bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
American Sermons, Series 1 & 2, 1652‐1819
Authors: Ellison Robert H. , Sheret Larry
Published: October 2020

American Sermons is one of the latest offerings from Readex, which describes itself as a publisher of “many of the most widely used collections of primary source research materials in academic libraries” (<https://www.readex.com/who-we-are-what-we-do>).
This database contains over 8,000 sermons and tools to analyze quickly across multiple original source documents.There are a handful of other sermon indexes and full-text databases, both Open Access and subscription-based; this product offers several robust and unique features that help
to set it apart from others of its kind.
Unsub
Authors: Hardaway Grant
Published: October 2020

Unsub is a browser-based decision making tool made for an academic library’s journal collection management team. The interactive data dashboard organizes journals by a carefully calculated cost per use number and allows users to visualize the potential savings of journal cancellations.
While not comprehensive in its publisher coverage, Unsub effectively streamlines a typically arduous process.
Pantainos and His Unique, Ancient Library
Authors: Handis Michael W.
Published: October 2020

Built around 100 CE, the Library of Pantainos had a peculiar rectangular shape and three stoas in front of it that contained shops and a room for the emperor cult. The donor of the library, Titus Flavius Pantainos, and his family created a monument that linked them to the emperor, the Roman Empire, Greece, and the elite of Athens, thus serving as an example of euergetism. Most libraries were endowed and got no revenue from the government. The Library of Pantainos was not endowed nor did it receive public funds. Instead, the stoa shops provided the funding that the library needed to function. The Library of Celsus and Pliny the Younger's library will also be discussed in contrast to Pantainos's library.
Banish the Stargazers? Joan Bodger, the Missouri State Library, and the Freedom to Read Foundation
Authors: Drew Christopher A.
Published: October 2020

The 1960s and early ‘70s were a time of social upheaval and reconciliation of ideals and realities. The Freedom to Read Foundation, Intellectual Freedom Newsletter, and Social Responsibilities Round Table were born in this time, as were countless seminal cases of speech freedom spearheaded by the actions of librarians. Joan Bodger, a children's services consultant for the Missouri State Library in 1969, would be at the center of one of these cases. Bodger would submit a letter to the editor, signed as a state library employee, supporting an alternative paper censored on the University of Missouri's campus. The turmoil that followed would ultimately find her fired. An analysis of the events surrounding this incident provide a unique view of the public and professional conflict over intellectual freedom, and how it was catalyzed by Bodger's actions.
Selection of snap beans progenies to improve physiological quality of seeds
Authors: Oliveira Silvia Sanielle Costa de , Bueno Eduardo Santana , Bottega Daline Benites , Ponciano Vanessa de Fátima Grah , Cruz Sihélio Júlio Silva
Published: October 2020

Research on snap bean seed production is essential for this crop to compete against other species that have better production technologies. This study aimed to select a physiological quality evaluation test for snap beans to improve progeny selection strategies. The experiment was conducted in the Seed Analysis Laboratory at the Federal Institute of Goiano, campus Iporá-GO. Seed from thirteen progenies were evaluated for physiological quality from a breeding program conducted by the genetic breeding department of the State University of Goiás, campus Ipameri. Seeds were evaluated for moisture content, thousand-seed weight, biometry (length, width, and thickness), germination, seedling vigor classification, length and seedling dry mass, emergence in the field, and emergence speed index of seedlings in the field. The genetic variability in the evaluated characteristics indicated that genetic breeding can contribute to a better performance in snap bean seed physiological quality. The germination test, vigor classification, emergence, and emergence speed index of seedlings can be used to design strategies for snap bean population selection that produces more productive seeds.
Conceptual framework for describing the environmental impacts of waste accumulation due to intensive animal production
Authors: Bühring Gladis Maria Backes , Silveira Vicente Celestino Pires , Miranda Cláudio Rocha de , Bernardo Eduardo Lando
Published: October 2020

The interaction between intensive animal production and the environment is complex and depends on the location and management practices. The waste generated from intensive animal production may represent a triggering factor for environmental pressures in the function of the volume and the characteristics, degrading environmental quality and affecting ecosystem services. The objective of this study was to develop a conceptual framework for the environmental description of the impacts caused by the accumulation of the waste from intensive animal production, integrating the causal-chain approach of the driver–pressure–status–impact–response (DPSIR) model with the causal network and ecosystem services. Therefore, a conceptual framework was developed that makes possible a comprehensive description of a set of structures and functions that interact in complex ways. The conceptual framework was validated through a case study performed within the scope of a hydrographic microbasin with intensive pig production. The conceptual framework developed made it possible to establish connections among the DPSIR components, including environmental perceptions and changes in the socioeconomic system. The impacts caused by the waste were considered as changes in the provision of ecosystem services and the socioeconomic system, identifiable in the proposed conceptual framework. The application of the conceptual framework identified the primary drivers that exert pressure on the system and has an impact on the ecosystem services, affecting the provision and regulation services. The development of this environmental conceptual framework contributes to the selection of the indicators and ecosystem services involved. This can aid in the promotion of environmental sustainability, providing subsidies for more adequate environmental policies obtained from indicators that reflect local conditions.
Enhancement of some key physiological, morphological and biochemical traits of watermelon induced by Trichoderma harzianum fungi
Authors: Waheed Hasnain , Khan Muhammad Awais , Khan Hafiz Muhammad Tayyab , Javaid Muhammad Mansoor , Rahman Faiz Ur , Aslam Muhammad Muzammal
Published: October 2020

A pot study was performed under greenhouse condition to check the possibility that using Trichoderma harzianum could improve the growth, production and quality of watermelon genotype. Plant growth medium inoculated with T. harzianum at 1 × 104 cfu, 1.25 × 104 cfu and 1.50 × 104 cfu respectively, while un-inoculated with fungi used as control treatment. Plant growth medium inoculated with higher concentration (1.50 × 104 cfu) of T. harzianum significantly increased plant root and shoot length and brings early flowering. The higher values of plant fresh and dry weight, leaf area, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, net photosynthesis rate and number of fruit per plant of watermelon was obtained with 1.50 × 104 cfu. However, T. harzianum levels of 1.50 × 104 cfu and 1.25 x 104 cfu produced statistically similar results for carbohydrate content, total soluble solids, vitamin A content and ?-carotene of watermelon. It was observed that plant grown in growth medium inoculated with T. harzianum has direct relation with growth and quality of watermelon. Compared to all tested levels, the higher level of T. harzianum 1.5 × 104 cfu is the most effective in improving growth, yield and quality of watermelon genotype (cv. Sugar baby).
Comparison of the Level of Adherence to Laboratory Quality Management System between Public and Private Secondary Health Facilities in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Akpan Emma , Abdulrahman Surajudeen Abiola , Pepple Nne
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: To achieve improved health outcomes of HIV positive patients receiving ART services, quality laboratory services must form an essential part of the services provided. The aim of this study was to compare service quality by assessing the level of adherence to quality system essentials (QSEs) in laboratory services delivered by public and private health institutions in Southern Nigeria.

METHODS: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted among 50 health facilities’ laboratories in 5 Southern States (Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Edo and Rivers) of Nigeria. Randomly selected sample of secondary health facilities’ laboratories (ten per state, and a total of 25 public and 25 private health facilities) receiving equal level of support from the same USAID/PEPFAR implementing partner and had been providing ART services to clients for a minimum of one year, were included in the study. Quarterly Internal quality audit was conducted in the ART Laboratory section of the selected health facilities spanning July 2015 to September 2016. 200 audit reports were checked, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 23. We analyzed changes in mean performance scores over time across 6 quality management essentials using Repeated Measures ANOVA. Results were considered significant at P<0.05.

RESULTS: The result of the study showed that the private health facilities laboratory achieved a significantly higher improvement in Facility and Safety score over time (p=0.019) compared to public health facilities. Overall, temporal improvements were recorded in all facilities in three out of the six QSEs (document and record, p=0.045; organization and personnel, p=0.020; equipment, p<0.001) and total laboratory quality score (p=0.004). But there was no significant quarterly difference in performances on QSEs between public and private health facilities laboratories.

CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that despite receiving the same level of external support, private hospital laboratories adhere better to the quality standards on Facility and safety than public hospital laboratories in Southern Nigeria.
The Profitability of Energy Storage in European Electricity Markets
Authors: Spodniak Petr , Bertsch Valentin , Devine Mel
Published: October 2020

In this work, we study the profitability of energy storage operated in the Nordic,German, and UK electricity day-ahead markets during 2006-2016. During this time period, variable renewable energy sources (vRES) have been rapidly penetrating the markets and increasing the volatility of the residual load, which is often assumed to be associated with improving financial viability of energy storages. However, storage operator profits are not publicly available, in particular not at plant level. We therefore develop a linear optimisation model which maximises profits from arbitraging hourly prices and use the model output of profits and storage operating hours in further econometric analyses. This is a novel approach merging two strands of literature (optimisation and econometrics) in a single energy storage study. Specifically, we quantify and disentangle the effects of electricity demand, solar and wind generation, the spread between gas and coal prices, carbon emission prices and tructural breaks on profits and operation of 1-13MWh/MW energy storages. Among others we find that solar generation is associated with lower profits but higher operating frequency of energy storages in Germany. Wind power generation is associated with positive effects on profits in the UK and Germany. vRES does not affect profits or operation of new Nordic energy storages.
The influence of the bath stirring on the structure and properties of Ni/diamond composite coatings produced electrochemically
Authors: Mazurek Anna , Trzaska Maria
Published: October 2020

The paper presents the results of investigations of inluence of the bath’s stirring on structure and properties of Ni/diamond compo¬site coatings. The coatings were produced by electrochemical method in a Watts bath with the addition of 5 g/dm3 of nanodia¬mond powder. Carbon steel was used as the substrate. Tests of the produced coatings included the analysis of their chemical composi¬tion, measurements of surface roughness, tests of microhardness by the Vickers method and identifications of corrosion resistance by the potentiodynamic method. The produced coatings are characterized by a tight structure, a uniform thickness and a good adhesion to the steel substrate. It has been shown that bath stirring largely determines the distribution of the dispersion phase and its content in the composite coatings, which intensively affects the properties of the coatings.
Contribution to the knowledge of the butterfly fauna (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) of the north-eastern part of the Republic of Kosovo
Authors: Zhushi-Etemi Ferdije , Visoka Valmir , Çadraku Hazir , Bytyçi Pajtim
Published: October 2020

Butterflies are highly sensitive to habitat and climate changes, and are recognized as important indicators of the state of the environment. Therefore their diversity needs to be studied on a regional scale in order to take actions for their protection by national and international legislation. Here, the results of a butterfly survey in the northeastern part of Kosovo are presented. A total of 93 species were recorded from 2014 to 2017 in six localities, including seven Hesperiidae, four Papilionidae, 15 Pieridae, 25 Lycenidae, 41 Nymphalidae and a single species of Riodinidae. Six of them are listed in the Red List of European Butterflies, all as Near Threatened: Cupido decoloratus (Staudinger, 1886), Pseudophilotes vicrama (Moore, 1865), Hipparchia statilinus (Hufnagel, 1766), Melitaea aurelia (Nickerl, 1850), Melitaea diamina (Lang, 1789) and Parnassius mnemosyne (Linnaeus, 1758). Five species are listed in the recently published Red book of the fauna of Kosovo: two species as Vulnerable (VU), Lycaena dispar (Haworth, 1802) and Thecla betulae (Linnaeus, 1758) and three as Near Threatened, Cupido decoloratus (Staudinger, 1886), Papilio machaon (Linnaeus, 1758) and Zerynthia cerysi (Godart, 1824). From a zoogeographical point of view, the reported species represent eight faunal elements: 51 Euro-Siberian (ES), 27 Euro-Oriental (EO), six Euro-Meridional (EM), five Holarctic (Hol), two Tropical (Tro), one Boreo-Montane (BM), one Cosmopolitan (Cos) and one Mediterranean (Med). We conclude that 93 species of butterfly fauna recorded in this survey represent a relatively high diversity, but further surveys need to be organized in order to gather more data.
Steroid Response Pattern Among Children with Nephrotic Syndrome in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Imbusi Elizabeth Akitsa , Ekanem Peter Etim , Gebrearegay Hailemariam , Ambaye Misikir , Tesfahunegn Afewerki , Nyaga Kendi , Ekanem Regina , Peter Nissi
Published: October 2020

Background: Nephrotic syndrome is the most common glomerular disease affecting children, characterized by heavy proteinuria, edema, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia. The mainstay treatment is with prednisolone, whose response is of prognostic significance. Steroid response rates vary across geographical regions, which may be due to the role of genetic and environmental risk factors among different ethnic groups. There is a paucity of data on response to treatment with prednisolone in pediatric patients with nephrotic syndrome in the Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia. Objectives: To assess the pattern of response to prednisolone in pediatric patients treated for nephrotic syndrome at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from 2014 to 2019. Methods: A record-based retrospective study was conducted at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Mekelle City, Ethiopia. Data was collected and recorded on a predesigned form. Sixty-three patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, whose data was entered, coded, and analyzed using the statistical software package (SPSS) version 20. Variables of interest included age, gender, blood pressure, presence of hematuria, acute kidney injury, biopsy, secondary causes of nephrotic syndrome, and response to steroid therapy. Data was presented in tables and graphs. Results: The age of the patients ranged from 1 - 17 years, with a median age of 3 years. Fifty-one patients (81%) were males, with a male to female ratio of 4.2:1. Hematuria was present in 66.7%, whereas hypertension was seen in 49.2% of the patients. Thirty-nine patients (61.9%) were responsive to prednisolone, 24 cases (38.1%) were resistant, 8 (20.5%) were steroid-dependent and 19 (48.7%) had relapses. Younger age (AOR 16.671, 95% CI: 1.645 - 168.904 P = 0.017) and high cholesterol values (AOR 1.013, 95% CI: 1.005 - 1.021 P = 0.01) were independent factors associated with steroid responsiveness. Conclusions: The steroid response rate in this study is similar to that in Asian and some African countries. Most patients in our hospital had atypical features of nephrotic syndrome. Younger age and high cholesterol levels were independent factors affecting steroid response.
Lud-in-the-Mist as Memento Mori
Authors: Arnell Carla ,   Marquette University Press
Published: October 2020

This essay of practical literary criticism explores how Hope Mirrlees’s fantasy novel Lud-in-the-Mist draws upon biblical and medieval narrative traditions to develop a fantasy tale whose Christian theology is smuggled in as sweetly and subtly as the novel’s fairy fruit. Through my analysis, I argue that Mirrlees uses symbolism and allegory to develop an aesthetic theology aimed at addressing her own and her protagonist’s existential anxiety about death. In the course of that theological tale, she represents faith as an antidote to existential fear and sacramental ritual as a means of reconciling the spiritual and material, the divine and the human, both of which have become estranged at the novel’s start. In that regard, her story about the return of Catholic sacramentalism to the bourgeois town of Lud-in-the-Mist adumbrates her own turn to Catholicism in the years after the novel’s publication, suggesting for Mirrlees’s enigmatic biography an earlier and more gradual turn to religious conversion than has hitherto been described in scholarly accounts of her evolution as a religious thinker.
Singing abilities and phonological awareness in 9- to 12-year-old children
Authors: Degé Franziska , Müllensiefen Daniel , Schwarzer Gudrun
Published: October 2020

Music and language seem to be associated strongly in the early years of development. We do not know at which time point in development this association weakens. Therefore, this longitudinal study investigated whether singing abilities (song reproduction) are associated with phonological awareness in secondary school children. Furthermore, we tested whether singing ability can predict the development of phonological awareness over a time course of two years in 9- to 12-year-old children. We found that song learning abilities were significantly correlated with phonological awareness scores at all three test waves across the two-year duration of the study. Beyond that, it was possible to predict phonological awareness over time with singing abilities. The model that – in addition to the time of the test wave - only employed song learning abilities and IQ as predictors showed the best fit to the data and represents a parsimonious explanatory model of the development of phonological awareness in 9- to 12-year old children and its relationship with singing ability.
Relationships among Executive Function, Cognitive Load, and Weight-related Behaviors in University Students
Authors: Byrd-Bredbenner Carol , Eck Kaitlyn M.
Published: October 2020

Objectives: College students have high risk of anxiety and weight gain. Understanding how executive function traits, especially with trait anxiety, associates with weight-related behaviors could indicate strategies for improving obesity prevention programs. In this study, we
examined links between weight-related behaviors of undergraduate students and executive function traits with and without high cognitive loads in the form of trait anxiety. Methods: Participants (N = 406) completed an online survey assessing health, weight-related behaviors, executive
function traits (cognitive self-control, concentration, and flexibility), and cognitive load (trait anxiety). Results: K-means cluster analysis of executive function trait scales yielded 3 homogenous groups distinctly different from each other: Cluster 1 had the lowest cognitive self-control
and flexibility and moderate concentration traits, Cluster 2 had the lowest concentration and moderate self-control and flexibility traits, and Cluster 3 had the highest executive function traits. Clusters did not differ on BMI or physical health. Cluster 3 had better mental health, physical
activity, sleep quality, and eating behaviors. Across clusters, those with high cognitive loads, as indicated by trait anxiety, had poorer mental health than those with low loads. High cognitive load in Clusters 2 and 3 adversely affected eating behaviors requiring cognitive concentration
and self-control. Conclusions: Future research should explore the feasibility of delivering executive control improvement activities and health education simultaneously.
Client Perspectives on Health Coaching: Insight for Improved Program Design
Authors: McQueen Amy , Imming Molly L. , Thompson Tess , Garg Rachel , Poor Timothy , Kreuter Matthew W.
Published: October 2020

Objective: In this paper, we examine client perspectives of health coaching programs and differences by insurance type. Methods: We used descriptive coding and directed content analysis to analyze semi-structured qualitative in-person interviews that assessed preferred
health coach qualifications and experience, desirable attributes for coaches, and interest in having a coach. We recruited participants (N = 140 adults: 61 commercial insurance, 79 Medicaid) without consideration of prior health coaching experience. Results: Participants viewed physicians
as the experts on health and valued coaches as supporters of behavior-change efforts that could take a patient's life context into account. Empathetic coaches were expected to motivate and hold patients accountable without taking too much time or being too "pushy." Participants preferred some
in-person interaction and differed in preferences for program referral and enrollment approaches. Medicaid beneficiaries had less prior exposure to health coaching, more interest in having a coach, and preferred coaches to provide medical education. Conclusions: Irrespective of prior
coaching experience or insurance type, participants agreed on many preferred characteristics of coaches and coaching programs. Understanding client preferences and expectations can help refine the role of health coaches, making them more effective and shaping the way they are presented to
potential participants to enhance their appeal and use.
Associations of Social Media Use, Patient-centered Communication, and Knowledge with Perceived Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Effectiveness
Authors: Niu Zhaomeng , Bhurosy Trishnee , Jeong David C. , Coups Elliot J. , Heckman Carolyn J. , Stapleton Jerod L.
Published: October 2020

Objectives: Given the effectiveness of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in preventing cervical cancer and other diseases, as well as the low rates of HPV vaccination in the United States, it is important to examine the determinants of perceived HPV vaccine effectiveness.
In this study, we examined the associations between potential factors associated with perceived HPV vaccine effectiveness. Methods: We utilized data (N = 718) from the nationally representative 2017 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). We examined the associations of health-related
social media use, patient-centered communication, and HPV knowledge with perceived HPV vaccine effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer. We reported descriptive statistics, and conducted bivariable analyses, multivariable analysis, and mediation analyses. Results: Perceived HPV vaccine
effectiveness was associated with sex, age, education, health-related social media use, and HPV knowledge. Additionally, HPV knowledge mediated the associations of health-related social media use and patient-centered communication with perceived HPV vaccine effectiveness. Conclusions:
Improving health-related information from social media, patient-centered communication, and HPV knowledge may increase perceived HPV vaccine effectiveness and ultimately, vaccine adoption.
XPS studies on the Mo oxide-based coatings electrodeposited from highly saturated acetate bath
Authors: Vernickaitė Edita , Lelis Martynas , Tsyntsaru Natalia , Pakštas Vidas , Cesiulis Henrikas
Published: October 2020

The possibility to use highly saturated acetate bath to electrodeposit the mixed-phase materials containing Mo oxides has been investigated. The XRD characterization revealed that the as-deposited coatings are amorphous and consist only of MoO2 and MoO3 phases without traces of metallic Mo phase. This statement has been supported by XPS measurements, which reveal the presence of three different molybdenum oxidations states in electrodeposits: Mo4+, Mo5+ and Mo6+. It was found that the Mo6+ state prevails with 41% of total contribution, whilst Mo5+ and Mo4+ contribute to 28 and 31%, respectively. The deposits retain an amorphous structure up to 800°C; while molybdenum at this temperature is predominantly oxidized to the Mo6+ state (91%). These results, coupled to those of SEM and EDS, revealed that concentrated acetate bath could be used mainly for the formation of the mixed valence molybdenum oxide film unlike to the deposition of the metallic Mo phase.
Investigation of electro-oxidation of glucose at gold nanoparticles/carbon composites prepared in the presence of halide ions
Authors: Upskuvienė Daina , Šimkūnaitė Dijana , Vaičiūnienė Jūratė , Kepenienė Virginija , Selskis Algirdas , Tamašauskaitė-Tamašiūnaitė Loreta , Norkus Eugenijus
Published: October 2020

In this study, the carbon powder supported gold nanoparticles composites (AuNPs/C) were prepared via the chemical reduction method by employing sodium citrate or a complex mixture of glucose and ascorbic acid as reducing agents in the presence of small amounts of different halide ions (Cl–, Br–, I–). The electrocatalytic activity of the synthesized composites was evaluated for the electro-oxidation of glucose in an alkaline medium using cyclic voltammetry, whereas the morphology and composition of composites were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The electrochemical measurements demonstrate the enhanced electrocatalytic performance of the AuNPs/C composites prepared by the help of different reducing agents coupled with halide ions for the electro-oxidation of glucose as compared to that of composites that were synthesized by the use only of the reducing agents barely. The AuNPs/C composites synthesized with the presence of KCl, KBr or KI additive in the reaction mixture generate the increased glucose electro-oxidation current density values; furthermore, the glucose electro-oxidation potential is shifted to more negative values as compared to those obtained on the synthesized composites without halide additive.
From model to artefact: Versatile characterization of cinnabar, red lead and realgar red paints for rubrics and miniatures
Authors: Čiuladienė Aušra , Kareiva Aivaras , Raudonis Rimantas
Published: October 2020

This study focuses on the characterization of cinnabar, red lead and realgar paints, since the red colour was very often used for the illuminations and rubrics of medieval manuscript. The commercial pigments (cinnabar (HgS), red lead (Pb3O4), realgar (As4S4)) and binding media (gum Arabic, fish and parchment glue) were used for the preparation of analogous to historical paints. This work is on-going and at this stage, the resulting red paint samples were analysed to create a short data library that could be used to describe the various red paints and their compositions. The obtained paints were characterized before and after accelerated aging using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal (TG/DSC) analysis techniques. These results of versatile characterization are useful to develop red paint guidelines for the storage and how they affect current and future conservation of these objects.
On-column cryofocusing and analyte enrichment device for gas chromatography systems
Authors: Sadaunykas Audrius , Zolumskis Audrius , Markevičius Audrius , Naujalis Evaldas
Published: October 2020

The objective of this work was to design, construct and test the sample focusing and concentration enrichment device for gas chromatography. The device was based on four metal rings, between which a capillary column and two wire heaters were placed. The metal rings were connected to each other and cooled down using liquid nitrogen. The column was connected to the gas chromatography system using a heated transfer line. The research was conducted on how the length of the cooled column influences focusing and enrichment capabilities of the system. It was found that the analytes were focused better by using a longer cooled part of the column. The longer cooled column was also able to retain a greater volume of the analytes, injected consecutively. By using the 95 cm cooled column length, it was possible to retain 20 injections and detect a 20 times bigger peak area. By changing the temperature of the cooling zone, it was also observed that peak symmetry is heavily dependent on it. Lower cooled zone temperatures produced narrower and more symmetrical peaks.
Synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of novel 1-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-5-oxopyrrolidine derivatives
Authors: Žukauskas Mindaugas , Grybaitė Birutė , Vaickelionienė Rita , Vaickelionis Giedrius , Šiugždaitė Jūratė , Mickevičius Vytautas
Published: October 2020

Synthesis of 1-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-5-oxopyrrolidine derivatives containing hydrazone, semi/thiosemicarbazide and azole moieties is described. For this purpose, the appropriate hydrazide was treated with aromatic aldehydes, ketones and phenyl iso(thio)cyanates to obtain the desired outcome. The synthesized target compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial properties. The antibacterial screening revealed promising compounds with a pyrazole and thiosemicarbazide moieties in the molecule, which in some cases appeared to be 4 times more effective than Ampicillin.
What do German bank customers want? The importance of customer expectations and the failure of the integral customer advisory service
Authors: Hastenteufel Jessica , Kiszka Sabrina
Published: October 2020

Banks and financial service providers are currently facing numerous challenges due to the ongoing cheap money policy of the European Central Bank, an increasingly regulated market environment and a rapidly progressive digitization. The ongoing decline in interest income and the stagnating of a banks commission income are currently leading to a reduction of a banks total income. In addition, there is digitization that brings numerous new competitors into the market and changes the core business models of banks. As a result, the general conditions in the financial sector change fundamentally and continue to do so in the near future. Moreover, the behaviour and expectations of bank customers have changed in a way that factors such as “convenience”, “flexibility” and “speed” have become increasingly important for them. For this reason, we will start with a theoretical overview of the status quo and the current challenges banks are facing and then present the results of our customer survey to highlight the current expectations of bank customers. Based on this, we formulate recommendations for banks on how to meet their customers’ expectations.
An Evaluation of Reporting Guidelines and Clinical Trial Registry Requirements Among Addiction Medicine Journals
Authors: Cooper Craig M. , Gray Harrison , Barcenas Leslie , Torgerson Trevor , Checketts Jake X. , Vassar Matt
Published: October 2020

Context

Robust methodology and ethical reporting are paramount for quality scientific research, but recently, that quality in addiction research has been questioned. Avenues to improve such research quality include adherence to reporting guidelines and proper usage of clinical trial registries. Reporting guidelines and clinical trial registries have been shown to lead researchers to more ethical and transparent methodology.

Objectives

To investigate the reporting guideline and clinical trial registration policies of addiction research journals and identify areas of improvement.

Methods

We used Google Scholar Metrics’ h-5 index to identify the top 20 addiction research journals. We then examined the instructions for authors from each journal to identify whether they required, recommended, or made no mention of trial registration and reporting guidelines, including the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT), Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE), Quality of Reporting of Meta-analyses (QUOROM), Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD), Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE), Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE), Case Reports (CARE), Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS), Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR), Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE), Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT), Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ), Transparent Reporting of a Multivariate Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD), Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P), and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) guidelines. We performed the same analysis regarding requirements for clinical trial registration.

Results

Of the 20 journals included in this study, 10 journals (50%) did not require adherence to any reporting guidelines. Trial registration followed a similar trend; 15 journals (75%) did not mention any form of trial or systematic review registration, and ClinicalTrials.gov was only recommended by only 1 journal (5%).

Conclusions

Among top addiction medicine journals, required adherence to reporting guidelines and clinical trial registry policies remains substandard. A step toward fulfilling the National Institute on Drug Abuses’ call for improvement in transparency and reproducibility within addiction research should include all journals adopting a strict reporting guideline and clinical trial registry adherence policy.
Using trace elements to identify the geographic origin of migratory bats
Authors: Wieringa Jamin G. , Nagel Juliet , Nelson David M. , Carstens Bryan C. , Gibbs H. Lisle
Published: October 2020

The expansion of the wind energy industry has had benefits in terms of increased renewable energy production but has also led to increased mortality of migratory bats due to interactions with wind turbines. A key question that could guide bat-related management activities is identifying the geographic origin of bats killed at wind-energy facilities. Generating this information requires developing new methods for identifying the geographic sources of individual bats. Here we explore the viability of assigning geographic origin using trace element analyses of fur to infer the summer molting location of eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis). Our approach is based on the idea that the concentration of trace elements in bat fur is related through the food chain to the amount of trace elements present in the soil, which varies across large geographic scales. Specifically, we used inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry to determine the concentration of fourteen trace elements in fur of 126 known-origin eastern red bats to generate a basemap for assignment throughout the range of this species in eastern North America. We then compared this map to publicly available soil trace element concentrations for the U.S. and Canada, used a probabilistic framework to generate likelihood-of-origin maps for each bat, and assessed how well trace element profiles predicted the origins of these individuals. Overall, our results suggest that trace elements allow successful assignment of individual bats 80% of the time while reducing probable locations in half. Our study supports the use of trace elements to identify the geographic origin of eastern red and perhaps other migratory bats, particularly when combined with data from other biomarkers such as genetic and stable isotope data.
Generation of human liver organoids from pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatic endoderms
Authors: Kulkeaw Kasem , Tubsuwan Alisa , Tongkrajang Nongnat , Whangviboonkij Narisara
Published: October 2020

Background

The use of a personalized liver organoid derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (HuiPSCs) is advancing the use of in vitro disease models for the design of specific, effective therapies for individuals. Collecting patient peripheral blood cells for HuiPSC generation is preferable because it is less invasive; however, the capability of blood cell-derived HuiPSCs for hepatic differentiation and liver organoid formation remains uncertain. Moreover, the currently available methods for liver organoid formation require a multistep process of cell differentiation or a combination of hepatic endodermal, endothelial and mesenchymal cells, which is a major hurdle for the application of personalized liver organoids in high-throughput testing of drug toxicity and safety. To demonstrate the capability of blood cell-derived HuiPSCs for liver organoid formation without support from endothelial and mesenchymal cells.

Methods

The peripheral blood-derived HuiPSCs first differentiated into hepatic endoderm (HE) in two-dimensional (2D) culture on Matrigel-coated plates under hypoxia for 10 days. The HE was then collected and cultured in 3D culture using 50% Matrigel under ambient oxygen. The maturation of hepatocytes was further induced by adding hepatocyte growth medium containing HGF and oncostatin M on top of the 3D culture and incubating the culture for an additional 12–17 days. The function of the liver organoids was assessed using expression analysis of hepatocyte-specific gene and proteins. Albumin (ALB) synthesis, glycogen and lipid storage, and metabolism of indocyanine were evaluated. The spatial distribution of albumin was examined using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy.

Results

CD34+ hematopoietic cell-derived HuiPSCs were capable of differentiating into definitive endoderm expressing SOX17 and FOXA2, hepatic endoderm expressing FOXA2, hepatoblasts expressing AFP and hepatocytes expressing ALB. On day 25 of the 2D culture, cells expressed SOX17, FOXA2, AFP and ALB, indicating the presence of cellular heterogeneity. In contrast, the hepatic endoderm spontaneously formed a spherical, hollow structure in a 3D culture of 50% Matrigel, whereas hepatoblasts and hepatocytes could not form. Microscopic observation showed a single layer of polygonal-shaped cells arranged in a 3D structure. The hepatic endoderm-derived organoid synthesis ALB at a higher level than the 2D culture but did not express definitive endoderm-specific SOX17, indicating the greater maturity of the hepatocytes in the liver organoids. Confocal microscopic images and quantitative ELISA confirmed albumin synthesis in the cytoplasm of the liver organoid and its secretion. Overall, 3D culture of the hepatic endoderm is a relatively fast, simple, and less laborious way to generate liver organoids from HuiPSCs that is more physiologically relevant than 2D culture.
Consumer Awareness and Preference towards Finger Millet in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayawardana Sooriya Arachchige Sachini , Samarawickrama Dineth Suharda , Samarasekera Jayanetti Koralalage Ramani Radhika , Hettiarachchi Gardhi Hettiarachchige Chamari Madhu , Gooneratne Mahavidanage Jaanaki
Published: October 2020

Aim: This survey was conducted to evaluate Sri Lankans’ awareness and attitudes towards finger millet and preferences towards finger millet-based foods.

Methodology: Pre-tested, self-administrated questionnaires were formulated in the three main languages used in Sri Lanka, namely Sinhala, English and Tamil. The questionnaires consisted of different sections to obtain data on respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, health and food related lifestyles, attitudes towards finger millet and preferences towards finger millet-based food products.  Printed and online forms were distributed covering all 25 districts from August to November in 2017 and after excluding incomplete responses 1016 respondents were selected for the study. Data were analyzed using Frequency analysis and Chi-square analysis.

Results: Although the majority of the respondents (57.5%) were aware of the nutritional value of finger millet, a considerable percentage of the respondents have stated that they are not aware of the nutritional value. The majority of the respondents who were suffering from non-communicable diseases rarely added finger millet to their diets. The majority of the respondents (66.6%) liked to consume finger millet regardless of gender, age, educational level and residing district. However, limited availability of finger millet flour incorporated food products in ready-to-eat form has restricted their regular finger millet consumption. Only 33.9% of the respondents were aware of the finger millet flour incorporated food products currently available in the local market. The majority of the respondents wished to purchase finger millet flour incorporated novel ready-to-eat products to increase their finger millet consumption.

Conclusion: The findings evidently indicated the importance of educating the general public on nutritional value and various health benefits of finger millet. Further, the findings revealed the necessity of effective advertising and promoting approaches for the finger millet flour incorporated products currently available in the local market and reflected market opportunities for novel finger millet flour incorporated ready-to-eat products.
The Role of Human Resource Information System on Operational Efficiency: Evidence from MNCs Operating in Bangladesh
Authors: Hosain Md Sajjad , Arefin Abu Hena Mohammad Manzurul , Hossin Md Altab
Published: October 2020

The study made an attempt to reveal the role of human resource information system (HRIS) on the operational efficiency (OE) of selected multi-national corporations (MNCs) in Bangladesh. For due purpose, five components of HRIS (Job analysis, e-recruitment & selection, e-compensation & benefit, e-performance appraisal and e-communication) have been selected based on literature as the independent variables while OE has been considered as the dependent one. The study was conducted based on a sample size of 256 top & 308 mid level managers of 11 MNCs operating in Bangladesh. The respondents were selected through convenience sampling technique and the data was collected using a detailed structured survey instrument. The authors utilized Pearson’s correlation coefficient for testing the relationship between the variables; and, linear and multiple regression analysis for testing the validity of assumed hypotheses. After utilizing the specified statistical tools, the results indicated that all the five components of HRIS had positive relationships with operational efficiency while the relationship is strongest for e-recruitment & selection followed by e-communication. The findings of this study are expected to be valuable for HR managers in adopting and understanding the conductive results of HRIS applications at organizations as well as for academicians to study the contribution of HRIS to a further extent.
Correlation Coefficient and Path Analysis in Table Pea (Pisum sativumvar. Hortense L.)
Authors: Gupta Archi , Singh Bijendra , Prakash Satya , Rout Sanghamitra , Singh Jagraj
Published: October 2020

An experiment was layout at the Horticulture Research Centre, SVPUAT, Meerut During 2018-2020 to estimate correlation coefficients and path coefficient analysis in Table pea using 36 genotypes including eight parents and 28 F1 on nine quantitative characters. Correlation coefficient result showed that seed yield per plant have highly significant and positive correlation with number of pods per plant (0.821, 0. 818), length of first fruiting node (0.587, 0.585), number of seeds per pod (0.547, 0.517), days to 50% flowering (0.467, 0.464), plant height (0.447, 0.447), width of pod (0.387, 0.284), length of pod (0.375, 0.363) and number of first fruiting node (0.353, 0.349). Path coefficient result showed that the highest positive direct effect on seed yield per plant was exhibited by several pods per plant, several seeds per pod and days to 50% flowering at both genotypic and phenotypic level.
Pathways to Care for Children with Mental Disorders and Epilepsy Attending Specialist Clinics in Nigeria
Authors: Awusah Tolulope Bella – , Adebayo Adeola , Lagunju Ikeoluwa , Omigbodun Olayinka
Published: October 2020

Aims: This study set out to identify and compare the pathways to care for children and adolescents presenting at child psychiatry and paediatric neurology clinics in South West Nigeria.

Study Design: This was a comparative cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Departments of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Paediatrics, University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria between February and May 2017.

Methodology: A sociodemographic questionnaire and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) pathway encounter form were used to assess 114 participants (57 in each group) recruited sequentially into the study. Kaplan meier survival analysis was used to compare time to seeking orthodox and specialist care between the two groups, and Atlas Ti software was used to analyse qualitative responses about barriers to accessing care. 

Results: There were slightly more males than females in both groups, and the mean age of participants was 9.87 years (SD =5.52). Participants in the paediatric neurology group were significantly more likely to access orthodox care at their first level of contact than their child psychiatry counterparts {41 (71.93%) vs. 18 (31.58%); P.<0.001}.  There were significant differences in the median survival time to accessing orthodox medical care between the two groups: {paediatric neurology 8 weeks (IQR =23.79) vs. child psychiatry 192 weeks (IQR =80; P < 0.001}. There was however no siginificant difference in median survival time to specialist care between the two groups. Lack of finances, frequently having to take time off work, and long distances to the hospital were the major barriers to accessing orthodox medical care in both groups.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest a need for continous advocacy to promote better access to orthodox healthcare for youths with psychiatric and neurological disorders in the developing world context.