bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matriks Pengontrol Pelepasan Urea Berbasis Karagenan: Pengaruh Konsentrasi Glutaraldehid
Authors: Distantina Sperisa , Kaavessina Mujtahid , Fadilah Fadilah
Published: February 2020

Abstrak. Pada penelitian ini, matrik hidrogel berbasis karagenan dibuat dan diaplikasikan untuk mengontrol pelepasan urea. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mempelajari pengaruh konsentrasi glutaraldehid terhadap kecepatan pelepasan urea dan menyusun model kecepatan pelepasan urea. Film karagenan dimodifikasi secara kimiawi menggunakan ikatan silang atau crosslinking dengan glutaraldehid. Larutan karagenan 7 g/100 mL dicetak menjadi lembaran dan kemudian dikeringkan sehingga diperoleh lapisan film. Film direndam dalam larutan glutaraldehid dengan konsentrasi tertentu selama 2 menit dan dilanjutkan dipanaskan pada suhu 110oC selama 20 menit. Film yang dihasilkan dicuci dengan etanol dan dikeringkan. Pengisian urea ke dalam matrik film menggunakan metode difusi. Film kering direndam dalam larutan urea 0,074 g/mL selama satu jam dan selanjutnya dikeringkan. Kecepatan pelepasan urea dari film ke dalam media air dievaluasi berdasarkan data konsentrasi urea dalam cairan sebagai fungsi waktu. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian didapatkan bahwa semakin besar konsentrasi glutaraldehid (1-5%) menyebabkan urea yang tersimpan di dalam film semakin rendah. Model matematika yang diusulkan dapat mewakili peristiwa pelepasan urea dari film. Film berbasis karagenan yang dihasilkan berpotensi sebagai matrik pengontrol pelepasan urea. Kata kunci: crosslinking, glutaraldehid, hidrogel, karagenan, urea. Abstract. Controlled Release Matrices of Urea from Carrageenan: Effect of Glutaraldehyde Concentration. In this study, carrageenan-based hydrogel matrices were prepared and applied for urea controlled release. The aim of this work was to study the effect of glutaraldehyde concentration on the rate of urea release in water. Carrageenan films were chemically modified by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. The films were prepared by casting the aqueous carrageenan 7 g/100 mL and then followed by drying. The films obtained were immersed in certain glutaraldehyde concentration for 2 min and then heated in the oven at 110oC for 20 min. The crosslinked films were washed using ethanol and then air-dried until the weight is constant. The dried films were immersed in a urea solution (0.074g/ml) for 1 hr and then dried. The rate of urea release was determined by measuring the urea concentration in water as a function of time of release. Results showed that higher glutaraldehyde concentration (1–5%) produced films with less urea content. The proposed mathematic model of urea release from the film can represent the rate of urea release. The prepared carrageenan-based film has the potential for controlling of urea release. Keywords: carrageenan, crosslinking, glutaraldehyde, hydrogel, urea. Graphical Abstract
Kirkens undervisningstjeneste – tid for å tenke helhet
Authors: Aksøy Kristine
Published: February 2020

Med trosopplæringsreformen har antall undervisningsstillinger i Den norske kirke blitt mangedoblet, og undervisningstjenesten har blitt mer mangfoldig. Trosopplærings-stillingene har fokusert på kirkens trosopplæring for aldersgruppen 0–18 år, mens katekettjenesten har et mer helhetlig perspektiv på livslang læring i kirken med en bredere målgruppe, både når det gjelder alder og arenaer. Trosopplæringsreformen har bidratt til at alle landets menigheter har utviklet planer og jobber systematisk med trosopplæring for barn og unge i kirken. En videreutvikling av kirkens undervisningstjeneste må ha en helhetlig tilnærming og se læringsdimensjonen som en integrert del av menighetens virksomhet på alle områder.
Writing Behaviors and Critical Thinking Styles: The Case of Blended Learning
Authors: Ahmadpour Zahra , Khaasteh Reza
Published: February 2020

The advent in technology has shown that the individual differences and cognitive styles
influence the way the process of writing transpires . Setting up the quasi-experimental
study, the researchers sought to explore the writing behaviors of EFL learners in a blended learning environment in the light of critical thinking styles. To this end, 30 advanced language students took part in the four weeks experiment of this study. They were asked to write texts based on the provided information presented by the online module, designed by the researchers. Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (CTA) was used to measure the students’ critical thinking ability. The detailed basis to describe the writing and learning processes from different perspectives was created through using input log program. The results of data analysis indicated a significant and positive correlation between different sections of CTA (inference, interpretation and evaluation) and online module (theory, practice and case). The best predictors for the pausing, revision and switching behavior of the participants were found to be interpretation, evaluation of arguments, and interpretation, respectively. The findings of the present study necessitate an understanding of different factors which play significant roles in the learning process. Therefore, teachers as well as teacher educators need to develop their awareness of the fact that learners have various thinking abilities which consequently affects the way they approach different learning tasks.
Quality Characteristics of Semi-Dry Noodles Prepared with Various Dry Rice Flours
Authors: Park Bock-Hee , Koh Kyeong-Mi , Jeon Eun-Raye
Published: February 2020

This study evaluated the quality characteristics of semi-dried noodles prepared with various dry rice flours (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) in order to develop the most preferred noodle recipe and to increase rice consumption. Amylography measured the viscosity of composite dry rice flour-wheat flour and indicated that the gelatinization point and maximum viscosity decreased as the level of dry rice flour increased. Both L and a values for cooked noodle significantly increased as the dry rice flour increased; however the L value decreased for uncooked of noodles. Weight, volume and water absorption of cooked semi-dried noodles significantly decreased as the dry rice flour increased; however the turbidity of soup increased. Texture properties such as hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and adhesiveness decreased as the level of dry rice flour increased. As the amount of rice flour added increased, large particles of gluten were reduced while smaller particles of starch increased by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The color, taste, and overall preference of 75% noodles were the highest in the sensory characteristics. The results, showed that the addition of dry rice flour positively affects the overall sensory characteristics of semi-dried noodle with 75% representing the optimal level for addition.
Quand la perception des employeurs à l’égard des personnes immigrantes influence leurs pratiques de gestion de la diversité
Authors: Beaudry Catherine , Gagnon Mélanie , Deschênes Andrée-Anne
Published: February 2020

Au Québec comme ailleurs dans le monde, certains groupes demeurent sous-représentés en emploi. Les personnes immigrantes récentes (PIR) font partie de ces groupes qui voient leur participation au marché du travail entravée par différentes barrières, alors qu’ils présentent un taux de chômage nettement plus élevé que les natifs.

Cet article s’intéresse au lien entre les perceptions des employeurs à l’égard des PIR et les pratiques de gestion de la diversité contribuant à leur rétention. La démarche méthodologique s’appuie sur un devis exploratoire mixte, alors que 2 376 employeurs ont répondu à un questionnaire et que 87 ont participé à des groupes de discussion. Ces employeurs sont représentés par de propriétaires d’entreprise, des dirigeants, des gestionnaires, des directeurs ou des professionnels en gestion des ressources humaines de divers secteurs d’activité et d’entreprises de taille variée.

Les résultats indiquent d’abord un relation positive significative entre les expériences d’embauches des PIR et les perceptions que les employeurs entretiennent à leur égard (r = 0,532,p< 0,01). En groupes de discussion, les participants évoquent l’évolution des perceptions selon la nature de l’expérience d’embauche, positive ou négative. Les résultats témoignent également de relations positives et significatives entre les perceptions et les pratiques de rétention, présentant des coefficients de corrélations de l’ordre de 0,185 à 0,390 (p< 0,01). La phase qualitative permet de constater que lorsque les employeurs perçoivent que les PIR concourent à la performance organisationnelle, ils sont davantage enclins à mettre en place des mesures de gestion de la diversité.

Les bénéfices escomptés par les employeurs au regard de l’embauche des PIR modulent leur volonté à mettre en oeuvre diverses mesures de rétention. La gestion réactive de la diversité est alors constatée, quoique certains employeurs procèdent à une réflexion s’orientant vers la proactivité.
Workers’ Knowledge and Views on Interaction with Health and Safety Representatives: An Exploratory Qualitative Study
Authors: Ollé-Espluga Laia , Vergara-Duarte Montse , Menéndez-Fuster María , Benach Joan , Vázquez María-Luisa
Published: February 2020

The action of health and safety representatives (HSRs) has proven beneficial for workers’ occupational health, but a number of determining factors can diminish HSRs’ effectiveness. One understudied factor shaping HSRs’ effectiveness is the interaction that exists between workers and HSRs, that is, the relationship that workers and their representatives establish with each other throughout a wide range of processes.

In this paper, we explore the workers’ knowledge and opinions of their interaction with HSRs and its determinants. We undertook a qualitative exploratory and descriptive-interpretative study by means of 22 semi-structured interviews with a theoretical sample of workers from Barcelona and Girona (Spain).

Results show a vast unawareness of HSRs’ existence and functions among workers; only the few workers who know the HSRs personally describe interaction processes with them, mainly concerning hazard identification. Some of the workers mentioned processes of interaction with unions regarding health and safety at work. These processes consist mainly in raising issues with union representatives and, in a more limited way, in associating with occupational health mobilizations and participating in decision-making processes. Determining factors of the interaction between workers and -health and safety or union- representatives emerge strongly in relation to representatives and workers and, in a more diluted way, with regard to the context or the firm.

The study contributes to the research concerning the building of relations of representativeness as a way to better understand (and represent) workers’ needs and provides strategic insight for collective representation bodies to regain their legitimacy.
Job Insecurity and Abusive Supervision
Authors: Mao Hsiao-Yen , Chien Yuan-Yu , Hsieh An-Tien
Published: February 2020

Because of increased market uncertainty, employers today often do not guarantee job security and employees increasingly perceive such a state, often with trepidation. Employees who have relatively insecure jobs tend to feel mistreated by their managers. This study examines the relationship between the work places where jobs are mostly insecure and employee perception of abusive supervision, and the moderating role of a relational mechanism of perceived social worth at work.

The conservation of resources (COR) perspective is used to guide analysis. This perspective provides competing rationales for employee acquisition/preservation of resources and ensuing abusive supervision. In a two-wave panel survey, 271 full-time employees with various occupations completed two questionnaires. Results indicate that job insecurity is positively associated with abusive supervision. This association is stronger for employees who perceive higher social worth at work.

There is limited research investigating how managerial/leadership effectiveness varies in workplaces where job’s are insecure. Moreover, a relational mechanism of social worth has rarely been used to examine the phenomenon of job insecurity. Although literature shows employees’ perception of job insecurity leads them to increase work input/effort to make themselves more valuable and worthy of remaining in the organization, this does not mean that they will be more likely to notions such as management prerogative on their employer’s authority. Ironically, leadership, in particular, tends to be undermined when jobs are insecure as our findings show that insecure subordinates tend to perceive themselves experiencing supervisory abuse. To address this malaise, practical implications for organizations, supervisors, and subordinates are proposed and complementary practices are discussed to differentiate high social-worth employees from others.
Courir après le bien commun
Authors: Soldani Jérôme
Published: February 2020

Au lendemain de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, le Parti nationalistechinois (Kuomintang) prend le contrôle de Taïwan avant des’y replier durablement à partir de 1949. Sonadministration se glisse dans les structures établies par legouvernement colonial japonais (1895–1945) et les institutionstelles que l’école s’inscrivent désormaisdans le service public de la République de Chine. Les pratiquessportives sont inscrites dans l’éducation publique et sontenvisagées comme des leviers de l’intégration despopulations locales au dispositif colonial, principalement cellesd’origine austronésienne. Les performances des jeunesathlètes austronésiens, notamment dans les tournoisinternationaux, sont autant de pierres apportées àl’édification d’un État pluriethniquedominé par la majorité chinoise han. Dans cettecontribution, il sera question d’observer et d’analysercomment les Austronésiens formosans, qui disposent depuis 1994du statut d’Autochtones, détournent et seréapproprient les pratiques sportives dans le cadre du servicepublic de l’éducation — sport etéducation étant ici compris comme faisant partie du biencommun — pour négocier leur position au sein del’État taïwanais et faire face aux politiquesassimilatrices du pouvoir central. Comment se sont historiquementstructurés des rapports de force et de domination entre lespopulations austronésiennes de Taïwan et lesautorités centrales, notamment à travers le sport ?En quoi les stéréotypes, moraux et physiques, quicaractérisent négativement les athlètesautochtones sont-ils devenus un levier de leurs revendications ?En quoi la réappropriation des sports par les Autochtonesest-elle une forme d’accession au bien commun et un vecteur de lareproduction des sociétés austronésiennes au seind’un espace public dans lequel elles sontgénéralement marginalisées ?
Bacterial contribution to genesis of the novel germ line determinant oskar
Authors: Blondel Leo , Jones Tamsin EM , Extavour Cassandra G
Published: February 2020

New cellular functions and developmental processes can evolve by modifying existing genes or creating novel genes. Novel genes can arise not only via duplication or mutation but also by acquiring foreign DNA, also called horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Here we show that HGT likely contributed to the creation of a novel gene indispensable for reproduction in some insects. Long considered a novel gene with unknown origin, oskar has evolved to fulfil a crucial role in insect germ cell formation. Our analysis of over 100 insect Oskar sequences suggests that oskar arose de novo via fusion of eukaryotic and prokaryotic sequences. This work shows that highly unusual gene origin processes can give rise to novel genes that may facilitate evolution of novel developmental mechanisms.
Large-scale cell-type-specific imaging of protein synthesis in a vertebrate brain
Authors: Shahar Or David , Schuman Erin Margaret
Published: February 2020

Despite advances in methods to detect protein synthesis, it has not been possible to measure endogenous protein synthesis levels in vivo in an entire vertebrate brain. We developed a transgenic zebrafish line that allows for cell-type-specific labeling and imaging of nascent proteins in the entire animal. By replacing leucine with glycine in the zebrafish MetRS-binding pocket (MetRS-L270G), we enabled the cell-type-specific incorporation of the azide-bearing non-canonical-amino-acid azidonorleucine (ANL) during protein synthesis. Newly synthesized proteins were then labeled via 'click chemistry'. Using a Gal4-UAS-ELAV3 line to express MetRS-L270G in neurons, we measured protein synthesis intensities across the entire nervous system. We visualized endogenous protein synthesis and demonstrated that seizure-induced neural activity results in enhanced translation levels in neurons. This method allows for robust analysis of endogenous protein synthesis in a cell-type-specific manner, in vivo at single-cell resolution.
Selectivity to approaching motion in retinal inputs to the dorsal visual pathway
Authors: Appleby Todd R , Manookin Michael B
Published: February 2020

To efficiently navigate through the environment and avoid potential threats, an animal must quickly detect the motion of approaching objects. Current models of primate vision place the origins of this complex computation in the visual cortex. Here, we report that detection of approaching motion begins in the retina. Several ganglion cell types, the retinal output neurons, show selectivity to approaching motion. Synaptic current recordings from these cells further reveal that this preference for approaching motion arises in the interplay between presynaptic excitatory and inhibitory circuit elements. These findings demonstrate how excitatory and inhibitory circuits interact to mediate an ethologically relevant neural function. Moreover, the elementary computations that detect approaching motion begin early in the visual stream of primates.
Anti-PD-1 immunotherapy leads to tuberculosis reactivation via dysregulation of TNF-α
Authors: Tezera Liku B , Bielecka Magdalena K , Ogongo Paul , Walker Naomi F , Ellis Matthew , Garay-Baquero Diana J , Thomas Kristian , Reichmann Michaela T , Johnston David A , Wilkinson Katalin Andrea , Ahmed Mohamed , Jogai Sanjay , Jayasinghe Suwan N , Wilkinson Robert J , Mansour Salah , Thomas Gareth J , Ottensmeier Christian H , Leslie Alasdair , Elkington Paul T
Published: February 2020

Previously, we developed a 3-dimensional cell culture model of human tuberculosis (TB) and demonstrated its potential to interrogate the host-pathogen interaction (Tezera et al., 2017a). Here, we use the model to investigate mechanisms whereby immune checkpoint therapy for cancer paradoxically activates TB infection. In patients, PD-1 is expressed in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-infected lung tissue but is absent in areas of immunopathology. In the microsphere model, PD-1 ligands are up-regulated by infection, and the PD-1/PD-L1 axis is further induced by hypoxia. Inhibition of PD-1 signalling increases Mtb growth, and augments cytokine secretion. TNF-α is responsible for accelerated Mtb growth, and TNF-α neutralisation reverses augmented Mtb growth caused by anti-PD-1 treatment. In human TB, pulmonary TNF-α immunoreactivity is increased and circulating PD-1 expression negatively correlates with sputum TNF-α concentrations. Together, our findings demonstrate that PD-1 regulates the immune response in TB, and inhibition of PD-1 accelerates Mtb growth via excessive TNF-α secretion.
Navigating the structure of COMPASS
Authors: Luger Karolin , Markert Jonathan W
Published: February 2020

Cryo-electron microscopy reveals how ubiquitination promotes the methylation of histone H3 by the histone-modifying complex COMPASS.
Osteopathic Treatment Approach to Psychoemotional Trauma by Means of Bifocal Integration
Authors: Liem Torsten , Neuhuber Winfried
Published: February 2020

Traumatic psychoemotional experiences often manifest in hypersympathetic states of excitement or in immobilization and withdrawal behaviors. A person with this kind of traumatic background may present with an autonomic response consistently maintained in the defensive state, which over time becomes a stressor. In this article, the authors discuss an osteopathic approach to psychoemotional trauma by means of bifocal integration, with an emphasis on promoting a relaxed body and mind by actively involving the patient in the healing process. They briefly discuss the role of mind-body therapies in treatment, considering the popular polyvagal theory and other neuropsychophysiological frameworks. The authors also focus on clinical practice, introducing the reader to the different elements of the osteopathic treatment, including the acknowledgement and integration of top-down and bottom-up dynamics in diagnosis and therapy.
SERPINA1gene identified in RNA-Seq showed strong association with milk protein concentration in Chinese Holstein cows
Authors: Li Cong , Cai Wentao , Liu Shuli , Zhou Chenghao , Yin Hongwei , Sun Dongxiao , Zhang Shengli
Published: February 2020

The detection of candidate genes and mutations associated with phenotypic traits is important for livestock animals. A previous RNA-Seq study revealed thatSERPINA1gene was a functional candidate that may affect milk protein concentration in dairy cows. To further confirm the genetic effect ofSERPINA1on milk protein traits, genetic polymorphisms were identified and genotype-phenotype associations were performed in a large Chinese Holstein cattle population. The entire coding region and the 5′-regulatory region (5′-UTR) ofSERPINA1was sequenced using pooled DNA of 17 unrelated sires. Association studies for five milk production traits were performed using a mixed model with a population encompassing 1,027 Chinese Holstein cows. A total of four SNPs were identified inSERPINA1, among whichrs210222822andrs41257068presented in exons,rs207601878presented in an intron, andrs208607693was in the 5′-UTR. Analyses of pairwise D′ measures of linkage disequilibrium (LD) showed strong linkage among these four SNPs (D′ = 0.99–1.00), and a 9 Kb haplotype block involving three main haplotypes with GTGT, CCCC and CCGT was inferred. An association study revealed that all four single SNPs and their haplotypes had significant genetic effects on milk protein percentage, milk protein yield and milk yield (P = 0.0458 −  < 0.0001). The phenotypic variance ratio for all 11 significant SNP-trait pairs ranged from 1.01% to 7.54%. The candidate gene ofSERPINA1revealed by our previous RNA-Seq study was confirmed to have pronounced effect on milk protein traits on a genome level. Two SNPs (rs208607693andrs210222822) presented phenotypic variances of approximately 7% and may be used as key or potential markers to assist selection for new lines of cows with high protein concentration.
lncRNA–mRNA competing endogenous RNA network in IR-hepG2 cells ameliorated by APBBR decreasing ROS levels: a systematic analysis
Authors: Lin Min , Mao Zhu-Jun
Published: February 2020

Background

Radix Astragali (Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Bunge)) and Coptis chinensis (Coptis chinensis var. angustiloba) are two commonly prescribed traditional Chinese herbs for diabetes. Astragalus Polysaccharide (AP) and Berberine (BBR) are active ingredients of these two herbs respectively and they are scientifically proved to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. They are also known for their antidiabetic potential by ameliorating insulin resistance (IR). AP and BBR have shown different advantages in treating diabetes according to previous reports. However, very few studies focus on the combined activities of the two potential antidiabetic ingredients. In this study, we discovered that reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated in IR-hepG2 cells and APBBR can decrease ROS level in model group significantly. We conjectured that APBBR can ameliorate IR in hepG2 cells by decreasing ROS level. In order to verify this hypothesis, we obtained phenotype and transcriptome information of IR-HepG2 cells and explore the underlying mechanism of the combination of AP and BBR(APBBR) activity on the relationship between ROS change in IR at whole-transcriptome level, so as to shed new light to efficacy and application of APBBR in treating diabetes.

Methods

The IR cell model was established with high-level insulin intervention. Glucose content, HepG2 cell viability as well as ROS level was detected to study the effect of IR-hepG2 cell phenotype. Unbiased genome-wide RNA sequencing was used to investigate alterations in experimental groups. Then, GO and KEGG functional enrichment was performed to explore the function and pathway of target genes. Venn analysis found out the differentially expressed lncRNAs that had close relationship with IR and ROS. Finally, we screened out candidate lncRNAs and these target genes to construct interaction network of differentiated lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA by according to the principle of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA).

Results

The biochemical experiments showed that APBBR administration could improve the proliferation activity of IR-HepG2 cells and decrease ROS level in model cells. The GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses demonstrated several mRNAs remarkably enriched in biological processes and signaling pathways related to ROS production and IR progression. Interaction network suggest that APBBR ameliorates IR in HepG2 cells by regulating the expression of multiple genes and activating relevant signaling pathway to decrease ROS level. Thus, we demonstrated that APBBR ameliorated IR in hepG2 cells via the ROS-dependent pathway.
Nutritional Qualities of Ginger Mutant Lines Grown in the Humid Tropical Agroecology of Nigeria
Authors: Abua M. N. , Ittah M. A. , Obok E. E. , Iwo G. A. , Edugbo R. E. , Amadi C. O.
Published: February 2020

The present study was aimed to determine the variations in nutritional qualities of 15 mutant lines and two landraces of ginger (Zingiber officinale). Fifteen (15) gamma (γ)-ray induced mutants lines and two landraces of ginger were planted in 2017 early cropping season in the Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria. To evaluate the nutritional qualities of these seventeen ginger genotypes at maturity, proximate analysis was carried out in the Biochemistry Laboratory of the National Root Crop Research Institute Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. Using standard and official protocols of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Results showed that the ginger lines varied significantly (P < 0.01) in all their proximate attributes. The moisture content ranged from 10.13% (UG1) to 12.95% (UG2). Mean dry matter was 88.89%; UG1 and UG2 had the highest (89.89%) and lowest (87.05%) dry matter content, respectively. Mean crude protein was 7.74%; UG2-9-01 and UG2-11-03 had the highest (8.25%) and lowest (7.29%) crude protein respectively. UG1-5-38 and UG1-5-22 had the highest (8.12%) and lowest (6.41%) crude fibre content respectively. The oleoresin content ranged from (6.25%) in UG2-9-01 to (9.09%) in UG1-11-07. UG1-5-04 and UG1-5-22 had the highest (2.88%) and lowest (2.22%) ash content respectively. UG2-9-01 had the highest carbohydrate content of (65.10%). While UG1-5-52 had the lowest (61.27%) The result showed that the ginger lines used in this study had high mean carbohydrate (62.85%) and protein (7.74%) contents as such can be used as supplementary sources of these nutrients for human and livestock. UG1-7-24, UG1-11-07 and UG1-5-18 with high oleoresin contents of 9.11%, 9.09% and 9.05% respectively are recommended to ginger breeders as useful genotypes for improving other ginger lines through micropropagation techniques especially when breeding for oleoresin quality, which is an important quality of ginger. In conclusion, further evaluation and testing of these ginger lines is recommended.
Trials on In vitro Propagation and Using Natural Additives for Myrtus communis L. Plant
Authors: Ghatas Y. A. A.
Published: February 2020

Explant types, anti-oxidant pre-treatments, organic additives, natural additives, vitamins mix strengths, cytokinin types and concentrations, different medium strengths, GA3 concentrations, auxin types and concentrations were studied during the period from 2017 to 2018 to establish a protocol for in vitro propagation of Myrtle. It was found that culturing of pre-treated shoot tips with anti-oxidant solution (A.O.S) on modified Murashige and Skoog (MS), or Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with PVP as anti-oxidants induced the best results in reducing free phenolic compounds and enhancing explant development parameters. Also, adding combination of  tryptophan, adenine sulphate and coconut water as organic additives maximized survival percentage and improved explant development. In the same time, adding combination of coconut water at  5% plus Banana pulp plus Papaya extract at 50 g/L of were helpful in maximizing number of shoots/plant, shoot length and greening parameters. Also duplicating the dose of vitamin mix of Gamborg medium improved explants development and survival (%) of explant. Meanwhile, using of 1.0 mg/ L BAP increased proliferation. Meanwhile, addition of 2.0 mg/ L GA3 to half strength medium maximized shoot length. Moreover, the addition of 2.0 mg/L IBA to the culture medium induced the highest number of roots/plant.
Stability and Controllability of Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Cotterell S. T. , Davies I. , Abraham L. C.
Published: February 2020

This paper is aimed at establishing new stability and controllability results for nonlinear systems. The approach is to use the Lyapunov indirect method to obtain the stability of the equilibrium solution of the uncontrolled nonlinear system by applying the Jacobi’s linearization method and the controllability of the controlled system obtained by the rank criterion for properness. Example is given with a real-life application to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
A Study of Parasitic Copepod Infesting Two Freshwater Fish Populations (Cyprinus carpio and Abramis brama) from Beni-Haroun Dam (Mila) North-East of Algeria
Authors: Berrouk Houda , Tolba Mounia , Touarfia Moundji , Boualleg Chahinez
Published: February 2020

Copepods are one of the main fish ectoparasites, commonly known among the parasitism world, due either to their special adaptive capacity or to induce stress in aquatic organisms, as well as the parasitism result is overall a physiological rate affecting the survival of host. This study was, therefore, aimed to investigate the ectoparasite copepods, infesting 277 fishes including 135 of Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) and 142 of Abramis brama (Linnaeus,1758), collected from Beni-Haroun dam (Mila, northeast Algeria). The fishes were subjected to some morphometric measurements and gill dissections and the harvested parasites were afterwards stored and identified. The parasitic indices were determined to examine the effect of size, sex, season and microhabitat on the parasitic infestation by using χ2 test. The gill examination of individuals of the two host fishes led to harvest 135 copepods, including 127 individuals from Cyprinus carpio belonging to five species (Ergasilus sieboldi, Ergasilus briani, Neoergasilus japonicus,  Neoergasilus longispinosis and Lernaea cyprinacae) and 8 individuals from Abramis brama belonging to the two species: Ergasilus sieboldi and  Ergasilus briani, and hence Cyprinus carpio is the most infested species than Abramis brama. This study also revealed that the parasitic index values were high in C. carpio (P=53.00%; A=3.7; I=6.93) compared to A. brama (P=12,0.5%, A=0.12, I=1.00) during autumn, since no effect on infestation was noticed during winter. The statistical analysis has revealed the effect of season on parasitic copepod infestation in the two fish species (χ2Obs =30,959 > χ20.05 = 7,815, ddl =3), Since there was no effect due to the microhabitat and sex.
A Comparative Assessment of Soil Series Wise Fertility in Bheramara Upazilla of Kushtia District of Bangladesh between the Years 1995 to 2016
Authors: Moula Md. Safiqul , Begum Rafeza , Roy Manik C. , Islam Md. Nazmul , Sarkar Md. Imran U.
Published: February 2020

Aims: An experiment to quantify the changes in soil fertility in terms of available nutrient content was carried out between 1995 to 2016.

Study Design: The design of the study was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD).

Place and Duration of Study: Bheramara upazilla of Kuahtia district in Bangladesh; between the years 1995 (considered as base line database) to 2016.

Methodology: Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI) conducted semi-detailed soil survey at Bheramara upazilla of Kushtia district in 1995 and collected 18 soil samples and analyzed in the laboratory for chemical parameters. These data considered as baseline information for the present study (2016) and 18 soil samples were collected from the same or adjacent sampling point in 1995. Land use, organic matter application, crop yield and fertilizer use related information were also collected during the survey. Chemical analysis was performed in the regional laboratory, SRDI, Kushtia by following standard methods.

Results: Results revealed that soil pH and boron decreased significantly in most of the soil series. Organic Matter in all the series except Ganges silt significantly increased over the year. The variation in potassium content over the year was insignificant in all soil series except Sara series. In some soil series phosphorus and sulfur either increased or decreased over the year while soil zinc content did not varied significantly over the year.

Conclusion: Soil nutrient data of the study area revealed that most of the parameters assessed showed positive direction towards fertility development due to agricultural knowledge development and advance soil and fertilizer management practices.
Response of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) to Potassium and Sulfur Application at Kafta Humera District, Western Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Shimgabr Teame , Wogi Lemma , Argaw Anteneh
Published: February 2020

Potassium and sulfur are among the most important nutrients limiting sesame production. EthioSIS soil testing map indicate that nutrients such as K and S are deficient in the study site. Study was carried out to investigate response of sesame to K and S application at Humera Agricultural Research Center, Kafta Humera district, Tigray, Ethiopia in 2016 main cropping season. Treatments consisted four levels of potassium (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg K2O ha-1 as KCl) and four levels of sulfur (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1 as CaSO4.2H2O). The experiment was laid out as Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in factorial arrangement with three replications using Setit-1 sesame variety. Soil sample was taken, result of soil analysis revealed that the soil was clayey textural class, neutral in soil reaction (pH = 7.35), low organic matter content (0.73%), very low total N (0.03 %) and very low available P (0.74 mg kg-1), high  soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) (40 cmol(+) kg-1), medium exchangeable K (0.26 cmol(+) kg-1) and low extractable sulfur (4.78 mg kg-1). Maximum sesame grain yields (1371.67 kg ha-1) was obtained from plot treated with 20 kg K2O ha-1 + 40 kg S ha-1 which resulted 145.3% increase over the control  plot`s yield. From plots fertilized with K and S levels at a rate of 20 kg K ha-1 and 40 kg S ha-1 was obtained higher yield of sesame. It is conclude, therefore, it will be good to promote K and S for further demonstration.
Effect of Seed Priming on Growth and Yield of Hybrid Maize-Lathyrus Sequence under Rainfed Situation
Authors: Banerjee Subhajit , Jana Kalyan , Mondal Ramyajit , Mondal Krishnendu , Mondal Awindrila
Published: February 2020

Seed priming is a low-cost technology and effective way of improving nutrient supply to crops as well as the importance of priming to get a good crop stand of maize. Pre-sowing soaking of seeds with KH2PO4, Na2HPO4 etc. or simple water was earlier reported to improve seed germination, seedling vigor and root growth early in the season, resulting in good establishment, better drought tolerance and more yields of crop plants. In this context a field was conducted at Central Research Farm (CRF), Gayeshpur of BCKV, Nadia Under New alluvial zone of West Bengal during kharif season of 2016 and 2017 and rabi season of 2016-17 and 2017-18. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine (9) different treatments of seed priming methods. Seed priming with ZnSO4 @ 0.5% for 12 hrs could be recommended due to higher germination percentage (93.6%), number of leaves per plant (9.6), highest plant height (258.2 cm) at 60 DAS, maximum value of crop growth rate (26.6 g/m2/day) at 46-60 DAS of hybrid maize and highest plant height (19.5 cm & 42.8 cm at 30 & 60 DAS, respectively), highest value of dry matter accumulation (198.4 g/m2 at 60 DAS), maximum value of crop growth rate (4.87 g/m2/day) at 31-60 DAS for lathyrus. On the basis of pooled values of 2 years of experimentation, seed priming with ZnSO4 @ 0.5% for 12 hrs could be recommended due to higher yield (7.94 t ha-1 of kharif hybrid maize and 1682 kg ha-1 of lathyrus).
Anticancer Efficacy of Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum. Extracts on Triple Negative Human Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Rajhans S. , Bhadresha K. , Yadav D. K. , Rawal R. M. , Pandya H. A. , Mankad A. U.
Published: February 2020

In this 21st century cancer has become the second big reason for death next to heart attack in both developed and the developing countries.  Worldwide, there are almost 2.1 million newly diagnosed breast cancer cases in 2018, accounting for 1 in 4 cancer cases among women. Triple Negative Human Breast Cancer is one of the types of human breast cancer. The plant extracts of Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum. has been used against the Triple Negative Human Breast Cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 for the current experiment All the 5 parts (leaf, stem, flower, fruit and seed) had been selected for the experiment and the extracts of the various parts were made in hydro-alcoholic solvent i.e. methanol: Water.
Effect of Tax and Debt Financed Government Expenditure on Economic Growth in Kenya
Authors: Mukui Gideon , Onjala Joseph , Awiti Japheth
Published: February 2020

This study aims at analyzing the effect of tax and debt-financed government expenditure on economic growth in Kenya using time series data from 1980-2014. Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) was used to analyze the data. The empirical findings showed that public investment expenditure financed by issuing debt has positive effect on economic growth. The results also indicated that financing government consumption expenditure using debt has negative effect on economic growth. With regards to tax revenue, the results indicated that tax financed public consumption spending affects economic growth negatively. Moreover, the results showed financing government investment expenditure using tax revenue promotes economic growth. Based on the findings, this study therefore recommends fiscal authorities in to use borrowing to finance investment expenditure as opposed financing consumption spending. Additionally, given the adverse effects of debt-accumulation on growth performance, policy makers should focus more on domestic revenue mobilization to finance government expenditures.
Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatitis C Antibodies in Sickle Cell Disease Children under Sixteen in Two University Hospitals of Lome
Authors: Dossim S. , Guedenon Koffi Mawusse , Chick A. , Tanga K. , Kolou M. , Kponvi V. , Amavi T. , Gbadoe A. D. , Segbena A. Y. , Bonnabry P. , Dagnra A. Y.
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Sickle cell disease causes chronic anemia with the need for transfusions. The risk in children to get transfusions transmitted infections is high.

Aims: Determine the prevalence of HBsAg and HCV antibodies in sickle cell disease children under sixteen in Lome (Togo).

Study Design: It is a cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Haematology Unit of Campus University Hospital and Paediatric Unit of Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital of Lomé collected between February to May 2016. Sample processing: Campus Hospital Laboratory.

Methodology: We collected blood in sickle cell disease patients in Campus and Sylvanus Olympio university hospitals at Lomé and informations about sickle cell type, transfusion, and hepatitis B vaccination. Sera were tested with Cobas e411 Roche® in the determining of hepatitis B surface antigen (HbSAg) and hepatitis C antibodies (HCVAb). Epi Info was used for statiscal analysis ®. Significant associations were found when P<0.05.

Results: Total of 172 patients from Campus Hospital and 79 from Sylvanus Olympio were included. Sex ratio and SS phenotype were 0.93, 69.8% and 1.32, 64.5% respectively. HBsAg was detected in 1.7% from Campus and 7.6% in Sylvanus Olympio.  One patient from Campus carried HCVAb. Significant association between hepatitis B and sex (P=0.02) and hepatitis B and vaccination were found (P= 0.0003). Males were more infected and patients who were unvaccinated carried HBsAg.

Conclusion: Vaccination against viral hepatitis and best blood donation screening are necessary to avoid these viral diseases in sickle cell disease children.
Optically Modulated Threshold Switching in Core–Shell Quantum Dot Based Memristive Device
Authors: Wang Junjie , Lv Ziyu , Xing Xuechao , Li Xiaoguang , Wang Yan , Chen Meng , Pang Guijian , Qian Fangsheng , Zhou Ye , Han Su‐Ting
Published: February 2020

The threshold switching (TS) phenomenon in memristors has drawn great attention for its versatile applications in selectors, artificial neurons, true random number generators, and electronic integrations. The transition between nonvolatile resistive switching and volatile TS modes can be realized by doping, varying annealing and voltage sweeping conditions, or imposing different compliance current. Here, a strategy is reported to achieve such transition by the noninvasive UV light stimulus based on InP/ZnS quantum dot (QD) memristor. The core–shell InP/ZnS QDs with quasi‐type II band alignment ensures photoexcited electrons localized in InP core, photoexcited hole state distributed in the outer shell, and subsequent lifetime controlling of conductive filament under light irradiation. Systematic mechanism investigations indicate that UV photogenerated holes are accumulated on the surface of the QD film, which is consistent with rapid transfer of photogenerated holes in the core–shell InP/ZnS structure. Based on the light‐modulated effect, a reconfigurable 9 × 9 visual data storage array with a key pattern and a simple leaky integrate‐and‐fire circuit are constructed. These results suggest the potential of direct optical modulation of memory mode through energy band engineering, leading to future optoelectronic and electronic device for the implementation of neuromorphic visual system and artificial neural networks.
Hierarchical Ordered Dual‐Mesoporous Polypyrrole/Graphene Nanosheets as Bi‐Functional Active Materials for High‐Performance Planar Integrated System of Micro‐Supercapacitor and Gas Sensor
Authors: Qin Jieqiong , Gao Jianmei , Shi Xiaoyu , Chang Junyu , Dong Yanfeng , Zheng Shuanghao , Wang Xiao , Feng Liang , Wu Zhong‐Shuai
Published: February 2020

Planar integrated systems of micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) and sensors are of profound importance for 3C electronics, but usually appear poor in compatibility due to the complex connections of device units with multiple mono‐functional materials. Herein, 2D hierarchical ordered dual‐mesoporous polypyrrole/graphene (DM‐PG) nanosheets are developed as bi‐functional active materials for a novel prototype planar integrated system of MSC and NH3 sensor. Owing to effective coupling of conductive graphene and high‐sensitive pseudocapacitive polypyrrole, well‐defined dual‐mesopores of ≈7 and ≈18 nm, hierarchical mesoporous network, and large surface area of 112 m2 g−1, the resultant DM‐PG nanosheets exhibit extraordinary sensing response to NH3 as low as 200 ppb, exceptional selectivity toward NH3 that is much higher than other volatile organic compounds, and outstanding capacitance of 376 F g−1 at 1 mV s−1 for supercapacitors, simultaneously surpassing single‐mesoporous and non‐mesoporous counterparts. Importantly, the bi‐functional DM‐PG‐based MSC‐sensor integrated system represents rapid and stable response exposed to 10–40 ppm of NH3 after only charging for 100 s, remarkable sensitivity of NH3 detection that is close to DM‐PG‐based MSC‐free sensor, impressive flexibility with ≈82% of initial response value even at 180°, and enhanced overall compatibility, thereby holding great promise for ultrathin, miniaturized, body‐attachable, and portable detection of NH3.
An Acceptor–Donor–Acceptor Structured Small Molecule for Effective NIR Triggered Dual Phototherapy of Cancer
Authors: He Zheng , Zhao Linlin , Zhang Qiang , Chang Meijia , Li Chenxi , Zhang Hesheng , Lu Yan , Chen Yongsheng
Published: February 2020

Dual phototherapy, including photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), is regarded as a more effective method for cancer treatment than single PDT or PTT. However, development of single component and near‐infrared (NIR) triggered agents for efficient dual phototherapy remains a challenge. Herein, a simple strategy to develop dual‐functional small‐molecules‐based photosensitizers for combined PDT and PTT treatment is proposed through: 1) finely modulating HOMO–LUMO energy levels to regulate the intersystem crossing (ISC) process for effective singlet oxygen (1O2) generation for PDT; 2) effectively inhibiting fluorescence via strong intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) to maximize the conversion of photo energy to heat for PTT or ISC process for PDT. An acceptor–donor–acceptor (A‐D‐A) structured small molecule (CPDT) is designed and synthesized. The biocompatible nanoparticles, FA‐CNPs, prepared by encapsulating CPDT directly with a folate functionalized amphipathic copolymer, present strong NIR absorption, robust photostability, cancer cell targeting, high photothermal conversion efficiency as well as efficient 1O2 generation under single 808 nm laser irradiation. Furthermore, synergistic PDT and PTT effects of FA‐CNPs in vivo are demonstrated by significant inhibition of tumor growth. The proposed strategy may provide a new approach to reasonably design and develop safe and efficient photosensitizers for dual phototherapy against cancer.
Restructuring Metal–Organic Frameworks to Nanoscale Bismuth Electrocatalysts for Highly Active and Selective CO2 Reduction to Formate
Authors: Lamagni Paolo , Miola Matteo , Catalano Jacopo , Hvid Mathias S. , Mamakhel Mohammad Aref H. , Christensen Mogens , Madsen Monica R. , Jeppesen Henrik S. , Hu Xin‐Ming , Daasbjerg Kim , Skrydstrup Troels , Lock Nina
Published: February 2020

Recently, a large number of nanostructured metal‐containing materials have been developed for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR). However, it remains a challenge to achieve high activity and selectivity with respect to the metal load due to the limited concentration of surface metal atoms. Here, it is reported that the bismuth‐based metal–organic framework Bi(1,3,5‐tris(4‐carboxyphenyl)benzene), herein denoted Bi(btb), works as a precatalyst and undergoes a structural rearrangement at reducing potentials to form highly active and selective catalytic Bi‐based nanoparticles dispersed in a porous organic matrix. The structural change is investigated by electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, total scattering, and spectroscopic techniques. Due to the periodic arrangement of Bi cations in highly porous Bi(btb), the in situ formed Bi nanoparticles are well‐dispersed and hence highly exposed for surface catalytic reactions. As a result, high selectivity over a broad potential range in the eCO2RR toward formate production with a Faradaic efficiency up to 95(3)% is achieved. Moreover, a large current density with respect to the Bi load, i.e., a mass activity, up to 261(13) A g−1 is achieved, thereby outperforming most other nanostructured Bi materials.