bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic insulation properties of selected African wood species: padouk,
bubinga, sapele
Authors: KOZAKIEWICZ PAWEŁ , LASKOWSKA AGNIESZKA , BRZOZOWSKI ROBERT , ZBIEĆ MARCIN
Published: January 2020

Acoustic insulation properties of selected African wood species: padouk, bubinga, sapele. The work
determines the sound insulation properties of three wood species used in various types of acoustic partitions. The
tests were carried out in a small acoustic chamber after generating white acoustic noise for 5.5 s. The level of
sound intensity generated by the loudspeaker was 110 dB. The thickness of the wooden partitions was 20, 10 or
5 mm. The study was preceded by the determination of the moisture content, density and dynamic modulus of
elasticity of the tested wood samples. In the 20–600 Hz frequency range, the sound insulation characteristics of
the tested partitions changed dynamically but very similarly, while maintaining the mass law. In the higher
frequency range, the impact of the partition thickness on insulation was individual, different for each wood
species.
The grafting of metallocene copolymer to higher polarity with acrylic acid
Authors: NOVÁK IGOR , PAVLINEC JURAJ , CHODÁK IVAN , KLEINOVÁ ANGELA , PREŤO JOZEF , VANKO VLADIMÍR
Published: January 2020

The grafting of metallocene ethyle-octene copolymer to higher polarity with acrylic acid. Metallocene
polyolefins (MePO) were grafted in melt due to increasing their surface free energy and adhesive properties.
MePO modification with ozone was used to initiate the creation of peroxides on the surface of the polymer with
subsequently grafting of acrylic acid in polymer melt. The efficiency of grafting in melt is high, ranging between
0.77 and 0.97.
Router performance characteristics at different air pressure levels
Authors: LECHOWICZ DANIEL , Grobelny Piotr , PODZIEWSKI PIOTR , SZYMANOWSKI KAROL , Pałubicki Bartosz
Published: January 2020

Router performance characteristics at different air pressure levels. The aim of this study was to
determine influence of the air pressure on the performance characteristics of wood plunge router. Temperature
increase, amplitude of vibrations and power consumption at different air pressure levels were examined in this
paper. The advantageous results obtained indicate the need for further research.
Wybrane aspekty funkcjonowania uczelni wojskowych w świetle zapisów konstytucji dla nauki cz 2
Authors: Liberacki Marcin
Published: January 2020

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O sjezdu, který byl a nebyl
Authors: Zumr Josef
Published: January 2020

The contribution focuses on changes that took place at the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences in 1968. Besides the replacement of the institute management, it was primarily the participation of the academics in the preparation of the documents for the 14th Congress of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia and its new political orientation.
Dopisy Jana Patočky Robertu Konečnému
Authors: Pavlincová Helena
Published: January 2020

The contribution contains 11 unpublished letters of Jan Patočka from 1935–1967 supplemented with the author’s comments and explanations. The addressee of the letters, the nature of which is friendly and rather private, was the Brno philosopher, poet and psychologist Robert Konečný. The author devotes the introduction to the illumination of the origins of the letters and the description of the lives of both friends, whose actions, thought and unquestionable moral authority make them integral figures of the humanist tradition of Czech philosophy.
The Significance of Rationality in Reforming Ethics within Contemporary Professional Work
Authors: Pehlivanova Plamena ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: January 2020

In the wake of judgement failures currently characterising professional audit practice, the article will argue that this case illustrates a larger problem associated with the technocratic deformity of practices within modern institutions. I will refer to the case of ethics, where human judgement has been offloaded to the performative practice of complying with codes and reduced to executing procedures. Getting to grips with what the issue is requires us to recognise the distinctive ethical nature of human rationality that cannot be replaced by machines. However, this distinctiveness is not sufficiently brought out in the current climate of work, where the conditions have instead reduced the capacities to engage in ethical judgment and to cultivate morality. Instead, the cognitive capacity to evaluate the ends of actions and the dispositions to act in that light are central to fostering morality. By drawing on the Aristotelian and sociocultural traditions, I point to the complexity and significance of rationality, and offer a way to rethink professional education practices that could reorient individuals’ thinking and cultivate ethical responsivity.
Is There a Purpose in the Biological Evolution of Living Beings?
Authors: Aznar Justo ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: January 2020

An unquestionably important biological question is whether human beings are the product of chance or of purpose in the evolutionary process. Charles Darwin did not accept purpose in biological evolution, a view not shared by his colleague Alfred Russel Wallace. The controversy has remained ever since, and while many experts argue against purpose in biological evolution, many others defend it. This paper reflects on this biological and ethical problem, relating it to the possible existence of a plan that governs and shapes the evolution of living beings and that is ultimately responsible for the development of Homo sapiens.
Produção de microalgas acopladas ao tratamento de esgoto: panorama e desafios
Authors: Leite Luan de Souza , Daniel Luiz Antonio
Published: January 2020

As microalgas são fontes sustentáveis de diversos bioprodutos com alto valor agregado, que podem ser utilizados com diferentes finalidades, tais como alimento, energia e matéria-prima. Devido a isso, as microalgas se condicionam como uma potencial solução sustentável para suprir a crescente população mundial, com a vantagem de serem obtidas sem o uso de energia fóssil e terras agricultáveis. Entretanto, os custos associados à produção de microalgas ainda são muito altos, o que inviabiliza a sua produção em larga escala. Uma solução bastante discutida nos últimos anos é a integração do cultivo de microalgas com o tratamento de esgoto, visando diminuir os custos associados ao cultivo. Nesse processo, as microalgas absorvem nitrogênio, fósforo, carbono e outras substâncias presentes no esgoto, gerando ao mesmo tempo, um efluente tratado e uma biomassa com grande potencial econômico. Nesse contexto, a presente revisão apresenta um panorama da produção de microalgas com esgoto e os seus obstáculos para a sua produção em larga escala.
Estudo da mata ciliar do rio Piranhas na sub-bacia do médio Piranhas paraibano
Authors: Silva Katia Barbosa da , Andrade Rômulo Wilker Neri de , Ismael Luara Lourenço , Silva Andressa Noronha Barbosa da , Musse Narla Sathler de Oliveira , Santos Adriana Maria dos , Dantas Iury Araujo Macêdo , Sá Gabriela Braga de , Dantas Maíla Vieira
Published: January 2020

As matas ciliares compreendem a cobertura vegetal nativa, ou seja, o sistema florestal comumente situado em faixas de margens de rios ou outros corpos de água, em torno de nascentes, lagos, represas artificiais ou naturais. Assim, como base nesse contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a situação ambiental da mata ciliar do rio Piranhas, por meio do uso de Sistema de Informações Geográficas (SIG’s), bem como indicar medidas de Educação Ambiental. O método utilizado foi o estudo de caso, com utilização de pesquisa exploratória, e consistiu na delimitação das Áreas de Preservação Permanente (APP’s) do rio Piranhas e de mapas de uso e ocupação do solo, no levantamento de dados de profundidade do rio, buscando analisar a superfície do fundo do rio e assim identificar possível assoreamento do seu leito, por fim foi indicado medidas de educação ambiental baseadas no diagnóstico da análise da mata ciliar.Com base nisso, constatou-se que as APPs não estão sendo preservadas, uma vez que, do total de área abrangida pelas mesmas, apenas 35,9% encontra-se protegida com vegetação nativa, 1,2% encontra-se exploradas por atividades agrícolas e cerca de 63,1% encontra-se com solo exposto. Assim, conclui-se que a supressão da vegetação nas APPs do rio Piranhas pode estar acelerando o processo de assoreamento do rio, podendo causar outros impactos ambientais à exemplo da contaminação das águas superficiais e, consequentemente, subterrâneas. Portanto, para que seja possível mudar o cenário diagnosticado nas APPs do rio Piranhas, são necessárias a adoção de medidas de educação e conscientização ambiental aos proprietários rurais e populações ribeirinhas.
Giving calves ‘the best start’: Perceptions of colostrum management on dairy farms in England
Authors: Palczynski LJ , Bleach ECL , Brennan ML , Robinson PA
Published: January 2020

Good colostrum management can confer protective immunity to newborn calves, making calves less susceptible to infectious disease, and fundamentally improving both their short- and long-term health, welfare and productivity. Industry recommendations commonly refer to ‘The Three ‘Q's’ of colostrum management: the need for calves to receive sufficient ‘Quantity’ of high ‘Quality’ colostrum ‘Quickly’ after birth; some also include ‘sQueaky clean’ and ‘Quantification of passive transfer’. However, research to date suggests that the failure of passive transfer of colostral antibodies is common on commercial dairy farms, contributing to sub-optimal calf health and mortality. This paper explores why this may be the case by investigating stakeholder perceptions of colostrum management and how these perceptions might affect the practice of ensuring adequate colostrum administration to newborn calves. Calf rearing and youngstock management practices on English dairy farms were investigated using 40 in-depth semi-structured interviews: 26 with dairy farmers and 14 with advisors (including veterinarians, feed and pharmaceutical company representatives). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically coded for analysis. ‘The Three ‘Q's’ were found to act as useful reminders about the goals of colostrum management, and a case can be made for further publicising the inclusion of ‘sQueaky clean’ and ‘Quantification of passive transfer’ as there remains a lack of focus on colostrum hygiene and measurement of successful antibody transfer. Knowledge of the ‘Q's’ did not guarantee implementation, and time and labour constraints alongside farmer misconceptions must be addressed when offering professional advice on improving calf health. Further research to encourage on-farm collection and analysis of monitoring data including rates of passive transfer is particularly needed. Advisors must not overlook the importance of colostrum management when assessing farm practices and ensure that they promote evidence-based recommendations if dairy calf morbidity and mortality is to be reduced.
Las voces resistentes de los habitantes y otros "restos": apuntes sobre poética de los cuerpos y la ciudad neoliberal en la crisis contemporánea
Authors: Tamames Gala Cristina
Published: January 2020

Ante la atención que envuelve el arte en contexto, este artículo explora cómo las voces poéticas de los habitantes de la ciudad, foco de impacto de las arduas políticas de la crisis de 2008 en España, toman los espacios afectados y los convierten en reductos de resistencia. La definición de las distintas zonas y los espacios intersticiales opera una dialéctica fundamental en ese proceso que concentra su conmoción sobre los cuerpos. La “(re)construcción” de la ciudad experimenta cambios al albergar otras sonoridades, ya no de ruinas sino de “los restos”. Una pequeña selección de trabajos de Xelo Candel, Vicente Luis Mora, Marta Sanz, José María García Martín, Héctor Castilla y Felipe Alcaraz, incluidos en la antología En legítima defensa. Poetas en tiempo de crisis, permite acercarse a estas prácticas en el poema. Como objetivo, también constaría examinar la presencia del cuerpo social a raíz de las consecuencias de la agresividad política en la España más reciente.
Compression of Convolutional Neural Network for Natural Language Processing
Authors: Wróbel Krzysztof , Karwatowski Michał , Wielgosz Maciej , Pietroń Marcin , Wiatr Kazimierz
Published: January 2020

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) were created for image classification tasks. Quickly, they were applied to other domains, including Natural Language Processing (NLP). Nowadays, the solutions based on artificial intelligence appear on mobile devices and in embedded systems, which places constraints on, among others, the memory and power consumption. Due to CNNs memory and computing requirements, to map them to hardware they need to be compressed.This paper presents the results of compression of the efficient CNNs for sentiment analysis. The main steps involve pruning and quantization. The process of mapping the compressed network to FPGA and the results of this implementation are described. The conducted simulations showed that 5-bit width is enough to ensure no drop in accuracy when compared to the floating point version of the network. Additionally, the memory footprint was significantly reduced (between 85% and 93% comparing to the original model).
Object Pose Estimation in Monocular Image Using Modified FDCM
Authors: Dabbour Abd Alrazzak , Habib Rabie , Saii Mariam
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a new method for object detection and pose estimation in a monocular image is proposed based on FDCM method. it can detect object with high speed running time, even if the object was under the partial occlusion or in bad illumination. In addition, It requires only single template without any training process. The Modied FDCM based on FDCM with improvments, the LSD method was used in MFDCM instead of the line tting method, besides the integral distance transform was replaced with a distance transform image, and using an angular Voronoi diagram. In addition, the search process depends on Line segments based search instead of the sliding window search in FDCM. The MFDCM was evaluated by comparing it with FDCM in dierent scenarios and with other four methods: COF, HALCON, LINE2D, and BOLD using D-textureless dataset. The comparison results show that MFDCM was at least 14 times faster than FDCM in tested scenarios. Furthermore, it has the highest correct detection rate among all tested method with small advantage from COF and BLOD methods, while it was a little slower than LINE2D which was the fasted method among compared methods. The results proves that MFDCM able to detect and pose estimation of the objects in the clear or clustered background from a monocular image with high speed running time, even if the object was under the partial occlusion which makes it robust and reliable for real-time applications.
Deep learning models predict regulatory variants in pancreatic islets and refine type 2 diabetes association signals
Authors: Wesolowska-Andersen Agata , Zhuo Yu Grace , Nylander Vibe , Abaitua Fernando , Thurner Matthias , Torres Jason M , Mahajan Anubha , Gloyn Anna L , McCarthy Mark I
Published: January 2020

Genome-wide association analyses have uncovered multiple genomic regions associated with T2D, but identification of the causal variants at these remains a challenge. There is growing interest in the potential of deep learning models - which predict epigenome features from DNA sequence - to support inference concerning the regulatory effects of disease-associated variants. Here, we evaluate the advantages of training convolutional neural network (CNN) models on a broad set of epigenomic features collected in a single disease-relevant tissue – pancreatic islets in the case of type 2 diabetes (T2D) - as opposed to models trained on multiple human tissues. We report convergence of CNN-based metrics of regulatory function with conventional approaches to variant prioritization – genetic fine-mapping and regulatory annotation enrichment. We demonstrate that CNN-based analyses can refine association signals at T2D-associated loci and provide experimental validation for one such signal. We anticipate that these approaches will become routine in downstream analyses of GWAS.
Loss of Kat2a enhances transcriptional noise and depletes acute myeloid leukemia stem-like cells
Authors: Domingues Ana Filipa , Kulkarni Rashmi , Giotopoulos George , Gupta Shikha , Vinnenberg Laura , Arede Liliana , Foerner Elena , Khalili Mitra , Adao Rita Romano , Johns Ayona , Tan Shengjiang , Zeka Keti , Huntly Brian J , Prabakaran Sudhakaran , Pina Cristina
Published: January 2020

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological malignancy with abnormal progenitor self-renewal and defective white blood cell differentiation. Its pathogenesis comprises subversion of transcriptional regulation, through mutation and by hijacking normal chromatin regulation. Kat2a is a histone acetyltransferase central to promoter activity, that we recently associated with stability of pluripotency networks, and identified as a genetic vulnerability in AML. Through combined chromatin profiling and single-cell transcriptomics of a conditional knockout mouse, we demonstrate that Kat2a contributes to leukemia propagation through preservation of leukemia stem-like cells. Kat2a loss impacts transcription factor binding and reduces transcriptional burst frequency in a subset of gene promoters, generating enhanced variability of transcript levels. Destabilization of target programs shifts leukemia cell fate out of self-renewal into differentiation. We propose that control of transcriptional variability is central to leukemia stem-like cell propagation, and establish a paradigm exploitable in different tumors and distinct stages of cancer evolution.
LAR receptor phospho-tyrosine phosphatases regulate NMDA-receptor responses
Authors: Sclip Alessandra , Südhof Thomas C
Published: January 2020

LAR-type receptor phosphotyrosine-phosphatases (LAR-RPTPs) are presynaptic adhesion molecules that interact trans-synaptically with multitudinous postsynaptic adhesion molecules, including SliTrks, SALMs, and TrkC. Via these interactions, LAR-RPTPs are thought to function as synaptogenic wiring molecules that promote neural circuit formation by mediating the establishment of synapses. To test the synaptogenic functions of LAR-RPTPs, we conditionally deleted the genes encoding all three LAR-RPTPs, singly or in combination, in mice before synapse formation. Strikingly, deletion of LAR-RPTPs had no effect on synaptic connectivity in cultured neurons or in vivo, but impaired NMDA-receptor-mediated responses. Deletion of LAR-RPTPs decreased NMDA-receptor-mediated responses by a trans-synaptic mechanism. In cultured neurons, deletion of all LAR-RPTPs led to a reduction in synaptic NMDA-receptor EPSCs, without changing the subunit composition or the protein levels of NMDA-receptors. In vivo, deletion of all LAR-RPTPs in the hippocampus at birth also did not alter synaptic connectivity as measured via AMPA-receptor-mediated synaptic responses at Schaffer-collateral synapses monitored in juvenile mice, but again decreased NMDA-receptor mediated synaptic transmission. Thus, LAR-RPTPs are not essential for synapse formation, but control synapse properties by regulating postsynaptic NMDA-receptors via a trans-synaptic mechanism that likely involves binding to one or multiple postsynaptic ligands.
Recreating the Image of a “Chaste Wife”: A Multi-functional Analysis of Two Translations of Li Po’s Changgan Xing
Authors: Tao Shilong , Chen Xi
Published: January 2020

This article investigates the image of a “chaste wife” recreated in two English translations of ancient Chinese poet Li Po’s Changgan Xing from the perspective of systemic functional linguistics (SFL). Based on three metafunctions of SFL, respectively ideational, interpersonal and textual, the linguistic choices of the poet and translators are measured from the transitivity and text complexity on what the wife does and how she organizes her thoughts; from the mood and modality on how she interacts with her husband, and the theme and rheme on how she unfolds and foregrounds her concerns. Since translating is a process of making choices, the analysis shows that both translations reproduce the first and second level of poetic themes about love in the original poem but lose the third political theme. Besides, Pound tends to follow an imaginative and creative translation, thus recreating a bashful and innocent image of a young “chaste wife” in a direct and explicit way, while Waley aims at literal translation and presents a more courageous and considerate image of a mature “chaste wife” in a relatively complex and implicit way. It is argued that the context of translation, including the translator’s knowledge of the source language, translation strategies and intended readers, plays an important role in the translator’s seemingly unconscious choices of interpreting and presenting poetic themes, thus recreating different images of a same character.
The Global Museum: natural history collections and the future of evolutionary science and public education
Authors: Bakker Freek T. , Antonelli Alexandre , Clarke Julia A. , Cook Joseph A. , Edwards Scott V. , Ericson Per G.P. , Faurby Søren , Ferrand Nuno , Gelang Magnus , Gillespie Rosemary G. , Irestedt Martin , Lundin Kennet , Larsson Ellen , Matos-Maraví Pável , Müller Johannes , von Proschwitz Ted , Roderick George K. , Schliep Alexander , Wahlberg Niklas , Wiedenhoeft John , Källersjö Mari
Published: January 2020

Natural history museums are unique spaces for interdisciplinary research and educational innovation. Through extensive exhibits and public programming and by hosting rich communities of amateurs, students, and researchers at all stages of their careers, they can provide a place-based window to focus on integration of science and discovery, as well as a locus for community engagement. At the same time, like a synthesis radio telescope, when joined together through emerging digital resources, the global community of museums (the ‘Global Museum’) is more than the sum of its parts, allowing insights and answers to diverse biological, environmental, and societal questions at the global scale, across eons of time, and spanning vast diversity across the Tree of Life. We argue that, whereas natural history collections and museums began with a focus on describing the diversity and peculiarities of species on Earth, they are now increasingly leveraged in new ways that significantly expand their impact and relevance. These new directions include the possibility to ask new, often interdisciplinary questions in basic and applied science, such as in biomimetic design, and by contributing to solutions to climate change, global health and food security challenges. As institutions, they have long been incubators for cutting-edge research in biology while simultaneously providing core infrastructure for research on present and future societal needs. Here we explore how the intersection between pressing issues in environmental and human health and rapid technological innovation have reinforced the relevance of museum collections. We do this by providing examples as food for thought for both the broader academic community and museum scientists on the evolving role of museums. We also identify challenges to the realization of the full potential of natural history collections and the Global Museum to science and society and discuss the critical need to grow these collections. We then focus on mapping and modelling of museum data (including place-based approaches and discovery), and explore the main projects, platforms and databases enabling this growth. Finally, we aim to improve relevant protocols for the long-term storage of specimens and tissues, ensuring proper connection with tomorrow’s technologies and hence further increasing the relevance of natural history museums.
A cross-sectional study on interference control: age affects reactive control but not proactive control
Authors: Peng Yanfang , Zhu Qin , Wang Biye , Ren Jie
Published: January 2020

Background

Working memory updating (WMU), a controlled process to continuously adapt to the changing task demand and environment, is crucial for cognitive executive function. Although previous studies have shown that the elderly were more susceptible to cognitive interference than the youngsters, the picture of age-related deterioration of WMU is incomplete due to lack of study on people at their middle ages. Thus, the present study investigated the impact of age on the WMU among adults by a cross-sectional design to verify whether inefficiency interference control accounts for the aging of WMU.

Methods

In total, 112 healthy adults were recruited for this study; 28 old adults (21 female) ranging from 60 to 78 years of age; 28 middle-age adults (25 female) ranging from 45 to 59 years of age; 28 adults (11 female) ranging from 26 to 44 years of age; and 28 young adults (26 female) ranging from 18 to 25 years of age. Each participant completed a 1-back task. The inverse efficiency score was calculated in various sequences of three trials in a row to quantify the performance of WMU for adults of various ages.

Results

Inverse efficiency score of both young groups (young adult and adult) were significantly shorter than the old group in both Repeat-Alternate (RA, including □□○ and ○○□) and Alternate-Alternate (AA, including ○□○ and □○□) sequential patterns and they were additionally better than the middle-age group in AA sequential pattern.

Conclusion

With the increase of difficulty in the task, the difference in reactive interference control between young and middle age was gradually revealed, while the difference between young and old remained to apparent. The degradation of WMU aging may begin from middle-age and presents selective impairment in that only reactive interference control, but not proactive interference control, shows pronounced age-related decline. The preliminary results can inform future studies to further explore the whole lifespan trajectories of cognitive functions.
Loss of Schlafen3 influences the expression levels of Schlafen family members in ileum, thymus, and spleen tissue
Authors: Vomhof-DeKrey Emilie E. , Umthun Josey , Basson Marc D.
Published: January 2020

Background

The Schlafen (Slfn) family proteins are important for regulation of cell growth, cell differentiation and cell cycle progression. We sought to distinguish Slfn family expression in Slfn3 knockout (KO) mice after RNA sequencing analysis of Slfn3KO vs. wildtype (WT) mice revealed varying expressions of Slfn family in ileal mucosa.

Methods

Quantitative PCR analysis of Slfn members was evaluated in ileal mucosa, thymus and spleen tissue since Slfn family members have roles in differentiating intestinal and immune cells.

Results

Ileal mucosa of Slfn3KO mice displayed a decrease in Slfn3, 4, 8 and 9 while Slfn1 and 5 increased in mRNA expression vs. WT mice. Thymic tissue had a Slfn9 increase and a Slfn4 decrease while splenic tissue had a Slfn8 and Slfn9 increase in Slfn3KO mice vs. WT mice. These differential expressions of Slfn members could indicate a feedback regulatory mechanism within the Slfn family. Indeed, MATCH™ tool from geneXplain predicted that all Slfn members have regions in their promoters for the Kruppel-like factor-6 transcription factor. In addition, NFAT related factors, ING4, ZNF333 and KLF4 are also predicted to bind in up to 6 of the 8 Slfn promoters. This study further describes a possible autoregulatory mechanism amongst the Slfn family members which could be important in how they regulate the differentiation of various cell types.
ARIMA Modelling of Neonatal Mortality in Abia State of Nigeria
Authors: Chukwudike C. Nwokike, , Bright C. Offorha, , Maxwell Obubu , Okezie O. Uche-Ikonne, , Onwuegbulam, Chisom C.
Published: January 2020

In this study, the incidence neonatal mortality in Abia State of Nigeria was consideredusing data from January 2014 to December 2018. The data was obtained from the FederalMedical Centre, Umuahia in Abia State of Nigeria. The time plot of the data and the ADFtest conducted conrmed the series to be stationary. The plots of the ACF and PACF cuto after lags 4 and 1 respectively which suggested ARIMA (1, 0, 4). However, diagnosticchecks led us to select ARIMA (1, 0, 1) as the best model to t the data and it was used tomake forecast. Our forecasted values indicate there will be a continous decline in the incidenceof neonatal mortality in Abia State of Nigeria. Much should be done to even expedite the decrease.
Evaluation of Sesame Yield and Yield Component under Different NPS Fertilizer Rates in Western Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Shimgabr Teame , Gebereslasie Negasi , Alene Haile , Haftu Welesenbet , Tsegay Nebyu
Published: January 2020

Field experiments were conducted in three sites of Western Tigray, Ethiopia. The experiments aimed at identifying optimum the rate of the newly introduced NPS fertilizer impact with different levels on growth, yield attributes, yield and economics of sesame in vertisols of Western Tigray at the Humera station, Banat and Kebabo Kafta Humera and Tsegede Wereda’s. The treatments consisted of six levels of NPS 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg ha-1 and one blanket recommendation N and P was applied. The experiment was laid out in an RCBD with three replications. Yield of Sesame and yield related components showed significant difference (p < 0.001) compared to control. Results showed that number of branches plant-1, length of pod bearing zone (cm), plant height (cm), number of capsules plant-1, seeds capsule-1 and seed yield was significant differences at (P< 0.001) Grain yield increases from 444.8 kg ha-1 to 671.9 kg ha-1 as NPS and 444.8 kg ha-1 to 628 kg ha-1 as NP increases from 0 (control) to 100 kg ha-1 NPS and 41 kg N and 46 kg P205 ha-1 respectively. But NPS was not significant with blanket recommendation of N and P (41 kg N and 46 kg P205 ha-1), therefore no need to replace the NP by NPS fertilizer in the study area.
Prospection of Plant Growth-promoting Rhizobacterium Enterobacter cloacae and N2-fixing Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae Effect on Faba Bean Evolution in Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: El-Akhdar Ibrahim , Ghazi Azza
Published: January 2020

Biofertilizers are relying on ecofriendly approaches as sustainability and environmental safety of agricultural for crop production. The multiplicity of beneficial effects of microbial inoculants, particularly plant growth promoters (PGP) and N2-fixing bacteria strengthened to use biofertilizers in modern agriculture. Prospection study of Enterobacter cloacae KX034162 as PGPR was carried out in this study. Based on in vivo assays for PGPRs characterization; Exopolysaccharides production (EPS), biofilm formation, Phosphate, Zinc carbonate and zinc oxide solubilization and productivity of indole acetic acid (IAA) E. cloacae KX034162 was used. The synergistic inoculation effect of two microbial on faba bean (Vicia faba L.) growth parameters and productivity were evaluated in two successful winter seasons. The results showed that the dual inoculation of both microbes have a significant positive effect on the estimated parameters compared with the control. E. cloacae KX034162 produced IAA (47.0 mgl-1), polysaccharides (6.4 gl-1) and solubilized Zn. The dual inoculation enhanced nutrients absorption, nodulation, growth parameters, N% (it was 1.42 and 1.44 in the first and second season compared with 0.29 and 0.30 as un-inoculated treatments, respectively) and at the end faba bean production increased.
Influence of Soil Amendment on the Relative Growth Rate and Net Assimilation Rate of Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna aconitifolia
Authors: Effa E. A. , A. J. Mofunanya A. , A. Ngele B.
Published: January 2020

Background: Soil pH is one of the most important factors that contribute to crop growth and productivity. The present research was designed to assess the influence of soil amendment using organic manure and agricultural lime on the relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) of Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna aconitifolia grown on soils from different locations.

Methodology: The three locations were: Akamkpa, Calabar Municipality and Odukpani. The pH for the three soil locations were 4.0, 7.0 and 9.0, respectively. The treatments were; control (0 g), OM1 (100 g organic manure), OM2 (200 g organic manure), AL1 (100 g agricultural lime), AL2 (200 g agricultural lime), OM1 + AL1 (50 g organic manure + 50 g agricultural lime) and OM2 +AL2 (100 g organic manure and 100 g agricultural lime).

Results: Results obtained on the RGR of the leaf dry weight of P. vulgaris treated with OM2 was the highest (0.50 g/wk) followed by OM1 (0.41 g/wk). OM1 + AL1 had the highest RGR of the stem dry weight of P. vulgaris grown on soil from Calabar Municipality. In the RGR of the root dry weight, OM2 had the highest mean value in both plants grown on Akamkpa soil. Results obtained at 4 weeks after planting (WAP) revealed that there was significant (P<0.05) increase in NAR of plants grown on soil from Akamkpa. The highest NAR was obtained for V. aconitifolia treated with OM2 (0.0447 g/wk) followed by OM2 + AL2 (0.0057 g/wk) for both V. aconitifolia and P. vulgaris. P. vulgaris grown on Akamkpa and Odukpani soils treated with AL2 (0.0032 g/wk), OM1 + AL1 (0.0041 g/wk) and OM2+ AL2 (0.0062 g/wk) had the highest NAR at 8 WAP.

Conclusion: The RGR and NAR of the two bean varieties were improved following treatments with organic manure and agricultural lime.
Isolation, Identification and Evaluation of Egyptian Bacillus sp. Isolates for Producing Poly-γ-glutamic Acid
Authors: Ahmed Rania F. , Khalil Hala Badr
Published: January 2020

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a non-toxic, biodegradable, and water-soluble polymer secreted from different microbes. We isolated forty-nine Bacillus spp. isolates generating PGA from the soil of different Egyptian regions. A total of 18% of these isolates were found to highly produce PGA in the range of 5- 8 gl-l. Two of them, B44 and B42, were identified by the16SrRNA DNA sequence, and they shared 81% of similarity. The most similar DNA sequences to B44-16SrRNA were Bacillus sp. (FJ607057.1) and Bacillus sonorensis (KP236346.1) matching 99% and 94% of similarity, respectively. However, B42-16SrRNA was similar 99% to several Bacillus species. The tree-building algorithm MEGA-X constructed the phylogenetic tree of 16SrRNA DNA sequences for Bacillus 44 and Bacillus 42 strains along with other similar Bacillus species revealing the distance between them. We also boosted the PGA production of both strains. Bacillus 44 strain revealed the highest accumulation level of PGA at 35°C and 72 h of incubation using medium M with inoculum size and agitation speed 3% and 250 rpm, respectively. Both strains secreted the PGA biopolymer with a molecular mass of 55 kDa. This investigation is an attempt of boosting promising Egyptian Bacillus sp. isolates for PGA production that may be a seed for industrial production.
Efficacy of Oil-pulling Versus Chlorhexidine Mouthwash in Reducing Oral Streptococcus Mutans Count: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Arif Abbasi Zaeem , Saher Fizza , Ahmed Qureshi Jabbar , Tariq Niaz Ayesha , Akram Butt Saima , Saeed Roghay Shafaq
Published: January 2020

Purpose: To determine whether oil-pulling with sesame or coconut oil yields a better result in reducing Streptococcus mutans count compared to conventional chlorhexidine mouthwashes.

Methods: Multiple databases were used to search for articles up to and including August 2019. Studies which reported use of oil-pulling and chlorhexidine mouthwashes to reduce Streptococcus mutans bacterial count were analyzed procedurally. Studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were then undertaken for qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Results: Five studies were included in this analysis, which used oil-pulling (test group) and chlorhexidine mouthwash (control group). The follow-up period ranged from 14 to 30 days. The oil used in oil-pulling group were either sesame or coconut oil. Quantitative analysis showed a significant reduction in oral Streptococcus mutans count with oil-pulling as compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash at follow-up (Q value = 6.61, DF = 4, I2 = 39.50%).

Conclusion: Use of oil-pulling showed better result in reducing cariogenic bacterial count as compared to the gold standard chlorhexidine mouthwashes. More clinical trials, evaluating additional oral hygiene parameters, would further validate the effects of oil-pulling on the oral cavity. Clinicians may advise their patients to use oil-pulling instead of chlorhexidine mouthwashes, as it is safe, cost-effective, and easily available.
Aromatic Hydrazide Compounds That Inhibit the Growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Bartzatt Ronald , Sule Preeti , Galbadage Thushara , D. Cirillo Jeffrey
Published: January 2020

Aims: To demonstrate the efficacy of aromatic hydrazide compounds to inhibit growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Study Design: To synthesize tuberculostats and test their antibacterial activity in-vitro.

Place and Duration of Study: University of Nebraska, Durham Science Center, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha NE 68182, and Texas A&M Health Science Center, Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, 8447 State Hwy 47, Medical Research and Education Building, Room #3012, Bryan, TX 7780. From March 2019 to October 2019.

Methodology: Hydrazide functional groups were formed by covalently bonding hydrazine onto a carbonyl carbon that is a substituent of a single aromatic ring. Microwave excitation was utilized for synthesis, followed by evaluation of antibacterial activity. These compounds were placed into tissue culture media at various concentrations and then Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria was added, in order to determine the level of growth inhibition. Growth inhibition of the bacteria was measured as a function of compound concentration versus growth inhibition.

Results: Compounds A, B, C, and D carry hydrazide groups as a substituent to a single aromatic ring. All four compounds show zero violations of Rule of 5, indicating favorable drug-likeness. All four compounds showed greater than 50% growth inhibition of bacteria at concentrations below 50 micrograms per milliliter. Growth inhibition was measured by colony forming units and luminescence. Polar surface area, Log P, molecular volume, and other molecular properties were determined for these four compounds.

Conclusion: These four hydrazide compounds induced substantial inhibition of bacterial growth. Microwave excitation for the synthesis of hydrazide compounds is effective. These compounds have favorable drug-likeness properties and are highly effective inhibiting the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Multiple sources of evidence for density dependence in the endangered Hawaiian stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni)
Authors: van Rees Charles B. , Surya Gautam , Reed J. Michael
Published: January 2020

Hawaiian stilts (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) are an endangered subspecies of the Black‐necked stilt endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Despite long‐term study, the main drivers of Hawaiian stilt population dynamics are poorly understood. We tested for density dependence using two sources of evidence: a 30‐year time series of annual estimated range‐wide abundance, and two 15+ year time series of reproductive success. Using separate methods with independent data, sources allowed us to make up for the potentially positive bias of one approach with the more conservative nature of the second. We compared nonlinear density‐dependent and density‐independent population model fits to our time‐series data, using both frequentist and Bayesian state‐space approaches. Across both approaches, density‐dependent models best fit observed population dynamics, with lower AICc and cross‐validation statistics compared to density‐independent models. Among density‐dependent models, a conditional model in which density‐independent dynamics occur below a population size threshold (~850–1,000 birds), and then density‐dependent dynamics occur above that threshold, performed best across Bayesian and frequentist model comparisons, with the Ricker model ranked next or equivalently. Our analysis of reproduction data revealed a strong negative effect of local adult density on nest success (proportion of nests hatching at least one chick) at Kealia National Wildlife Refuge on Maui, where few alternative breeding habitats are available, but no such effect at another site where many nearby alternative wetlands are available. These congruent results across independent datasets and analytical approaches support the hypothesis that Hawaiian stilts exhibit density dependence across their range.
Microchannel‐Confined MXene Based Flexible Piezoresistive Multifunctional Micro‐Force Sensor
Authors: Gao Yuyu , Yan Cheng , Huang Haichao , Yang Tao , Tian Guo , Xiong Da , Chen Ningjun , Chu Xiang , Zhong Shen , Deng Weili , Fang Yong , Yang Weiqing
Published: January 2020

Multifunctional micro‐force sensing in one device is an urgent need for the higher integration of the smaller flexible electronic device toward wearable health‐monitoring equipment, intelligent robotics, and efficient human–machine interface. Herein, a novel microchannel‐confined MXene‐based flexible piezoresistive sensor is demonstrated to simultaneously achieve multi‐types micro‐force sensing of pressure, sound, and acceleration. Benefiting from the synergistically confined effect of the fingerprint‐microstructured channel and the accordion‐microstructured MXene materials, the as‐designed sensor remarkably endows a low detection limit of 9 Pa, a high sensitivity of 99.5 kPa−1, and a fast response time of 4 ms, as well as non‐attenuating durability over 10 000 cycles. Moreover, the fabricated sensor is multifunctionally capable of sensing sounds, micromotion, and acceleration in one device. Evidently, such a multifunctional sensing characteristic can highlight the bright prospect of the microchannel‐confined MXene‐based micro‐force sensor for the higher integration of flexible electronics.
Collagen‐Elastin‐Like Polypeptide‐Bioglass Scaffolds for Guided Bone Regeneration
Authors: Gurumurthy Bhuvaneswari , Tucci Michelle A. , Fan Lir‐Wan , Benghuzzi Hamed A. , Pal Pallabi , Bidwell Gene L. , Salazar Marocho Susana M. , Cason Zelma , Gordy David , Janorkar Amol V.
Published: January 2020

The goals of this study are to evaluate the ability of the multicomponent collagen‐elastin‐like polypeptide (ELP)‐Bioglass scaffolds to support osteogenesis of rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs), demonstrate in vivo biocompatibility by subcutaneous implantation in Sprague‐Dawley rats, monitor degradation noninvasively, and finally assess the scaffold's ability in healing critical‐sized cranial bone defects. The collagen‐ELP‐Bioglass scaffold supports the in vitro osteogenic differentiation of rMSCs over a 3 week culture period. The cellular (rMSC‐containing) or acellular scaffolds implanted in the subcutaneous pockets of rats do not cause any local or systemic toxic effects or tumors. The real‐time monitoring of the fluorescently labeled scaffolds by IVIS reveals that the scaffolds remain at the site of implantation for up to three weeks, during which they degrade gradually. Micro‐CT analysis shows that the bilateral cranial critical‐sized defects created in rats lead to greater bone regeneration when filled with cellular scaffolds. Bone mineral density and bone microarchitectural parameters are comparable among different scaffold groups, but the histological analysis reveals increased formation of high‐quality mature bone in the cellular group, while the acellular group has immature bone and organized connective tissue. These results suggest that the rMSC‐seeded collagen‐ELP‐Bioglass composite scaffolds can aid in better bone healing process.
Cobalt‐Exchanged Poly(Heptazine Imides) as Transition Metal–Nx Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Ye Meng‐Yang , Li Shuang , Zhao Xiaojia , Tarakina Nadezda V. , Teutloff Christian , Chow Wing Ying , Bittl Robert , Thomas Arne
Published: January 2020

Poly(heptazine imides) hosting cobalt ions as countercations are presented as promising electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). A facile mixed‐salt melt‐assisted condensation is developed to prepare such cobalt poly(heptazine imides) (PHI‐Co). The Co ions can be introduced in well‐controlled amounts using this method, and are shown to be atomically dispersed within the imide‐linked heptazine matrix. When applied to electrocatalytic OER, PHI‐Co shows a remarkable activity with an overpotential of 324 mV and Tafel slope of 44 mV dec−1 in 1 m KOH.
Bioactive Pore‐Forming Bone Adhesives Facilitating Cell Ingrowth for Fracture Healing
Authors: Xu Liju , Gao Shan , Zhou Rubing , Zhou Fang , Qiao Yan , Qiu Dong
Published: January 2020

The effectiveness of commercial bone adhesives is known to be hampered by the weak efficacy of cell ingrowth. The strategy of macropore‐forming, especially bioactive macropores, holds considerable promise to circumvent this problem, thereby promoting fracture healing. Herein, a class of bioactive glass‐involved macropore‐embedded bone adhesives is developed, which is capable of facilitating the migration of bone‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells into the adhesive layer and differentiation into osteocytes. The integration of bioactive glass‐particle‐encapsulated porogens in the bone adhesives is key to this approach. A robust instant bonding on the bone adhesive and a high efficiency of bone regeneration on a mouse skull are observed, both of which are vital for clinical applications and personalized surgical procedures. This work represents a general strategy to design biomaterials with high cell‐ingrowth efficacy.
Enhanced Vertical Charge Transport of Homo‐ and Blended Semiconducting Polymers by Nanoconfinement
Authors: Ko Jongkuk , Kim Youngkeol , Kang Jin Soo , Berger Rüdiger , Yoon Hyunsik , Char Kookheon
Published: January 2020

The morphology of conjugated polymers has critical influences on electronic and optical properties of optoelectronic devices. Even though lots of techniques and methods are suggested to control the morphology of polymers, very few studies have been performed inducing high charge transport along out‐of‐plane direction. In this study, the self‐assembly of homo‐ and blended conjugated polymers which are confined in nanostructures is utilized. The resulting structures lead to high charge mobility along vertical direction for both homo‐ and blended conjugated polymers. Both semicrystalline and amorphous polymers show highly increased population of face‐on crystallite despite intrinsic crystallinity of polymers. They result in more than two orders of magnitude enhanced charge mobility along vertical direction revealed by nanoscale conductive scanning force microscopy and macroscale IV characteristic measurements. Moreover, blends of semicrystalline and amorphous polymers, which are known to show inferior optical and electrical properties due to their structural incompatibility, are formed into harmonious states by this approach. Assembly of blends of semicrystalline and amorphous polymers under nanoconfinement shows charge mobility in out‐of‐plane direction of 0.73 cm2 V−1 s−1 with wide range of absorption wavelength from 300 to 750 nm demonstrating the synergistic effects of two different polymers.