bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RELIGIÃO NA ESFERA PÚBLICA: UMA PERSPECTIVA PÓS-METAFÍSICA E POLÍTICA EM JÜRGEN HABERMA
Authors: Araújo Paulo Sérgio
Published: May 2020

O percurso que trilharemos tem a finalidade de explicitar as possibilidades de um convívio pacífico entre cidadãos religiosos e seculares, no âmbito da esfera pública política, em sociedades pluralistas e amplamente secularizadas. A teoria da ação comunicativa, habermasiana, que interpreta as ações sociais na dimensão de uma prática discursiva, tendo como telos o entendimento racionalmente construído intersubjetivamente; será capaz de estabelecer as condições necessárias para tal intento? Para respondermos, demonstraremos a validade dos pressupostos cognitivos oriundos da religião, que constitui a força vinculativa necessária para a integração social e compõem as fontes pré-políticas do Estado democrático de direito.  A importância dada por Habermas à cognitividade presente na religião, no contexto atual, possui uma perspectiva filosófica e política, no plano axiológico da cultura, contrariando os postulados do desencantamento do mundo. Assim, ele dá continuidade à crítica à razão moderna, na expressão da secularização que poderá ser superada pelo pensamento pós-secular e pós-metafísico. Esse conteúdo revela alguns matizes do pensamento habermasiano, presente em suas últimas obras.  PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Razão Comunicativa, Dialética, Secularização, Religião, Esfera Pública e Sociedade Pós-secular.
AS DUAS FORMAS DE CONCEPÇÃO DO MAL A PARTIR DA OBRA A RELIGIÃO NOS LIMITES DA SIMPLES RAZÃO
Authors: Véras Robson Pedro
Published: May 2020

O texto a seguir abordará as formas em que Kant se dispõe a perceber a duplicidade existente no conceito do mal a partir de sua obra sobre a Religião. Nesse turno, será apresentado ao leitor proposições em que tanto o mal como o mal moral são atributos estabelecidos por meio de inclinações. O mal seria assim uma disfunção do bem e o bem, por assim dizer, o gozo pleno da Lei Moral. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Mal. Mal Moral. Inclinações. Religião. Lei Moral.
LEGISLADOR E TIRANO: COMO DISTINGUI-LOS? UMA REFLEXÃO SOB A PERSPECTIVA DE JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU
Authors: Martins Adriano Eurípedes Medeiros
Published: May 2020

Jean-Jacques Rousseau qualifica o Legislador como um agente excepcional no processo de contenção da corrupção e de promoção dos valores republicanos. No desenvolvimento de sua atividade competirá ao Legislador conhecer o povo para o qual será instituído um sistema de leis, e que estas leis se harmonizem com o interesse geral e a soberania desse mesmo povo. Para tal tarefa, os poderes do Legislador são muito acentuados. Muito poder sob o controle de um indivíduo leva-nos, necessariamente à seguinte questão: e se ocorrer o abuso? Resposta: o Legislador tornar-se-á um tirano. Mas, dado certo concerto da sociedade civil, a tirania poderá ser evitada.
FILOSOFIA, CONSTITUINTE E SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA
Authors: Ribeiro Elton Vitoriano
Published: May 2020

No ano de 1987, Padre Henrique Cláudio de Lima Vaz SJ (1921-2002), participou do livro "Constituinte: mineiros em busca do equilíbrio" com uma entrevista intitulada "Que constituição a Igreja pode querer" (LIMA VAZ, 1987). Neste texto, o filósofo mineiro, em suas esclarecedoras e pertinentes observações, traça um perfil do contexto histórico-social da realidade brasileira daquela época.
O PROBLEMA DO MAL NA OBRA ORIGENS DO TOTALITARISMO, DE HANNAH ARENDT
Authors: Resende Gutierrez de Lellis
Published: May 2020

A filosofia desenvolvida nesse século foi fortemente marcada por acontecimentos inimagináveis que mostraram que o mal pode tomar proporções alarmantes. Sendo assim, é preciso repensá-lo. Uma das grandes defensoras dessa tese é Hannah Arendt, que percebeu o surgimento de uma ruptura na cultura ocidental e, a partir disso, propôs novas formas de pensar e fazer política. Na tentativa de compreender o funcionamento dos regimes totalitários, Arendt percebe uma nova modalidade do mal, compreendido em âmbito político, através da noção de mal radical, percebido primeiramente no totalitarismo.
A INCOMUNICABILIDADE DO SER DO LOGOS PERSUASIVO: UMA LEITURA FILOSÓFICA DA OBRA “ELOGIO DE HELENA”, DE GÓRGIAS DE LEONTINI
Authors: Oliveira Arlaton Luiz Soares de
Published: May 2020

Em Górgias de Leontini, o discurso (λόγος) ganha uma significação ligada à persuasão performativa, pois possui o poder de portar em si o mundo, mas não pela faculdade mimética, ou seja, como um mero reflexo da realidade. Esse poder é um poder criador, capaz de modificar as opiniões referentes a fatos, mesmo que estes sejam conhecidos pelos ouvintes. Segundo Górgias, o discurso não possui a obrigatoriedade de dizer o mundo em si mesmo.
VIGILÂNCIA LÍQUIDA: VARIAÇÕES SOBRE O PANOPTISMO
Authors: Ferreira Rafael Leopoldo Antonio dos Santos
Published: May 2020

Vigilância líquida chega mais perto de uma tonalidade popular sem perder a agudez e profundidade de suas elaborações teóricas. Há uma cortesia tanto de Bauman quanto de David Lyon com relação à clareza desse livro e isso é transposto por meio da forma e por meio do conteúdo.BAUMAN, Zygmunt. Vigilância líquida. Rio de Janeiro: Zahar, 2014.
The Barriers Against the Entrepreneurship Development of Medical and Healthcare Tourism Industry: Evidence From Kermanshah, Iran
Authors: Kahrizi Omidali , Naderi Nader , Rezaei Bijan , Olya Hossein
Published: May 2020

Background: Medical and healthcare tourism is an important area influencing destination development. Considering the geographical location of Kermanshah City, Iran and presence of the associated experts, the medical and healthcare tourism and entrepreneurship development are among the key resources for the sustainable development of Kermanshah. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the barriers against the entrepreneurship development of medical and healthcare tourism in Kermanshah. Methods: This explorative study was conducted with a mined design using the mixed-methods approach, involving both qualitative and quantitative methods. The sample population consisted of experts, tourists, skilled individuals in the areas of health, medicine, and tourism. Results: The main barriers against entrepreneurship development in medical and healthcare tourism in Kermanshah included infrastructural barriers, marketing and promotion barriers, human resource barriers, management barriers, governmental barriers, barriers related to rules and regulations, cultural barriers against tourism development, and issues in the cooperation of private and governmental sectors. Conclusions: According to the results, the severity of the impact of the barriers against entrepreneurship and tourism development was classified into three levels, and the implications were also discussed.
Las disputas sobre los futuros de la naturaleza humana. Perspectivas Sociológicas
Authors: Aguiluz Ibargüen Maya , Beriain Josetxo
Published: May 2020

Las sociedades contemporáneas proyectan horizontes de futuro, ventanas sociológicas de exploración lanzadas desde el presente hacia el futuro que afrontan las ventajas, así como los peligros que afectan a la naturaleza humana tanto en la esfera pública así como en la privada. Estas constelaciones enfrentan la incertidumbre, eso “desconocido conocido” (el punto ciego desde el que observo y veo que no veo) pues en cuanto ámbito de lo indeterminado (Apeiron según Anaximandro) permanece todavía velado, pero es desvelable a través de las premisas de perfectibilidad y racionalidad abiertas por la Ilustración, especialmente a través de la figura de Condorcet que actúa como narrativa preparatoria. El objetivo principal de este trabajo se expresa en el análisis sociológico de las disputas sostenidas entre tres de las narrativas -el humanismo, el transhumanismo y el poshumanismo- que asumen contornos distintos entre los conocimientos de las ciencias y las humanidades que pugnan o bien por preservar o bien por transgredir los límites de lo humano, para concluir proponiendo un “principio proaccionario” limitado de transgresión basado en la noción de “capital biocultural”. Contemporary societies project horizons of future, sociological windows of exploration projected from the present into the future, which take into account the dangers which will affect the human experience in the public as well as in the private spheres. They imagine how the human life will be in the future according to the decisions taken in the present. These constellations face uncertainty, that “known unknown” (the blind point from which I observe and don´t see that I don´t see) because as a part of the undeterminate yet veiled, could be unveiled throughout the premises of perfectibility, calculation and rationality which were open by the influence of Enlightenment, mainly by the figure of Condorcet who stablished the preparatory narrative. The main goal of this paper is the sociological analysis of the conceptual struggles between the three narratives -the humanism, the transhumanism and the posthumanism- which have different positions on either to keep or to go off the limits of the human nature to suggest a limited “proactionary principle” of enhancement based in the notion of “biocultural capital”.
De la producción a la recepción. Una propuesta de observación multi local y sincrónica para el análisis de noticias televisivas
Authors: Calzado Mercedes , Lio Vanesa , Manchego Cardenas Cristian , Irisarri Victoria
Published: May 2020

Este artículo presenta un ejercicio metodológico realizado en el marco de un proyecto de investigación sobre los nuevos modos de construcción de la noticia policial en televisión. El tópico de la inseguridad se enmarca en un proceso social, cultural y político vinculado al crecimiento de la violencia y el delito en las sociedades contemporáneas, pero también al incremento y transformación de su visibilidad. Partiendo de la hipótesis de que los medios de comunicación son dispositivos centrales en la construcción del espacio de lo público, indagamos en la producción de contenidos sobre “inseguridad” en noticieros de televisión, en los modos de acceso a las fuentes, circulación de la información, estrategias de presentación de las noticias y la forma en que las audiencias las decodifican e interpretan. Para esto, nos propusimos observar, en forma simultánea, tres espacios/situaciones durante la emisión de un noticiero central de un canal de aire de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Por un lado, en la instancia de producción, la sala de control y el móvil principal del día. Por otro, incorporamos la recepción visualizando en vivo el mismo noticiero en un ámbito familiar. La experiencia implicó la participación de cuatro investigadores en tres locaciones distintas. El objetivo es presentar la potencialidad y dificultades que emergieron de este ejercicio de observación participante grupal y multisituada. This article presents a methodological exercise carried out as part of a research project on the new modes of construction of police news on television in Argentina. The topic of insecurity is part of a social, cultural and political process linked to the growth of violence and crime in contemporary societies, but also to the increase and transformation of its visibility. From the hypothesis that the media are central in the construction of public spaces, we investigate the production of content regarding “insecurity” in television news, focusing on the ways of accessing the sources, circulation of information, news presentation strategies and how audiences decode and interpret them. To reach this objective, we observe simultaneously three space-situations during a central TV news show broadcast by an over-the-air channel in Buenos Aires. On one hand, we analyze the production of news, from the broadcasting room and the main live reporting from the street. On the other hand, we also study news reception by visualizing the same TV show in a family environment. The experience involved the participation of four researchers in three different locations. The paper presents the potentiality and difficulties that emerged from this multi local and synchronic observation exercise.
The effects of optimizing blood inflow in the pedicle on perforator flap survival: A pilot study in a rat model
Authors: Olariu Radu , Moser Helen Laura , Lese Ioana , Sabau Dan , Georgescu Alexandru Valentin , Grobbelaar Adriaan Ockert , Constantinescu Mihai Adrian
Published: May 2020

Background Perforator flaps have led to a revolution in reconstructive surgery by reducing donor site morbidity. However, many surgeons have witnessed partial flap necrosis. Experimental methods to increase inflow have relied on adding a separate pedicle to the flap. The aim of our study was to experimentally determine whether increasing blood flow in the perforator pedicle itself could benefit flap survival.

Methods In 30 male Lewis rats, an extended posterior thigh perforator flap was elevated and the pedicle was dissected to its origin from the femoral vessels. The rats were assigned to three groups: control (group I), acute inflow (group II) and arterial preconditioning (group III) depending on the timing of ligation of the femoral artery distal to the site of pedicle emergence. Digital planimetry was performed on postoperative day (POD) 7 and all flaps were monitored using laser Doppler flowmetry perioperatively and postoperatively in three regions (P1-proximal flap, P2-middle of the flap, P3-distal flap).

Results Digital planimetry showed the highest area of survival in group II (78.12%±8.38%), followed by groups III and I. The laser Doppler results showed statistically significant higher values in group II on POD 7 for P2 and P3. At P3, only group II recorded an increase in the flow on POD 7 in comparison to POD 1.

Conclusions Optimization of arterial inflow, regardless if performed acutely or as preconditioning, led to increased flap survival in a rat perforator flap model.
Use of platelet-rich plasma and modified nanofat grafting in infected ulcers: Technical refinements to improve regenerative and antimicrobial potential
Authors: Segreto Francesco , Marangi Giovanni Francesco , Nobile Carolina , Alessandri-Bonetti Mario , Gregorj Chiara , Cerbone Vincenzo , Gratteri Marco , Caldaria Erika , Tirindelli Maria Cristina , Persichetti Paolo
Published: May 2020

Background Surgical reconstruction of chronic wounds is often infeasible due to infection, comorbidities, or poor viability of local tissues. The aim of this study was to describe the authors’ technique for improving the regenerative and antimicrobial potential of a combination of modified nanofat and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in nonhealing infected wounds.

Methods Fourteen patients met the inclusion criteria. Fat tissue was harvested from the lower abdomen following infiltration of a solution of 1,000 mL of NaCl solution, 225 mg of ropivacaine, and 1 mg of epinephrine. Aspiration was performed using a 3-mm cannula with 1-mm holes. The obtained solution was decanted and mechanically emulsified, but was not filtered. Non-activated leukocyte-rich PRP (naLR-PRP) was added to the solution before injection. Patients underwent three sessions of injection of 8-mL naLR-PRP performed at 2-week intervals.

Results Thirteen of 14 patients completed the follow-up. Complete healing was achieved in seven patients (53.8%). Four patients (30.8%) showed improvement, with a mean ulcer width reduction of 57.5%±13.8%. Clinical improvements in perilesional skin quality were reported in all patients, with reduced erythema, increased thickness, and increased pliability. An overall wound depth reduction of 76.6%±40.8% was found. Pain was fully alleviated in all patients who underwent re-epithelization. A mean pain reduction of 42%±33.3% (as indicated by visual analog scale score) was found in non-re-epithelized patients at a 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions The discussed technique facilitated improvement of both the regenerative and the antimicrobial potential of fat grafting. It proved effective in surgically-untreatable infected chronic wounds unresponsive to conventional therapies.
Subeschar culture using a punch instrument in unstageable wounds
Authors: Jung Han Byul , Lee Yong Jig
Published: May 2020

Background A patient’s overall condition sometimes does not allow for the complete removal of a dead eschar or injured slough in cases involving a pressure-injury skin lesion. This frequently occurs in clinical practice, particularly in bedridden and older patients receiving home care or intensive care. Even after debridement, it is also difficult to manage open exudative wounds in these patients. Nevertheless, when a mature or immature eschar is treated without proper debridement, liquefaction necrosis underneath the eschar or slough tends to reveal a large, open wound with infectious exudates. We hypothesized that if the presence of any bacteria under the eschar can be evaluated and the progression of the presumed infection of the subeschar can be halted or delayed without creating an open wound, the final wound can be small, shallow, and uninfected.

Methods Using a punch instrument, we performed 34 viable subeschar tissue cultures with a secure junction between the eschar and the normal skin.

Results The bacterial study had 29 positive results. Based on these results and the patient’s status, appropriate antibiotics could be selected and administered. The use of suitable antibiotics led to relatively shallow and small exposed wounds.

Conclusions This procedure could be used to detect potentially pathogenic bacteria hidden under black or yellow eschars. Since subeschar infections are often accompanied by multidrug-resistant bacteria, the early detection of hidden infections and the use of appropriate antibiotics are expected to be helpful to patients.
The molecular pathophysiology of vascular anomalies: Genomic research
Authors: Kim Jong Seong , Hwang Su-Kyeong , Chung Ho Yun
Published: May 2020

Vascular anomalies are congenital localized abnormalities that result from improper development and maintenance of the vasculature. The lesions of vascular anomalies vary in location, type, and clinical severity of the phenotype, and the current treatment options are often unsatisfactory. Most vascular anomalies are sporadic, but patterns of inheritance have been noted in some cases, making genetic analysis relevant. Developments in the field of genomics, including next-generation sequencing, have provided novel insights into the genetic and molecular pathophysiological mechanisms underlying vascular anomalies. These insights may pave the way for new approaches to molecular diagnosis and potential disease-specific therapies. This article provides an introduction to genetic testing for vascular anomalies and presents a brief summary of the etiology and genetics of vascular anomalies.
MeCP2 in cholinergic interneurons of nucleus accumbens regulates fear learning
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhu Yi , Cao Shu-Xia , Sun Peng , Yang Jian-Ming , Xia Yan-Fang , Xie Shi-Ze , Yu Xiao-Dan , Fu Jia-Yu , Shen Chen-Jie , He Hai-Yang , Pan Hao-Qi , Chen Xiao-Juan , Wang Hao , Li Xiao-Ming
Published: May 2020

Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) encoded by the MECP2 gene is a transcriptional regulator whose mutations cause Rett syndrome (RTT). Mecp2-deficient mice show fear regulation impairment; however, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this abnormal behavior are largely uncharacterized. Here, we showed that Mecp2 gene deficiency in cholinergic interneurons of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) dramatically impaired fear learning. We further found that spontaneous activity of cholinergic interneurons in Mecp2-deficient mice decreased, mediated by enhanced inhibitory transmission via α2-containing GABAA receptors. With MeCP2 restoration, opto- and chemo-genetic activation, and RNA interference in ChAT-expressing interneurons of the NAc, impaired fear retrieval was rescued. Taken together, these results reveal a previously unknown role of MeCP2 in NAc cholinergic interneurons in fear regulation, suggesting that modulation of neurons in the NAc may ameliorate fear-related disorders.
Long-term implicit memory for sequential auditory patterns in humans
Authors: Bianco Roberta , Harrison Peter MC , Hu Mingyue , Bolger Cora , Picken Samantha , Pearce Marcus T , Chait Maria
Published: May 2020

Memory, on multiple timescales, is critical to our ability to discover the structure of our surroundings, and efficiently interact with the environment. We combined behavioural manipulation and modelling to investigate the dynamics of memory formation for rarely reoccurring acoustic patterns. In a series of experiments, participants detected the emergence of regularly repeating patterns within rapid tone-pip sequences. Unbeknownst to them, a few patterns reoccurred every ~3 min. All sequences consisted of the same 20 frequencies and were distinguishable only by the order of tone-pips. Despite this, reoccurring patterns were associated with a rapidly growing detection-time advantage over novel patterns. This effect was implicit, robust to interference, and persisted for 7 weeks. The results implicate an interplay between short (a few seconds) and long-term (over many minutes) integration in memory formation and demonstrate the remarkable sensitivity of the human auditory system to sporadically reoccurring structure within the acoustic environment.
Stochastic bond dynamics facilitates alignment of malaria parasite at erythrocyte membrane upon invasion
Authors: Hillringhaus Sebastian , Dasanna Anil K , Gompper Gerhard , Fedosov Dmitry A
Published: May 2020

Malaria parasites invade healthy red blood cells (RBCs) during the blood stage of the disease. Even though parasites initially adhere to RBCs with a random orientation, they need to align their apex toward the membrane in order to start the invasion process. Using hydrodynamic simulations of a RBC and parasite, where both interact through discrete stochastic bonds, we show that parasite alignment is governed by the combination of RBC membrane deformability and dynamics of adhesion bonds. The stochastic nature of bond-based interactions facilitates a diffusive-like re-orientation of the parasite at the RBC membrane, while RBC deformation aids in the establishment of apex-membrane contact through partial parasite wrapping by the membrane. This bond-based model for parasite adhesion quantitatively captures alignment times measured experimentally and demonstrates that alignment times increase drastically with increasing rigidity of the RBC membrane. Our results suggest that the alignment process is mediated simply by passive parasite adhesion.
Noradrenergic projections from the locus coeruleus to the amygdala constrain fear memory reconsolidation
Authors: Haubrich Josué , Bernabo Matteo , Nader Karim
Published: May 2020

Memory reconsolidation is a fundamental plasticity process in the brain that allows established memories to be changed or erased. However, certain boundary conditions limit the parameters under which memories can be made plastic. Strong memories do not destabilize, for instance, although why they are resilient is mostly unknown. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that specific modulatory signals shape memory formation into a state that is reconsolidation-resistant. We find that the activation of the noradrenaline-locus coeruleus system (NOR-LC) during strong fear memory encoding increases molecular mechanisms of stability at the expense of lability in the amygdala of rats. Preventing the NOR-LC from modulating strong fear encoding results in the formation of memories that can undergo reconsolidation within the amygdala and thus are vulnerable to post-reactivation interference. Thus, the memory strength boundary condition on reconsolidation is set at the time of encoding by the action of the NOR-LC.
Retrieval practice facilitates memory updating by enhancing and differentiating medial prefrontal cortex representations
Authors: Ye Zhifang , Shi Liang , Li Anqi , Chen Chuansheng , Xue Gui
Published: May 2020

Updating old memories with new, more current information is critical for human survival, yet the neural mechanisms for memory updating in general and the effect of retrieval practice in particular are poorly understood. Using a three-day A-B/A-C memory updating paradigm, we found that compared to restudy, retrieval practice could strengthen new A-C memories and reduce old A-B memory intrusion, but did not suppress A-B memories. Neural activation pattern analysis revealed that compared to restudy, retrieval practice led to stronger target representation in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) during the final test. Critically, it was only under the retrieval practice condition that the MPFC showed strong and comparable competitor evidence for both correct and incorrect trials during final test, and that the MPFC target representation during updating was predictive of subsequent memory. These results suggest that retrieval practice is able to facilitate memory updating by strongly engaging MPFC mechanisms in memory integration, differentiation and consolidation.
The influence of surrounding land cover on wetland habitat conditions: a case study of inland wetlands in South Korea
Authors: Im Ran-Young , Kim Taekyu , Baek Chung-Yeol , Lee Chang-Su , Kim Song-Hyun , Lee Jung-Hwan , Kim Ji Yoon , Joo Gea-Jae
Published: May 2020

Wetland ecosystems have been globally degraded and lost due to rapid urbanization and climate change. An assessment of national scale inventory, including wetland types and conditions, is urgently required to understand the big picture of endangered wetlands, such as where they are and how they look like. We analyzed the spatial patterns of each inland wetland type (brackish wetland was included) in South Korea and the relative importance of land cover categories on wetland conditions. The wetlands were grouped into four dominant types (riverine, lake, mountain, and human-made) according to their topography. Riverine wetlands constituted the largest area (71.3%). The relative ratio of wetlands in a well-conserved condition (i.e., “A” rank) was highest in riverine wetlands (23.8%), followed by mountain wetlands (22.1%). The higher proportion of grasslands was related to a better condition ranking, but the increasing bareland area had a negative impact on wetland conditions. We also found that wetlands located near wetland protected areas tend to be in a better condition compared to remote sites. Our results further support the importance of the condition of surrounding areas for wetland conservation.
Extent of Adoption of Tomato Cultivation Practices among Farmers under Shade Nets in Kolar District of Karnataka
Authors: Harisha N. , Tulsiram J. , Joshi Amrutha T. , Chandargi D. M. , Meti S. K.
Published: May 2020

Indian agriculture is severely affected from climate change, fragmentation of cultivable land, water scarcity, rapid urbanization, declining crop production and productivity, crash in market price, declining biodiversity and ever-increasing population, demand for food, especially vegetables has increased manifold. Protected cultivation has offered a new dimension to produce more in a limited area. The study was undertaken during the year 2016-17 in the Kolar, Malur and Mulbagal taluks of Kolar district based on the maximum number of shade net structures growing tomato. From each taluk, respondents were selected by using purposive sampling procedure to constitute a sample size of 80 for the study. The study found that no one respondent raised nursery for seedlings. The probable reason might be lack of extension functionaries’ effort from respective departments. In the case of cultural practices, concerning ploughing, nearly two-thirds (62.50%) of the respondents partially adopted the recommended number of ploughings (2-3times). On the other hand, 100 per cent of the respondents didn't adoptthe digging practice, whereas more than half (53.75%) of the respondents had partially adopted the recommended size of the bed (1-meter width, 15 cm height and 0.5 meters between the rows) and nearly half (48.75%) of the respondents belonged to partial adoption category of bed treatment @ 4% formalin for tomato cultivation. The findings of Karl Pearson correlation coefficient showed that variables such as annual income, extension participation, exhibited a positive and significant relationship with the adoption behaviour of respondents at 1 per cent level of significance. Concerning the relationship of independent variables with the adoption of tomato, variables like annual income, extension participation, exhibited a positive and significant relationship with the adoption behaviour of respondents at 1 per cent level of significance.
Socio-economic Survey of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra States of Indian Continent
Authors: Potdar V. V. , Gaundare Y. S. , Khadse J. R. , Joshi Sachin , Swaminathan Marimuthu
Published: May 2020

Dairy farming plays a very important role in improving the economy of rural India. The study was conducted to explore the socio-economic profile of dairy farmers and farmers feedback about dairy development project. The survey was conducted to study the education status, family structure, education status and management of animals, different patterns of rearing of dairy animals and status of milk production. Data was collected from the 3000 dairy farmers of three states namely Maharashtra, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh during year  2016 .Concentration of poor farmers was relatively high in Bihar (35.5%), followed by Uttar Pradesh (30.9%) and 16.3% in case of Maharashtra. Average family size show 8.74 members per household in Bihar, 6.76 members in  Uttar Pradesh  and 6.17 members in Maharashtra. Results revealed that majority of the families were nuclear families. Main source of income was agriculture which includes livestock farming. As regards to the size of land owned, nearly 56% of the landowners were Marginal farmers (owning 0.1 -1 ha of land), 23% were small (1.1-2 ha) landowners while about 12% farmers owned above 2 ha of land. Literacy level was higher among farmers of Maharashtra (71.6%) as compared to Uttar Pradesh (65.8%) and Bihar (65.4%). Majority of the farmers followed mixed cropping system, Maximum number of cows and buffaloes were owned by the farmers of Maharashtra i.e. 3.37 cows and 1.42 buffaloes, followed by Uttar Pradesh (1.60 cows & 1.42 buffaloes) and Bihar (1.75 cows & 0.24 buffaloes).Farmers of Maharashtra owned maximum percentage of crossbred cows (90.97%), followed by Uttar Pradesh (83.4%) and Bihar (75.9%).Maharashtra farmers  possessed maximum number of upgraded buffaloes (79.4%), followed by Bihar (55.7%) and Uttar Pradesh (51.5%). In study of average quantity of milk produced by cows was higher among the crossbred cows (10.18 litres), in indigenous cows it was (4.47 litres) and 4.23 liters in Non-Descript cows. The data shows the same pattern of milk produced across the three states with slight variation. In buffaloes, the average quantity of milk produced was observed to be higher among the upgraded buffaloes (8.42 litres) as compared to Non-Descript buffaloes (5.17 litres). Respondents appreciated the fact that due to dairy development project by BAIF their family and social status have increased.
Relevance of Sasakawa Africa Fund for Extension Education (SAFE) Programme Competency on Agricultural Extension Service Delivery in North-Western Nigeria
Authors: Hamisu S. , Umar S. , Oladosu Isma’il O. , Ayuba Gona
Published: May 2020

The study assesses the relevance of Sasakawa Africa Fund for Extension Education (SAFE) programme competency on agricultural extension service delivery in North-Western Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 225 samples of the study. Two categories of respondents were used for data collection namely: SAFE beneficiaries (212) and lecturers’ in the departments of Agricultural Economics and Extension/Extension and Rural Sociology/Extension and Rural Development (13) of the three SAFE participating Universities in North-Western Nigeria. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (such as percentage counts, means, standard deviation and ranking) and inferential statistics (Logit regression). The study revealed that job competencies identified were highly relevant to extension service delivery and the SAFE beneficiaries were competent enough to handle any agricultural extension role. More so, the beneficiaries had reported a lot of benefits derived from the programme such as increased extension knowledge, field demonstration, job integrity, increased salary and self-esteem. The study established significant influenced of the SAFE beneficiaries’ selected demographic characteristics on their job competency. The study concludes that SAFE programme had positively influenced job competencies and a lot of benefits are derived by the agricultural extension workers as a result of programme participation. The study further recommends that there is need for more female incorporated in agricultural extension services and inclusiveness of the SAFE programme curricula across the Universities in Nigeria.
Determination of Heavy Metals in Water and Some Selected Fish Species in River Ofin, Ado-Ekiti
Authors: Opeyemi Idowu Eunice , Olatunde Olorunfemi Omotolani
Published: May 2020

This study investigates the physico-chemical parameters of water and quantification of heavy metals (zinc, copper, lead, chromium and cadmium) in the gill, liver and flesh of Oreochromis niloticus, Hemichromis fasciatus, Sarotherodon galilaeus and Oreochromis aureus in River Ofin, fortnightly at two sampling points (Point 1- upper stream and Point 2- downstream) from October to December, 2019, using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer by the calibration plot method. Three processes were involved; standard preparation, equipment calibration and sample analysis Mean values of the parameters were; Temperature; 27.18±0.15°C, pH; 7.06±0.10, Turbidity; 9.0±0.94 Ntu, Conductivity; 236.10±0.53 µs/cm, DO; 6.67±0.16 mg/l and BOD; 6.87±0.81 mg/l.  Mean values of the concentration of the heavy metals in the water were; Zn; 0.31±0.01 mg/l, Cu; 0.26±0.01 mg/l, Pb; 0.13±0.01 mg/l, (Pb in water was higher than the highest value 0.12±0.003 (P≤0.05) recorded in fish) Cr; 0.12±0.01 mg/l and Cd; 0.002±0.001 mg/l while the concentration of heavy metals in fish varies from species to species as it displayed species differences.  Heavy metal concentration in water is in this order: Zn>Cu>Pb>Cr>Cd. The presence of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr and Cd were confirmed in all the fish species expect Cd that was discovered only in the gill of S. galilaeus. Metals in fish gills is in the order of Zn>Cu>Pb>Cr>Cd for the four species, for liver and flesh/muscle in O. niloticus and H fasciatus it is Cu>Zn>Cr.  Pb was detected only in the gill of O. niloticus, the liver and flesh lack Pb. Other fish species parts showed different Pb concentrations with the highest value (0.12±0.003) recorded in the gill of O. aureus. This study showed that Cd, Cr, Zn, and Cu were in the maximum acceptable limit range (Cr; 0.44, Zn; 5.04, Cu; 1.37 and Cd; 0.20) while Pb in water and fish was slightly above the maximum acceptable limit range (Pb; 0.04) by FAO/WHO. Lead poisoning is ranked among the most common environmental health hazard even at low levels. Periodic monitoring by relevant regulatory authorities is recommended to ensure safety of the water and fish consuming populace.
Medicinally Important Tree Species from Choolannur Pea Fowl Sanctuary, Kerala, India
Authors: Shijad V. M. Mohamed , Khaleel K. M.
Published: May 2020

As trees are the dominant biotic component of any forest ecosystem it plays an important role in the plant kingdom and greatest contributors of food, shelter, fuel, medicine along with friendly environment for sustaining life on earth. The aim of the present study is to explore the medicinal tree wealth in Choolannur Pea Fowl Sanctuary, Kerala, India. Frequent field trips were made for the exploration and identification of tree species present in the deciduous forest of the sanctuary. It was observed that the nearby villagers of the study area have been used 45 plants belonging to 22 families as a remedy for various illnesses. The plant species used against different human ailments have been enumerated in the present paper and each species has been provided with botanical name followed by voucher number, family name, local name, plant part used and medicinal properties.
Economics of Hybrid Maize Production Using of Lignite and Poultry Manure Based Humin in an Acid Soil of Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka
Authors: . Chandrakant , Kadalli G. G. , Basavaraja P. K.
Published: May 2020

Aims:   To study the effect of lignite humin (LH) and poultry manure humin (PMH) application on economics of hybrid maize production in an acid soil of eastern dry zone of Karnataka.

Study Design: Randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprising ten treatments and three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: Krishi Vigyana Kendra, Hadonahalli, Bengaluru rural district (Karnataka) during kharif 2018.

Methodology: A field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with ten treatments, replicated thrice during kharif 2018 at Krishi Vigyana Kendra, Hadonahalli, Bengaluru rural district, Karnataka. The Lignite Humin (LH) and Poultry Manure Humin (PH) were applied at different doses (0, 2.5, 7.5 & 10 t ha-1) in combination with FYM (Farm Yard Manure) applied in such a way that the total quantity of humin and FYM is equivalent to 10 t ha-1.

Results: The results revealed that significant variation was observed on yield and benefit: Cost ratio due to application of Farm Yard Manure (FYM), LH and PMH. Significantly higher maize kernel (8070 kg ha-1) and stover yield (9948 kg ha-1) were recorded in treatment T2 (100% RDF + FYM @ 10 t ha-1) and which was found on par with treatment T7 (100% RDF + PMH @ 2.5 t ha-1 + FYM @ 7.5 t ha-1) and T3 (100% RDF + LH @ 2.5 t ha-1 + FYM @ 7.5 t ha-1) and T8 (100% RDF + PMH @ 5 t ha-1 + FYM @ 5 t ha-1). Wherein, higher B:C ratio of 2.24 was recorded in treatment T10 receiving 100% RDF + PMH @ 10 t ha-1and it was followed by treatment receiving T2(2.21) and T9 : 100% RDF + PMH @ 7.5 t ha-1 + FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1 (2.20). Whereas the least B:C ratio (1.72) was observed in the absolute control treatment where no manures and fertilizers were given.

Conclusion: These results suggest that higher B:C ratio in these treatments might be due to lower cost of cultivation and it increases with increased in dose of lignite and poultry manure based humin.
Salinity Stress Effect on the Germination of Three Cereals: Maize (Zea mays), Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and Rice (Oriza sativa)
Authors: Souleymane Sanogo , Brahima Camara , Tchoa Kone , Seydou Tuo , Adjata Kamara , Daouda Kone , Michel Zouzou
Published: May 2020

In Africa, cereals are major staple foods for the majority of the population. The cereal crop is not immune to the problem of salinity, which could threaten 10% of its world harvest. This work was undertaken to study the comparative effect of salinity on germination of three cereals, maize (Zea mays), millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and rice (Oriza sativa). The seeds were germinated in Petri dishes containing a range of NaCl solution (0 g/l, 5 g/l, 10 g/l, 15 g/l and 25 g/l) in the dark and at room temperature. The harmful effect of salt varies depending on the concentration of NaCl and the type of cereal. It is low on the germination rate of seeds up to a concentration of 10 g/l NaCl. From this dose onwards, this rate is reduced by 44% for millet, 20% for rice and 10% for maize. The average germination time between 0 g/l and 10 g/l NaCl is low and increases strongly between 10 g/l and 15 g/l and reaches 37 days (millet) and 20 days (rice). Corn root growth is less affected by salinity (1.2 cm) at 15 g/l NaCl compared to more sensitive rice and millet (0 cm). The height of the epicotyl between 0 g/l and 25 g/l NaCl increased from 11.8 to 3.6 cm (corn), from 0.5 to 0 cm (rice) and from 4.3 to 0.3 cm (millet). The combination of the parameters studied shows that all three cereals are able to tolerate NaCl concentrations of 10 g/l. Rice is the most sensitive to salinity while maize is more tolerant than millet.
To Determine the Effect of Sleep on Anxiety, Depression and Its Correlation with Academic Performance in First M.B.B.S Students
Authors: Belsare Vinita H. , Munghate Sarika C. , Agrawal Sanjay , Belsare Hrishikesh
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Sleep deprivation causes serious health hazards. Anxiety and depression are common correlates found. There had been direct correlation with sleep quality and academic performances.

Objectives: To determine the effect of sleep on the mental health i.e.  anxiety and depression among the first year medical students and also to see the effect of sleep, anxiety and depression on academic performance.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at Medical college, Questionnaire was asked regarding the time to fall asleep and duration of sleep. Hamilton’s anxiety scale and Hamilton’s depression scale was applied to the study group.

Results: Mild anxiety (83%) is common than the depression (20%) in study group which may be the result of academic stress. The study also demonstrate severity of anxiety and depression goes hand in hand. The result also shows, depression and anxiety have indirect relationships with the duration of sleep that is as sleep hours decreases the anxiety, and depression score increases. The anxiety and the depression score were higher in the students who’s timing to sleep was after midnight, but the difference was not statistically significant as compared to the students who’s timing to sleep was before midnight. The study finding related to sleep and the academic score was not significant.

Conclusion: Bed time may not affect the mental health but the duration of sleep is important to reduce the level of anxiety and depression. Duration of sleep may not affect the academic performance, but sound and adequate sleep is important for the mental health which may ultimately affect the academic performance.
Heterosis and Combining Abilities of Yield Components of CMS Maintainers, Restorer Lines and F1 Hybrids of Chilies (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Nikornpun M. , Tunjai K. , Kaewsombat K. , Tarinta T.
Published: May 2020

Fruit yields and yield components of certain F1 hybrids, parental lines and commercial varieties in 3 discreet experiments were significantly different. Seven high-yielding F1 hybrids were observed: CA 1286 × CA 1447, CA1286 × CA1450, CA1303 × CA1446, CA1303 × CA1447, CA1303 × CA1450, CA1441 x CA1450 and CA1442 x CA1447. About half of them were significantly higher in yield than commercial varieties while the rest were not significantly different from the commercial varieties. Heterosis and heterobeltiosis of yield components of F1 hybrid chilis were significant. High yielding varieties showed both positive and significant heterosis and heterobeltiosis of all yield components. When maintainer lines, CA1441 and CA1442, were used as female parents, CA1441 was better than CA1442 for fruit length but variety CA1442 was better than variety CA 1441 for fruit width. When maintainer lines CA1286 and CA1303 were used as female parents, CA1303 was better than CA1286 in terms of yield in one experiment but they were more or less the samein another experiment. Significant general combining ability of the maintainer line CA1303 was observed in fruit width. Significant differences of general combining ability of some horticultural characteristics of restorers was observed in CA1446, CA1447, CA1448, CA1449 and CA1450. Almost no significant differences of specific combining ability of F1 hybrids were found in the F1 hybrids, except CA 1286 × CA 1447 and CA1303 × CA1451 demonstrated significant differences of specific combining ability of an average fruit weight.
Evaluation of Properties of Composite Panels Fabricated from Waste Newspaper and Wood Dust for Structural Application
Authors: Nathaniel Ekong Ufot , Robert Ubong Williams , Asuquo Mercy Effiong
Published: May 2020

In this work, dry forms of waste newspaper pulp, untreated wood dust and treated wood dust were used at varying weight proportions to fabricate composite panels which thenafter served as test samples. With increase in the content of either the untreated wood dust or the treated wood dust in the developed panels, the results showed increase in the mean values of bulk density, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, flexural strength but decrease in the mean values of specific heat capacity and percentage water absorption. Also, at p < 0.05, significant differences were revealed in the mean values of bulk density and specific heat capacity between the results obtained for samples with untreated wood dust content and those associated with samples containing the treated wood dust. Again, samples containing the untreated wood dust were found to be better thermal insulators but with lower flexural strength than those of same proportions of the treated wood dust component. From application viewpoint, the findings in this work indicated that the fabricated samples could compete favorably with conventional materials commonly used for thermal insulation in buildings. It is, therefore, obvious that recycling waste newspaper and wood dust into such panels can help to reduce the adverse effect of the waste materials on environment also improve economy by providing building sector with low-cost and environmentally-friendly insulation materials suitable for internal building design.
Formulation Development, Characterization and In-vitro Evaluation of Tamoxifen Loaded Liposomes
Authors: Hasan Md. Mazed , Hamiduzzaman Md. , Jahan Ishrat , Hasan A. H. M. Nazmul , Asaduzzaman Md.
Published: May 2020

Background: The study was aimed to prepare and evaluate tamoxifen loaded controlled release liposomes to reduce the side effects of tamoxifen during cancer treatment. 

Methods: Different tamoxifen loaded liposomes were prepared by modified ether injection (MEIM) and thin film hydration method (TFHM) under prescribed conditions. The prepared liposomes were characterized by using optical microscopy, evaluating encapsulation efficiency, in-vitro and ex-vivo diffusion studies by using dialysis membrane and chicken intestinal sac respectively.

Results: The data revealed that all of the liposomes were spherical in shape and stable under three physical conditions i.e. 4, 25 and 37 ± 2°C temperatures and 60 ±5% relative humidity. Additionally most of the liposomes followed zero order and class II release kinetics. It was also observed that with the increase of phospholipids and cholesterol, entrapment efficiency of liposome vesicles increased thus giving a controlled release drug delivery system but further increase reduced this efficiency at a certain level.

Conclusion: The formulated control release liposomes might be a good drug delivery system for target oriented drug delivery with minimum side effects of tamoxifen during cancer treatment.
Antifungal Activity of Pericopsis (Afrormosia) laxiflora (Benth.) Bark on Ringworm Germs
Authors: Abou Ouattara , Eric-Kévin Bolou Gbouhoury , Eugène Koffi Allali , Hyacinthe Yasseu , Karamoko Ouattara , Adama Coulibaly
Published: May 2020

Dermatophytes are responsible for ringworms that are very often found on the heads of children in Africa. In Côte d'Ivoire, ringworms have been the subject of several studies revealing fairly high frequencies.

Aims: The present work consisted essentially in studying the antifungal activity of the barks of Pericopsis laxiflora, a plant from the Ivorian pharmacopoeia on germs responsible for ringworm.

Methodology: The 70% hydroethanolic extract of the bark of Pericopsis laxiflora was prepared and tested on Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum. In addition, by staining and precipitation tests, phytochemical sorting was carried out on this extract.

Results: Faced with the hydroethanolic extract, Trichophyton mentagrophytes recorded a Minimun Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) which is equal to the Minimun Fungicidal Concentration(MFC) (MIC = MFC = 6.25 mg/mL). For the fungal strain of T. rubrum, the MFC obtained (100 mg/mL) was twice the MIC (50 mg/mL). The phytochemical study of this extract revealed the presence of sterols and polyterpenes, flavonoids and catechic tannins.

Conclusion: The results suggest that P. laxiflora extract could therefore be useful in the fight against dermatophytes.