bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MFN Standard as Substantive Treatment
Authors: Suleimenova Mira
Published: April 2019

‘Most favoured nation’ (MFN) treatment is an integral part of virtually all modern investment regimes. MFN clauses in international investment agreements signal to investors that a given state protects them from discrimination; however, in practice, enforcing such guarantees may be challenging.
This book represents a comprehensive study on how ‘most favoured nation’ treatment operates as a substantive standard of international investment law. Starting with a history of the development of the concept in international law, the author provides an overview of existing state practices in negotiating MFN clauses in bilateral and international investment treaties. Finally, the work analyses the ability of MFN treatment clauses to prevent de facto discrimination and allow for the ‘import’ of third-party substantive protections in international investor state arbitration.
Dr Mira Suleimenova, LL.M. is an international investment lawyer based in Vienna, Austria.
Sartre, Heidegger, and the Origin of Value
Authors: Cordero Ronald ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2019

Where does value come from? How does it continue in existence? Can it disappear? In this paper I argue, in a direction suggested by Sartre and Heidegger, that value is an objective feature of reality which exists because of choices made by conscious beings. Specifically, I argue that both the existence of correctness (what ought to or must be done, would be the right or correct thing to do) and the existence of goodness rest on types of choosing—choosing to do and choosing to care, respectively.
The QSAR study for antibacterial activity of structurally diverse nitroaromatics
Authors: Šarlauskas Jonas , Polmickaitė-Smirnova Evelina , Čėnas Narimantas , Krikštopaitis Kastis , Anusevičius Žilvinas
Published: April 2019

The antibacterial activity of a series of structurally diverse nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) (nitrobenzene and nitroheterocyclic derivatives) was estimated in terms of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria strains in vitro. The resultant log of 1/MICs (pMICs) was subjected to a quantitative structure–activity relationship analysis (QSAR) using a set of molecular descriptors of the compounds assessed by means of quantum mechanical computation and other methods. The estimated pMIC values of NACs tentatively increased with an increase in their electrophilic potency (in terms of LUMO energy) along with the LUMO–HOMO energy gap (or chemical hardness) towards both bacteria strains. No reliable contribution of lipophilicity (octanol/water log P) of nitroaromatics was found to both bacteria strains. The activity of NACs towards S. aureus increased with an increase in their molecular weight and van der Waals volume, and it also tended to increase with an increase in their polar surface area (PSA) and in the number of hydrogen bond-acceptors (HBAs), whereas using these descriptors against E. coli strain, no satisfactory correlations were obtained. The activity of NACs towards both bacteria strains showed a parabolic type dependence upon the highest positive values of molecular electrostatic potentials (VS, max) that might partially be associated with the non-specific interaction of nitroaromatics with the surfaces of the negatively charged envelopes of bacteria at the initial stage of NACs’ action.
Wittgenstein’s Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus and a Hierarchical Approach to Solving Logical Paradoxes
Authors: Ladov Vsevolod
Published: April 2019

The hierarchical approach to the solution of logical paradoxes is considered in the article. The foundations and main theses of the hierarchical approach are analysed through consideration of Russell’s theory of types and Tarski’s semantic conception. Basic arguments critical of such an approach that have been formulated in logical and epistemological research are presented. A specific characteristic of Wittgenstein’s position in the context of the hierarchical approach expressed by him in Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus is identified. The Wittgensteinian version of the hierarchical approach is the most stable in the relation to the critical arguments considered. If we still want to evaluate the hierarchical approach as an acceptable solution to the problem of logical paradoxes, we should employ its Wittgensteinian interpretation, because it is able to overcome the serious critical arguments against the approach presented in contemporary research on logic, epistemology, and the philosophy of mathematics.
The Construction of the Homeless as a Discursive-Political Struggle: A Discursive-Theoretical Re-reading of the Homeless Subject Position
Authors: Carpentier Nico , Doudaki Vaia
Published: April 2019

Within the literature on homelessness, the attention for what is often called ‘homeless identity’ is slowly increasing, and within this body of knowledge, the complex, contingent and contested nature of this identity also becomes more visible. This article aims to contribute to this discussion, by deploying Laclau and Mouffe’s (1985) discourse theory to produce a (discursive-) theoretical re-reading of the homeless identity, or, in discourse-theoretical terms, the homeless subject position. Acknowledging that the homeless subject position is part of a larger assemblage, this article, in particular, aims to show the contested nature of this subject position and how it is an object of political struggle. In the second part, this article zooms in on the literature on media constructions, and the struggle over the homeless subject position in (and between) mainstream media and the so-called street press.
Aspectos relacionados con la dependencia al ejercicio físico en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Reche-García C. , Ortín Montero F. J. , Martínez-Rodríguez A.
Published: April 2019

Es objeto de este estudio determinar la prevalencia de sintomatología de dependencia al ejercicio físico en universitarios y su relación con variables como la dedicación a la práctica deportiva, ansiedad rasgo, estado de ánimo, calidad del sueño y adherencia a una dieta baja en grasa. Se evaluaron a 240 deportistas (edad: M = 21.1, dt = 4.2). Los resultados mostraron como un 6% presentaron riesgo de dependencia al ejercicio físico. Son más los casos entre las mujeres, menores de 20 años, los que practican más sesiones semanales de entrenamiento y son más experimentados. El riesgo de dependencia al ejercicio físico aparece relacionado con una mayor frecuencia de las sesiones semanales de entrenamiento, alteraciones en el estado de ánimo, problemas de sueño, propensión ansiosa y la menor adherencia a una dieta baja en grasas. Estos resultados muestran indicadores psicológicos y signos del trastorno de dependencia al ejercicio físico evaluables por un psicólogo deportivo para su detección temprana o intervención.
Diseño y validación de un cuestionario para evaluar la dimensión conceptual en educación física
Authors: Peña-Troncoso S. E. , Toro Arévalo S. , Osses Bustingorry S. , Hernández-Mosqueira C.
Published: April 2019

El objetivo del estudio fue diseñar un instrumento que evalúe de forma válida y confiable la dimensión conceptual del conocimiento en educación física en estudiantes chilenos de la provincia de Llanquihue, Región de los Lagos. El estudio fue metodológicamente descriptivo. Se realizó una validación de contenido y constructo; la primera a través de un juicio de expertos; la segunda a través de un análisis factorial exploratorio con una muestra de 387 estudiantes. La fiabilidad se calculó a través de la consistencia interna y temporal del instrumento; la primera a través de la fórmula 21 de la prueba de Kuder- Richarson; la segunda mediante la aplicación de la prueba test-retest a través del Coeficiente de Correlación Intraclase (CCI), con un intervalo de una semana. Los resultados demuestran adecuados índices de validez y fiabilidad del instrumento para su uso en la población escolar chilena.
Sistema de caliicación para juegos motores en función de la edad
Authors: Fernández-Revelles A. B. , Moreno-Arrebola R. , Espejo-Garcés T. , Báez-Mirón F. , Ramírez-Granizo I. A.
Published: April 2019

Introducción: Partiendo de la necesidad de calificación de los juegos motores para orientar a los menores y adolescentes en su uso. Objetivo: Proponer las bases para un sistema de calificación, evaluación y clasificación de juegos motores partiendo de los sistemas de calificación de videojuegos. Metodología: Análisis de los sistemas de calificación de videojuegos. Resultados y Discusión: Se han encontrado diferentes sistemas de calificación por edades de videojuegos basadas en los descriptores: violencia, sexo y adicciones que modifican su impacto en función de diferentes moduladores. Tienen bastantes similitudes y están extendidos por todo el mundo. Conclusiones: Se pueden establecer las bases para una propuesta de un sistema de calificación de juegos motores partiendo de los sistemas de calificación de videojuegos, modificando calificación de edad, descriptores y moduladores en relación con la actividad motora.
¿Afecta la fase de juego al diseño de las tareas de un equipo de baloncesto de formación?
Authors: Mancha Triguero D. , García Ceberino J. M. , Antúnez Medina A. , García Rubio J.
Published: April 2019

Durante la temporada, el papel principal del entrenador es el de diseñar y plantear las tareas que ayuden a conseguir los objetivos planteados de manera secuencial. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir si existen diferencias entre las tareas que son diseñadas en función de la fase de juego. Para ello, se recogieron 388 tareas durante una temporada de un equipo de baloncesto. Esta comparativa se debe a que el entrenador, realiza los entrenamientos bajo enfoque comprensivo y elige un modelo ondulatorio del trabajo en el que se alternan tareas con finalidad de ataque y defensa. Finalmente, este trabajo presenta un análisis crítico y fiable sobre el diseño y el planteamiento de los entrenamientos con una visión global que recoge las diferencias encontradas en las tareas en función de la fase de juego.
Relación entre dieta mediterránea, actividad física e índice de masa corporal en adolescentes de secundaria de dos pueblos de Granada
Authors: Peláez-Barrios E. M. , Vernetta-Santana M. , López-Bedoya J.
Published: April 2019

El objetivo fue evaluar la Adherencia a la Dieta Mediterránea (ADM) en adolescentes y su relación con el Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) y Actividad Física (AF). Participaron 209 estudiantes (117 chicas y 92 chicos) entre 12 y 18 años. Se analizó la ADM a través del test KIDMED y el grado de AF se estimó mediante el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física. Se midió la altura y el peso de cada adolescente, calculándose el IMC. El 65,6%, de la muestra total, mostró una óptima ADM con un IMC de 20,02 kg/m2 sin diferencias de sexos. Sin embargo, los chicos mostraron mayor nivel de AF que las chicas, con diferencias estadísticamente significativas. No se encontraron relaciones signiicativas entre las variables DM, AF, IMC y género. Los hábitos de los adolescentes españoles de la muestra son saludables, presentando la mayoría óptima ADM, valores normales del IMC y buen nivel de AF.
EXCELLENCE MANAGEMENT MODELS AND AWARDS: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: DE SANTA MARIA AURIS GOICOCHEA JOSE MIGUEL , ESPINOZA TALAVERANO RUBI , SOLANO CASTRO MAYRA STEPHANY , ALFARO PAREDES EMIGDIO ANTONIO
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT:
The purpose of the study was to classify the excellence management models and awards, according to the types of organizations, the criteria for their application, and the countries in which those models and awards were applied. Some conclusions were that the awards for excellence in management that have been delivered in the five continents were based exclusively on the three main models: EFQM, Deming’s Model of Excellence, and Malcom Baldrige, which were created with the aim of continuous improvement according to diverse criteria and principles, and these models used different percentages of them and that these excellence models have been used together with a combination of criteria in a single context to make the implementation feasible. It is recommended to extend an investigation in detail due to that the classifications can be given not only in the principles that are used for obtaining an excellence award or in the countries that the models are used, but also with the information about the industries in which were used and considering the moment in which the application has been submitted.

Keywords: Quality Management, Excellence Models, Excellence Awards, Excellence Management Models, Excellence Management Awards
Calidad de los sitios web en el sector agroalimentario ecológico y sus factores explicativos: el papel del cooperativismo
Authors: Bernal Jurado Enrique , Mozas Moral Adoración , Fernández Uclés Domingo , Medina Viruel Miguel Jesús , Puentes Poyatos Raquel
Published: April 2019

Los objetivos de este trabajo son examinar en qué medida las empresas españolas del sector de la agricultura ecológica están aprovechando el sitio web como canal de venta, identificar los factores que explican la calidad de estas plataformas virtuales y estudiar la relación de dicha calidad sobre los rendimientos empresariales. Para ello, se ha analizado la website de las empresas de aceite de oliva ecológico españolas, la mayoría de ellas cooperativas, identificando los factores relacionados con la calidad de sus sitios web. Entre dichos factores, se ha prestado una especial atención a la influencia de la forma jurídica cooperativa. Para alcanzar estos objetivos se ha utilizado la técnica QCA (Quality Comparative Analysis) en su variante fuzzy set (fsQCA), junto con otras técnicas estadísticas. Los resultados sugieren que las empresas oleícolas ecológicas, especialmente las cooperativas, presentan una escasa calidad de sus sitios web y que esta calidad está relacionada directamente con la obtención de unos mejores ingresos de explotación. Cabe destacar, que, entre los distintos elementos utilizados para valorar la calidad del sitio web, es la información sobre responsabilidad social corporativa la que se relaciona con más intensidad con los resultados empresariales.
Crowdfunding y audiovisual de proximidad. La economía colaborativa como instrumento de desarrollo sectorial
Authors: Cantalapiedra Nieto Basilio
Published: April 2019

El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar cómo el crowdfunding aplicado a la financiación audiovisual, puede incentivar la generación de contenidos de proximidad y, apoyándose en el crowdsourcing, favorecer el desarrollo del sector audiovisual en zonas alejadas de los grandes centros de producción estatales. En un sector audiovisual como el actual, fragmentado en las audiencias y en continua evolución en cuanto a los modelos de negocio, se hace necesaria la evaluación de la idoneidad de unas estrategias de crowdfunding uniformizadas para todo tipo de productos. Igualmente, la generación de contenidos audiovisuales de proximidad dirigidos a espectadores unidos por lo geográfico y temático, puede encontrar una idónea vía de financiación y gestión a través de las plataformas de crowdfunding y de crowdsourcing. La aplicación del crowdfunding a los contenidos de proximidad debe adecuar los planteamientos del producto y las recompensas propuestas a los caracteres de dicha proximidad, mientras la práctica del crowdsourcing pone en relación a los agentes productores con el personal técnico y artístico cercano, favoreciendo el establecimiento de redes de trabajo potencialmente estables que sirvan de instrumento para el desarrollo del sector audiovisual local. Para ello se ha procedido al estudio de dos de las plataformas de crowdfunding más representativas a nivel estatal, Verkami y Lánzanos. El trabajo se centra en la tipología de los proyectos audiovisuales de proximidad, su volumen presupuestario y los aspectos utilizados tanto para su descripción como para el establecimiento de las recompensas.
Analysis of small RNA changes in different Brassica napus synthetic allopolyploids
Authors: Wei Yunxiao , Li Fei , Zhang Shujiang , Zhang Shifan , Zhang Hui , Sun Rifei
Published: April 2019

Allopolyploidy is an evolutionary and mechanisticaly intriguing process involving the reconciliation of two or more sets of diverged genomes and regulatory interactions, resulting in new phenotypes. In this study, we explored the small RNA changes of eight F2 synthetic B. napus using small RNA sequencing. We found that a part of miRNAs and siRNAs were non-additively expressed in the synthesized B. napus allotetraploid. Differentially expressed miRNAs and siRNAs differed among eight F2 individuals, and the differential expression of miR159 and miR172 was consistent with that of flowering time trait. The GO enrichment analysis of differential expression miRNA target genes found that most of them were concentrated in ATP-related pathways, which might be a potential regulatory process contributing to heterosis. In addition, the number of siRNAs present in the offspring was significantly higher than that of the parent, and the number of high parents was significantly higher than the number of low parents. The results have shown that the differential expression of miRNA lays the foundation for solving the trait separation phenomenon, and the significant increase of siRNA alleviates the shock of the newly synthesized allopolyploidy. It provides a new perspective of small RNA changes and trait separation in the early stages of allopolyploid polyploid formation.
The phage L capsid decoration protein has a novel OB-fold and an unusual capsid binding strategy
Authors: Newcomer Rebecca L , Schrad Jason R , Gilcrease Eddie B , Casjens Sherwood R , Feig Michael , Teschke Carolyn M , Alexandrescu Andrei T , Parent Kristin N
Published: April 2019

The major coat proteins of dsDNA tailed phages (order Caudovirales) and herpesviruses form capsids by a mechanism that includes active packaging of the dsDNA genome into a precursor procapsid, followed by expansion and stabilization of the capsid. These viruses have evolved diverse strategies to fortify their capsids, such as non-covalent binding of auxiliary ‘decoration’ (Dec) proteins. The Dec protein from the P22-like phage L has a highly unusual binding strategy that distinguishes between nearly identical three-fold and quasi-three-fold sites of the icosahedral capsid. Cryo-electron microscopy and three-dimensional image reconstruction were employed to determine the structure of native phage L particles. NMR was used to determine the structure/dynamics of Dec in solution. The NMR structure and the cryo-EM density envelope were combined to build a model of the capsid-bound Dec trimer. Key regions that modulate the binding interface were verified by site-directed mutagenesis.
Photo-hydrogen and lipid production from lactate, acetate, butyrate, and sugar manufacturing wastewater with an alternative nitrogen source byRhodobactersp.KKU-PS1
Authors: Assawamongkholsiri Thitirut , Reungsang Alissara , Sittijunda Sureewan
Published: April 2019

Photo-hydrogen and lipid production from individual synthetic volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and sugar manufacturing wastewater (SMW) byRhodobactersp. KKU-PS1 with sodium glutamate or Aji-L (i.e., waste from the process of crystallizing monosodium glutamate) as a nitrogen source was investigated. Using individual synthetic VFAs, the maximum hydrogen production was achieved with Aji-L as a nitrogen source rather than sodium glutamate. The maximum hydrogen production was 1,727, 754 and 1,353 mL H2/L, respectively, using 25 mM of lactate, 40 mM of acetate and 15mM of butyrate as substrates. Under these conditions, lipid was produced in the range of 10.6–16.9% (w/w). Subsequently, photo-hydrogen and lipid production from SMW using Aji-L as nitrogen source was conducted. Maximal hydrogen production and hydrogen yields of 1,672 mL H2/L and 1.92 mol H2/mol substrate, respectively, were obtained. Additionally, lipid content and lipid production of 21.3% (w/w) and 475 mg lipid/L were achieved. The analysis of the lipid and fatty acid components revealed that triacyglycerol (TAG) and C18:1 methyl ester were the main lipid and fatty acid components, respectively, found inRhodobactersp. KKU-PS1 cells.
Modelling and Allocation of Crops: Mathematical Programming Approach
Authors: Lone M. A. , Mir S. A. , Mushtaq Tabasum
Published: April 2019

Mathematical programming techniques are commonly used by decision makers for achieving efficiency in agricultural production planning. Due to increasing demands of growing population of world, one needs to utilize the limited available resources in the most efficient and economic way. In this paper, the fractional programming problem is formulated and is used to determine the optimal cropping pattern of vegetable crops in such a way that the total profit is maximized. The solution of the formulated Fuzzy programming problem is obtained using LINGO.
An Accurate Implicit Quarter Step First Derivative Block Hybrid Method (AIQSFDBHM) for Solving Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Tumba P. , Sabo J. , Okeke A. A. , Yakoko D. I.
Published: April 2019

The new accurate implicit quarter step first derivative blocks hybrid method for solving ordinary differential equations have been proposed in this paper via interpolation and collocation method for the solution of stiff ODEs. The analysis of the method was study and it was found to be consistent, convergent, zero-stability, We further compute the region of absolute stability region and it was found to be Aα − stable . It is obvious that, the numerical experiments considered showed that the methods compete favorably with existing ones. Thus, the pair of numerical methods developed in this research is computationally reliable in solving first order initial value problems, as the results from numerical solutions of stiff ODEs shows that this method is superior and best to solve such problems as in tables and figures.
Model Development of Reorder Point of an Inventory in an Imperfect Manufacturing System
Authors: Utazi J. O. , Godwin H. C.
Published: April 2019

This paper examines the concept of reorder point model of an inventory in an imperfect manufacturing system. The essence of the study is to know the point at which manufacturing firms should place an order for their raw materials. A model is developed which addresses the availability of raw materials in cases of variable demands and variable production lead times. The numerical data of innoson and bodex firm were obtained and used in testing the validity and robustness of the model. The result also showed the quantity to reorder provided the service level of the firm is known. This raw materials are made available via this model developed before manufacturing processes starts so as to avoid zero or excess stock. During production, defective items are produced with finished goods and as such rework process is necessary to convert those defectives into finished goods or products. Finally, this research is recommended for manufacturing industries in Nigeria for optimum performance.
Influence of NPK Blended Fertilizer Application on Chlorophyll Content and Tissue Mineral Contents of Two Finger Millet Varieties Grown in Acid Soils of Kakamega, Western Kenya
Authors: Wamalwa Dennis Simiyu , Sikuku Phoebe Anyango , Netondo Godfrey Wafula , Khasabulli Buyela Daniel
Published: April 2019

Acidic soils with high exchangeable aluminium ions occur in most parts of Kenya, western Kenya inclusive. Aluminium toxicity is a serious environmental problem that affects crop productivity in Western Kenya region. The county governments of Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, Busia and Trans-Nzoia are promoting the application of NPK blended fertilizer to ameliorate the soil acidity to increase maize production. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L) is one of the important cereal crops in Kenya and has the ability to grow under unfavorable environmental conditions much better than other cereal crops.  It is for this reason that it is currently being popularized in efforts to address food security in the region, however, the effects of NPK blended fertilizer application on the selected physiological parameters of the crop is little known, hence prompting the study. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of NPK blended fertilizer application on chlorophyll content index and plant tissue mineral analysis. Randomized Complete Block Design with 0,25,50,75,100 kg application rates per acre of NPK blended fertilizer as the treatments were applied in two equal split applications. The measured parameters were chlorophyll content index using CCM-200 spectrophotometer, (Opti- Sciences Inc., Hudson, USA) from the plant leaves at 50% plot maturity. Motsara and Roy Procedures were used to determine plant tissue analysis for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium at physiological maturity from the leaves. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GenStat statistical package version 15.1. Means were separated by Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at 0.05 probability level. Regression analysis was used to estimate the relationship between variables. At the 75 kg/acre rate, the leaves showed the significant P<0.05 chlorophyll content, calcium, and potassium in both varieties for the two seasons, short rain, and long rain respectively. Control had the lowest physiological activities for both seasons regarding chlorophyll content, tissue calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Significant nitrogen content was observed on Gulu-E variety for both seasons on the highest rate whereas the same trend was observed on P-224 variety and during the short rainy season, a linear increase was observed with increasing NPK blended fertilizer rates. No conclusive pattern was observed during the short rainy season but with the control exhibiting the lowest phosphorus content for both varieties. A significant response to physiology (chlorophyll and plant leaf tissue mineral) might have been due to increased uptake of mineral nutrients present in the NPK blended fertilizer and increased soil pH caused by the liming action of the NPK blended fertilizer.
Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: A Case Report and Review of Relevant Literatures
Authors: Omotoso A. J. , Odusolu P. O. , Nnoli M. A. , Ekpe E. L. , Omoruyi K.
Published: April 2019

Leiomyomas are benign soft tissue neoplasms that arise from smooth muscles. Leiomyosarcoma is a malignant lesion of smooth muscle origin. This is a rare lesion in the uterus with 1-2 % of its benign counterpart, leiomyoma, transforming into the lesion. It is often aggressive and could develop at any site where the smooth muscle is found.  We present a case of a 48-year-old farmer with pelvic mass with Ultra-sonography(USS) suggestive of leiomyoma. Hysterectomy was done and histologic diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma (LMS) was made. The patient was discharged 7 days post operation but was lost to follow up. Uterine LMS is an aggressive tumour, therefore, a high index of suspicion is needed especially for huge uterine nodules and such patients must be closely monitored for adequate management.
Genotype x Harvest Cycles Interaction in Sugarcane on the South Coast of Pernambuco
Authors: Machado Paulo Rocha , De Oliveira Francisco José , Coelho Silva Gheysa , Simões Neto Djalma Euzébio , Da Costa Ismael Gaião , Silva Ramos Robson da
Published: April 2019

Aims: To quantify the magnitude of the genotype x harvest cycle interaction (GxC) of sugarcane during three harvest cycles and to select superior clones for cultivation on the Coast of the Southern Forest of Pernambuco.

Study Design: The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design.

Place and Duration of Study: Evaluated during the 2011/2012, 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 harvest years in the agricultural area of the Cucaú Plant, located in the Municipality of Rio Formoso (8°39' 49" S and 35º09'31" W, altitude of 5 m), Microregion of the Southern Forest of Pernambuco.

Methodology: 11 genotypes Republic of Brazil of the RB 2004 series and three RB cultivars were evaluated. Each plot was represented by five grooves of 8.0 m in length, spaced in 1.0 m, totaling 40 m². The crops were harvested 15 months after planting (MAP) for the first crop cycle and 12 MAP during the two subsequent cycles were evaluated tons of sugarcane per hectare (TCH), tons of pol per hectare (TPH) and total recoverable sugar (ATR). The variance analyses, the Scott and Knott clustering test, the estimative of the simple and complex parts of the G x C interaction and the Pearson correlation coefficient were processed in the Genes program.

Results: The genotypes showed a significant reduction of TCH from the first to the second cycle and that only the genotype UFRPE11 showed a significant decrease for the third. The genotypes UFRPE10, UFRPE6, UFRPE11, UFRPE7, UFRPE2, UFRPE9 and UFRPE1 exceeded all commercial varieties in TPH. It was observed for the variable ATR that there were no significant differences between the genotypes in the third cycle. The simple fraction of the interaction G x C were predominant between cycles C1 and C2 for TCH (67.91%) and TPH (69.35%), while for ATR (56.42%) the complex fraction was predominant. For the pair C2 x C3, the simple fraction of the interaction G x C predominated only in the TCH (62.85%) and TPH (62.41%) variables, but was not significant for the variable ATR. It is worth mentioning that the C1 x C3 cycle pair presented predominantly complex type interactions for all variables TCH (50.42%), TPH (52.20%) and ATR (59.66%).

Conclusion: The simple fraction of the genotype x harvest cycles (G x C) interaction provides genetic gain for yield of sugarcane and sugar in selection in subsequent pairs of harvest cycles, year by year. The complex fraction of G x C interaction reduces the predictability of genetic gain, making it difficult to select new cultivars. Local selection favors expressive genetic gain in a few selection cycles. However, it does not favor the selection of genotypes with high adaptability and phenotypic stability, requiring tests in several environments. The UFRPE06 and UFRPE10 clones can be selected to continue the selection cycles for the southern coastal conditions of the Mata de Pernambuco.
Evaluation of the Roles of Physicians and the Functionality of the Healthcare System in Nigeria
Authors: Joe-Ikechebelu Ngozi N. , Solomon-Nwaejike Chika , Enetie Edidiong , Fuwape Oreoluwa , Jones Emmanuella , Joe-Ikechebelu Belusochi B. , Maduka Somtochukwu , D. I. Osuorah Chidiebere
Published: April 2019

Background: A comprehensive medical care system is required for effective healthcare delivery to people who need it. Even though exact configuration of healthcare services varies from country to country, a sturdy mechanism comprising of a robust financing, a well-trained and adequately paid workforce; research, policy recommendation and implementation is needed for a well-maintained system to deliver effective healthcare services.

Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted on 100 Nigerian trained physicians with at least 1-year practice experience. The online questionnaire was administered to participants through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and twitter using purposive sampling method. Data analysis was done using Microsoft excel 2010 version.

Results: The response rate was 100%. Ninety six percent (96%) and 99% of surveyed physicians think their monthly salary and the amount of money budgeted to the health sector is grossly inadequate. It was also noted that poor enumeration and/or low income 82/330 (25%) and poor medical facilities 70/330 (21%) are the commonest reasons they believe physicians  emigrate from Nigeria while problem identification (20.2%), provision of leadership, healthcare service delivery (13.5%), policy making and implementation (12.9%) and research and development (10.4%) are the commonest roles for physicians identified by study participants.

Conclusion: The Nigerian physician is poorly enumerated, and the healthcare budget is poor. This accounts to large part why leave Nigeria.  There is need for better funding of the healthcare system in Nigeria and more involvement of physicians in leadership, research and policy development.
Design and results of a smartphone‐based digital phenotyping study to quantify ALS progression
Authors: Berry James D. , Paganoni Sabrina , Carlson Kenzie , Burke Katherine , Weber Harli , Staples Patrick , Salinas Joel , Chan James , Green Jordan R. , Connaghan Kathryn , Barback Josh , Onnela Jukka Pekka
Published: April 2019

Objective

The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) trial outcome measures are clinic based. Active and passive smartphone data can provide important longitudinal information about ALS progression outside the clinic.

Methods

We used Beiwe, a research platform for smartphone‐based digital phenotyping, to collect active (self‐report ALSFRS‐R surveys and speech recordings) and passive (phone sensors and logs) data from patients with ALS for approximately 24 weeks. In clinics, at baseline and every 3 months, we collected vital capacity, ALSFRS‐R, and ALS‐CBS at enrollment, week 12, and week 24. We also collected ALSFRS‐R by telephone at week 6.

Results

Baseline in‐clinic ALSFRS‐R and smartphone self‐report correlation was 0.93 (P < 0.001). ALSFRS‐R slopes were equivalent and within‐subject standard deviation was smaller for smartphone‐based self‐report (0.26 vs. 0.56). Use of Beiwe afforded weekly collection of speech samples amenable to a variety of analyses, and we found mean pause time to increase by 0.02 sec per month across the sample.

Interpretation

Smartphone‐based digital phenotyping in people with ALS is feasible and informative. Self‐administered smartphone ALSFRS‐R scores correlate highly with clinic‐based ALSFRS‐R scores, have low variability, and could be used in clinical trials. More research is required to fully analyze speech recordings and passive data, and to identify optimal digital markers for use in future ALS clinical trials.
Bone Plate Composed of a Ternary Nanohydroxyapatite/Polyamide 66/Glass Fiber Composite: Biocompatibility In Vivo and Internal Fixation for Canine Femur Fractures
Authors: Qiao Bo , Zhou Di , Dai Zhenyu , Zhao Weikang , Yang Qiming , Xu Yanan , Li Xiangjie , Wu Jun , Guo Shuquan , Jiang Dianming
Published: April 2019

Bone plates have been applied to fix fractures for over a hundred years. Metal plates are the gold standard. However, an increasing number of clinical practices and animal experiments have shown that metal plates have had incidents of failure due to their rigid fixation and long‐term complications. Degradable composites present the advantages of a lower elastic modulus and absorbable properties but are unsuitable for load‐bearing applications. Nondegradable bone plates composed of a nanohydroxyapatite/polyamide 66/glass fiber (n‐HA/PA66/GF) composite are prepared, which have enough strength and a low elastic modulus for an internal fixation device. To better assess its function as a bone plate, animal experiments are conducted using a canine load‐bearing femur fracture model. The results show that the n‐HA/PA66/GF plate can fix fractures effectively. Gross observation, radiographic films, and histological analysis all show that the n‐HA/PA66/GF plate leads to a secondary (indirect) union with obvious callus formation, whereas the titanium plate leads to primary (direct) union due to rigid fixation. Furthermore, the histological results reveal that new bone grows at the interface and that the n‐HA/PA66/GF plate can integrate with native bone tissue. Consequently, the n‐HA/PA66/GF composite shows good potential as a bone plate to fix loading‐bearing bone fractures.
Thermoresponsive Stiffness Softening of Hierarchically Porous Nanohybrid Membranes Promotes Niches for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Wu Linxiao , Magaz Adrián , Darbyshire Arnold , Howkins Ashley , Reynolds Alan , Boyd Ian W. , Song Hang , Song Jin‐Hua , Loizidou Marilena , Emberton Mark , Birchall Martin , Song Wenhui
Published: April 2019

Despite the attention given to the development of novel responsive implants for regenerative medicine applications, the lack of integration with the surrounding tissues and the mismatch with the dynamic mechanobiological nature of native soft tissues remain in the current products. Hierarchical porous membranes based on a poly (urea–urethane) (PUU) nanohybrid have been fabricated by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) of the polymer solution at different temperatures. Thermoresponsive stiffness softening of the membranes through phase transition from the semicrystalline phase to rubber phase and reverse self‐assembly of the quasi‐random nanophase structure is characterized at body temperature near the melting point of the crystalline domains of soft segments. The effects of the porous structure and stiffness softening on proliferation and differentiation of human bone‐marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM‐MSCs) are investigated. The results of immunohistochemistry, histological, ELISA, and qPCR demonstrate that hBM‐MSCs maintain their lineage commitment during stiffness relaxation; chondrogenic differentiation is favored on the soft and porous scaffold, while osteogenic differentiation is more prominent on the initial stiff one. Stiffness relaxation stimulates more osteogenic activity than chondrogenesis, the latter being more influenced by the synergetic coupling effect of softness and porosity.
Mechanical Characterization of Human Brain Tissue and Soft Dynamic Gels Exhibiting Electromechanical Neuro‐Mimicry
Authors: Tabet Anthony , Mommer Stefan , Vigil Julian A. , Hallou Clement , Bulstrode Harry , Scherman Oren A.
Published: April 2019

Synthetic hydrogels are an important class of materials in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and other biomedical fields. Their mechanical and electrical properties can be tuned to match those of biological tissues. In this work, hydrogels that exhibit both mechanical and electrical biomimicry are reported. The presented dual networks consist of supramolecular networks formed from 2:1 homoternary complexes of imidazolium‐based guest molecules in cucubit[8]uril and covalent networks of oligoethylene glycol‐(di)methacrylate. The viscoelastic properties of human brain tissues are also investigated. The mechanical properties of the dual network gels are benchmarked against the human tissue, and it is found that they both are neuro‐mimetic and exhibit cytocompatibility in a neural stem cell model.
Prevention of Dominant IgG Adsorption on Nanocarriers in IgG‐Enriched Blood Plasma by Clusterin Precoating
Authors: Prozeller Domenik , Pereira Jorge , Simon Johanna , Mailänder Volker , Morsbach Svenja , Landfester Katharina
Published: April 2019

Nanocarriers for medical applications must work reliably within organisms, independent of the individual differences in the blood proteome. Variation in the blood proteome, such as immunoglobulin levels, is a result of environmental, nutrition, and constitution conditions. This variation, however, should not influence the behavior of nanocarriers in biological media. The composition of the protein corona is investigated to understand the influence varying immunoglobulin levels in the blood plasma have on the interactions with nanocarriers. Specifically, the composition of the nanocarriers' coronas is analyzed after incubation in plasma with normal or elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, and cellular uptake is monitored in cell lines containing different immunoglobulin receptors. Here, it is reported that upon doubling the IgG concentration in plasma, the IgG fraction in the protein corona increases by a factor of 40 independent of the nanocarrier material. This results in a significant increase in uptake in cells exhibiting IgG binding receptors. Furthermore, precoating nanocarriers with clusterin successfully prevents dominant IgG‐adsorption and additionally reduces cellular internalization, after incubation with IgG‐enriched plasma. Therefore, precoating nanocarriers may be utilized as a powerful method to reduce the influence of individual variations in blood composition on the protein corona.
Solvent‐Controlled Rhodium‐Catalyzed C6‐Selective C−H Alkenylation and Alkylation of 2‐Pyridones with Acrylates
Authors: Hazra Sunit , Hirano Koji , Miura Masahiro
Published: April 2019

A solvent‐controlled rhodium‐catalyzed C6‐selective alkenylation and alkylation of 2‐pyridones with acrylates via a pyridine‐directed C−H cleavage was developed. Using DMF as solvent, the C−H alkenylation with acrylates selectively occurs to deliver the corresponding C6‐alkenylated 2‐pyridones in good yields. On the other hand, the C6‐alkylated products are predominantly formed in a more polar and protic solvent, HFIP. Thus, a single set of starting substrates can be divergently transformed to C6‐functionalized 2‐pyridones, which are of potent interest in medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry.
Spätphasenfunktionalisierung von Peptiden und Cyclopeptiden mithilfe von Organozinkreagenzien
Authors: Leroux Marcel , Vorherr Thomas , Lewis Ian , Schaefer Michael , Koch Guido , Karaghiosoff Konstantin , Knochel Paul
Published: April 2019

Wir präsentieren eine neue Spätphasenfunktionalisierung von kleinen Peptiden und Cyclopeptiden unter Verwendung leicht zugänglicher Iodtyrosin‐ oder Iodphenylalanin‐haltiger Peptide mittels Neghishi‐Kreuzkupplungen mit Aryl‐, Heteroaryl‐ und Alkylzinkpivalaten oder den jeweiligen Halogeniden. Computergestützte und In‐vitro‐Evaluierungen von Zellmembranpermeabilitätsparametern der modifizierten Cyclopeptide ergaben, dass in den meisten Fällen die Löslichkeit der Peptide durch Einführung von polaren Pyridyleinheiten verbessert wurde, während die Zellpermeabilität beibehalten werden konnte.
Tertiäre α‐Silylalkohole mittels diastereoselektiver Kupplung von 1,3‐Dienen und Acylsilanen, eingeleitet durch enantioselektive kupferkatalysierte Borylierung
Authors: Feng Jian‐Jun , Oestreich Martin
Published: April 2019

Hier wird über eine effiziente Synthese von funktionalisierten tertiären α‐Silylalkoholen durch eine enantio‐ und diastereoselektive kupferkatalysierte Dreikomponentenkupplung von 1,3‐Dienen, Bis(pinakol)diboran und Acylsilanen berichtet. Die Reaktion verläuft gut mit verschiedenen 1,3‐Dienen und einer breiten Palette an aryl‐ sowie alkenyl‐, aber auch alkylsubstituierten Acylsilanen. Die Zielverbindungen werden mit hoher Regio‐, Diastereo‐ und Enantioselektivität gebildet (bis zu 99 % ee und d.r. >20:1) und sind ausgesprochen vielseitige Synthesebausteine.
Promoting Frustrated Lewis Pairs for Heterogeneous Chemoselective Hydrogenation via the Tailored Pore Environment within Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Niu Zheng , Zhang Weijie , Lan Pui Ching , Aguila Briana , Ma Shengqian
Published: April 2019

Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) have recently been advanced as efficient metal‐free catalysts for catalytic hydrogenation, but their performance in chemoselective hydrogenation, particularly in heterogeneous systems, has not yet been achieved. Herein, we demonstrate that, via tailoring the pore environment within metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), FLPs not only can be stabilized but also can develop interesting performance in the chemoselective hydrogenation of α,β‐unsaturated organic compounds, which cannot be achieved with FLPs in a homogeneous system. Using hydrogen gas under moderate pressure, the FLP anchored within a MOF that features open metal sites and hydroxy groups on the pore walls can serve as a highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst to selectively reduce the imine bond in α,β‐unsaturated imine substrates to afford unsaturated amine compounds.
Formate Oxidase (FOx) from Aspergillus oryzae: One Catalyst Enables Diverse H2O2‐Dependent Biocatalytic Oxidation Reactions
Authors: Tieves Florian , Willot Sébastien Jean‐Paul , van Schie Morten Martinus Cornelis Harald , Rauch Marine Charlène Renée , Younes Sabry Hamdy Hamed , Zhang Wuyuan , Dong JiaJia , Gomez de Santos Patricia , Robbins John Mick , Bommarius Bettina , Alcalde Miguel , Bommarius Andreas Sebastian , Hollmann Frank
Published: April 2019

An increasing number of biocatalytic oxidation reactions rely on H2O2 as a clean oxidant. The poor robustness of most enzymes towards H2O2, however, necessitates more efficient systems for in situ H2O2 generation. In analogy to the well‐known formate dehydrogenase to promote NADH‐dependent reactions, we here propose employing formate oxidase (FOx) to promote H2O2‐dependent enzymatic oxidation reactions. Even under non‐optimised conditions, high turnover numbers for coupled FOx/peroxygenase catalysis were achieved.
Valorization of chitins extracted from North Morocco shrimps: Comparison of chitin reactivity and characteristics
Authors: Arrouze F. , Desbrieres J. , Rhazi M. , Essahli M. , Tolaimate A.
Published: April 2019

Huge quantities of waste discharged by the gray and pink shrimp decortication units in the North of Morocco can be valorized by producing about 950 tons of pure chitin, which can be transformed into 700 tons of highly to totally deacetylated chitosan. During the preparation of chitin and chitosan from gray and pink shrimps, differences in reaction behavior were observed even though these are taxonomically close species. The presented results concern several chitinous sources, and they show that the progress in the N‐deacetylation reactions of chitin would be linked to the crystallinity index of the starting chitin. Following the kinetic study of the polymer hydrolysis during N‐deacetylation, the difference in the molecular weights of the chitosan samples obtained under identical reaction conditions was related to the differences between molecular weights of the native chitin, 478 000 g.mol−1 for pink shrimp and 562 000 for gray shrimp. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47804.
Yellowing and YPT gene expression in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria: Effects of developmental stages and fasting
Authors: Sugahara Ryohei , Tanaka Seiji
Published: April 2019

The yellow protein of the takeout family (YPT) controls the development of yellow body color in the desert locust. This study focused on two aspects related to YPT in the locust. We first examined the expression pattern of YPT during nymphal stages because yellowing was not obvious during the early instars. YPT expression levels were extremely low in the second and third instars compared with the last two nymphal instars. Warm rearing temperature and juvenile hormone (JH) injection, which stimulated YPT expression in the late instars, had little effect in the second instar, suggesting that YPT expression during the early instars was suppressed and could not be stimulated by either of these factors. We also investigated delayed yellowing in fasting male adults, under the hypothesis that fasting decreased the JH titers and delayed the onset of YPT expression. Yellowing was delayed in fasting adults compared with well‐fed adults and YPT expression was stimulated by JH injections at Day 15. However, we failed to obtain evidence that fasting significantly influenced the expression levels of YPT and the JH early‐inducible gene Krüppel homolog 1 at Days 15 and 20 post‐adult emergence. Results suggest that a YPT‐independent mechanism possibly induces delayed yellowing in fasting males.