bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestion de classe, TIC et sentiment d’appartenance à l’école
Authors: Mbikayi Paul Marcel , St-Amand Jérôme
Published: October 2019

Les programmes d’immersion française sont en expansion dans l’Ouest canadien et les clientèles sont de plus en plus composées d’élèves issus de l’immigration. Confrontés parfois à des difficultés d’intégration, certains de ces élèves nécessitent un soutien particulier de la part des enseignants. L’objectif de cette Note du terrain vise à décrire une stratégie mise de l’avant pour améliorer et soutenir l’engagement scolaire et le sentiment d’appartenance d’une élève du primaire originaire de l’Afrique affichant des difficultés relationnelles. Jumelé à un soutien quotidien en salle de classe, l’usage des TIC s’est avéré être une stratégie efficace pour susciter certaines composantes du sentiment d’appartenance à l’école.
Les changements climatiques attendus et leurs impacts potentiels sur l’écologie routière au Québec
Authors: Bourduas Crouhen Valérie , Siron Robert , Côté Hélène , Logan Travis , Charron Isabelle
Published: October 2019

Les changements climatiques auront des répercussions importantes sur l’écologie routière au Québec (Canada). L’augmentation de la température, des précipitations, des périodes de gel et de dégel ainsi que la diminution du couvert de neige sont susceptibles d’engendrer des cascades d’événements sur le système routier et les écosystèmes environnants. L’objectif de cet article est de présenter un portrait de la littérature disponible afin d’illustrer ces changements au Québec, leurs impacts potentiels ainsi que les mesures d’adaptation possibles. Parmi les impacts potentiels des changements climatiques, on compte la prolifération d’espèces exotiques envahissantes en bordure des routes, la fragmentation des habitats ou, encore, une accélération de la dégradation des routes en raison du dégel du pergélisol. La façon de planifier, de concevoir, de construire et d’entretenir le réseau routier, y compris les écosystèmes qui l’entourent, doit donc tenir compte dès à présent de ces impacts potentiels. Cela nécessite de s’appuyer sur les observations du climat passé et sur les projections du climat futur. Une prise de décision éclairée et intégrée est primordiale afin de s’adapter aux conséquences graves des changements climatiques.
Impacts de l’ajout de passages fauniques et du prolongement de clôtures anticervidés sur la sécurité routière de la route 138 à Petite-Rivière-Saint-François
Authors: Lafrance Martin , Alain Éric
Published: October 2019

À environ 70 km à l’est de la ville de Québec, la route 138 traverse les municipalités de Saint-Tite-des-Caps et de Petite-Rivière-Saint-François. Ce territoire offre des habitats exceptionnels pour l’orignal (Alces americanus), ce qui favorise l’occurrence de collisions entre véhicules et orignaux annuellement. Le ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) a inventorié les pistes et localisé les collisions avant d’aménager, en 2007, des clôtures anticervidés afin de sécuriser le tronçon routier le plus problématique (6,3 km). Au cours des années suivantes, le nombre d’accidents avec l’orignal s’est accru significativement à l’extérieur de la section clôturée. En 2014, le MTQ a prolongé les clôtures dans les deux directions, corrigé les extrémités de celles-ci, puis aménagé deux passages inférieurs pour la grande faune caractérisés par un faible indice d’ouverture. Le MTQ émettait l’hypothèse que malgré des dimensions inférieures à celles suggérées dans la littérature, l’orignal utiliserait ces passages. Depuis, une réduction importante des collisions avec l’orignal a été observée dans ce tronçon routier et les deux passages inférieurs sont régulièrement traversés par des orignaux.
Clôtures et passages fauniques pour les petits et moyens mammifères le long de la route 175 au Québec : quelle est leur efficacité ?
Authors: Jaeger Jochen A. G. , Spanowicz Ariel G. , Bowman Jeff , Clevenger Anthony P.
Published: October 2019

Au Québec, certains des premiers passages fauniques pour les petits et moyens mammifères ont été installés lors de l’élargissement de la route 175. L’efficacité de 18 structures et des clôtures près de leur entrée a été évaluée grâce à un suivi continu par des caméras de surveillance et des enquêtes sur les animaux frappés par les véhicules au cours des étés de 2012 à 2015. La plupart des espèces ont utilisé plus souvent les ponceaux secs en béton et ceux avec pied sec de type tablette de bois installée en porte-à-faux que les ponceaux avec pied sec de type tablette de béton. Il y a eu significativement plus de mortalité routière animale aux extrémités des clôtures que dans les tronçons de route clôturés et ceux non clôturés. La mortalité routière animale était moindre dans les tronçons de route clôturés (et aux extrémités de clôtures correspondantes) où la faune utilisait plus souvent les structures. Bien qu’en général, les passages installés aient été couronnés de succès, plusieurs espèces utilisent peu ou pas ces structures, et des améliorations sont nécessaires. Nous présentons plusieurs recommandations visant à améliorer l’atténuation de l’impact des routes sur la faune, ainsi que de futurs programmes de suivi et de recherche.
Comparaison du passage de tortues et de serpents dans des ponceaux de drainage le long de deux autoroutes en Amérique du Nord
Authors: Gunson Kari E.
Published: October 2019

Cet article présente 2 études de cas de l’utilisation par les tortues et les serpents de ponceaux de drainage (existants et nouvellement conçus), associés à des clôtures d’exclusion pour la faune, le long de 2 autoroutes : la route 83 aux États-Unis (refuge faunique national de Valentine, Nebraska) et l’autoroute 69 au Canada (forêt boréale, Ontario). Le passage des reptiles dans les ponceaux a été suivi avec des caméras à déclenchement automatique par le mouvement placées au-dessus d’une entrée par ponceau. Les résultats ont montré que les espèces de tortues d’eau douce et de serpents présentes utilisent une variété de ponceaux pour traverser la route. Les serpents approchaient autant les structures que les tortues, mais après qu’ils aient pénétré dans les structures, leurs taux de franchissement étaient significativement différents (81 % pour les tortues et 63 % pour les serpents). Bien que ces études montrent que les reptiles utilisent une variété de ponceaux, d’autres recherches sont nécessaires pour définir les caractéristiques des structures que ces animaux utiliseront davantage. Ces études confirment également que les serpents sont moins disposés que les tortues à utiliser les ponceaux, peut-être en partie à cause de la différence de température entre l’entrée des ponceaux et l’environnement ambiant.
Adapter les infrastructures afin de réduire les risques pour les personnes et
d’améliorer la connectivité pour les poissons et la faune
Authors: Bowden Alison A. , Burns Sara E.
Published: October 2019

Aux États-Unis, 96 % de la population vit dans un comté qui a connu un évènement
météorologique déclaré catastrophe naturelle par le gouvernement fédéral au cours des
dernières années. Le développement dans les zones inondables menace les côtes et les
rivières. Cette menace est exacerbée par des ponceaux et autres infrastructures de
franchissement de cours d’eau dimensionnés et conçus en fonction de l’utilisation préalable
du territoire, souvent dans le seul objectif de diriger l’eau sous les routes. En revanche,
les infrastructures naturelles ou inspirées par le fonctionnement de la nature (plaines
inondables, passages de cours d’eau qui maintiennent la connectivité aquatique, etc.)
peuvent être résilientes aux inondations et acheminer l’eau sous les routes, tout en offrant
d’autres avantages, notamment pour la conservation des habitats du poisson et d’autres
espèces fauniques. Au Massachusetts, les normes de conception des traverses de cours d’eau
ont été changées en mettant l’accent sur une approche multi-objectifs de gestion des risques
d’inondation (p. ex. intégrité de l’infrastructure existante, connectivité écologique).
Quatre catégories de conditions-clés favorisent l’intégration d’approches basées sur la
résilience climatique des milieux naturels : la réglementation; l’assistance technique et le
financement; le suivi; et l’engagement communautaire. Nous présentons comment chacune a
influencé la conception des passages aquatiques dans tout le Massachusetts.
L’aménagement du territoire et des corridors fauniques : une approche municipale
Authors: Maillé Lisette , Nicholson Stephen
Published: October 2019

Depuis l’adoption de la Loi sur l’aménagement et l’urbanisme du Québec il y a maintenant près de 40 ans, l’aménagement du territoire et la planification urbaine ont pris une place croissante dans le quotidien des municipalités rurales. On constate aujourd’hui que le modèle adopté, souvent mal adapté aux particularités du territoire, est insoutenable à long terme, notamment en ce qui concerne la faune sauvage, qui fait partie intégrante des milieux ruraux. La grande faune en particulier occupe de vastes espaces naturels (tant pour ses besoins en habitat que pour ses déplacements), dont il est impératif de tenir compte dans le développement du territoire. Dans la municipalité d’Austin (région de l’Estrie, Québec), les élus locaux ont saisi l’occasion que présentait la refonte quinquennale des règlements d’urbanisme pour introduire les notions de connectivité faunique dans le plan d’urbanisme municipal ainsi qu’intégrer dans son règlement de zonage, des règles et des critères applicables à des secteurs ciblés afin de favoriser la libre circulation de la faune.
Assessment of Selected Heavy Metals Content in Soil of Agricultural Activity
Authors: Świdwa-Urbańska Joanna , Zalewski Marcin
Published: October 2019

A representative sample of agricultural soil was studied for assessing the level of toxic heavy metals that could be passed on to crops; this can be the first step towards determining the possibility of its further use, especially in areas where strong industrialization progress is visible. The soil texture, pH, and bulk density along with the total amount of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni) were analyzed for characterizing the status of the soil at two depths: TOP (a composite sample from 0–30 cm deep) and BOTTOM (a composite sample from 30–60 cm deep). The sampling scheme was a square grid with 16 regularly spaced points. The heavy metals concentration values were below legal limits but higher than the regional geochemical background level, suggesting an anthropogenic origin. The pollution load index (PLI) was implemented as a tool for computing the generalized heavy metal pollution status. A geostatistical analysis of the data shows a spatial variation on a detailed scale, both in the horizontal and vertical dimensions, with the TOP soil showing higher average Pb and Cd concentrations.
Effect of Different Disinfection Methods on Quality of Tap Water
Authors: Jachimowski Artur
Published: October 2019

This paper specifies the effect of using strong oxidants in water treatment technologies on the formation of disinfection by-products. The study was de­veloped by collecting water samples from four water treatment plants of the Municipal Water and Sewerage Company (MPWiK) in Krakow and at selected sampling points within the water supply networks. The analysis was comprised of selected indicators of water quality after the treatment process during the years of 2011–2017. From the carried-out investigation, it was concluded that the concentration of free chlorine in the water supply network concurrently decreased with increases in the distance from the treatment plant. This dependence was found in 19 out of 28 water supply points. While analyzing the annual average concentrations of free chlorine in the municipal water, it was noted that the highest values at the study points occurred in 2011. During the other years, decreases in this indicator were observed. This follows from the analysis that the water disinfection by-products did not exceed permissible limits.
Effect of Contact Time of Gaseous Phase in Multi-Stage Contact Columns in Intermediate Ozonation Process on Reduction of Bromate Concentration
Authors: Muszański Robert
Published: October 2019

This article describes research on the application of ozone technology for the purification of surface water in the presence of bromides. The pilot system used multistage contact columns for water-ozonation processes with stabilized contact time. The research has shown that the basis for limiting the formation of bromates is the optimum amount of residual ozone after the ozonation process and the constant time of ozone contact with the water. This solution allows us to reduce the formation of harmful compounds and apply ozone technology with water containing carcinogenic precursors.
Reduced P2X receptor levels are associated with antidepressant effect in the learned helplessness model
Authors: Ribeiro Deidiane Elisa , Casarotto Plinio C. , Staquini Laura , Pinto e Silva Maria Augusta , Biojone Caroline , Wegener Gregers , Joca Samia
Published: October 2019

Purinergic receptors, especially P2RX, are associated to the severity of symptoms in patients suffering from depressive and bipolar disorders, and genetic deletion or pharmacological blockade of P2RX7 induces antidepressant-like effect in preclinical models. However, there is scarce evidence about the alterations in P2RX7 or P2RX4 levels and in behavioral consequences induced by previous exposure to stress, a major risk factor for depression in humans. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of imipramine (IMI) on P2RX7 and P2RX4 levels in dorsal and ventral hippocampus as well as in the frontal cortex of rats submitted to the pretest session of learned helplessness (LH) paradigm. Repeated, but not acute administration of IMI (15 mg/kg ip) reduced the levels of both P2RX7 and P2RX4 in the ventral, but not in dorsal hippocampus or frontal cortex. In addition, we tested the effect of P2RX7/P2RX4 antagonist brilliant blue G (BBG: 25 or 50 mg/kg ip) on the LH paradigm. We observed that repeated (7 days) but not acute (1 day) treatment with BBG (50 mg) reduced the number of failures to escape the shocks in the test session, a parameter mimicked by the same regimen of IMI treatment. Taken together, our data indicates that pharmacological blockade or decrease in the expression of P2RX7 is associated to the antidepressant-like behavior observed in the LH paradigm after repeated drug administration.
A Power Gompertz Distribution: Model, Properties and Application to Bladder Cancer Data
Authors: Ieren Terna Godfrey , M. Kromtit Felix , Uke Agbor Blessing , Eraikhuemen Innocent Boyle , Koleoso Peter Oluwaseun
Published: October 2019

This paper uses a power transformation approach to introduce a three-parameter probability distribution which gives another extension of the Gompertz distribution known as “Power Gompertz distribution”. The statistical features of the power Gompertz distribution are systematically derived and studied appropriately. The three parameters of the new model are being estimated using the method of maximum likelihood estimation. The proposed distribution has also been compared to the Gompertz distribution using a real life dataset and the result shows that the Power Gompertz distribution has better performance than the Gompertz distribution and hence will be more useful and effective if applied in some real life situations especially survival analysis and cure fraction modeling just like the conventional Gompertz distribution.
Isolation and Identification of Symbiont Microorganisms from Bioluminescent Marine Life
Authors: Pringgenies Delianis , Dewi Kartika , Apriliyani Pramita
Published: October 2019

Bioluminescence means the ability of animals or plants to naturally produce light. The three known ways by which bioluminescence is produced are through specific cells called photocytes, bioluminescent glands in tissues and symbiotic bioluminescent microorganisms. Bioluminescence in Loligo duvaucelii is known to be caused by the presence of symbiotic microorganisms in bioluminescent sacs. There is a need to compile more information on bioluminescent symbiotic microorganisms on marine life in Indonesia and their potential. This study aims to determine the species of bioluminescent microorganisms on squid and fish, namely Loligo sp. and Loligo edulis from the waters of Jepara and the Bombay duck (Harpadon nehereus) from the Strait of Malacca, Indonesia and their potential.  The samples were collected by isolating the microorganisms from the luminescent organs, after which the bioluminescent microorganisms were used in the research. This research consisted of antimicrobial tests against pathogenic microorganisms which were conducted qualitatively. The bioluminescent microorganisms were identified using biochemical assay and molecular assay (16S rRNA PCR).  Tests results from Loligo sp. symbiotic microorganisms found   two isolates which showed antimicrobial activities against pathogenic Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) microorganisms, namely uncultured bacterium clone 1P-1-G05 against Escherichia coli with 32.59 mm of inhibitory zone and Uncultured bacterium clone 3g10a against Enterobacter sp. with 28.44 mm of inhibitory zone. The bioluminescent symbiont microorganisms in Loligo edulis, which was identified to be Photobacterium phosphoreum, showed antimicrobial activities against Vibrio harveyi, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus sp. Bioluminescent symbiotic microorganisms on H. nehereus identified Alteromonas macleodii, which showed gamma hemolysis on the blood agar test.
Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles from Ethanolic Extracts of Leaves of Annona muricata: A Green Nanobiotechnology Approach
Authors: Gavamukulya Yahaya , Maina Esther N. , Wamunyokoli Fred , Meroka Amos M. , Madivoli Edwin S. , El-Shemy Hany A. , Magoma Gabriel
Published: October 2019

Introduction: The biological green synthesis of nanoparticles via nanobiotechnology processes have a significant potential to boost nanoparticles production without the use of harsh, toxic, and expensive chemicals commonly used in conventional physical and chemical processes. Annona muricata, a tropical plant belonging to family Annonaceae is one of the most used plants in folk medicine because of its many medicinal uses and therefore presents a strong candidate for use in green synthesis.

Aims: The aim of this study was to optimize a method for the synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) from ethanolic extracts of leaves of Annona muricata as well as to characterize the green synthesized AgNPs.

Methodology: AgNPs were synthesized from Annona muricata leaves using AgNO3 solution. The AgNPs were characterized using spectroscopy and microscopy techniques.

Results: The formed AgNPs had an absorption maximum at 429 nm using UV–Visible spectroscopy and were stable under different pH, temperature, and storage conditions. Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed the different functional groups responsible for the synthesis and stabilization of the AgNPs. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed a spherical nature of the synthesized AgNPs. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis showed presence of Ag, O, and Cl with Ag having the highest composition at 60%. X-Ray Diffraction and Dynamic Light Scattering revealed a crystalline nature of AgNPs with an average size of 87.36 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.16 respectively. Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis further confirmed the crystalline and spherical nature of the AgNPs.

Conclusion: In this article, an efficient, eco-friendly and low-cost method for the synthesis and recovery of stable AgNPs using Annona muricata leaves ethanolic extracts as both a reducing and capping agent has been reported for the first time. The synthesized AgNPs could be promising candidates for many biomedical, clinical, engineering, and polymer applications.
Phytochemical and GC-MS Analysis of Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f.) Ettingsh Stem
Authors: Shahare N. H. , Bodele S. K.
Published: October 2019

Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f.) Ettingsh is an important medicinal plant belonging to the family Loranthaceae. It is perennial, climbing and woody parasitic plant of family Loranthaceae. It is ethnomedicinally used for treating ulcers, asthma, impotence, paralysis skin diseases and wounds. In the present study, an attempt was made to investigate the phytochemical constituents present in the Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f.) Ettingsh stem. The preliminary phytochemical screening in different solvents extract was done by using standard methods. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, protein and amino acids, fixed oils and fats, saponins, sterols, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanin and anthraquinones in different solvent extracts. GC-MS analysis was performed on the methanolic extract to find out the chemical constituents. The GC-MS study revealed the presence of about 51 bioactive compounds. Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cycloheptasiloxane, Cyclooctasiloxane, Cyclononasiloxane, Phthalic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, Cyclodecasiloxane, Cyclononasiloxane, Tetracosane, Tetratriacontane, Benzoic acid, 1-Monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether, Octadecane, ç-Sitosterol are some of the major phytoconstituents reported from the sample. Further research work is needed on these identified compounds to analyse their mode of action and usefulness in phytopharmaceutical industries.
Cytotoxic Effects of Xanthohumol and Its Combination with Cisplatin on Human Metastatic Lung Cancer H1299 Cells
Authors: Long B. , Parks E. , Pacurari P. , Rieland A. , Pacurari M.
Published: October 2019

Aims: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for high lung cancer death that is mostly associated with advanced disease stage at diagnosis and resistance to chemotherapy. In the present study, we investigated whether xanthohumol, a prenylated flavonoid of hop plant, induces metastatic lung cancer H1299 cell death, and whether in combination with cisplatin there are additive effects.

Methodology: H1299 cells were grown and treated with xanthohumol (6.25, 12.5, or 25 µM), cisplatin (12.5, 25, or 50 µM) and the combination of cisplatin and xanthohumol for 24 h. Cell viability, cell morphology, chromatin condensation, ɣH2AX, cPARP-1, capsase-3, p21WAF1/CIP1 and p14ARF genes were analyzed.

Results: Xanthohumol, cisplatin, and the combination of cisplatin and xanthohumol inhibited H1299 cells viability.  Cisplatin growth inhibitory effects were potentiated by xanthohumol.  Xanthohumol induced chromatin condensation and apoptosis and potentiated cisplatin’s effect vs cisplatin alone. Further investigation of growth inhibitory effects, xanthohumol alone induced γH2AX foci formation and the combination potentiated γH2AX foci formation. Cisplatin, xanthohumol at 25 μM, and the combination of cisplatin and xanthohumol at 6.25 and 12.5 μM increased cPARP-1 level.  Active caspase-3 was increased by cisplatin, 12.5 μM of xanthohumol, and the combination of xanthohumol and cisplatin. Xanthohumol at 6.25 or 12.5 μM potentiated cisplatin effect on active caspase-3 and cPARP-1, respectively.  Xanthohumol at 25 µM significtly induced the expression cell cycle control genes p21WAF1/CIP1 and p14ARF.  These results indicate that xanthohumol inhibits proliferation of H1299 cells and induces cell death through cleavage of PARP-1 and activation of caspase-3. The combination of cisplatin and xanthohumol potentiated cytotoxic effects of each other compound.

Conclusion: The present study suggests that xanthohumol poses apoptotic effects and potentiates cisplatin’s growth inhibitory effects on metastatic lung cancer cells.
Groundwater Quality Assessment near an Open Dump Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Site in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Okunade E. A. , Awopetu M. S. , Bolarinwa A.
Published: October 2019

This study assessed groundwater quality around an open dump municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal site at Ilokun, a village on the outskirts of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Three geotechnical boreholes and three water boreholes (tube wells) were drilled at intervals of 15m, 30m and 45m away from the disposal site. Soil samples were obtained near the top and at the bottom of the geotechnical boreholes. Tests carried out on these samples included the sieve analysis, specific gravity, bulk density, natural moisture contents, Atterberg limits, linear shrinkage, and hydraulic conductivity tests, and these were used to index and classify the soils at the landfill dumpsite. It was discovered that the soils belonged to the clay and clayey-sand USCS groups (CL and SC mainly). Groundwater samples were taken from the three water boreholes (tube wells), and physical, chemical and microbiological investigations carried out on the water samples and on water obtained from an existing hand-dug well in the neighbourhood of the dumpsite. The parameters obtained from the tests on the samples were compared with the Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. The water quality parameters determined included: the acidity (pH), temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), colour and odour, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), and contents of the constituents such as total iron, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, etc. The microbiological characteristics determined are the Total Bacterial Count (Total coliform count), and the presence of Faecal streptococci, Staphylococcus aeurus and Escherichia coli. It was discovered that the groundwater at the dumpsite has been heavily contaminated and unfit for human consumption or usage without appropriate treatment to render them potable and fit for domestic use.
Provision of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Community Pharmacies: A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Structures and Processes in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Dapar M. P. , Joseph B. N. , Damun A. P. , Okunlola R. C. , Ibrahim H. A. , Mohammed S. G. , Chingle M. P. , Wannang N. N.
Published: October 2019

Background: Community pharmacies are located close to the people, open long hours and weekends, making them ideal for provision of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, as a means of enhancing access and achieving universal coverage. However, structures (encompassing facilities and resources such as funds, private counselling space, number and qualification of staff) and processes (denoting actual activities undertaken such as: client screening, counselling, mechanisms for referral and collaboration with other healthcare professional) determine the suitability and capacity of community pharmacies to deliver quality SRH services. 

Objective: To assess the structures and processes of SRH services in community pharmacies in Jos, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of staff in 63 community pharmacies of Jos metropolis, Plateau state, Nigeria. Three hundred and ten copies of the questionnaire were distributed to consenting participants.  Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) ® version 21 was used to manage data. Results were presented as descriptive statistics for structures and processes of SRH in the study population.        

Results: A total of 296 completed questionnaires were retrieved. Eighty-two percent of respondents reported providing SRH services, which was mainly the sale of family planning (FP) products and counselling. Majority of these services 75%, were only offered on clients’ demand. SRH products sold were mainly oral contraceptive pills and the male condom. In terms of processes, about half (49.7%) of the respondents reported offering SRH services in collaboration with other health care providers, mainly in primary health care centres and private clinics. However, only a small proportion of the staff had any formal SRH specific training.     

Conclusion: The composition and qualification of mix of staff in community pharmacies presented some inherent weaknesses in their capacity to deliver quality and effective SRH services. This may impede the desired goal of promoting wider access and achieving universal coverage of SRH services.
Chromatographic Behaviour of Antibiotics on Thin Layers of Zeolite
Authors: Raeisi Adham , Ramezani Mostafa , Ravazadeh Hossein , A. Taher Mahdi
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Antibiotics analysis is performed by many methods such as spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, polarography, and high-performance liquid chromatography. This analysis doesn't require derivatization but requires expensive equipment and extensive preparation. When more than one antibiotic is present in a formulation, interactions may occur between the drugs that must be separated before measurement. Thin-layer chromatography is a useful technique for identifying antibiotics because of the low cost, high speed, and low servicing. Silica gel adsorbents have often been used as adsorbents in all thin-layer chromatography studies. In this study, zeolite was used as an adsorbent in thin- layer chromatography with high selectivity.

Materials and Methods: The chromatographic behaviour of amoxicillin, ampicillin, cefazolin, cefixime, ceftriaxone, cefalexin, and penicillin was studied for the first time on a thin layer of zeolite with mobile, organic, and organic- organic phases.

Discussion: The best separation of ceftriaxone from amoxicillin, ampicillin, cefazolin, cefixolin, cefalexin, and penicillin on a thin layer of zeolite using methanol as the mobile phase. The distance and rise time are 12 cm and 110 minutes, respectively.

Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that using the current method, the selectivity of one antibiotic from other components as well as two-component andthree-component adsorption was obtained. Quantitative identification of antibiotics was also performed in multicomponent mixtures after selection of appropriate isolates.
Study of in-vitro Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Cow Urine from Different Altitudinal and Climatic Region of Nepal
Authors: Joshi Dirgha Raj , Aryal Pramod , Chaudhary Mukesh Kumar , Kumar BK Prawin , Yadav Suvendra Prasad , Rawal Pratiksha , Adhikari Nisha , Bhandari Ravin
Published: October 2019

Background: Cow urine has been widely used as therapeutic or additive agents in different parts of Nepal, mainly to treat infections, cuts, burns, etc. Cow urine has been considered as sacred and holy water and used in many rituals and worshipping purposes. Apart from therapeutic and rituals ceremony cow urines are also used in purification and disinfecting the houses.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the in-vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activity of cow urine from different altitudes across Nepal.

Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activity of cow urines was carried out by using  2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as free radicals. The antibacterial activity of cow urines was tested by the agar disc diffusion method against Escherichia coli (gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive).

Results: The urine sample from Muktinath (Subalpine region) showed the highest 44.8±0.21% inhibition against DPPH free radicals. The urine samples from Jajarkot and Marpha (Temperate zone) showed 39.70±0.43% and 37.30±0.15% inhibition against DPPH free radicals respectively. The urine samples from Palpa and Shyangja (Subtropical region) showed 30.00±0.24 and 34.4±0.01 percent inhibition of DPPH radicals. The samples from Butwal and Dhangadhi (Tropical region) showed the least percentage inhibition of 23.9±0.08 and 21.12±0.1 respectively. Amongst the entire sample, the subalpine region of cow urine (Muktinath 3710m) made known the highest inhibition zone such as 10.56±0.05mm against S. aureus and 7.46±0.15 against E.coli.

Conclusion: Our study has concluded that cow urines have the antibacterial and antioxidant activities and vary in potency according to altitudinal and climatic differences. Hence cow urine from the subalpine zone has better antibacterial and antioxidant activity than that of lower altitudinal climatic zones.
Microbiological Quality and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Microorganisms Associated with Stored Vegetables in Port Harcourt
Authors: Inana M. E. , Ogbonna D. N. , Douglas S. I.
Published: October 2019

Aim: Vegetables are good sources of nutrients such as minerals, oil, vitamins and carbohydrates and are used in preparing different delicacies such as soups and salads. This study was aimed at investigating the microbiological quality and antibiotic resistance pattern of microorganisms associated with stored vegetables in raffia baskets.

Methodology: The vegetables were obtained from the Nigerian Stored Products Research institute (NSPRI) farm in Port Harcourt. Ten grams (10 g) each of fresh vegetables were homogenized differently in 90ml of sterile diluent. Aliquot (0.1 ml) of 10-3 and 10-5 dilutions of each vegetable sample was plated on nutrient agar plates and incubated at 37ºC for 24hours. Identified isolates were standardized using the 0.5 McFarland standard. This was done by transferring colonies of the test isolates into sterile 4 mL normal saline and comparing the turbidity of the isolate in the test tubes with the already prepared 0.5 McFarland. The disc diffusion method was used in determining the susceptibility pattern of the microorganisms against the antibiotics. In this method, the standardized inoculums were seeded aseptically on freshly prepared Mueller Hinton agar plates. Whatman discs which have been impregnated with different concentrations of the antibiotics were placed on the seeded plates and incubated at 37ºC for 18-24 hours. 

Results: Zones of clearance or inhibition on plates were recorded. The genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, Enterobacter, Bordetella, Staphylococcus, Myroides, Escherichia, Serratia, Micrococcus and Acetobacter were identified as predominant microbes from the vegetables.

Conclusion: Despite the high level of resistance to the antibiotics, Ciprofloxacin and Ofloxacin were the most effective and preferred drugs of choice for treatment of infections arising from the consumption of these vegetables. Adequate heating and blanching of vegetables is required at all times to prevent food poisoning.
Characterization and longitudinal assessment of daily quality assurance for an MR‐guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) linac
Authors: Mittauer Kathryn E. , Dunkerley David A.P. , Yadav Poonam , Bayouth John E.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To describe and characterize daily machine quality assurance (QA) for an MR‐guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) linac system, in addition to reporting a longitudinal assessment of the dosimetric and mechanical stability over a 7‐month period of clinical operation.

Methods

Quality assurance procedures were developed to evaluate MR imaging/radiation isocenter, imaging and patient handling system, and linear accelerator stability. A longitudinal assessment was characterized for safety interlocks, laser and imaging isocenter coincidence, imaging and radiation (RT) isocentricity, radiation dose rate and output, couch motion, and MLC positioning. A cylindrical water phantom and an MR‐compatible A1SL detector were utilized. MR and RT isocentricity and MLC positional accuracy was quantified through dose measured with a 0.40 cm2 x 0.83 cm2 field at each cardinal angle. The relationship between detector response to MR/RT isocentricity and MLC positioning was established through introducing known errors in phantom position.

Results

Correlation was found between detector response and introduced positional error (N = 27) with coefficients of determination of 0.9996 (IEC‐X), 0.9967 (IEC‐Y), 0.9968 (IEC‐Z) in each respective shift direction. The relationship between dose (DoseMR/RT+MLC) and the vector magnitude of MLC and MR/RT positional error (Errormag) was calculated to be a nonlinear response and resembled a quadratic function: DoseMR/RT+MLC[%] = −0.0253 Errormag [mm]2 − 0.0195 Errormag [mm]. For the temporal assessment (N = 7 months), safety interlocks were functional. Laser coincidence to MR was within ±2.0 mm (99.6%) and ±1.0 mm (86.8%) over the 7‐month assessment. IGRT position–reposition shifts were within ±2.0 mm (99.4%) and ±1.0 mm (92.4%). Output was within ±3% (99.4%). Mean MLC and MR/RT isocenter accuracy was 1.6 mm, averaged across cardinal angles for the 7‐month period.

Conclusions

The linac and IGRT accuracy of an MR‐guided radiotherapy system has been validated and monitored over seven months for daily QA. Longitudinal assessment demonstrated a drift in dose rate, but temporal assessment of output, MLC position, and isocentricity has been stable.
Microfluidic Devices in Fabricating Nano or Micromaterials for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Luo Xuan , Su Peng , Zhang Wei , Raston Colin L.
Published: October 2019

Nano or microsized particles have been a research focus for decades, and the advancement of microfluidic technologies provides alternative strategies for the synthesis of such materials for various applications. Recent advances of using different microfluidic devices (MDs), including continuous laminar flow, segmented flow, droplet‐based, and other non‐chip‐based microreactors, for the synthesis of nano or microsized particles with specific properties are reviewed, along with their biomedical applications. Different categories of particles fabricated in MDs are summarized to highlight the wide application of the processing platform in the development of novel functional materials.
Multigram Synthesis and C−C/C−N Couplings of Functionalized 1,2‐Disubstituted Cyclopropyltrifluoroborates
Authors: Hryschuk Oleksandr V. , Yurov Yevhen , Tymtsunik Andriy V. , Kovtunenko Volodymyr O. , Komarov Igor V. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: October 2019

A convenient approach to the multigram synthesis of functionalized 1,2‐disubstituted cyclopropyltrifluoroborates was developed, based on Pd(II)‐ or Cu(I)‐catalyzed reaction of vinyltrifluoroborate and diazo compounds. Optimized protocols allowed for the preparation of the target products as pure diastereomers on multigram scale. It was shown that the title compounds were good coupling partners for the Suzuki‐Miyaura and Chan‐Lam reactions, which provide medicinally relevant (het)arylcyclopropanes with high diastereoselectivity.

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Biobehavioral variation in human water needs: How adaptations, early life environments, and the life course affect body water homeostasis
Authors: Rosinger Asher Y.
Published: October 2019

Body water homeostasis is critical for optimal physiological and cognitive function for humans. The majority of research has illustrated the negative biological consequences of failing to meet water needs. The human body has several mechanisms for detecting, regulating, and correcting body water deficits and excesses. However, variation exists in total water intake and how people meet those water needs as well as thirst thresholds and how well people tolerate water restriction. An evolutionary and developmental framework provides an underexplored perspective into human water needs by examining how adaptations, early life experiences and environments, as well as life course changes in health states and behaviors may shape these critical factors in body water homeostasis. This article first reviews biological and behavioral adaptations to water scarcity among animals and humans. It then examines human variation in water intake in a mostly water secure environment through the analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dietary data and the link between water intake patterns and hydration biomarkers. Next, it reviews existing evidence of how maternal water restriction in utero and during lactation shape vasopressin release, thirst thresholds, drinking patterns, and body water homeostasis for the infant. Early life water restriction appears to have implications for hydration status, body size, and cardiovascular health. Finally, it examines how life course changes in health states and behaviors, including obesity, sleep, and parasitic infection, affect body water homeostasis. This article poses new questions about the plasticity and shaping of human water needs, thirst, and hydration behaviors.
An empirical estimate of the generation time of mouse lemurs
Authors: Radespiel Ute , Lutermann Heike , Schmelting Barthel , Zimmermann Elke
Published: October 2019

The generation time of organisms drives the rate of change in populations and across evolutionary times. In long‐lived species, generation time should also account for overlapping generations, and the average age of parents has been proposed as a best approximation under these conditions. This study uses this definition to estimate the generation time of a widely studied small primate, Microcebus murinus, based on parentage data generated for a free‐living population over a 6‐year period in northwestern Madagascar. The average age of parents was calculated separately for mothers and fathers of three different offspring cohorts that differed in the degree of demographic uncertainty. In addition, adult survival rates were calculated for males and females based on long‐term capture data from the same population to estimate the possible upper limits of generation time. Adult survival was low with only 44% of adult females and 38% of adult males being recaptured at the beginning of their second breeding season. The average age of mothers was 1.56–1.91 years, pointing toward a 2‐year female generation time due to the high proportion of 1‐year old mothers in all three cohorts. Female generation time estimates were fairly stable across the three offspring cohorts. In contrast, the average age of fathers differed by more than 1 year from the first to the third offspring cohort (1.71–2.83 years) pointing toward a 3‐year generation time, but also suggesting a higher degree of demographic uncertainty in the early years of the study. For future modeling purposes, we, therefore, propose to use the average, 2.5 years, of male and female values as new estimate for the generation time of mouse lemurs.
Basicranial ontogeny comparison in Pan troglodytes and Homo sapiens and its use for developmental stage definition of KNM‐ER 42700
Authors: Mori Tommaso , Harvati Katerina
Published: October 2019

Objective

This study aims to develop a comparative basis for assessing the developmental stage of KNM‐ER 42700 based on the ontogenetic pattern of the ectocranial surface of the basicranium in modern humans and chimpanzees.

Materials and methods

A total of 33 landmarks were collected from an ontogenetic sample of modern humans (80), chimpanzees (51), and 12 individuals classified as Homo erectus s.l. Ontogenetic trajectories were analyzed, and common aspects were extracted for the purpose of discriminating age groups. A regression of size on the extracted shape variables was used to investigate common ontogenetic allometry.

Results

The basicranial development of chimpanzees and humans follows different trajectories; however, similarities are also present. The common shape component of development extracted can be used to define age groups in both chimpanzees and modern humans. The extracted shape component presents a similar ontogenetic and static‐allometric pattern in these two species. The developmental stages of H. erectus s.l. specimens were attributed following these common traits. Our analysis correctly assigned developmental stages to those specimens of H. erectus for which developmental ages are known.

Discussion

The component used for assessing the developmental stage has an ontogenetic allometric component. However, this shape component can discriminate age group irrespective of size and is no longer related to size when static allometry is considered. Adult H. erectus s.l. specimens were attributed to the adult category. KNM‐WT 15000 fell with the late juvenile age group, whereas D2700 plotted in the region of overlap between the juvenile and adult age groups and Mojokerto with the younger age groups, as predicted by their known developmental ages. KNM‐ER 42700 fell within the adult variability despite its incompletely fused spheno‐occipital synchondrosis.
Societal perceptions and lived experience: Infant feeding practices in premodern Japan
Authors: Tsutaya Takumi , Shimatani Kazuhiko , Yoneda Minoru , Abe Mikiko , Nagaoka Tomohito
Published: October 2019

Objectives

A change in how children were treated and valued occurred in premodern Japan, as popularized ideas of an inheritance‐based family system led to more careful and affectionate child‐rearing practices by lower social‐status groups. A number of books were written, advising that breastfeeding should last approximately 3 years. The objective of this study is to reconstruct and compare breastfeeding and weaning practices before and after the transition, to illuminate the impact of documented changes in child‐rearing practices on subadults’ lived experience.

Materials and Methods

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic data were obtained from 40 subadult skeletons excavated from the Sakai Kango Toshi 871 (SKT871) site (late 17th–19th century, Osaka, Japan). Isotopic results from SKT871 were compared with previously reported results from the Hitotsubashi site (AD 1657–1683, Tokyo, Japan). Hitotsubashi and SKT871 represent urban populations of lower status before and after the transition of societal perception of subadults.

Results

The most probable age at the end of weaning reconstructed in SKT871 was 1.9 years (1.4–2.7 years with a 95% credible interval) and was lower than that in Hitotsubashi (2.1–4.1 years with a 95% credible interval).

Discussion

The age at the end of weaning became younger after the transition of societal perception toward subadults, and this younger weaning age is inconsistent with written recommendations for the duration of weaning in premodern Japan. It is possible that an increased need for inheritors under the inheritance‐based family system led to earlier weaning and shorter inter‐birth intervals, but authorities recommended an ideal practice of a longer breastfeeding period.
Hydration‐Facilitated Fine‐Tuning of the AIE Amphiphile Color and Application as Erasable Materials with Hot/Cold Dual Writing Modes
Authors: Jin Hongjun , Li Hongpeng , Zhu Zhiyang , Huang Jianbin , Xiao Yunlong , Yan Yun
Published: October 2019

Hydration water greatly impacts the color of inorganic crystals, but it is still unknown whether hydration water can be utilized to systematically manipulate the emission color of organic luminescent groups. Now, metal ions with different hydration ability allow fine‐tuning the emission color of a fluorescent group displaying aggregation induced emission (AIE). Because the hydration water can be removed easily by gentle heating or mechanical grinding and re‐gained by solvent fuming, rewritable materials can be fabricated both in the hot‐writing and cold‐writing modes. This hydration‐facilitated strategy will open up a new vista in fine‐tuning the emission color of AIE molecules based on one synthesis and in the design of smart luminescent devices.
Electrochemically Tunable Proton‐Coupled Electron Transfer in Pd‐Catalyzed Benzaldehyde Hydrogenation
Authors: Koh Katherine , Sanyal Udishnu , Lee Mal‐Soon , Cheng Guanhua , Song Miao , Glezakou Vassiliki‐Alexandra , Liu Yue , Li Dongsheng , Rousseau Roger , Gutiérrez Oliver Y. , Karkamkar Abhijeet , Derewinski Miroslaw , Lercher Johannes A.
Published: October 2019

Acid functionalization of a carbon support allows to enhance the electrocatalytic activity of Pd to hydrogenate benzaldehyde to benzyl alcohol proportional to the concentration of Brønsted‐acid sites. In contrast, the hydrogenation rate is not affected when H2 is used as a reduction equivalent. The different responses to the catalyst properties are shown to be caused by differences in the hydrogenation mechanism between the electrochemical and the H2‐induced hydrogenation pathways. The enhancement of electrocatalytic reduction is realized by the participation of support‐generated hydronium ions in the proximity of the metal particles.