bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GHRH secretion from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor causing gigantism in a patient with MEN1
Authors: Srirangam Nadhamuni Vinaya , Iacovazzo Donato , Evanson Jane , Sahdev Anju , Trouillas Jacqueline , McAndrew Lorraine , R Kurzawinski Tom , Bryant David , Hussain Khalid , Bhattacharya Satya , Korbonits Márta
Published: June 2021

A male patient with a germline mutation in MEN1 presented at the age of 18 with classical features of gigantism. Previously, he had undergone resection of an insulin-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (pNET) at the age of 10 years and had subtotal parathyroidectomy due to primary hyperparathyroidism at the age of 15 years. He was found to have significantly elevated serum IGF-1, GH, GHRH and calcitonin levels. Pituitary MRI showed an overall bulky gland with a 3 mm hypoechoic area. Abdominal MRI showed a 27 mm mass in the head of the pancreas and a 6 mm lesion in the tail. Lanreotide-Autogel 120 mg/month reduced GHRH by 45% and IGF-1 by 20%. Following pancreaticoduodenectomy, four NETs were identified with positive GHRH and calcitonin staining and Ki-67 index of 2% in the largest lesion. The pancreas tail lesion was not removed. Post-operatively, GHRH and calcitonin levels were undetectable, IGF-1 levels normalised and GH suppressed normally on glucose challenge. Post-operative fasting glucose and HbA1c levels have remained normal at the last check-up. While adolescent-onset cases of GHRH-secreting pNETs have been described, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of ectopic GHRH in a paediatric setting leading to gigantism in a patient with MEN1. Our case highlights the importance of distinguishing between pituitary and ectopic causes of gigantism, especially in the setting of MEN1, where paediatric somatotroph adenomas causing gigantism are extremely rare.

Learning points

It is important to diagnose gigantism and its underlying cause (pituitary vs ectopic) early in order to prevent further growth and avoid unnecessary pituitary surgery. The most common primary tumour sites in ectopic acromegaly include the lung (53%) and the pancreas (34%) (1): 76% of patients with a pNET secreting GHRH showed a MEN1 mutation (1).

Plasma GHRH testing is readily available in international laboratories and can be a useful diagnostic tool in distinguishing between pituitary acromegaly mediated by GH and ectopic acromegaly mediated by GHRH. Positive GHRH immunostaining in the NET tissue confirms the diagnosis.

Distinguishing between pituitary (somatotroph) hyperplasia secondary to ectopic GHRH and pituitary adenoma is difficult and requires specialist neuroradiology input and consideration, especially in the MEN1 setting. It is important to note that the vast majority of GHRH-secreting tumours (lung, pancreas, phaeochromocytoma) are expected to be visible on cross-sectional imaging (median diameter 55 mm) (1). Therefore, we suggest that a chest X-ray and an abdominal ultrasound checking the adrenal glands and the pancreas should be included in the routine work-up of newly diagnosed acromegaly patients.
Micronutrients impact the gut microbiota and blood glucose
Authors: Barra Nicole G , Anhê Fernando F , Cavallari Joseph F , Singh Anita M , Chan Darryl Y , Schertzer Jonathan D
Published: June 2021

Micronutrients influence hormone action and host metabolism. Dietary minerals, trace elements, and vitamins can alter blood glucose and cellular glucose metabolism, and several micronutrients are associated with the risk and progression of type 2 diabetes. Dietary components, microbes, and host immune, endocrine, and metabolic responses all interact in the intestine. There has been a focus on macronutrients modifying the host-microbe relationship in metabolic disease. Micronutrients are positioned to alter host-microbe symbiosis that participates in host endocrine control of glucose metabolism. Minerals and trace elements can alter the composition of the intestinal microbiota, gut barrier function, compartmentalized metabolic inflammation, cellular glucose transport, and endocrine control of glucose metabolism, including insulin and thyroid hormones. Dietary vitamins also influence the composition of the intestinal microbiota and vitamins can be biotransformed by gut microbes. Host-microbe regulation of vitamins can alter immunity, lipid and glucose metabolism, and cell fate and function of pancreatic beta cells. Causal effects of micronutrients in host-microbe metabolism are still emerging, and the mechanisms linking dietary excess or deficiency of specific micronutrients to changes in gut microbes directly linked to metabolic disease risk are not yet clear. Dietary fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrates are key dietary factors that impact how microbes participate in host glucose metabolism. It is possible that micronutrient and microbiota-derived factors also participate in host-microbe responses that tip the balance in the endocrine control of host glucose metabolism. Dietary micronutrients should be considered, tested, and controlled in pre-clinical and clinical studies investigating host-microbe factors in metabolic diseases.
Kostenremanenz in Krisenzeiten
Authors: Graßmann Michael , Fuhrmann Stephan , Günther Thomas
Published: June 2021

Kostenremanenz (engl.: Cost Stickiness) ist ein in den vergangenen Jahren zunehmend empirisch beforschtes Phänomen. Die mit der COVID19-Krise einhergehenden wirtschaftlichen Belastungen erzeugen einen hohen Druck, Kostenremanenzen zu vermeiden. Der vorliegende Beitrag nutzt die Methodik der externen Kostenremanenzanalyse, um das Kostenmanagement ausgewählter europäischer und US-amerikanischer Unternehmen der Luftverkehrs- und Hotelbranche in der COVID19-Krise zu analysieren.
Peer-Feedback-Systeme zur Leistungsmessung und -steuerung
Authors: Marsula Svenja
Published: June 2021

Die Leistung von Mitarbeitern trägt als maßgeblicher Faktor dazu bei, dass Unternehmen im wirtschaftlichen Umfeld erfolgreich agieren. Peer-Feedback-Systeme kommen als Element des Performance Managements in der Praxis vermehrt zum Einsatz. Infolgedessen wächst das Interesse an den Anwendungsmöglichkeiten sowie der Umsetzung dieser Mechanismen. Insbesondere die Ausgestaltung des Feedbacksystems hat einen Einfluss auf die Leistungsmessung und -steuerung.
Crítica a la acrítica en Cantos de las guerras preventivas, de Fernando Contreras
Authors: Alfaro Vargas Roy
Published: June 2021

Este artículo presenta un análisis de la novela Cantos de las guerras preventivas, de Fernando Contreras tratando de establecer los elementos posmodernos que funcionan a nivel textual, como medio para abordar el texto como antiutopía. Se estudia el papel del deseo insatisfecho en relación con la trama textual, con el fin de señalar las fallas que existen en relación con la crítica que el autor pretende dirigir contra las guerras preventivas.This article presents as analysis of Fernando Contreras’ novel Cantos de las guerras preventivas, in an effort to establish the post-modern elements existing in the text, and to approach it within the anti-utopian genre. The role of unsatisfied desire is addressed with regard to the plot, in order to discuss the failures existing with regard to the author's criticism of preventive wars.
Factors Contributing to the Academic Performance of BEI Learners
Authors: Villalobos Ulate Nuria , Chaves Carballo Olga
Published: June 2021

Se analizan los factores que intervienen en el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes del Bachillerato en la Enseñanza del Inglés (BEI) de la Universidad Nacional (Costa Rica). El contexto universitario, el papel de los profesores, la motivación en los estudiantes y los hábitos de estudio son condiciones para fomentar el éxito académico. Según los resultados, los aprendientes necesitan ciertas características personales, motivación y metas para tener éxito en su trabajo académico. Este estudio de caso contribuye a una mejor percepción de los factores que influyen en el mejoramiento de las aptitudes de estudio y aprendizaje, así como los que intervienen en el logro de las metas académicas.This analysis refers to factors contributing to the academic performance of the students majoring in the teaching of English at the Universidad Nacional (Costa Rica). The university context, the professors' role, students' motivation and their study habits are conditions for fostering academic success. The findings indicate that learners need certain personality traits, motivation and goals to succeed in their academic work. This case study provides insight on the factors that influence the enhancement of study skills and leaming, as well as other factors that contribute to the accomplishment of academic goals.
La literatura y el cine: una historia de relaciones
Authors: Baltodano Román Gabriel
Published: June 2021

La literatura y el cine se relacionan en cuatro aspectos básicos: la literatura determina, en sus orígenes, la naturaleza de los filmes, sus motivos y estrategias; la literatura y el cine son formas narrativas, por lo que comparten estructuras míticas, populares y de relato; ambos se vinculan mediante el problema de la adaptación; y el cine ejerce una influencia estética en las obras literarias y en el concepto tradicional de literatura. Este artículo examina estos vínculos desde una perspectiva conceptual e histórica.Literature and cinema are related in four main aspects: in its origins literature determines the nature of films; literature and motion pictures are narratives, and share mythical, popular and narrative structures; both are linked because of the issue of adaptation; and movies influence literary works and the traditional concept of literature. This article examines these relationships from a conceptual and historic perspective.
Realidad y ficción en la obra de Mario Vargas Llosa
Authors: Alfaro Vargas Roy
Published: June 2021

Se explica la utilización de las categorías de realidad-ficción, como procedimiento para estructurar el texto narrativo o teatral por parte de Mario Vargas Llosa. El análisis asume la relación de esta técnica literaria con el paradigma posmoderno y con la ideología neoliberal, con lo cual muestra la importancia de la noción de tiempo para la conjunción de estos elementos.An explanation is given of the use of the categories of reality and fiction, as a way of organizing Vargas Llosa's narrative and theatrical texts. This analysis assumes the relationship between this literary technique and postmodernism and neo-liberalism, with relation to the notion of time.
Mamita Yunai: una traducción al húngaro
Authors: Tomcsányi Judit
Published: June 2021

En este artÍCulo se analiza la traducción de un texto literario costarricense al húngaro como una instancia de metatexto que utiliza determinados rasgos de la percepción cultural e ideológica del público meta sobre lo latinoamericano, con el fin de lograr el acercamiento o identificación del lector con una cultura muy diferente a la suya. Se argumenta que este rediseño del texto sigue un patrón consecuente y, lejos de ser un irrespeto al autor, constituye la esencia misma de la traducción.In this brief study, the translation into Hungarian of a Costa Rican literary text is analyzed as a metatext that makes use of certain features of the target culture's view of Latin America (both in terms of culture and ideology) to bring the reader nearer to a very different reality. We argue that the translator's decisions fit into a systematic design which by no means should be considered unfaithfulness but rather the very essence of translation.
Online Resources for Improving EFL Teaching and Learning
Authors: Ramírez Acosta Jimmy
Published: June 2021

El presente artículo plantea el beneficio de utilizar recursos en línea en la enseñanza del inglés. Destaca que los estudiantes fortalecerán, no solo el uso de la lengua meta, sino también el de los recursos tecnológicos. Para ejemplificar, se presenta una serie de ejercicios en línea que desarrollan diversas habilidades de la lengua meta como también las ventajas y desventajas del uso de los mismos. Por último, se comparten los resultados obtenidos de una encuesta aplicada sobre el uso de recursos en línea en las clases de inglés.The benefit of using online sources in the EFL class is analyzed here starting from the perspective that this helps students improve not only their use of the language but also their use of technology. Sample online exercises focusing on the development of different language skills are described here, along with the advantages and disadvantages of using online sources. Finally, the results obtained from a survey on the use of online sources in the EFL classes are presented.
In silico binding affinity studies of phenyl-substituted 1,3-oxazoles with protein molecules
Authors: Zhuravlova Maryna , Obernikhina Nataliya , Pilyo Stepan , Kachaeva Maryna , Kachkovsky Oleksiy , Brovarets Volodymyr
Published: June 2021

The new model approach of interaction between the pharmacophores with bio-molecules, fragment-to-fragment, is presented. It is a new step of the molecular modeling and takes correctly into consideration not only the spatial complementarity of the interacted molecules but also the contribution of the stacking π-π-electron interaction and hydrogen bonds. As an example, the correct analysis of the interaction of the biological active phenyl-substituted 1,3-oxazoles with protein fragments is performed. It was shown that the length and energy of the hydrogen bond uniquely depend on the chemical constitution of both components in the created complex [Pharmacophore(Oxazole)-Biomolecule (H-X)]. The binding energy regularly decreases in the series X → O, S, NH (fragments of the corresponding biomolecules). It should be pointed out that introduction of the conjugated phenyl groups at positions 2 and 5 of oxazoles increase the stability of the possibly generated complex Pharmacophore-Biomolecule [Pharm-BioM] with fragments of the corresponding biomolecules along the core of oxazole by 0.2 and 0.5 kcal/mole. At the same time, modeling of the possibly generated complex [Pharm-BioM] by phenyl substituents at position 2 and 5 of 1,3-oxazole with phenylalanine as a fragment of protein molecules additionally stabilizes complex by 2.5 kcal/mole by π-stacking mechanism. It seems, the observed biological activity of the phenyl substituted 1,3-oxazole is rather connected with the possibility to generate the stable complex due to the formation of additional bonds with other fragments (conjugated phenyl core). The calculations give that such substituents do not cause spatial hindrances with the polypeptide chain.
Theoretical evaluation of electroanalitical determination of diazoline (mebhydrolin) on a polymer electrode
Authors: Tkach Volodymyr , Kushnir Marta , Ivanushko Yana , de Oliveira Silvio , Luganska Olga , Yagodynets Petro , Kormosh Zholt
Published: June 2021

Mebhydrolin, the active substance of diazoline, is a histamine H1-blocker that possesses the anti-allergic, anti-pruritic, antioxidative properties as well as weak sedative effect. It is used to treat diseases and pathological conditions. Its long-term and excessive use leads to different side effects and complications such as granulocytopenia, neutropenia, dyscrasia, and granulocytosis. That is why the development of effective methods for determining the concentration of this drug is vital. There are no reports to date available on the electrochemical determination of diazoline (mebhydrolin). Based on the structural characteristics of the molecule it can be concluded that it is an electroactive compound. Its oxidation can effectively occur on the conductive polymer layer. Moreover, the electrochemical behavior of the drug promises to be very interesting, as it is developed by a complicated mechanism. In this work, the electrochemical determination of a mebhydrolin concentration on the leading polymer was studied from a theoretical point of view. The polymerization and the reactions sequences was describe by a mathematical model, which was derived and analyzed using linear stability theory and bifurcation analysis. From the model analysis we concluded that: a). The polymer electrode promotes an electrooxidation of mebhydrolin and the system is electroanalytically effective. The relationship between the electrochemical parameter (the current) and the concentration of nitrite is described and it is linear in nature. Therefore, the analytical signal can be easily interpreted. b). The electroanalytical process occurs in the diffusion mode at low concentrations of the analyte and in the adsorption mode at high concentration. c). The oscillatory behavior of this system is possible. It is caused by the effects of the electrochemical stage on PES as well as also by surface instabilities.
Choosing a Universal Air Collector Design for a Cylindrical-Shaped Hot-Wire Anemometer
Authors:   A. Pidhornyi Institute of Mechanical Engineering Problems of NASU, Tsakanian Oleh S. , Koshel Serhii V. ,   A. Pidhornyi Institute of Mechanical Engineering Problems of NASU
Published: June 2021

Air flow measurement at the outlets of air terminal devices installed in ventilation systems is very difficult. At the outlets of anemostats, swirl diffusers, grilles, the air flow can swirl, contract, or expand sharply, change its direction, etc., which causes great measurement errors. Therefore, it was necessary to develop a universal measuring device that would make it possible to measure air flow rate with high accuracy. It should consist of an air collector (for collecting and rectifying air flow) and a sensor for measuring air flow rate (integral hot-wire anemometer). Several air collector designs have been investigated. The parabolic air collector was chosen as the rational one. It has low aerodynamic resistance and good air flow distribution. To reduce the influence of turbulence and air swirling, a cylindrical stilling channel with a built-in rectifying grille is connected to the air collector. Experimental studies on various air distribution devices made it possible to obtain a refined calibration dependence for an integral hot-wire anemometer, the dependence being used to calculate air flow rate. The influence of the aerodynamic resistance of an airflow meter on air flow rate is taken into account with the help of a correction that must be introduced into the values measured.
Analytical Calculation of the Mechanical Properties of Honeycombs Printed Using the FDM Additive Manufacturing Technology
Authors:   A. Pidhornyi Institute of Mechanical Engineering Problems of NASU, Avramov Kostiantyn V. , Uspenskyi Borys V. ,   A. Pidhornyi Institute of Mechanical Engineering Problems of NASU, Derevianko Ihor I. ,   Yuzhnoye State Design Office
Published: June 2021

FDM 3D printed honeycombs are investigated. A honeycomb is composed of regular hexagonal cells. A honeycomb is 3D printed so that the fused filament runs along the walls of its cells. We emphasize that the thickness of these walls is one or two times the thickness of the fused filament. When calculating the mechanical properties of a honeycomb, its walls are considered as a Euler-Bernoulli beam bending in one plane. To describe honeycombs, a homogenization procedure is used, which reduces a honeycomb to a homogeneous orthotropic medium. An adequate analytical calculation of the mechanical properties of this medium is the subject of our research. Analytical formulae for calculating the mechanical properties of honeycombs are presented. To assess the adequacy of the calculation results, the analytical data are compared with the results of simulation in the commercial ANSYS package. For this, the mechanical properties of the honeycombs made of the ULTEM 9085 material are determined numerically. To assess these properties, from a large number of analytical formulae are selected those that predict them adequately. As a result of calculations, an analytical prediction of all mechanical properties is obtained, with the exception of the in-plane shear modulus of a honeycomb. This is due to the fact that to simulate such a shear modulus one has to use a three-dimensional theory that does not have an adequate analytical description. A thin aluminum honeycomb was considered. In the future, three-layer structures with such a honeycomb will be investigated. Analytical results for ULTEM 9085 and aluminum honeycombs are similar.
Narrative and Design for Wellbeing: A User-Centered Approach
Authors: Jordan Patrick W. , Bardill Andy , Herd Kate , Grimaldi Silvia
Published: June 2021

The narratives that we have about our lives can affect our wellbeing. The Products and services that we own or use can play a role in these narratives (Jordan, Bardill, Herd and Grimaldi, 2020) – the car that says "I am a success", the toy that says "I am a good parent" or the customer-care that lets me know that "I am not important.” In an exploratory study, 41 undergraduate students described experiences with two different products or services – one that enabled and one that failed to enable a desired narrative. These 82 case studies were analysed to explore concepts relevant to narrative in the context of product and service use. We identify six different ways in which a product or service can enable a narrative, evaluate Jung’s archetypes as a means of narrative classification, and explore the roles of products and users in enabling stories. The implications for user research and design are explored.
Are interest rate changes comoving with financial cycle?
Authors: Smaga Paweł
Published: June 2021

We explore to what extent official interest rate changes can potentially in a procyclical manner impact different financial cycle indicators (credit/GDP, debt service ratio, house prices and stock market indices). We test this on data covering 1995−2016 in 21 countries and the euro area using the Concordance index and Monetary policy procyclicality ratio. Results show that this was not a widespread phenomenon, but there was significant heterogenenity across countries. The procyclicality of interest rate changes was usually higher when financial cycle gaps were increasing and lower when they were decreasing. On average, central banks in several larger economies were running potentially less procyclical monetary policy than those in the smaller ones. The resulting propensity of conflicts between achieving price and financial stability by central banks was low, as only in 10% of the cases the objectives were conflicting (usually when inflation was below the target and the credit cycle was in an expansion phase).
Welfare implications of external debt and capital flight in Sub-Saharan Africa (Evidence using panel data modelling)
Authors: Ampah Isaac Kwesi , Kiss Gábor Dávid
Published: June 2021

The countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have experienced a positive growth rate of over five per cent per year, on average, since their transition from the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative in 1996 and the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative in 2006. Despite this growth, poverty and inequality are still very high. Employing the Driscoll – Kraay standard panel estimation method and dataset from 1990 to 2015, this paper sets out to examine the implications of external debt and capital flight on the general welfare of the people. The estimation results reveal that both external debt and capital flight have a welfare inhibiting effect, suggesting that increases in external borrowing or capital flight may lead to a reduction in the welfare of the people in the sub-region. The study, therefore, recommends to policymakers and government in the sub-region the need to tackle the revolving nature of external borrowing and capital flight and take steps to halt all channels through which deservingly acquired capital leaves the sub-region.
Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: Background and recent literature updates on the diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Nawaz H. , Aslam M. , Rehman T.
Published: June 2021

Hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice has been studied by many researchers because of its diverse causes and potential for toxicity especially in the neonate but to a lesser extent beyond the neonate as well. Several studies have been performed on the normal metabolism and metabolic disorders of bilirubin in last decades of the 20th century. The recent advancement in research and technology facilitated for the researchers to investigate new horizons of the causes and treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. This review gives a brief introduction to hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice and the recent advancement in the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. It reports modifications in the previously used methods and findings of some newly developed ones. At present, ample literature is available discussing the issues regarding hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice, but still more research needs to be done.
Venation studies of some species in the genus Ficus Linn. in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: AKINLABI Adebisi A. , OLADIPO Olaniran T.
Published: June 2021

The present study investigates the venation of ten species of the genus Ficus collected from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife (latitude 7° 31' 14.7612'' N and longitude 4° 31' 49.1340'' E) and the NACGRAB, Ibadan, Nigeria (latitude 7°23¢4²N and longitude 3°50¢31²E). The leaf venations of the species were carried out using standard methods. All photomicrographs of the features were taken with the aid of Amscope digital camera mounted on a celesterone binocular microscope. All data were subjected of analysis of variance using SAS software. The result revealed the Leaf venation pattern based on areole shape, length and width, veinlets ending and trichomes. The leaf venation patterns of the species show that they are significant in identifying and delimiting studied species within the genus with respect to qualitative and quantitative data. Species specific variation were recorded for the venation patterns as areole shape, length and width, veinlets ending and trichomes and these features are either genetically fixed or as a result of environmental extremes. Presence of cystolith cells, trichomes and no veinlets ending is diagnostic of Ficus mucuso. The study concluded that venation patterns are therefore significant in delimitation of species in the genus Ficus and these characters can be employed as additional information in the existing taxonomical keys of the genus.
Tubercles in cattle carcasses and risk behaviours for zoonotic tuberculosis transmission among workers in a municipal slaughterhouse
Authors: OGUGUA Akwoba J. , ONUNKWO Joseph I. , NWANKWO Innocent O. , GUGU Leonard E. , BASIL-EJIDIKE Rose C. , NWANTA John A.
Published: June 2021

Prevalence of zoonotic tuberculosis in livestock in Nigeria contributes substantially to TB incidence among the population at risk. This study sought for tubercles in cattle carcasses and assessed knowledge and risk behaviours for zoonotic tuberculosis transmission among workers in Ikpa slaughter, Nsukka, Nigeria. Tubercle samples collected during meat inspection of 420 cattle carcasses were subjected to Ziehl Neelson stain. Questionnaire was issued to 50 slaughterhouse workers and data generated analysed with STATA 12 at p<α (0.05). The results showed 0.71% (3/420) prevalence of tubercles that translated to 0.79% (3/382), 0.81% (3/372), 0.79% (2/379) among the males, adults and White Fulani breeds, respectively. Among the respondents, 64% (32/50) had good knowledge of the disease. Knowledge of ZTB was significantly associated with level of education (P<0.05). Practices that expose to zoonotic tuberculosis infection were found among 48% of the participants. Practices that expose to the infection was found to be significantly associated with the level of education (P<0.05). Tubercles were prevalent in cattle carcasses in Ikpa slaughterhouse. Workers in the place need in-depth enlightenment on ZTB and its modes of transmission to reduce human exposure to the disease.
Intraspecific diversity of Vigna subterranea accessions obtained from multinational sources
Authors: KONYEME Thelma E. , AGOGBUA Josephine U. , ADEWALE Daniel B. , OGAZIE Chinedum
Published: June 2021

Bambara groundnut is a legume with balanced meal. The present study investigated agro-morphological diversity of 61 Bambara groundnut accessions whose passport data were from 21 countries. The Genetic Resources Centre (GRC), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria provided the 61 accessions. The accessions were established in row plots of ten plants on the field at the Centre for Ecological studies, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Seventeen quantitative and two qualitative traits were recorded from the sampling units for each accession. Descriptive and   multivariate statistical analysis were employed on the 61 x 19 matrix mean data. Significant variation exists among the 61 accessions for the 19 descriptors. Mean genetic similarity among the 61 accessions was 0.78, the least (0.48) similarity was between TVSu1750 and TVSu250 and the highest (0.92) was between TVSu391 and TVSu415. TVSu1843 flowered earliest at 35 days. The 61 accessions were grouped into three main clusters. TVSu1964 and two accessions from Malawi (TVSu1748 and TVSu1750) in cluster III had high grain yield. Accessions in cluster II were significant for both vigour and grain yield. Striking uniformity and diversity existed among accessions from the same country. Genetic improvement in vigour and grain yield of Bambara groundnut is possible within each country.
Regeneration of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. using in vitro nodes: an alternative method for efficient multiplication of shoots
Authors: PATHAK Ashutosh R. , JOSHI Aruna G.
Published: June 2021

In vivo nodes of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. induced healthy multiple shoots with branching in our earlier studies and thus in the present study, potency of in vitro nodes to regenerate shoots was evaluated. In vitro nodes were excised from eight-week-old shoots and placed in Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium fortified with sucrose (3%) and different concentrations of 6-benzyladenine (BA) and kinetin (Kn). After eight weeks, optimum of 5.42 ± 0.36 shoots with 100% response were regenerated in medium supplemented with BA (10 µM) and Kn (5 µM). These healthy shoots were placed in full, half and quarter strengths of liquid MS medium fortified with sucrose (1%) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA, 1-25 µM) for rooting. Among all the strengths of MS medium, full strength MS medium having 8 µM NAA formed maximum of 3.42 ± 0.55 roots (91.67% response) within four weeks. The protocol is in continuation with earlier study and it was confirmed that a single in vivo nodal explant can regenerate around 385 healthy elongated shoots within 4 months, which will help in mass-propagation of the species.
Moth (Insecta: Lepidoptera) fauna of Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, India
Authors: DAR Afaq A. , JAMAL Khowaja
Published: June 2021

Survey to assess moth diversity was carried out in Sariska Tiger Reserve of Rajasthan in 2019 from June to November. Total 16 species were recorded under 15 genera, belonging to 5 families for the first time from Sariska Tiger Reserve. Of these, 12 species viz. Eudocima materna Linnaeus, 1767; Eudocima phalonia Linnaeus, 1763; Dysgonia stuposa (Fabricius, 1794); Euproctis divisia Walker, 1855; Achaea janata Linnaeus, 1758; Acherontia styx Westwood, 1847; Daphnis nerii Linnaeus, 1758; Hippotion rosetta (Swinhoe, 1892); Agrius convolvuli Linnaeus, 1758; Nephele hespera Fabricius, 1775; Theretra oldenlandiae (Fabricius, 1775); Caligula lindia Moore, 1865 were first time reports from the state. Moth species were collected with the help of a light sheet system operated every night from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am. Ethyl acetate fumes were used to kill collected speciemens and processed as per standard strategies in Lepidopterology. The identification of moths was carried out with the help of identification keys, standard reference keys. Family Erebidae and Sphingidae are represented by six species each, followed by Saturniidae represented by two species, Noctuidae and Crambidae represented by one species each. This study will improve our understanding of Sariska’s biodiversity and be used to develop strategies for the conservation of moth diversity.
Impact of water erosion on the properties of forest soils
Authors: ALLAM Ayoub , BORSALI Amine H. , KEFIFA Abdelkrim , ZOUIDI Mohamed , FARNET DA SILVA Anne M. , RÉBUFA Catherine
Published: June 2021

The research work was conducted on eroded soil in the Keroua forest of Saida, Algeria, whose objective is to know the changes in the physicochemical and biological properties of forest soils subjected to the effect of water erosion. The samples were taken to a depth between 0-10 cm in each zone (eroded zone and control zone). Our results show that the biological properties are the most affected by water erosion where there was a significant decrease in basal respiration and microbial biomass, which had a negative influence on the metabolic quotient (higher values in the eroded area). For chemical properties, there was an increase in organic matter and total limestone, while the pHWater decreased in the eroded zone. For the physical properties. We raised a slight difference between the two areas, but which was not statistically significant.
Acute and sub-acute toxicity profile of methanol extract of Hura crepitans leaf on Wistar rats
Authors: EZEH Gladys C. , UDEH Nkeiruka E. , OZIOKO Christian A. , ONOJA Samuel O. , EZE Raphael E. , OMEH Yusuf N. , EZEJA Maxwell I. , ANAGA Aruh O.
Published: June 2021

This study investigated the toxicity profile of methanol extract of Hura crepitans leaf on albino rats. The up-and-down method at a dose limit of 2000 mg/kg was used in the oral acute toxicity test. Twenty-four (24) albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups (A –D, n = 6). Group A (control) received distilled water, while groups B-D received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract, respectively. The rats were dosed once daily for 21 consecutive days and weighed weekly. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment on day 21, the rats were fasted overnight and blood was collected into EDTA and plain bottles for hematological evaluation and serum preparation respectively. A manual method was used to determine the full blood cell count, while Randox kit was used to estimate the serum markers of liver and kidney functions. The extract was tolerated by the rat; the LD50 was greater than 2000 mg/kg. At 21 days of treatment, the extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) treated groups had 27.53, 25.98 and 25.33% weight gain respectively, while the distilled water treated group had 8.38% weight gain. The extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) reduced (p < 0.05) the packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration and red cell count, serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, but increased the total white blood cell in the treated groups when compared with the control group. This study suggests that methanol extract of Hura crepitans has hepatoprotective activity, promotes weight gain and could precipitate anemia when taken for a long period.
Endophytic fungal isolation from Blumea axillaris: Identification and biological activity of secondary metabolites
Authors: LAVANYA Nehru , MANON MANI Vellingiri , SARANYA Nachimuthu , DEEPAKKUMAR Rajendran , PREETHI Kathirvel
Published: June 2021

Medicinal plants are a wealthy source of natural medicinal properties and remain as base for new drug discoveries. Endophyte from the specific medicinal plants produce the analogous metabolites as that of the host plant. The metabolites from the endophytes comprise maximum therapeutic properties and have been extensively applied in treating various diseases and disorders. This study was focused on identification of the endophytic fungi from the medicinal plant Blumea axillaris and investigates the diversity of endophytic fungi from various explants of the same plant. The explants were cultured on potato dextrose agar and 6 endophytic fungi were successfully isolated from Blumea axillaris. They were identified morphologically and confirmed with molecular analysis as Xylaria arbuscula, Paraphoma radicina, Phomopsis phaseoli, Sordaria fimicola, Aspergillus amstelodami, Diaporthe eucalyptorum. The DNA sequences were analyzed by BLAST and the phylogenetic tree was constructed with neighbor joining method. The six isolates were subjected to antagonistic activity for the selection of potential strain and the bioactive strain Xylaria arbuscula was selected for the production of secondary metabolites by optimization. The parameters like pH, temperature, incubation period, carbon and nitrogen (organic and inorganic source) were optimized for secondary metabolite production. The fungal metabolite was extracted by solvent extraction method using polar and non-polar solvents like propanol, methanol, chloroform, acetone and ethyl acetate. To investigate the bioactivities of the fungal crude extract was subjected first for its antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging method, followed by antimicrobial activity of methanolic (MeOH) extract of Xylaria arbuscula, that were also analyzed by the agar well-diffusion method against the clinical pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pnuemoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans.
Avifaunal diversity and ecotourism opportunities: A case study from Barachaka tribal village of Bankura, West Bengal, India
Authors: DEY Kamala , DUTTA Tapas K. , MONDAL Rajendra P.
Published: June 2021

Ethnic people throughout the globe are engaged in the conservation of biodiversity. The objective of this study was to measure the avifaunal diversity in heterogeneous forest and paddy fields surrounding the Barachaka tribal village of West Bengal, India and the prospect of development of ecotourism spot in this area. The study was conducted during June and July of 2019 and 2020. A total of 47 bird species belonging to 27 families were identified and recorded during the span of study. Among these bird species, Asian open bill stork (Anastomus oscitans) is predominant in the heterogeneous forest of this village and they usually used this place as a breeding ground during the rainy season. The study reveals that the safety and food security provided by the villagers encourage these birds to prepare colonial nests in trees very near to the human habitation. Shannon-Wiener diversity index value was recorded 2.49 within village forest and 2.33 in the paddy field during June 2019 and July 2019 and 2.62 within village forest and 2.47 in the paddy field during June 2020 and July 2020. Results obtained from the questionnaire survey revealed that tribal people of this village are directly attached to bird conservation in their area and these tribal people protect the bird generation after generation through their traditional knowledge. The community-based bird monitoring programs may protect birds as well as wildlife and encourage researchers who may gather scientific knowledge from these ethnic people. The village under study has the prospective to develop into a good bird watching site, where bird lovers may watch the birds in nature and thereby helping the socio-economic development of the tribal people of this village.
Nutrient and metal concentrations in Nepenthes macfarlanei Hemsl. (Nepenthaceae) from a Malaysian montane forest
Authors: BREARLEY Francis Q.
Published: June 2021

Palaeotropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes) are a fascinating evolutionary case but their nutrient relationships are poorly known. To determine nutrient and metal concentrations in Nepenthes macfarlanei from Peninsular Malaysia, and contribute to our understanding of nutrient relationships in this genus, plants were sampled from the Genting Highlands – a disturbed montane forest location. Whilst many foliar nutrients showed typical concentrations, the foliar N concentration was, surprisingly, greater than most lowland species although the N:P ratio (c. 24) indicated nitrogen limitation in line with other studies on Nepenthes.  Of particular note was the variable but high (< 240 µg g-1) lead concentrations that have not been reported in carnivorous plants before. This data adds to our understanding of the nutrient relationships of carnivorous plants and shows that they may accumulate high concentrations of certain metals.
Canada’s oil sands industry from a sustainability perspective
Authors: Khakzad Nima , Dadashzadeh Mohammad , Abbassi Rouzbeh , Yang Ming
Published: June 2021

The present study aims to investigate the impacts of oil sands development in Canada on the economy, society and the environment as the three pillars of sustainability. Factors such as aquatic ecosystems, land disturbance and reclamation, air quality, public health, safety, aboriginal and local communities, gross domestic product, employment rate and job creation, government revenues and demographic changes have been considered. Based on a review of the available literature, this study shows that the oil sands industry has so far fallen short in keeping a balance among the three pillars of sustainability, with the negative impacts on society (e.g. changing the lifestyle of Aboriginal people) and the environment (e.g. land disturbance) overweighing the relatively positive economic impacts. This, along with the current pace of remedies (e.g. land reclamation), makes it hard to conclude that the oil sands industry is sustainable.
A novel cobalt-free and CO2-stable LDC-LSCF membrane with high oxygen permeability
Authors: Zhang Xinle , Chen Tianyi , Xu Yongjun , Sun Chenghua , Wu Chengzhang
Published: June 2021

Cobalt (Co)-free and carbon dioxide (CO2)-stable Ce0.8La0.2O2−δ –La0.1Sr0.9Cu x Fe1−x O3−δ (LDC-LSCF) dual-phase oxygen-permeable membranes have been successfully developed through the one-pot ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid–citric acid method. The appropriate amount of copper (Cu) doping can increase the content of oxygen (O) vacancies and improve the oxygen (O2) permeability of the materials. At 900°C, the oxygen permeation flux of 60 wt.% Ce0.8La0.2O2−δ –La0.1Sr0.9Cu0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (60LDC-LSCF-0.2) membrane reaches 0.58 (ml/min)/cm2 with pure helium (He) as the sweep gas, which is the highest oxygen permeation flux among dual-phase membranes with different copper-doping contents. The effects of different LDC contents on the static stability, conductivity and oxygen permeability of the dual-phase membranes are studied. The oxygen permeation flux of the 60LDC-LSCF-0.2 membrane remains 0.37 (ml/min)/cm2 with pure carbon dioxide as the sweep gas during the long-term oxygen permeation test. The present results indicate that LDC-LSCF oxygen-permeable membranes are promising membranes for oxygen production and carbon dioxide capture.
Osmanlı Mahalli Fuarcılığı Üzerine Bir Kesit: Sivas Hamidiye Sınaat ve Ziraat Sergisi
Authors: ASAN Hakan
Published: June 2021

Sivas Hamidiye Sınaat ve Ziraat Sergisi ulusal bir sergiden ziyade bölgesel veya mahalli

olarak tabir edebileceğimiz bir organizasyondur. Sergi yerli üretimi ıslah etmek, geliştirmek

ve teşvik etmenin yanı sıra bölgesel ekonomiye katkı sağlamayı da hedeflemiştir.

Osmanlı iktisat tarihinde ehemmiyetli bir mevzu olarak yerini alan sergide bölgenin

ekonomik performansı, kaliteli üretim kapasitesi ve zenginlikleri temsil edilmiştir. Aynı

zamanda sergi sonucunda ortaya çıkan problemlerin çözümü ve yerli ürünlerin yaygınlık

kazanması konusunda gerçekçi önerilerin sunulmasını sağlamıştır. Çalışmada; Osmanlı

Devleti’nin kurumları arasında gerçekleşen resmi yazışmalar ile dönemin basın hayatı

üzerinden sergi süreci incelenmiştir. Ayrıca sergiden beklentiler, serginin hazırlık süreci

ve açılışı ile sergide teşhir edilen ürünler değerlendirilmiştir.
Fantazmagorik Bir Mekân Olarak Twitter ve Simülatik Flâneurler
Authors: BOZKURT Murat
Published: June 2021

Bu çalışmanın hedefi etkileşimli ve katılımcı bir medya türü olan yeni medyanın politik/

ideolojik söylem üretiminde en etkili mecralarından biri olan Twitter’ın yapısını ve

kullanıcılarının varoluşsal konumu mekân ve kimlik olguları üzerinden çözümlemektir.

Modern yaşamın ontolojik anlamda doğal, teknik anlamda yapay bir uzantısı olan, bir bireyselleşme/

toplumsallaşma pratiği olarak sosyal medyanın modern birey üzerindeki varoluşsal

boyuttaki etkisi; bireysel ve toplumsal yaşantıdaki duyuş, düşünüş, algılayış ve

davranış kalıplarını dönüştürmesi; son olarak tarihteki örneklerinden çok farklı bir insan

ve uygarlık türünün oluşumundaki inkâr edilemez rolünün arka planındaki paradigmatik

değişim irdelenmektedir. Bu hedeflere ulaşmak amacıyla öncelikle (I) sosyal medyanın

modern çağ ve paradigma içindeki yeri ortaya koyulduktan sonra (II) mekân ve kimlik

açısından benzeşim kurulan kavramların (fantazmagori, simülasyon ve flâneur) literal ve

kuramsal kullanım biçimleri, tanımları, anlam alanları ve Twitter pratiği ile benzerlikleri

ilişkilendirilmektedir. Daha sonra (III) Twitter’ın teknik yapısı mevzu bağlamında ele

alınmakta, son kısımda ise (IV) dijital bir mekânda inşa edilen dijital kimliklerin oluşturduğu

dilin (söylemin) bazı politik/ideolojik/parodik yönleri tespit edilmekte ve fenomen/

flâneur tipi semiyotik açıdan değerlendirilmektedir.
Memlükler’de Kur’ân Tilâveti ve Kıraat İlmi
Authors: GÖKDEMİR Ahmet
Published: June 2021

Makalede Memlükler’de Kur’ân tilâveti ile kıraat ilminin durumu ele alınmıştır. Konunun

anlatımında genel hatlarıyla Memlükler’de ilmî ortama değinilmiş; daha sonra

Kur’ân ve kıraat eğitiminin verildiği kurumlar, o dönemde yetişmiş önemli kıraat âlimleri,

kadınların Kur’ân öğretimindeki yeri ile Memlükler’deki kıraat ilmine dair birikimin

Osmanlı’ya etkisi incelenmiştir. Araştırmada Memlükler’le ilgili yazılmış madde, makale,

tez ve müstakil kitapların yanı sıra o döneme yönelik bilgi veren tabakât kitaplarından

istifade edilmiştir.
Colin Heywood ve Ivan Parvev (ed.), The Treaties of Carlowitz (1699): Antecedents, Course and Consequences
Authors: KILIÇ Ayşe
Published: June 2021

The Ottoman Empire and Its Heritage serisinin altmış dokuzuncu kitabı olan

bu eserin yayımlanmasına imkân sağlayan 2014 yılının Nisan ayında Sofya’da

gerçekleşen 1683-1689 yılları arasındaki savaşlar ve Karlofça Antlaşması’nı

konu alan atölye çalışmasıdır. Böyle bir çalışmanın yapılması ise, yine 2013 yılının

Mart ayında Sofya’da başka bir atölye çalışması sırasında, kitabın editörlerinden

biri olan Colin Heywood’un bir sonraki atölye çalışmasının fikrini ortaya

atmasıyla gerçekleşmiştir.
‘Flann O’Brien: Problems with Authority’ (2017), edited by Ruben Borg, Paul Fagan, and John McCourt
Authors: Fogarty Anne
Published: June 2021

Review of Flann O’Brien: Problems with Authority, edited by Ruben Borg, Paul Fagan, and John McCourt (Cork University Press, 2017)
Lending Standards and Borrowing Premia in Unsecured Credit Markets
Authors: Dempsey Kyle , Ionescu Felicia
Published: June 2021

Using administrative data from Y-14M and Equifax, we find evidence for large spreads in excess of those implied by default risk in the U.S. unsecured credit market. These borrowing premia vary widely by borrower risk and imply a nearly flat relationship between loan prices and repayment probabilities, at odds with existing theories. To close this gap, we incorporate supply frictions – a tractably specified form of lending standards – into a model of unsecured credit with aggregate shocks. Our model matches the empirical incidence of both risk and borrowing premia. Both the level and incidence of borrowing premia shape individual and aggregate outcomes. Our baseline model with empirically consistent borrowing premia features 45% less total credit balances and 30% more default than a model with no such premia. In terms of dynamics, we estimate that lending standards were unchanged for low risk borrowers but tightened for high risk borrowers at the outset of Covid-19. Borrowing premia imply a smaller increase in credit usage in response to a negative shock, which this tightening reduced further. Since spreads on loans of all risk levels are countercyclical, all consumers use less unsecured credit for insurance over the cycle, leading to 60% higher relative consumption volatility than in a model with no borrowing premia.