model cannot be predict accurately.

Conclusion: Hence, the study involved to validate the existing model with furrow gradient and flow retardance. The use of revalidated existing SURGEMODE model with the correction factor would be the exact suitable model for the local condition.
The Nutritive Value of Commonly Consumed Processed and Unprocessed Vegetables in South-Southern Nigeria
Authors: Aburime Lilian C. , Ekpe Onot O. , Okpuruwu Gift O. , Nweke Chidera T.
Published: February 2020

Aim: The nutritive value, proximate, vitamin and mineral compositions of seven commonly consumed vegetables in South-Southern Nigeria were determined.

Methodology: Pods and leaves of vegetables were divided into two parts. One part was analyzed raw and the remaining part was cooked by boiling. The raw vegetable leaves and okro pods were separately washed and dried using a food dehydrator (40ºC) for 24hrs. After drying, it was milled into fine flour using an electric blender. The second part of the vegetables were processed by boiling using variable time, after boiling, they were separately drained and dried using a food dehydrator at a temperature of about 50ºC for 48 hrs. Chemical analyses were carried out using standard laboratory methods. Means and standard deviations were calculated using the statistical package for social science. The least significant difference (LSD) was accepted at P = .05 significance.

Results: For the raw vegetables the results were as follows: Moisture 71.2 – 91.2%, ash 0.9- 2.9%, dietary fibre 9.2 – 13.1%, fat 0.3 -1.4%, protein 2.1 – 8.2%, available Carbohydrate 1.0 – 8.7%, phosphorus 8 -52 mg/100 g, potassium 263- 1152 mg/100 g, sodium 3-23 mg/100 g, calcium 183-815 mg/100 g, magnesium 67-217 mg/100 g, iron 0.26-1.27 mg/100 g, zinc 0.26-1.10 mg,  folate 3-13 mcg/100 g. The results of the boiled vegetables were: moisture 80.9– 93.8%, protein 1.7 – 3.2%, fat 0.2 – 0.5%, ash 0.5– 1.1%, dietary fibre 3.9 – 9.3%, available carbohydrate 3.8 – 9.9%, phosphorus 7 – 35 mg/100 g, Potassium 0.33 – 300 mg/100 g, sodium 0.3 – 20 mg/100 g, magnesium 45 – 132 mg/100 g, calcium 82 – 200 mg/100 g, iron 0.21 -0.60 mg/100 g, zinc 0.13 – 0.30mg/100g. Folate 3 – 6 mcg/100 g. The range of the percentage contributions of the vegetables that are consumed raw to the recommended nutrient intake or recommended dietary allowance of adults are as follows: protein 5-18%, fat 1-3%, carbohydrates 1-6%, dietary fibre 3-52%, iron 2-14%, zinc 6-36%, calcium 26 -116%, phosphorus 8-31%, sodium 0.3-1%, Potassium 8-32%, Magnesium 26-99%, Folate 3-4%.

Conclusion: Boiling significantly reduced most nutrient studied. Bitter leaves are more nutrient dense than other studied vegetables. Knowing the food compositions of these vegetables will promote their use.
Evolution of Merchantability during Storage of Maize Triple Bagged Containing Biopesticides (Lippia multiflora and Hyptis suaveolens)
Authors: Gaël Yao Vanessa , Constant Konan K. , Leonce Niamketchi G. , Ange A. Aka Boigny , Coulibaly Adama , Biego Henri Marius G.
Published: February 2020

The aim of study was to evaluate merchantability quality of stored maize in triple bagging with biopesticides. Maize grains were collected in March 2016 in the north of Côte d’Ivoire. The fresh leaves of Lippia multiflora and Hyptis suaveolens were collected and dried in sunlight for 7 days in the center of Cote d'Ivoire. Triple bags were bought in Abidjan market. All this material was sent to the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Sciences, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Côte d’Ivoire, to perform the experiment. Ten treatments were obtained for the experimentation. The first treatment was conservation of 50 kg of maize grain in a polypropylene bag. The second treatment was conservation of 50 kg of maize grain in a PICS bag. The other eight treatments were carried out with PICS bags each containing 50 kg of maize grain and different proportions of chopped leaves Lippia multiflora and Hyptis suaveolens. A central composite design was used for sample constitution. Thus, a control group with polypropylene bags (TPPB0), a control group in PICS bags without biopesticides (TPB0) and 8 experimental lots of triple bags noted TB1 containing 0.625 kg L. multiflora and 0.625 kg H. suaveolens, TB2 with 0.40 kg of L. multiflora and 1.60 kg of H. suaveolens, TB3 with 1.60 kg of L. multiflora and 0.40 kg of H. suaveolens, TB4 with 0.10 kg of L. multiflora and 0.40 kg of H. suaveolens, TB5 with 0.40 kg of L. multiflora and 0.10 kg of H. suaveolens, TB6 with 2.5 kg of L. multiflora and 2.5 kg of H. suaveolens, TB7 with 1.25 kg of L. multiflora and TB8 with 1.25 kg of H. suaveolens have been used. Changes in moisture, damages and weight losses were studied. The results show moisture levels (from 09.02±0.11% to 12.07± 0.06%), weight loss (from 0.49±0.02% to 2.54±0.07%) and damage (from 0.99±0.02% to 3.96± 0.01%), corn stored in triple bagged bags with different proportions of biopesticide were significantly lower than those recorded in the Polypropylene woven sample bag (TPPB0) and in the triple bagged control bag during the storage period. The results obtained indicate stability in the quality of maize stored for 18 months in triple bagged bags containing different proportions of leaves of L. multiflora and H. suaveolens. A proportion of 5% of the mixture of leaves of L. multiflora and H. suaveolens (2.5 kg of L. multiflora and 2.5 kg of H. suaveolens) in triple bagged bags is recommended for a better preservation of the merchantability of the stored maize grains kernels.

Storage of maize grains in PICS bags with the leaves of L. multiflora and H. suaveolens appears as a method of effective and inexpensive conservation to ensure the merchantability quality of maize.
Determination of Iodine Content of Commercially Available Table Salts at the Retailer Level in Selected Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahanur Alam Mohammad , Dey Moumita , Kobirul Islam Md. , Reza Sompa , Mamun Sumaiya , Zaher Abduz
Published: February 2020

Aims: Iodine deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies in Bangladesh. To combat iodine deficiency disorders, universal salt iodization is mandatory in Bangladesh. The aim of our study was to determine the iodine content of both packaged and open edible table salts sold at the retailer level in different areas of Bangladesh.

Study Design: The study is an experimental cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The present study was conducted in the food analysis laboratory of Department of Food Technology and Nutrition Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University from March 2019 to June 2019. A total of 90 salt samples were collected from ten retailers selected based on convenience sampling from two districts: Dhaka and Noakhali. Among the samples, 45 were packaged salts from Fifteen different brands and the rest of the 45 samples were non brand open salt.

Methodology: The iodine content of iodized salt samples was determined by the iodometric titration method.

Results: The mean iodine content of both types of salts is 17.801±1.973 ppm. The mean iodine contents of packaged salts and open salts are 30.691±2.679 ppm and 4.912±1.008 ppm, respectively. Only 42% of the total salt samples are adequately iodized (>20 ppm). 75% of packaged salt samples are adequately iodized and only 8% of open salt samples are adequately iodized.

Conclusion: As iodine content in open table salts doesn’t meet the criteria set by the government, the sale of open salt for human consumption should be stopped.
Effect of Boiling on Chemicals, Phytochemicals and Nutritional Composition of Solanum nigrum L. Leaves Harvested in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Kouassi Dappah Dogni , Yao N’Dri Denis , Kouakou Kouassic Nestor , N’Guessan Amani Georges
Published: February 2020

Aims: In tropical Africa, leafy vegetables are traditionally cooked and eaten as a relish together with a starchy staple food. The current study aimed to evaluate the influence of boiling on bioactive, proximate and antinutrients compounds in Solanum nigrum leaves.

Methodology: The leaves were subjected to boiling in pressure cooker for 10, 15 and 20 min and proximate composition, minerals, nutritive and anti-nutritional components were determined according to standard methods for nutritional guidelines.

Results: The result of the study revealed that longer time of boiling (higher than 10 min) caused negative impact by reducing nutritive value but positive impact by reducing anti-nutrients. The registered losses (p < .05) at 10 min were as follows: ash (12.37%), proteins (33.69%), vitamin C (11.23 mg/ 100 g), polyphenols (125.41 mg/ 100 g) Tannins (81.96 mg/ 100 g) and Flavonoids (14.03 mg/100 g). The average increase of fibers content was (39.41%). Furthermore, after 10 min of boiling time the residual contents (p<0.05) of minerals was: Calcium (1079±29.04 to 386±78 mg/ 100 g), Phosphorus (405..24±10-508.88±2.58 mg/ 100 g), Iron (33.48±0.93–44.50±1.23 mg / 100 g) and Magnesium (572.78±19.76–662.99±27.23 mg/ 100 g).The antinutrient composition for oxalic acid were ranged 72.61±6.29 to 223.67±6.35 mg/100 g. The different ratios sodium / potassium (<1) and oxalates/calcium (<2.5) were under the respective critical value for all boiling.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the recommended time of domestic cooking must be less than 10 min for the studied leafy vegetables in order to contribute efficiently to the nutritional requirement and to the food security of Ivorian population.
Vulnerability Assessment for Sub Temperate Fruit Crops under Changing Climatic Conditions in North Western Himalayan Region
Authors: . Aditya , Kumar Bhardwaj Satish
Published: February 2020

Climate change and its variability are posing the major challenges influencing the performance of agriculture including annual and perennial horticulture crops. Reduction in production of fruits is likely to be caused by short growing period, which will have negative impact on growth and development particularly due to terminal heat stress and decreased water availability. Hence, crop-based adaptation strategies are needed keeping in view the nature of crop, its sensitivity level and the agro-ecological region. The present investigation was conducted for major sub temperate fruit crops such as apricot, peach and plum in Himachal Pradesh. The investigation was carried out at different altitudinal gradients in fruit growing pockets of Solan district the state. The study was conducted to work out the relationship of weather parameters with phenological stages of major fruit crops and assessment of their vulnerability to climate change under selected altitudinal gradients. The average maximum and minimum temperature showed an increase since last thirty years at all major fruit growing areas, whereas, annual rainfall revealed an erratic trend. The fruit growing areas at 1000-1200 m amsl of Solan district obtained highest score (0.56) and were most vulnerable for stone fruit crops production while those at 1400-1600 m above mean sea level (amsl) were least vulnerable amongst the selected altitudes. To cope with climatic changes farmers have adopted various adaptation and mitigation strategies such as improved water conservation techniques, varietal shifts and crop diversification with other fruits like kiwi, pomegranate and vegetables in the region.
Application of Pleurotus ostreatus Spent Extracts on Enhancement of Faba Bean Production
Authors: Ghazi Azza , El-Akhdar Ibrahim
Published: February 2020

Microbial extracts are eco-friendly and reduce threats effects of chemical fertilizers in the agricultural field. Rice straw used for of Pleurotus ostreatus (an edible fungus) production. The residual spent mushroom (SM) was extracted in alkaline medium (with 0.5 M Potassium hydroxide) and the obtained extract was assayed for carbohydrates, reducing sugar, organic acids and NPK-content. In vitro, the ability of these extracts to support the growth of beneficial microorganisms (Azospirillium sp, Azotobacer, Bacillus subtilis, Enterobacter cloacae and Trichoderma sp.) were evaluated. Spent mushroom extracts (SME) used for improving faba bean production in this proposal. Faba bean cultivars Sakha 4 and Misr 3 were conducted during two winter seasons; pots (2017-2018) and field experiment (2018-2019) at Agricultural Research Center, Sakha Agriculture Research Station, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt. The SME was applied with three methods (Spry, soil amendments and mixed of spry + soil amendment). The results revealed that the 10% w/v SME is rich with polysaccharide, reducing sugar, organic acids (Humic acid, Oxalic acid, Citric acid, Lactic acid, Ascorbic acid, Maleic acid, Formic acid, Salsylic acid) in addition NPK and microelements. It was also able to support the logarithmic growth of the previous beneficial microorganisms with (4.7, 3.8, 5.4 and 3.85 cfu ml-1), respectively while Azotobacter was not able to grow in this media. The experiments results shown that SME enhanced the vegetative growth (plant length, number of branches, number and dry weight of nodules, grain yield, and weight of 100 grain) and chemical composition (NPK) of treated plants compared with untreated ones.

Graphical Abstract:
Determination of Merchantability of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Epis, Spathes and Grains Stocked in the Production Areas of Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Bamba Sira , Marius Godi Biego Henri , Coulibaly Adama , B. Nyamien Yves , Konan Ysidore , Sidibe Daouda
Published: February 2020

Aims: This study aims to determine merchantability of maize produced and stocked as grains, epis and spathes of maize in five departments of Côte d’Ivoire.

Study Design: A total of 375 samples were collected at rate of 75 samples by department (Botro, Korhogo, Katiola, Agniblékro and Bondoukou). Then, the received samples were sent to the laboratory in order to analyse their merchantability.

Place and Duration of Study: The collection of samples was carried out on grains, epis and spathes maize from February 2013 to January 2014. Then, the analyzes were carried out at the Biochemistry and Food Sciences Laboratory of the Félix Houphouët-boigny University.

Methodology: The humidity was determined by drying until constant weight when the losses and damages of grains have been quantified by counting and weighing.

Results: The results show that for maize grains, humidity levels vary from 8.59±0.11% to 14.18±0.52%. Concerning epis of maize, humidity levels are between 9.85±0.23% to 13.02±0.32%. For maize spathes, humidity levels fluctuate between 11.16±0.29% to 14.17±0.32%. The damages varies from 5.01±2.64% to 19.35±2.00% for maize grains, 9.05±5.27% to 21.29±7.17% for epis and 17.95±1.13% for spathes. As regards weigh losses, proportions of grains, epis and spathes are between 1.53±1.17% and 5.10±0.97%, 2.43±1.70% and 6.54±1.79% and 2.76±1.18% and 5.11±2.65%, respectively.

Conclusion: A significant variability from one department to another can be noticed at level of maize quality regardless the type of maize. The merchantability of maize seems to be tied to post-harvest treatments (drying), type of storage (epis, grains and spathes) and structure of storage.
Matrix Representation of Bi-Periodic Jacobsthal Sequence
Authors: Uygun Sukran , Owusu Evans
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we bring into light the matrix representation of bi-periodic Jacobsthal sequence, which we shall call the bi-periodic Jacobsthal matrix sequence. We dene it as

with initial conditions J0 = I identity matrix, . We obtained the nth general term of this new matrix sequence. By studying the properties of this new matrix sequence, the well-known Cassini or Simpson's formula was obtained. We then proceed to find its generating function as well as the Binet formula. Some new properties and two summation formulas for this new generalized matrix sequence were also given.
Can G8 Scoring in Patients with Geriatric Lung Cancer Help to Determine Curative Treatment?
Authors: Karabulut Gül Şule , Tepetam Hüseyin
Published: February 2020

Objective: The median age at diagnosis of lung cancer is 70 years and there are limited data in the literature regarding the treatment of elderly patients. In elderly patients, comorbid diseases, poor performance, and toxicity may lead to a surge in physicians' curative treatment and may remain untreated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of treatment in patients older than 70 years whose performances were evaluated by using Geriatric 8 score and to find out the response to curative treatment.

Materials and Methods: 124 patients over 70 years of age were evaluated retrospectively. 68 patients with early stage or locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer who were inoperable but not suitable for stereotactic radiotherapy were evaluated retrospectively. Geriatric 8 (G8) screening test was used to identify elderly cancer patients who could benefit from curative treatment. Patients received curative chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy alone.

Results: In all patients (68), overall survival (83% for 1 year, 66% for 2 years) was median 18 months and disease free survival (58% for 1 year, 34.1% for 2 years) was median 14 months. As the G8 score increased, a statistically significant increase was observed in overall and disease free survival. Having weight loss or not, presence of accompanying disease, having good or bad health situation, having body mass index above and below 21, and the usage number of medications below or above 3 affects overall and disease free survival. When only the patients who received radiochemotherapy (n = 43) were evaluated, the mean survival (free of the ECOG performance score) was 12.8 months with G8 score less than 14 and 29.17 months with G8 score 14 and above and were statistically significant (p = 0.000).

Conclusion: When making a treatment decision, clinical evaluation should be performed well in patients older than 70 years with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In our study, overall survival and disease free survival were found to be better in patients with a G8 score above 14. Therefore, we think that it may be appropriate to use curative concurrent radio chemotherapy in selected patients with high G8 score and not to decide on biological age in elderly patients.
A System Thinking Approach to Human Resource Development in the Oil Industry
Authors: Ayeh Obiri Kwadwo , Bjeirmi Bassam , Boateng Prince
Published: February 2020

Prerequisite for the development of production linkages in the oil and gas (O&G) industry is the existence of a skilled and experienced workforce. Resource-rich countries, however, are either in short supply or lack of the requisite local capacity. This paper adopts system thinking (ST) methodology to provide a comprehensive approach in identifying, analysing and understanding the interconnections and interrelationship among the variables affecting the challenge of human resource development (HRD) in the oil industry. The concept of feedback embedded in ST allows complex issues to be viewed as an interconnected set of circular relationship rather than the linear cause-and-effect. Consequently, ST tool of causal loop diagram (CLD) aids in visualising the understanding of HRD factors, their relationships in the causal factors and the strategies for sustainable development of domestic skills, know-how and local capacity. Policies for developing human resource in the oil and gas industry are recommended to policymakers and stakeholders.
Interaction Patterns among International Class Students and Regular Class Students in Yayasan Pendidikan Shafiyyatul Amaliyyah Medan, Indonesia
Authors: Hasanah Addaratul , Ismail Rizabuana , Achmad Nurman , . Sismudjito , Manurung Ria
Published: February 2020

Education system which using international class system and regular class system inflict many types of problems and issues that arise. The problems that arise create the interaction patterns that frequently form a deficient interaction patterns. This research aims to know how the interaction patterns which occur in international class and regular class in High School of Yayasan Pendidikan Shafiyyatul Amaliyyah and how to overcome the occurrence the social jealousy among them. This research use qualitative research with descriptive approach. The subjects of the research are International class students, and regular class students, teacher, foundation manager as the main information source. The findings show that there are differences in interactions that occur between regular and international class students. The school form interaction with incorporate the students through activities and programs at school and generate the students in International  Class and Regular Class be more effectual to interaction thus the social jealousy among them would be disappear, therefore the interaction which occur be more intense and effective.
Effects of Glass Ceiling on Women Career Blooming in Sri Lankan Academic Sector
Authors: Lakmali T. A. H. , Madawala R. M. D. A. K. , Arachchi D. C. Wickrama , Weerarathna R. S.
Published: February 2020

The term Glass Ceiling (GC) refers to an invisible barrier that hinders and blocks women from being promoted to higher managerial level positions. This study is wholly focused on the central problem of the effects of Glass Ceiling on Women Career Blooming. The research problem marked under the study is to find out the effects of Glass Ceiling on women Career Blooming, in the Sri Lankan academic sector. The structure of this study was entirely designed according to the conceptual framework, created using information from past literature. Level analysis is used to discover whether there is an effect of Family Factors, Organizational Factors, Individual Factors and Educational Factors on Women Career Blooming. The sample of the study consists of 214 women lecturers from two selected universities. Data were collected in the form of a structured questionnaire and six interviews were conducted. Regression and level analysis were used to analyze the gathered data. Research findings reveal that Glass Ceiling and Women Career Blooming have a negative relationship. Furthermore, the findings reveal that family and organizational factors have a significant effect on women Career Blooming and individual and educational factors have a moderate effect on women Career Blooming. By taking into consideration the research findings of the study, suggestions for future studies, limitations of the study and future recommendations have been made.
Toxikologie E‐Zigaretten: Dampfen statt rauchen
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: February 2020

Die Hersteller vermarkten elektrische Zigaretten als harmlose Alternative zum Tabak. Forscher warnen hingegen vor den noch nicht untersuchten Gefahren des Suchttrends. Mehr Normen und Regelungen könnten das Risiko verringern.
Unromantische Nerds
Authors: Spitzer Philipp
Published: February 2020

Selbst chemiebegeisterte Jugendliche werden sich nicht für eine Laborantenausbildung oder ein Chemiestudium entscheiden, wenn sie nicht wie ein Chemiker sein wollen – oder wie das, was sie dafür halten. Wir sollten also an unserem Image arbeiten.
Forschungsdaten: Alle Zahlen mit wenigen Klicks
Authors: Lopez Jakob J.
Published: February 2020

Eine Laborsoftware speichert Daten und stellt sie automatisch anderen bereit. Administratoren widmen sich dann Aufgaben wie dem Betreuen von Hardware, Experimenten und Personen am Gerät.
Wem die Ehre gebührt
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: February 2020

Über 20 Preise verleiht die GDCh jährlich oder zweijährlich. Selten sind Chemikerinnen unter den Ausgezeichneten.
Kein Ring um die Sonne
Authors: Leusmann Eliza
Published: February 2020

Sternentstehungsgebiete sind, anders als 150 Jahre lang angenommen, nicht ringförmig um die Sonne angeordnet.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the cestode Oncomegas wageneri parasite of Mexican flounder Cyclopsetta chittendeni
Authors: Soler-Jiménez Lilia C. , Hernández-Núñez Emanuel , Velázquez-Abunader Iván , Centeno-Chalé Arturo , Vidal-Martínez Víctor M.
Published: February 2020

The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites (PAHm) and their bioconcentration factors (BCF) were determined in the larval stages of the cestode Oncomegas wageneri, recovered from the intestine of the Mexican flounder Cyclopsetta chittendeni, in the southern Gulf of Mexico. The PAHm concentrations in O. wageneri were measured using fixed-wavelength fluorescence spectrometry and compared with PAHm concentrations in host bile. Oncomegas wageneri PAHm concentrations were markedly higher than those in host tissues. The highest BCF values were obtained for 1-hydroxypyrene (OHP) and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP). Using a General Linear Model, a significant negative relationship was found between O. wageneri PAHm concentrations (as response variable) and the number of O. wageneri and oil well proximity. Low BCF values and PAHm concentrations in C. chittendeni correlated positively with O. wageneri PAHm concentrations. In contrast, high BCF values for PAHm concentrations in C. chittendeni had a negative association with O. wageneri PAHm concentrations. This study provides the first evidence of the presence of PAHm in intestinal larval cestodes of marine flatfishes, demonstrating levels of PAHm that were higher than levels in their hosts.
Human cationic amino acid transporters are not affected by direct nitros(yl)ation
Authors: Hobbach Anastasia J. , Closs Ellen I.
Published: February 2020

A direct inhibiting effect of NO on the function of CAT-1 and -2A has been postulated to occur via nitrosylation of cysteine residues in the transporters. Neither the NO donor SNAP nor a mixture of SIN-1 and Spermine NONOate, that generates the strong nitrosating agent N2O3, reduced CAT-mediated l-arginine transport. Direct nitros(yl)ation does either not occur in CATs or does not affect their transport function. A regulatory effect of NO or nitrosating agents on CAT-mediated transport under physiological conditions seems, therefore, unlikely.
Can auditory warning signals normalize eye movements in children with ADHD?
Authors: Kleberg Johan Lundin , Frick Matilda A. , Brocki Karin C.
Published: February 2020

Attenuated baseline arousal has been hypothesized to underlie symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A behavioral signature of reduced baseline arousal is an increased beneficiary effect of warning signals in reaction tasks. This paradoxical effect is believed to be caused by a temporary increase in arousal induced by warning signals. In a preregistered study, we tested the hypothesis that children with high levels of ADHD symptoms would be hyperresponsive to warning signals in a well-established visual attention task (the gap/overlap paradigm). Previous studies using this task have found slower and more variable saccadic reaction times in children with ADHD compared to typically developing children, suggesting that these eye movement metrics are candidate biomarkers. We examined 71 children, of which 1/3 had a diagnosis of ADHD, using both dimensional analyses and group comparisons. Previously reported findings of reduced saccadic latency and increased latency variability were replicated. Importantly, saccadic latency was normalized by auditory warning signals. Analyses of pupil dilation, a physiological index of arousal and locus coeruleus-noradrenergic activity, confirmed that warning signals led to enhanced arousal. Our findings are novel and contribute to our understanding of arousal and attention in ADHD and have implications for treatment and interventions.
Poor perfusion of the microvasculature in peritoneal metastases of ovarian cancer
Authors: Kastelein Arnoud W. , Vos Laura M. C. , van Baal Juliette O. A. M. , Koning Jasper J. , Hira Vashendriya V. V. , Nieuwland Rienk , van Driel Willemien J. , Uz Zühre , van Gulik Thomas M. , van Rheenen Jacco , Ince Can , Roovers Jan-Paul W. R. , van Noorden Cornelis J. F. , Lok Christianne A. R.
Published: February 2020

Most women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) suffer from peritoneal carcinomatosis upon first clinical presentation. Extensive peritoneal carcinomatosis has a poor prognosis and its pathophysiology is not well understood. Although treatment with systemic intravenous chemotherapy is often initially successful, peritoneal recurrences occur regularly. We hypothesized that insufficient or poorly-perfused microvasculature may impair the therapeutic efficacy of systemic intravenous chemotherapy but may also limit expansive and invasive growth characteristic of peritoneal EOC metastases. In 23 patients with advanced EOC or suspicion thereof, we determined the angioarchitecture and perfusion of the microvasculature in peritoneum and in peritoneal metastases using incident dark field (IDF) imaging. Additionally, we performed immunohistochemical analysis and 3-dimensional (3D) whole tumor imaging using light sheet fluorescence microscopy of IDF-imaged tissue sites. In all metastases, microvasculature was present but the angioarchitecture was chaotic and the vessel density and perfusion of vessels was significantly lower than in unaffected peritoneum. Immunohistochemical analysis showed expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and hypoxia inducible factor 1α, and 3D imaging demonstrated vascular continuity between metastases and the vascular network of the peritoneum beneath the elastic lamina of the peritoneum. We conclude that perfusion of the microvasculature within metastases is limited, which may cause hypoxia, affect the behavior of EOC metastases on the peritoneum and limit the response of EOC metastases to systemic treatment.
Farming Intensification and Environmental Justice in Northern Ireland
Authors: Gladkova Ekaterina
Published: February 2020

Going for Growth, an industry-led strategy to expand the agri-food sector, was adopted by the Northern Irish government in 2013 in order to encourage farming intensification in Northern Ireland. This approach, however, threatens an already fragile natural environment and has already had detrimental consequences for human health and well-being. This article employs an environmental justice perspective to scrutinize farming intensification in a community affected by this phenomenon. Based on findings from semi-structured interviews with local residents, the article describes their exposure to environmental risks as a result of farming intensification. The uneven distribution of environmental burdens is also coupled with limited opportunities for the local residents to engage in environmental decision-making and to be recognized as active agents of change. The article concludes that farming intensification in Northern Ireland is marked by procedural environmental injustice and should be addressed by downscaling levels of production and reforming decision-making processes.
Between-habitat distributions of pond tadpoles and their insect predators in response to fish presence
Authors: Kloskowski Janusz , Nieoczym Marek , Stryjecki Robert
Published: February 2020

Between-habitat distributions of prey shared by multiple predators depend on habitat use by the predators, whose own distributions may interact. We used a large-scale, whole-system natural experiment to examine distributions of anuran tadpoles and insect predators between pond microhabitats with contrasting complexity (open water vs emergent littoral vegetation) in drainable ponds that were either kept fishless or stocked with fish. Total relative densities of insect predators did not significantly differ with respect to the fish status of the ponds. Individual anuran taxa responded variously, but only fish-tolerantBufo bufodensities were higher in the presence of fish. The densities of both insect predators and tadpoles showed positive interactions between fish presence and the use of complex littoral habitat. The habitat shift to littoral vegetation could be indirectly amplified by fish adverse impact on submerged macrophytes, the main structured microhabitat in open-water areas. Irrespective of mechanisms of fish effects (direct consumption, behavioral deterrence or alteration of habitat conditions), aggregation of both tadpoles and insect predators in littoral vegetation may put tadpoles at greater risk of predation by insects, a potentially important factor of amphibian mortality in waters containing fish.
Searches for Light Dark Matter with the CRESST-III Experiment
Authors:   The CRESST Collaboration, Mancuso M. , Abdelhameed A. H. , Angloher G. , Breier R. , Bauer P. , Bento A. , Bertoldo E. , Bucci C. , Canonica L. , D’Addabbo A. , Di Lorenzo S. , Erb A. , von Feilitzsch F. , Ferreiro Iachellini N. , Fichtinger S. , Fuss A. , Gorla P. , Hauff D. , Jes̆kovský M. , Jochum J. , Kaizer J. , Kinast A. , Kluck H. , Kraus H. , Langenkämper A. , Mokina V. , Mondragon E. , Olmi M. , Ortmann T. , Pagliarone C. , Palus̆ová V. , Pattavina L. , Petricca F. , Potzel W. , Povinec P. , Pröbst F. , Reindl F. , Rothe J. , Schäffner K. , Schieck J. , Schipperges V. , Schmiedmayer D. , Schönert S. , Schwertner C. , Stahlberg M. , Stodolsky L. , Strandhagen C. , Strauss R. , Türkoğlu C. , Usherov I. , Willers M. , Zema V. , Zeman J.
Published: February 2020

Cryogenic Rare Event Search with Superconducting Thermometers (CRESST) is a long-standing direct dark matter detection experiment with cryogenic detectors located at the underground facility Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in Italy. CRESST-III, the third generation of CRESST, was specifically designed to have a world-leading sensitivity for low-mass dark matter (DM) (less than 2 GeV/$$\hbox {c}^{2}$$c2) to probe the spin-independent DM-nucleus cross section. At present, a large part of the parameter space for spin-independent scattering off nuclei remains untested for dark matter particles with masses below few GeV/$$\hbox {c}^{2}$$c2 although many motivated theoretical models having been proposed. The CRESST-III experiment employs scintillating $$\hbox {CaWO}_{{4}}$$CaWO4 crystals of $$\sim$$∼ 25 g as target material for dark matter interactions operated as cryogenic scintillating calorimeters at $$\sim$$∼ 10 mK. CRESST-III first data taking was successfully completed in 2018, achieving an unprecedented energy threshold for nuclear recoils. This result extended the present sensitivity to DM particles as light as $$\sim$$∼ 160 MeV/$$\hbox {c}^{2}$$c2. In this paper, an overview of the CRESST-III detectors and results will be presented.
The Ethics of AI Ethics: An Evaluation of Guidelines
Authors: Hagendorff Thilo
Published: February 2020

Current advances in research, development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) systems have yielded a far-reaching discourse on AI ethics. In consequence, a number of ethics guidelines have been released in recent years. These guidelines comprise normative principles and recommendations aimed to harness the “disruptive” potentials of new AI technologies. Designed as a semi-systematic evaluation, this paper analyzes and compares 22 guidelines, highlighting overlaps but also omissions. As a result, I give a detailed overview of the field of AI ethics. Finally, I also examine to what extent the respective ethical principles and values are implemented in the practice of research, development and application of AI systems—and how the effectiveness in the demands of AI ethics can be improved.
The Factor Structure of Cognitive Functioning in Cognitively Healthy Participants: a Meta-Analysis and Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data
Authors:   ANDI Consortium, Agelink van Rentergem Joost A. , de Vent Nathalie R. , Schmand Ben A. , Murre Jaap M. J. , Staaks Janneke P. C. , Huizenga Hilde M.
Published: February 2020

Many neuropsychologists are of the opinion that the multitude of cognitive tests may be grouped into a much smaller number of cognitive domains. However, there is little consensus on how many domains exist, what these domains are, nor on which cognitive tests belong to which domain. This incertitude can be solved by factor analysis, provided that the analysis includes a broad range of cognitive tests that have been administered to a very large number of people. In this article, two such factor analyses were performed, each combining multiple studies. However, because it was not possible to obtain complete multivariate data on more than the most common test variables in the field, not all possible domains were examined here. The first analysis was a factor meta-analysis of correlation matrices combining data of 60,398 healthy participants from 52 studies. Several models from the literature were fitted, of which a version based on the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) model was found to describe the correlations better than the others. The second analysis was a factor analysis of the Advanced Neuropsychological Diagnostics Infrastructure (ANDI) database, combining scores of 11,881 participants from 54 Dutch and Belgian studies not included in the first meta-analysis. Again, the model fit was better for the CHC model than for other models. Therefore, we conclude that the CHC model best characterizes both cognitive domains and which test belongs to each domain. Therefore, although originally developed in the intelligence literature, the CHC model deserves more attention in neuropsychology.
On the probability amplitude of quantum entanglement and the Pauli matrices
Authors: Duarte F. J. , Taylor T. S. , Slaten J. C.
Published: February 2020

The probability amplitudes for quantum entanglement, also known as Bell sates, are utilized to arrive explicitly at the identity matrix I and the $$\sigma_{x}$$σx, $$\sigma_{y}$$σy, and $$\sigma_{z}$$σz Pauli matrices, via a straight-forward $$2 \times 2$$2×2 matrix representation that utilizes the vector direct product. It is also indicated that this approach is completely equivalent to the utilization of the Kronecker product $$\otimes$$⊗ to multiply the relevant ket vectors. Furthermore, it is shown that the polarization rotation matrix R, operating on the various versions of the probability amplitude for quantum entanglement, yields four identities elegantly interconnecting these probability amplitudes.
Comparison of different surface disinfection treatments of drinking water facilities from a corrosion and environmental perspective
Authors: Romanovski Valentin , Claesson Per Martin , Hedberg Yolanda Susanne
Published: February 2020

Surface disinfection of water facilities such as water wells requires measures that can remove pathogens from the walls to ensure a high drinking water quality, but many of these measures might increase corrosion of the contact surfaces (often highly pure steel) and affect the environment negatively due to disinfectant-contaminated waste sludge and wastewater. Today, most treatments worldwide are based on hypochlorites. We investigated the extent of corrosion during treatments of steel at relevant conditions of ozone, sodium, and calcium hypochlorite for drinking water preparation, utilizing weight loss, electrochemical, solution analytical, and surface analytical methods. The ozone treatment caused significantly less corrosion as compared with sodium or calcium hypochlorite with 150–250 mg/L active chlorine. Hypochlorite or other chlorine-containing compounds were trapped in corrosion products after the surface disinfection treatment with hypochlorite, and this risked influencing subsequent corrosion after the surface disinfection treatment. A life cycle impact assessment suggested ozone treatment to have the lowest negative effects on human health, ecosystems, and resources. Calcium hypochlorite showed the highest negative environmental impact due to its production phase. Our study suggests that ozone surface disinfection treatments are preferable as compared with hypochlorite treatments from corrosion, economic, and environmental perspectives.
Comparative neuropharmacological studies on three pyrrolidine-containing synthetic cathinones
Authors: Wojcieszak Jakub , Andrzejczak Dariusz , Wojtas Adam , Gołembiowska Krystyna , Zawilska Jolanta B.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (3,4-MDPV) is a prevalent member of α-pyrrolidinophenones, a group of new psychoactive substances, known for its strong psychostimulant effect resulting from potent stimulation of dopamine (DA) circuitry in the brain. As 3,4-MDPV and its derivatives are successively being scheduled, each year novel analogs appear on the market. This study aimed at examination and direct comparison of psychostimulant properties of structural isomer of 3,4-MDPV, namely 2,3-MDPV along with a model α-pyrrolidinophenone, pyrovalerone.

Methods

Open field spontaneous locomotor activity of mice was assessed as a measure of psychostimulant potency. To evaluate the in vivo pharmacological properties of the drugs, extracellular levels of DA and serotonin (5-HT) in the mouse striatum were measured using an in vivo microdialysis technique followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Involvement of dopaminergic system in the behavioral effects of the tested α-pyrrolidinophenones was examined by pre-treatment with a selective D1-DA receptor antagonist, SCH 23390, before measurement of locomotor activity in response to the drugs.

Results

3,4-MDPV, 2,3-MDPV and pyrovalerone produced time- and dose-dependent stimulation of locomotor activity, with 3,4-MDPV being more potent than the other two compounds. Observed locomotor stimulation was mediated by elevated DA-ergic neurotransmission, as all compounds caused a significant increase of extracellular DA levels in the striatum, with 3,4-MDPV being the most potent, and psychostimulant effects were abolished by SCH 23390. Interestingly, the tested pyrovalerones caused in vivo elevation of extracellular 5-HT levels, which contrasted with their in vitro pharmacologic properties.

Conclusions

Pyrovalerone, 2,3-MDPV and 3,4-MDPV produced psychostimulant effects mediated by stimulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. Additionally, all tested compounds elevated extracellular levels of 5-HT in vivo.
Correction to: Automated measurement of bone scan index from a whole-body bone scintigram
Authors: Shimizu Akinobu , Wakabayashi Hayato , Kanamori Takumi , Saito Atsushi , Nishikawa Kazuhiro , Daisaki Hiromitsu , Higashiyama Shigeaki , Kawabe Joji
Published: February 2020

The article Automated measurement of bone scan index from a whole-body bone scintigram
Autoantibodies against P29ING4 are associated with complex regional pain syndrome
Authors: Baerlecken N. T. , Gaulke R. , Pursche N. , Witte T. , Karst M , Bernateck M.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a complication following trauma or surgery and may be difficult to diagnose since biomarkers are lacking. Using protein array technology, we found antibodies binding to p29ING4, which we further characterized using ELISA.

Methods

Thirty-six sera of early-stage type 1 CRPS, 66 sera of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 53 sera of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), 29 sera of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), 22 sera of patients after radial fractures (trauma control), and 100 sera of blood donors (BD) were analyzed for anti-p29ING4. We established ELISAs with 7 different antigens and using different secondary antibodies binding to IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, and IgM, and 2 different tests to detect immune complexes (IC) of p29ING4 and IgG or IgG1.

Results

The highest likelihood ratios versus CRPS and trauma control were observed considering the A1-23 (sensitivity 19%, specificity 100%, LR > 19) using IgG as a secondary antibody, the A120-165 (sensitivity 17%, specificity 100%, LR = 17) using IgG as a secondary antibody and the A120-165 (sensitivity 31%, specificity 95%, LR = 6.2) using IgA as a secondary antibody. IC of p29ING4 and IgG were present in 11/36 (31%) CRPS sera, 17/64 (27%) RA sera, 13/53 (25%) SpA sera, 5/29 (17%) PsA sera, 1/22 (5%) trauma control sera, and 4/100 (4%) sera of BD. IC of p29ING4 and IgG1 were present in 14/36 (39%) CRPS sera, 19/64 (30%) RA sera, 13/53 (25%) SpA, 1/29 (3%) PsA, 2/22 (9%) trauma control, and 4/100 (4%) of the BD sera.

Conclusion

Due to the lack of other biomarkers of type 1 CRPS, P29ING4 autoantibodies could be helpful in its diagnostic work-up.