bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening of Carica papaya Seeds for Pharmacologically Bioactive and Nutritionally Beneficial Substances for Optimization of Its Nutraceutical Potential
Authors: Enemor V. H. A. , Nworji O. F. , Ogbodo U. C. , Ngwu O. R. , Orji E. C. , Ohagim I. O.
Published: December 2020

Papaya seeds, though rarely eaten, are used in folk medicine around the world. This study analysed the seeds to evaluate their nutritional and phytochemical content using standard methods. Proximate analysis showed the seeds are a good source of carbohydrate (48.91% ± 0.69) and protein (24.33% ± 0.74). Essential minerals such as iron (70.16 mg/kg ± 0.08), selenium (12.50 mg/kg ± 0.08), and calcium (26.96 mg/kg ± 0.08) are present in the seeds at optimal quantities. Amino acid and vitamin analysis indicated that papaya seeds are rich sources of vitamin A (117.28 ± 2.09 mg/kg), B6 (37.70 ± 1.84 mg/kg), D (27.60 ± 3.96 mg/kg), K (119.81 ± 15.88 mg/kg), and all essential amino acids. Phytochemical analysis of the seeds revealed forty-three bioactive compounds including acetic acid and pyrrole, both of which have antimicrobial properties. From the above analytical results, it was revealed that papaya seeds have nutraceutical properties and can be used, in the appropriate quantity as a food or health supplement or an adjunct animal feed.
Evaluation of Vegetable Contamination with Medically Important Helminths and Protozoans in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Enogiomwan Imalele Edema , Ikponmwosa Evbuomwan Owen , Chinyere Osondu-Anyanwu , Christopher Akpan Blessing
Published: December 2020

Aims: Vegetables are usually exposed to parasitic ova, larvae or oocyst during cultivation, irrigation, storage, transportation or while processing for consumption. Consumption of raw, unwashed and improperly cooked vegetables is considered a risk factor for transmission of intestinal parasites. This study assessed the parasitic contamination of vegetables and also determined factors associated with parasitic contamination of vegetables in selected markets in Calabar, Cross River State.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Markets within Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria between September and October, 2018.

Methodology: A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used for collecting data on factors associated with parasitic contamination of vegetables. 300 vegetable samples were purchased and processed from three different markets in Calabar for examination of parasitic contamination using direct wet mount and zinc sulphate floatation techniques.

Results: 15.7% (47/300) of the vegetables sampled were positive for at least one parasite. The species and stages of parasites detected were larvae of Strongyloides, ova of Trichuris trichiura and Hookworm, and cysts of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia. Larvae of Strongyloides (11.3%) were the most frequently detected followed by ova of T. trichiura (1.7%) and Hookworm (1.7%) (P = 0.000). Among the five vegetable types sampled, waterleaf (40%) had the highest level of parasitic contamination followed by pumpkin (21.7%). Washing vegetables before display and the means of display were significantly associated with parasitic contamination (P = 0.000).

Conclusion: Prevention of contamination is important in reducing food-borne parasitic infections and can be achieved through improved personal hygiene practices of farmers, vendors and consumers, proper washing of vegetables and improved sanitary conditions especially around markets where these vegetables are sold.
Influence of Body Condition Score on Milk Production Parameters of Murrah Buffaloes
Authors: Alapati Anitha , Kapa Sarjan Rao , Jeepalyam Suresh
Published: December 2020

The postpartum changes in Body Condition Score (BCS) studied from calving to four months of lactation in 40 Murrah buffaloes showed that BCS decreased from calving to two months of lactation and then gradually increased. Significant (P < 0.05) inverse relationship (r = -0.96) was observed between BCS and milk yield. The effect of BCS at calving (BCSc) on the milk production parameters were studied in 40 Murrah buffaloes divided into 4 groups of 10 buffaloes each based on BCSc (G1 – 2.5 to 2.99, G2- 3.0 to 3.49, G3- 3.5to 3.99 and G4- 4.0 to4.49). The total milk production (kg) upto 4 months of lactation, peak milk yield (kg), persistence, milk fat per cent, milk protein per cent and SNF per cent were 1030.93, 9.50, 1.65, 6.44, 3.39 and 8.99, respectively for G1 group, 1197.12, 11.60, 1.69, 7.54, 3.74 and 9.34 respectively for G2 group, 1658.67,16.50,1.77,8.62, 4.24 and 9.84, respectively for G3 and 1359.92, 13.75, 1.68, 9.37, 3.97 and 9.57, respectively for G4 group. Buffaloes of G3 group had significantly (p<0.01) more milk yield, peak milk yield, milk protein and SNF compared to the other groups where as buffaloes of G4 group had significantly (P<0.01) more milk fat.
Comparative Analysis for the Treatment of Hemorrhoids Using Harmonic Scalpel versus Conventional Hemorrhoidectomy: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Thoubaity Fatma Al-
Published: December 2020

Background: Hemorrhoidectomy is one of the most effective treatments for Grade III/IV hemorrhoids. This study was aimed to compare the outcomes and postoperative complications arising from the harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy with conventional hemorrhoidectomy.

Methods: In this retrospective study, 1120 patients were operated on for symptomatic Grade III/IV hemorrhoids during April 2004-April 2020. In the conventional hemorrhoidectomy patient group, the operation was performed by Ferguson closed method using monopolar electrocautery, while the other patient group was operated using a harmonic scalpel. Patient demographic data and common patient complaints were recorded. Operation duration and blood loss during the procedure were noted. Regular follow up of the patients was done for 4 weeks, and postoperative pain relief was recorded using the Visual Analog Scale. Finally, patient satisfaction and complete wound healing were analyzed along with postoperative complications like incontinence, secondary hemorrhage, recurrence, and anal stenosis.

Results: The patient demographic characteristics and preoperative complaints were similar for both groups. Harmonic scalpel procedure resulted in shorter operation time and less blood loss. Postoperative pain relief was substantially better in the patient group who underwent harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy. Harmonic hemorrhoidectomy procedure also resulted in higher patient satisfaction and wound healing. Minimal postoperative complications were observed for both groups.

Conclusion: Harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy is a safe and effective procedure that achieves simultaneous tissue and vessel sealing. It reduces the duration of the operation, blood loss, postoperative pain, and complications compared to a conventional hemorrhoidectomy procedure.
Identification of Fungal Isolates from Soils of Rice and Napier Grass
Authors: Naing Thu Htet , Naing Tin Tun , Min Yu Yu , Yoshimura Atsushi
Published: December 2020

Microbial diversity of cultivated soil is the key resource for maintaining the functional capacity of agricultural and natural ecosystem. The research aimed to study the prevalence of soil fungi from the soils of rice and napier grass fields. Soil samples were collected from the fields of rice in flooded condition and napier grass in the upland condition at the University farm. Soil fungi were cultured on RB media through the serial dilution method. A total of 13 isolates were cultured, in which 11 from the soil collected from rice cultivated field and 2 from napier grass field. Seven out of 11 isolates collected from rice and 2 from napier grass were selected and identified through the morphological characters such as colony color, mycelium diameter, color and segmentaiton, spore size and color. Mycelium growths were examined on the PDA and RB media. Fungal isolates collected in this study were morphologically identified/ characterized as Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. terreus, A. carbonarius, A. nidulans, Alternaria sp., Penicillium and Talaromyces. Fungal species differed among the soils were discussed.
Specifics of Treatment of Hyperuricemia with Febuxostat and Its Effects on Concentrations of Total, LDL and HDL Cholesterol, Compared to the Conventional Treatment with Allopurinol
Authors: Smajic Nermina Ziga , Skrbo Selma , Omerovic Naida , Duric Kemal , Dedic Mirza , Trnka Anela Hadzifejzovic , Pehlivanovic Belma , Lagumdzija Dina , Becic Fahir
Published: December 2020

Hyperuricemia is a potential marker of cardiovascular diseases, and its relation to hypertension and arteriosclerosis, as well as the outcomes of certain cardiovascular events, is interesting. The research was carried out a sample of 50 subjects of both sexes, who were either on allopurinol or febuxostat treatment. Effects of allopurinol and febuxostat on concentrations of uric acid and some lipid fractions (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol) were observed in 25 subjects on allopurinol treatment, and in 25 subjects on febuxostat treatment, who were chosen by defined criteria, with each patient serving as his or her control. The total observation period was six months and the cut was made after the first three months and at the end of the research. Evaluating the effectiveness of allopurinol in subjects with hyperuricemia, it was established that concentrations of uric acid decreased by 126.28±20.36 µmol/L, at the end of the research, compared to the initial concentration. In subjects who used febuxostat, at the end of the research, concentrations of uric acid decreased by 252.80±94.17 µmol/L, compared to the initial concentration. Evaluating the effectiveness of febuxostat on concentrations of lipid fractions, a statistically significant increase of 0.17±0.02 mmol/L in concentrations of HDL and a statistically significant decrease of 0.37±0.14 mmol/L in concentrations of LDL were noted. Subjects with gout treated with allopurinol had significantly lower average concentrations of cholesterol compared to subjects with gout and metabolic syndrome (p=0.001). Subjects with gout and metabolic syndrome had significantly higher concentrations of LDL at the beginning and the end of the research, regardless of therapy (p=0.045;p=0.049, respectively). Both drugs showed effectiveness in the treatment of hyperuricemia, and a certain effect on concentrations of lipid fractions.
Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulator: A Novel Class of Anti-inflammatory Compounds
Authors: Alsulaimani Mujahid A. , Alsulaimani Mahmoud
Published: December 2020

Background: Glucocorticoids exert a wide range of physiological effects. They  effectively control various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and play an important role in organ transplantation. Glucocorticoids are associated with unfavorable side effects that restrict their utilization. The most undesirable side effects are related to the transactivation of target genes. On the other hand, the transrepression of the genes is also responsible for the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulator of glucocorticoids.

Principal Findings: The separation between these two processes through alteration in glucocorticoid receptor resulting in a compound with similar GCs benefit activity with fewer side effects. This review will discuss the molecular mechanism and summarizes the most common compounds and their beneficial effect in preclinical experiments.

Conclusion: Several compounds that possess this feature are tested in preclinical experiments with promising results. These compounds are expected to be a better alternative to GCs drugs in the management of different diseases with a high degree of effectiveness.
The Association of Vitamin D with Brain Cognitive Functions: A Literature Review
Authors: Alzahrani Yahya A. , Alomary Mohammed A. , Alzahrani Abdulmajeed A. , Eskandarani Mawaddah M. , Aljabry Iman S. , Alzahrani Yahya M.
Published: December 2020

Vitamin D is a well-known steroid hormone that plays an important role in controlling bone levels of calcium, phosphorus, and overall mineralization. Several animal and human studies indicate that vitamin D hypovitaminosis may be linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The objective of the present review is to summarize current knowledge of the effects of vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D intake on cognitive function. The possible underline mechanisms of these effects were also discussed. We reviewed the literature starting from 1986 to 2019 by searching PubMed, Cochrane, Semantic Scholar, Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for all observational studies, randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews using the keywords  “vitamin D and Alzheimer disease”, “neuroprotective effect of vitamin D”, “vitamin D deficiency and Alzheimer ”, “role of vitamin D in neurodegenerative diseases ”, ” vitamin D and amyloidogenesis”, “acetylcholine and vitamin D”, and “memory and vitamin D ”.We also referred to animal and in vitro studies that dealt with the possible mechanisms of actions of the neuroprotective effect of vitamin D. Our findings showed that Vitamin D supplementation improves cognitive performance via reducing amyloidogenesis, restoration of neurotransmission, maintaining calcium balance, regulating neurotrophic factors, anti-inflammatory action, apoptosis regulation, antioxidant, and vascular processes. This review might be open new horizons in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the disease and neurodegeneration and enable the development of new approaches in treatment and prevention of the disease.
Impact of Socioeconomic Inequalities on Child Malnutrition
Authors: Qambrani Zamir Ahmed , Jamali Asif Nadeem , Siyal Habibullah , Azhar Sarah , Haque Hafiz Syed Imran-ul , Qamar Ambreen
Published: December 2020

Socioeconomic status and the education of mother plays important role in providing better health care and nutrition to children. To the best of our knowledge the major population of Pakistan belongs to middle class and identification of malnutrition in our setups may help the policy makers to develop certain parameters to provide better nutrition to children under 5 years of age. The aims of current study were to analyze the prevalence of malnutrition and their association with different socioeconomic status in tertiary care hospital of Hyderabad.

Study Design: Cross sectional.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was performed at nutritional stabilization center of pediatric department of tertiary care hospital Hyderabad during the month of July 2019 to January 2020.

Methodology: Preformed proforma was designed to record the data of participants. Hospital protocols using WHO guidelines (17) i.e. 10 steps for in-patient care of severe malnutrition were started & followed with feeding F-75 & F-100. Data was analyzed on SPSS-20.

Results: The minimum age recorded was 8 months and maximum was found to be 45 months (3 years 9 months). 72% were females and 70% of participants had Weight to height ratio below normal. Prevalence of severe acute malnutrition was found to be 35.2%. After admission and management protocols 91.6% were recovered however, mortality was observed in 8.9% participants. Chi square analysis of all socioeconomic groups showed highly significant results with severe acute malnutrition (p-value= 0.001).

Conclusion: Current study concluded a high prevalence of SAM in Pakistani population that is about 35.2%, out of which majority was from lower socioeconomic class.
The Effect of Financial Health Level on Increasing Profitability of Insurance Companies Listed on IDX Period of 2014-2018
Authors: Anshori Mohamad Yusak , Fasila Ira , Muttaqiin Ninnasi
Published: December 2020

This study was conducted to examine the effect of financial health level of insurance companies on their increasing profitability. It uses profitability as the dependent variable measured by Return on Assets (ROA) and the independent variable is financial health level measured by Non-Performing Loans (NPL), Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR), Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Net Interest Margin (NIM), and Operational Efficiency Ratio (BOPO). It is quantitative research in which the sample was taken using a purposive sampling method. It uses secondary data collected from the annual financial reports of insurance companies during the 2014-2018 period. There were 10 companies selected and the data were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis techniques with the Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) program version 23. The results show that three variables— such as Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR), Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), and Net Interest Margin (NIM)—  have a positive effect on Return On Assets (ROA). On the contrary, the two variables such as Non-Performing Loans (NPL) and Operational Efficiency Ratio (BOPO) have no effect on Return on Assets (ROA).
The Indirect Effect of Computer Self-Efficacy of E-Commerce Users on Intention to Use
Authors: Soetanto Tessa Vanina , Proboyo Adelina , Putri Prilya Angel
Published: December 2020

E-commerce market in Indonesia has tremendous growth and predicted to become significant contributor to Foreign Direct Investment. Millennials, heavily affected by technology and internet, considered to be the driver growth of e-commerce. Applying the theory of modified Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this research analyzes whether perceived of ease of use and perceived usefulness mediate the impact of computer self-efficacy on the behavior of e-commerce users to use Lazada platform. The study was a quantitative study with online questionnaire. Data of 200 respondents were analyzed by Structural Equation Modelling and the result shows that computer self-efficacy indirectly affects behavioral intention to use through perceived ease of use. Perceived usefulness and attitude towards use are not significant mediators because of their insignificance on intention to use. Computer self-efficacy has significant impact on behavioral intention mediated by perceived ease of use, but not by perceived usefulness.
The Impact of Team Building Intervention on Internal Communication in Lia S Associates Branding & Design Organizations
Authors: Setyawan Andy , Dharmayanti Diah , Foedjiawati Foedjiawati
Published: December 2020

This study aims to determine the impact of team building interventions on the internal communication of Lia S Associates Branding & Design. Based on the diagnose results, the organization has a lack of internal organizational communication which results in important information not being conveyed properly and makes employee unable to make decision properly. Therefore researchers conducted team building interventions to improve internal communication. Researcher used the action research method, with three stages namely Pre ODI, ODI and Post ODI. To see the changes after the intervention researchers compared the Pre Test & Post Test results, it was found that there were insignificant changes after the intervention, This is due to the lack of organizational commitment to the intervention process so that the intervention has not been able to bring about changes
The Effect of Promotion on Financial Literacy in Increasing Buying Interest in Government Bonds
Authors: Aribowo Agus , Tjandrasa Benny Budiawan
Published: December 2020

The economic development of a country as a whole can be seen from the equitable distribution of national development. To support development activities, funds are needed. The kind of funds needed is sustainable development funds to maintaineconomic development. Government Bonds (Surat UtangNegara/ SUN) are seen by the government as an alternative instrument for financing the State Budget, covering short-term cash shortages and managing the country's debt portfolio. This study aims to examine the Effect of Promotion and Financial Literacy on Buying Interest in Government Bonds (SUN). It used a descriptive survey and explanatory survey methods. The primary data collection method was obtained directly from thesource with a sample size of 100 students of Maranatha Christian University and Parahyangan University who have known about promotion and financial literacy. The distribution of the questionnaire was carried out using a non-probability sampling technique, namely purposive sampling. For data analysis, multiple linear regression statistical tool was used with a significance level of 5% for t-test and F-test. The results of this study indicate that both the partial and simultaneous tests show that promotion and financial literacy variables affect interest in the Buying Interest.
Stimuli‐Responsive Nanomaterials for Smart Tumor‐Specific Phototherapeutics
Authors: Zhou Bo , Guo Zhengxi , Lin Zhaoxin , Jiang Bang‐Ping , Shen Xing‐Can
Published: December 2020

Phototherapy, a type of photoresponsive regulation of biological activities, together with additional stimuli‐responsive features, offers significant potential for enhancing the precision and eﬃcacy of cancer treatments. To achieve tumor‐specific therapeutics, numerous studies have focused on the development of smart phototherapeutic nanomaterials (PNMs) that can respond to endogenous pathological characteristics (e. g., mild acidity, the overproduction of glutathione, the overproduction of hydrogen peroxide, the overexpression of specific surface receptors, etc.) present in the tumor and/or exogenous stimuli. Such responsiveness can effectively improve the physicochemical properties, cellular uptake, tumor‐targeting performance, and pharmacokinetic profile of PNMs. Herein, we will systematically discuss recent advances in this field. Moreover, potential challenges and future directions in the development of stimuli‐responsive PNMs are also presented to support the development of this emerging cutting‐edge research area.
Effect of quantization and positron concentration on shielding potentials in electron‐positron‐ion plasma
Authors: Hafeez Sidra , Ali Shahid , Ikram Muhammed , Khan Majid
Published: December 2020

The kinetic theory of plasma has been employed to compute the test‐charge potential distributions accounting for quantization effects in magnetized electron‐positron‐ion (EPI) plasmas. In this regard, the degenerate positrons and electrons are assumed to follow the Fermi‐Dirac distribution, while inertial ions are modelled by Maxwellian velocity distribution. By solving the Fourier‐transformed Vlasov–Poisson equations, a modified dielectric function and electrostatic potential is obtained. By imposing various constraints on the test‐charge speed, the potential profile has been analysed in terms of Debye–Hückel (DH), far‐field (FF), and wake‐field (WF) potentials. It has been found that the amplitude of DH and FF potentials increases by the inclusion of quantization effects, and it becomes the opposite for the WF potential profile. Furthermore, the variation of positron concentration significantly affects the DH, FF, and WF potentials. The present findings are important to understand the shielding phenomenon in degenerate multi‐species plasmas.
Activation of the regeneration‐associated gene STAT3 and functional changes in intact nociceptors after peripheral nerve damage in mice
Authors: Bernal Laura , Cisneros Elsa , Roza Carolina
Published: December 2020

Background

In the context of neuropathic pain, the contribution of regeneration to the development of positive symptoms is not completely understood. Several efforts have been done to described changes in axotomized neurons, however, there is scarce data on changes occurring in intact neurons, despite experimental evidence of functional changes. To address this issue, we analysed by immunohistochemistry the presence of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3), an accepted marker of regeneration, within DRGs where axotomized neurons were retrogradely labelled following peripheral nerve injury. Likewise, we have characterized abnormal electrophysiological properties in intact fibres after partial nerve injury.

Methods/Results

We showed that induction of pSTAT3 in sensory neurons was similar after partial or total transection of the sciatic nerve and to the same extent within axotomized and non‐axotomized neurons. We also examined pSTAT3 presence on non‐peptidergic and peptidergic nociceptors. Whereas the percentage of neurons marked by IB4 decrease after injury, the proportion of CGRP neurons did not change, but its expression switched from small‐ to large‐diameter neurons. Besides, the percentage of CGRP+ neurons expressing pSTAT3 increased significantly 2.5‐folds after axotomy, preferentially in neurons with large diameters. Electrophysiological recordings showed that after nerve damage, most of the neurons with ectopic spontaneous activity (39/46) were non‐axotomized C‐fibres with functional receptive fields in the skin far beyond the site of damage.

Conclusions

Neuronal regeneration after nerve injury, likely triggered from the site of injury, may explain the abnormal functional properties gained by intact neurons, reinforcing their role in neuropathic pain.

Significance

Positive symptoms in patients with peripheral neuropathies correlate to abnormal functioning of different subpopulations of primary afferents. Peripheral nerve damage triggers regenerating programs in the cell bodies of axotomized but also in non‐axotomized nociceptors which is in turn, develop abnormal spontaneous and evoked discharges. Therefore, intact nociceptors have a significant role in the development of neuropathic pain due to their hyperexcitable peripheral terminals. Therapeutical targets should focus on inhibiting peripheral hyperexcitability in an attempt to limit peripheral and central sensitization.
Gender and Climate Change Adaptation Among Rural Households in Nigeria
Authors: Ume Chukwuma Otum , Opata Patience Ifeyinwa , Onyekuru Anthony Nwa Jesus
Published: December 2020

Female- and male-headed rural households have unequal opportunities in climate change adaptation. Efforts in climate change adaptation in regions with deeply entrenched sociocultural norms should also account for the varied gender components of climate change. The broad objective of this study is to integrate gender issues into climate change adaptation thereby distilling lessons and evidence for policymakers on how to approach the necessary transformation of gender relations in climate change interventions. The study employed focus group discussions to uncover the structural factors undermining women’s adaptive capacity, thereby making them vulnerable to climate change impacts. In addition to this, in-depth interviews were also conducted. For the in-depth interviews, 27 farmers were sampled using a snowballing method, while four focus groups were carried out differently for male and female farmers. Ten extension personnel and ten representations from the ministry of agriculture were also surveyed using in-depth interviews. Results from the study showed that female farmers in the region were more vulnerable to climate change as a result of the deeply rooted cultural systems and unwarranted assumptions about women. Findings also suggested that women with high adaptive capacity were less vulnerable to climate impacts. We conclude that gender-responsive climate change adaptation is important in achieving balanced relations that will ensure climate resilience in more equitable and nonhierarchical ways.
Open associahedra and scattering forms
Authors: Herderschee Aidan , Teng Fei
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We continue the study of open associahedra associated with bi-color scattering amplitudes initiated in ref. [1]. We focus on the facet geometries of the open associahedra, uncovering many new phenomena such as fiber-product geometries. We then provide novel recursion procedures for calculating the canonical form of open associahedra, generalizing recursion relations for bounded polytopes to unbounded polytopes.
De-Bruijn-Folgen und Zauberei
Authors: Rahija Martina , Weng Annegret
Published: December 2020

De-Bruijn-Folgen in der Zauberkunst wurden bereits von mehreren Autoren vorgeschlagen und auch mit Erfolg auf der Bühne eingesetzt (siehe z. B. [2, 4, 11]). Insbesondere gibt es dazu einen bekannten effektvollen Trick mit einem Skatspiel bestehend aus $$32$$
32
 Karten. Dieser setzt nicht voraus, dass sich der Zauberer die De-Bruijn-Folge und die Kodierung in Kartenwerte merken muss, da er alle notwendigen Informationen berechnen kann.

In diesem Artikel gehen wir auf die mathematischen Grundlagen spezieller, durch lineare Abbildungen generierte De-Bruijn-Folgen ein. Mit der Theorie gelingt es uns, den Trick von $$32$$
32
 Karten auf das Pokerspiel mit $$52$$
52
 Karten bzw. auf das Kartenspiel „Set“  mit $$81$$
81
 Karten zu übertragen. In beiden Fällen kann sich der Zauberer mit etwas Übung die nötigen Informationen errechnen und muss dadurch wenig memorieren.
The best task allocation process is to decide on one’s own: effects of the allocation agent in human–robot interaction on perceived work characteristics and satisfaction
Authors: Tausch Alina , Kluge Annette
Published: December 2020

New technologies are ever evolving and have the power to change human work for the better or the worse depending on the implementation. For human–robot interaction (HRI), it is decisive how humans and robots will share tasks and who will be in charge for decisions on task allocation. The aim of this online experiment was to examine the influence of different decision agents on the perception of a task allocation process in HRI. We assume that inclusion of the worker in the allocation will create more perceived work resources and will lead to more satisfaction with the allocation and the work results than a decision made by another agent. To test these hypotheses, we used a fictional production scenario where tasks were allocated to the participant and a robot. The allocation decision was either made by the robot, by an organizational unit, or by the participants themselves. We then looked for differences between those conditions. Our sample consisted of 151 people. In multiple ANOVAs, we could show that satisfaction with the allocation process, the solution, and with the result of the work process was higher in the condition where participants themselves were given agency in the allocation process compared to the other two. Those participants also experienced more task identity and autonomy. This has implications for the design of allocation processes: The inclusion of workers in task allocation can play a crucial role in leveraging the acceptance of HRI and in designing humane work systems in Industry 4.0.
Do drivers change their manual car-following behaviour after automated car-following?
Authors: Louw Tyron , Goncalves Rafael , Torrao Guilhermina , Radhakrishnan Vishnu , Lyu Wei , Puente Guillen Pablo , Merat Natasha
Published: December 2020

There is evidence that drivers’ behaviour adapts after using different advanced driving assistance systems. For instance, drivers’ headway during car-following reduces after using adaptive cruise control. However, little is known about whether, and how, drivers’ behaviour will change if they experience automated car-following, and how this is affected by engagement in non-driving-related tasks (NDRT). The aim of this driving simulator study, conducted as part of the H2020 L3Pilot project, was to address this topic. We also investigated the effect of the presence of a lead vehicle during the resumption of control, on subsequent manual driving behaviour. Thirty-two participants were divided into two experimental groups. During automated car-following, one group was engaged in an NDRT (SAE Level 3), while the other group was free to look around the road environment (SAE Level 2). Both groups were exposed to Long (1.5 s) and Short (.5 s) Time Headway (THW) conditions during automated car-following, and resumed control both with and without a lead vehicle. All post-automation manual drives were compared to a Baseline Manual Drive, which was recorded at the start of the experiment. Drivers in both groups significantly reduced their time headway in all post-automation drives, compared to a Baseline Manual Drive. There was a greater reduction in THW after drivers resumed control in the presence of a lead vehicle, and also after they had experienced a shorter THW during automated car-following. However, whether drivers were in L2 or L3 did not appear to influence the change in mean THW. Subjective feedback suggests that drivers appeared not to be aware of the changes to their driving behaviour, but preferred longer THWs in automation. Our results suggest that automated driving systems should adopt longer THWs in car-following situations, since drivers’ behavioural adaptation may lead to adoption of unsafe headways after resumption of control.
Rapid and Reliable Detection of Echinococcus multilocularis from Faeces Using Droplet Digital PCR
Authors: Bagó Fabian , Hoelzl Franz , Knauer Felix , Kübber-Heiss Anna , Smith Steve
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Alveolar echinococcosis is a severe helminthic disease in humans caused by larvae of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. Austria is considered an endemic area with hotspots having up to 45% prevalence (Bagó et al. in Proceedings of the Zoo and Wildlife Health Conference 2019, Berlin, p. 91, 2019). At our facility, we have registered a notifiable increase of animals submitted for the diagnosis of E. multilocularis since 2016. Therefore, we investigated high throughput diagnostic methods to provide rapid and reliable results in comparison with our current method.

Methods

We have developed and compared a novel method of detection using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) combined with previous target specific extraction according to Maas et al. (Vet Parasitol 230:20–24, 2016), with our current macroscopic method “Shaking in a Vessel Technique” (SVT) by Duscher et al. (Parasitol Res 95(1):40–42, 2005). We investigated 77 wild canids (72 red foxes, 5 golden jackals) using both methods. The data were analyzed using a non-Bayesian approach, applying bootstrapping to create confidentiality intervals.

Results

Sensitivity for droplet digital PCR was 90.51% with the 95% credibility interval ranging from 82.50 to 96.92%, whereas mean sensitivity for SVT was 92.04% with a 95% credibility interval ranging from 84.75% to 98.36%. Additionally, a non-linear regression similar to R2 could be pointed out between the counted worms and the results gathered from ddPCR.

Conclusion

Magnetic capture extraction followed by ddPCR shows strong potential as a high throughput method for diagnosing E. multilocularis prevalence in diverse canid populations as well as infection intensities of individual animals, giving valuable epidemiological insights of the distribution amongst wild canids as an alternative to conventional qPCR or macroscopic methods.
Deep Learning in Transport Studies: A Meta-analysis on the Prediction Accuracy
Authors: Varghese Varun , Chikaraishi Makoto , Urata Junji
Published: December 2020

Deep learning methods are being increasingly applied in transport studies, while the methods require modellers to go through a try-and-error model tuning process particularly on choosing neural network structure. Moreover, the accuracy level also depends on other factors such as the type of data, sample size, region of data collection, and time of prediction. To efficiently facilitate such a model tuning process, this study attempts to summarize the relationship between the prediction accuracy of deep learning models and the factors which influence it. We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature by adopting a detailed search strategy, followed by a meta-analysis on prediction accuracy. Four separate linear mixed effects models, taking into account unobserved heterogeneities in prediction accuracy across studies, were developed to statistically test the impacts of influential factors on prediction accuracy for (a) all observations (136 studies; 2314 cases), (b) studies with MAPE, MRE, and average accuracy indicators (86 studies; 1,878 cases), (c) classification-based studies with accuracy indicator (29 studies; 220 cases), and (d) traffic forecasting studies with MAPE, MRE, and average accuracy indicators (36 studies, 991 cases). The final model includes additional factors to test the influence of sample size and time horizon of prediction variables. The findings showed that, as expected, deep learning models, particularly ones that consider spatiotemporal dependencies of transport phenomena, show better prediction accuracies compared to conventional machine learning models. We also found that, on average, the prediction accuracy is improved by 5.90% with 100 million additional data, while the accuracy is reduced by 5.28% with 100 min increase in time horizon of prediction in traffic forecasting studies. We concluded this paper with a comprehensive summary of the existing findings on the applications of deep learning to transport studies.
Bioecology of Anagyrus saccharicola (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of the pink sugarcane mealybug Saccharicoccus sacchari (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
Authors: Souza Ivana Lemos , de Paulo Hágabo Honorato , Taguti Érica Ayumi , Martinelli Nilza Maria
Published: December 2020

Parasitoids can be used as biological agents of pest control. Anagyrus saccharicola Timberlake (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a parasitoid of the pink sugarcane mealybug Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Although this mealybug is present in all sugarcane-producing countries, there is limited information regarding this pest and its parasitoid. Aiming to elucidate information on bioecological parameters of A. saccharicola, were evaluated the survival of parasitoid females and males at three temperatures, the host preference of the parasitoid, and the fecundity and longevity of the host. In addition, the parasitism rate of A. saccharicola was estimated based on three factors, feeding, mating, and time. Survival was evaluated at 20, 25, and 30°C. Host preference was conducted on 15-, 20-, and 30-day-old mealybugs. And the parasitism rate was evaluated in fed and unfed, mated and unmated parasitoids and with 24 h and newly emerged. The temperature of 20°C was the most favorable for parasitoid survival. Parasitism occurred at all evaluated ages of the mealybug; however, the preference was for those that were 30-days-old. The parasitized mealybugs longevity was approximately 8 additional days after parasitization, and non-parasitized mealybugs lived for an additional 20 days for mealybugs aged 30 and 20 days at the outset of the tests, and a further 13 days for the 15 days. Feeding and mating after 24 h of emergence resulted in a higher parasitism rate. These findings can contribute to more efficient rearing of A. saccharicola and in the planning of the biological control of S. sacchari in the integrated pest management programs.
The generalizability crisis
Authors: Yarkoni Tal
Published: December 2020

Most theories and hypotheses in psychology are verbal in nature, yet their evaluation overwhelmingly relies on inferential statistical procedures. The validity of the move from qualitative to quantitative analysis depends on the verbal and statistical expressions of a hypothesis being closely aligned – that is, that the two must refer to roughly the same set of hypothetical observations. Here, I argue that many applications of statistical inference in psychology fail to meet this basic condition. Focusing on the most widely used class of model in psychology – the linear mixed model – I explore the consequences of failing to statistically operationalize verbal hypotheses in a way that respects researchers' actual generalization intentions. I demonstrate that although the “random effect” formalism is used pervasively in psychology to model intersubject variability, few researchers accord the same treatment to other variables they clearly intend to generalize over (e.g., stimuli, tasks, or research sites). The under-specification of random effects imposes far stronger constraints on the generalizability of results than most researchers appreciate. Ignoring these constraints can dramatically inflate false-positive rates, and often leads researchers to draw sweeping verbal generalizations that lack a meaningful connection to the statistical quantities they are putatively based on. I argue that failure to take the alignment between verbal and statistical expressions seriously lies at the heart of many of psychology's ongoing problems (e.g., the replication crisis), and conclude with a discussion of several potential avenues for improvement.
In peace and war: birth control and population policies in Norway (1930–1945)
Authors: Andresen Astri , Elvbakken Kari Tove
Published: December 2020

While Norway in the 1930s had relatively liberal policies with regard to access to contraceptives, and an increasing number of legal abortions were carried out, the regime that was installed after occupation in 1940 reined them in, fuelled not only by Nazi ideology but by what new the regime saw as a most threatening population decrease. With reference to population policies in other West-European countries, this article compares Norwegian population policies under occupation with that of the 1930s, discusses if the policy towards all groups were the same, and the extent to which the new policies contributed to increasing birth rates in occupied Norway.
The Democratic and Republican Governors Associations and the Nationalization of American Party Politics, 1961–1968
Authors: Sparacino Anthony
Published: December 2020

This article examines the origins and early activities of the Democratic and Republican Governors Associations (DGA and RGA, respectively) from the RGA's initial founding in 1961 through the 1968 national nominating conventions. I argue that the formations of these organizations were key moments in the transition from a decentralized to a more integrated and nationally programmatic party system. The DGA and RGA represent gubernatorial concern for and engagement in the development of national party programs and the national party organizations. Governors formed these groups because of the increasing importance of national government programs on the affairs of state governments and the recognition on the part of governors that national partisan politics was having critical effects on electoral outcomes at the state level, through the reputations of the national parties. To varying extents, the governors used these organizations to promote the national parties and contributed to national party-building efforts and the development of national party brands.
EARLY COLONIALISM AND POPULATION MOVEMENT AT THE MISSION SAN BERNABÉ, GUATEMALA
Authors: Freiwald Carolyn , Miller Wolf Katherine A. , Pugh Timothy , Rand Asta J. , Fullagar Paul D.
Published: December 2020

Colonialism came late to northern Guatemala. The Spanish began to establish missions in the Peten Lakes region in the early 1700s, nearly 200 years after initial contact with the Mayas. Excavations in 2011–2012 at the Mission San Bernabé revealed European goods, nonnative animal species, and burial patterns that marked a new lifestyle. Who lived at the Mission San Bernabé, and where did they come from? The Spanish resettled indigenous populations to facilitate the colonization process; however, isotopic data are inconsistent with large population movements. Instead, strontium and oxygen isotope values in the tooth enamel and bones of individuals buried at the mission suggest a mostly local population. The data suggest in-migration from Belize, a region under nominal Spanish control, but with pre-Hispanic ties to the Peten. Changes did not come from migrants crossing a border; instead, the border itself moved and brought the colonial world to the Peten Mayas.
Across the Great Divide: Popular Music Studies and the Public
Authors: HAMILTON JACK
Published: December 2020

This contribution reflects on the historical and present condition of the academic field of popular music studies' relationship to the non-academic public, particularly within the context of increased institutional demands for scholarly ‘public engagement'. I begin by discussing various reasons why a continued, sustained engagement with non-academic voices and communities should remain a central priority of popular music studies. I then move to a discussion of certain vantage points and modes of expertise that popular music scholars can offer to broader musical publics, particularly as relating to the political economy of commercial music media and urgent necessities of historical archiving and preservation. In closing, I argue that a renewed commitment to ‘public engagement' also offers a more robust engagement with our field’s own history, and might serve as a way of honouring its intellectual pioneers, many of whom did foundational work well outside the traditional boundaries of the academy.
Sense and Sensitivity – Using Spatial Response-Compatibility Effects to Investigate Ambiguous Word Meaning
Authors: Büsel Christian , Sachse Pierre , Goltermann Ole , Ansorge Ulrich
Published: December 2020

Abstract. We investigated sensitivity for the vertical meaning of the German particle ab by means of stimulus–response compatibility effects. In German, the particle ab is ambiguous and can take on a vertical meaning (downward) as in Auf und Ab (engl. up and down), but it can also take on nonvertical or nonspatial meanings as in Ab und An (engl. from time to time). We show that the particle ab only creates a spatial compatibility effect relative to the German particle auf (Experiment 1) but not relative to the particle an (Experiment 2). Furthermore, as participants executed upward versus downward responses in both Experiments 1 and 2, the mere vertical antagonism of the responses was insufficient to instill a verticality-based compatibility effect. In addition, the compatibility effect was restricted to the transparent version of the particle. If a letter sequence corresponding to the particles was presented in a semantically and morphologically opaque way (e.g., the letters ab were embedded in the German word kn ab e, engl. boy), no compatibility effect was found, underlining that the effect was due to word meanings rather than visual features. The results underscore the boundary conditions for using compatibility effects in investigating lexical and semantic spatial processing in humans.
CRISPR-Cas systems restrict horizontal gene transfer in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Wheatley Rachel M , MacLean R Craig
Published: December 2020

CRISPR-Cas systems provide bacteria and archaea with an adaptive immune system that targets foreign DNA. However, the xenogenic nature of immunity provided by CRISPR-Cas raises the possibility that these systems may constrain horizontal gene transfer. Here we test this hypothesis in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which has emerged as an important model system for understanding CRISPR-Cas function. Across the diversity of P. aeruginosa, active CRISPR-Cas systems are associated with smaller genomes and higher GC content, suggesting that CRISPR-Cas inhibits the acquisition of foreign DNA. Although phage is the major target of CRISPR-Cas spacers, more than 80% of isolates with an active CRISPR-Cas system have spacers that target integrative conjugative elements (ICE) or the conserved conjugative transfer machinery used by plasmids and ICE. Consistent with these results, genomes containing active CRISPR-Cas systems harbour a lower abundance of both prophage and ICE. Crucially, spacers in genomes with active CRISPR-Cas systems map to ICE and phage that are integrated into the chromosomes of closely related genomes lacking CRISPR-Cas immunity. We propose that CRISPR-Cas acts as an important constraint to horizontal gene transfer, and the evolutionary mechanisms that ensure its maintenance or drive its loss are key to the ability of this pathogen to adapt to new niches and stressors.