bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periods of trilateral relations between Mongolia, Russia, China and their features
Authors: Natsagdorj Ariungua
Published: February 2020

After the end of the Cold War, as a result of changes in the political and economic situation, with the new formation of internal and external tasks of Mongolia, Russia, China, as well as a result of fundamental changes in the international arena, relations between the three countries underwent considerable changes. Although bilateral relations prevail in the relations of the three countries, however, the fact of the existence of a third party has always been taken into account, which is explained by the fact that our countries belong to one geopolitical environment. The author of the article tries to trace the geopolitical relationship between the three countries and addresses the issue of the importance of its influence on bilateral relations, as well as on the formation of formats of triangular relations.

Хүйтэн дайны дараах Монгол, Хятад, Оросын гурван талт харилцааны үе шат ба онцлог

Хураангуй: Хүйтэн дайны үе дуусгавар болсноор Монгол, Орос, Хятад гурван улсын хоорондын харилцаанд тэдгээрийн улс төр, эдийн засгийн нөхцөл байдал, дотоод, гадаад хөгжлийн зорилт, олон улсын харилцааны өрнөл, чиг хандлага зэргээс хамааран багагүй өөрчлөлт гарсан бөгөөд энэхүү харилцааг тодорхой хэмжээгээр үечлэн судлах нь чухал болж байна. Чингэх нь гурван орны хамтын ажиллагааны хөгжил, энэхүү харилцааны үр өгөөж, нөөц бололцоо, тулгамдсан асуудлуудыг олж харахад ач холбогдолтой юм. Хүйтэн дайны дараах гурван улсын харилцаа нь хоёр талт харилцаагаар тодорхойлогдож байсан ч хоорондын харилцаанд тус бүрийн хүчин зүйл чухал үүрэг гүйцэтгэсээр байгаа нь гурван улс геополитикийн нэг орон зайд багтдагтай шууд хамааралтай болно. Зохиогч гурван орны геополитикийн харилцан хамаарал эдгээр орнуудын хоорондын хоёр талт харилцаанд хэрхэн нөлөөлж буй асуудлыг хөндөн гурван талт харилцааны хэлбэр бий болоход ямар учир холбогдолтой болохыг харуулахыг зорьжээ.

Түлхүүр үг: Хүйтэн дайны дараах Монгол, Орос, Хятад гурван улсын харилцаа, ашиг сонирхлын нэгдэл, хүлээлт
CHANGE MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY “A STUDY OF SELECTED REAL ESTATE FIRMS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA”
Authors: Nwagwu Chinedu John , Umoru Georgina Onosuime
Published: February 2020

This paper examines the concept of change management (CM) and how it affects organizational productivity in the real estate sector. The paper also focuses on change management and its impact on organizational growth and development in the same sector of the economy. The paper adopted a survey research design approach, using the questionnaire as the major data collection instrument. A total of one hundred (100) questionnaires were randomly distributed to respondents of ten different real estate firms who were undergoing a one-month training course at a training institute located in Lagos, Nigeria and ninety (90) were collected and used for analyzing the data for this research paper. The hypothesis of this paper was tested using Chi-square statistical tool. The findings of this paper reveal that X2 calculated value of 62.62, greater than the table value of 51.88, implying that human resource training and development is a function of the efficient and effective workforce. It also revealed that training aimed at enhancing employee’s skills and knowledge base translates to overall organizational success. The study, therefore, recommends among others that the training and development plan to cover all levels of the organization because the whole are interwoven and the neglect of one part may lead to the collapse of all.
A FORMAÇÃO DOCENTE NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL: LEVANTAMENTO DE NUANCES
Authors: Prado Jany Rodrigues , Brito Regivane dos Santos , Nunes Claudio Pinto
Published: February 2020

This article showa brief retrospective of the historical and political scenario of the child education and the relevant legislation to this stage of the basic education, to analyze the meanings that the preschool teachers of the municipal network of Guanambi –BA attribute to their formation. The methodological approach is assured on the qualitative research (BOGDAN; BIKLEN, 1994) looking comprehensive examples of the studied phenomenon. As production tool of information, provocative interactive conversations were used (NUNES, 2011). The alluded questions ratify the devaluation and the dualism that involv working professionals with this segment. Still reflect the historic structuration that understood and still understand the child education as stage basic education geared only to the careful under educational politic centered on the welfare, on the volunteering, that has certainly contributed to the conditions precarious of teaching work e to precariousness professionalism. The analyze showed that, in the last years were created political important toward to the quality education to the small children. Meantime, there are many clashes involving the child education. Among them, of the teacher training introduce himself as one of the biggest when thinking in conditions of the teaching work, becauseit presupposes the revision of status this professional, your career plan, your remuneration, finally your professionalization. This challenges put themselves hindrances in the current politic moment, marked by turbulent scenario, unstable and threateningthat materializes in actions that directly affect social sectors as education.
Reflexões sobre o ensino da Metáfora: a dimensão subjetiva e suas implicações nos exames seletivos
Authors: Rodrigues Aldria
Published: February 2020

Partindo de alguns parâmetros pedagógicos, propostos pelo Ministério da Educação e Cultura (MEC), sobre o ensino de língua materna na educação brasileira, sobretudo em relação ao ensino da metáfora, este artigo propõe a análise de algumas questões do Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio que tematizam a metáfora, a fim de demonstrar que o ENEM é, de fato, um exemplo paradigmático das discrepâncias e assimetrias existentes entre o ensino básico, os seus dispositivos regulares e os seus mecanismos didático-avaliativos. Por fim, foram apresentadas algumas constatações importantes para corroborar a ideia de que, para além do fenômeno comparativo, a metáfora deve ser ensinada também enquanto uma categoria do pensamento humano, conforme preconiza a Linguística Cognitiva.
Science Communication and Science-People Relationships
Authors: Isakhanli Hamlet
Published: February 2020

There are two crucial types of communication in science and technology: interaction
between scientists and communication between them and the public. Scientists enjoy the spoken and written communication between themselves in a symbolic language that is largely incomprehensible to others. Throughout history, they have maintained contact with one another via the books they have written and read. The transition from handwritten to printed books contributed greatly to the development of science and culture. Correspondence and salons helped them to share information and unite the efforts of people of both science and art. The journals that emerged in the mid-17th century gradually became forums for scientists. The work of scientific journals then covered an unimaginably broad scope.

Communication between scientists and people, the transmission of scientific innovations in language understandable by the layman, that is, in “everyday language”, is very significant in itself, for the organizations they work in, for the governments that implement policies to develop science and technology and, also, for their readers and other shareholders. Informing people about scientific innovation is a crucial aspect of public relations. Newspapers, magazines, radio, television, the internet, the mobile devices in everyone’s hands, exhibitions and face-to-face meetings have all fostered direct contact between scientists and the people. The hauliers along the road from science and technology to the people include popular scientific literature and the remarkable works written about the history of science.
Global Practices of Higher Education Financing: Approaches and Models
Authors: Zatonatska Tetiana H. , Rozhko Oleksandr D. , Lyutyy Igor O. , Tkachenko Nataliia V. , Anisimova Olga Y.
Published: February 2020

The primary purpose of this paper is to determine the model of higher education financing that is the most effective, flexible and easiest to adapt to the market demands. The most successful HEIs of the world have the best practices for attracting and managing additional funds to finance the educational and research activities of the HEIs. The objective of the article is to summarize the existing progressive practices of attracting and managing additional funds to finance HEIs’ activities. The object of the study is the framework for the formation of endowment funds to support the activities of HEIs. Using comparative and system analysis methods, we looked at the most common models of funding for higher education and the mechanisms for attracting additional funds. It was discovered that most countries use three main models of financing higher education – bureaucratic, collegial and market models. Based on the experience of the OECD countries we determined that at the moment the share of private funds varies but tends to increase. The most successful HEIs use the market model to manage their finances and use additional sources of funds to supplement government support. The most wide-spread instruments of attraction additional
funding are issuance of bonds, private equity and donations. The most effective ways to
manage additional financing are asset management, securitization and endowment funds. Based on the best practices of the HEIs we proposed a general model of managing the endowment funds that uses such principles and provisions that can be applied in the activities of the HEIs, which will allow them to use fundamentally new source of financing.
Emancipación y vivienda:una identidad con tres componentes
Authors: Raya Vílchez José Maria
Published: February 2020

La mezcla de una cultura propietaria, un mercado de alquiler escaso y elevados

precios de la vivienda conduce a un retraso en la emancipación de los jóvenes en la sociedad

española, como se pone de manifiesto a lo largo del informe del Consejo Económico y Social

del año 2002. Adicionalmente, este fenómeno puede afectar a los patrones de estado civil y

natalidad de una sociedad así como a su mercado de trabajo. Centrándonos en el problema de

la emancipación, ésta muy influenciada por las restricciones que impone el mercado de la

vivienda.

The mixture of an ownership culture, a limited rental market and high housing prices all leads towards a delay in the emancipation of young people in Spanish society, as highlighted by the 2002 report of the Economic and Social Council. In addition, this phenomenon can affect the patterns of civil status and the birth rate of a society, as well as its labour market. Centring upon the problem of emancipation, this is very much influenced by the restrictions imposed by the housing market.

La interacció d’una cultura propietària, un mercat de lloguer escàs i elevats preus de l’habitatge produeix un retard en la emancipació dels joves en la societat espanyola, com es posa manifest al informe del Consell Econòmic i Social de l’any 2002. Addicionalment, aquest fenomen pot afectar els patrons d’estat civil i natalitat d’una societat així com llur mercat de treball. Centrant-nos en el problema de l’emancipació, molt influenciada per les restriccions que imposa el mercat de l’habitatge.
Sleep and women intimate partner victimization: prevalence, effects and good practices in health care settings
Authors: Matos Marlene , Gonçalves Mariana
Published: February 2020

Intimate Partner Violence is a global health issue with higher prevalence worldwide, mostly in women, higher social and economic costs and devastating physical and mental health consequences for the victims. Sleep disturbances has been associated with other mental health issues, being an important symptom when diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder, depression or anxiety. It can also constitute an important sign to help health professionals to identify potential victims of intimate partner violence. This review paper main objectives are to address the connection between intimate partner violence and sleep disruption, the role and barriers of health professionals in screening this type of violence when sleep problems are present, and to describe good practices in order to identify these victims and to provide support. It has been found that intimate partner victims commonly experience significant sleep disturbances that include truncated sleep, nightmares and less restful sleep. Health professionals are first-line professionals with a pivot role to screen and identify women victims. However, a set of personal (e.g., lack of knowledge and inadequate perceptions about violence, cultural issues) and organizational barriers (e.g., time constraints, lack of training, absence of institutional protocols) may limit the accurate reading of those symptoms. Accordingly, health professionals must be alert not only to physical health conditions associated with violence (acute physical injuries, chronic physical injuries, obstetric and genital injuries), but also psychological problems, like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol or drug misuse, sleep disturbances, insomnia and nightmares. In the presence of alert symptoms related to violence, health professionals become able to screen, identify and provide ongoing care for women, promoting a trusting relationship and assuming an attentive non-judgmental listening.
Expression of anger in university students according to perceived quality of sleep
Authors: Arbinaga Félix , Joaquin-Mingorance Miriam , Fernández-Cuenca Soledad
Published: February 2020

Objective We analyzed the expression of anger according to the perceived quality of sleep in university students.

Methods A total sample of 1252 students participated in the study, with an average age of 23.58 years. Using an ex-post facto design and an incidental sampling procedure, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 were applied.

Results Students with poor sleep quality (PSQI scores> 5) scored higher on the subscales of STAXI-2, showing higher risk of obtaining superior values in Trait Anxiety [OR=1.90] and in the Index of Expression of Anger [OR=1.56], but not in Internal Control of Anger.

Conclusions There appears to be a marked relationship between quality of sleep and anger, and it is suggested that sleep hygiene programs can help to reduce the negative consequences of poor sleep quality in terms of health and academic performance in students.
Comparative study of retaining walls aiming to optimize carbon footprint
Authors: Bezerra João Vitor de Almeida , Mota Tiago Gripp , Andrade Horasa Maria Lima da Silva , Andrade Luciano Pires de , Vigoderis Ricardo Brauer
Published: February 2020

Urban areas are commonly developed with inadequate planning, which can lead to communities settling in unstable locations, creating a need to either relocate these settlements to more appropriate places, or to stabilize the terrain. These actions must be combined with practices focused on reduction of environmental impacts, such as CO2 emissions. Therefore, this research aimed to compare the carbon footprint of reinforced soil structures to a conventional method. Two types of retaining wall using geogrid reinforcements were designed as an alternative to a cantilever wall made of reinforced concrete. After the design process, the volume of necessary material was estimated for each structure as well as the amount of CO2 emissions related to their production. The designed reinforced soil structures obtained a much smaller carbon footprint when compared to the reinforced concrete structure. Due to the increasing demand for terrain stabilization in urban areas, structures that are less impactful to the environment should be prioritized especially when they can also be used to promote vegetation growth. Thus, reinforced soil structures are a great alternative to common methods because of their smaller carbon footprint and they can also bring several benefits to the landscape, such as an increase in vegetated area.
An Overview of the Current Trends on the Use of Gamification in Higher Ed Engagement and Recruitment
Authors: Johnson Christopher P. , Goncalves Patrick R.
Published: February 2020

Gamification is defined as: the process of adding games or game-like elements to something (such as a task) so as to encourage participation. There are many examples of gamification in higher education; games have been shown to motivate students to engage more with their study tasks. Even though the use of gamification (as an engagement and recruitment strategy in higher ed) has been utilized since 1999 (Fairmont State), only a select few universities have leveraged gamification as a tool for engagement and recruitment over the last 18 years. The strategy overall has not garnered much research but since gaming culture is now more ubiquitous than ever (67 percent of American households own a device used to play video games) it is inevitable that more gamified-based recruitment strategies will start to take shape in the near future.
Formulating a Case for the “Brand Encapsulation Model” and its viability within the Higher Education Sector
Authors: Goncalves Patrick R.
Published: February 2020

This study will make a case for the use of a new brand valuation model called the “brand encapsulation model”; this model will build upon research conducted by David Aaker and will be proposed for the higher education sector. A survey will include a presentation of a branded item and a non-branded item to prospective consumers of varying demographics. Perspective consumers will be asked which product they would likely consume. In order to prove the validity of the brand encapsulation model, the survey will require that all of the respondents choose the branded item.
Digital Advertising and the Marketing Mix: A review of current literature and implications for Higher Education Marketers
Authors: Huebner Chris
Published: February 2020

By 2020, more than $117 billion will be spent on digital and mobile advertising in the U.S. As college bound populations shrink, shift and are out priced by some in-state rates, the need to increase higher ed digital marketing budgets will increase, as well. In order to improve marketing effectiveness, practitioners must develop a stronger understanding of how to maximize digital marketing’s place in the marketing mix. This paper culls current marketing effectiveness research and presents practical implications for higher ed marketing professionals.
Referral Marketing in Online Higher Education: a Holistic Snapshot of Strategic Initiatives, Effectiveness and Opportunities in a leading International Organization
Authors: Boros Elise , Papasava Angeliki
Published: February 2020

Referral Marketing (RM) has only recently sparked the interest of marketers in the online higher education (OE) sector, with distinct gaps identified in the literature. This concept is closely linked with consumer brand engagement, relationship marketing and student loyalty. The researchers selected a for-profit multinational OE organisation, which offers tertiary UK programmes and implements an incentivised RM strategy. Given that loyalty behaviour is linked with consumer experience, integrated marketing communications throughout the consumer journey are also believed to impact RM. The aim of this case study was to broaden knowledge and understanding of RM in this unique sector by identifying sectoral trends and investigating constructs of consumer brand engagement, employee engagement (EE) and integrated marketing communications through the lens of the OE sector.  Through a mixed-methods design, combining elements of grounded theory and a constructivist paradigm, two discovery-oriented studies were conducted – namely qualitative interviews with 22 OE executives, and quantitative surveys with 100 OE students. Template analysis and quantitative statistics were implemented with an interpretive approach and methodological triangulation to ensure validity and reliability. Findings suggested a student-centred, bottom-up approach to IMC could be most successful, with employee ‘Belief in Strategy’ as a unique element of EE impacting on RM success.
Apresentação
Authors: Rasuras Grupo de Pesquisa
Published: February 2020

Dossiê
Listas de Pareceristas da Edição
Authors: Zanotelli Claudio
Published: February 2020

Listas de Pareceristas da Edição
PARECERISTAS DA EDIÇÃO
Authors: Zanotelli Claudio
Published: February 2020

Pareceristas da Edição
Physical Activity and Adolescent Health: What Should We Know?
Authors: Ciampo Luiz Antonio Del , Ciampo Regina Lopes Del
Published: February 2020

Adolescence is characterized by a period of physical, emotional, social and cultural transformations, significant increase in size and changes in physical appearance. At this stage of life the individual is very susceptible to influences of the environment, nutrition, climate, interpersonal relationships and physical activity, among others. This article presents some of the main physical and emotional characteristics of adolescence and the importance of physical activity, highlighting the benefits for physical and mental health, and proposing actions to increase this practice among adolescents.
Farmers Perception on the Communication Behaviour and Usefulness of Farmer Producer Organizations in Namakkal District of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Kathiravan N. , Senthilkumar T. , Senthilkumar G.
Published: February 2020

Agriculture is the main occupation of the vast majority of the population of India. Producers companies can help smallholder farmers participate in emerging high-value markets, such as the export market and the unfolding modern retail sector in India. Farmer producer organizations (FPO) need to strengthen support service for small farmers developing a link between farmers and purchasers of agricultural produce. The study was conducted among four assisting FPOs with 45 respondents in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. Data were collected through a well-structured interview schedule among the respondents of four farmer producers companies select randomly. The data collected were coded, tabulated, ranked and the result was interpreted worked out. Overall the respondent's member perception score was ranged between “good” to “excellent”.
Profile of Biochemical and Oxidative Stress Markers in Male Athletes Following Strenuous Exercise Session
Authors: Nwoke K. U. , Amah-Tariah F. S. , N. Chuemere A.
Published: February 2020

With the increasing number of people who participate in one form of exercise or the other, believing that it improves health and enhances professional sporting career, the question of its health benefit can only be answered with the knowledge of the metabolic changes that occur during exercise. This study therefore, was aimed at investigating the implications of physical exercise on some metabolic biomarkers, and to identify the changes that occur in subjects who undergo strenuous regular physical exercise in the tropics. Blood samples were collected from 86 male athletes and 100 male non-athletes aged between 22 and 30 years following established protocols. The athletes were at the peak of their training in preparation for a major sporting event and the blood samples were collected at rest and immediately after strenuous exercise sessions; while blood samples from the non-athletes were collected only at rest and served as control. The samples were prepared and used for the evaluation of some metabolic and oxidative stress markers. All experimental evaluations were done following well established methods. Result showed that serum concentrations of creatinine, urea, bilirubin, testosterone and cortisol all significantly increased in athletes after strenuous exercise. However, there was no statistical significant change in these biomarkers between athletes at rest and non-athletes. Also except glutathione reductase which significantly decreased in athletes after exercise, other oxidative stress markers assayed significantly increased in athletes after exercise; there was also no significant change between athletes at rest and non-athletes. From the result, this study concludes that strenuous exercise may increase oxidative stress in the cells, cause hemolysis or muscle damage and subsequent myoglobin degradation.
Origin of Worshipping the Mother Goddess in Vietnam
Authors: Hong Van Vu
Published: February 2020

For centuries Mother Goddess worship has been a source of strength, inspiration and spirituality in Vietnam, particularly among working-class families. Along with the worship of ancestors, the belief of worshipping the village tutelary gods, the worship of Mother Goddess has maintained an important position in the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. Though over throughout many the years, this form of folk the religion has waxed and waned, recently there has been a resurgence following the inscription by UNESCO in 2016 of the phenomenon of Mother Goddess worship (Dao Mau) as intangible cultural heritage. Much as it plays an important role in contributing to the Vietnamese culture, there are many different viewpoints on the origin of this religion. This article contributes to helping readers have a more complete and comprehensive view of the origin of this important folk religion of the Vietnamese people.
Effect of Zn and B on the Growth and Nutrient Uptake in Groundnut
Authors: Nandi Ramprosad , Reja Hasim , Chatterjee Nitin , Ghosh Bag Animesh , Chand Hazra Gora
Published: February 2020

Aims: To investigate the effect of combination between foliar zinc and boron on groundnut growth, yield, nutrient uptake and its accumulation in pods.

Study Design:  Completely random design (CRD).

Place and Duration of Study: Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal, India during 2016.

Methodology: The pot experiment was comprised of three levels of Zn (0, 0.5 and 0.75% Zn), three levels of B (0, 0.3 and 0.45% B) and their combinations. The treatments were replicated thrice. Zn and B were applied through foliar spray twice at vegetative and flower initiation stage. Chlorophyll content, leaf area, root–shoot dry biomass, plant height, nutrient uptake and nutrient concentrations in pods were studied.

Results: Foliar spray of Zn and B jointly increased the leaf area to the tune of 55% and 29% at flowering and pod formation stages, respectively. Despite sole application of B and Zn increased the leaf chlorophyll content in groundnut; the combined applications were much more prominent. Moreover, lower level of Zn combined with higher level of B significantly (p<0.05) had higher uptake of N (18.8%), P (11.5%) and K (5.9%) over higher level of sole Zn application. The improved biomass accumulation of groundnut amplified the efficient utilization of primary nutrients and resulted in higher nutrient uptake as well as their concentration in pods. Groundnut when sprayed with elevated doses of Zn and B produced the maximum yield (30.8 g/plant).

Conclusion: Spraying of Zn and B increased plant biomass, leaf area, chlorophyll content noticeably and with the increase in concentration of Zn and B in spray, the increment became quite intense. The combined spray of Zn and B at critical growth stages promoted better growth and productivity of groundnut.
Influence of Soil Bioamendments on the Availabilty of Nickel and Phytoextraction Capability of Marigold from the Contaminated Soil
Authors: Sathya V. , Mahimairaja S. , Bharani A. , Krishnaveni A.
Published: February 2020

Phytoremediation is an emerging technology involved in heavy metal remediation processes. It is evident from the several researches that the bioamendments greatly influences various biochemical processes and thus enhance the bioavailability of metals in the contaminated soil. It should favour greater absorption (removal) of metals by plants. Therefore, a pot experiments was conducted to examine the bioavailability and subsequent uptake of Ni by marigold during the application of different biomendments such as Farmyard manure (FYM), Composted poultry manure, Pressmud compost and Prosopis wood biochar. The result of pot experiment has shown the potential of bioamendments in enhancing the bioavailability of Ni in soil. The bioamendment application also enhanced the Ni content in plants.  A significant positive correlations were obtained between Ni uptake by plants and water soluble and exchangeable Ni in soil. This explains the role of bioavailability in plant uptake of Ni. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) and enrichment factor (EF) were less than one but the translocation factor (TF) was greater than one in plants grown on soil amended with bioamendments.  Marigold showed greater potential in tolerating and accumulating higher concentration Ni and therefore it could be integrated along with bioamendments for phytoextraction of Ni from contaminated soil.
Some Results for Feng-Liu type Mappings in Modular Metric Spaces
Authors: Turkoglu Duran , Kilinc Emine
Published: February 2020

In this paper we investigate some fixed point results of Feng and Liu type multi-valued mappings in modular metric spaces. We also give an example to show that these results are more general versions of Feng and Liu’s theorem.
Review of Paediatric Typhoid Perforation Cases Managed at a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Chaubey Digamber , Kumar Rahul Sandip , Yadav Ramdhani , Kumar Vijayendra , . Nitesh , Keshri Rupesh
Published: February 2020

Background: Any criteria (clinical, pathologic, microbiological or histo-pathologic) attributing a case of Paediatric gastrointestinal perforation to Typhoid would be of help in reaching a proper diagnosis to guide appropriate management.

Aims and Objectives: To review all cases of Typhoid perforation for their clinical, pathologic and intra-operative findings.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on all cases of typhoid perforation (gastrointestinal perforation with positive Widal test) operated at a tertiary care centre from September 2015 to September 2018. Data regarding their clinical findings, investigation results, intraoperative findings, nature of the surgical intervention, postoperative results and histopathological findings were collected from their records and analysed.

Results: A total of 13 patients were operated during this period with positive Widal’s test at presentation. 6/13 had single ileal perforation; two patients had multiple ileal perforations; perforation at atypical sites were found in four patients (one each at gastric, duodenal, caecal and rectal); one patient presented with Meckel’s band obstruction with multiple ulcers – this patient was sick and died despite a diverting ileostomy in the postoperative period. While 8/13 patients had primary closure of the perforation site, diversion through ileostomy was performed in five patients. All patients did well in the post-operative period except one patient of multiple ulcers and obstructing Meckel’s band who died in the post-operative period.

Conclusion:  On encountering a gastrointestinal perforation, no definite symptomatology or its pattern, no clinical examination findings, no intraoperative characteristics of the perforation and no biopsy can definitively point towards Typhoid as the cause. Therefore, we still have to depend on serological tests in correlation with clinical features to reach a conclusive diagnosis. Cultures and PCR, although sensitive are either time-taking or expensive to guide management. Typhoid perforation can have vivid and atypical presentation depending on the number and site of perforation.
Heavy Mineral Composition and Sources of Himalayan Neogene Sediments Occurring along the Garu-Likabali Road Section, West Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Boruah Roshmi , Jivan Laskar Jayanta
Published: February 2020

The Neogene sedimentary sequence of the Arunachal Himalayas is represented by the Dafla, Subansiri and Kimin Formations. Their systematic heavy mineral analysis along the Garu-Likabali Road section indicates that the heavy mineral assemblage is composed of fifteen heavy mineral varieties comprising of andalusite, biotite, chloritoid, chlorite, epidote, garnet, hornblende, hypersthene, kyanite, muscovite, rutile, sphene, staurolite, tourmaline and zircon, besides opaque minerals. The assemblage points towards a complex sediment provenance for the Neogene sedimentary sequences with sediment inputs from pre-existing igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. The boundary between the Dafla and Subansiri Formation in the region can be demarcated on the basis of disappearance of Hypersthene in the heavy mineral suite of the older Dafla Formation as well as appearance and persistence of staurolite in the same Formation.
Bayesian Modelling of Extreme Rainfall Data of Some Selected Locations in Nigeria
Authors: Akanbi Olawale Basheer
Published: February 2020

Climate change occurs when there is rise in average surface temperature on earth, which is mostly due to the burning of fossil fuels usually by human activities. It has been known to contribute greatly to the occurrence of extreme storms and rainfall, this trend continues as the effect of climate change becomes more pronounced. Therefore, this study modelled the extreme rainfall data of three locations (Calabar, Ikeja, Edo) in Nigeria. The block maxima method was used to pick out the maximum rainfall data in each year to form annual maxima data set. The parameters [location, scale, shape] were estimated using both the Classical and Bayesian methods. The result shows that the Bayesian Informative approach is a very good procedure in modelling the Nigerian Extreme Rainfall data.
In vitro Antioxidant Activities and Effect of Hydroethanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Terminalia avicennioides (Combretaceae) on Salmonella
Authors: Ndel Famen Louis-Claire , Tangue Talom Benjamin , Simo Tagne Richard , Tchuente Kamsu Gabriel , Kodjio Norbert , Tamekou Lacmata Stephen , Gatsing Donatien
Published: February 2020

Today, Typhoid fever remains a public health problem in developing countries due to the poor quality of lifestyle associated with abusive and inappropriate use of antibiotics.

Aims: Considering the ethnopharmacological relevance of Terminalia avicennioides                              (T. avicennioides) (Combretaceae), this study was designed to investigate the in vitro antisalmonella and antioxidant activities of various extracts of this plant.

Methodology: The microdilution method was used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of T. avicennioides extract. These extracts were also subjected to in vitro antioxidant tests such as diphényl-2-picrylhydrazyle (DPPH) radical scavenging test, ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP), hydroxyl radical (OH) nitric oxide (NO) and Hydrogen Peroxide Scavenging Capacity.

Results: In vitro antisalmonella activity reveals that T. avicennioides stem bark extracts presented MIC values ranging from 64 to 512 μg / mL on tested microorganisms. This extract exhibited a good ability to trap DPPH with an IC50 of 8.30 μg / mL. The iron reducing power obtained with this extract had ODs ranging from 0.96 to 1.63. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols anthocyanin and anthraquinone in all the extracts.

Conclusion: The results suggest that stem extract of T. avicennioides contains antisalmonella and antioxidant substances, which could be used for the treatment of typhoid fever and another salmonellosis.
Using of Some Agro-industrial Wastes for Improving Carotenoids Production from Yeast Rhodotorula glutinis 32 and Bacteria Erwinia uredovora DSMZ 30080
Authors: Galal Gehan F. , Ahmed Rania F.
Published: February 2020

Some agro-industrial wastes such as clarified cane molasses, high test molasses, sweet whey, potato starch and corn steep liquor were tested as carbon sources or nitrogen source for growth and carotenoid accumulation using bacteria Erwinia uredovora DSMZ 30080 and yeast Rhodotorula glutinis number 32. Erlenmeyer flasks containing 100 ml of production media, the flasks were inoculated with 1 ml of standard inoculum and incubated at 150 rpm for 4 days at 30°C. Samples were collected periodical every 24h, cell dry weight and carotenoids concentration were determined. Sweet whey and highest molasses gave the highest growth being 2.85 and 7.34 gl-1, respectively and scored the same layout on carotenoids conc. which reach the peak during stationary phase (72 h of fermentation). Using of high test molasses and sweet whey as carotenoid production media were incremented carotenoid conc. about 1.7 and 2 fold (with respect to reference media). Increasing high test molasses conc. to give 5% initial sugar led to up great growth, carotenoids conc., productivity, yield and Yc/x from Rhodo. glutinis 32 to be 7.31 gl-1, 2.67 mgl-1, 0.037 mgl-1h-1, 0.067% and 0.365, respectively. Furthermore, using corn steep liquor (30%) as nitrogen sources augmented carotenoids concentration about 3.8 and 4fold for incomplete and complete production media using Rhodo. glutinis32. Also, a negligible effect on growth was observed with dark incubation with both strains which dropped about 75 and 48% with regard to control for E. uredovora DSMZ 30080 and Rhod. glutinis 32, respectively, whereas, carotenoids conc. was increased about 21% for E. uredovora DSMZ 30080 in dark condition.
Crystal structure of Akkermansia muciniphila peroxiredoxin reveals a novel regulatory mechanism of typical 2‐Cys Prxs by a distinct loop
Authors: Li Mengyu , Wang Junchao , Xu Wenjuan , Wang Yongzhong , Zhang Min , Wang Mingzhu
Published: February 2020

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are thiol‐specific antioxidant proteins commonly found in organisms that protect cells from the damage of reactive oxygen species produced by metabolism and that participate in cell signaling. The Prx from the bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila (AmPrx) is a typical 2‐Cys Prx characterized by two conserved cysteines: Cys49 and Cys183. Here, we verified the peroxidase activity of AmPrx and determined its crystal structure in reduced form, which is a doughnut‐shaped decamer composed of five dimers. Particularly, a distinct loop between the α4 helix and β6 strand is involved in the decameric interaction. Deletion of this loop destroys the decameric structure and significantly decreases the peroxidase activity of AmPrx. Our findings reveal a novel regulatory mechanism of typical 2‐Cys Prx, in which the α4‐β6 loop affects the assembly of Prx and, therefore, regulates its peroxidase activity.
Spatiotemporally Monitoring Cell Viability through Programmable Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Transformation by Using Fluorescent Carbon Dots
Authors: Yin Xiaohui , Sun Yuanqiang , Geng Xin , Li Jianjun , Yang Ran , Zhang Ke , Qu Lingbo , Li Zhaohui
Published: February 2020

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, which maintain the metabolism of living cells. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) is the key parameter of mitochondria and represents cellular activity. The programmable MMP transformations, i.e., normal, decrease, and vanishing, are indicative mitochondria healthy/damaged/dead states. Therefore, methods for monitoring MMP are of great importance. In this work, carbon dots responsive to mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP‐CDs) are prepared by a simple microwave method. The intracellular distribution of the MMP‐CDs is dependent on the mitochondrial membrane potential. Three different spatiotemporally organelle distributions (mitochondria/lysosome/nucleus) of the MMP‐CDs indicate three distinct MMP levels (normal/decrease/vanishing), which represent three different cell states (healthy/damaged/dead). The normal cells with high mitochondrial membrane potential causes the MMP‐CDs to accumulate in the mitochondria due to the Nernstian effect. The MMP‐CDs are released from the mitochondria and transported to the lysosome when cells are in apoptosis with the decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. In dead cells with a vanished mitochondrial membrane potential, the MMP‐CDs are collocated with the nucleus due to the affinity with DNA. Thus, various cellular states can be visualized through the different localizations of the MMP‐CDs. These MMP‐CDs are successfully employed in the detection of autophagy and H2O2‐induced mitochondria and mitochondrial membrane potential changes.
Periodic Open Cellular Raney‐Copper Catalysts Fabricated via Selective Electron Beam Melting
Authors: Wolf Torsten , Fu Zongwen , Ye Jihui , Heßelmann Christina , Pistor Julian , Albert Jakob , Wasserscheid Peter , Körner Carolin
Published: February 2020

Herein, the possibility of generating Raney‐Copper catalysts with high geometric complexity is demonstrated. For this, periodic open cellular structures (POCS) composed of a highly brittle Al–Cu alloy containing 29.4 at% copper are fabricated by selective electron beam melting (SEBM) for application in chemical reaction engineering. After selective leaching of aluminum in an NaOH solution, the POCS show a core–shell structure with a nanoporous copper surface layer and a solid core. The fabrication and dealloying processes as well as the microstructure are studied. Moreover, the SEBM‐processed Raney‐type copper catalysts show a high catalytic activity in methanol synthesis.
Printing 2D Conjugated Polymer Monolayers and Their Distinct Electronic Properties
Authors: Kafle Prapti , Zhang Fengjiao , Schorr Noah B. , Huang Kai‐Yu , Rodríguez‐López Joaquín , Diao Ying
Published: February 2020

Recently, 2D monolayer films of conjugated polymers have gained increasing attention owing to the preeminence of 2D inorganic films that exhibit unique optoelectronic and mechanical properties compared to their bulk analogs. Despite numerous efforts, crystallization of semiconducting polymers into highly ordered 2D monolayer films still remains challenging. Herein, a dynamic‐template‐assisted meniscus‐guided coating is utilized to fabricate continuous, highly ordered 2D monolayer films of conjugated polymers over a centimeter scale with enhanced backbone π–π stacking. In contrast, monolayer films printed on solid substrates confer upon the 1D fiber networks strong alkyl side‐chain stacking at the expense of backbone packing. From single‐layers to multilayers, the polymer π‐stacks change from edge‐on to bimodal orientation as the film thickness reaches ≈20 nm. Spectroscopic and cyclic voltammetry analysis reveals an abrupt increase in J‐aggregation and absorption coefficient and a decrease in bandgap and highest occupied molecular orbital level until critical thickness, possibly arising from the straightened polymer backbone. This is corroborated by an abrupt increase in hole mobility with film thickness, reaching a maximum of 0.7 cm2 V−1 s−1 near the critical thickness. Finally, fabrication of chemical sensors incorporating polymer films of various thicknesses is demonstrated, and an ultrahigh sensitivity of the ≈7 nm thick ultrathin film (bilayers) to 1 ppb ammonia is shown.
Macroscopic Spontaneous Polarization and Surface Oxygen Vacancies Collaboratively Boosting CO2 Photoreduction on BiOIO3 Single Crystals
Authors: Chen Fang , Ma Zhaoyu , Ye Liqun , Ma Tianyi , Zhang Tierui , Zhang Yihe , Huang Hongwei
Published: February 2020

Prompt recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes in bulk and on the surface of photocatalysts harshly impedes the photocatalytic efficiency. However, the simultaneous manipulation of photocharges in the two locations is challenging. Herein, the synchronous promotion of bulk and surface separation of photoinduced charges for prominent CO2 photoreduction by coupling macroscopic spontaneous polarization and surface oxygen vacancies (OVs) of BiOIO3 single crystals is reported. The oriented growth of BiOIO3 single‐crystal nanostrips along the [001] direction, ensuing substantial well‐aligned IO3 polar units, renders a large enhancement for the macroscopic polarization electric field, which is capable of driving the rapid separation and migration of charges from bulk to surface. Meanwhile the introduction of surface OVs establishes a local electric field for charge migration to catalytic sites on the surface of BiOIO3 nanostrips. Highly polarized BiOIO3 nanostrips with ample OVs demonstrate outstanding CO2 reduction activity for CO production with a rate of 17.33 µmol g−1 h−1 (approximately ten times enhancement) without any sacrificial agents or cocatalysts, being one of the best CO2 reduction photocatalysts in the gas–solid system reported so far. This work provides an integrated solution to governing charge movement behavior on the basis of collaborative polarization from bulk and surface.
An Ultraviolet‐Deposited MoO3 Film as Anode Interlayer for High‐Performance Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Cai Ping , Ren Peng , Huang Xiaofang , Zhang Xiuyun , Zhan Tao , Xiong Jian , Xue Xiaogang , Wang Zhongmin , Zhang Jian , Chen Junwu
Published: February 2020

An ultraviolet‐deposited MoO3 film is developed as anode interlayer based on molybdenum(V) chloride as precursor. The ultraviolet‐deposited MoO3 film is prepared from the precursor film (spin coated from its solution) with ultraviolet irradiation treatment, and the preparation process of the MoO3 film is facile, low cost, and compatible with mass production and flexible substrate. The composition of the MoO3 film is analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The work function as well as the surface morphology and wettability of indium tin oxide (ITO) modified by the MoO3 film are investigated by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and contact angle tester, respectively, where the analyses show the ITO modified by the MoO3 anode interlayer can offer excellent energy level alignment and interface contact with active layer. The photovoltaic performance of nonfullerene polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on the MoO3 anode interlayer is researched with typical and relatively low‐cost PBDB‐T:ITIC as active layer, and the ITO/MoO3‐based device shows the highest power conversion efficiency of 9.27% compared with the bare ITO‐based device (3.69%) and the ITO/PEDOT:PSS‐based device (9.15%). The results demonstrate the great potential of the ultraviolet‐deposited MoO3 film as anode interlayer for high‐performance PSCs.
Miniaturization of Hydrocyclones by High‐Resolution 3D Printing for Rapid Microparticle Separation
Authors: Han Jung Yeon , Krasniqi Beqir , Kim Jung , Keckley Melissa , DeVoe Don L.
Published: February 2020

Hydrocyclones are a simple and powerful particle separation technology, widely used in macroscale industrial processes, with enormous potential for miniaturization. Although recent efforts to shrink hydrocyclones to the centimeter scale have shown great promise for passive and high‐throughput microparticle separations, further miniaturization is constrained by limited understanding of the impact of device size scale and design on separation performance, and challenges in realizing the complex internal structures of hydrocyclones at small size scales using conventional microfabrication techniques. Here, fundamental scaling issues for hydrocyclones with sub‐millimeter critical dimensions are investigated, and the first microscale hydrocyclones with critical feature size as small as 250 µm are demonstrated by taking advantages of 3D printing using stereolithography coupled with digital light processing. The resulting devices are shown to provide high separation efficiency for particles as small as 3.7 µm while operating at high flow rates up to 40 mL min−1, with scaling analysis suggesting that sub‐micrometer particle separations can be achieved with further miniaturization, potentially making the technology suitable for the rapid isolation and concentration of both inorganic and biological nanoparticles.