bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Italy: a comprehensive evaluation of all the ICD comorbidities and gender-related differences
Authors: Ferretti Fabio , Pozza Andrea , Bossini Letizia , Desantis Serena , Olivola Miriam , Matto Laura Del , Gualtieri Giacomo , Gusinu Roberto , Bezzini Daiana , Fagiolini Andrea , Coluccia Anna
Published: September 2019

Objectives: The association between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and medical comorbidities is controversial since most studies focused on specific comorbidity and victim types. In Italy, data on this issue are scarce. A comprehensive evaluation of all the ICD medical categories co-occurring in PTSD may orient assessment and treatment during clinical and forensic practice. This is the first study evaluating all the ICD physical comorbidities and gender-related differences in Italian PTSD patients. Eighty-four PTSD patients (36 females, 48 males) were included. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and Davidson Trauma Scale were administered. Results: Most patients had a PTSD consequent to an accident and half of them presented extreme symptom severity. No gender differences emerged on symptom severity/duration and age at the event. Metabolic (39.29%), circulatory (20.24%) and musculoskeletal systems/connective tissue diseases (17.86%) were the most frequent comorbidities. Metabolic/circulatory diseases were more frequent among males (p=0.019 and p= 0.027, respectively) while females more frequently showed neoplasms (p=0.039). Physical comorbidities represent a serious complication in PTSD patients and are more prevalent than in the Italian population. While gender is not associated with symptom presentation, it seems to play a key role in specific comorbidities including metabolic, circulatory and neoplastic diseases.
Association Between Water, Sanitation, General Hygiene And Oral Hygiene Practices Of Street-Involved Young People In Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , Obiyan Mary O. , Olaleye Atinuke O.
Published: September 2019

Background Oral hygiene practices can be linked to personal hygiene practices, including access to water and other sanitation facilities. The objective of the study was to determine if there is an association between oral hygiene practices and water and sanitation hygiene (WASH) practices among street-involved young people (SIYP).Methods A cross-sectional study involving SIYP age 10-24 years in two states in Nigeria recruited through respondent-driven sampling was conducted. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on water access, sanitation personal and oral hygiene. The instruments used for collecting the data were standardized tools for measuring the phenomena studied. The association between knowledge and practice of oral hygiene; oral hygiene and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and indicators of good oral hygiene were assessed.Results We found that the proportion of SIYP with good knowledge of oral hygiene was high (84.9%), but fewer had good oral hygiene practice (8.9%). There were significant associations between knowledge and practice of tooth cleaning, use of fluoride-containing toothpaste, dental flossing, consumption of sugar between meals, and frequency of dental check-ups (p<0.001 respectively). Respondents with good water collection and storage (AOR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.31-4.38; P=0.004) and those residing in Lagos (AOR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.42-4.80; P=0.002) had higher likelihood of having good oral hygiene.Conclusion Good oral hygiene practices of SIYP in Nigeria is associated with access to water collection and storage. WASH programs can have impact on health through improved oral hygiene practices.
Phosphorus Management in High‐Yield Systems
Authors: Hopkins Bryan G. , Hansen Neil C.
Published: September 2019

The discovery and development of phosphorus (P) and P fertilizers provide context for current management conventions. Average crop yields were stagnant before the Green Revolution but have steadily increased since. This, along with conventional P management, has resulted in widely depleting soil P levels. Improved technology and management are needed to meet the increasing P demand. Modern hybrids and cultivars have different P demand and uptake patterns that require changes in conventional P fertilizer placement and timing. Phosphorus fertilizer recommendations based on soil analysis remains valid, but evidence suggests a need for recalibrating soil test P (STP) critical levels (the STP concentration at which a response to P fertilizer would not be expected) and P fertilizer rates to accommodate high‐yield scenarios. Considering higher P fertilizer rates as a single solution poses environmental challenges, highlighting the need for improved P use efficiency (PUE). Phosphorus fertilization approaches that have the potential to improve PUE and enable high yields include crop‐specific precision placement of P, informed timing of P fertilizers, and new enhanced efficiency sources of P fertilizer. This paper examines these management approaches from historical, production, and environmental perspectives in modern cropping systems.

Core Ideas

History of P fertilization illuminates traditional soil P management and needed changes.

Recalibration of STP and P fertilizer recommendations are needed to match increasing yield and rates of P uptake.

Environmental concerns and diminishing P supply necessitate improvement in P use efficiency.

Placement and timing are improved through understanding of variable rooting patterns.

Enhanced efficiency P fertilizers can be effective if applied correctly.
Analysis of Escherichia coli and Enterococci Concentrations Patterns in a Pennsylvania Creek Using Empirical Orthogonal Functions
Authors: Jeon Dong Jin , Pachepsky Yakov , Harriger Dana , Picard Rachael , Coppock Cary , Wells Edward , Hong Eun‐Mi
Published: September 2019

Assessing microbial quality of irrigation water is important to prevent foodborne illnesses caused by fresh produce contamination. Generic Escherichia coli and enterococci are commonly used to evaluate the microbial water quality. The objective of this study was to see if patterns in spatial distributions of the fecal indicator bacteria concentrations along a creek at baseflow that are preserved over time can be detected. Such patterns are commonly referred to as temporally stable patterns. Microbial concentrations were measured along the Conococheague Creek in Pennsylvania during 3 yr on weeks when the creek was at base flow. The upstream sampling location was at the outlet of the forested subwatershed, next two locations were in agricultural area dominated by crops and pastures, and another two were in urbanized areas. Empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) have been applied to detect a temporally stable spatial pattern. The most significant spatial pattern of both bacteria was followed the change of land use; 74.6 and 68.6% were explained by the first EOF for E. coli and enterococci, respectively. Much less variability (19.6 and 17%) was explained by impacts of tributary and braided sections of the creek. A good approximation of the average logarithms of concentrations across the studied reach was provided by logarithms of concentrations at the sampling location where the first EOF was close to zero. We confirmed that EOF analysis can uncover the significant multiple temporally stable spatial patterns for the fecal indicator bacteria concentration along the creek in the presence of multiple land uses.

Core Ideas

The first spatial pattern of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) reflected land use.

Much less variability was explained by tributary and braided sections of the creek.

The highest concentrations of FIB were observed in the urbanized area.

The FIB concentrations were relatively lower in the agricultural area.
Brassica carinata and Brassica napus Growth, Nitrogen Use, Seed, and Oil Productivity Constrained by Post‐Bolting Nitrogen Deficiency
Authors: Seepaul Ramdeo , Small Ian M. , Marois Jim , George Sheeja , Wright David L.
Published: September 2019

Nitrogen limitation after bolting in oilseed brassicas limits reproductive performance as nutrients are sequentially translocated from leaves to developing reproductive structures. In addition to limiting crop growth and productivity, N deficiency may also modify the chemical composition and oil output of Brassica carinata A. Braun and B. napus L. A greenhouse study was conducted at the North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, FL, during 2014–2015 to determine the effects of N limitation on B. carinata (cultivar AAC A110) and B. napus (cultivar Canterra 1918) growth, seed and oil yields, N use, and fatty acid composition. Four N treatments (0, 33, 66, and 100% of N in full strength Hoagland solution) were imposed 78 d after planting (DAP) at bolting. At 154 DAP, carinata accumulated 19% greater biomass and nine times more reproductive branches than napus across all N levels. As a result, carinata produced 43% greater seed yield across all N levels than napus. This increased seed productivity resulted in greater agronomic efficiency (58%), apparent N recovery (59%), N utilization efficiency (41%), and partial factor productivity (29%) than napus, respectively. Restricting N availability (0 N) reduced carinata and napus oil yield by 35 and 50% respectively, relative to 100% N. Nitrogen availability during seed development and maturation had an effect on the synthesis of fatty acids and their quantities in the oils of mature carinata and napus seeds. This study demonstrated the plasticity of oilseed brassicas and the relationship of reduced growth to seed productivity as a function of N supply.
Evaluation of X‐Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy as a Tool for Nutrient Analysis of Pea Seeds
Authors: Bamrah Ramandeep K. , Vijayan Perumal , Karunakaran Chithra , Muir David , Hallin Emil , Stobbs Jarvis , Goetz Barry , Nickerson Michael , Tanino Karen , Warkentin Thomas D.
Published: September 2019

This research was conducted to evaluate the utility and reliability of X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy to analyze macro‐ (K and Ca) and micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Se) in pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds. The pea seed samples were ground into flour and pelleted to collect the XRF spectra. Seventy‐three pea seed samples were selected to cover the expected concentration ranges for each element to develop calibration curves by correlating the XRF results with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The XRF results were validated by a systematic comparison of data obtained from AAS on a set of 80 additional and independent pea seed samples. Element concentrations were also predicted using the fundamental parameter approach collectively for 153 samples. For all the calibration curves, the R2 value was >0.8, except for K (0.54). For Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Se, the XRF predictions were similar to AAS measurements at a 95% confidence level. Similar results were obtained with the fundamental parameter approach except for Fe for which significant bias of ∼6 mg kg−1 was calculated. Except for K, R value for all the validation curves was >0.85. Thus, the results obtained using XRF and the fundamental parameter approach were statistically not different from the AAS method. This study demonstrated that the XRF technique is a fast and reliable, nondestructive, and noninvasive analytical tool for mineral analysis, particularly for transition metals, does not produce waste, and requires no chemical reagents.
Electrical Resistivity of a Partially Saturated Porous Medium at Subzero Temperatures
Authors: Herring Teddi , Cey Edwin , Pidlisecky Adam
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

We collected resistivity data at a range of temperatures and initial saturations.

Archie's equation was modified to include temperature dependence below 0°C.

Bulk resistivity was used to estimate unfrozen water content and fluid resistivity.

At subzero temperatures, unfrozen water content is independent of initial saturation.

Ion exclusion from ice explains the dependence of resistivity on initial saturation.

Electrical resistivity tomography has been used in many frozen ground applications to delineate frozen and unfrozen areas of the subsurface and monitor changes with time. In these studies, the amount of unfrozen water remaining in the pore space at subzero temperatures is often a parameter of interest. To interpret resistivity data quantitatively in terms of unfrozen water content, it is necessary to establish a relationship between bulk resistivity, subzero temperature, and liquid water saturation. In the literature, a consensus has not been reached on the form of this relationship, and a better understanding of the mechanisms controlling the resistivity of frozen ground is needed. This study used a unique laboratory apparatus to collect electrical resistivity tomography data for a uniform porous medium at temperatures from −20 to 25°C for a range of initial water saturations. Archie's equation was modified to include the effects of temperature above and below 0°C. Resistivity data collected below 0°C were used to estimate temperature‐dependent liquid water saturation and fluid resistivity. The amount of unfrozen water remaining at a given temperature was not related to initial water saturation and was nearly identical for all initial saturations at temperatures below about −5°C. The dependence of resistivity–temperature curves on initial water saturation at subzero temperatures was caused by differences in fluid resistivity as a result of ion exclusion during freezing. The relationships established in this study provide insight into the physical mechanisms that govern the resistivity of porous media at subzero temperatures and a starting point for quantitative analysis of resistivity data collected in frozen ground.
The Prevalence of Congenital Malaria : Nigerian Experience
Authors: Etefia Etefia Uwem
Published: September 2019

This study was aimed at highlighting on the prevalence of malaria among pregnant women in Nigeria within the last ten years. The prevalence of congenital malaria in Nigeria varies and it affects every geopolitical zone in Nigeria. This is because Nigeria like other countries in the tropics and subtropics has factors which favour the survival of mosquito. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of insecticide treated nets and effective case management of uncomplicated malaria as a feasible and cost-effective control strategy, Nigeria remains one of the worst affected countries in the world with malaria among pregnant women and neonates. This paper recommends more programs to the menace of this infection among pregnant women and neonates in Nigeria.
Phytochemical, Proximate and Elemental Composition of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsley) A. Gray leaves
Authors: Omolola Titilayo Oyebola
Published: September 2019

In recent times, medicinal plants are being greatly used ethnomedicinally for the management and treatment of diseases and health conditions. One of such medicinal plants is Tithonia diversifolia. This study aimed at determining the phytochemical, elemental and proximate content of the powdered plant part to help infer what is responsible for the reported therapeutic characteristics of the plant as well as determine the quality, purity and safety profile of the plant. Leaves of T.diversifolia were subjected to phytochemical, proximate and mineral screening using standard laboratory procedures. Qualitative phytochemical observation revealed the presence of Tannins, saponins, flavonoids and terpenoids. Crude Protein content was the highest with 27.69% followed by Crude Fibre (14.89%), Ash (13.86%), Moisture Content (10.92%) and the least value 1.14% for Fat. Magnesium (Mg) content was highest with 6712.50mg/kg which is 22, 35, 122 & 144 times higher than the content of Iron (Fe) (291.5mg/kg), Manganese (Mn) (191.0mg/kg), Zinc (Zn) (54.9mg/kg) and Copper (Cu) (15.1mg/kg). However, elements (heavy metals) Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Cobalt (Co) were not detected. Results obtained in the study is indicative of a potential drug substitute which can be used to help manage and treat diseases due to the phytochemicals, nutrients, and minerals present in them. Also, the safety indices of this plant part have been established, thus, information obtained from the study can serve as a reference standard for the plant monograph.
Efficiency of DPPH and FRAP assays for estimating antioxidant activity and separation of organic acids and phenolic compounds by liquid chromatography in fresh-cut nectarine
Authors: Borges Luciana da Silva , Lima Giuseppina Pace Pereira , Artés Francisco , Souza Manoel Euzébio de , Freitas Luís de Souza , Jesus Hanna Ibiapina de , Santos Núbia de Fátima Alves , Melo Márcio Roberto da Silva
Published: September 2019

Nectarine contain relevant amounts of antioxidants, including hydroxycinnamic acids, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, anthocyanins, procyanidins, and carotenoids. The aim of this research was to compare the efficiency of DPPH and FRAP assays to estimate antioxidant activities contents in nectarine minimally processed. Moreover, separation of organic acids, phenolic compounds and carotenoids were done by HPLC. Nectarine fruits ‘R48’ cv. were hand harvested, with 80% of their reddish coloration. The following treatments were applied: Control; 1% citric acid + 1% calcium chloride as anti-browning (AB) agent; 4 KJ m-2 UV-C radiation; 8 KJ m-2 UV-C; 12 KJ m-2 UV-C ; AB +  95 kPa O2 (High O2); AB + 4 KJ m-2 UV-C + High O2; AB + 8 kJ m-2 UV-C + High O2 and AB + 12 KJ m-2 UV-C + High O2. We determined antioxidant activity to DPPH; antioxidant activity to FRAP; total phenols and HPLC-DAD analyses. In general the DPPH showed higher efficiency of antioxidant concentration in comparison with FRAP in minimally processed nectarines. There was clear trend in phenolic content in fresh-cut nectarine the treatment AB + 8 kJ m-2UV-C + High O2. The 22 minimally processed nectarine phenolic compounds were studied and quantified by HPLC, being detected: Hydroxycinnamates, flavonols, and anthocyanins. These results allow to conclude that the most abundant compounds found in this study of fresh-cut nectarine were chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and ellagic acid with HPLC chromatograms were recorded at 280 nm, quercentin 3-galactoside, quercetin 3- Xyloside at 340nm and Cyanidin 3- glucoside at 510nm.
Growth and yield of Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) plants cultivated in different spacing and treated with kinetin
Authors: Silveira Patrícia Souza da , Silva Leandro Mariano da , Custódio Ivan Carneiro , Felício Ricardo , Nascente Alainy Carla de Souza , Santos Priscilla Gomes de Freitas , Amaro Camila Lariane , Matos Fabio Santos
Published: September 2019

Recommendations for J. curcas plants were studied for adequate crop spacing, and to increase the number of female and hermaphrodite flowers and fruit yields. The study was carried out in an experimental field in Brazil,using four-year-old adult plants in a 5 x 3 factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications. Treatments included five doses of the growth regulator kinetin (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 mg L-1 at the volume of 330 ml per plant) in a single application to six plants and three planting spaces (3×3, 3×2, 3×1 m). The results showed that the applied kinetin doses did not interfere in the production index of J. curcas, but population density exerted a significant influence on the vegetative and reproductive development of the J. curcas plants in the 3x3 spacing, where competition for essential growth resources (water, light and nutrients) seems to have been less intense and the plants were more vigorous. Cropping J. curcas plants in 3 × 3 spacing is recommended to obtain vigorous plants with a high number of branches, inflorescences and high grain yield. Applying kinetin at concentrations lower than 12 mg L-1 did not interfere in the sexual expression of J. curcas flowers. Further studies with higher kinetin doses in 3 × 3 m spacing are necessary to elucidate and recommend new management practices.
Effect of planting pattern and season on some agronomic performances and yield of sweet potato cv. Japanese Orange
Authors: Bunphan Darika , Anderson William F.
Published: September 2019

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) is one of the most important root crops in the world. It is primarily grown as a second crop during the dry season in Thailand. Several cultivars are produced with some being imported from Japan, especially cv. Japanese Orange, Yellow and Purple which are popular because they have high value and are rich in phytochemicals. Thai farmers use only one planting pattern for production although there are five recommended patterns available. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of different planting patterns on yield, agronomic traits, and determine associations among agronomic traits of sweet potato cv. Japanese Orange. The experiments were conducted during the rainy and dry seasons of 2017. An RCBD with 5 planting patterns and 3 replications were used. Tuber yield, no. of tuber/plant, no. of tuber/ha, no. branch/plant, tuber diameter and tuber fresh weight were measured. The results revealed that during the rainy season, pattern 5 (three vines per hole) had highest tuber yield (11.2 ton/ha), no. of tubers/plant (7.7) and number of tubers/ha (408.9×103) whereas pattern 3 (one vine) had highest no of branches/plant (4.7) and tuber diameter (36.9 mm). In the dry season, patterns 1, 5 and 3 had the highest yields (7.13, 6.71 and 6.48 ton/ha, respectively) pattern 1 had significantly higher tuber fresh weight (84.17 g) than the other four patterns. Pattern 5 had the highest number of tubers/plant and number of tubers/ha during the dry season. We found positive correlations between tuber yield and number of tuber per plant, number of tuber per ha, vine length, vine girth, number of nodes per plant at 60 and 75 DAP.
Saline water irrigation in semiarid region: I – effects on soil chemical properties
Authors: Pessoa Luiz Guilherme Medeiros , Freire Maria Betânia Galvão dos Santos , Santos Renato Lemos dos , Freire Fernando José , Miranda Márcio Fléquisson Alves , Santos Patrícia Ribeiro dos
Published: September 2019

The use of saline water for crop irrigation is a commonly adopted practice among the farmers in the semiarid regions around the world, but the magnitude of soil salinization resulting from the use of these waters is currently insufficiently understood. This work aims to evaluate the chemical attribute changes of two Fluvisols cultivated with onion and subjected to irrigation with increasing levels of salinity, expressed by electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Sandy loam and silty clay loam soils were irrigated with three different levels of saline waters with electrical conductivity (EC - 200, 700 and 2,000 μS cm-1) and six levels of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR - 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 (mmolc L-1)0.5). Thus, the experiment consisted of a complete factorial arrangement 2 x 3 x 6 (two soils, three EC levels and six SAR levels), in four replicates. The soils were cultivated with onion and pH levels of the soil were measured at 90 days after transplanting, as were the contents of exchangeable and soluble cations. ESP and SAR values were then calculated. This study revealed that the use of water with salinity at or above 700 μS cm-1 is capable of promoting changes in the chemical properties of soils and the continuous use of irrigation water with high EC and high SAR values may promote salinization and sodification of Fluvisols in a semiarid environment. These changes were found to be more severe in silty clay loam soils than in sandy loam soils.
Saline water irrigation in semiarid region: II – effects on growth and nutritional status of onions
Authors: Pessoa Luiz Guilherme Medeiros , Freire Maria Betânia Galvão dos Santos , Santos Renato Lemos dos , Freire Fernando José , Santos Patrícia Ribeiro dos , Miranda Márcio Fléquisson Alves
Published: September 2019

The use of saline waters for the irrigation of crops such as onion is a common practice in the Brazilian semiarid region. However, the effect of the use of these waters on onion nutrition and growth has been underappreciated. This work aims to evaluate Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+ and Cl- levels and onion growth in two Fluvisols under irrigation with waters of variable electrical conductivity and increasing values of sodium adsorption ratio. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in two Fluvisols cultivated with onion. After transplanting each plant was irrigated with saline waters, in a factorial arrangement 2 x 3 x 6, corresponding to two soils (sandy loam and silt clay loam), three values of electrical conductivity (EC - 200, 700 and 2,000 μS cm-1) and six levels of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR - 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 (mmolc L-1)0.5). Plants were collected at 90 days after transplanting and onion growth parameters as well Ca, Mg, K, Na and Cl levels were each measured. The SAR of the irrigation waters and the soil did not show any significant influence on the onion growth variables or on the levels of the evaluated elements. The increase in salinity of the irrigation water promoted a reduction in the growth variables of the evaluated onion cultivar. Increases in the levels of Ca, Na and Cl as well as a reduction in the level of K in the onion plant dry matter were all observed with increasing salinity of the irrigation water; however, the Mg content level was not affected. As the salinity of the irrigation water was the main factor affecting onion growth, an EC of 200 µS cm-1 is the limit to promote the best onion growth cultivated in both sandy and silt clay soils.
The synergistic effect of sewage sludge biochar and Trichoderma harzianum on soybean yield
Authors: Araujo Alyson Silva de , Blum Luiz Eduardo Bassay , Figueiredo Cícero Célio de
Published: September 2019

The use of sewage sludge to produce biochar is one of the best alternatives for the final destination of this material, allowing for reuse of nutrients and reducing the dependence on mineral fertilizers. Sewage sludge biochar (SSB) stands out as an enhancer of the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. The use of beneficial microorganisms such as Trichoderma spp. in combination with biochar may have a synergistic effect on the development of different plants and needs to be better studied. The SSB was produced from sewage sludge biomass (SS) obtained from the sewage treatment plant (STP) of the Federal District Environmental Sanitation Company (CAESB), Brasilia, DF, Brazil. The SSB was produced in an electric tubular furnace at 500 °C and showed the following characteristics: carbon (19%), nitrogen (2.3%), hydrogen (1.7%), specific surface area (52.5 m2 g-1), pore volume (0.053 ml g-1). An experiment was carried out in a greenhouse to evaluate the synergistic effect of SSB application (0.5% w/w) in combination with T. harzianum (TH) on soybean development. The treatments adopted were: (1) control – autoclaved soil, (2) TH, (3) SSB and (4) SSB + TH. The SSB was applied 15 days before soybean planting and the TH was applied to the soil two times, once at eight days before planting and the other at the time of planting. The SSB resulted in a 200% increase in the number of pods when compared to the exclusive application of T. harzianum. Application of SSB with T. harzianum increased germination by 20%, as well as a 70% increase in fresh and dry soybean mass in relation to the control. The agronomic indices evaluated in this study demonstrated that the use of SSB in conjunction with T. harzianum presents a synergistic effect, allowing for better development of the soybean plants.
Performance of the Aquacrop model for bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under irrigation condition
Authors: Magalhães Ivomberg Dourado , Lyra Guilherme Bastos , Souza José Leonaldo de , Teodoro Iêdo , Rocha Adolpho Emanuel Quintela da , Júnior Constantino Antônio Cavalcante , Lyra Gustavo Bastos , Junior Ricardo Araújo Ferreira , Carvalho André Luiz de , Ferraz Rener Luciano de Souza
Published: September 2019

With the evident climatic threats and the limitation of agronomic information for the bean crop, the use of agricultural models is necessary to broaden and disseminate technical knowledge of crop forecasting. The aim of this work was to evaluate the FAO AquaCrop model for bean crop under different levels of irrigation water in agrometeorological conditions of Northeastern Brazil at megatheramal and humid climate. The research was conducted in the period from 11/17/2015 to 02/01/2016. The experimental design was randomized block with four replicates. Treatments were composed of six levels of irrigation on the basis of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) fractions (25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150% of ETc). The irrigation effect was evaluated from biomass, dry matter and grain yield data that were observed and simulated using Aquacrop model. One linear meter of plants was collected every 10 days for biometric and destructive analyses. In addition, the soil water content simulated from model was compared with measurements performed by time domain reflectometry. The AquaCrop model was calibrated for common bean during the dry season (October to March) for the region in the 2015/2016 harvest season using experimental data for 100% of ETc. The accuracy of the calibration and validation model was evaluated based on the root mean square error (RMSE), Willmott’s index of agreement (d), correlation coefficient (r) and percentage deviation (D). The model showed good performance between observed and simulated values for soil water content, dry biomass accumulation and grain yield in several water conditions and can assist decision making and water management in irrigated crops.
The water footprint of the sugarcane agro-industry in the Northeast region of Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro Gabrielle de Araújo , Neto José Dantas , Mendonça Marcos Ferreira de
Published: September 2019

The water footprint (WF) is an important indicator for water management, as it identifies the amount of water used directly and indirectly by a consumer or a product. The objective of this study is to analyze the sugarcane industry's WF in Brazil's Northeast region for the 2016/17 and 2017/18 harvest seasons. The blue, green and grey WFs of sugarcane were quantified, as well as the blue WFs of the production processes of ethanol and sugar, the main subproducts of sugarcane for both harvests. The work was carried out in an area with 18.42 hectares of sugarcane crops under sprinkler irrigation. The process of sugarcane production and use of pesticides was surveyed and meteorological data for the production period was collected. Right after, mathematical models were used to estimate the blue, green and grey WFs. The WF of the sugarcane was found to be 2,364.87 m³ t-1 and 1,043.92 m³ t-1 for the first and second harvest, respectively. The grey WF made up the largest part of this value, mostly due to use of the pesticides Diuron 800 and Imazapic. The processes of ethanol and sugar production, meanwhile, were found to have a blue WF of approximately 10 m³ t-1 and 5 m³ t-1, respectively. From these results, we can conclude that the WF is an effective indicator for monitoring water use in the production cycle of sugarcane and its subproducts, and that the use of fewer polluting pesticides would aid in reducing the WF of this cycle.
La educación sexual y de género vs. el maltrato en la pareja. Escenario sobre la violencia en jóvenes de Baja California
Authors: Fernández de Juan Teresa
Published: September 2019

La violencia en las relaciones de noviazgo entre los jóvenes presenta manifestaciones crecientes a escala internacional y nacional, al igual que ocurre con el aumento de las enfermedades de transmisión sexual, el VIH/sida y el embarazo entre las adolescentes. En este trabajo se enfatiza por qué la principal estrategia para la prevención de ambas conductas de riesgo está íntimamente relacionada con la implementación de una eficiente, desprejuiciada y oportuna educación sexual, sobre todo en el ámbito escolar y con una perspectiva de género, de la que se carece en sentido general, en el país y en Baja California en particular.
O PAPEL DOS INSTRUMENTOS LEGISLATIVOS NA APROPRIAÇÃO DO ENTORNO DO COMPLEXO INDUSTRIAL E PORTUÁRIO DO PECÉM - CIPP PELO MERCADO IMOBILIÁRIO
Authors: Cavalcante Francisca Bruna Santiago Viana
Published: September 2019

A implantação do Complexo Industrial e Portuário do Pecém (CIPP) entre os municípios de São Gonçalo do Amarante e Caucaia - CE resultou na transformação das dinâmicas imobiliárias de seu entorno, desencadeando processos de especulação e mercantilização da terra. Partindo desse ponto, este trabalho busca compreender como o poder público, através dos instrumentos legislativos, regula a ação do mercado imobiliário na área. Foram levantadas as legislações ambientais e urbanas nas escalas federal, estadual e municipal, tendo em vista que a implantação do CIPP consiste num processo multiescalar. Em seguida, foram identificados os grandes empreendimentos imobiliários dentro do recorte espacial. Ao confrontá-los, se evidencia um cenário normativo frágil, no qual há baixa interação entre os órgãos públicos de planejamento e onde os municípios se adaptam para que a vontade do mercado imobiliário seja feita.
Nanoparticles Toxicity in Fish Models
Authors: Cazenave Jimena , Ale Analía , Bacchetta Carla , Rossi Andrea Silvana
Published: September 2019

The increasing production and use of nanoparticles (NP) have raised concerns regarding the potential
toxicity to human and environmental health. In this review, we address the up to date information on nanotoxicity
using fish as models. Firstly, we carried out a systematic literature search (articles published up to February 2019
in the Scopus database) in order to quantitatively assess the scientific research on nanoparticles, nanotoxicity and
fish. Next, we carried out a narrative synthesis on the main factors and mechanisms involved in NP toxicity in
fish. According to the bibliometric analysis, there is a low contribution of scientific research on nanotoxicity
compared with the general nanoparticles scientific production. The literature search also showed that silver and
titanium NP are the most studied nanomaterials and Danio rerio is the fish species most used. In comparison with
freshwater fish, the effects of nanomaterials on marine fish have been little studied. After a non-systematic literature
analysis, we identified several factors involved in nanotoxicity, as well as the effects and main toxicity
mechanisms of NP on fish. Finally, we highlighted the knowledge gaps and the need for future research.
Insulinoma Case Admitted with Reactive Hypoglycemia Symptoms
Authors: Koca Nizameddin , Cander Soner , Gul Ozen Oz , Uğraş Nesrin
Published: September 2019

Aim::

To present an insulinoma case with post-prandial hypoglycemic symptoms associated
with glucose inducible endogenous hyperinsulinemia.

Case::

A 52-year-old female patient was evaluated for hypoglycemic symptoms especially those occuring
within 3 hours after consuming sugary foods. These symptoms were persistent for a year and a half.
She was diagnosed with reactive (post-prandial) syndrome and followed a recommended diet and was
given acarbose but there was no improvement. The results suggested post-prandial endogenous hyperinsulinemia
related hypoglycemia. Multiphasic computerized tomography revealed an 11x15x12 mm size
mass lesion, anteriorly in the head and uncinate process of the pancreas and then the patients were
treated surgically with pancreatic enucleation and cured.

Conclusion::

Distinguishing post-prandial syndrome by careful history and clinical evaluation in patients
with postprandial symptoms is of great importance in terms of cost-effectivity. However, it should
not be forgotten that although organic pathologies are mostly presented with fasting hypoglycemia, they
may also cause post-prandial symptoms. Severity and progression of the symptoms that point to neuroglycopenia
is important, and in this condition the most convenient clinical approach to the patient
should be performed with careful and appropriate assessment steps.
The Effect of Casein Kinase 2 Inhibition on three Leukemic Cell Lines
Authors: Horvat Luka , Antica Mariastefania , Matulić Maja
Published: September 2019

Background::

Casein Kinase 2 (CK2) is a Ser/Thr protein kinase that coregulates a great
number of signalling pathways in the cell. It is involved in cell cycle regulation and cell proliferation,
apoptosis, DNA damage response and gene transcription. Its substrates are numerous kinases
and transcription factors. It was found to be upregulated in different tumours, and certain types of
leukaemia are very sensitive to its inhibition.

Objective::

We analysed the effects of casein kinase 2 inhibition on three leukaemia cell lines of B
and T cell origin: Jurkat, a T cell line, CLL, a chronic B lymphocytic leukaemia cell line and 697, a
pre-B acute lymphocytic leukaemia cell line. Besides cell proliferation and cytotoxicity analysis, the
aim was to investigate the influence of CK2 inhibition on elements of the Notch signalling pathway.
Notch signalling has an important role in blood cell differentiation, and CK2 regulates Ikaros, a
tumour suppressor interfering with Notch signalling

Methods::

and T leukaemia cells were treated with different concentrations of the CK2 inhibitor,
CX-4945, for 6 days, and cell viability and proliferation were determined by Trypan Blue Exclusion
Method. Analysis of gene expression was performed by RT-qPCR.

Results::

All three cell lines were sensitive to CK2 inhibition and among them, 697 cells had two
times lower IC50. In Jurkat and CLL cells changes in c-Myc and Notch pathway gene expression
were found.

Conclusion::

As CK2 is involved in numerous signalling circuits, we concluded that each cell type
could have a cell-specific response in gene expression.
An In Silico Immunogenicity Analysis for PbHRH: An Antiangiogenic Peptibody by Fusing HRH Peptide and Human IgG1 Fc Fragment
Authors: Ning Lin , Huang Jiang , He Bifang , Kang Juanjuan
Published: September 2019

Background:

Peptibodies, the hybrid of peptides and antibodies, represent a novel
strategy in therapeutic use. Previously, we computationally designed an antiangiogenic peptibody
PbHRH, which fused the HRH peptide with angiogenesis-suppressing effect and human IgG1 Fc
fragment using Romiplostim as template. Molecular modeling and simulation results indicated that
it would be a potential drug for the treatment of those angiogenesis related pathological disorders.
However, its immunogenicity is not known.

Methods:

Several bioinformatics tools are used to predict the potential epitopes for the evaluation
of the immunogenicity of PbHRH. Romiplostim is set as the control. IEDB-recommended method
is used in MHC-I and MHC-II binding prediction, and the IEDB web server
(http://tools.iedb.org/immunogenicity/) is used to determine the MHC-I immunogenicity of each
peptide.

Results:

In this work, some peptides are predicted to have the potential ability to bind to MHC-I
and MHC-II molecules both in PbHRH and Romiplostim as the potential epitopes. Most of these
selected peptides are exactly the same. Allele frequency analysis shows a low population
distribution. Combined with the analysis of MHC-I immunogenicity prediction, both HRH and
PbHRH show low immunogenicity.

Conclusion:

Some potential epitopes which could bind to both MHC-I and MHC-II molecules
are predicted using bioinformatics tools. The comparative analysis with Romiplostim and the
results of MHC-I immunogenicity prediction indicate the low immunogenicity of both HRH and
PbHRH. Thus, we form a strategy to evaluate the immunogenicity of peptibodies for the future
improvement.
Protective Effects of TRPV1 Activation Against Cardiac Ischemia/ Reperfusion Injury is Blunted by Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Zhong Beihua , Ma Shuangtao , Wang Donna H.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Activation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Subtype 1 (TRPV1) channels protects the heart from Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) injury through releasing Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) and Substance P (SP). The current study aimed to study the cardioprotective effects of TRPV1 in obesity.

Methods:

TRPV1 gene knockout (TRPV1-/-) and Wild-Type (WT) mice were Fed a High-Fat Diet (HFD) or a control diet or for 20 weeks, and then the hearts were collected for I/R injury ex vivo. The hearts were mounted on a Langendorff apparatus and subjected to ischemia (30 min) and reperfusion (40 min) after incubated with capsaicin (10 nmol/L), CGRP (0.1 μmol/L) and SP (0.1 μmol/L). Then, Coronary Flow (CF), left ventricular peak positive dP/dt (+dP/dt), Left Ventricular Developed Pressure (LVDP) and Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Pressure (LVEDP) were measured.

Results:

HFD intake remarkably reduced CF, +dP/dt and LVDP and elevated LVEDP in both strains (P<0.05). Treatment with capsaicin decreased infarct size, increased CF, +dP/dt and LVDP, and decreased LVEDP in WT mice on control diet (P<0.05), but did not do so in other three groups. Treatment with CGRP and SP decreased infarct size in both strains fed with control diet (P<0.05). In contrast, not all the parameters of cardiac postischemic recovery in HFD-fed WT and TRPV1-/- mice were improved by CGRP and SP.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that HFD intake impairs cardiac postischemic recovery. HFDinduced impairment of recovery is alleviated by CGRP in both strains and by SP only in TRPV1-/- mice, indicating that the effects of CGRP and SP are differentially regulated during HFD intake.
Modulation of Hematological Indices of Normal and Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rabbits by Aqueous Extract of Pleurotus tuberregium Sclerotia
Authors: Onuekwuzu Ifeanacho M. , Chidinma Ikewuchi C. , Chigozie Ikewuchi J.
Published: September 2019

Objective::

The ability of an aqueous extract of the sclerotia of Pleurotus tuberregium to
modulate hematological parameters was investigated in normal and alloxan treated rabbits.

Methods::

The extract was subjected to atomic absorption spectrophotometric and flame ionization
detector-coupled-gas chromatographic (GC-FID) analysis. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a 120
mg/kg body weight intravenous injection of alloxan. Metformin was orally administered at 50 mg/kg,
while the extract was administered (both to normal and diabetic rabbits) at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg.

Results::

Analysis of the extract showed that it had high contents of calcium, magnesium, manganese
and potassium. Eleven known glycosides were detected, comprising mainly of amygdalin (37.7%),
digoxin (14.4%), dhurrin (14.0%), linamarin (13.6%), prunasin (10.8%) and digitoxin (8.4%). Also
detected were twelve known saponins, consisting mainly of sapogenin (40.3%) and neochlorogenin
(21.8%); and twelve known lignans, consisting mainly of matairesinol (59.7%), secoisolariciresinol
(20.9%) and lariciresinol (14.9%). Compared to the Diabetic control, the hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration,
mean cell hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, red
cell distribution width; and red cell, total white cell, lymphocytes, granulocytes and platelet counts of
the treated groups were significantly (p<0.05) higher.

Conclusion::

The above result showed that the extract had a positive effect on the hemopoietic system
of the treated animals, at least at the doses at which it was administered in this study.
A Procedural Excursion of Micro Needles for Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Anand Pankaj , Tripathi Neeraj
Published: September 2019

Background:

MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical System) has many applications in various fields.

Objective:

Development and fabrication of micro needle for biomedical application is one of that area.

Method:

Application of micro to nano-scale technology in fabrication process, yields wide range of
progress and produces micro mechanical devices, which provide easy transport of biological fluids into
or away from living body with less effort or pain.

Conclusion:

This paper presents the excursion of solid to hollow micro needles, considering their
shapes, materials, with different fabrication processes. This survey discusses the application on specific
body parts and drug delivery systems. Our paper suggests that hollow tubes are most effective design
for application.
Theoretical Explanation of Warm and Cold Gastric Dystemperament in Iranian Traditional Medicine :A Hybrid Concept Analysis
Authors: Zareiyan Armin , Parsa Elham , Khodadoost Mahmood , Mojahedi Morteza , Yaghmaei Farideh , Vaghasloo Mahdi Alizahed , Jafari Parisa , Hakimi Fatemeh
Published: September 2019

Background:

Gastrointestinal diseases are a major source of mortality and impose high cost in the United States. The stomach is a hollow muscular bag which begins the second stage of digestion. The whole consumed food first passes through this organ, so it is the most important part of the digestive system .Traditional and complementary medicine have always been considered for the selection of new therapies. Iranian traditional medicine is one of the traditional medicine systems whose history dates back to thousands of years ago. In the ITM scientific field which is based on temperament (Mizaj), the gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach, is of particular importance.

Objective:

This study is aimed at understanding the concept using the qualitative method and hybrid concept analysis, which collect qualitative data.

Method:

This study investigates the stomach-related concepts by studying the books and reviewing the views of the professors and experts in this field and patients' experiences.

Results:

The concept of cold and warm gastric dystemperament was extracted. After the implementation and review of the interview with ITM professors and experts, this concept were out reached.

Conclusion:

In this study, the concept of cold and warm gastric dystemperaments has been gathered from Iranian traditional medicine books and the opinions of experts and patients' experiences so that we could offer it as an acceptable questionnaire in the future by investigating its validity and reliability for quick and better diagnosis of gastric dystemperaments.
Dimensionality Reduction Techniques for IoT Based Data
Authors: Tomar Dimpal , Tomar Pradeep
Published: September 2019

Background:

Internet of Things (IoT) plays a vital role by connecting several heterogeneous
devices seamlessly via the Internet through new services. Every second, the scale of IoT
keeps on increasing in various sectors like smart home, smart city, health, smart transportation and
so on. Therefore, IoT becomes the reason for the massive rise in the volume of data which is computationally
difficult to work out on such a huge amount of heterogeneous data. This high dimensionality
in data has become a challenge for data mining and machine learning. Hence, with respect
to efficiency and effectiveness, dimensionality reduction techniques show the roadmap to resolve
this issue by removing redundant, irrelevant and noisy data, making the learning process faster with
respect to computation time and accuracy.

Methods:

In this study, we provide a broad overview on advanced dimensionality reduction techniques
to facilitate selection of required features necessary for IoT based data analytics and for machine
learning on the basis of criterion measure, training dataset and inspired by soft computation
technology followed by significant challenges of dimensionality reduction techniques for IoT generated
data that exists as scalability, streaming datasets and features, stability and sustainability.

Results and Conclusion:

In this survey, the various dimensionality reduction algorithms reviewed delivers
the essential information in order to recommend the future prospect to resolve the current
challenges in the use of dimensionality reduction techniques for IoT data. In addition, we highlight
the comparative study of various methods and algorithms with respect to certain factors along with
their pros and cons.