bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2-Tolyloamine. Determination in workplace air
Authors: Jeżewska Anna , Woźnica Agnieszka
Published: July 2020

o-Toluidine (2-TA) exists at ambient temperature as a light yellow liquid which rapidly darkens when exposed to air and light. It is used primarily in manufacturing dyestuffs, it is also used in the production of pesticides, rubber and in organic synthesis. 2-TA may cause cancer.
The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of 2-TA in workplace air in the range from 1/10 to 2 MAC values.
The study was performed using a liquid chromatograph (HPLC) with a diode array detector (DAD) with a column Ultra C18 (250 × 4.6 mm; 5 µm).
This method is based on the adsorption of 2-TA on a glass fiber filter coated with sulfuric acid and extraction with sodium hydroxide solution. After derivatization with 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride, 2-TA is analyzed as derivative with chromatography. The method was validated in accordance with Standard No. EN 482. The working range was from 0.05 to 1 mg/m3 for a 36 L air sample. The following validation parameters were determined: detection limit 3.48 ng/ml, determination limit 10.43 ng/ml, overall accuracy of the method 5.22%, relative total uncertainty of the method 11.45%.
The analytical method described in this paper enables selective determination of 2-TA in workplace air in the presence of other substances at concentrations from 0.05 mg/m³ (1/10 MAC value). The method is precise, accurate and it meets the criteria for the procedures for measuring chemical agents listed in Standard No. EN 482.
The developed method of determining 2-TA has been recorded as an analytical procedure (see Appendix).
THE GENDER GAP IN UNIVERSITY-TO-INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER ENGAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF TOURISM ACADEMIA IN POLAND
Authors: Olszewski Marcin , Bednarska Marlena
Published: July 2020

Purpose. The purpose of the paper is twofold: to identify the gender gap in tourism academia in Poland and to explore gender-related differences in knowledge commercialisation activities among tourism academics.

Method. The results are based on an empirical study conducted in 2018 among 76 scientists involved in tourism research. The data analysis involved descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests.

Findings. Research revealed that women are under-represented in senior tourism academia positions in Poland and that there is imbalance in entrepreneurial self-confidence to the disadvantage of women. But contrary to hypotheses, women in Polish tourism academia turned out to be over-represented among scientists sitting in governing bodies of scientific and industrial organisations as well as among scientists involved in knowledge transfer activities to industry.

Research and conclusions limitations. The sample size is relatively small, therefore, generalisation of the findings beyond the specific context of this research is restricted.

Practical implications. The study emphasizes the importance of developing practices that promote academic gender equity, in particular, those that remove systemic barriers which restrain women’s capacity to reach senior academic positions.

Originality. The paper addresses the knowledge gap in tourism studies pertaining to gender disparities in academia, which remains an under-researched phenomenon and requires further investigation.

Type of paper. Research article.
CULTURAL CONDITIONS IN THE BENCHMARKING PROCESS OF TOURISM ENTERPRISES
Authors: Gierczak-Korzeniowska Beata
Published: July 2020

Purpose. The aim of the study is to draw attention to the key importance of a broadly understood culture in benchmarking analyses. An attempt was made to indicate the types of cultures and some of their aspects which may significantly limit or hinder benchmarking activities among tourism enterprises.

Method. The basic research method was a critical review of literature, partly supported by examples from the author’s own research conducted over several years.

Findings. An original concept was presented regarding the inclusion of three key cultural issues playing an important role at every phase of benchmarking in both domestic and international companies. Awareness of the given cultural aspects often constitutes the effectiveness and correctness of implementing the method.

Research and conclusions limitations. This is primarily a theoretical elaboration which reflects the author’s own views and research experiences. Some of the considerations are conclusions from the literature review which have not been verified empirically and refer only to the specific tourist industry.

Practical implications. Awareness of cultural issues may help and improve managerial work in implementing benchmarking.

Originality. A comprehensive approach to the issue, unprecedented in previously published works, taking the significant impact of broadly understood culture on the course of benchmarking analyses onto account.

Type of work. An editorial and concept article mainly based on English literature.
SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF MYCOLOGICAL CULINARY HERITAGE AS A TOURIST RESOURCE AND ITS DIMENSIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY
Authors: Thomé-Ortiz Humberto
Published: July 2020

Purpose. To identify contributions to the sustainability of the territory from the tourist uses of mycological culinary heritage, within the context of late capitalism. Method. Multiple case studies with a qualitative and exploratory approach. No probabilistic sampling by snowball technique and validation by saturation criterion, to develop multiple perspectives through triangulation strategy. Semi-structured interviews (N = 24) applied to key informants around the practice of mycological tourism. Findings. The cases studied showed evidence of the contributions that mycological tourism can generate in the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainable development. However, the capacity of these very specific initiatives for their incorporation into major development strategies is not clear. There is the ambivalence between the preservation of heritage and its economic use, related to the hedonistic and experiential logic of late capitalism. Research and conclusions limitations. This is a case study only recovering the internal perspective of some communities in central Mexico that participate in mycological tourism strategies. Practical implications. Qualitative studies that provide a deep vision regarding tourism experience of rural communities are a useful source of information for the design of public policies that meet the real needs of their users and to propose development strategies, based on the characteristics of each context. Originality. The articulation between tourism based on wild foods and sustainability, from a critical and qualitative perspective. Type of paper. Research article.
State Security in the Systemic Aspect
Authors: Lubiewski Paweł
Published: July 2020

These considerations have been devoted to fundamental issues directly related to the functioning
of the modern state, i.e. security and the inseparable threat concept, as well as the state’s
potential in this respect included in the security system. Due to the editorial framework, only
a general signaling of the problem was possible, although it allowed the intentional signaling
of its most important aspects. The complexity of the problems related to the functioning of the
modern state in an extremely complicated international security environment still does not
allow the possibility to precisely define the conceptual framework of the term state security.
It seems that this quality is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future given the increasing
complexity of social relations over time, not only in the area of a single country, but also in
a global context at an international level. This will undoubtedly affect the increasingly high
level of complexity in the formation of the state security system. Among others for these reasons
constant analyses are required by the issue of state security and the resources, procedures
and instruments assigned to it, in the form of a state security system.
Rescue in Police Operations and Special Situations
Authors: Przyjemczak Jarosław
Published: July 2020

Having properly prepared anti-crisis systems has become an indispensable element of the
state’s security policy. Ways in which individual entities of the anti-crisis system, such as the
Police, will be prepared to combat existing threats and how effectively they will perform the
assigned tasks in difficult situations depend on numerous factors, including skills, knowledge
and quality of people working there. The research results presented by the author and some
examples of practical solutions prove that in the scope of improving the current methods
within individual formations, services and institutions it is possible to develop better, more
effective models and procedures that are successfully used in many countries, and their effectiveness
translates directly into the safety of both the conducted activities and the participants
of these events themselves.
Adipic acid. Determination in workplace air
Authors: DOBRZYŃSKA Elżbieta
Published: July 2020

Adipic acid is a colorless or white solid. On an industrial scale it is obtained by oxidation of cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone or their mixtures with nitric acid. The compound is utilized in the chemical industry in the production of polyurethanes, polyamides and in the food industry, e.g., as an acidity regulator (E355). Adipic acid is irritating to the eyes. The aim of this study was to develop a method for determining inhalable fraction of adipic acid which enables determination of its concentrations in workplaces air in the range from 1/10 to 2 of MAC values. The developed method is based on the adsorption of adipic acid on a glass fiber filter, a water-extraction and a gas chromatographic analysis of the resulting solution. The tests were performed using a liquid chromatograph (HPLC) 1200 series of Agilent Technologies with diode array detector (DAD). Determinations were performed with application of Allure Organic Acids column (15 cm x 4.6 mm, dp 5 µm). Validation of the method was conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Standard No. EN 482. On the basis of the obtained results, the concentration range was established as 0.036 – 0.72 mg/ml, which corresponds to the concentration range of 0.5 – 10 mg/m3 for 720-L air sample. In the following range the obtained calibration curve was linear as evidenced by the regression coefficient at the level of 0.9999. The overall accuracy of the method was 5.47% and its relative total uncertainty 23.88%. This method enables selective analytical determination of adipic acid in workplace air at the concentration range 0.5 – 10 mg/m3 in the presence of cooccurring compounds, such as cyclohexanone and isopropanol. The method for determining adipic acid is described in the form of analytical procedure in the annex.
NCCN Guidelines Insights: Rectal Cancer, Version 6.2020
Authors: Benson Al B. , Venook Alan P. , Al-Hawary Mahmoud M. , Arain Mustafa A. , Chen Yi-Jen , Ciombor Kristen K. , Cohen Stacey , Cooper Harry S. , Deming Dustin , Garrido-Laguna Ignacio , Grem Jean L. , Gunn Andrew , Hoffe Sarah , Hubbard Joleen , Hunt Steven , Kirilcuk Natalie , Krishnamurthi Smitha , Messersmith Wells A. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey , Miller Eric D. , Mulcahy Mary F. , Nurkin Steven , Overman Michael J. , Parikh Aparna , Patel Hitendra , Pedersen Katrina , Saltz Leonard , Schneider Charles , Shibata David , Skibber John M. , Sofocleous Constantinos T. , Stoffel Elena M. , Stotsky-Himelfarb Eden , Willett Christopher G. , Johnson-Chilla Alyse , Gurski Lisa A.
Published: July 2020

The NCCN Guidelines for Rectal Cancer provide recommendations for the diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of patients with rectal cancer. These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize the panel discussion behind recent important updates to the guidelines. These updates include clarifying the definition of rectum and differentiating the rectum from the sigmoid colon; the total neoadjuvant therapy approach for localized rectal cancer; and biomarker-targeted therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer, with a focus on new treatment options for patients with BRAF V600E– or HER2 amplification–positive disease.
Outcomes of Patients With Cancer Discharged to a Skilled Nursing Facility After Acute Care Hospitalization
Authors: Singh Sarguni , Eguchi Megan , Min Sung-Joon , Fischer Stacy
Published: July 2020

Background: After discharge from an acute care hospitalization, patients with cancer may choose to pursue rehabilitative care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). The objective of this study was to examine receipt of anticancer therapy, death, readmission, and hospice use among patients with cancer who discharge to an SNF compared with those who are functionally able to discharge to home or home with home healthcare in the 6 months after an acute care hospitalization. Methods: A population-based cohort study was conducted using the SEER-Medicare database of patients with stage II–IV colorectal, pancreatic, bladder, or lung cancer who had an acute care hospitalization between 2010 and 2013. A total of 58,770 cases were identified and patient groups of interest were compared descriptively using means and standard deviations for continuous variables and frequencies and percentages for categorical variables. Logistic regression was used to compare patient groups, adjusting for covariates. Results: Of patients discharged to an SNF, 21%, 17%, and 2% went on to receive chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted chemotherapy, respectively, compared with 54%, 28%, and 6%, respectively, among patients discharged home. Fifty-six percent of patients discharged to an SNF died within 6 months of their hospitalization compared with 36% discharged home. Thirty-day readmission rates were 29% and 28% for patients discharged to an SNF and home, respectively, and 12% of patients in hospice received <3 days of hospice care before death regardless of their discharge location. Conclusions: Patients with cancer who discharge to an SNF are significantly less likely to receive subsequent oncologic treatment of any kind and have higher mortality compared with patients who discharge to home after an acute care hospitalization. Further research is needed to understand and address patient goals of care before discharge to an SNF.
EU mister interesse og indflydelse i Vestbalkan
Authors: Korski Daniel
Published: July 2020

Intet resumé
Balkan fra substantiv til verbum – og tilbage igen
Authors: Drakulic Slavenka
Published: July 2020

Intet resumé
Serbien skuer mod EU, men belastes konstant af fortiden
Authors: Sperling Vibeke
Published: July 2020

Intet resumé
Krudttønden Nordkaukasus
Authors: Udenrigs Redaktion
Published: July 2020

Fra redaktionen
Det glemte folk tjerkesserne er ved at blive synligt igen
Authors: Hansen Lars Funch
Published: July 2020

Intet resumé
Andet kvartal 2010
Authors: Andersen Brita Vibeke
Published: July 2020

Danmarks stemme
Vestens arvesynd
Authors: Døcker Henrik
Published: July 2020

Intet resumé
Brændemærkning
Authors: Udenrigs Redaktion
Published: July 2020

Verdenshavet og Frederiksholms Kanal
Kampen om klimaet
Authors: Petersen Nikolaj
Published: July 2020

Intet resumé
Percepciones de los consumidores de alimentos ecológicos en Ambato, Ecuador
Authors: Castro Analuiza Juan Carlos , Checa Morales Cristina , Perea José
Published: July 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the factors that explain consumers purchasing behavior towards organic food products in Ambato (Ecuador). Methodology: Data were collected a survey of 1,500 organic consumers and other 1,500 consumers who prefer conventional foods, and analyzed using multivariate techniques. Results: Principal component analysis identified four factors which explain the buying behavior of organic consumers: Belief in health benefits, quality and taste attributes; belief in environmental benefits; and contextual issues. Cluster analysis identified three groups of organic consumers: organic consumers interested in self benefit and highly influenced by contextual aspects (Group I), organic consumers interested in expected environment benefits (Group II) and organic consumers very interested in self benefits and less affected by contextual aspects (Group III). The relationships established in organic consumers are different to conventional consumers. This defines different variables that explain the purchase process. The socio-demographics profiles were different in gender and occupation; women and free license workers were more frequently interested in buying organic foods. Limitations: The study was carried out in the city of Ambato that could be considered representative of the Ecuadorian urban society. The results should be complemented by future studies focused on other cities or rural areas. Practical implications: Results suggest that the Ecuadorian organic sector follows the developing patterns identified in the Western countries. This implies that the promotion and practical support for the organic sector should be focused on strengthening positive attitudes towards organic purchases.
Gestión de procesos en el sistema de trazabilidad Letra Q de la leche de cabra y oveja en Andalucía, España
Authors: Isanta-Muñoz Fernando , García de Tena-Fernández Agustín , Moyano-Salvago Rosario , Villarroel-Molina Oriana , Barba-Capote Cecilio
Published: July 2020

Objective: This paper aims to analyse the process management in the traceability system LeTtrA Q of goat and sheep milk, and thus contribute to the knowledge of the business value chain in Andalusia. Methodology: Five process management variables were studied: sample status (EM), sample results (RM), time the sample collection to the reception in the laboratory (TT-R), time sample reception to its analysis (TR-A), and the total time the sample collection to its analysis (TT-A). A sample of 84,484 goat milk (628 farms) and 7,507 sheep milk (53 farms) was analyzed. A non-parametric analysis of variance was applied to the qualitative variables, while an univariate analysis was performed to the quantitative variables. Results: The comparative analysis has shown significant differences in the process management variables for the factor year and type of laboratory. Limitations: This study focuses on a single case study resulting in a limited generalization of its findings. Practical implications: The study of process management in the agri-food system contributes to the improvement of food security and it is a useful tool to enhance the technical-economic management of the farms.
Muscle-derived Myoglianin regulates Drosophila imaginal disc growth
Authors: Upadhyay Ambuj , Peterson Aidan J , Kim Myung-Jun , O'Connor Michael B
Published: July 2020

Organ growth and size are finely tuned by intrinsic and extrinsic signaling molecules. In Drosophila, the BMP family member Dpp is produced in a limited set of imaginal disc cells and functions as a classic morphogen to regulate pattern and growth by diffusing throughout imaginal discs. However, the role of TGFβ/Activin-like ligands in disc growth control remains ill-defined. Here, we demonstrate that Myoglianin (Myo), an Activin family member, and a close homolog of mammalian Myostatin (Mstn), is a muscle-derived extrinsic factor that uses canonical dSmad2-mediated signaling to regulate wing size. We propose that Myo is a myokine that helps mediate an allometric relationship between muscles and their associated appendages.
Metoprolol rescues endothelial progenitor cell dysfunction in diabetes
Authors: Yan Lang , Dong Yi-fan , Qing Tao-lin , Deng Ya-ping , Han Xue , Shi Wen-jing , Li Jin-feng , Gao Fang-yuan , Zhang Xiao-fang , Tian Yi-jun , Dai Xiao-yu , Zhu Jiang-bo , Chen Ji-kuai
Published: July 2020

Added risk portended by diabetes in addition to hypertension has been related to an amplification of endothelial dysfunction. β-blockers are widely used for cardiovascular diseases and improve the endothelial function compared with a placebo. However, the effect of β-blockers on the endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) function in diabetes is still unknown. Five β-blockers (metoprolol, atenolol, propranolol, bisoprolol, and nebivolol) were tested in EPC functional screening. Metoprolol improved EPC function significantly among the five β-blockers and was chosen for the in vivo tests in STZ induced diabetic mice. Reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT) measurements were performed using the Endo-PAT2000 device in diabetic patients. Metoprolol, but not other β-blockers, improved EPC function in both tube formation and migration assay. EPC function was significantly decreased in diabetic mice, and metoprolol treatment restored damaged EPC migration capabilities and circulation EPC number. Metoprolol treatment promoted wound healing and stimulated angiogenesis in diabetic mice. Furthermore, metoprolol significantly enhanced eNOS phosphorylation and decreased O2− levels in EPCs of diabetic mice. In clinical trials, the RH-PAT index was significantly higher in metoprolol-treated versus bisoprolol-treated diabetics. Metoprolol could accelerate wound healing in diabetic mice and improve endothelial function in diabetic subjects, which may be mediated in part by improving impaired EPC function.
Three-dimensional thoracic and pelvic kinematics and arm swing maximum velocity in older adults using inertial sensor system
Authors: Fang Xin , Jiang Zhongli
Published: July 2020

Understanding characteristics of torso motion and arm swing of older adults is important. A comprehensive database of three-dimensional thoracic and pelvic kinematics and arm swing maximum velocity of older adults during overground walking is still lacking. Moreover, the relationships between these variables are not fully understood. Therefore, we investigated age and gender effects of three-dimensional thoracic and pelvic ranges of motion and arm swing maximum velocity in 113 healthy old adults (aged 60–89 years) in a 2-min walk test using APDM Movement Monitoring inertial sensor system by two-way ANOVA, and post hoc Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple comparisons between age groups. A paired t-test was used to study the side preference of arm swing maximum velocity. The relationships between variables were investigated via multiple linear regression models. In general, thoracic and pelvic motions showed reduced amplitude with aging. Gait speed, pelvis coronal plane motion and arm swing maximum velocity significantly declined with age. Only the pelvic sagittal plane motion showed a gender main effect. Coronal plane motions of the thorax and pelvis were closely associated, as were sagittal plane motions. Thoracic coronal plane motion was the significant variable influencing pelvic transverse plane motion and vice versa. Gait speed, pelvic coronal and transverse plane motions and thorax sagittal plane motion were significant independent variables that influenced dominant arm maximum velocity. A larger maximum velocity was seen in the left arm. This investigation is valuable for better understanding of gait phenomena and will contribute to identification of gait dysfunction and development of rehabilitation measures.
Molecular, physiological, and biochemical characterization of extracellular lipase production by Aspergillus niger using submerged fermentation
Authors: Alabdalall Amira Hassan , ALanazi Norah Ayad , A. Aldakeel Sumayh , AbdulAzeez Sayed , Borgio J. Francis
Published: July 2020

Background

Extracellular production of fungal lipases especially the lipases obtained from the Aspergilli has gained immense interest in recent years due to its diverse biotechnological applications. In this study, we focused on determining the fermentation parameters required for the optimal lipase production.

Methods

A total of 256 fungal isolates were obtained from oil seeds. From each genus, one isolate was selected to evaluate lipase production using phenol red and tributyrin plate assays. Lipase activity was estimated using the spectrophotometric pNPP hydrolysis assay. The highest lipase producer isolates were identified using 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. The genetic variability was determined by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis and the dendrogram was constructed using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages method. The isolates were examined in a submerged fermentation culture (Smf) to measure the effect of temperature, pH, incubation time, carbon source, nitrogen source, inoculum volume, and lipid source on lipase production.

Results

Eleven isolates belonging to the genus Aspergillus were analyzed for lipase production where they were found to be the highest lipase producers among various fungal genera. All the tested isolates were identified as A. niger using 18s rRNA sequencing. Genetic diversity was evaluated among all of the studied A. niger isolates using RAPD primers. The RAPD primers were used to amplify 285 loci, of which five were polymorphic (1.75%) and seven were monomorphic (2.45%). Thus, a high level of genetic diversity was observed among all isolates. The tributyrin test and the lipase activity assay identified five strains of A. niger as high lipase producers, and their optimal enzyme activities were 709.74, 532.54, 735.64, 794.62, and 787.69 U/ml. The optimal conditions for lipase production were as follows: 40 °C, pH 7.5, 1% fructose as the carbon source, 1% yeast extract as the nitrogen source, 2% palm oil, 2.5 × 107 spores/ml suspension, and 3 days of incubation.

Conclusions

The current study provides a comprehensive characterization of the optimal conditions, which are essential to enhance lipase production in five A. niger isolates.
Small molecule therapeutics for COVID-19: repurposing of inhaled furosemide
Authors: Wang Zhiyu , Wang Yanfei , Vilekar Prachi , Yang Seung-Pil , Gupta Mayuri , Oh Myong In , Meek Autumn , Doyle Lisa , Villar Laura , Brennecke Anja , Liyanage Imindu , Reed Mark , Barden Christopher , Weaver Donald F.
Published: July 2020

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has become a global health concern. The morbidity and mortality of the potentially lethal infection caused by this virus arise from the initial viral infection and the subsequent host inflammatory response. The latter may lead to excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and IL-8, as well as TNF-α ultimately culminating in hypercytokinemia (“cytokine storm”). To address this immuno-inflammatory pathogenesis, multiple clinical trials have been proposed to evaluate anti-inflammatory biologic therapies targeting specific cytokines. However, despite the obvious clinical utility of such biologics, their specific applicability to COVID-19 has multiple drawbacks, including they target only one of the multiple cytokines involved in COVID-19’s immunopathy. Therefore, we set out to identify a small molecule with broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory mechanism of action targeting multiple cytokines of innate immunity. In this study, a library of small molecules endogenous to the human body was assembled, subjected to in silico molecular docking simulations and a focused in vitro screen to identify anti-pro-inflammatory activity via interleukin inhibition. This has enabled us to identify the loop diuretic furosemide as a candidate molecule. To pre-clinically evaluate furosemide as a putative COVID-19 therapeutic, we studied its anti-inflammatory activity on RAW264.7, THP-1 and SIM-A9 cell lines stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Upon treatment with furosemide, LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines was reduced, indicating that furosemide suppresses the M1 polarization, including IL-6 and TNF-α release. In addition, we found that furosemide promotes the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine products (IL-1RA, arginase), indicating M2 polarization. Accordingly, we conclude that furosemide is a reasonably potent inhibitor of IL-6 and TNF-α that is also safe, inexpensive and well-studied. Our pre-clinical data suggest that it may be a candidate for repurposing as an inhaled therapy against COVID-19.
Zooplankton species richness and abiotic conditions in Thirlmere Lakes, New South Wales, Australia, with reference to water-level fluctuations
Authors: Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Krogh Martin , II Hiroyuki , Shiel Russell J. , Segers Hendrik , Ling Joanne , Hunter Simon J. , Pritchard Timothy
Published: July 2020

Water-level fluctuations can have significant effects on lake biological communities. Thirlmere Lakes are a group of five interconnected lakes located near Sydney. Water levels in Thirlmere Lakes have fluctuated over time, but there has been a recent decline that is of significant concern. In this study, we examined over one year the species composition and richness of zooplankton (Rotifera, Cladocera and Copepoda) and abiotic conditions in Lakes Nerrigorang and Werri Berri, two of the five Thirlmere lakes, with reference to lake water level. We recorded a total of 66 taxa of zooplankton, with the first report of the rotifer Notommata saccigera from Australia, and the first report of the rotifers Keratella javana, Lecane rhytida and Rousseletia corniculata from New South Wales. There was a marked difference in abiotic conditions between the two lakes, with more variable conditions in Lake Nerrigorang. There was a significant positive correlation between zooplankton species richness and lake water level but only for Lake Nerrigorang. Although the two lakes are closely situated and thought to be potentially connected at high water levels, they show distinct ecological characters and the effect of water-level fluctuations on zooplankton species richness seems to differ between the lakes.
Occurrence of Medical Cases and Utilisation among Enrollees of Private Health Insurance Programme in Kaduna, Nigeria
Authors: Dapo Oni, Oluwatobi , Mohammed Zakari, Mustapha , Chidinma Okemmiri, Innocentia
Published: July 2020

Aims: This study examines the occurrence of various medical cases presented by enrollees that have subscribed to access healthcare from a network of healthcare providers (HCPs) managed by a Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) under its Private Health Insurance Programme (PHIP).

Study Design:  A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed.

Methodology: Secondary data from collected or submitted medical encounters in form of bills of registered enrollees (principals and their dependants) who have visited and received treatment from their chosen healthcare providers in Kaduna State between the month of January and December 2019 were purposively compiled and analysed. Cases were classified using the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Operational Guideline. Frequency tables, charts, percentages and Chi-Square analysis were used with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 22 at P=.05 level of significance.

Results: A total of 11,156 medical cases were recorded after attrition, 9,525 (85.38%) primary cases and 1,632 (14.62%) secondary cases. Malaria (41.23%) and Respiratory Tract Infection (11.98%) led the primary case table while Hypertension (3.83%) Urology related cases (2.49%) and Diabetes (0.79%) were among the leading secondary cases. Female enrollees had slightly more cases and therefore higher tendencies to seek medical treatment than their male counterpart even though there was no significant relation between gender and type of case.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the awareness and utilization of healthcare services are gradually growing among enrollees under the Private Health Insurance Programme (PHIP). In ensuring that there is an improvement in the health sector of Nigeria and achieving universal health coverage, focus should be on the primary healthcare services with high consideration for research, proper data management and periodic sharing of trends, observations and outcome of researches with the growing health community.
Exceptional Fertility and Poor Fetal Outcome in a Female with 17-Year Hemodialysis: A Case Study and Mini-review
Authors: Megahed Abir Farouk , Ammar Al Zahraa Ahmed Gamal , Hashish Ehab Hussein , Ahmed Nagy Sayed-
Published: July 2020

Background: Chronic kidney disease can affect different aspects of female patient’s life including menstrual pattern, marital status and sexuality, fertility, pregnancy outcome, and recommended methods of contraception especially when initiated on HD.

In Egypt, it has been noticed that it is infrequent for a hemodialysis (HD) female to start her marriage after initiation of HD; this may be attributed to a negative self-image experienced by the patient and perceived by the community. Moreover, it is also less common for an HD patient to marry another HD partner and it is odd for them to conceive during HD.

Aim: To describe the possibility of starting family and plan for successful pregnancy during the course of HD therapy in patients with ESRD.

Patient Scenario: Our case is a 36 years old Egyptian female who started HD in 1999 and continued on HD for 17 years. She married four times and conceived five times from three husbands. She got live birth only once from her second HD husband, but unfortunately, the baby died within a few days. The patient used Implanon - with its possible side effects- as a method of contraception during her last four years of life. After hectic 17 years under HD and unfortunate marital and fertility events, she decided to withdraw from her dialysis program, chose to live in isolation, and passed away within five days as a consequence of cerebral hemorrhage.

Results and Conclusions: Fertility and successful pregnancies are believed to be possible in HD couples if they receive proper care.
The Importance of Brassica Vegetables to the Kingdom of Eswatini: A Review
Authors: Masarirambi Michael T. , Nxumalo Kwanele A. , Dlamini Daniel V. , Manwa Lokadhia , Mpofu Molyn
Published: July 2020

Brassica vegetables are diverse and widely consumed in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of the world. Although exotic in Southern Africa brassicas are now relatively important vegetables produced and consumed in the region all year round. In their production, postharvest handling, storage and processing chain, employment is created and revenue is generated and thus their contribution to gross domestic product (GDP). Brassicas are not only important economically but by far their greatest contribution is to human nutrition and health. They contain vitamins and cancer preventing phytochemicals. They also contribute fibre which is important for proper digestion and is anticancer preventing material. Brassica vegetables provide interesting colour when incorporated in salads. They are components which add up to achieving food security in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Despite immense importance of brassica vegetables in the Kingdom, there is dearth of information pertaining to their agro-climatological requirements and their nutritional awareness among the citizens. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the agro-climatological needs of the brassica vegetables and to bring awareness of their health and food security contribution through documentation and community education.
Larvicidal Property of the Extract and Fractions of Hannoa klaineana against the Larvae of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Ibe Ifeoma Chioma , Ajaegbu Eze Elijah , Younoussa Lame , Danga Simon Pierre Yinyang , Ezugwu Christopher Obidike
Published: July 2020

Aedes aegypti (Culicidae) is the main vector for dengue which is endemic in Nigeria and Africa at large. Use of synthetic materials for the control of this vector has always proven abortive. The introduction of plant metabolites which is biodegradable maybe successful and safer to the human health in the control programme of this vector since plants are very rich in bioactive secondary metabolites. Hence, we evaluated the larvicidal activity of the crude methanol extract, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of Hannoa klaineana (Simaroubaceae) against the IV instar larvae of A. aegypti mosquitousing standard protocols. The most active fractions were  n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions with LC50 values of 1.006, 1.479, and 3.198 mg/ml respectively; n-hexane fraction having the highest property with LC50 value of 1.006 mg/ml and followed by chloroform fraction with LC50 value of 1.479 mg/ml. The evaluation has shown that the secondary metabolites of H. klaineana can be used as an alternative for the synthetic larvicides which its use has proven abortive in the vector control programmes.
Larvicidal and Adulticidal Activities of Neem Oil against Anastrepha fraterculus (Wied.) (Tephritidae)
Authors: Raga Adalton , Silva Sara Braga e , Louzeiro Léo Rodrigo Ferreira , Sousa Ester Marques de
Published: July 2020

In the laboratory, a neem oil-based formulation was evaluated for its insecticidal potential against the South American fruit fly Anastrepha fraterculus (Wied.), as efficient alternative for growers harvest fruits more harmless for the human consumption. The commercial product was evaluated against eggs in vitro, guavas infested with eggs and young larvae, and adults. The application of 0.8% neem oil significantly reduced the larval hatching of A. fraterculus. Neem oil at 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8% significantly reduced the number of pupae and adults per fruit infested with eggs. Guava infested with A. fraterculus eggs and treated with neem oil at 0.8% exhibited a reduction of 90.0% and 92.6% of pupae and adults per fruit, respectively. The same dosage to guava infested by larvae achieved a 44.6 and 51.4% reduction of pupae and larvae, respectively. At 360 minutes after treatment, 0.8% of neem oil provided 67.9% of corrected adult mortality. This double insecticidal effect of neem oil and lack of phytotoxicity in ripe guavas at the tested concentrations demonstrate its potential in biorational management.
Clinical and Humanistic Outcomes of Tuberculosis Treatment in a Nigerian Directly Observed Treatment Short Course Centre
Authors: Dayom D. W. , Madison M. K. , Adeniyi M. A. , Joseph B. N. , Sariem C. N. , Mohammed S. G. , Lomak A. P.
Published: July 2020

Background: Tuberculosis remains a major global health problem. It causes ill-health among millions of people each year and ranks alongside the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a leading cause of death worldwide. The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical and humanistic outcomes of tuberculosis treatment at the directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) centre in Jos University Teaching Hospital.

Methods: Data for clinical outcomes was collected retrospectively at the directly observed treatment shortcouse centre of Jos University Teaching Hospital from a cross-section of patients’ folders who had been treated for tuberculosis at the study site for at least 12months as at 1st April to 30th September 2018 while a validated questionnaire was administered prospectively to a census population of tuberculosis patients still undergoing treatment between 1st October 2018 and 31st March 2019 to determine the humanistic outcomes. A descriptive data analysis was done using SPSS version 23 and proportions were tested using chi squared statistics with significance level set at P<0.05.

Results: The study revealed that tuberculosis treatment success in the centre was 76.33% which falls short of WHO standard of minimum of 85%. Patients taking tuberculosis treatment in the centre are satisfied with the services rendered to them and the improvement in their health conditions. Unfriendly attitude of some health care providers in the facility is an area for intervention.

Conclusion: Clinical and humanistic outcomes of tuberculosis treatment was found to be satisfactory in the facility owing to the level of treatment success and patient reported satisfaction with facility services and improvement in their health conditions.
On Generalized Reverse 3-primes Numbers
Authors: Soykan Yuksel
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we introduce and investigate the generalized reverse 3-primes sequences and we deal with, in detail, three special cases which we call them reverse 3-primes, reverse Lucas 3-primes and reverse modified 3-primes sequences. We present Binet’s formulas, generating functions, Simson formulas, and the summation formulas for these sequences. Moreover, we give some identities and matrices related with these sequences.
RETRACTED: The Sp1/FOXC1/HOTTIP/LATS2/YAP/β‐catenin cascade promotes malignant and metastatic progression of osteosarcoma
Authors: Liu Ke , Ni Jiang‐Dong , Li Wen‐Zhao , Pan Bai‐Qi , Yang Yu‐Ting , Xia Qin , Huang Jun
Published: July 2020

The prognosis for osteosarcoma (OS) is dismal due to the aggressive tumor growth and high incidence of metastasis. The long noncoding RNA human homeobox A transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP) and the transcription factor forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) present oncogenic activities in OS. Here, we aimed at gaining insights into the underlying mechanisms and their crosstalk. The expression of FOXC1 and HOTTIP in OS tissues or cell lines was examined by real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) and western blot. The in vitro effects of FOXC1 or HOTTIP on cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and expression of target genes were examined using MTT, colony‐forming assay, wound‐healing, Transwell invasion, and western blot, respectively; the in vivo effects were examined using xenograft and experimental metastasis models. Molecular control of HOTTIP on large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2) or transactivation of FOXC1 or Sp1 on HOTTIP was assessed by combining RNA immunoprecipitation, qRT‐PCR, western blot, ChIP, and luciferase assay. Both FOXC1 and HOTTIP were potently up‐regulated in OS tissues and cell lines. FOXC1 and HOTTIP essentially maintained viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of OS cells in vitro and contributed to xenograft growth or lung metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, HOTTIP recruited enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and lysine‐specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) to silence LATS2 and thus activated YAP/β‐catenin signaling. Upstream, Sp1 activated FOXC1 and they both directly transactivated HOTTIP. In summary, we showed that the Sp1/FOXC1/HOTTIP/LATS2/YAP/β‐catenin cascade presented oncogenic activities in OS cells. Targeting FOXC1 or HOTTIP may therefore prove beneficial for OS treatment.
Genetically Modified Organisms
Authors: Lacey Justine , Lamont Julian
Published: July 2020

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic characteristics have been changed by laboratory methods through the insertion of a modified gene or a gene from another organism in order to create sequences that would not otherwise be found in the genome. GMOs tend to be developed in order to serve an identified human purpose. There are a range of potential benefits of GMO applications in agriculture, pharmaceutical development, and other medical research. For example, GMOs have been developed to provide herbicide and insecticide resistant crops; rice with increased vitamin content for addressing malnutrition; bananas that produce human vaccines against diseases such as hepatitis B; and fish species that mature more quickly. New technologies for creating GMOs are also being explored for managing pest species, the spread of mosquito‐borne diseases such as dengue fever and malaria, and for pre‐hatch sex selection of layer chickens to reduce culling. However, alongside these potential benefits, there are also a range of ethical concerns that need to be addressed. These ethical concerns include both intrinsic objections to the use of GMOs, and a range of extrinsic concerns that broadly include impacts on human health and the environment, concerns about ownership and intellectual property, and risks associated with social contestation associated with the widespread use of GMOs.
Nonidentity Problem
Authors: Roberts Melinda A.
Published: July 2020

The nonidentity problem is widely considered to challenge the person‐affecting intuition. According to that intuition, an act can be wrong only if that act harms, or will or can be expected to harm, some person. The problem arises when we realize that many apparently wrong, future‐directed acts seem not to make thingsworse for– and thus, arguably, not toharm–any existing or future person at all. We must then explain how such acts can bewrong. And here we have options. One option is to reject the person‐affecting intuition and thus deny that wrongdoing can always be connected to the imposition of harm or risk on any existing or future person. Viewed in this way, the nonidentity problem constitutes a nice argument for animpersonalapproach in ethics, of the sort we see in, for example, classical utilitarianism. But impersonal approaches raise still other issues. Accordingly, we should explore our options before committing ourselves to any one position on the nonidentity problem or the person‐affecting intuition. The purpose of this entry is to describe and begin to evaluate those options.
Competitive Sports, Ethics of
Authors: Walsh Adrian
Published: July 2020

Competitive sport raises many significant ethical issues. Perhaps the most important of these – and to which the most attention has been paid – concerns how individuals should conduct themselves when engaging in competitive sport. Topics considered in this entry include cheating and the use of performance‐enhancing drugs. There are also important ethical questions that arise out of the central role sport plays in our cultural and political lives, such as what role it plays in damaging or enhancing society and whether sport itself should be subject to political evaluation
Catalytic Nanoframes and Beyond
Authors: Kwon Taehyun , Jun Minki , Lee Kwangyeol
Published: July 2020

The ever‐increasing need for the production and expenditure of sustainable energy is a result of the astonishing rate of consumption of fossil fuels and the accompanying environmental problems. Emphasis is being directed to the generation of sustainable energy by the fuel cell and water splitting technologies. Accordingly, the development of highly efficient electrocatalysts has attracted significant interest, as the fuel cell and water splitting technologies are critically dependent on their performance. Among numerous catalyst designs under investigation, nanoframe catalysts have an intrinsically large surface area per volume and a tunable composition, which impacts the number of catalytically active sites and their intrinsic catalytic activity, respectively. Nevertheless, the structural integrity of the nanoframe during electrochemical operation is an ongoing concern. Some significant advances in the field of nanoframe catalysts have been recently accomplished, specifically geared to resolving the catalytic stability concerns and significantly boosting the intrinsic catalytic activity of the active sites. Herein, general synthetic concepts of nanoframe structures and their structure‐dependent catalytic performance are summarized, along with recent notable advances in this field. A discussion on the remaining challenges and future directions, addressing the limitations of nanoframe catalysts, are also provided.
A 3D Carpet Cloak with Non‐Euclidean Metasurfaces
Authors: Jiang Zijie , Liang Qingxuan , Li Zhaohui , Chen Tianning , Li Dichen , Hao Yang
Published: July 2020

Metasurfaces have opened up a new era of manipulating electromagnetic waves including the implementation of invisibility cloaks, based on their simple design and ultrathin thickness. However, a perfect design of metasurface structures, such as the carpet cloak on non‐Euclidean geometries independent of the state of polarization and the azimuthal angle of wave incidence, remains unrealized in practice. Herein, a new design and fabrication approach which annihilates current defects of metasurface structures is proposed and illustrated by using a rapid prototyping of a 3D spherical carpet cloak. Benefited from its perfectly symmetric distribution of meta‐atoms, the carpet cloak is demonstrated to be fully insensitive to all polarizations and azimuthal angles of incident waves from both simulated and experimental results. The proposed cloak is also electrically large with 7λ0 in length and 1.2λ0 in height, which opens up the possibility of practical applications in areas governed by wave physics.