bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fracture lineaments, fault mesh formation and seismicity
Authors: Rahiman Tariq I.H. , Pettinga Jarg R.
Published: October 2019

Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji, is located in a seismically active area within the Fiji Platform, a remnant island arc that lies in a diffuse plate boundary zone between the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates in the SW Pacific. The upper crust of Viti Levu is dissected by numerous intersecting fault/lineament zones mapped from remote sensing imagery of the land surface (topography, radar and aerial photos) and basement (magnetic) and have been subject to rigorous statistical tests of reproducibility and verification with field mapped fault data. Lineaments on the various imagery correlate with faults mapped in the field, and show spatial continuity between and beyond mapped faults, thereby providing a fuller coverage of regional structural patterns than previously known. Some fault/lineaments zones extend beyond the coastline to the offshore area from the SE Viti Levu study area. Multibeam bathymetry and seismic reflection data show the fault zones occur along and exert control on the location of a number of submarine canyons on the SE slope of Viti Levu. Evidence for Late Quaternary fault activity is only rarely observed in onshore SE Viti Levu (e.g. by displaced shoreline features), and in seismic reflection profiles from offshore. The principal fault sets in Viti Levu represent generations of regional tectonic faulting that pervade the Fiji Platform during and after the disruption of the proto Fijian arc in the Middle to Late Miocene (~15Ma). These fault sets combine to form a complex network of interlocking faults creating a fault mesh that divides the upper crust into a number of fault blocks ranging from ~2-30 km wide. It is inferred that the fault mesh evolved throughout the Neogene as a response to the anticlockwise rotation of the Fiji Platform through progressive development of different fault sets and intervening crustal block rotations. Regional tectonic deformation is presently accommodated in a distributed manner through the entire fault mesh. Low magnitude earthquakes (M4) may result from complex rupture propagation through several linking fault segments of the mesh that lie close to optimum stress orientations. The interpreted model of distributed deformation through the fault mesh for the study area in SE Viti Levu is inferred to be characteristic of the style of active deformation that occurs throughout the entire Fiji Platform.
EFL Teachers and Students Raising Their Eyebrows Over Portfolio Assessment in Language Classrooms
Authors: Salim Al-Naibi Is’haq , Al-Hatali Nasser Rashid , Al-Hadhrami Marwa Aziz
Published: September 2019

The present paper reports on EFL teachers’ and students’ attitudes, challenges, and suggestions regarding portfolio assessment in language classes at a higher academic institution in Oman. The sample of the study includes six teachers and 108 students. Data was collected through two questionnaires. Analysis of the results reveals that teachers have low attitude levels, compared to students who have moderate attitude levels, towards using portfolios as an assessment tool for students’ learning. Also, both teachers and students met various challenges in using portfolios and suggested different changes to the practice. These findings have several implications for language teachers, as well as language institutions, who should consider including all language skills in assessment portfolios. There should be periodic reviews of portfolio completion by the teacher and students. In addition, the findings of this paper suggest considerations for using e-portfolios.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Language Teaching Vol 12 No 10
Authors: Yu Gavin
Published: September 2019

Reviewer acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 12, No. 10, 2019
Dehydrocostus lactone, a naturally occurring polar auxin transport inhibitor, inhibits epicotyl growth by interacting with auxin in etiolated Pisum sativum seedlings
Authors: Toda Yuta , Okada Kazuho , Ueda Junichi , Miyamoto Kensuke
Published: September 2019

We have isolated germacranolide-type sesquiterpene lactones with an α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety, dehydrocostus lactone (DHCL), costunolide, santamarine, and a novel compound denoted artabolide [3-hydroxy-4,6,7(H)-germacra-1(10),11(13)-dien-6,12-olide] from oriental medicinal Asteraceae plants as novel naturally occurring inhibitors of polar auxin transport detected by the radish hypocotyl bioassay. To investigate the mode of action of natural sesquiterpene lactones on the inhibition of polar auxin transport as well as its relation to the growth of seedlings, the function of DHCL on growth and auxin dynamics in etiolated pea seedlings was studied intensively. DHCL reduced polar auxin transport in a dose-dependent manner together with the inhibition of the accumulation of mRNA of PsAUX1 and PsPIN1 genes encoding influx and efflux carrier proteins of auxin, respectively. DHCL applied to the apical hook region as a lanolin paste substantially inhibited elongation growth in the subapical region of epicotyls in intact etiolated pea seedlings, coupled with a significant reduction of endogenous levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). DHCL also revealed the inhibition of IAA-induced cell elongation in etiolated pea epicotyl segments by affecting IAA-induced changes in the mechanical properties of cell walls. These facts suggest that germacranolide-type sesquiterpene lactones with an α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety affect the expression of PsAUX1 and PsPINs genes, and then inhibit polar auxin transport and reduce endogenous levels of IAA necessary for stem growth in etiolated pea seedlings. These compounds are also suggested to show the inhibitory effects on auxin action in pea stem growth.
Regulatory Requirements for Quality Control of Unani Medicines
Authors: Rai Nitin , Joshi Santosh Kumar , Sharma Rajeev K
Published: September 2019

Compliance with pharmacopeial standards is mandatory to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines. In India, allopathy, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and homeopathy are the recognized systems of medicine and come under the provisions of different regulations. Promulgation of the “Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940” and the rules thereunder provide a regulatory framework for medicines of all of these systems and also prescribe “Pharmacopoeia and Formularies” for regulatory quality standards. Unlike in many other countries, the Act prescribes independent pharmacopeias for each system of medicine. The Unani Pharmacopoeia of India (UPI) and the National Formulary of Unani Medicine are the regulatory compendia for quality standards and manufacturing of Unani medicines, respectively. The Pharmacopoeia consists of Part I (single drugs) and Part II (formulations). Unani medicines are presented as classical or patent and proprietary formulations prepared using single ingredients or multiple ingredients of plant, animal, mineral, and/or metal origin. UPI Part I is published in six volumes comprising 298 monographs on Unani drugs derived from plants (single drugs). Part II is published in three volumes encompassing formulations, standard operating procedures, and quality standards for 150 classical formulations of Unani medicines, which are chosen from the National Formularies of Unani Medicine. The National Formulary of Unani Medicine is published in six parts comprising 1229 formulations of Unani medicines. Each monograph of the Pharmacopoeia provides specific analytical parameters and limits (standards) to ensure the quality of drugs or medicines. This communication reviews the UPI, the National Formulary of Unani Medicine, regulatory quality standards (parameters), and analytical techniques adopted for pharmacopeial standards of Unani drugs and medicines.
What Is the Epistemic Significance of Disagreement?
Authors: Martin N. Gabriel ,   Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch
Published: October 2019

Over the past decade, attention to epistemically significant disagreement has centered on the question of whose disagreement qualifies as significant, but ignored another fundamental question: what is the epistemic significance of disagreement? While epistemologists have assumed that disagreement is only significant when it indicates a determinate likelihood that one’s own belief is false, and therefore that only disagreements with epistemic peers are significant at all, they have ignored a more subtle and more basic significance that belongs to all disagreements, regardless of who they are with—that the opposing party is wrong. It is important to recognize the basic significance of disagreement since it is what explains all manners of rational responses to disagreement, including assessing possible epistemic peers and arguing against opponents regardless of their epistemic fitness.
Reply to Forrai: No Reprieve for Gettier “Beliefs”
Authors: Biro John ,   Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch
Published: October 2019

In a recent paper in this journal, Gabor Forrai offers ways to resist my argument that in so-called Gettier cases the belief condition is not, as is commonly assumed, satisfied. He argues that I am mistaken in taking someone's reluctance to assert a proposition he knows follows from a justified belief on finding the latter false as evidence that he does not believe it, as such reluctance may be explained in other ways. While this may be true, I show that it does not affect my central claim which does not turn on considerations special to assertion.
Criação, Experiência E Compartilhamentos – O Ser E Estar Artista Professor
Authors:   Faculdade de Belas Artes da Universidade do Porto Portugal.Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Rigatti Andre Luiz
Published: October 2019

Este ensaio inserido no debate em torno do tema “Artista Professor– ser e estar”, reúne diversas reflexões pessoais sobre o tema, considerando também a experiência deste pesquisador como ponto de partida. No cerne desta questão, a reflexão a ser desenvolvida deverá seguir o ser e estar deste artista/professor, indagando o que significa ser um e outro, ou apenas ser em tempo integral, sou ou estou artista/professor?
Cy Twombly: Rabiscos, Manchas e Borrões
Authors:   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Duzzo Flavia Lima
Published: October 2019

O artigo discorre sobre algumas das características que compõem o desenho e a pintura; como essas duas linguagens se relacionam e onde se distinguem. O texto se apoia nos escritos de Roland Barthes em que o filósofo analisa as obras de Cy Twombly realizadas no período de 1961 a 1979 e no ensaio de Walter Benjamin que data de 1917, no qual o autor apresenta de maneira disjuntiva os elementos da pintura e os do desenho. As duas reflexões examinam aspectos como a mancha, o suporte, o traço, inscrições e grafismos. Barthes comenta sobre elementos que estão presentes nas pinturas de Twombly que poderiam ser tidos como exclusivos do vocabulário do desenho. A partir das abordagens apresentadas pelos dois filósofos, pretende-se promover um debate sobre essas duas linguagens, problematizar as especificidades de cada uma bem como refletir como essas características se mostram na arte mais recente.
Elefanten i (bede)rummet. Raciale forsvindingsnumre, stemningspolitik og idiomatisk diffraktion
Authors: Hvenegård-Lassen Kirsten , Staunæs Dorthe
Published: October 2019

The elephant in the room. Racial disappearance acts, mood politics and idiomatic diffraction summarizes a particular way of handling social and cultural problems. It is about social taboosthat are affectively charged: even if everybody knows the elephant is there, they ignore it. In this article, we are grappling with disappearance acts related to race and racialization at a white-dominated Danish university. Race is simultaneously there and not there in organizational policies and practices preoccupied with governing diversity. Using a recent debate over ‘prayer rooms’ in educational institutions, we develop a methodology (‘idiomatic diffraction’) sensitive towards race and racialization in contexts dominated by whiteness. Leaning on Karen Barad, we argue that diffraction may open up a space from where light can be explored in the shadows of what Sylvia Wynter names ‘Man’s Project’.
"Det er da ikke racistisk!" og andre positioner fra Nordens racialiseringsdiskurser
Authors: Vitting-Seerup Sabrina
Published: October 2019

Anmeldelse af Peter Hervik (red.) Racialization, Racism, and Anti-Racism in the Nordic Countries
A linguistic analysis of user-generated book reviews: Truthful, deceiving or influential?
Authors: Hajibayova Lala
Published: October 2019

This study presents an analysis of 474,803 unique Goodreads reviews of the top-rated books in 2014. Studies of user-generated reviews have considered a range of issues, including analysis of what makes a review helpful.
Oceanic Mobility and Settler-Colonial Power: Policing the Global Maritime Labour Force in Durban Harbour C. 1890–1910
Authors: Hyslop Jonathan
Published: October 2019

Recent scholarship on seafarers in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century has tended to emphasise the mobility and diverse geographical origins of the global steamship workforce. This article, while sharing that perspective, cautions that a more nuanced view is called for, which also recognises the limits of their mobility. In doing so, it suggests, more broadly, that the period before the First World War cannot be thought of simply as an ‘Age of Acceleration’, but also needs to be seen as a period in which new kinds of limitation to mobility emerged. In the British colonial port of Durban, although there was in this period a vast increase in shipping activity, seamen were subject to an intense regime of restriction. An immigration bureaucracy initially created to exclude Indian immigrants, also shut out sailors of all nationalities and races. A particular precipitant of this policy was the hostility of Natal officials to the crews of ‘cattleboats’, ships bringing livestock to southern Africa from the Mediterranean, Argentina, Australia, the US and elsewhere. Across the globe, immigration controls in this period were in general less intense than they became after 1914, but in some places, such as Durban, new forms of limitation on mobility were being tried out. The article also highlights the vast worldwide system of labour documentation operated by the British merchant marine through Shipping Offices and Consuls in almost every significant port. Mobility in the British Empire was radically differentiated, with numerous centres of power making their own claims to control movement.
Knockdown of AMP-activated protein kinase α2 affects the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in rat renal tubular epithelial cells by downregulating v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog-1 and ribosomal protein S6 kinase A1
Authors: Yin Xiaoming , Ma Fujiang , Fan Xu , Zhao Qi , Liu Xin , Yang Yi
Published: September 2019

Background. The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important regulatory role in obstructive nephropathy and renal fibrosis. As an intracellular energy receptor, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is essential in the process of the EMT. The aim of this study was to reveal changes in the expression of AMPKα2 and to elucidate which AMPKα2 genes play a role during the EMT. Methods. In this study, TGF-β1 was used to induce the EMT in normal rat renal tubular epithelial (NRK-52E) cells. The shAMPKα2 lentivirus was used to interfere with AMPKα2 expression in EMT-derived NRK-52E cells, where AMPKα2 expression and the EMT were detected. Differential gene expression after the AMPKα2 knockout in EMT-derived NRK-52E cells was examined using a gene microarray. Possible regulatory pathways were analyzed using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) and differentially expressed genes were partially verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Results. It was found that AMPKα2 was upregulated in TGF-β1-induced EMT-derived NRK-52E cells. The EMT progression was significantly inhibited after the expression of AMPKα2 was downregulated by the shAMPKα2 lentivirus. A total of 1,588 differentially expressed genes were detected after the AMPKα2 knockout in NRK-52E cells in which EMT occurred. The ERK/MAPK pathway was significantly inhibited after the AMPKα2 knockdown, as indicated by the IPA analysis. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and western blot results revealed that the expression of AMPKα2, v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog-1 (ETS1), and ribosomal protein S6 kinase A1 (RPS6KA1) was upregulated after the EMT in NRK-52E cells, while expression of ETS1 and RPS6KA1 was downregulated after the AMPKα2 knockout. Conclusions. AMPKα2 plays an important role in the regulation of rat renal tubular EMT, which may be achieved by modulating ETS1 and RPS6KA1 in the ERK/MAPK pathway.
On the wonders of replication
Authors: Klevjer Kristoffer
Published: October 2019

The lack of replicating research is not new, still the recent "replication crisis" has made a large impact in the social and life sciences which subsequently increased their replication efforts. Most scholars do agree on the need for solid, preregistered, direct replications. However, performing them is less common, after all, researchers have their own ideas! Underestimated is though, that replications are beneficial for science, the students and supervisors!

As a part of my master's thesis I performed a direct replication – and this turned into one of the most educational parts of my whole psychology degree. It was an excellent introduction to the importance of a solid method section, to Open Science and preregistration.

It changed the way I read and evaluate articles.

I learned the distinction between confirmatory and exploratory hypotheses.

It highlighted the need for strict adherence to data collection protocols.

It taught me the publishing process in a nutshell by starting data collection only after my protocol and procedures was approved by external researchers.

I argue that replication are beneficial for supervisors too.

Students get a thorough introduction to said concepts, which increases confidence in their work (ethics) and trust in science.

Replications are time-effective alternatives for bachelors students.

Supervisors can exchange ideas with other supervisors as well as use this for networking

In sum, science needs it, students like and learn from it, and it is convenient and helpful for supervisors. Next time: please pitch a replication project to your student!
Soil bacterial biodiversity is driven by long-term pasture management, poultry litter, and cattle manure inputs
Authors: Yang Yichao , Ashworth Amanda J. , DeBruyn Jennifer M. , Willett Cammy , Durso Lisa M. , Cook Kim , Moore, Jr. Philip A. , Owens Phillip R.
Published: October 2019

Soil microorganisms are important for maintaining soil health, decomposing organic matter, and recycling nutrients in pasture systems. However, the impact of long-term conservation pasture management on soil microbial communities remains unclear. Therefore, soil microbiome responses to conservation pasture management is an important component of soil health, especially in the largest agricultural land-use in the US. The aim of this study was to identify soil microbiome community differences following 13-years of pasture management (hayed (no cattle), continuously grazed, rotationally grazed with a fenced, un-grazed and unfertilized buffer strip, and a control (no poultry litter or cattle manure inputs)). Since 2004, all pastures (excluding the control) received annual poultry litter at a rate of 5.6 Mg ha−1. Soil samples were collected at a 0–15 cm depth from 2016–2017 either pre or post poultry litter applications, and bacterial communities were characterized using Illumina 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Overall, pasture management influenced soil microbial community structure, and effects were different by year (P < 0.05). Soils receiving no poultry litter or cattle manure had the lowest richness (Chao). Continuously grazed systems had greater (P < 0.05) soil community richness, which corresponded with greater soil pH and nutrients. Consequently, continuously grazed systems may increase soil diversity, owing to continuous nutrient-rich manure deposition; however, this management strategy may adversely affect aboveground plant communities and water quality. These results suggest conservation pasture management (e.g., rotationally grazed systems) may not improve microbial diversity, albeit, buffer strips were reduced nutrients and bacterial movement as evident by low diversity and fertility in these areas compared to areas with manure or poultry litter inputs. Overall, animal inputs (litter or manure) increased soil microbiome diversity and may be a mechanism for improved soil health.
Effect of Dumpsite on Water Quality of Shallow Wells: A Case Study of Nasarawa Town, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Anumiri C. E. , Onaiwu I. , Obajulu E. A. , Aliyu Y.
Published: September 2019

Municipal solid waste management has emerged as one of the greatest challenges facing environmental protection agencies in developing countries. Water for drinking, cooking and bathing exposes people, especially young children to a wide range of health risks, including diarrheal diseases. This paperis aimed to study the physio-chemical and bacteriological qualities of water samples collected from the wells close to dumpsites in some selected location of Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. From the research, waste dumps which are located indiscriminately in Nasarawa town have strong influence on shallow groundwater samples. The physico-chemical and bacteriological properties of the water samples collected from wells fall short of WHO standard. Also, a significant difference was observed between these parameters value in wet and dry seasons. Heavy metals were also detected in the water samples above the acceptable range as recommended by WHO. Significant difference in value of electrical conductivity between wet season and dry season is attributed to the increase in water volume in the well which reduces the salt concentration. Diseases related to drinking non portable water was the most reported cases in all the clinics visited in Nasarawa Local Government Area and this might be as a result of people of this community drinking from these water sources. It was recommended that shallow well should be well lined likewise located far away from dumpsite and latrine, water from these sources should undergo so level of treatment before consumption.
Evaluation of Invertase and Amylase Activities of Latic Acid Bacteria Isolated from ‘Pupuru’ (An Indigenous African Fermented Cassava Staple Food)
Authors: Akin-Osanaiye B. C. , Azeez B. T. , Olobayotan I. W.
Published: October 2019

Lactic acid bacteria produce lactic acid as the major end product during sugar fermentation. This study was carried out to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from pupuru; a staple cassava food. The result of the bacterial count indicated that the count ranges from 3.1 × 104 CFU/g to 8.7 × 104 CFU/g. Base on the Gram reaction, microscopic morphology and biochemical characteristics, the isolated LAB were identified as Pediococcus halophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus brevis, and Lactobacillus fermentum. Analysis of the percentage of occurrence of the lactic acid bacteria indicated that Lactobacillus casei (50.0%) was the most dominant LAB, P. halophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, L. fermentum were least occurring (16.7%). The amylase enzyme index showed that P. halophilus had no enzyme index while L. casei and L. fermentum had enzyme index of 4.00 mm while L. brevis had an enzyme index of 3.00 mm. Of the LAB isolated, only L. casei (0.064 µg/mL) had invertase activity. L. fermentum (0.099 µg/mL) and L. casei (0.08 µg/mL) showed considerable effect in the production of amylase. The result of this study indicated that Lactobacillus brevis, L. casei, and L. fermentum will be a viable addition in the amylase production industries while L. casei could be investigated further for enhancement in enzyme production.
Smart Vehicle Tracking System through IoT
Authors: Sriashalya S. , Kalyani Y.
Published: September 2019

This study evaluates the importance of connecting objects through the concept of the Internet of things (IoT). There has been an increasing trend in the topic of the Internet of Things in various sectors. Almost all, such as area, devices, the software is connected which all can be accessed remotely or virtually through smart devices. The most typical invention is the smartphone which that acts like the computer and sometimes even smatter smarter when connected with web & internet. But the new term smart homes where all the devices and machinery are connected to ensure that all smart processes are smart. This can be extended to a smart village, smart city and smart industry. Here we introduce a vehicle tracking system by using the concept IoT. Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) is a protocol commonly used in the IoT platform to share information.  It can be used for both publishings and subscribe subscribing data from one end to another. Here we have used the same technique has been used in the present work to design a simulation to track the exact location of a given vehicle. IOT broker and the smart devices were integrated into the middleware enterprise service bus the middleware (ESB) architecture and the simulation was run with numerous geolocations.
The Health Implication of Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) 0157:H7: A Review on Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome
Authors: Ibama Onengiyeofori , Ibegbulem Edna O. , Onwuli Donatus , Ben-Chioma Adline
Published: September 2019

Consumption of foods, water, vegetables, fruits, undercooked/ground/raw meat, unpasteurized milk or milk products contaminated with the bacterium strain Escherichia coli 0157:H7 has become a serious public health concern. This strain naturally inhabits the digestive tract of healthy cattle, and is released into the environment through the faeces of the animal. This strain cause haemorrhagic enterocolitis or gastroenteritis, and then haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a disorder characterised by haemolytic anaemia, low platelet count and acute kidney failure, and this disorder is a consequence of the production and action of Shiga-like toxin produced mainly by this bacterial strain (accounting for 90 percent of all cases), and occurs mainly in children less than five (5) years of age, but also occurs in the elderly. After infection with this bacterial strain, the disorder begins with intestinal perforation and ulceration leading to bloody diarrhoea, and consequently acute kidney injury, thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia. In conjunction with clinical manifestations, several laboratory investigations (haematological, biochemical and microbiological assays) are implicated in the diagnosis of HUS. There is currently no specific treatment for HUS; however, supportive care (such as treatment of hypertension, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, haemodialysis, blood transfusion, etc) happens to be the only ameliorative measure for this disorder.
Rock Phosphate, Zeolite and Quail Manure to Enhance Potassium Uptake and Yield of Soybean on Alfisols
Authors: Masruroh Anis , . Surpriyono , Minardi Slamet
Published: September 2019

Soybean seeds are the source of vegetable protein-based that most consumed in Indonesia, but apparently the production is unable to compensate the rate of increase in community needs. This study aims to determine the effect of Rock Phosphate (RP), zeolite and quail manure to enhance potassium (K) uptake and yield of soybean in Alfisols. A field experiment was conducted in June-October with a single factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of 9 treatments and 3 blocks (replicates). The dosage of RP, zeolite and quail manure used was 0 t ha-1, 2.5 t ha-1and 5 t ha-1. The results showed that zeolite 5 t ha-1 + quail manure 2.5 t ha-1 tended to increase K uptake. The combination of RP 2.5 t ha-1+ quail manure 5 t ha-1 significantly increases the number of filled pods and seed weight per plot. RP 5 t ha-1 + zeolite 5 t ha-1+ quail manure 5 t ha-1 also affects the number of filled pods and seed weight per plot. The treatment zeolite 2.5 t ha-1+ quail manure 2.5 t ha-1also affects the number of filled pods.
Evaluation of in vitro Antioxidant Activities of Ethanol Extracts of Datura innoxia Mill. Leaves and Seeds Harvested in Mali
Authors: Togola Issiaka , Dembélé Abdramane Ansoumany , Tounkara Fatoumata , Diarra Nouhoum , Konaré Mamadou Abdoulaye , Karembé Moussa , Maïga Seydou Zibba , Dembélé Doulaye
Published: September 2019

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activities of Datura innoxia Mill. leaves and seeds harvested in Mali.

Place and Duration of Study: Collection of plant materials were done at Kolondieba (Mali) in june 2016. Evaluation of polyphenols and flavonoids contents, determination of antioxidant activities were done at Laboratory of Plant and Food Biochemistry and Biotechnology of University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (Mali) between august 2016 and March 2017.

Methodology: The leaves and seeds were collected in Kolondieba, Mali. The phytochemical screening based on the standard methods of tube reactions has been performed with ethanol extracts. The quantitative estimation of total polyphenols was made by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and that of flavonoids by the use of aluminum trichloride. The in vitro antioxidant activities of the ethanol extracts was determined by three methods: the 1,1- diphenyl - 2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test, the ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) test and the Phosphomolybdate test (PPM).

Results: The phytochemical screening revealed that leaves and seeds of this plant contains alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, triterpenes and saponin. Phenolic contents of ethanol extracts are 30.97 ± 0.33 mg equivalent gallic acid / g in leaves and 14.02 ± 0.15 mg equivalent gallic acid / g in seeds; those of flavonoids are 15.13 ± 0.2 mg equivalent of quercetin / g in the leaves and 4.93 ± 0.41 mg equivalent of quercetin / g in the seeds. The three tests showed that the leaves have a higher level of antiradical activity in vitro than seeds.

Conclusion: The results of this work showed that Datura innoxia Mill. has a good antioxidant activity which would justify its use as a potential source of natural antioxidants.
Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value of Cassia occidentalis Seeds
Authors: Williams Ezekiel Tagwi , Timothy Nachana’a , Tugga Umar Abdulkadir
Published: September 2019

Proximate composition, amino acid, mineral content, vitamin composition and anti-nutritional factors of Cassia occidentalis seed were determined using a standard method of analysis. The result showed that the seed had the following proximate composition on dry weight (DW) bases: ash (39.00%), moisture content (2.00%), crude protein (18.50%), crude lipid (7.55%, Crude fibre (16.30%) and carbohydrate (16.75%). Six amino acid was detected (isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, alanine, glutamine and valine) indicating that the seed is a good source of amino acid for adult. Vitamin composition (beta- carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol) were also detected in the seed. The anti-nutrient analysis showed that the seed contains total phytate (1.25 mg/100 g) oxalate (1.70 mg/100 g) and nitrate (0.82 mg/100 g). While hydrogen cyanide was not detected. Elementary analysis revealed that the seed contain Na (0.015±0.02 mg/100 g), Cu (0.028±0.04 mg/100 g), Zn (0.441±0.10 mg/100 g), Mg (2.003±0.30 mg/100 g) and Mn (0.041±0.03 mg/100 g) while Cd, Cr and Pb were not detected. Comparing the nutrients and anti-nutrient constituent with WHO and FAO values, the result indicated that the Cassia occidentalis seed had the potential to be used as a source of nutrient in alleviating macro and micronutrient deficiencies.
Hydraulic Performance Assessment of Mychew Small Scale Irrigation Scheme, North Ethiopia
Authors: Kassa Efriem Tariku , Ayana Mekonen
Published: October 2019

Performances assessment of irrigation schemes network is very essential in taking different water management strategies. However, the performance of Mychew irrigation scheme was not assessed and hence, this research was undertaken to assess the hydraulic performance of Mychew small scale irrigation scheme. Moreover, identification of the cause and effect for mal-functionality of irrigation structures was also another objective of this study. Hence, comprehensive field observations, measurements and focus group discussions were held to investigate hydraulic performance, cause and effect of failed hydraulic structures. Simple descriptive statistics was employed for analysis of the data collected from focus group discussions and observations. Eight performance indicators were used to assess the performance of this irrigation scheme. Several factors such as sedimentation, design problem, damage of sluice gates, abstraction of irrigation water by unwanted plants has been identified for mal-functionality of different structures. There were problems in irrigation adequacy (0.75) and equity (0.28) of irrigation water was categorized as poor, while good and fair for dependability (0.08) and irrigation efficiency (0.79), respectively. The average water surface elevation ratio, delivery performance ratio, and delivery duration ratio of the main canal during the monitoring period was less than one, greater than 5% and 150%, respectively. The highest sediment accumulation was observed at head and middle reaches of the irrigation scheme than the tail reaches. Generally, there were a number of irrigation structures which was mal-functioned in this irrigation scheme. Now it needs sustainable solution to improve the performance of the irrigation scheme. Therefore, it was recommended that water should be fairly distributed spatially and temporally. Additionally, capacity building and awareness creation to concerned bodies holds the key to bring a difference in irrigation water management in this irrigation scheme.
Floral Biology and Pollen Viability of Passiflora edulis Sims
Authors: Oliveira Ivan Sérgio da Silva , Souza Vênia Camelo de , Santos Sara Beatriz da Costa , Almeida Jazielly Nascimento da Rocha , Henrique Josinaldo da Silva , Costa Paulo Marks de Araújo , Silva João Henrique Constantino Sales , Cassimiro Carlos Alberto Lins , Lucena Carmelita Érica Azevedo de , Melo Thiago de Sousa
Published: September 2019

Yellow passion fruit is a native tropical fruit tree whose cultivation has evolved very rapidly in Brazil; therefore, studies on the ecology of reproduction are needed. The study of pollen viability is an important tool to observe the male potential of the species. The objective of this study was to estimate pollen viability, pollen/ovule ratio and floral biology of Passiflora edulis Sims in organic cultivation located in Bananeiras, PB, and Brazilian. The study was developed in a completely randomized design, using ten flower buds in the pre-anthesis. The analyses performed in the biology laboratory of the Center of Human, Social and Agrarian Sciences of the Federal University of Paraiba. For the pollen viability analysis, all the anthers of the ten flower buds were used, five anthers per flower, which were crushed on a glass slide and with the aid of Alexander dye, the purple pollen grains were considered viable and the green ones unviable. To measure flower morphology and biometrics, a digital pachymeter, analytical balance and ruler were used. Five stamens form the androecium; the fillets are of short length inserted below the ovary. The flowers have three stigmas with an average height of 16.5mm, an average of 32,136 viable pollens, 58 unviable pollen grains and 140 ovules per ovary, having a pollen viability of 99.8% and a pollen/ovule ratio of approximately 95/1 pollen grains per ovule. Their structures are uniform, with no biometric variations in the amount of petals, sepals, anthers and stigma length. Alexander's reactive dye was effective in staining the pollen grains of yellow passion fruit. The pollen/ovule ratio indicates that this species performs facultative autogamy as well; however, this classification alone is not sufficient to affirm its reproductive system.
Inhibitory Effect of Dry Garlic Powder on the Nickel Chloride-induced Somatic and Germinal Cell Damages in Male Mice
Authors: Rabbani Syed Imam
Published: October 2019

Background: Nickel is commonly used in industry, utensils and also present in cigarette. Over-exposure of nickel is known to cause several health complications including somatic and germinal cell injuries. Garlic (Allium sativum) being a spice has several pharmacological properties. However, its role on the nickel chloride induced somatic and reproductive cells damages are poorly studied in the literature.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of garlic powder on nickel chloride induced somatic and germinal cell damages in male mice.

Methods: Dried garlic clove powder is used in this study in three doses via., 50. 100 and 150 mg/kg, per oral (p.o) for 4-weeks against the nickel chloride [(10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p)] induced somatic and germinal damages. Somatic cells damages were studied using peripheral micronucleus test and germinal cell damages by sperm count and sperm shape abnormalities in male mice. Further, the in-vitro hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity of the garlic was evaluated. Ascorbic acid was tested as a standard drug. The data of the results were analyzed by One-way Anova and Tukey as post hoc test.

Results: The result indicated that nickel chloride enhanced significantly (p<0.001) both somatic and germinal cell damages compared to control animals. The administration of garlic powder at 150 mg/kg significantly (p<0.001) minimized the frequency of micronuclei in the erythrocytes and reduced the spermatozoa anomalies compared to the nickel chloride group. The garlic powder also exhibited significant hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity.

Conclusion: The data indicated that garlic powder at 150 mg/kg reduced the cellular damaging effects of nickel chloride on somatic and germinal cells and the mechanism could be related to the free radical scavenging activity.
Common age‐related neuropathologies and yearly variability in cognition
Authors: Yu Lei , Wang Tianhao , Wilson Robert S. , Leurgans Sue , Schneider Julie A. , Bennett David A. , Boyle Patricia A.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Cognitive variability is a potentially important source of heterogeneity in longitudinal cognitive profiles. We examined the extent to which common age‐related neuropathologies including Lewy bodies and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) contribute to yearly variability in late life cognition.

Methods

Data came from 1321 community‐dwelling older adults who were followed annually for up to 23 years, died and underwent brain autopsy. Cognition was assessed via a comprehensive testing battery. Uniform neuropathologic evaluations assessed burdens of Lewy bodies, AD, infarcts, TDP, hippocampal sclerosis, amyloid angiopathy, atherosclerosis, and arteriolosclerosis. Using mixed effects models, yearly variability in cognition, characterized as within‐person variability of annual cognitive scores, was regressed on the nine neuropathologic indices.

Results

The average age of decedents was 90 years and 69% were female. At autopsy, about two thirds met the pathologic criteria for AD. Neocortical Lewy bodies were present in 13% of the individuals. Other neuropathologic conditions also were common. All neuropathologic indices except for microinfarcts were associated with cognitive decline. Individuals with neocortical Lewy bodies had almost twice the yearly variability in cognition compared to those without. Individuals with AD had about 70% more variability compared to those without. Yearly variability was present among persons with vascular diseases but to a lesser degree than neocortical Lewy bodies and AD.

Interpretation

Lewy body pathology is associated with pronounced variability in annual cognitive assessments but this finding is not unique to this pathology. Comparable variability is present among persons with AD pathology and to a lesser extent among persons with cerebrovascular pathologies.
Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type‐3 and multiple sclerosis: lessons from comorbidity
Authors: De Masi Roberto , Orlando Stefania , De Donno Antonella
Published: October 2019

The comorbidity between multiple sclerosis (MS) and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type‐3 (PFIC3) has never been described yet. ABCB4 gene encodes the multidrug resistant protein 3 (MDR3) and its mutations induce PFIC3 as well as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and drug‐induced liver injury (DILI). We describe the case of a 32‐year‐old female with MS and PFIC3 who was effectively treated with natalizumab and ursodeoxycholic acid (UCDA), in contrast to glatiramer acetate, dimethylfumarate, and IFNb1a associated with DILI. Our findings clarify the pharmacodynamics of MS therapies and suggest natalizumab plus UDCA as the effective treatment of PFIC3/MS phenotype, unlike the others that should be avoided.
Quantum Materials with Atomic Precision: Artificial Atoms in Solids: Ab Initio Design, Control, and Integration of Single Photon Emitters in Artificial Quantum Materials
Authors: Narang Prineha , Ciccarino Christopher J. , Flick Johannes , Englund Dirk
Published: October 2019

This Progress Report explores advances and opportunities in the atomic‐scale design, fabrication, and imaging of quantum materials toward creating artificial atoms in solids with tailored optoelectronic and quantum properties. The authors outline an “ab initio” approach to quantitatively linking first‐principles calculations and atomic imaging with atomic patterning, setting the stage for new designer quantum nanomaterials.
Smart Stretchable Janus Membranes with Tunable Collection Rate for Fog Harvesting
Authors: Su Yahui , Cai Shengwen , Wu Tao , Li Chuanzong , Huang Zhouchen , Zhang Yiyuan , Wu Hao , Hu Kai , Chen Chao , Li Jiawen , Hu Yanlei , Zhu Suwan , Wu Dong
Published: October 2019

Water scarcity is one of the severest global resource shortages because freshwater plays a vital role in human existence. Fog harvesting is a promising approach to alleviate freshwater shortage, but most existing strategies based on rigid materials suffer from the shortage of nontunable fog collection rate. Herein, a smart Janus membrane with a tunable fog collection rate via uniaxially stretching a flexible polydimethylsiloxane sheet fabricated by ultrafast laser drilling is reported. Compared to its original form, the maximum strain of 200% shows up to 67% enhancement in its fog collection efficiency. Further theoretical calculation demonstrates that the increase of fog collection rate along with uniaxially stretching is estimated to be ≈79% for 200% strain sample based on the cooperation between the wetting driving force and Laplace pressure, which is in well agreement with the experimental result. It is believed that this smart Janus membrane would operate not only in the field of fog harvesting, but also in specific scenarios, such as dynamic fog‐flux regulators.
A Shift in Porcine Circovirus 3 (PCV‐3) History Paradigm: Phylodynamic Analyses Reveal an Ancient Origin and Prolonged Undetected Circulation in the Worldwide Swine Population
Authors: Franzo Giovanni , He Wanting , Correa‐Fiz Florencia , Li Gairu , Legnardi Matteo , Su Shuo , Segalés Joaquim
Published: October 2019

The identification of a new circovirus (Porcine circovirus 3, PCV‐3) has raised a remarkable concern because of some analogies with Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV‐2). Preliminary results suggest an extremely recent PCV‐3 emergence and high mutation rate. Retrospective studies prove its circulation at least since the early 1990s, revealing that PCV‐3 could have been infecting pigs for an even longer period. Therefore, a new evaluation, based on an updated collection of PCV‐3 sequences spanning more than 20 years, is performed using a phylodynamic approach. The obtained results overrule the previous PCV‐3 history concept, indicating an ancient origin. These evidences are associated with an evolutionary rate far lower (10−5–10−6 substitution/site/year) than the PCV‐2 one. Accordingly, the action of selective pressures on PCV‐3 open reading frames (ORFs) seems to be remarkably lower compared to those acting on PCV‐2, suggesting either a reduced PCV‐3 plasticity or a less efficient host‐induced natural selection. A complex and not‐directional viral flow network is evidenced through phylogeographic analysis, indicating a long lasting circulation rather than a recent emergence followed by spreading. Being recent emergence has been ruled out, efforts should be devoted to understand whether its recent discovery is simply due to improved detection capabilities or to the breaking of a previous equilibrium.
Body fat percent assessment between electrical impedance myography and dual X‐ray absorptiometry
Authors: Czeck Madeline A. , Raymond‐Pope Christiana J. , Prescott Elyse , Bisch Katie L. , Dengel Donald R.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To compare total and regional body fat percent (BF%) measurements obtained using a handheld electrical impedance myography (EIM) device in comparison to BF% measured by dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Methods

Sixty‐nine male and female (33 males/36 females; age = 21.9 ± 2.0 years, body mass index = 24.5 ± 3.6 kg/m2) college‐age individuals participated in this study. Each participant's total and regional (ie, upper arms, upper legs, trunk) BF% was estimated using EIM and DXA. Metallic markers were used to delineate regional boundaries for analysis, including upper arms (biceps/triceps), upper legs (quadriceps/hamstrings), and trunk (abdominal region/low back region). Paired t‐tests assessed the accuracy of BF% values estimated from EIM in comparison to BF% measured by DXA.

Results

Observations revealed EIM reported significantly lower BF% for upper left arm (P < .001), upper right arm (P < .001), upper right leg (P = .002), and trunk (P < .001) values. However, no significant differences were observed in total (P = .434) and upper left leg (P = .855) BF% between the two devices.

Conclusions

This study's observations suggest that, EIM may be an accurate field method for measuring total BF%, but not regional BF%.