bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progressive water deficits during multi-year droughts in central-south Chile
Authors: Alvarez-Garreton Camila , Boisier Juan Pablo , Garreaud René , Seibert Jan , Vis Marc
Published: June 2020

Abstract. A decade-long (2010–2019) period with precipitation deficits in central-south Chile (30–41º S), the so-called megadrought (MD), has led to larger than expected hydrological response and water deficits, indicating an intensification in drought propagation. We used the CAMELS-CL dataset and simulations from the HBV hydrological model to explore the causes of such intensification. Across 124 basins with varying snow/rainfall regimes, we compared annual rainfall-runoff (R-R) relationships and runoff generation mechanisms before and during the MD, and identified those catchments where drought propagation was intensified. We show that catchments’ hydrological memory -mediated by groundwater flows- is a key control of drought propagation intensity, and that baseflow contribution to runoff is positively correlated with snow accumulation preceding the year affected by a drought. Hence, under persistent drought conditions, snow-dominated catchments progressively generate less water, compared with their historical behaviour, notably affecting the semi-arid regions in central Chile. Finally, we addressed a general question: what is worse, an extreme single year drought or a persistent moderate drought? In semi-arid regions, where water provision strongly depends on both the current and previous precipitation seasons, the worst scenario would be an extreme meteorological drought following consecutive years of precipitation below average. In temperate regions of southern Chile, where catchments have more pluvial regimes, hydrologic memory is still an important factor, but water supply is more strongly dependant on the meteorological conditions of the current year, and therefore an extreme drought would have a higher impact on water supply than a persistent but moderate drought.
Developing a Software Tool to Estimate Food Transportation Carbon Emissions
Authors: Opp Breuklyn , Rosentrater Kurt A.
Published: June 2020

Food transportation is an increasingly important consideration to total food sustainability in a rapidly globalizing world. To maintain the efficiency of regionalized production, food travels great distances to the consumer’s plate. While this long-distance sourcing is often more sustainable from a production standpoint, the routes from origin to consumer are frequently unoptimized. To reduce emissions due to transportation, many have tried to limit the miles travelled by food items. However, the mode of travel is an equally important factor. Different modes produce vastly different emissions over equivalent distances. To effectively model these routes, a set of transportation emissions estimation tools has been created. This program uses an Excel interface to allow users to input key factors (like cargo mass, origin, and destination) and experiment with different modes and routes of travel to find the optimal transportation system for their application. This program may be used to analyze or improve the total life cycle analysis of a variety of products. In a case of the comparison of transportation modes, a salmon transportation route from the Faroe Islands (America’s 2nd largest source of imported fresh salmon) to Richmond, VA, USA, resulted in a roughly 98% reduction of emissions when shipped via sea rather than flown. In a case of transportation optimization, the reciprocal trade of beef between Costa Rica and the United States was found to result in at least 158,000 kg of CO2eq annually. These cases (and others) show the great need for better route optimization in food transportation systems.
Remission Rate of Graves' Disease and the Trend of Changes in Serum TSH Receptor Antibodies in Prolonged Antithyroid Drug Treatment
Authors: Villagelin Danilo , Santos Roberto Bernardo , Romaldini João Hamilton
Published: June 2020

Context: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease caused by thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb). These antibodies can be measured and used for the diagnosis, prediction of remission, and risk of Graves’ orbitopathy development. There are three treatments for Graves’ disease that have remained unchanged for the last 75 years: Antithyroid drugs, radioiodine, and surgery. Antithyroid drugs are the first treatment option worldwide and are usually used for 12 - 18 months. Recent reports suggest the use of antithyroid drugs for more than 18 months with better outcomes. This review focuses on two aspects of treatment with antithyroid drugs: The impact of using antithyroid drugs for more than 12 - 18 months on remission rates and the trend of TRAb during prolonged antithyroid drug treatment. Evidence Acquisition: A review was performed in Medline on the published work regarding the duration of ATD treatment and remission of Graves' disease and also ATD treatment and TRAb status during the 1990 - 2019 period. Results: Remission rates are variable (30% - 80%), and many clinical and genetic factors serve as predictors. The long-term use of antithyroid drugs appears to increase remission rates. TRAb values usually decline during ATD treatment, but the trend could occur in two ways: Becoming negative or showing a fluctuating pattern. However, approximately 10% of the patients will remain TRAb-positive after five years of treatment with antithyroid drugs. Conclusions: Antithyroid drugs can be used for long periods with an increase in remission rates, and a gradual decrease in TRAb levels, with the disappearance of TRAb in 90% of the patients after 60 months.
(English translation of) “Contexte génétique et première réception de la Monadologie. Leibniz, Wolff et la Doctrine de L’harmonie préétablie,”
Authors: Lamarra Antonio , Fullarton Catherine , Goldenbaum Ursula ,   The Leibniz Society of North America
Published: June 2020

The many equivocations that, in several respects, characterised the reception of Leibniz's Principes de la Nature et de la Grâce and Monadologie, up until the last century, find their origins in the genetic circumstances of their manuscripts, which gave rise to misinformation published in an anonymous review that appeared in the Leipzig Acta eruditorum in 1721. Archival research demonstrates that the author of this review, as well as of the Latin review of the Monadologie, which appeared, the same year, in the Supplementa of the Acta eruditorum, was Christian Wolff, who possessed a copy of the Leibnizian manuscrip since at least 1717. This translation figured as a precise cultural strategy that aimed to defuse any idealist interpretation of Leibniz’s monadology. An essential part of this strategy consists in reading the theory of pre-established harmony as a doctrine founded on a strictly dualistic substance metaphysics.
Challenges in the diagnostics and management of hydrochlorothiazide-induced severe hyponatremia in a habitual beer drinker
Authors: Laubner Gabija , Gintautaitė Gabija , Badaras Robertas
Published: June 2020

Introduction. Beer potomania is a syndrome of severe hyponatremia caused by excessive beer consumption. The risk of hyponatremia increases in the case of a combination of beer potomania and the use of thiazide diuretics. Case report. A 55-year-old male patient with the anamnesis of a long-lasting alcohol use disorder was presented to the emergency department after seizures accompanied by an impaired mental status. He had been drinking beer regularly for ten years. On physical examination, the patient was tachypneic, tachycardic, disorientated, restless, the Glasgow Coma Scale score of 9, observed tremor, and the smell of alcohol from the mouth. Laboratory results showed plasma sodium 105 mmol/L, blood urea nitrogen 1.8 mmol/L, the alcohol concentration in the blood 0.06 g/l, and calculated serum osmolality 219 mOsm/kg H2O. After a detailed initial evaluation of the patient and labs for hyponatremia, a diagnosis of beer potomania was established. On the third day of hospitalization, the patient’s anamnesis was filled with information about the use of Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide, together with reduced salt intake in the diet for three months for arterial hypertension treatment. It was decided that the combination of heavy beer drinking with the use of diuretic and reduced consumption of salt provoked hyponatremia. The patient was treated with infusion therapy of sodium chloride; plasma sodium level reached 136 on the third day of treatment. Conclusions. This case represents an unusual syndrome of beer potomania in conjunction with hydrochlorothiazide usage and reduced salt consumption, which can result in severe hyponatremia that may provoke severe neurologic damage.
Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of synthesized 9H-alkylcarbazole and 10H-alkylphenothiazine derivatives on the cells of Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Candida albicans
Authors: Sutkuvienė Simona , Sakalauskaitė Sandra , Kuliešienė Neringa , Ragelienė Lina , Daugelavičius Rimantas
Published: June 2020

10H-substituted phenothiazine and 9H-substituted carbazole derivatives are important because of a very wide range of applications and especially in medical chemistry due to their pharmacological activities. In this study, we synthesized 9H-alkylcarbazole and 10H-alkylphenothiazine derivatives with various lengths of alkyl chains and evaluated their antimicrobial and efflux inhibiting activities on the cells of Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Candida albicans. Results of our study revealed that an increased length of alkyl chains of the carbazoles increased the accumulation of efflux indicator tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP+) ions. Cells of S. enterica efflux mutant ΔTolC had a considerable susceptibility to the synthesized compounds. The compounds exerted synergy with fluconazole against S. cerevisiae yeast. Efflux pump mutant ΔPdr5 was hypersensitive to the investigated carbazole and phenothiazine derivatives. The inhibitory effect of the compounds with a shorter alkyl chain (10-methyl-10H-phenothiazine and 9-methyl-9H-carbazole) was the highest for Candida albicans cells.
Influence of laser irradiation on the growth and biosynthetic indicators of basidiomycete strains of carotenoid synthesis
Authors: Shelest Anastasiia , Velygodska Anastasia , Kramarenko Daria
Published: June 2020

This article provides information about the ways of increasing the biosynthetic activity of carotenoids by basidiomycetes Laetiporus sulphureus and searching for the most productive strain of L. sulphureus by using various light spectra. We explored the radial growth, biomass increase, and biosynthesis of carotenoids of L. sulphureus. Three strains of L. sulphureus were screened: Ls-0917, Ls-0918, and Ls-0919. They were isolated from wild plants. Surface cultivation was performed for observing the dynamics of biomass and carotenoid accumulation. The results demonstrated that certain modes of monochromatic irradiation of coherent light could increase radial carotenoid growth, biomass, and biosynthesis in mycelium and culture filtrate. We defined the most productive strains that had the greatest daily growth of mycelium. Furthermore, we discovered that observed cultures could accumulate carotenoids throughout the cultivation period.
Facial Spots Detection Using Convolution Neural Network
Authors: Bose Payal , Bandyopadhyay Samir Kumar
Published: June 2020

Nowadays security became a major global issue. To manage the security issue and its risk, different kinds of biometric authentication are available. Face recognition is one of the most significant processes in this system. Since the face is the most important part of the body so the face recognition system is the most important in the biometric authentication. Sometimes a human face affected due to different kinds of skin problems, such as mole, scars, freckles, etc. Sometimes some parts of the face are missing due to some injuries. In this paper, the main aim is to detect a facial spots present in the face. The total work divided into three parts first, face and facial components are detected. The validation of checking facial parts is detected using the Convolution Neural Network (CNN). The second part is to find out the spot on the face based on Normalized Cross-Correlation and the third part is to check the kind of spot based on CNN. This process can detect a face under different lighting conditions very efficiently. In cosmetology, this work helps to detect the spots on the human face and its type which is very helpful in different surgical processes on the face.
Nanotechnical Production and Optimization of Biofuel (Biodiesel) from an Edible Seed Oil (Palm-Olein)
Authors: Moses Edmond , Thliza Balan Adamu , Shanu Buba Usman
Published: June 2020

The synthesized calcium oxide nanoparticles of 24 nm size from domestic chicken eggshell was used for production of liquid fuel (biodiesel) to test its catalytic behavior, whereas the yield of liquid fuel was also ascertained and it shows varying percentage yields base on different conditions used for the production. The highest yield was found to be 80% at catalyst concentration of 1.75 ww % and temperature of 60°C, followed by 69% yield at catalyst concentration of 0.5 and temperature of 60°C, whereas the lowest yield was found to be 58% which was found to be at the exact catalyst concentration of 0.5 and temperature of 60°C.
Phytotoxic Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. on Seed Germination and Growth Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Olubode O. S. , Ayoola D. O.
Published: June 2020

Phytotoxicity of wild plants is sometimes utilized in the control of weeds. Their effects on crops are however not extensively documented. Effects of aqueous extracts of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. were thus examined on seeds and seedlings of maize. Two experiments were laid out in complete randomized designs (CRD) and replicated five times. Ten seeds of maize were initially placed in separate petri-dishes and moistened daily with two (2) ml water extracts of different parts of Olax sp. while 2 ml of distilled water served as control. Secondly, maize seedlings growing on top soil in experimental pots were treated with 100 ml of extracts at seven days intervals for eight weeks. Data were collected on number of germinated seeds daily, and lengths of five randomly selected plumules and radicles at 7 days after sowing (DAS). Number of leaves, plant height, root dry weight and shoot dry weight of seedling were measured using standard methods. Analysis of variance and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test were conducted to statistically determine significant means at P=0.05. Mean germination of (0.71±0.00) was observed at 2 DAS and 2.81±0.10 at 7 DAS. Leaf extracts significantly reduced germinability, but significantly increased number of leaves, plant height (26±1.28), root dry weight (10.30±3.24) and shoot dry weight (14.99±2.13). The results showed that Olax subscorpioidea has alloallelopathic (phytotoxic) effects on maize seeds, but stimulated growth of maize seedlings. Its use as a bio-herbicide or growth stimulant in should be well-timed.
Microbial Assessment of Bed Linens in Ekiti State University Students’ Hostels
Authors: Olowomofe T. O. , Oluyege J. O. , Ogunlade A. O. , Makinde D. T.
Published: June 2020

Bed linen is clearly recognized as a potential reservoir for microorganisms and could be a vector of disease transmission. The present study was aimed at isolating and characterizing bacteria and fungi from different kinds of bed linen of student in Ekiti State University hostels. Pour plate method was used for the enumeration of total bacteria count from the posterior and anterior end of the bed linen. The average bacteria count for the anterior and posterior end was 7.46 and 7.16 Log10 CFU/ml respectively. The most dominant microbial species were bacteria and these were mostly found in the environment and on human skin. The bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella aerogenes. Bacillus cereus had the highest frequency of occurrence (25%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (15%), Escherichia coli (15%), Klebsiella aerogenes (15%), Staphylococcus epidermis (15%), Enterobacter aerogenes (10%) and Proteus mirabilis (5%). The fungi isolates were Aspergillus sulphureus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium spp. Antibiotics susceptibility test was carried out on the bacteria isolates with gram negative bacteria showing resistance to Cotrimoxazole and gram positive bacteria showing resistance to Amplicillin. Most of the bacteria isolates have multiple antibiotics resistance. The bacterial isolates were susceptible to Ciprofloxacin. Plasmid profiling was also done with Escherichia coli having three high molecular weight plasmids, Bacillus cereus and Enterobacter aerogenes do not possess plasmid. The identified species are suspected to be opportunistic pathogens for human, representing a risk for people with weakened immune system, especially in cases of super-infection.
Performance Modelling of Health-care Service Delivery in Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria Using Queuing Theory
Authors: Michael Orimoloye Segun
Published: June 2020

The queuing theory is the mathematical approach to the analysis of waiting lines in any setting where arrivals rate of the subject is faster than the system can handle. It is applicable to the health care setting where the systems have excess capacity to accommodate random variation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the waiting, arrival and service times of patients at AAUA Health- setting and to model a suitable queuing system by using simulation technique to validate the model. This study was conducted at AAUA Health- Centre Akungba Akoko. It employed analytical and simulation methods to develop a suitable model. The collection of waiting time for this study was based on the arrival rate and service rate of patients at the Outpatient Centre. The data was calculated and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Based on the analyzed data, the queuing system of the patient current situation was modelled and simulated using the PYTHON software. The result obtained from the simulation model showed that the mean arrival rate of patients on Friday week1 was lesser than the mean service rate of patients (i.e. 5.33> 5.625 (λ > µ). What this means is that the waiting line would be formed which would increase indefinitely; the service facility would always be busy. The analysis of the entire system of the AAUA health centre showed that queue length increases when the system is very busy. This work therefore evaluated and predicted the system performance of AAUA Health-Centre in terms of service delivery and propose solutions on needed resources to improve the quality of service offered to the patients visiting this health centre.
Homocysteinaemia in Heart Failure Patients in North Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Ayoola Y. A. , Okolie H. I. , Akinlade O. M. , Oluwatoyin O. G. , Ali M. W. , Biliaminu S. A.
Published: June 2020

Aims: The study was aimed at determining the relationship between plasma homocysteine level and indices of severity in heart failure patients seen at a referral teaching hospital in Gombe, Northeast Nigeria.

Study Design: It was a hospital based cross-sectional study conducted on newly diagnosed heart failure patients managed by the cardiology unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, between May 2015 and December 2015.

Methodology: Ninety newly diagnosed Heart Failure patients who presented to the hospital along with 90 age and sex matched controls were recruited. All the subjects had clinical and Echocardiography evaluations. Homocysteine was assayed using enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Kit for homocysteine designed by Cloud-clone Corp. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows (SPSS), Version 20.

Results: The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of the patients was 35.4±9.81% while that of the control group was 62.1±7.04% (P <0.001). The mean HCY of patients (11.61 ± 8.00 umol/l) was higher than that of controls (10.24±6.98umol.l), though not significantly; P=0.225. The 90th percentile of the homocysteine (HCY) levels in control was 20.9 umol/l. There was no significant relationship between plasma HCY level and the NYHA class of the patients, though post hoc analysis shows HCY level significantly increased from class I to other classes (P=0.034, P=0.020 and P=0.047 respectively). The bivariate correlation between plasma HCY and Echocardiographic LV indices revealed no statistically significant relationship especially with the LVEF (r-0.149, p=0.160). However, the plasma HCY of the heart failure patients increased with increasing left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (r=0.246, p=0.019).

Conclusion: The study found that homocysteine levels are not significantly elevated in heart failure patients compared with healthy matched controls. However, elevated values were found with increasing left ventricular mass index. This might suggest a possible role of homocysteine in cardiac remodeling.
Driving PPP Projects through AI Standards: A Review
Authors: Bhatia Satinder
Published: June 2020

Infrastructure projects in general have faced project management challenges since long. PPP projects that involve greater complexities of risk allocation and management, therefore, have not translated into executable projects in many instances. While research confirms potential benefits from employment of artificial intelligence and other technology in speedy decision making at different stages of PPP projects, industry standards on data sharing, transparency and cyber security will first have to gain momentum with increased cooperation between national and international authorities. This finding has been reached based on the information available in the public domain on the progress being made towards development of the ecosystem for adoption of AI in different countries/regions.  While many countries have formed national strategies for AI, there has not yet been adequate thrust towards instituting processes that will lead to nationally and internationally acceptable AI standards in many countries.
Intensifying Cross-border Logistics Collaboration Opportunities Using a Virtual Logistics Center
Authors: Tamas Peter , Illes Bela , Banyai Tamas , Toth Agota Banyaine , Akylbek Umetaliev , Skapinyecz Robert
Published: June 2020

There are a number of untapped opportunities for cross-border logistics cooperation, one of which is the operation of virtual logistics centers. The Institute of Logistics of the University of Miskolc researched the possibilities of establishing and operating Virtual Logistics Centers in many fields (e.g. automotive industry, maintenance systems, etc.). The paper describes a proposed concept for the operation of virtual logistics centers for cross-border cooperation, as well as explores the possible benefits of the application. The proposed concept can provide a good basis for the development of a virtual logistics center in the border regions of Miskolc (Hungary) - Košice (Slovakia), and also in the border regions of Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) -Almaty (Kazakhstan).
CFD Analysis of Smoke and Temperature Control System of Car Park Area with Jet Fans
Authors: Çakir M. T. , Ün Ç.
Published: June 2020

Basements of hospitals are generally used as indoor parking area.  When underground car parks are examined physically, it is not possible to ventilate them by natural roads. Therefore, in order to keep the density of harmful gases below certain limits; ventilation systems must be used. In this study, for a parking lot with a closed area of 19438.59 m²; jet fan system is designed and the performance of the system is simulated with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The covered parking area examined is located in Isparta; It is located on the 2nd basement of Isparta City Hospital.  The parking area is divided into 5 zones and CFD smoke analysis is made for the jet fan ventilation system designed for the parking area. The purpose of this study in Isparta City Hospital (basement-2) to examine the ventilation system is designed for parking areas using CFD.  The CFD analysis made allowed us to see the correct placement of the jet fans and to decide the best placement. In case of a fire, various scenarios were prepared in accordance with international standards and the best results were obtained.
Assessment of the Antioxidant Potential of Hypoestes rosea Leafin Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Albino Rats
Authors: Africa P. E. , Emine D. G. Tamuno , Nwachuku E. O. , Bartimaeus E. S.
Published: June 2020

Aims: The present paper was to investigate possible antioxidant actions of Hypoestes rosea leaf extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats.

Study Design:  This study is an interventional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the animal house unit of the Department of Anatomy and physiology, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. between February, 2019 and September, 2019.

Methodology: A total of hundred and sixteen (116) albino rats were assigned by weight into Eighteen (18) groups. The duration of the study was fifteen (15) days for acute and thirty (30) days sub-chronic. The study groups comprised of two (2) treatment phases each (prophylactic and therapeutic) with nine (9) experimental groups in each of the study groups. Ten (10) rats each were assigned to the two (2) positive control groups and six (6) rats each were assigned to the other groups. These groups of rats with an average body weight of 201±.65.20 to 232 ± 16.23 g were treated as follows: Healthy rats received de-ionized water (Negative Control); diabetic rats administered with de-ionized water (Positive Control); healthy rats received aqueous extract orally (EC 100 mg/kg body weight) and diabetic rats administered with aqueous extract orally, daily for fifteen (15) days and thirty (30) days (AEHR 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight; Diabetic Treated group). Animals were fasted for 16 hrs, weighed and painlessly sacrificed and blood was collected through the jugular vein on day sixteen (16) and thirty-one (31) after the experimental phases. Blood sample was collected for the determination of SOD and TAC through colorimetric method.

Results: Results showed that the plasma antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity) activities were increased in the diabetic treated group compared to the diabetic control groups.

Conclusion: Therefore, we conclude that AEHR can offer protection against diabetic-induced oxidative stress.
A Review of Power Electronics Applications for Wind Energy Systems in Microgrids
Authors: Chijioke John Nwankwo , KIray Vedat
Published: June 2020

Wind energy conversion systems continue to show promises as energy source of the future. To champion the supply for future industrial and domestic energy demand, it is imperative to improve on their reliability, energy extraction efficiency and security as these factors would enormously affect their viability and deployment. This paper presents an overview of the applications of power electronics to speed control of generators in wind energy conversion systems. Wind energy conversion system, the basis on which they are classified and their various components are concisely reviewed. Further, an up-to-date highlight of wind turbines speed control schemes is presented with focus on the roles of power electronics in these schemes. Concluding, necessary technological and economic development to aid applications of power electronics devices in emerging wind energy systems and their significance to the microgrid is understudied.
Comparison of Microbiological and Sensory Qualities of ‘fufu’ Processed from Grinding Machines and the Traditional Method at Ayigya in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Addo Matthew Glover , Mutala Abdul Hakim , Badu Kingsley
Published: June 2020

This study compares the bacteriological and sensory characteristics of‘ fufu’ processed using grinding machines and traditional method at Ayigya, a suburb of Kumasi between December 2018 and February, 2019. Samples were collected from three different sites for fufu grinding machine and three sampling areas for traditional method using mortar and pestle and were coded GM1, GM2 and GM3; and MP1, MP2 and MP3 respectively. Bacterial counts and isolation from all the samples were done using standard methods. Morphological and biochemical characterization of the isolates were done and the organisms were identified using standard identification key. The sensory qualities of the samples were evaluated by a 20 member panelists of regular consumer of fufu. Bacterial counts of fufu processed using grinding machine ranged between 4.90×103 and 5.88 x 103 CFU/g while those obtained through traditional method of processing were between 2.01×103 and 2.76×103 CFU/g. Of the 72 bacterial isolates, 47(65.3%) of the isolates were Gram negative while 25(34.7%) were Gram-positive. The most frequent isolates in the samples were Staphylococcus sp. (34.7%), Escherichia coli (30.6%), Klebsiella sp. (22.2%) and Proteus sp. (12.5%). Consumer acceptance of ‘fufu’ obtained from the use of traditional pestle and mortar was significantly higher (P ˂ 0.001) than those obtained from the use of grinding machine. The study concluded that Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, Proteus and E. coli are associated with both the fufu grinding machines and the traditional mortar and pestle products and that consumers prefer the processed ‘fufu’ from the traditional source to the grinding machine.
Microbiological and Physicochemical Assessment of Sediment in Bodo Community, Rivers State, Niger Delta
Authors: Ediae E. Eseosa , Ediae I. Cliff , Edet U. Okon , Bassey I. Ubi , Mbim E. Nkagafel , Umoafia G. Elkanah , Ejelonu V. Obi
Published: June 2020

Crude oil pollution is common place in the Niger Delta despite well known adverse effects on aquatic and terrestrial biodiversities. Triplicate sediment samples were obtained from Bodo community in Ogoni Land, Niger Delta and made into a composite sample. The sample was then evaluated for physicochemical parameters, heavy metals, total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), polyaromatic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), total heterotrophic bacteria (THBC), and fungi (THFC) using standards methodologies. Concentration profile of heavy metals was iron (Fe) > chromium (Cr) > zinc (Zn) > nickel (Ni) > vanadium (V) in decreasing order. Furthermore, the concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, nitrate, sulphate were 884.53, 12.32, 34.45, and 26.76 mg/kg, respectively. TPH and PAH concentrations were 30,797 and 52.12 mg/kg, respectively. Nitrate, iron, chromium, nickel, TPH, and PAH all failed to meet regulatory standards. TPH failed to meet Environmental Guidelines and Standards for the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria (EGASPIN) target and intervention values of 50 and 5,000 mg/kg, respectively. Total heterotrophic bacteria and fungi counts were observed to decrease with days of incubation in crude oil. The findings in the study reveal worrisome levels of TPH, PAH, iron, chromium, and nickel, and impact on microbial diversity. Thus, there is a need for periodic monitoring of sediments and water bodies in the Niger Delta.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of employer-led interventions for drug misuse
Authors: Akanbi Maxwell O , Iroz Cassandra B , O’Dwyer Linda C , Rivera Adovich S , McHugh Megan Colleen
Published: June 2020

Aims

Employers in the United States incur substantial costs associated with substance use disorders. Our goal was to examine the effectiveness of employer-led interventions to reduce the adverse effects of drug misuse in the workplace.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of studies that evaluated the effectiveness of recommended workplace interventions for opioids and related drugs: employee education, drug testing, employee assistance programs, supervisor training, written workplace drug-free policy, and restructuring employee health benefit plans. We searched PubMed MEDLINE, EMBASE (embase.com), PsycINFO (Ebsco), ABI Inform Global, Business Source Premier, EconLit, CENTRAL, Web of Science (Thomson Reuters), Scopus (Elsevier), Proquest Dissertations, and Epistemonikos from inception through May 8, 2019, with no date or language restrictions. We included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and cross-sectional studies with no language or date restrictions. The Downs and Black questionnaire was used to assess the quality of included studies. The results were reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

In all, 27 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Results were mixed, with each intervention shown to be effective in at least one study, but none showing effectiveness in over 50% of studies. Studies examining the impact of interventions on workplace injuries or accidents were more commonly reported to be effective. Although four studies were randomized controlled trials, the quality of all included studies was “fair” or “poor.”

Conclusions

Despite the opioid epidemic, high-quality studies evaluating the effectiveness of employer-led interventions to prevent or reduce the adverse effects of substance use are lacking. Higher quality and mixed methods studies are needed to determine whether any of the interventions are generalizable and whether contextual adaptations are needed. In the meantime, there is a reason to believe that commonly recommended, employer-led interventions may be effective in some environments.
Social Identity Theory
Authors: Harwood Jake
Published: June 2020

Social identity theory (SIT) provides a framework for explaining intergroup behavior and intergroup communication based on the inherent value humans place on social group memberships, and their desire to view their specific social groups in a positive light. This desire can lead to intergroup prejudice and conflict. Within the media sphere, SIT can help us understand the links between media ownership and media content, the nature of group portrayals in dominant‐group‐owned media, group‐based selective consumption of specific media messages, and the effects of exposure to that content for dominant and subordinate group members. Newer Internet‐based media provide new challenges and opportunities for those taking a broad social identity approach to mass communication.
Fear of Missing Out
Authors: Neumann Dominik
Published: June 2020

This entry defines fear of missing out (FOMO) as a construct based on negative affect, social comparison, and counterfactual thinking. Prior theoretical foundations of FOMO and the nature of the experience based on prior research findings are briefly summarized. Its relevance to social media and media in general is discussed with an overview of previous research in regard to problematic and compulsive social media and smartphone use, mental health and well‐being, and advertising and marketing. Last, FOMO over the average human life span is discussed, that is, commonalities and differences of the FOMO experience depending on peoples' age. This entry aims to provide a detailed overview of current research in FOMO and to explicate the construct in a detailed fashion. Further, its relevance to today's media environment, specifically social media, is discussed.
Coviewing, Scaffolding, and Children's Media Comprehension
Authors: Dore Rebecca A. , Zimmermann Laura
Published: June 2020

Joint media engagement (JME) refers broadly to people using media together, including adults using media with children, and captures a variety of experiences that children might have co‐using media that might otherwise be called coviewing, scaffolding, or active mediation. Research suggests that the frequency of JME varies across families and across different types of media, with higher JME for younger children and with television as compared to tablets, perhaps because mobile devices may be less conducive to joint use. JME can influence how children process and comprehend media, with even simple co‐use supporting learning in some cases and influencing physiological responses. However, scaffolding and active mediation of media content seems to be most beneficial for supporting children's media comprehension. Drawing upon this research, some app developers have recognized the importance of fostering JME through their content. As a result they have developed a range of innovative digital resources to help promote children's learning in domains including mathematics and science.
Same‐Gender Characters: Appeal and Identification
Authors: Hoffner Cynthia A.
Published: June 2020

Gender plays a role in how people attend to, process, and respond to media characters. People are drawn to same‐gender characters, and this preference tends to be stronger for males than for females. According to social cognitive theory, people expect that similar individuals will offer more rewarding interactions, provide more personally relevant information, and are more likely to model achievable outcomes. In media contexts, identification is defined most commonly in two ways: (i) identification during media use refers to the process by which a media user adopts the emotional/cognitive perspective of a media character and vicariously shares their experiences; (ii) identification that endures past the media use context is referred to as wishful identification, in which an individual desires or attempts to become like a media character. People may be more motivated to adopt the perspective of someone who shares their gender, because their experiences are more familiar or are seen as more relevant to their own life. Although males and females both identify more strongly with same‐gender media characters, they differ in the attributes they find appealing in characters of their own gender. Through identification, media users learn new attitudes and behaviors, as well as the consequences they can expect to receive. Identifying with a character of the same gender can provide information and influence life choices, such as health decisions, relationships, and occupations. Festinger's social comparison theory suggests that the appeal of same‐gender media characters may lie partly in the opportunity they provide for self‐evaluation, self‐improvement, and/or self‐enhancement.
Experimental and model‐based study of biohydration of acrylonitrile to acrylamide in a microstructured chemical system
Authors: Guo Mingzhao , Chen Qiang , Liang Youxiang , Wang Yujun , Luo Guangsheng , Yu Huimin
Published: June 2020

Experimental and model‐based studies of acrylonitrile biohydration catalyzed by free cells were conducted in this work. The high ratios of the two phases of the reaction system and the effects of inhibition and inactivation on the enzyme make the process complicated; thus, its exact kinetics have never been reported. To fully understand and model the reaction, a microstructured chemical system was employed to investigate droplet dispersion, the mass transfer process, the intrinsic kinetics with inhibition and inactivation, and the preparation process of acrylamide. By adjusting the structure size and flow conditions of the microreactor, acrylonitrile droplets of 40 μm were obtained and enhanced mass transfer was achieved. Compared to previous studies, the microchemical system in our work provides more accurate kinetic parameters, with a much higher maximum reaction rate and much smaller Michaelis constant. The numerical predictions of the process model show good agreement with experimental results.
Indazolone‐Assisted Sequential ortho‐Alkenylation‐Oxidative Aza‐Michael Addition of 1‐Arylindazolone Using Acrylates Under Ru(II) Catalysis
Authors: Mahesha Chikkagundagal K. , Mandal Sanjay K. , Sakhuja Rajeev
Published: June 2020

A one‐pot annulation of 1‐arylindazolones and acrylates is achieved through Ru(II)‐catalyzed sequential ortho‐alkenylation followed by oxidative intramolecular aza‐Michael addition reaction to deliver substituted indazolo[1,2‐a]indazolylidenes in good‐to‐excellent yields. The strategy showcased high functional group tolerance and the directing group ability of indazolone moiety was established for Csp2‐H bond activation.
Eine amphipathische alpha‐Helix lenkt die Modifizierung ribosomal‐synthetisierter Lipolanthine
Authors: Wiebach Vincent , Mainz Andi , Schnegotzki Romina , Siegert Mary‐Ann J. , Hügelland Manuela , Pliszka Nicole , Süssmuth Roderich D.
Published: June 2020

Die stark anti‐Gram‐positiven Lipolanthine repräsentieren eine neue Gruppe von lipidierten, ribosomal synthetisierten und post‐translational modifizierten Peptiden (RiPPS). Sie sind bicyclische Octapeptide mit einem zentralen quaternären Kohlenstoffatom in der Aminosäure Avionin, die durch die Klasse‐III Lanthipeptidsynthetase MicKC und die Cystein‐Decarboxylase MicD synthetisiert werden. Genome‐Mining eröffnete eine weit gefächerte und unerwartete biosynthetische Diversität an Lipolanthin‐Genclustern, die Elemente der RiPP‐, Polyketid‐ und der nicht‐ribosomalen Peptidbiosynthese kombiniert. Durch NMR‐Spektroskopie konnten wir zeigen, dass ein (θxx)θxxθxxθ (θ=L, I, V, M oder T)‐Motiv, das konserviert im Leader‐Peptid der Klasse‐III und ‐IV Lanthipeptide vorliegt, eine amphipatische α‐Helix in MicA bildet. Dies hat einen Einfluss auf die enzymatische Prozessierung des Peptidsubstrats. Unsere Ergebnisse liefern allgemeine Regeln für die Substratauswahl und die enzymatische Regulation während der Lipolanthin‐Reifung. Diese Erkenntnisse werden zukünftige Untersuchungen hinsichtlich der Konstruktion neuer Lanthipeptid‐Grundgerüste mit antibakteriellem Potential erleichtern.
Die Carbonyl⋅⋅⋅Tellurazol‐Chalkogenbindung als molekulare Erkennungseinheit: Von Modellstudien zu supramolekularen organischen Gerüstverbindungen
Authors: Mehrparvar Saber , Wölper Christoph , Gleiter Rolf , Haberhauer Gebhard
Published: June 2020

In den letzten Jahren entwickelten sich die Chalkogenbindungen, bei denen die Bindung über nicht‐kovalente Wechselwirkungen unter Beteiligung von Chalkogenzentren erfolgt, in zahlreichen Forschungsfeldern zu einer interessanten Alternative zu den weitverbreiteten Wasserstoffbrückenbindungen. Mittels quantenchemischer Berechnungen auf hohem Niveau konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Carbonyl⋅⋅⋅Tellurazol‐Chalkogenbindung mindestens so stark wie eine konventionelle Wasserstoffbrückenbindung ist. Durch die Verwendung des Carbonyl⋅⋅⋅Tellurazol‐Bindungsmotivs, das in Form von cyclischen Tellurazolpeptiden zum Einsatz kam, gelang uns das Design komplexer supramolekularer Netzwerke in der festen Phase. Röntgenstrukturanalysen belegen, dass die starre Struktur des Cyclopeptids auf Wasserstoffbrückenbindungen zurückzuführen ist, während das supramolekulare Netzwerk durch Chalkogenbindungen zusammengehalten wird. Die Erscheinungsform des supramolekularen Netzwerks hängt vom verwendeten Peptid ab; sowohl lineare Stränge als auch bienenwabenartige supramolekulare organische Gerüstverbindungen (SOF) konnten beobachtet werden. Die einzigartige SOF‐Struktur verfügt über zwei Kanäle, die mit verschiedenen Lösungsmittelgemischen gefüllt sind, die entweder eingeschlossen oder frei beweglich sind.
Highly Efficient Electroreduction of CO2 to C2+ Alcohols on Heterogeneous Dual Active Sites
Authors: Chen Chunjun , Yan Xupeng , Liu Shoujie , Wu Yahui , Wan Qiang , Sun Xiaofu , Zhu Qinggong , Liu Huizhen , Ma Jun , Zheng Lirong , Wu Haihong , Han Buxing
Published: June 2020

Electroreduction of CO2 to liquid fuels such as ethanol and n‐propanol, powered by renewable electricity, offers a promising strategy for controlling the global carbon balance and addressing the need for the storage of intermittent renewable energy. In this work, we discovered that the composite composed of nitrogen‐doped graphene quantum dots (NGQ) on CuO‐derived Cu nanorods (NGQ/Cu‐nr) was an outstanding electrocatalyst for the reduction of CO2 to ethanol and n‐propanol. The Faradaic efficiency (FE) of C2+ alcohols could reach 52.4 % with a total current density of 282.1 mA cm−2. This is the highest FE for C2+ alcohols with a commercial current density to date. Control experiments and DFT studies show that the NGQ/Cu‐nr could provide dual catalytic active sites and could stabilize the CH2CHO intermediate to enhance the FE of alcohols significantly through further carbon protonation. The NGQ and Cu‐nr had excellent synergistic effects for accelerating the reduction of CO2 to alcohols.
An Amphipathic Alpha‐Helix Guides Maturation of the Ribosomally‐Synthesized Lipolanthines
Authors: Wiebach Vincent , Mainz Andi , Schnegotzki Romina , Siegert Mary‐Ann J. , Hügelland Manuela , Pliszka Nicole , Süssmuth Roderich D.
Published: June 2020

The recently discovered strongly anti‐Gram‐positive lipolanthines represent a new group of lipidated, ribosomally synthesized and post‐translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). They are bicyclic octapeptides with a central quaternary carbon atom (avionin), which is installed through the cooperative action of the class‐III lanthipeptide synthetase MicKC and the cysteine decarboxylase MicD. Genome mining efforts indicate a widespread distribution and unprecedented biosynthetic diversity of lipolanthine gene clusters, combining elements of RiPPs, polyketide and non‐ribosomal peptide biosynthesis. Utilizing NMR spectroscopy, we show that a (θxx)θxxθxxθ (θ=L, I, V, M or T) motif, which is conserved in the leader peptides of all class‐III and ‐IV lanthipeptides, forms an amphipathic α‐helix in MicA that destines the peptide substrate for enzymatic processing. Our results provide general rules of substrate recruitment and enzymatic regulation during lipolanthine maturation. These insights will facilitate future efforts to rationally design new lanthipeptide scaffolds with antibacterial potency.
A Self‐Assembled Rhombohedral DNA Crystal Scaffold with Tunable Cavity Sizes and High‐Resolution Structural Detail
Authors: Simmons Chad R. , MacCulloch Tara , Zhang Fei , Liu Yan , Stephanopoulos Nicholas , Yan Hao
Published: June 2020

DNA is an ideal molecule for the construction of 3D crystals with tunable properties owing to its high programmability based on canonical Watson–Crick base pairing, with crystal assembly in all three dimensions facilitated by immobile Holliday junctions and sticky end cohesion. Despite the promise of these systems, only a handful of unique crystal scaffolds have been reported. Herein, we describe a new crystal system with a repeating sequence that mediates the assembly of a 3D scaffold via a series of Holliday junctions linked together with complementary sticky ends. By using an optimized junction sequence, we could determine a high‐resolution (2.7 Å) structure containing R3 crystal symmetry, with a slight subsequent improvement (2.6 Å) using a modified sticky‐end sequence. The immobile Holliday junction sequence allowed us to produce crystals that provided unprecedented atomic detail. In addition, we expanded the crystal cavities by 50 % by adding an additional helical turn between junctions, and we solved the structure to 4.5 Å resolution by molecular replacement.