bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Het daderschap van de rechtspersoon en avas: universele communicerende vaten?
Authors: Gritter E.
Published: April 2019

Het daderschap van de rechtspersoon en avas: universele communicerende vaten?

In dit editorial gaat de auteur kort in op het verband dat mogelijk universeel bestaat tussen ‘criteria’ voor het aannemen van daderschap van de rechtspersoon en de mogelijkheden die bestaan om een bevrijdend disculpatieverweer (in ons stelsel avas) te voeren.
Het Huis voor Klokkenluiders in een internationaal perspectief
Authors: Loyens K.M. , Vandekerckhove W.
Published: April 2019

Het Huis voor Klokkenluiders in een internationaal perspectief – Een kwalitatief vergelijkend onderzoek naar instellingen voor klokkenluidersbescherming

Dit artikel bespreekt hoe het Huis voor Klokkenluiders zich verhoudt tot gelijkaardige instellingen in tien andere landen, gebaseerd op 21 interviews en de analyse van beleidsdocumenten en onderzoeksrapporten. Het onderzoek laat zien dat deze buitenlandse instellingen ook vaak door de overheid gefinancierd zijn, maar enkel gericht op klokkenluiders in de publieke sector. Onderzoek naar misstanden en benadeling van klokkenluiders wordt vaak door afzonderlijke instellingen gedaan om belangenverstrengeling te voorkomen, terwijl het Huis beide taken combineert. Verder valt op dat naast Nederland weinig landen overheidsfinanciering voorzien voor psychosociale hulp aan klokkenluiders. Advies en preventie zijn wel belangrijk in de meeste landen.
Determinants of entrepreneurs’ bankruptcy in Poland – systematics and comparative analysis of the opinion of management and trustees
Authors: Hołda Artur , Strojny Katarzyna
Published: April 2019

The bankruptcy of an individual is a standard situation in a free market economy. The aim of this study is
to present the reasons for the bankruptcy of entrepreneurs in Poland, in the light of literature research and the authors' own research. These studies were carried out in two ways – the first stage concerned the analysis of court files of entrepreneurs who filed for bankruptcy. The second element of the research included conducting surveys among entrepreneurs and trustees. In total, 331 surveys were collected
among entrepreneurs and 87 from syndicates. The results of the surveys presented in the article focus on the analysis of the reasons for the bankruptcy of entrepreneurs in Poland in the opinions of trustees and management. Conducted research in the field of comparative analyses (syndics, management) is the essence of the study, where the determinants of the bankruptcy of entrepreneurs from various points of view have been diagnosed.
Optymalizacja procesu technologicznego z wykorzystaniem planowanego eksperymentu
Authors: Skalski Konstanty , Filipowski Ryszard , Marciniak Mieczysław , Bańczerowski Jakub
Published: April 2019

Modelowanie procesów technologicznych stawia wciąż nowe wyzwania ośrodkom badawczym w problematyce, dotyczącej w szczególności aspektów matematycznych. W pracy podjęto w oparciu o wybrany proces technologiczny zagadnienie jego opisu fizycznego, w którym najogólniej były wielkości badane (poprzez zmienne niezależne) i wielkości wynikowe (jako zmienne zależne). Zaproponowane modele matematyczne dla wielu zmiennych odpowiadają równaniu (wielomianowemu) drugiego stopnia. Celem zaś identyfikacji szczegółowej postać modelu zaproponowano odpowiednio trzypoziomowy plan eksperymentu. W przykładowych rozważaniach przyjęto funkcję regresji dla czterech zmiennych niezależnych. Otrzymane równanie regresji dla zmiennych niezależnych i zależnych zweryfikowano statystycznie parametrami tj. współczynnikiem regresji wielokrotnej, testem Snedocora oraz t-Studenta. Finalna postać statystyczna modelu posłużyła do znalezienia warunków jego optymalizacji. Otrzymane punkty ekstremalne oraz ekstremalna wartość funkcji (MIN, MAX) pozwalają wskazać najistotniejsze warunki realizacji procesu technologicznego. Przedstawiona metodyka może być wykorzystana dla dowolnie zróżnicowanych modeli matematycznych drugiego stopnia z uwagi na możliwość analitycznego rozwiązania zagadnienia optymalizacji.
Die Beendigung der Zuwiderhandlung gegen das Kartellverbot des Art. 101 Abs. 1 AEUV
Authors: Harrer Alexander
Published: April 2019

The question under which conditions a certain conduct of an undertaking no longer infringes the provisions of Art. 101 TFEU or Section 1 ARC is of the utmost importance in practice. In addition to the commencement of the limitation period, the termination of the infringement determines its duration and thus an essential factor in the assessment of a possible fine. In principle and based on the provisions of Regulation 1/2003, the European Commission bears not only the burden of proof for the existence of a violation of the provisions of Art. 101 (1) TFEU, but also the burden of proof for its duration. Nevertheless, in practice, companies are regularly obliged to explain to the Commission that their anti-competitive behaviour has ended and, if necessary, to prove it. The dissertation examines the conditions under which the Commission assumes a return to competitive behaviour and how this must be demonstrated by organisations.
Caminhos formativos no contexto inclusivo para estudantes com deficiência e outras condições atípicas
Authors: Redig Annie Gomes
Published: April 2019

O presente trabalho com base em uma revisão da literatura específica da área se propõe a discutir o itinerário formativo e estratégias que podem ser utilizadas para auxiliar no processo de transição da escola para a vida independente de alunos com deficiência. Quando debatemos a política de Educação Inclusiva, um dos desafios é a escolarização de jovens e adultos com deficiência no Ensino Fundamental II e Médio. Sendo assim, a escola precisa construir metodologias inclusivas que proporcionem a esse educando com deficiência, possibilidades de inserção social e laboral, juntamente com uma escolarização adequada que contemple aspectos voltados para a construção de conhecimentos, desenvolvimento psicossocial e laboral. Nessa direção, acreditamos que com a elaboração de práticas pedagógicas individualizadas atreladas e organizadas por documentos como o Plano de Ensino Individualizado (PEI) e Plano Individualizado de Transição (PIT), esse percurso formativo poderá ser construído de forma a possibilitar que a transição da escola para a vida independente aconteça de maneira estruturada e eficiente.
Habitar, narrar e construir: a casa moderna nos relatos biográficos de seus moradores
Authors: Rosatti Camila Gui
Published: April 2019

Este artigo analisa relatos, a partir fontes diversas, de uma clientela que transformou em narrativa a experiência de habitar casas modernas. Desejosos de habitar um espaço atualizado às diretrizes estéticas de seu tempo, esse conjunto de clientes encomendou, entre o final dos anos 1940 e início dos anos 1960, a construção de suas residências a arquitetos que despontavam no cenário artístico paulistano. Permeado por tensões e ambiguidades, o relato da construção e vivência nessas moradias é uma fonte preciosa para acessar as expectativas em torno de novos padrões sociais e espaciais. Oscilando entre a apologia do vanguardismo arquitetônico e a reclamação dos infortúnios de se habitar uma casa fora dos padrões convencionais, essas narrativas e memórias permitem acessar o imaginário e as ambições de seus moradores, as motivações que os levaram a empreender esse projeto e as decepções quanto à sua realização. Também apresentam observações agudas da vida cotidiana, pelas quais é possível apontar marcadores sociais ligados a posição de classe, gênero e idade, assim como posições estéticas e políticasde um novo grupo social em busca de diferenciação.
Os Katxuyana e a casa tamiriki: protagonismo ameríndio na valorização cultural
Authors: Mello Adriana Russi Tavares de , Abreu Regina Maria Do Rego Monteiro de
Published: April 2019

Neste artigo o protagonismo ameríndio na valorização de sua cultura foi analisado à luz dos conceitos de participação de “novos sujeitos de direito” e da objetivação da cultura. Esta reflexão partiu da reconstrução da casa tamiriki,um tipo construtivo abandonado por quase quatro décadas, enquanto o povo Katxuyana viveu longe de seu território, às margens do rio Cachorro, no município paraense de Oriximiná, Pará-Brasil. Desde que regressaram a essa região, no final dos anos de 1990, depois de conviverem com outros indígenas, os Katxuyana têm se mobilizado para assegurar sua tradição a seus descendentes, através do aprendizado de seu kwe’toh kumu(“nosso jeito de ser” katxuyana). Preservar o patrimônio indígena, nesse caso, implicou também fortalecer a figura do chefe da aldeia, o pata yotono, com a  retomada do modo de organização social de uma aldeia katxuyana. A reconstrução datamiriki,ancorada na memória social dos anciões, revelou a importância de um lugar construído para a sociabilidade aldeã.
Entre direitos e redução de custos trabalhistas: a reforma trabalhista justificada pelos representantes empresariais
Authors: Bevilaqua Vinicius Foletto
Published: April 2019

O objetivo do artigo é analisar as justificações dos representantes do setor empresarial brasileiro lançadas à reforma trabalhista de 2017. Para analisar as justificações, o recorte do artigo direciona-se para a esfera legislativa brasileira, especificamente concentrando-se nas audiências públicas realizadas na Câmara dos Deputados. A partir do referencial teórico da teoria das justificações de Boltanski, Chiapello e Thévenot, problematiza-se quais as citésmobilizadas pelos representantes do setor empresarial nos momentos críticos da esfera legislativa com relação à reforma trabalhista? Para a finalidade dessa proposta, a pesquisa se desenvolve com base na análise de documentos, a partir das notas taquigráficas das audiências públicas desdobradas na Câmara dos Deputados. Os registros de uma audiência pública foram analisados. O método de análise é a análise de discurso. Como resultados, identificaram-se que as justificações produzidas pelos representantes do setor empresarial gravitam em torno de discursos políticos como a redução do custo trabalhista, a “flexibilização” de contratos trabalhistas, a autonomia privada coletiva e o afastamento do Estado do processo de negociação coletiva. Conclusivamente, aponta-se que os discursos políticos dos representantes do setor empresarial perpassam, principalmente, a cité mercantil e, secundariamente, a cité industrial, evidenciando que as justificações mobilizadas mascaram interesses particulares dos representantes do setor empresarial.
El fenómeno de la trata de menores de edad en los instrumentos jurídicos internacionales: avances y retos pendientes
Authors: López Rodríguez Josune , Benito Sánchez Demelsa
Published: April 2019

La trata de menores es un fenómeno mundial que vulnera los derechos humanos de las víctimas. Para combatirlo, diversas organizaciones internacionales y regionales han adoptado instrumentos jurídicos vinculantes que imponen a los Estados determinadas obligaciones. Este trabajo analiza la forma en la que estos instrumentos han abordado el fenómeno, con la finalidad última de detectar los avances más significativos y los retos pendientes. A tal fin, se parte del estudio del concepto de trata de menores. A continuación, se estudian los instrumentos jurídicos internacionales y regionales que se han ido adoptando a lo largo de más de un siglo, prestando especial atención a los tres más relevantes: el Protocolo de Palermo, el Convenio de Varsovia y la Directiva 2011/36/UE. A partir de este estudio, se destacan los avances más importantes en la materia y se señalan los desafíos pendientes para una lucha más eficaz contra este fenómeno. Por último, se exponen las principales conclusiones del trabajo.
Demens og Virtual Reality – Et brugercentreret design
Authors: Zachariassen Zoe , Buch-Sloth Sune , Hansen Kenneth
Published: April 2019

Tema. Artiklen sigter mod at skabe en række af designprincipper, der kan anvendes i fremtidig forskning i anvendelsen af VR til borgere med demens. Dette sker på baggrund af en række projekter i Rødovre kommune, som alle har bygget videre på samme VR-koncept til borgere med demens.

Fokus. Med Design-Based Research som ramme fokuserer artiklen på metoder som brugercentreret design, brugertests og inddragelse af den praksis hvori teknologien skal anvendes. VR-konceptet tager derfor udgangspunkt i både plejepersonalet og borgerne med demens og inddrager dem, for at kunne skabe et praktisk anvendeligt koncept og design.

Konklusion. På baggrund af den afsluttende afprøvning konkluderer artiklen at have fundet et praktisk anvendeligt interaktionsdesign, som i sig selv åbner op for anvendelse af VR-udstyr i en praksisnær kontekst. Disse består bl.a. af behovet for planlagte arbejdsgange, VR-briller med indbygget lyd og en ekstern skærmenhed til personalet.
Learning Anatomy with Augmented Reality
Authors: Nørgård Cita , O’Neill Lotte Dyhrberg , Chemnitz John , Majgaard Gunver
Published: April 2019

An Augmented Reality (AR) application was developed to help students at SDU to learn the anatomy of the human body (mediastinum). This research project intended to evaluate whether AR strengthened the students’ self-efficacy and motivation, improved learning, and provided a good learning experience.

This study focusses on how AR can help students to translate two-dimensional into three-dimensional understanding and evaluates formats of the app (the use of quizzes) together with the didactic design of the teaching sessions with AR. The objectives were to examine A. the effectiveness of using AR on student’s short, long term, and transfer learning outcome compared with traditional teaching, B. the effect of quizzes, and C. app design in relation to didactic design.

In the AR world students saw a standardized hologram body combined with selected images from a computed tomography (CT) scan. The CT images were presented at the proper spatial positions in a hologram body. The user could select which structures to be shown at the body (e.g. skin, the vascular system, etc.). They could approach the body, circumvent it, study structures in details and compare the concurrent presentation with the different CT images.

During class one group received traditional teaching and two groups studied CT scans in Augmented Reality. One AR-group complemented the AR app with quiz questions and received corrective feedback. The other AR group did not use quiz questions but studied content on their own hand. A teacher was present and ready to help students in all groups.

The aim of this paper is to share lessons learned from this intervention and suggest solutions for app design and learning design to facilitate deeper learning processes and scaffold learners’ needs with AR as a learning resource.
Exploring the health informatics occupational group in the 2018 Australian health information workforce census
Authors: Butler-Henderson Kerryn , Gray Kathleen , Pearce Christopher , Ritchie Ann , Brophy Julie , Schaper Louise K , Bennett Vicki , Ryan Angela
Published: April 2019

There has been no empirical evidence about the health informatics workforce in Australia produced in the last ten years. This study reports the findings from an analysis of a subset of the 2018 Australian Health Informatics Workforce Census data. Analysing 420 responses that were identified as the occupational group Health Informatics, the results indicate that whilst most of the workforce is classified as aged (>45 years), many respondents are still relatively early in their health informatics careers. Furthermore, most do not possess any formal education in health informatics and almost a quarter undertake their health informatics role alongside another health-related role. The broad range of position titles and functions demonstrates the breadth within this workforce. Ongoing monitoring of this occupational group is required to inform workforce reform and renewal.
Profilaksis Pasca Pajanan terhadap Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, dan Human Immunodeficiency Virus pada Petugas Kesehatan
Authors: Widhani Alvina
Published: April 2019

Petugas kesehatan berisiko terpajan dengan darah atau cairan tubuh lain yang dapat mengandung hepatitis B, hepatitis C, atau human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). World Health Organization (WHO) melaporkan 2,5% kasus HIV, 40% kasus hepatitis B, dan 40% kasus hepatitis C disebabkan karena penularan yang terkait dengan pekerjaan.
Deficit of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) accelerates progressive hearing loss
Authors: Celaya Adelaida M , Sánchez-Pérez Isabel , Bermúdez-Muñoz Jose M , Rodríguez-de la Rosa Lourdes , Pintado-Berninches Laura , Perona Rosario , Murillo-Cuesta Silvia , Varela-Nieto Isabel
Published: April 2019

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) such as p38 and the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) are activated during the cellular response to stress signals. Their activity is regulated by the MAPK-phosphatase 1 (DUSP1), a key component of the anti-inflammatory response. Stress kinases are well-described elements of the response to otic injury and the otoprotective potential of JNK inhibitors is being tested in clinical trials. By contrast, there are no studies exploring the role of DUSP1 in hearing and hearing loss. Here we show that Dusp1 expression is age-regulated in the mouse cochlea. Dusp1 gene knock-out caused premature progressive hearing loss, as confirmed by auditory evoked responses in Dusp1–/– mice. Hearing loss correlated with cell death in hair cells, degeneration of spiral neurons and increased macrophage infiltration. Dusp1–/– mouse cochleae showed imbalanced redox status and dysregulated expression of cytokines. These data suggest that DUSP1 is essential for cochlear homeostasis in the response to stress during ageing.
A bipartite iron-dependent transcriptional regulation of the tryptophan salvage pathway in Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Pokorzynski Nick D , Brinkworth Amanda J , Carabeo Rey
Published: April 2019

During infection, pathogens are starved of essential nutrients such as iron and tryptophan by host immune effectors. Without conserved global stress response regulators, how the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis arrives at a physiologically similar ‘persistent’ state in response to starvation of either nutrient remains unclear. Here, we report on the iron-dependent regulation of the trpRBA tryptophan salvage pathway in C. trachomatis. Iron starvation specifically induces trpBA expression from a novel promoter element within an intergenic region flanked by trpR and trpB. YtgR, the only known iron-dependent regulator in Chlamydia, can bind to the trpRBA intergenic region upstream of the alternative trpBA promoter to repress transcription. Simultaneously, YtgR binding promotes the termination of transcripts from the primary promoter upstream of trpR. This is the first description of an iron-dependent mechanism regulating prokaryotic tryptophan biosynthesis that may indicate the existence of novel approaches to gene regulation and stress response in Chlamydia.
Conversion of random X-inactivation to imprinted X-inactivation by maternal PRC2
Authors: Harris Clair , Cloutier Marissa , Trotter Megan , Hinten Michael , Gayen Srimonta , Du Zhenhai , Xie Wei , Kalantry Sundeep
Published: April 2019

Imprinted X-inactivation silences genes exclusively on the paternally-inherited X-chromosome and is a paradigm of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals. Here, we test the role of maternal vs. zygotic Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) protein EED in orchestrating imprinted X-inactivation in mouse embryos. In maternal-null (Eedm-/-) but not zygotic-null (Eed-/-) early embryos, the maternal X-chromosome ectopically induced Xist and underwent inactivation. Eedm-/- females subsequently stochastically silenced Xist from one of the two X-chromosomes and displayed random X-inactivation. This effect was exacerbated in embryos lacking both maternal and zygotic EED (Eedmz-/-), suggesting that zygotic EED can also contribute to the onset of imprinted X-inactivation. Xist expression dynamics in Eedm-/- embryos resemble that of early human embryos, which lack oocyte-derived maternal PRC2 and only undergo random X-inactivation. Thus, expression of PRC2 in the oocyte and transmission of the gene products to the embryo may dictate the occurrence of imprinted X-inactivation in mammals.
Peasant Associations and Implementation of Climate Change Adaptation Practices in the Northern and Brong-Ahafo Regions of Ghana
Authors: Anuga Samuel Weniga , Mill Ernst , Mbanya Wuni
Published: April 2019

Peasant association plays a central role in climate change adaptation. Farmer-based associations serve as a conduit for the implementation of climate change adaptation practices by contributing to knowledge sharing and assimilation. In Ghana, the role of peasant associations in climate change adaptation is unnoticed. Employing a mixed research approaches the procurement of data, this study gives a deeper understanding of peasant associations and their activities of two regions in the country. It also examines the contributions of peasant associations to climate change adaptation. It was established that peasant associations promoted understanding and implementation of climate change adaptation strategies including preparation and application of compost, residue management, row/distance planting, use of drought tolerant seeds, afforestation and crop rotation which benefited farmers in getting more yield and by extension being able to reinvest in their farms and venture into other livelihood strategies. The study concluded that Non- Governmental Organizations interested in climate change adaptation should target and build the capacity of farmer peasant groups for appropriate climate change adaptation and achievement of poverty alleviation and long-term food security.
Politics of School Mapping: Evaluation of Spatial Distribution of Public Secondary Schools in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: C. Ibara Emmanuel
Published: April 2019

School mapping in secondary education has witnessed a lot of distortion in Nigeria largely because the allocation of educational resources is embedded in politics of education. Consequently, the paper examined trends in the politics of school mapping and spatial distribution of secondary schools in Rivers state. Three research questions guided the study. The document analysis research method was utilized which involved extensive analysis of records and documents. Data collected were descriptively analysed. Findings revealed spatial imbalance in the distribution of public secondary schools, and neglect of population factor in siting secondary schools in Rivers State. Recommendations aimed at enhancing even distribution of public secondary schools were proffered. The paper concluded that school distribution system that ignores basic school mapping process could undermine the overall educational development in Rivers State.
Performance of Bioprimed Chilli Seed under Moisture Stress Condition
Authors: Ananthi M. , Selvaraju P. , Sundaralingam K.
Published: April 2019

Laboratory experiment was carried out using ‘PKM 1’ chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) seed to standardize bioprimed seeds under moisture stress condition inorder to improve seed germination and seedling vigour. To induce the moisture stress, optimize the different concentration of water holdings capacity viz., 80, 60, 40 and 20% were used for best bioprimed seed treatment (biocontrol agents (Pseudomonas fluorescens 60% 12 h, Trichoderma viride 60% 9 h) and liquid biofertilizers (Azospirillum 10% 9 h and Phosphobacteria 15% 9h )) along with hydroprimed seed and control seed. Seed bioprimed with Pseudomonas fluorescens 60% for 12 h improved the germination percentage ( 82), root length (14.2 cm), shoot length (6.2 cm), dry matter production (0.0489 g 10 seedlings-1) and vigour index (1673) compared to control seed. Seed biopriming with  Pseudomonas fluorescens 60% for 12 h can be adopted to improve seed germination and seedling vigour under moisture stress condition upto 20%.
Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Waste Heat Recovery Effectiveness of a Diesel Engine
Authors: Anthony A. Adeyanju , Manohar K.
Published: April 2019

The study utilized the exhaust gas from a diesel engine to preheat water in the constructed shell and tube heat exchanger.

The theoretical analysis of the heat exchanger was carried out using the Log Mean Temperature Difference (LMTD) method. The Volumetric flowrate of the water was manipulated using a valve and the resulting output temperature of water leaving the heat exchanger was recorded. Experimentation was carried out to determine the effects of volumetric flow rate on the output temperature and the effectiveness of the heat exchanger. After the test and data analysis, it was discovered that that at flow rate of 3.0 Liter per minute (LPM) the effectiveness of the heat exchanger was peak at 43.34%. The volumetric flow rate of water is inversely proportional to the output temperature of water and it was also established that the effectiveness of the heat exchanger depends on output temperature of and the mass flow rate of the water. Also it was proven that by preheating water before it enters the boiler of the Rankine cycle the efficiency of the cycle increases.
Effects of Fallowing and Nitrogen Application on Striga Infestation, Soil Fertility and Maize Performance
Authors: Bassey M. S. , Adeboye M. K. A. , Kolo M. G. M.
Published: April 2019

Striga possesses an ominous obstacle to the African continent that is struggling with food security as it affects the livelihood of more than 300 million people. The control of Striga has proved exceptionally difficult. Two fallows, namely natural fallow (NF) and A. histrix fallow (AF) were maintained in 2012, such that the field was divided into two parts and each part was further divided into three replicates. Each part was separated from one another by a strip of 2 m width and the fallow factor was randomly assigned to each part which constituted the main plot. In 2013, the inorganic N fertilizer levels (0, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1) were applied to the fallow plots and assigned to the sub-plot. These treatments were laid out in a split plot arrangement fitted to a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The two fallows significantly (P < 0.05) reduced Striga infestation similar to application of N at 60 – 120 kg N ha-1. The two fallows significantly (P< 0.05) increased SOC. Only natural fallow significantly (P<0.05) increased the STN by 36 %. Maize grain yield after natural fallow (1527 kg ha-1) was not significantly (P>0.05) different from that after A. histrix (1943 kg ha-1). Inorganic N application had highly significant (P<0.05) effect on grain yield. Lowest grain yield of 1253 kg ha-1 was obtained without inorganic N application, which was significantly different from those fertilized with inorganic N. Inorganic N fertilizer rate of 60 kg ha-1 seems to be optimum for maize. The Nitrogen Fertilizer Replacement Value of A. histrix was low, 13 kg N ha-1. The effect of both fallows on grain yield was due mainly to increased SOC content.
Performance of Mungbeans (Vigna radiata (L) Willczek) in Soil Amended with Oil Palm Bunch Ash and Poultry Manure in Humid Tropical Environment of South Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Effiong Uko Aniefiok , Bassey Effa Emmanuel , Isong Isong Abraham
Published: April 2019

Aim: A study was conducted to evaluate supplementary effects of oil palm bunch ash (OPBA) and poultry manure (PM) on the growth and yield performance of mungbeans.

Study Design:  The study used a 3 x 3 factorial experiment laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out at the University of Calabar Teaching and Research farm, Calabar, Nigeria during the 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons respectively

Methodology: Mung bean variety NM 92 was planted in a well prepared field to evaluate its response to PM and OPBA applications. The treatments included three levels of OPBA (0, 5 and 10 t ha-1) and three levels of PM (0, 5 and 10 t ha-1. PM was cured and applied two weeks before planting while the OPBA was applied at planting.  Plant growth data including plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and leaf area were measured at 2,4, 6 weeks after planting whereas the yield data including days to fifty percent  flowering, number of pods, pod length , pod  and seed yield were recorded

Results: The highest agronomic parameters as well as yield attributing characters and yield were obtained when 10 t ha-1 OPBA or 10 t ha-1 of PM were applied. Each of the levels of applications significantly decreased the number of days to 50% flowering. The highest seed yields of 0.77 t ha-1 in 2014 and 0.82 t ha-1 in 2015 were obtained with the applications of 5 t ha-1 OPBA + 10 t ha-1 PM and 10 t ha-1 OPBA + 10 t ha-1 PM, respectively.

Conclusion: The best agronomic, yield attributing characters and yield of mungbeans were obtained when 10 t ha-1 OPBA or 10 t ha-1 of PM were applied. Also the combined application of 5 t ha-1 OPBA + 10 t ha-1 PM or 10 t ha-1 OPBA + 10 t ha-1 PM gave significantly higher increment in yield. Hence, from our study, it was found that both organic matter sources may be used to obtain higher yields in mungbeans.
Response of Okra to Incorporating Humic Acid-Derived Active Molecules into NPK Fertilizer and Lime on Coastal Plain Sand in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Afu S. M. , Akpa E. A.
Published: April 2019

This study evaluated the response of okra to NPK fertilizer with humic acid and lime at the University of Calabar, Teaching and Research Farm between October 2015 and January 2016 cropping season. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The experiment consisted of NPK with humic acid and liming materials as treatments. The test crop was okra. The result of initial analysis of the chemical properties of the soil before the experiment showed that the soil was acidic and was low in exchangeable bases, organic matter (1.13%), total nitrogen (0.14%) and ECEC but high in available phosphorus (26.63 mg/kg) and base saturation. After application of treatment, the result showed that 6.2 g of lime and 4.6 g of NPK with humic acid increase the soil pH from 5.6 units in the control to 5.8 in NPK with Humic Acid, 6.0 in NPK with Humic Acid and lime and 6.4 in lime. Organic carbon content, total nitrogen and available phosphorus also increase in like manner. The results for the growth parameters showed that okra height, number of leaves, and pod yield were significantly (p≤0.05) different from the control. Based on the result of this study further research is recommended in other locations to fully ascertain the effects of this treatment using a different combination.
The Effectiveness of Social Cognitive Theory-based Educational Intervention on School Children’s Breakfast Consumption
Authors: Mirzaei Amin , Ghofranipour Fazlollah , Ghazanfari Zeinab
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Breakfast consumption has a lot of beneficial effects on nutritional status and cognitive activities of school-aged children's. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of social cognitive theory–based education on schoolchildren breakfast eating behaviors.

Methods: Two schools with similar socio-demographic characteristics were selected from 20 public primary schools of Ilam city (west of Iran) and randomly assigned as intervention or control school. Fifty school children from 3rd, 4th and 5th grades of each school participated in this study. Educational intervention was performed during 6-weeks and was focused on enhancing the self-efficacy, social support and self-regulation mediators to promote the school children’s breakfast consumption. Data were collected at baseline and 8-weeks after intervention using a 57-item questionnaire and a breakfast food diary and analyzed using Nutritionist IV food processor software and IBM SPSS statistics data editor.

Results: The findings showed that mean scores of all Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) constructs as well as breakfast eating behaviors in intervention group significantly increased at 8-weeks after intervention (p < 0.05). Also, there was a significant increase in mean score of knowledge in control group at 8 weeks follow-up (p < 0.05). Moreover, the results showed that mean scores of energy and all measured macro and micronutrients intakes significantly increased at follow-up in intervention group (p < 0.05). Also, there were significant increases in mean scores of energy, zinc, calcium and vitamin D intakes in control group at 8-weeks follow-up (p < 0.05).  

Conclusions: The findings of the present study showed that social cognitive theory is an effective framework to planning and implementation of the educational intervention to promotion of male school children’s breakfast consumption.
Early Infection of Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty with Salmonella typhi: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Raviraj A. , Sagar Maalepati Vidya , Amin Azhar , Pai Sanjay , Mohan Venkatdeep , Anand Ashish
Published: April 2019

Acute Salmonella typhi prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare event. In Endemic areas one needs to be cautious if the patient is immunocompromised. We report a case of bilateral simultaneous PJI of the knee in a 60-year-old lady who was not immunocompromised. The patient presented on Post op Day 5 with Fever and local signs suggestive of infection. As this was an Early PJI she was successfully treated with Debridement, Poly exchange and Intravenous and oral antibiotics for 6 weeks. This case highlights the fact that in patients living in these areas and in seasons where incidence of enteric fever is high, patients should be screened preoperatively for Salmonella infection by history and stool cultures. To our knowledge this is the first case report of Early Bilateral Simultaneous infection with Salmonella typhi.
Influence of Rice Husk - Mulch on Soil Water Balance Components under Sorghum and Millet Crops in Maiduguri, Semi Arid Northeast Nigeria
Authors: Eze P. C. , Odofin A. J. , Onyekwere I. N. , Musa J. J. , Tsado P. A.
Published: April 2019

A 2 x 3 factorial experiment was conducted at two sites in Maiduguri, Borno State during the 2009 cropping season. The objective was to evaluate the influence of rice husk-mulch on soil water balance components under sorghum and millet crops. The treatments comprised of two test crops (sorghum and millet) and three rates of application (0, 10 and 15 t ha-1) of rice husk mulch, fitted in a split-plot design. The test crops were assigned to the main plot, while the mulch application rates were assigned to the sub-plot. The treatments were replicated three times.  The components of soil water balance determined were annual rainfall, moisture storage within sorghum and millet root zone, drainage below crop root zone and seasonal crop evapotranspiration. Profile moisture content was measured weekly with the aid of a neutron probe installed at a depth of 2.0 m using access tubes. Also, soil (0 – 30 cm depth) moisture content was determined gravimetrically on weekly basis. Rainfall was measured using a manual rain gauge installed at each of the two sites. Findings in this study indicated that, under the prevailing circumstances, annual rainfall was lower than the amount observed over a ten-year period in Maiduguri. Consequently, soil moisture storage, drainage and seasonal crop evapotranspiration generally declined. An average of over 90 % of this low annual rainfall was lost as seasonal crop evapotranspiration. Sorghum plots stored higher moisture within the root zone, had higher drainage and lower seasonal evapotranspiration than millet plots. Moisture storage and drainage increased with increasing mulch application rate, while, seasonal crop evapotranspiration decreased with it.
Effect of Breed and Sex on Body Weight and Linear Body Measurements of Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)
Authors: Chana I. M. , Kabir M. , Orunmuyi O. , Musa A. A.
Published: April 2019

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of breed and sex on body weight and linear body measurements of 100 Turkeys which included 50 Norfolk and 50 Mammoth breeds each.

Study Design and Duration: The experiment lasted for 20 weeks during which the performance parameters were monitored in 100 Turkeys using completely randomized design.

Methodology: The body weight and linear measurements were taken at an interval of two weeks (i.e. day 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 weeks). Parameters monitored were shank length (cm), back length (cm), chest girth (cm), neck length (cm), thigh length, and wing length and body weight.

Results: Result obtained showed that there where significant differences (P<0.05) in body weight across the breed with Norfolk having 2.70±0.04 and Mammoth 2.55±0.04. The linear measurements studied (body length, neck length, back length, shank length, thigh length, wing length, and chest girth) showed that the Norfolk had superiority over the Mammoth breed.

Conclusion: Result showed remarkable and better growth performance of male turkeys than their female counterparts for all traits and ages. Also, higher values in linear body parameters noted in males.
Music and the Development of Language Skills of Pupils in Early Childhood Education in Tubah Municipality
Authors: Ngalim Valentine Banfegha
Published: April 2019

This paper set out to investigate the role of music in the acquisition of language skills in early childhood education in Tubah Municipality. In order to achieve this objective, the main objective was articulated into two components inquiring the place of songs and creative dance in enhancing the growth of macro-language skills like listening, speaking, reading and writing. This study was prompted by the absence of interesting alternative strategies in language didactics. To inquire about the problem and propose alternative methods through music, a quasi-experimental research design was adopted in the study. From the population, four schools were selected using the non-probability sampling technique that is, the convenient. These four schools constituted the accessible population. The purposive sampling technique was used in deciding which part of the accessible population constitutes the sample population which in this case was made up of nursery school children, level two primary pupils and teachers. The Krejcie and Morgan table was used to decide on how many teachers and pupils make up the sample. Four instruments were used to collect data; a structured questionnaire designed using the Likert scale, an interview guide for teachers, working memory test and participant's observation guide. Descriptive statistics (in the form of frequencies, percentages, charts and tables) and inferential statistics were used for data analyses. Specifically, the two- way ANOVA and Regression analysis tests were used to test the hypothesis at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between the use of music and the development of language skills in pupils. That is, when music is used, the pupils acquire vocabulary by identifying objects related to the words, speak better, read better and are able to spell the words correctly. The ability of pupils to reproduce the songs they listened to and to recognize words in the song, where all of them scored above average indicate the pertinence of the song and dance didactics recommended for policy makers and teachers in this study.
A Novel Method for Adding Graphite Flakes to Al2O3–ZrO2‐Graphite Composites and Performance Testing
Authors: Huang Yong , Ai Yunlong , Chen Weihua , He Wen , Zhang Jianjun , Liang Bingliang
Published: April 2019

A novel method to produce graphite flakes was invented, and this method is good for homogeneous of graphite among the Al2O3‐ZrO2‐Graphite composite powder. Graphite ball, alumina ball, and alumina powder are put into planetary muller together, and the graphite flakes are produced by shear forces between the surface of graphite and alumina ball during the ball mill process. Al2O3‐χwt%ZrO2‐3wt%Graphite (A‐χZ‐3Gr, χ = 5, 10, 15, 20) composites powder are developed by this new method and then are sintered using microwave at a temperature of 1500 °C for 30 min in argon atmosphere. Actually 3wt%Graphite (Gr) is fully capable of forming a lubricating film on the rubbing surface of A‐χZ‐3Gr composites to ensure a low friction coefficient. On the other hand, the ZrO2 addition is good for the mechanical properties. The effect of ZrO2 addition on the relative density, hardness, fracture toughness and bending strength of the various A‐χZ‐3Gr composites are investigated. The performance of A‐χZ‐3Gr composites has been greatly improved as compared with Al2O3‐3 wt% Graphite sintered under the same condition. The A‐10Z‐3Gr composite exhibited excellent performance such as its relative density, hardness, fracture toughness, bending strength, friction coefficient, and wear rate are 95.4%, 323.7Mpa, 5.8Mpa · m1/2, 9.3Gpa, 0.31 and 5.19 × 10−6mm3 Nm−1, respectively.
Recent Trends in Advanced Contact Lenses
Authors: Mutlu Zeynep , Shams Es‐haghi Siamak , Cakmak Mukerrem
Published: April 2019

Exploiting contact lenses for ocular drug delivery is an emerging field in the area of biomedical engineering and advanced healthcare materials. Despite all the research conducted in this area, still, new technologies are in their early stages of the development, and more work must be done in terms of clinical trials to commercialize these technologies. A great challenge in using contact lenses for drug delivery is to achieve a prolonged drug release profile within the therapeutic range for various eye‐related problems and diseases. In general, desired release kinetics to avoid the initial burst release is the zero‐order kinetics within the therapeutic range. This review highlights the new technologies developed to achieve efficient and extended drug delivery. It also provides an overview of the materials and methods for fabrication of contact lenses and their mechanical and optical properties.
Biomedical Applications of DNA‐Based Molecular Devices
Authors: Liu Shaoli , Jiang Qiao , Wang Yuanning , Ding Baoquan
Published: April 2019

Strict Watson–Crick base pairing and availability by automated synthesis have allowed deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules to be used as engineerable building blocks for constructing versatile nanostructures. In recent decades, with the development of DNA nanotechnology, a range of DNA‐based dynamic molecular devices with sophisticated nanostructures have been designed and constructed. Featuring programmability and biocompatibility, the applications of DNA‐based nanodevices have been extensively focused on the interfaces of biological systems. This review summarizes the recent progress in the design of DNA devices exhibiting programmable functions for biomedical applications. In vitro and in vivo applications of DNA‐based nanodevices in cellular imaging and systemic drug delivery are highlighted. The challenges and open opportunities are also discussed.
White‐Light Generation Upon In‐Situ Amorphization of Single Crystals of [{(Me3P)3AuSn}(PhSn)3S6] and [{(Et3P)3AgSn}(PhSn)3S6]
Authors: Dornsiepen Eike , Dobener Florian , Mengel Nils , Lenchuk Olena , Dues Christof , Sanna Simone , Mollenhauer Doreen , Chatterjee Sangam , Dehnen Stefanie
Published: April 2019

In order to gain more information on the white‐light generation by amorphous molecular materials, the influence of metal complex substituents on the photophysical properties of potential white‐light emitters is investigated. Three compounds of the general type [{(R3P)3MSn}{PhSn}3S6)], with R/M = Me/Au (1), Et/Ag (4), and Me/Cu (5), are produced by reactions of the organotin sulfide cluster [(PhSn)4S6] (A) with the corresponding coinage metal complexes [M(PR3)3Cl]. Excess of the gold complex in the reaction leads to rearrangement and formation of [Au(PMe3)4][Au(PMe3)2][(PhSnCl)3S4] (2). The use of PMe3 instead of PEt3 in the reaction with the silver salt causes decomposition and affords [(Me3P)3AgSnCl3] (3). All compounds are structurally characterized, and the necessity of sterically stabilizing PEt3 groups at the silver complex in 4 are rationalized by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Measurements of the photophysical properties of 1, 4, and 5 show that the introduction of the metallo‐ligands indeed affects the materials properties, and at the same time confirm that the reduction of the molecular symmetry alone is not a sufficient condition for white‐light generation (WLG), which still requires amorphicity of the compound. This is realized for 1 and 4 in situ, while reabsorption processes inhibit WLG in case of the copper compound 5.
Clean Enzymatic Oxidation of 12α‐Hydroxysteroids to 12‐Oxo‐Derivatives Catalyzed by Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase
Authors: Tonin Fabio , Alvarenga Natália , Ye Jia Zheng , Arends Isabel W. C. E. , Hanefeld Ulf
Published: April 2019

The C12 specific oxidation of hydroxysteroids is an essential reaction required for the preparation of pharmaceutical ingredients like ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), which can be synthesized by Wolff‐Kishner reduction of the obtained 12‐oxo‐hydroxysteroids. 12α‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (12α‐HSDHs) have been shown to perform this reaction with high yields, under mild conditions and without the need of protection and deprotection steps, required in chemical synthesis. Here, the recombinant expression and biochemical characterization of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)‐dependent HSDH from Eggerthella lenta (El12α‐HSDH) are reported. This enzyme shows comparable properties with the well‐known nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+)‐dependent enzyme from Clostridium sp. 48–50. In order to perform a viable and atom efficient enzymatic hydroxysteroid oxidation, NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX) was employed as cofactor regeneration system: NOX uses oxygen (O2) as sacrificial substrate and produces only water as side product. 10 mM of cholic acid was fully and selectively converted to 12‐oxo‐CDCA in 24 h. The possibility to employ this system on UCA and 7‐oxo‐deoxycholic acid (7‐oxo‐DCA) as substrates was additionally investigated. The performance of the El12α‐HSDH was evaluated also in combination with a “classical” regeneration system (oxaloacetate/malate dehydrogenase) showing full conversion in 4 h. Finally, the feasibility of a catalytic aerobic‐NAD+‐dependent enzymatic oxidation was shown on a preparative scale (oxidation of CA to 12‐oxo‐CDCA) employing the El12α‐HSDH‐NOX system in a segmented‐flow‐reactor.

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A Deoximation Method for Deprotection of Ketones and Aldhydes Using a Graphene‐Oxide‐Based Co‐catalysts System
Authors: Tong Qiaolin , Liu Yang , Gao Xuezhi , Fan Zhanfang , Liu Tianfu , Li Bo , Su Dangsheng , Wang Qinghe , Cheng Maosheng
Published: April 2019

The deoximation of a wide range of ketoximes and aldoximes to their corresponding carbonyl compounds with high yields has been achieved using graphene oxide (GO) and sodium nitrite (NaNO2) as highly efficient catalysts and air as the green oxidant under mild conditions. The mechanism of deprotection and recycling use of catalyst were revealed in deep experiment. The carboxylic acid groups on the GO were essential for high catalytic activity.

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