bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A planificação ecológica como um instrumento para promover de forma democrática e eficiente a sustentabilidade da agricultura
Authors: Neto Benedito Silva
Published: September 2020

O artigo tem como objetivo demonstrar que uma planificação ecológica pode se constituir em um instrumento para uma promoção democrática e eficiente da sustentabilidade da agricultura. O referencial teórico adotado no artigo é baseado na obra de Györg Lukács dedicada a ontologia do ser social. Este referencial fundamentou a elaboração de um modelo de programação linear, cujas características são discutidas por meio da análise da sua estrutura formal e de exemplos numéricos. O pressuposto sobre o qual se baseia a formulação do modelo, de que as riquezas sociais, na forma de produtos para consumo final, meios de produção e recursos naturais, são variáveis exógenas que devem ser definidas por decisões políticas, permite demonstrar que o modelo é compatível com um processo democrático de planificação. Conclui-se que uma planificação ecológica pode se constituir em um instrumento eficiente e democrático para a promoção da sustentabilidade da agricultura, permitindo evitar medidas que, embora aparentemente compatíveis com a promoção da sustentabilidade, podem ser contraditórias com este objetivo, respondendo apenas a interesses específicos de determinadas classes sociais.
Creating a Third Space for Learning to Design Technology-Based Mathematics Tasks
Authors: W. McCulloch Allison , Bailey Nina G. , Fye, Kristen , Scott Gayle
Published: September 2020

In this article, we examine the ways in which the creation of a third space can bridge the divide between coursework and practice for preservice secondary mathematics teachers (PSTs) taking a technology, pedagogy, and content course. A university-based instructor partnered with two high school teachers to create a space in which PSTs draw upon and use both academic and practitioner knowledge while creating technology-based tasks for high school students to use. Our results revealed increased focus on pedagogical decisions in areas such as technology-task design and questioning techniques. The data also indicate that the success of this collaboration was connected to fair distribution of work, feeling valued, and personal benefit and challenges centered on maintaining rejection of hierarchy.
OPTIMIZATION OF CNC PARAMETERS ACCORDING TO PRODUCTIVITY CRITERIA USING A MACHINE MODEL BASED ON NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: ARENAS LOPEZ JAVIER , BASAGOITI ASTIGARRAGA ROSA , BEAMURGIA BENGOA MAITE , MARTINEZ DE ALEGRIA SAENZ DE CASTILLO JORGE
Published: September 2020

Every machine-tool user wants to maximize the productivity of their machines looking for balance between speed, precision and lifetime of mechanical components. Nevertheless, because CNCs have wide-ranging use, their correct parametrization for each case is key to achieving the desired objectives; on the other hand, minimizing the numbers of experimental tests to be performed on the machine is essential to reduce time and costs of the set-up process. In order to solve both difficulties, this paper presents a tool to give final user necessary information to properly adjust CNC parameters according to productivity criteria. The method makes use of experimental data to obtain a model of the machine based on neural networks. With this model machining time, geometric error and smoothness of any piece to be manufactured can be predicted, and therefore minimizing test on the real machine and recommending the appropriate values for the CNC.

Keywords: optimization, CNC, neural network, model, machine tool, productivity criteria.
MACHINE LEARNING-BASED ANALYSIS ENGINE TO IDENTIFY CRITICAL VARIABLES IN MULTI-STAGE PROCESSES: APPLICATION TO THE INSTALLATION OF BLIND FASTENERS
Authors: MURUA MAIALEN , VEIGA SUAREZ FERNANDO , ORTEGA LALMOLDA JUAN ANTONIO , PENALVA OSCOZ MARILUZ , DIEZ OLIVAN ALBERTO
Published: September 2020

Quality control in manufacturing is a recurrent topic as the ultimate goals are to produce high quality products with less cost. Mostly, the problems related to manufacturing processes are addressed focusing on the process itself putting aside other operations that belong to the part’s history. This research work presents a Machine Learning-based analysis engine for non-expert users which identifies relationships among variables throughout the manufacturing line. The developed tool was used to analyze the installation of blind fasteners in aeronautical structures, with the aim of identifying critical variables for the quality of the installed fastener, throughout the fastening and drilling stages. The results provide evidence that drilling stage affects to the fastening, especially to the formed head’s diameter. Also, the most critical phase in fastening, which is when the plastic deformation occurs, was identified. The results also revealed that the chosen process parameters, thickness of the plate and the faster type influence on the quality of the installed fastener.

Keywords: Analysis Engine, Multi-Stage Processes, Critical Variables, Machine Learning, Blind Fasteners.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE HIGH TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTORS IN THE NEXT FUTURE?
Authors: TORAL FERNANDEZ FERNANDO
Published: September 2020

Thirty years after its discovery, high critical temperature superconductors have confirmed the operation cost saving compared with the low temperature superconductors. Their properties have improved significantly, both in current transport capability and available length. However, their applications are not spread. Why? The main reason is that their cost is not competitive yet. In this review, the reasons behind this situation are analyzed, together with the perspectives for the coming years.

Keywords: superconductors, high critical temperature superconductors, superconductor applications, high magnetic fields
EFFECTIVE APERTURES IN CALIBRATION AND COMPARISON OF RADIATION THERMOMETERS
Authors: DE LUCAS VEGUILLAS JAVIER
Published: September 2020

Radiation thermometers (RT) are calibrated with black bodies (CN) whose opening must sufficiently cover the nominal target of the thermometer. Due to possible imperfections in its optical system, radiation from regions outside the target can reach the detector. This is the effect of the source size (ETF) and constitutes an important limitation in the use of TR in applications especially in an industrial environment and source among others of measurement uncertainty.
INTELLIGENT SYSTEM FOR DETECTION OF CYBERCRIME VOCABULARY ON WEBSITES
Authors: CASTILLO ZUÑIGA IVAN , LOPEZ VEYNA JAIME IVAN , LUNA ROSAS FRANCISCO , TIRADO ESTRADA GUSTAVO
Published: September 2020

While the benefits that new technologies have brought to our lives are undeniable, they have also caused new problems that were previously unknown, one of which is the so-called Cybercrime.
A BAYESIAN NETWORK FOR QUANTIFYING UNCERTAINTY FOR DISTRIBUTION PLANNING MODEL
Authors: GARCÍA   CASTELLANOS HUMBERTO , LOERA CASTRO ADRIAN FRANCISCO , OCHOA ZEZATTI CARLOS ALBERTO , SANCHEZ LEAL JAIME
Published: September 2020

Uncertainty is a key issue in engineering design: optimal solutions generally do not involve safety margins, but real systems involve having uncertainty, variability, and error. For example, geometry, material parameters, boundary conditions, or even the model itself includes uncertainty. To provide safe designs, uncertainty must be considered in optimization models.
EMOTIONAL COMPETENCES AND ITS ROLE TO INCENTIVATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN DIFERENT MEXICAN UNIVERSITY ECOSYSTEMS
Authors: HUEZO PONCE LIZETTE , FERNANDEZ PEREZ VIRGINIA , RODRIGUEZ ARIZA LAZARO
Published: September 2020

Encourage entrepreneurship can significantly affect the social and economic development of any country. If we add to this that entrepreneurship is a discipline that can be learned, it is aimed to ensure that universities have the appropriate platforms and entrepreneurship programs for the development of student competencies and skills.
Intra-species differences in population size shape life history and genome evolution
Authors: Willemsen David , Cui Rongfeng , Reichard Martin , Valenzano Dario Riccardo
Published: September 2020

The evolutionary forces shaping life history divergence within species are largely unknown. Turquoise killifish display differences in lifespan among wild populations, representing an ideal natural experiment in evolution and diversification of life history. By combining genome sequencing and population genetics, we investigate the evolutionary forces shaping lifespan among wild turquoise killifish populations. We generate an improved reference genome assembly and identify genes under positive and purifying selection, as well as those evolving neutrally. Short-lived populations from the outer margin of the species range have small population size and accumulate deleterious mutations in genes significantly enriched in the WNT signaling pathway, neurodegeneration, cancer and the mTOR pathway. We propose that limited population size due to habitat fragmentation and repeated population bottlenecks, by increasing the genome-wide mutation load, exacerbates the effects of mutation accumulation and cumulatively contribute to the short adult lifespan.
Structural basis for the reaction cycle of DASS dicarboxylate transporters
Authors: Sauer David B , Trebesch Noah , Marden Jennifer J , Cocco Nicolette , Song Jinmei , Koide Akiko , Koide Shohei , Tajkhorshid Emad , Wang Da-Neng
Published: September 2020

Citrate, α-ketoglutarate and succinate are TCA cycle intermediates that also play essential roles in metabolic signaling and cellular regulation. These di- and tricarboxylates are imported into the cell by the divalent anion sodium symporter (DASS) family of plasma membrane transporters, which contains both cotransporters and exchangers. While DASS proteins transport substrates via an elevator mechanism, to date structures are only available for a single DASS cotransporter protein in a substrate-bound, inward-facing state. We report multiple cryo-EM and X-ray structures in four different states, including three hitherto unseen states, along with molecular dynamics simulations, of both a cotransporter and an exchanger. Comparison of these outward- and inward-facing structures reveal how the transport domain translates and rotates within the framework of the scaffold domain through the transport cycle. Additionally, we propose that DASS transporters ensure substrate coupling by a charge-compensation mechanism, and by structural changes upon substrate release.
Serum proteins differentially expressed in early- and late-onset preeclampsia assessed using iTRAQ proteomics and bioinformatics analyses
Authors: Tu Chengcheng , Tao Feng , Qin Ying , Wu Mingzhu , Cheng Ji , Xie Min , Shen Bing , Ren Junjiao , Xu Xiaohong , Huang Dayan , Chen Hongbo
Published: September 2020

Background

Preeclampsia remains a serious disorder that puts at risk the lives of perinatal mothers and infants worldwide. This study assessed potential pathogenic mechanisms underlying preeclampsia by investigating differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the serum of patients with early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) and late-onset preeclampsia (LOPE) compared with healthy pregnant women.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from four women with EOPE, four women with LOPE, and eight women with normal pregnancies, with four women providing control samples for each preeclampsia group. Serum proteins were identified by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation combined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Serum proteins with differences in their levels compared with control groups of at least 1.2 fold-changes and that were also statistically significantly different between the groups at P < 0.05 were further analyzed. Bioinformatics analyses, including gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes signaling pathway analyses, were used to determine the key proteins and signaling pathways associated with the development of PE and to determine those DEPs that differed between women with EOPE and those with LOPE. Key protein identified by mass spectrometry was verified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Compared with serum samples from healthy pregnant women, those from women with EOPE displayed 70 proteins that were differentially expressed with significance. Among them, 51 proteins were significantly upregulated and 19 proteins were significantly downregulated. In serum samples from women with LOPE, 24 DEPs were identified , with 10 proteins significantly upregulated and 14 proteins significantly downregulated compared with healthy pregnant women. Bioinformatics analyses indicated that DEPs in both the EOPE and LOPE groups were associated with abnormalities in the activation of the coagulation cascade and complement system as well as with lipid metabolism. In addition, 19 DEPs in the EOPE group were closely related to placental development or invasion of tumor cells. Downregulationof pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 9 (PSG9) in the LOPE group was confirmed by ELISA.

Conclusion

The pathogenesis of EOPE and LOPE appeared to be associated with coagulation cascade activation, lipid metabolism, and complement activation. However, the pathogenesis of EOPE also involved processes associated with greater placental injury. This study provided several new proteins in the serum which may be valuable for clinical diagnosis of EOPE and LOPE, and offered potential mechanisms underpinning the development of these disorders.
Health Promotion Behavior, Self-efficacy, Marital Intimacy, and Successful Aging in Middle-aged
Authors: Cheon Kyung-In , Shin Yun Hee
Published: September 2020

Purpose: This study is a descriptive research that aimed to investigate the degree of successful aging, health promotion behavior, self-efficacy and marital intimacy, and to identity the factors affecting their successful aging.Methods: The subjects in this study were 110 middle-aged. Data were analyzed using Independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and Multiple Linear Regression.Results: Participants scored 81.7±12.25 on health promotion behavior, 29.1±2.64 on self-efficacy, 53.6±9.29 on marital intimacy and 73.8±8.51 on successful aging. There were significant positive relationships between successful aging and health promotion behavior (r=.59, p<.001), and self-efficacy (r=.31, p=.002), and marital intimacy (r=.34, p=.001). Factors influencing successful aging were perceived health status (β=4.59), health promotion behavior (β=0.34). The explanation power of this regression model was 44% and it was statistically significant (F=20.68, p<.001).Conclusion: The perceived health status and health promotion behavior may help the successful aging of middle-aged. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the health status and health promotion behavior of middle-aged in order to prepare their successful aging.
Unmet Needs for Job Maintenance of Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Han Su Jeong , Kim Hye Won , Kim Mi Ran
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To develop and apply an integrative model for breast cancer survivors’ return to work, survivors’ unsatisfied demands for job maintenance were identified.Methods: This study was a qualitative research that used a focus group to investigate breast cancer survivors’ unsatisfied demands for job maintenance. Data collection was conducted four times from February to October 2019 with six participants.Results: The study showed that the six participants identified the following unsatisfied demands for breast cancer survivors who returned to work: the individual’s physical and psychological condition, attitudes and support from family, work-related characteristics, the healthcare system, and social (political) issues. Thirteen sub-topics were identified.Conclusion: This study provided necessary data to prepare a strategy for breast cancer survivors to return to work and proposed to develop an integrative model and a professional training program in further research.
DEIXE SEU LIKE!
Authors: Avelino Maria Raquel Melo de Miranda , Silva Adrielly Souza , Leal Sérgio Rodrigues
Published: September 2020

Em um cenário de expansão da competição entre destinos turísticos, as DMOs se vêm frente ao desafio de posicioná-los de maneira atrativa. Para tanto, estas organizações podem fazer uso das mais variadas estratégias de marketing comunicacional, dentre as quais estão as mídias sociais, plataformas cuja mensuração da efetividade se dá através do engajamento. Destes canais, originam-se os influenciadores digitais, que, nos últimos anos, têm ganhado maior destaque acadêmico e mercadológico. Em face a esta fundamentação teórica, esta pesquisa teve como propósito mensurar o grau de engajamento nas publicações com digital influencers no Instagram das DMOs brasileiras, com recorte temporal entre dezembro/17 e dezembro/18. Para alcançar os resultados necessários ao problema que foi proposto, a técnica de mineração de dados foi utilizada em uma amostra de 11 perfis do Instagram de DMOs estaduais brasileiras, selecionadas após um processo de filtragem. Os dados coletados foram tratados a partir de uma abordagem quantitativa descritiva, tendo como parâmetro três indicadores principais, a saber: (1) total de publicações, (2) média de curtidas e (3) médias de comentários. Todos estes índices foram definidos após a consulta da literatura sobre engajamento. Em geral, os resultados indicaram que as postagens com influenciadores digitais possuem melhores resultados, dado o recorte temporal proposto, sobretudo quando estes são comparados com os índices das postagens gerais. Entretanto, ênfase deve ser atribuída ao perfil de Minas Gerais, que, apesar de ter os melhores resultados de engajamento nos cenários com e sem digital influencer, foi uma das poucas DMOs na qual a efetividade das postagens com influenciadores não foi superior. O caráter inovador desta investigação decorre da utilização da técnica de mineração de dados para apresentar resultados precisos quanto à efetividade de uma estratégia de mídia social que está em ascensão, oferecendo uma estrutura sólida de análise aos gestores e fomentando o campo de discussão.
O papel de motivações utilitárias e hedônicas na cocriação de valor e sua relação com a experiência no AIRBNB
Authors: De Oliveira Chagas Gabrielle Maria , Cruz Aguiar Edvan
Published: September 2020

O artigo investiga o papel de motivações utilitárias e hedônicas na cocriação de valor e sua relação com a experiência de consumo em serviços de hospedagem oferecido por plataforma de consumo colaborativo: o AirBnb. Baseado na literatura sobre economia compartilhada e consumo colaborativo, hipóteses foram formuladas e um modelo conceitual proposto. Um survey com 967 respondentes foi conduzido e os dados foram analisados por meio da técnica de modelagem de equações estruturais. Verificou-se que as motivações de cunho utilitário não apresentam relação com cocriação de valor e experiência de consumo, diferentemente das motivações hedônicas que apresentaram associação positiva com ambas variáveis. Ademais, os achados evidenciaram que cocriação de valor, além de anteceder a experiência de consumo, assume papel mediador da relação entre motivações hedônicas e experiência de consumo. Esta pesquisa traz contribuições importantes para a área, uma vez traz evidência empírica do papel que motivações hedônicas exerce em práticas de consumo colaborativo, mais especificamente em serviços de hospedagem compartilhada. Além disso, consubstancia estudos anteriores que reconhecem a cocriação de valor enquanto aspecto importante na oferta de experiência positivas em serviços de hospitalidade e turismo.
Fair Value Accounting and Reporting, and Firm Value: Evidence from Quoted Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria
Authors: Chidoziem Abiahu, Mary-Fidelis , Nnoli Udeh, Francis , Okonkwo Okegbe, Theophilus , Maria-Regina Eneh, Onyinye
Published: September 2020

The study evaluated the effect of fair value reporting on financial profitability and firm value with focus on deposit money banks listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange Using a sample of 13 banks quoted on the Exchange, the study employed secondary data gathered from published annual reports of eight years (four years pre-IFRS, historical value measurement and four years post-IFRS fair value measurement) 2008 to 2015. The study was anchored on the agency theory while descriptive analysis was employed to summarize data collected while SPSS Version 23 software and regression analysis were used to analyze data. The result support the hypothesis that fair value reporting does not significantly affect reported profitability. Fair value was however found to affect firm valuation. Overall, this study suggests that he study concludes that in order to effectively evaluate financial performance and position, knowledge of fair value is not enough. Users also need to know the historical cost of the investment. Therefore, companies should adopt a hybrid form of measurement (measurements which entail both fair and historical values) in reporting their activities to reflect actual value creation.
The Implications of Some Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Practices on Malaria Prevalence among Primary School Children in Gombe State, Nigeria
Authors: Danjin Mela , Adewoye Solomon O. , Sawyerr Henry O.
Published: September 2020

Background: The sanitary state of the environment and general hygiene has long been known to play a critical role in the cause and spread of infectious diseases, be it directly or indirectly.   

Objective: This study was aimed at exploring the implications of some WASH practices on the prevalence of malaria infection among school children in Gombe State, Nigeria.

Methodology: A cross sectional survey design was employed to study 745 school children (aged 6 to 15 years) who were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique from 12 public and 6 private schools in six Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State. Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) was used to screen the children for malaria. Descriptive statistics were generated to summarize research findings while chi square statistics was used to compare proportions at 0.05 significance levels. Risks were estimated using odd ratio (OR).

Results: The mean age of the pupils was 9.96±2.26 years and slightly more than half (50.9%) of them were males while the rest (49.1%) were females. Out of the 745 subjects only 101 (13.6%) tested positive for malaria.  And even though, 86.4% of them indicated availability of toilets in their residences, not all (98.6%) of them used the toilets. Slightly more than half (51.5%) of the participants dwell in houses without proper drainage while 46.7% reside in mud houses. Children from households without toilets had more than five times odds of having malaria (OR=5.230; 95% CI= 3.236-8.453, P=0.000). Furthermore, children from households that were sourcing their drinking water from streams, rivers and wells suffered more from malaria than those using portable/pipe borne water (OR=0.230, CI= 0.131-0.405, p=0.000). While children who dwelt in cement houses had less odds of malaria infection (OR=0.270, 95% CI=0.169-0.431, P=0.000), those who dwelt in houses without drainages had more than twice odds of malaria infection (OR=2.642, 95% CI= 1.671- 4.176). Again, proper waste disposal was associated with lower odds of malaria infection.

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggests the existence of association between selected WASH practices and malaria prevalence among the school children. This should inform an integrated WASH and malaria advocacy as well as high level engagement with concerned authorities and communities.
Integrated Nitrogen Management in Yield, Uptake and Quality Parameters of Chilli (Capsicum annum L.) under Red Lateritic Soils of Odisha
Authors: Behera Subhashree , Sahu Gayatri , Pradhan Poonam Preeti , Santra Gour Hari
Published: September 2020

The present study was conducted in research plots of Central Horticultural Research station (CHES) during Rabi season 2018-2019 on integrated nitrogen management in chilli under red lateritic soils of Odisha to study the effect of different combination of nitrogen sources on yield, uptake, quality parameters and economics on chilli crop. The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design comprising of eight treatments replicated thrice. It was observed that the substitution of N through vermicompost to the extent of 50% and remaining 50% as urea proved to be considered as the best treatment amongst different combinations of organic sources with urea (RDF). The highest yield of chilli i.e. both pod yield (14511.4 kg ha-1) and stover yield (901.05 kg ha-1) and uptake of nitrogen by pod (122.31 kg ha-1) and stover (8.72 kg ha-1) were observed in T5 due to combination of 50% of N as urea and 50% of N as VC. The highest B: C ratio was found to be highest in T2 (100% of N through RDF). Regarding the quality parameters of chilli like oleoresin, capsaicin, ascorbic acid and protein content were also found highest in T5. Integrated use of organic manures along with chemical fertilizers not only produced highest and sustainable crop yields but also enhanced the efficiency of added fertilizers.
Sustaining Crop Production in Rainfed Areas in India: Issues and Strategies
Authors: Singh Raj , Dass Anchal , Singh V. K.
Published: September 2020

The Agriculture sector plays an important role in the Indian Economy. Besides assuring the food grain security to nearly 1350 million (m) human population and fodder security to 512.05 m livestock population of the country, it contributes about 16% of total GDP, 12.5% of total export, and provides employment to over 50% total workforce of the country. Owing to the introduction of improved production technologies, expansion of irrigation facilities, increase the use of synthetic inputs, popularization of the technologies, implementation of policies for the agricultural development and greater investment in agricultural sector, food grain output in the country increased from 51.8 million tons (m.t) in 1950-51 to 285.01 m t in 2018-19. The growth rate of food grain production for the period between 2010-11 and 2017-18 was almost double the population growth rate. Despite the overwhelming growth in food grain production, market size, availability of improved production technologies and being the front ranking producer of many crops in the world, Indian agriculture is still facing several challenges, which are severely affecting its performance, income, employment and livelihood of the farmers. Rainfed agriculture in India occupies the largest area and the value of the produce in the world. It accounts for nearly 52% of the total net cultivated area of the country. Rainfed agriculture must play an important role in food security and sustainability of livelihoods because almost 40% human and 60% livestock population of the country depend on it. But, it is And characterized by unstable yield, dominance of marginal and small operational holdings, occurrence of frequent drought, low income, and lack of regular employment, food insecurity, out migration, malnutrition and poor socio-economic status of the inhabitants of the rainfed regions. In the era of globalization, transformation of subsistence agriculture to commercial agriculture coupled with increase of income higher per unit area is the need of the day to sustain the people’s livelihood in the rainfed regions. Efficient use of rainwater and soil moisture, adoption of improved production technologies of crop production, alternate land use systems (ALUS), integrated farming systems (IFSs), conservation of natural resources and better access to markets are of prime importance not only for enhancing crop production, income and employment, but also to sustain the livelihoods of the farmers under variable climatic condition of the rainfed regions. Hence, efforts have been made to discuss the constraints and improved production technologies, which can be effective to realize higher crop productivity and income from the rainfed agriculture in India.
Traditional Knowledge of Forest Medicinal Plants of Munduruku Indigenous People - Ipaupixuna
Authors: Oliveira Patricia Chaves de , Queiroz de Sou Beatriz Costa de Oliveira
Published: September 2020

Aims: The traditional knowledge about the use of typical flora of forests such as the Amazon rainforest, is undoubtedly an intangible richness of indigenous populations. Recording this knowledge to value it is essential in the construction of contemporary history, especially in the present times of invasion of the Indigenous Territories. Thus, the objective of this research was to elucidate from ethnobotanical diagnoses the useful flora of Munduruku indigenous families, as a renewable and exploitable natural resource. The working hypothesis was to confirm the dependency of these local communities on the forests, while medicinal environments.  

Study Design: The structure of the research was based on three moments: 1. Intervention with the human component (conducting interviews with indigenous families); 2. Intervention with the plant component (preparation of the excicatas of the cited plants and taxonomic identification); 3. Analysis of human and plant components (ethnobotanical study).

Place and Duration of Study: The research developed in a village called Ipaupixuna, whose indigenous families are from Munduruku ethnic group. The duration of the research was six (6) months.

Methodology: The analysis was characterized by Quantitative ethnobotany whose variables analyzed were Relative Frequency of Citation, Use Valour, Level of Fidelity, Relative Popularity and Rank Order Priority. The statistical analysis comprised a Linear Pearson Correlation Matrix for dimensioning the correlation between the ethnobotanical variables.

Results: The results showed rich diversity of species, with 110 plants being raised used by indigenous families in five categories: medicinal, food, crafts, construction and cosmetics.  Arecaceae was the botanical family with the highest number of medicinal species.  Dipteryx odorata was the specie with the highest Relative Frequency, while Plectranthus amboinicus and Caesalpinia ferrea as well as Fredericia chica presented high Use Value for the indigenous.

Conclusions: The indigenous families of Munduruku ethnic group of Tapajós river Basin studied in this research, have in the Forest and in its backyards, sources of plants for multiple uses, thus evidencing the high dependence between indigenous people and Forests. The creation of new spaces called Medicinal Forests and Ethnogardens is essential to contributing to the health safety of indigenous families.
Levels of Heavy Metals in Soya Bean and Some Cereal Samples from Shani and Kwayakusar Local Government Areas in Borno State, Nigeria
Authors: Lawan I. B. , Zynab M. C. , Addullahi I. M. , Zakari M. , Joseph C. A.
Published: September 2020

Grain (soya beans, sorghum and maize) samples from Shani and Kwayakusar Local Government Areas, Borno State, Nigeria were collected in agricultural locations for the determination of heavy metals. The levels of heavy metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AA–6800 SHIMADZU). The levels of all the heavy metals studied in all the agricultural locations were higher in the post-harvest grains than in the pre-harvest grains. Results from the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) showed that, there was the possibility of developing cancer related diseases from the consumption of cereal samples from the study area with respect to the 10-4 tolerable limit. The results further suggested that the source of these heavy metals content in the grains samples might be largely as a result of the application of agrochemicals. Hence, consumption of the study cereals from the study area is of health risk with respect to Pb, Cd and As and should be given higher priority by relevant agencies.
Effect of Heat Stress on Photosystem II, Antioxidant Activity and Micronutrient Concentration in Contrasting Cultivars of Greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)
Authors: Alagupalamuthirsolai M. , Vijayalakshmi C. , Surendar K. S. Krishna , Sritharan T. N.
Published: September 2020

Heat stress around flowering has negative effect on greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) grain yield. The pot culture experiments were conducted to study the response of antioxidant system, photosystem II and micronutrient concentration to above-optimum temperature at flowering stage in two cultivars of greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) cv. SAMRAT (heat tolerant) and VBN-2 (heat susceptible). The plants were grown under natural light and atmospheric conditions (33/22°C day/night) up to the first appearance of flower. Then, cohort of plants were: (a) exposed to natural environment (33/22°C day/night) for 13 days and were (b) exposed to controlled environment 33/22 to 45/30°C (day/night) for 13 days by gradually increasing 1°C per day in day/night temperature and then pots were shifted to natural environment for 5 days for recovery. The activity of antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT and APX) were increased significantly as the temperatures increased upto 38/26°C in both cultivars and showed less reduction appropriately at 45/30°C in SAMRAT compared to VBN-2. It is possible that better tolerant to heat stress of SAMRAT was related to its ability to maintain higher levels of activity of antioxidant enzymes in all the temperature regimes. Quantum yield (Fv/Fm) showed significant reduction at 41/28°C in VBN-2 while at 45/30°C in SAMRAT indicating relative tolerance to heat stress. Micronutrient composition was not affected at 45/30°C except Cu content in leaves and Mn and Fe content in shoots. Upon heat stress treatment SAMRAT showed relatively less reduction of micronutrients like Cu, Mn and Fe content in leaves compared to VBN-2. The tolerant cultivar SAMRAT can serve as parents for breeding for heat stress tolerant variety.
Organoleptic and Nutritional Evaluation of Value Added Noodles from Amaranth Seed Flour
Authors: Tripathi Priyanshu , Mogra Renu
Published: September 2020

Pseudocereals are as good as the true cereals in many aspects of nutritional value. Either substituting or supplementing the staple cereals with pseudocereals and thereby improving the nutritive value of foods are under experimentation. Amaranth, a pseudocereal possess the usual characteristics of cereals such as bland taste, ease of cooking and also contain a substantial quality of cooking and fat as compared to most cereals.  Amaranth contain good amount of fiber, energy and mineral than the conventional grains. Nevertheless, amaranth grain is still considered as a underutilized food crop and its consumed very few places. The usage of amaranth green, though very common in many parts of India. Development of nutritionally superior inexpensive food and acceptable to intended consumer is the biggest challenge of the present time. The present investigation was designed to develop high protein product by incorporation of amaranth flour. Amaranth flour was incorporate in the ratio of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 per cent in the wheat flour. The higher score of overall acceptability was 7.70± 0.10 for 50 per cent substitution of amaranth flour after control and the minimum as 6.67± 0.25 for the 70 per cent amaranth flour noodles. Considering the results obtained and characteristics of flour used, the amaranth flour addition up to 30 per cent is evident to improve some nutritional properties and 50 per cent for sensory characteristic. Results also showed significant increase (P<0.05) in the protein (13.22 g) when compared with control (12.07 g). In this research it was analyzed that the different amount of amaranth flour plays an important role in noodles making by enhancing nutritional parameters and overall product quality. Resultant noodles can be used as a nutritious food with higher content of protein and other nutritious elements in an increased market of noodle product where quality protein is an issue.
Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals Using Some Selected Leguminous Crops
Authors: Ameh G. I. , Nwamba H. O. , Njom V. S. , Ofordile E. C.
Published: September 2020

The phytoremediation of heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, copper and lead) using Phaseolus vulgaris and Arachis hypogaea were investigated using standard techniques. Heavy metal polluted soil samples were collected from Crush Rock Industries Ishiagu, Ebonyi State and heavy metal free soil samples (used as control) were obtained from Ebonyi State Ministry of Agriculture, Ishiagu Station. The seeds of the two plants were collected from the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture. The experimental setup consists of 4 contaminated potted soils each of P. vulgaris and A. hypogaea. Another 4 potted soils not contaminated with heavy metals served as control. Soil analysis was carried out prior to planting. The polluted soil sample had slightly acidic pH (pH was 6.34±0.29), higher Cation Exchange Capacity (21.80±0.33), higher Cd (25.18±0.34), Cr (10.20±0.21), Cu (28.54±0.49) and Pb (9.92±0.36) levels but lesser soil organic carbon (0.87±0.10). After the duration of 62 days the plants were harvested, their leaves and roots were digested and subjected to further experimental tests [determination of Metal concentration, transfer factor and bioaccumulation factor (BAF)]. A. hypogaea showed highest Cd translocation factor 1.63±0.08, TF<1 was observed in all the plants examined for Cr. A. hypogaea showed the highest BAF for Cd, (1.16±0.08). BAF<1 was observed for Cr and Cu in the two plants examined. The BAF of A. hypogaea was higher than that of P. vulgaris. Plants from the control showed zero to very minute concentration of heavy metals in their tissues. Although the study plants are food crops, they can also play a role in the phytoremediation of some heavy metals.
Characterization of the Average Wind Speed in the Municipaly of Teresina-PI
Authors: Medeiros Raimundo Mainar de , Filho Moacyr Cunha , França Manoel Vieira de , Holanda Romildo Morant de , Piscoya Victor Casimiro , Freitas Jucarlos Rufino de , Piscoya Thaísa Oliveira Folha , Cunha Ana Luiza Xavier , Moreira Guilherme Rocha , Costa Maria Lindomarcia Leonardo da , Lima Dayane de Souza , Castro Jamilie Brito de , Filho Renisson Neponuceno de Araújo
Published: September 2020

The winds are of fundamental importance in the terrestrial dynamics; Represent one of the main elements influencing various climate phenomena such as soil erosion, pollutant dispersion, seed transport and generation of wind energy. The characterization of the wind at any point of the atmosphere takes two parameters: Speed and direction, which are instantaneous quantities because they depend on conditions such as atmospheric pressure gradient originating displacement of air masses at different temperatures. Accurate information on wind speed is important as it plays a significant role in the application efficiency. Considering the importance of understanding the behavior of the wind, this work, was aimed to characterize the average wind speeds for the city of Teresina, located in the state of Piauí, Brazil. We used 1976 to 2019 data on wind speed of 10 meters height obtained fromthe records of the conventional meteorological station of the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET). The highest wind speed is in July to November with speed ranging from 1.6 to 1.8 m/s and the lowest wind speeds are centered in the months from December to April with oscillation 1.3 to 1.5 m.s-1.
A Cross Sectional Survey of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Antibiotic Use for Children in Chennai among Mothers
Authors: Revathi B. , Pandurangan Kiran Kumar
Published: September 2020

Background and Aim: Mothers play a vital role in providing antibiotics to their children since they are too often affected with infections. Hence, the purpose of this study to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice towards antibiotic use of children in Chennai among mothers. 

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted among mothers of 250 participants. A questionnaire based online survey was conducted and distributed through the survey planet. The data were collected and tabulated in Microsoft Excel sheets which were transferred to SPSS Version 20 for statistical analysis. Chi square test was performed to check for association between variables. 

Results: About 71.3% of the mothers are not aware that antibiotic resistance is a worldwide problem and 53.3% are paying attention to the expiry date of antibiotics and also 59.3% of the respondents give higher doses of antibiotics to their child than what doctor’s prescribed. 44% of them are providing antibiotics prescribed by local pharmacists without any doctor's prescription.      A highly significant association was seen in mothers with monthly income of <30000 rupees do not prefer expensive antibiotics compared to monthly income of >30000 rupees (Chi square test; p<0.001, statistically significant). 

Conclusion: The study concluded that the mother’s limited knowledge about antibiotics. Hence it is important to facilitate multilevel parent’s education programs regarding antibiotic usage and create awareness about the complications of misconceptions of antibiotics.
Day to Day Use of Disinfectant Methods for Different Impression Materials among Dental Practitioners
Authors: Selvam Santhanam Panneer , Rakshagan V.
Published: September 2020

One of the major problems which most dental professionals face is cross contamination and cross infection. During the fabrication of dental prosthesis, special care should be taken for every step, especially impressions as they are one of  the main concern.  This  is because impressions are one of the most known  to  be  the  main  source of  infection for  any potentially infectious material . To check the practice of disinfection level among the dental practitioners, a questionnaire containing 15 questions was prepared. This survey was carried between the month of June 2019 to March 2020 among the dental practitioners living in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. This survey was carried under an online platform where the participants responded to their answers. Based on their responses, the result was tabulated. We got a result of about 64% practitioners practicing protocol to disinfect impressions 65% use alginate to take impressions. 44% use 2% glutaraldehyde to disinfect impressions. 46% prefer spraying disinfectant over impression tray. Based on much research, it was reported that dental technicians were suffering from infections in hand restoratory systems, so on humanitarian basis we dentists can take better measures ourselves in avoiding cross contamination to fellow dental technicians by following proper and simple methods for disinfection of impressions before sending them to dental laboratories. To conclude awareness workshops, programs must be organised to create awareness among dentists to present cross infections.
The Pharmaceutical Application of Sulfoxy Amine Chitosan in Design, Development and Evaluation of Transdermal Drug Delivery of Gliclazide
Authors: Laxman Jadhav Rahul , Pallavi Ahire , Vyankatrao Yadav Adhikrao , Varsha Gharge G. , Vyankatrao Patil Manisha , Nawaj Shaikh Siraj
Published: September 2020

Objective: The aim & objectives of this research work was to explore applicability of our previously synthesized sulfoxy amine chitosan in design, development and evaluation of transdermal drug delivery of Gliclazide.

Methods: To determine the interaction between excipients used and to find out the nature of drug in the formulation, Fourier transforms infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Colorimetry (DSC) studies were performed. Gliclazide containing transdermal patch were formulated with help of Sulfoxy Amine Chitosan, HPMC, Penetration enhancer Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Glycerine by using solvent casting method.9 formulations prepared by using 32 full factorial designs the effect of formulation variable was studied on % Moisture Content, Folding endurance, % Cumulative drug release at 12 hrs.Formulated transdermal patches were evaluated for various parameters.

Results: FTIR & DSC suggest study no drug & polymers interaction .All the prepared transdermal patches were found to be faint yellow in colored, flexible, uniform, smooth, and transparent. The weight of the transdermal patches for different type of formulations ranged between 12.00 ± 0.6 mg & 14.2 ± 0.52 mg. The thickness of the patches varied from 0.171 ± 0.0035 mm to 0.182 ± 0.0026 mm. The moisture content & water vapour transmission rate in the patches ranged from 2.33 to 4.55% & from 0.002246 to 0.003597 mg.cm/cm2 24hrs.XRD diffractogram revealed  pure Gliclazide exhibited characteristic high-intensity diffraction peaks & optimized formulation showed  three peaks in 2θ= 20.6 28.7 and 38.95 with very weak intensities. Optimized batch F7 showed maximum drug release 98.41%. The folding endurance was lies in between 301 and 359. Optimization study was successfully conducted using 32 factorial designs.

Conclusion: We concluded that transdermal patches Gliclazide of was successfully formulated with synthesized Sulfoxy Amine Chitosan & evaluated.
Antibacterial Activities of Soaps Formulated from Carapa procera Oil
Authors: Kan Serges Gbamelé Kouakou , Guillaume Yayé Yapi , Lydie Boyvin , Ama Valerie Bonouman Ira , Maurice Anigbé Amon , Olivier Chatigre Kouamé , Joseph Djaman Allico
Published: September 2020

Aims: The Carapa procera species is used of traditional for its antimicrobial properties especially for the skin. Its oil is used for various applications including the production of soaps used for personal hygiene and other skin conditions. The purpose of this study is to assess the antibacterial properties of soaps formulated from the oil of this species.

Place and Duration of Study: The units of organic biological chemistry and structural organic chemistry of the UFR Structural Sciences of Matter and Technology (Université Félix Houphouet-Boigny) for the manufacture of soaps and the bacteriology unit of the Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire for bioassays between January 2019 and February 2020.

Methodology: The antibacterial evaluation was carried out by the disc method on nutrient agars with determination of bacterial parameters (MIC and MBC). Discs of usuals antibiotics (Tetracycline, Rifampicin and Ampicillin) were used as a control to assess this activity as well as a commercially soap.

Results:  The inhibition diameters obtained from these different test soaps vary from 16.00 - 17.15 mm; 15.75 - 17.70 mm and 20.33 - 24.00 mm respectively on growth of the bacterial strains E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Unlike unscented soaps, scented soaps have the best inhibition diameter zones values. Moreover, the best MBC values (25 mg/mL) are obtained with the 2 soaps in fresh or aged state on the S. aureus strain against 50 mg/mL on the 2 other strains. In addition, with the exception of the E. coli strain which is resistant to Tetracycline, the 2 other strains are sensitive to all the antibiotics tested. In addition, this study also shows variability in the effect of soaps on these targets.

Conclusion: Soaps formulated from Carapa procera oil do indeed possess antibacterial properties that could justify its usage against dermatoses in traditional medicine.
A G‐quadruplex‐forming RNA aptamer binds to the MTG8 TAFH domain and dissociates the leukemic AML1‐MTG8 fusion protein from DNA
Authors: Fukunaga Junichi , Nomura Yusuke , Tanaka Yoichiro , Torigoe Hidetaka , Nakamura Yoshikazu , Sakamoto Taiichi , Kozu Tomoko
Published: September 2020

MTG8 (RUNX1T1) is a fusion partner of AML1 (RUNX1) in the leukemic chromosome translocation t(8;21). The AML1‐MTG8 fusion gene encodes a chimeric transcription factor. One of the highly conserved domains of MTG8 is TAFH which possesses homology with human TAF4 [TATA‐box binding protein‐associated factor]. To obtain specific inhibitors of the AML1‐MTG8 fusion protein, we isolated RNA aptamers against the MTG8 TAFH domain using systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment. All TAF aptamers contained guanine‐rich sequences. Analyses of a TAF aptamer by NMR, CD, and mutagenesis revealed that it forms a parallel G‐quadruplex structure in the presence of K+. Furthermore, the aptamer could bind to the AML1‐MTG8 fusion protein and dissociate the AML1‐MTG8/DNA complex, suggesting that it can inhibit the dominant negative effects of AML1‐MTG8 against normal AML1 function and serve as a potential therapeutic agent for leukemia.