bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteopathic Considerations for the Pregnant Patient With COVID-19
Authors: Gray Kendra M. , Murphy Lauren , Buckner Brian
Published: August 2020

In any given year, approximately 130 million babies are born worldwide. Previous research has shown that pregnant women may be more severely affected and vulnerable to contracting emerging infections, making them a particularly high-risk population. Therefore, special considerations should be given to treatment methods for pregnant women with COVID-19. In this narrative review, the authors evaluate scholarly journal articles and electronic databases to determine what is known about the pathophysiology of COVID-19 in pregnancy and the associated mortality rate. Osteopathic manipulative treatment techniques to mitigate the underlying pathology were identified, and modifications for use in pregnancy and the critical care setting are described.
Effects of variation in forest fragment habitat on black howler monkey demography in the unprotected landscape around Palenque National Park, Mexico
Authors: Klass Keren , Van Belle Sarie , Campos-Villanueva Alvaro , Mercado Malabet Fernando , Estrada Alejandro
Published: August 2020

Habitat loss and fragmentation are leading threats to biodiversity today, and primates are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic habitat disturbance. However, few studies have examined how differential effects of variation in forest fragment characteristics on males and females in a primate population may affect demography and population persistence. We quantified the effects of variation in forest fragment characteristics on the within-fragment demography of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in forest fragments around Palenque National Park, Mexico, and how these effects differed between adult males and females. We quantified forest loss in the landscape between 2000 and 2017, and used a redundancy analysis to examine the effects of 15 variables quantifying fragment dimensions, forest composition and physical structure, and isolation on fragment population size and density, the proportion of adult males and females in the fragment population, and the mean number of adult males and females per group in 34 fragments (N = 393 monkeys). We hypothesized that (i) population size is positively correlated with fragment area, while population density is negatively correlated, and (ii) the composition of fragment populations results from differential effects of fragment variables on adult males and females. Forest cover decreased by 23.3% from 2000 to 2017. Our results showed a significant effect of fragment variables on population demography in fragments, accounting for 0.69 of the variance in the demographic response variables. Population size increased with fragment area and connectivity, while density decreased. Larger, less isolated fragments with better connectivity, characteristics indicative of abundant secondary growth, and those with more diverse vegetation but lower Simpson’s evenness indices tended to have more adult females per group and a higher proportion of adult females in the population. In contrast, fragments that were largely similar in characteristics of forest composition and structure, but that were more isolated from nearby fragments, had more adult males per group and a higher proportion of adult males. These results may stem from black howler females preferentially remaining in natal groups and fragments when possible, and dispersing shorter distances when they disperse, while males may be more likely to disperse between fragments, traveling longer distances through the matrix to more isolated fragments. These differential effects on males and females have important conservation implications: if females are more abundant in larger, less isolated fragments, while males are more abundant in more isolated fragments, then to effectively conserve this population, both landscape connectivity and fragment areas should be maintained and increased.
O patrimônio territorial do município de Buriticupu-MA
Authors: Da Silva Joanyse De Fátima Guedes , Carniello Monica Franchi
Published: August 2020

O objetivo desse estudo é, desde o enfoque do desenvolvimento territorial, inventariar os ativos territoriais do munícipio de Buriticupu, no estado do Maranhão. Para isso, busca-se caracterizar os aspectos econômicos do território, o seu potencial natural, a organização social de grupos, as relações para a construção do conhecimento dos cidadãos e a instrumentalização para o mundo do trabalho, além dos valores compartilhados pela sociedade e a presença das instituições no território. Quanto à metodologia, o tipo de pesquisa utilizada foi a documental descritiva, tendo sido realizadas consultas a dados e indicadores em sítios oficiais disponíveis; posteriormente, essas informações foram relacionadas às dimensões do capital ou patrimônio territorial. Como principal descoberta, destaca-se a relação entre o capital social e institucional na perspectiva do desenvolvimento regional, por meio da presença de um projeto de responsabilidade social, resultado da gestão de stakeholder que incentiva a formação de associações. Por fim, percebeu-se que há poucas informações publicadas sobre capital institucional e cultural da cidade, o que sinaliza a necessidade de pesquisa de campo para o aprofundamento sobre as temáticas examinadas neste artigo.
Políticas públicas de convivência com o semiárido: a economia solidária como alternativa no sertão paraibano
Authors: Souza de Assis Adriele Mercia , Silva Brito Felipe César da
Published: August 2020

Sabe-se que o semiárido brasileiro é uma região que enfrenta, constantemente, longos períodos de estiagem, de forma que, no último século, devido a este fenômeno, a gestão pública foi estimulada a formular políticas de convivência com o clima do sertão nordestino. Nesse sentido, este estudo objetivou avaliar as ações desenvolvidas em um município da Paraíba para a convivência com o semiárido, considerando a economia solidária como uma alternativa. Metodologicamente, a pesquisa se caracterizou como qualitativa na interpretação dos resultados e adotou a estrutura de um estudo de caso exploratório. Os dados foram coletados mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas, aplicadas a gestores municipais nos anos de 2018 e 2019. Os resultados permitiram concluir que a economia solidária (ainda) não é tida como uma estratégia de convivência pela gestão municipal; e que, no momento, em função do longo período de estiagem pelo qual a região tem passado, a equipe administrativa do governo tem concentrado suas ações no desenvolvimento de políticas de enfrentamento, a fim de solucionar o problema mais urgente da população, a escassez hídrica.
Expansão urbana e espaço rural: condomínios urbanísticos/loteamentos fechados em Santa Cruz do Sul-RS
Authors: Zanchi Verenice , Souza Mariana Barbosa de , Etges Virginia Elisabeta
Published: August 2020

Este artigo analisa as repercussões da expansão de novos produtos imobiliários, traduzidos em loteamentos fechados/condomínios urbanísticos no território do município de Santa Cruz do Sul, no Rio Grande do Sul. A pesquisa levou em consideração que, no âmbito do desenvolvimento rural e do desenvolvimento regional, enquanto campos interdisciplinares de reflexão, encontram-se conceitos-chave como: rural, urbano e loteamentos fechados. Assim, a partir de recortes bibliográficos, são analisadas as relações existentes entre o meio rural e o meio urbano, destacando as consequências da apropriação do espaço rural para a implantação de loteamentos fechados/condomínios urbanísticos. Para tanto, como abordagem metodológica para embasar o estudo, optou-se pela dialética materialista, com técnicas de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, além de pesquisa empírica sobre o objeto concreto, realizada por meio de visita aos roteiros de turismo rural existentes no município analisado. O enfoque principal do trabalho está centrado no processo de expansão urbana sobre o espaço rural.
Industrialização e desenvolvimento: um estudo dos municípios de Goiatuba (GO) e Morrinhos (GO) na década de 2000
Authors: Tassara Anne Kelly Aparecida de Souza , Santos Moacir José dos , Vieira Edson Trajano
Published: August 2020

O presente artigo teve como objetivo verificar os efeitos da industrialização nos municípios de Goiatuba (GO) e Morrinhos (GO), isto é, se a industrialização refletiu positivamente no crescimento e desenvolvimento desses municípios do estado de Goiás, no Centro-Oeste brasileiro, na década de 2000. O estudo que deu origem a este artigo foi realizado a partir de pesquisa descritiva, bibliográfica, documental e qualitativa, com a avaliação dos resultados mediante a comparação dos dados coletados para o período entre 2000 e 2010. Os resultados encontrados permitem demonstrar que a industrialização foi imprescindível para o crescimento econômico do município de Morrinhos naquela década. Entretanto, em relação ao município de Goiatuba, as evidências indicam que a industrialização não foi um fator crucial para o seu desenvolvimento no mesmo período.
Positive definite radial kernels on homogeneous trees and products
Authors:   Institute of Mathematics of the Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Sniadeckich 8, 00-656 Warszawa, Poland, Vergara Ignacio
Published: August 2020

We give a new proof of a classical result which provides a one-to-one correspondence between positive definite radial kernels on a homogeneous tree and finite Borel measures on the interval [−1,1]. Our methods allow us to find a new characterisation in terms of positive trace-class operators on ℓ2. Furthermore, we extend both characterisations to finite products of homogeneous trees. The proof relies on a formula for the norm of radial Schur multipliers, in the spirit of Haagerup-Steenstrup-Szwarc, and a variation of the Hamburger moment problem.
Toeplitz operators and skew Carleson measures for weighted Bergman spaces on strongly pseudoconvex domains
Authors:   Dipartimento di Matematica, Universita di Pisa, Largo Pontecorvo 5 Pisa, I-56127, Italy, Abate Marco , Mongodi Samuele ,   Dipartimento di Matematica, Politecnico di Milano, Via Bonardi 9 Milano, I-20133, Italy, Raissy Jasmin ,   Institut de Mathematiques de Toulouse, UMR5219, Universite de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, F-31062, France
Published: August 2020

In this paper we study properties of Toeplitz operators on weighted Bergman spaces of bounded strongly pseudoconvex domains. We prove that a Toeplitz operator built using a weighted Bergman kernel of weight β and integrating against a measure μ maps continuously a weighted Bergman space Ap1α1(D) into Ap2α2(D) if and only if μ is a (λ,γ)-skew Carleson measure, where λ=1+1p1−1p2 and γ=1λ(β+α1p1−α2p2). This generalizes results obtained by Pau and Zhao on the unit ball, and by Abate, Raissy and Saracco on a smaller class of Toeplitz operators on strongly pseudoconvex domains.
Modeling Techniques for Quantifying Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture Productions: Models Comparisons and Impact Assessment Research Framework
Authors: Li Liying
Published: August 2020

Additional warming caused by climate change will negative impacts on agricultural sectors. The problem is expected to be most harsh in regions were lacking in adaptive capacity in terms of information needed to make adaptive decisions to combat climate change impacts. Many strides have been made to understand and quantify climate impact on sensitive regions to climate change. However, for many food-insecurity hot-spot areas, the comprehensive data for impact assessment are rarely available. This paper outlined a research framework for providing knowledge for policy-makers, local authorities, and agricultural organizations to make informative climate change adaptive decisions for such areas. Several models are compared and discussed to show their advantage and disadvantage for appropriate model applications. We propose a framework to facilitate future impact assessment research, especially for regions where relevant data are lacking. This paper provides a research method of linking different models and combines the useful information acquired from models to make climate policies and adaption schemes cost-effectively with limited local data and farm information.
Perceived Constraints to Effective Clinical Assessment of Nursing Students Competencies among Nursing Students and Educators in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Ike Edith Chinonyelum , Oseni Omotola Margaret , Onwochei Detu Adesuwa , Esievo Njideka Judith
Published: August 2020

Aim: This study investigated the perception of nursing students and educators on the constraints to effective clinical assessment of nursing students’ competencies and probed possible solutions to the identified constraints in Lagos, southwest Nigeria.

Methods: In this cross sectional study, 175 nursing students, and 49 nurse educators from five randomly selected nursing schools participated. The study adopted a triangulation approach of quantitative and qualitative method for data collection and analysis. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to collect quantitative data from the nursing students and nurse educators and a response return rate of 163(93%) and 46(94%) were recorded respectively from both groups. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was employed for qualitative data among 12 nursing students and 11 nurse educators in two nursing schools. Data was analyzed and relative importance index (RII) and its ranking (R) was utilized to establish the relative importance of the various constraints identified as responsible for effective clinical assessment of competencies.

Results: The result revealed as major constraints from the students; lack of confidence by the students in carrying out procedures in clinical setting and lack of materials and instruments for clinical practice with equal ranking (RII=0.78; R=1.5), similarly, the educators rated; Lack of confidence by the students in carrying out procedures in clinical setting (RII=0.74; R=1.0) as a key constraint. The Mann Whitney U test showed no statistical significant differences to the perception of the constraining factors and probable solutions by both groups (p>0.05)

FGD revealed; lack of clear objectives for each clinical posting, as both students and clinical assessors do not have clear idea of what competencies they are to acquire and assess as a major constraint.

Conclusion: The researchers recommend that clinical placement objectives should be set and communicated to the students, educators and assessors to direct nursing students’ clinical practice and evaluation and assessment formats developed in line with specific skills to be evaluated.
Toxic Effects of Pesticides on Humans, Plants, Animals, Pollinators and Beneficial Organisms
Authors: Hashimi Mohammad Hanif , Hashimi Rahmatullah , Ryan Qasimullah
Published: August 2020

Pesticides are a hidden threat to humans, animals, insects, as well as to all ecosystems. They control pests and play an important role in crop productivity and prevent vector borne-diseases in humans, but they also extremely pollute our surroundings. These toxic substances are found in soil, water, air, plants, food and feed. Their residues enter plants and animal products and accumulate in humans and animals by the food chain. They endanger our lives and put down our health, as well as demolish beneficial organisms in the environment. This paper expresses a piece of information that has been obtained from reviewing academic papers, books and other sources. People take these toxic chemicals from water, air, and agricultural products, as well as their surroundings. They are stored in humans and animals’ tissues or excreted by different routes, but their adverse effects have no end. Brain, kidneys, skin, gastrointestinal, liver, lungs, spleen and every organ of humans are suppressed by them. They cause various diseases, cancers, mutations, as well as lead to death. These chemicals destroy honeybees’ colonies and decrease pollinator’s populations. Additionally, birds, wildlife and soil organisms are extremely suppressed by the heavy application of pesticides. They damage human beings, animals, pollinators, honeybees, and soil microorganisms. Increasing the application of pesticides decreases the population of pollinators, honeybees, and other  beneficial organisms, as well as impacts human health. If these living organisms are diminished, our lives are threatened by food shortage, a collapsed economy, and increased food and feed demand, therefore new crises including famine and diseases put down our prosperity. All pesticides should be used cautiously and need to develop a new type of pesticides that do not harm seriously our environment.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Human Rights Promotion in the Fourth Republic of Ghana
Authors: Belley Harrison Kofi
Published: August 2020

Human rights are a justified entitlement that any person may claim because of being human       and that right to be socially guaranteed. Ensuring human rights requires that institutions are committed to their promotion and enforcement. It is against this backdrop with respect to the human rights record of Ghana especially under her Fourth Republic that this work is motivated to assess the promotion and protection of human rights under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regime from 2009 to 2017. The work seeks to examine the political environment that the NDC created during its eight years of administration to ensure the enjoyment of fundamental human rights, with focus on how it strengthened constitutional human right institutions like the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Media. This work is qualitative and uses primary and secondary sources of data to gather the information. The findings of this work reveal and confirm that human rights was the premise of Ghana`s transition to democratic rule since 1993 with the promulgation of the Fourth Republican Constitution which makes provision for the enjoyment of fundamental human rights and freedoms. The study recommends that the promotion and protection of human rights should be a matter of a collective responsibility.
Reproductive Biology of Marine Catfish, Arius latiscutatus (Günther, 1864) and Arius gigas (Boulenger, 1911) from the Bays of Guinea
Authors: Koivogui Pierre , Konan Yao Aristide , Coulibaly Bakari , Kouamelan Essetchi Paul , Koné Tidiani
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives: Marine catfish are abundant in the bays of Tabounsou and Sangareah in Republic of Guinea, but the knowledge on their biology is still scanty. The reproductive biology of Arius latiscutatus Günther, 1864 and A. gigas Boulenger, 1911 was studied through monthly sampling, from January to December 2016.

Methodology: Fish were caught using gill nets in several sampling sites. Five gonadal stages were described, based on macroscopic observation of gonad form, size, weight, color and oocyte diameter.

Results: The population was dominated by males (61%) in A. latiscutatus and females (53%) in A. gigas, showing a sex-ratio of 1:1.54 (Chi-square, P < 0.05) and 1:0.88 (P > 0.05), respectively. The length-weight relationship was a positive allometry for A. latiscutatus and A. gigas, and males (35.37 and 35.47 cm, respectively) reached first maturity earlier than females (39.7 and 40.8 cm, respectively). Changes in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and in stages of gonadal development showed that A. latiscutatus spawned between April and October, while A. gigas spawned in May to November. The peak of condition factor was observed in June (0.68±0.05) and July (0.55±0.04) in females of A. latiscutatus and A. gigas, respectively.

Conclusion: Both species, having only one annual breeding season, A. latiscutatus spawns earlier than A. gigas. Coastal fisheries should be restricted in cold season to preserve the ability of broodstock renewal for these species.
About the Influences of Some Major Biotic Drivers on the Population Dynamics in Host-parasite Systems: Interpretative Lessons from an Extended Nicholson-Bailey Model
Authors: Béguinot Jean
Published: August 2020

Population dynamics within host-parasite systems in insects is governed by a series of factors, both endogenous and exogenous. Among them, five factors may be considered as major drivers: the respective inherent rates of increase of the host and of the parasite, the level of resource available to the host, the respective immigration rates of the host and of the parasite. While only the first two (the inherent rates of increase of host and parasite) are considered in the original Nicholson and Bailey model, an extended version of the model includes also the other three parameters, thus providing a broader (although still schematic) approach to the host-parasite population dynamics. A brief analysis of the respective influences of each of these five driving parameters on the main features of host-parasite dynamics is derived accordingly, based upon this extended model. Finally, specific attention is paid to the major concerns due to the cyclic outbreaks of both the host and the parasite, regarding in particular the amplitude, the periodicity and the conditions of onset of the cyclicity. Both the practical aspects of the cyclic regime and its possible adaptative significance are discussed. As a whole, this approach aims to provide some general clues for the interpretation of various features of the host-parasite dynamics, as reported from field observations.
The Effect of Temperature on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Two Invasive Plants in Rorippa
Authors: Wang Qiuli , Qu Bo , Mi Juanjuan , Xu Yufeng , Shao Meini
Published: August 2020

Aims: By studying the response of seed germination and seedling growth of invasive plants, Rorippa amphibia and Rorippa sylvestris, to temperature, the influence of temperature on the invasive ability of two species of Rorippa were further analyzed, which provided a theoretical basis for revealing the diffusion and invasion mechanism of two invasive plants in Rorippa.

Study Design: Seed germination and seedling growth test of two invasive plants in Rorippa at different temperature was studied by means of laboratory culture. The germination percentage, germination index, germination potential of the seeds and the total leaf number, root length, lateral root number, biomass and root shoot ratio of seedlings were determined.

Place and Duration of Study: Seeds were collected from the Shenyang Agricultural University of Liaoning Province in July 2018. Experiments were done in the College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, and conducted in April 2019 for a month.

Methodology: The petri dish method was used at the experiment of seed germination. The seedling growth experiment was carried out by pot sowing.

Results: At the seedling stage.R. amphibia has the strongest tolerance at 30°C, while the R. sylvestris does at 35°C. The low temperature is more beneficial to the accumulations of the seedlings, R. amphibia is the most tolerant at 25°C, and R. sylvestris is at 30°C at the seedling stage.

Conclusion: The response of the seeds and seedlings of the two species to temperature was basically the same. Higher temperature promoted seed germination and inhibited seedling growth, while lower temperature inhibited seed germination. The response of seeds and seedlings of R. sylvestris to high temperature makes it more invasive in the process of global warming.
Production Potentials of Pearl Millet Based Crop Sequence as Influenced by INM, Dates of Sowing and Fertilizer Levels in Southern Telangana Zone
Authors: Nalini N. , Vani K. P. , Devi K. B. Suneetha , Babu P. Surendra , Reddy S. Narender
Published: August 2020

The experiment was conducted on integrated nutrient management, dates of sowing and fertilizer levels in pearl millet based cropping sequence. The pearl millet crop was sown during kharif and Bengal gram, French bean crops were sown during rabi season as sequence crops to find out remunerative rabi crop for pearl millet based cropping sequence at College Farm, College of Agriculture, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The data was analysed in strip-split plot design and results revealed that higher pearl millet equivalent yield (PEY), system productivity and production efficiency were obtained with the mean and pooled data of two years (2014-15 & 2015-16) reveals that residual effect of 100% RDF + press mud @ 2.5 t ha-1 (M3), significantly recorded higher pearl millet equivalent yield as compared to 100% RDF(M1) and 100% RDF + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 (M2), Among the four dates of sowing, D3 (after harvest of July 15th sown pearl millet) significantly recorded higher pearl millet equivalent yield, system productivity and production efficiency and it was on par with D2 (after harvest of June 30th sown pearl millet) followed by D1 (after harvest of June 15th sown pearl millet) and minimum equivalent, system productivity and production efficiency were found with D4 (after harvest of July 30th sown pearl millet). Among the different fertilizer levels, crop fertilized with 100% RDF to bengal gram (S1) and 100% RDF to French bean (S3) resulted in significantly maximum PEY, system productivity and production efficiency compared to 50% RDF in both the pearl millet based rabi crops.
Determination of Extractable and Bound Organochlorine in Sediment by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis
Authors: Afful Samuel , Awudza Johannes A. M. , Osae Shiloh , Tawiah Michael , Enimil Ellis , Puplampu Beatrice , Mantey Gladys Adjei
Published: August 2020

Extractable organochlorine (EOC) and bound organochlorine (BOC) compositions in sediments from Lake Bosomtwi have been determined with instrumental neutron activation technique. Within the limit of experimental errors, the precision and accuracy of the method for the determination were within 3% and 4% respectively. The mean levels of EOC and BOC were in the range of 1.71 mg/kg to 5.18 mg/kg and 0.31 mg/kg to 0.68 mg/kg respectively. Analysis of organochlorine data showed the EOC content on the average was about seven times more than those of BOC. Washing of chloride from sediment fortified with an insoluble chloride, thus PbCl2, with various concentrations of sodium nitrate (NaNO3) solutions was investigated and washing with 0.1 M solution of NaNO3 gave the optimum yield of chloride. Organic carbon (OC) and BOC compositions in the sediments were subjected to correlation analysis and results showed that the two correlated very well with corrected coefficient of 0.65. OC in sediments could therefore, be one of the carrier phases of BOC in sediments.
Proximate Composition, Sensory Properties and Microbial Quality of Chin-chin Developed from Wheat and African Walnut Flour Blends for Household Food Security
Authors: Deedam N. J. , China M. A. , Wachukwu H. I.
Published: August 2020

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the proximate composition, sensory properties and microbial quality of chin-chin developed from wheat and African walnut flour blends as a means of achieving household food security.

Methodology: African walnut was processed into flour. Chin-chin was prepared from blends of wheat and African walnut flours using 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50 of wheat flour to African walnut flour (AWF), and 100% wheat flour as control. Samples were subjected to sensory evaluation within 30 min of production. Proximate analysis was carried out using standard methods. The samples were also stored for 3 weeks and evaluated at weekly intervals for total bacterial and fungal counts.

Results:  composition of the chin-chin revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in ash (0.42-1.38%), fat (34.39-40.03%), crude protein (5.53-7.95% protein), crude fibre (0.98-1.86%), and energy contents (402.65-414.08kcal) with a decrease in moisture (3.31-4.85%) and carbohydrate (45.59-53.84%) . Sensory analysis of the chin-chin showed that the control chin-chin was more preferred than all other samples. This was followed closely by chin-chin substituted with 10% African walnut flour having mean scores above 6 for all sensory attributes. Total bacterial counts (TBCs) and fungal counts (TFCs) of the chin-chin samples were observed to increase during storage. TBCs and TFCs of chin-chin samples after 3 weeks of storage ranged from 6.00×103-8.50×103cfu/g and 6.80×103-8.00×103cfu/g, respectively. The samples presented adequate microbiological conditions and were within recommended safe limit of microbial guidelines.

Conclusion: The findings of the study showed that chin-chin of acceptable sensory attributes and improved nutritional content could be produced with up to 10% African walnut flour (AWF) level. In effect, chin-chin substituted with African walnut flour can be consumed by households thereby improving their nutritional status and eradicating food insecurity and malnutrition which is common among households.
Risk Assessment of Other Substances in Food Supplements - L-methionine
Authors: Strand Tor A. , Frøyland Livar , Haugen Margaretha , Henjum Sigrun , Holvik Kristin , Løvik Martinus , Skålhegg Bjørn Steen , Stea Tonje Holte , Tell Grethe S. , Iversen Per Ole
Published: August 2020

"Other substances" are described in the food supplement directive 2002/46/EC as substances other than vitamins or minerals that have a nutritional and/or physiological effect, and may be added to food supplements or e.g. energy drinks. In the series of risk assessments of "other substances" the VKM has not evaluated any claimed beneficial effects from these substances, but merely possible adverse effects at specified doses used in Norway. 

This statement regards the substance L-methionine per se, and no specific products.

According to information from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA), L-methionine is an ingredient in food supplements sold in Norway. NFSA has requested a risk assessment of the intake of 200, 300, 500, 600 and 700 mg L-methionine per day from food supplements. The total L-methionine exposure from other sources than food supplements is not included in the risk assessment.

This statement is based on a previous risk assessment from VKM of L-methionine, as well as scientific papers retrieved from a systematic search in literature published from 2012 up till 19 February 2016. The literature search aimed at retrieving human studies on adverse effects caused by L-methionine.

VKM concludes that:

VKM maintains the guidance level from 2013 at 210 mg methione per day.
Supply of Compost and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi for Enhancing Quality of Ceiba pentandra (Kapok Tree) Seedlings
Authors: Anguiby B. L. A. , Bomisso E. L. , N’goran K. S. B. , Ake S.
Published: August 2020

The success of reforestation depends on the production of quality seedlings in nurseries. Initial fertilization and mycorrhization are determinants that improve the growth of plants. The purpose of this study was to improve the quality of Ceiba pentandra seedlings using fertilization and mycorhization in nurseries. Seedlings of C. pentandra were subjected to various treatments (T1: Sterilized forest soil (100 %), T2: 90 % T1 + sterilized mycorrhizal inoculum (10 %); T3: 90 % T1 + mycorrhizal inoculum (10 %); T4: 90 % T1 + compost (10 %); T5: 80 % T1 + mycorrhizal inoculum (10 %) + compost (10 %)). The results showed an increase of 117.35 % in the dry stem weight of young Ceiba pentandra mycorrhizae (T3) seedlings compared to non-mycorrhizae (T2) seedlings. Growth parameters, roots, total leaf area were better with the treatment combining mycorrhization and compost application. Furthermore, the sturdiness quotient was identical for all substrates. Seedlings of Ceiba pentandra are highly dependent on mycorrhization. For rapid production of quality seedlings, fertilization could be coupled with mycorrhization.
Socio-demographic, Economic and Health Profile of Diabetic Patients Attending Some Primary Care Units in the City of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Aladin Ombeni Mahano , Rachel Ziruka Ntaboba , Florentin Asima Katumbi , Brigitte Akonkwa Byamungu , Béatrice Salama Matumaini , Patient Birindwa Mulashe , Jean Ahana Bagendabanga , Viviane Feza Bianga , Félicien Mushagalusa Kasali
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Diabetes is a serious health problem; its prevalence is increasing in developing countries. This study aims to describe the socio-demographic, economic and health profile of diabetics attending the primary care units for the management of diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study in 2019 on 257 diabetics in seven primary care units (Maendeleo, Funu, Uzima, CBCA-Nyamugo, 8th Cepac-Buholo, Lumu and Charles-Mbogha).To collect the data, we used the survey questionnaire, medical tools and documents; anthropometric tools and statement of the prices (for drugs, laboratory exams and public transport). Results: Most of respondents were female (79.4%), aged ≥ 45 years old (90.27%), with a level of study below secondary education (63.0), without paid employment (71.1 %) with a monthly income < $ 37.5 US (59.92%). Most of them had type-2 diabetes mellitus (93.3%). With family history (48.25%) and comorbidities (hypertension and stroke). All participants were on medication (77.0% on oral glucose-lowering drugs). Once a week glycemic control was assessed in six primary care units, we noted hyperglycemia in the majority of female 68.5% (OR = 2.25; P = 0.02); aged 55 or older 54.9% (OR = 2.62; P = 0.02), not respecting the diet 45.5% (OR = 2.09; P = 0.04) and ate the family meal on a common plate 40.5% (OR = 2.32; P = 0.007). Their monthly expenses covered the assessment of fasting blood sugar, medication, and food purchases. Body Mass Index has represented the increased (31.5% with overweight) and high (23.8% with obesity) disease risk. The waist circumference represented the abdominal obesity mainly in women.

Conclusion: Diabetes is an economic and health burden for the patient, family and community. Primary care units lacked human, material and financial resources to care for diabetics.
Role of Kisspeptin in Puberty in Humans
Authors: Kant Ravi , Meena Mahendra Kumar
Published: August 2020

Kisspeptin or GPR-54 is a product of KISS 1 gene regulating the production of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing (LH) as well follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Both LH and FSH are important hormones for reproduction in animals as well in humans. The recognition of Kisspeptin has a landmark bearing in reproductive biology. Few recent pilot studies have convincingly proven it to be a promising molecule in treating infertile couples especially those having hypogonadotropic hypogonadism not responding to conventional treatment.
Case Report of a 10 cm Subdued Abdominal Mass: Diagnosis and Management of a Rare Primitive Mesenteric Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: EL-HAJJ Carine , MATTA Clemence , ELIAS Bachir
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Specific management schemes of the exceedingly rare primitive mesenchymal leiomyosarcomas do not exist. Reporting their behavior and management is necessary to be able to construct evidence-based directives.

Case Report: We report a case of a 42-year-old Caucasian woman that presented with a large indolent abdominal mass evolving over 3 months. Two differential diagnosis were looked upon, either GIST or leiomyosarcoma. The abdomino-pelvic ct-scan proved that this tumor could be completely resected, so the patient was successfully operated within 2 weeks of the preliminary diagnosis. A monobloc negative margin resection was performed and the patient recovered on the surgical floor. The anatomopathological studies and immunohistochemistry tests confirmed the presence of a primitive mesenchymal leiomyosarcoma. The patient was recommended a follow up every 4 months with a thoraco-abdomino-pelvic ct-scan due to her economic status.

Conclusion: The management of rare tumors is always challenging due to the lack of knowledge concerning its behavior and response to the various treatment modalities. Reporting this rare case of mesenchymal leiomyosarcoma and similar cases will enable a better understanding of this disease and its treatment.
Using miR-125b in the Prediction of Aromatase Inhibitors Resistance in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Zedain Ashraf , Badrway Hosney , Refaat Ahmed , Razik Dina Ismail Abd El , Mahran Ahmed , Ibrahim Abeer
Published: August 2020

Background: Several studies investigated the miRNAs in cancer trying to assess the prognosis or to predict the response to certain treatment .One of these miRNAs are miR 125b , it was suggested by previous results as a good marker for prediction of aromatase inhibitors (AI) response. So, this study was conducted to assess the value using miRNA125b as a predictive factor to AI response.

Patients and Methods: A total of 90 patients of postmenopausal HR+ve metastatic breast cancer who attended to medical oncology department outpatient’s clinic in SECI, Assiut university Egypt, from May 2017 to September 2018. Patients presented with metastasis at diagnosis as well as patients who relapsed only after 3 years of adjuvant hormonal treatment with SERM were included. All patients received AI as first line treatment for metastatic, miRNA 125b was isolated from peripheral blood samples and measured by using (q PCR).The response of patients was assessed by RECIST criteria and correlated with its expression levels.

Results: Expression of the miR125-b was significantly higher in patients than control p= 0.000. However, no significant difference in its expression between those with single of multiple metastases or even between the site of metastases. We didn’t find also any significant difference in response p=0.648 and survival either PFS p=0.406 or OS p=0.384 between those patients with high expression vs. low expression.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that miR125b could be used as a diagnostic marker as it is significantly increased in patients than control. However, we don’t recommend using miR125b as a marker to predict the AI resistance as further studies with large sample size are needed to confirm these results.
Effect of Different Mulching on Moisture Content in Soil, Weed Dynamics and Yield of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) in Post Flood Situation in Coastal Odisha
Authors: Mishra P. , Sahoo T. R. , Rahman F. H. , Mohapatra N. , Sahoo P. K. , Mohapatra R. K. , Mishra S. N.
Published: August 2020

A field experiment was conducted at the farmer’s field at Ratanpur village of Marshaghai block of Kendrapara district of Odisha to assess the effect of different mulching practices on weed population, moisture content in soil, growth and yield of tomato. The experimental field in an adopted village of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kendrapara where National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) Project activities are being undertaken. The experiment consists of five mulching treatments like black polythene mulch, black and silver polythene mulch, transparent mulch organic mulch and without mulch as control. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replications. Results revealed that higher moisture content in soil (14.2 %) at 7 days after planting when black with silver colour polythene mulch was used for tomato cultivation. Black with silver colour polythene mulch showed low weed density and dry weight (0.7/ m2 and 0.4 g/ m2) at 20 and 40 days after planting as compared to other treatments. The same treatment gave significantly higher yield per plant (2.27 kg) and yield (56.5 t/ha). Organic mulch was also found a better treatment with respect to yield per plant (1.84 kg) and yield (48.4 t/ha). Higher return obtained by the farmers when black with silver colour polythene mulch was used for tomato cultivation. Black polythene mulching and organic mulching practices was also found good in soil moisture content, weed population in field and yield of tomato.
Value-Based Organisational Leadership: A Literature Review
Authors: Sumanasiri E. A. G.
Published: August 2020

This review of literature explores the literature on the concept of organisational leadership which is dedicated to the leader’s commitment to ensuring the common good. A hundred and eighty four articles were identified that focused on six main types of leadership, namely, transformational leadership, ethical leadership, spiritual leadership, responsible leadership, servant leadership and authentic leadership. These approaches to leadership focus on difference aspects of organisational leadership, on its ethicality, morality, spirituality and sustainability. Effort has been also made to identify how a leader uses these values to influence his/her followers and the current challenges faced by each type of leader discussed. This paper further explores the contemporary leadership issues under each approach. Overall, it was found that over the years, organisational leadership studies that focused on the common good were complex and emerging and that this subject has attracted the attention of many leadership researchers. However, there are still areas coming under these diverse leadership approaches which should be continuously researched. Therefore, the paper concludes with possible avenues for future research in this field.
Markov Chain Analysis- A Discrete Assessment on Livestock Sector Trade in India and Allied Countries
Authors: Sonavale K. P. , Kadam M. M. , Shaikh M. R. , Pokharkar V. G.
Published: August 2020

Objective/Methods: The research was to analyze the export and import of livestock products (India) to Oman, Afghanistan, Liberia, Maldives, Algeria, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Vietnam, Philippines, Jordon and Saudi Arabia and U.A.E countries through Markov-chain analysis, and to identify the important factors responsible for livestock production. The Markov chain Analysis was employed to analyse the dynamic nature of trade pattern specially the structural changes in any system whose progress through time can be measured in the term of single outcome variable. To accomplish the objective under study the period taken for all livestock products export was 2006-2007 to 2017-2018.

Findings/Applications: The study on import and export of agricultural commodities revealed a significant benchmark based on Markov chain analysis. The Markov Chain analysis revealed that, India has an edge to export milk products to Algeria, Bangladesh and U.A.E, as indicated by the highest retention probability. In case of egg, export to Oman, Afghanistan, Liberia, Maldives indicated by the highest retention capacity. In case of buffalo meat, export to Vietnam, Philippines, Jordon and Saudi Arabia as indicated by the highest retention probability. In case of sheep meat, export to Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait had the highest retention probability. The multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the factors for milk production (number of buffaloes, Area under permanent Pasture and Grazing land and institutional credit), for meat production (number of animals slaughtered, population of poultry, buffalo, sheep and goat, number of veterinary institutes) and for egg production (Number of layers and number of veterinary institutes) were highly significant to increase the livestock product production.
Perceived Social Empowerment Status of the Medicinal Plant Growers
Authors: Suganthi N. , Balasubramaniam P.
Published: August 2020

The indigenous systems of medicine in India are Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani which is practised from ancient times. India and China are the two major countries having 40 per cent of the global diversity and are known as the house of medicinal plants. Most of the medicinal plants are gathered from the forest areas to meet the demand of the medicinal profession, which becomes exhaustible if overused and sustainable when used with care and wisdom. Hence, it is important to take efforts to grow them as commercial crops. Several theoretical concepts to measure empowerment of farmers have been identified and proposed world wide, very few studies have been conducted to measure their empowerment. This paper presents the Perceived Social Empowerment status of medicinal plant growers.
The Impact of the Lockdown Measure on the Confirmed Cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Nigeria
Authors: Aronu Charles Okechukwu , Otty Nkechi Udochukwu , Ehiwario Jacob Chinedum , Okafor Patrick Nnaemeka
Published: August 2020

Aims: This study examined the impact of the lockdown measure on the confirmed cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Nigeria.  The objectives of the study include to identifying an appropriate autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model that is adequate for estimating the reported cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria and to ascertain whether the ease of lockdown has a significant impact on the reported cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria. 

Place and Duration of Study: The source of the data used for this study was the secondary data obtained from the daily report of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) from 1st February 2020 to 30th June 2020.

Methodology: The statistical tools used for data analysis are the ARIMA time series model and the Chow test analysis.

Results: Nigeria ranked 1st in West Africa sub-region with a total of 25, 133 confirmed COVID-19 cases, followed by Ghana with 17, 351 confirmed cases while Gambia recorded the least number of confirmed cases with 47 cases of COVID19. The ARIMA (0, 1, 1) was identified as the best model for forecasting the confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria within the observed period. It was found that there exists a significant difference in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 during the lockdown period and the post lockdown period.

Conclusion: The study revealed that Nigeria has the most confirmed cases of COVID-19 in West Africa region. Also, the ease of the lockdown was found to increase the number of confirmed virus cases in Nigeria.
Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease is genetically heterogeneous
Authors: Chen Zhongbo , Yan Yau Wai , Jaunmuktane Zane , Tucci Arianna , Sivakumar Prasanth , Gagliano Taliun Sarah A. , Turner Chris , Efthymiou Stephanie , Ibáñez Kristina , Sullivan Roisin , Bibi Farah , Athanasiou‐Fragkouli Alkyoni , Bourinaris Thomas , Zhang David , Revesz Tamas , Lashley Tammaryn , DeTure Michael , Dickson Dennis W. , Josephs Keith A. , Gelpi Ellen , Kovacs Gabor G. , Halliday Glenda , Rowe Dominic B. , Blair Ian , Tienari Pentti J. , Suomalainen Anu , Fox Nick C. , Wood Nicholas W. , Lees Andrew J. , Haltia Matti J. ,   Genomics England Research Consortium, Hardy John , Ryten Mina , Vandrovcova Jana , Houlden Henry
Published: August 2020

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a clinically heterogeneous neurodegenerative condition characterized by pathological intranuclear eosinophilic inclusions. A CGG repeat expansion in NOTCH2NLC was recently identified to be associated with NIID in patients of Japanese descent. We screened pathologically confirmed European NIID, cases of neurodegenerative disease with intranuclear inclusions and applied in silico‐based screening using whole‐genome sequencing data from 20 536 participants in the 100 000 Genomes Project. We identified a single European case harbouring the pathogenic repeat expansion with a distinct haplotype structure. Thus, we propose new diagnostic criteria as European NIID represents a distinct disease entity from East Asian cases.