bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENETAPAN KADAR AMILOSA DAN PROTEIN PADA BERAS SOLOK JENIS ANAK DARO DAN SOKAN YANG DITANAM DENGAN SISTEM PERTANIAN ORGANIK DAN SISTEM PERTANIAN KONVENSIONAL
Authors: Lestari Rini , Kartini Sri , Berti Lusiana , Romita Megi
Published: September 2019

The organic farming system is a holistic agricultural production management system for improving and developing agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activities. Organic farming systems use natural fertilizers and pesticides, while conventional farming systems still use chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Environmental conditions are expected to affect the chemical content of rice. One of the main chemical constituents in rice is amylose and protein. This research is a laboratory experimental study that aims to see the amylose and protein content of Solok rice types sokan and anak daro which grown with organic farming system and conventional farming system. From the result of the research, equation of calibration curve amylose is Y = 0,0246X + 0,0146 with correlation coefficient (r) = 0,9984. Amylose content of Solok rice type of anak daro organic 28,90%, anak daro conventional 28,04%, sokan organic 30,32% and sokan conventional 30,94%. Protein content of Solok rice type of anak daro organic 8,79%, anak daro conventional 8,15%, sokan organic 8,50% and sokan conventional 8,25%. T value of each group is smaller than the T table value, it can be concluded that the result is not significantly different.
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bahrami, MScN Tahereh , Rejeh, PhD, MScN, BScN Nahid , Heravi-Karimooi, PhD, MScN, BScN Majideh , Tadrisi, MScN Seyed Davood , Vaismoradi, PhD, MScN, BScN Mojtaba
Published: September 2019

Background: Patients with cardiovascular diseases usually suffer from hospital anxiety and depression. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of foot reflexology massage on anxiety and depression in female older adults suffering from acute coronary syndrome.Participants: Ninety older women with acute coronary syndrome were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups (n=45 in each group).Research Design: A randomized controlled trial.Intervention: The intervention and control groups received foot reflexology massage and routine care, respectively.Main Outcomes Measures: The levels of anxiety and depression were evaluated using the hospital’s anxiety and depression scale (HADS) before and immediately after foot reflexology massage.Results: Foot reflexology massage reduced both anxiety (F(1.44)=19.11, p = .001) and depression (F(1.44)=16.76, p = .001) in acute coronary patients relative to control patients. The intervention had a large effect on hospital anxiety and depression.Conclusions: Foot reflexology massage is an efficient and safe intervention for alleviating psychological responses among female older adults suffering from acute coronary syndrome during hospitalization.
The Psychotherapeutic Relationship in Massage Therapy
Authors: Clark, MCounsPsychthrpy, DipRemMassage Timothy
Published: September 2019

Background: Psychotherapy and massage therapy (MT) are effective treatments for depression and anxiety. Little is certain about the mechanisms behind these effects in MT, but in psychotherapy they are attributed to a combination of common and specific factors, at the heart of which lies the therapeutic relationship. Research into the psychotherapeutic relationship in MT, therefore, may advance understanding of its impact on depression and anxiety.Purpose: This research seeks to elucidate the components of the psychotherapeutic relationship in MT to inform training, research, and practice.Participants & Setting: Two participants—a therapist and a client—from Melbourne, Australia. Research Design: A qualitative methodology was employed whereby one therapeutic relationship was observed over the course of three massage treatments. After each treatment, the participants commentated recordings of the sessions. The recordings were transcribed and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and Conversation Analysis (CA). Themes and subthemes were extracted from the analysis.Results: Four overarching themes emerged: Separateness, Pleasure, Merging, and Internalization. Separateness is associated with the subthemes of Boundaries, Performance of Roles, and Power. Pleasure is associated with the subthemes of Safety, Comfort and Communication. Merging is associated with the subthemes of Contact and Empathy. Internalization has no subthemes.Conclusions: The results suggest that a clearer conceptualization of the therapeutic relationship in MT may help massage therapists more pur-posefully treat depressed and anxious clients. A greater emphasis on self-awareness in the professional development of massage therapists may also foster this. Additionally, the role of pleasure in the therapeutic relationship in MT warrants closer examination.
Abstracts from the 2019 International Massage Therapy Research Conference
Authors: Authors Various
Published: September 2019

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Near-infrared Hydrogen and Helium QSO Emission Lines
Authors: Kenyon C. E. G. , Labrie K. , Webster R. L. , King A. L.
Published: September 2019

We present 14 near-infrared (NIR) quasar spectra observed with the Flamingos-2 NIR spectrometer instrument at the Gemini South Observatory. The targets were selected with redshifts of (0.58 ≤ z ≤ 0.63) to ensure the spectral wavelength range included specifically identified hydrogen and helium broad emission lines. We present measurements of their FWHM, equivalent widths, and flux ratios relative to H α. The quasars are all within the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Stripe 82 region which, then also provides multi-epoch rest-frame UV and optical spectroscopic observations of our targets. In future work, these data and those from Galaxy Evolution Explorer and NUV spectra will be utilized to constrain photoionization models to determine physical conditions within the broad emission line regions, such as the incident ionizing photon flux and gas density.
Pure Rotational Spectrum of CN+
Authors: Thorwirth S. , Schreier P. , Salomon T. , Schlemmer S. , Asvany O.
Published: September 2019

The pure rotational spectrum of the elusive CN+ cation has been observed for the first time using a cryogenic ion trap apparatus and applying an action spectroscopy scheme. For the 12C14N+ species, the three lowest rotational transitions have been observed, each of which exhibits hyperfine structure from the presence of the 14N nucleus. The rare C15N+ isotopologue has been studied up to the J = 4 − 3 transition. The observations conclusively confirm that CN+ occupies a 1Σ+ electronic ground state. Given the ubiquity of the CN radical in space, CN+ is an appealing candidate for future radio astronomical searches.
Time-varying Polarized Gamma-Rays from GRB 160821A: Evidence for Ordered Magnetic Fields
Authors: Sharma Vidushi , Iyyani Shabnam , Bhattacharya Dipankar , Chattopadhyay Tanmoy , Rao A. R. , Aarthy E. , Vadawale Santosh V. , Mithun N. P. S. , Bhalerao Varun. B. , Ryde Felix , Pe’er Asaf
Published: September 2019

GRB 160821A is the third most energetic gamma-ray burst observed by the Fermi gamma-ray space telescope. Based on the observations made by the Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager on board AstroSat, here we report the most conclusive evidence to date of (i) high linear polarization (

detection), and (ii) variation of polarization angle with time, occurring twice during the rise and decay phase of the burst at 3.5σ and 3.1σ detections, respectively. All confidence levels are reported for two parameters of interest. These observations strongly suggest synchrotron radiation produced in magnetic field lines that are highly ordered on angular scales of 1/Γ, where Γ is the Lorentz factor of the outflow.
Morphology, development, and reproduction of Eyprepocnemis plorans ibandana (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in South Cameroon rainforests
Authors: Nkwala Alfiery Laurel Djomnang , Talla Franklin Simo , Ngoute Charly Oumarou , Kekeunou Sévilor , Wandji Alain Christel , Nzike Marcelle Mbajoun , Noutchom Alain Simeu , Mbida Mpoame
Published: September 2019

Eyprepocnemis plorans ibandana is a very common grasshopper species in open environments and agricultural systems of tropical Africa. It is a pest that significantly benefits from forest degradation in southern Cameroon, hence the need to study the bioecology of this subspecies. We studied the reproduction as well as the morphological characteristics and development times of the post-embryonic instars of E. p. ibandana. Sixty-one adult pairs were obtained from sixth instar nymphs caught in grassy vegetation in the Nkolbisson area (Yaoundé) and bred in the laboratory. After hatching, the first instar nymphs were individually placed in cages and fed every two days using fresh leaves of Manihot esculenta. The postembryonic development of E. p. ibandana took six instars in the male and six to seven instars in the female. Mean nymphal development took 79.16 ± 0.51 days in males, 89.93 ± 0.58 days in 6 instar females and 94.96 ± 1.22 days in 7 instar females. The survival rate of the first instar was low (53%). However, from the second instar on the survival rate was very high (> 87%). Sexual dimorphism is distinct in adults, fifth and sixth nymphal instars. Adults of E. p. ibandana took on average 32.57 ± 3.88 days to start mating, and mating lasted 2.12 h on average (1–3 h). Oviposition took place on average 52.03 ± 5 days after first mating; each female deposited one to eleven oothecae with an average of 34.93 ± 2.37 eggs per ootheca. Our study provides important information for the control of this subspecies in southern Cameroon.
Comparison of DNA Isolation and Dominant and Co-dominant Molecular Markers to Reveal the Genetic Sex of Gallus domesticus (Domestic Chickens)
Authors: Nirmali W. K. R. , Warnakula L. , Cooray R. , Hapuarachchi N. S. , Magamage M. P. S.
Published: September 2019

Purpose: The quality of DNA and reliability of molecular markers are crucial for the success of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based genetic sex determination. This study was aimed at investigating the optimum conditions for isolation of DNA from chicken blood and the reproducibility of dominant and co-dominant sex markers to be validated as a tool for successful sexing in avian research.Research Method: Efficacy of six different extraction procedures including manual and solution based commercial purification kit were evaluated with different combinations of initial blood, lysis buffer and protein denaturant in relation to the DNA yield and purity. Three primer sets namely CHD1, HUR 0423 and HUR 0424 were evaluated by PCR.  Findings: The study results showed that 10µl of initial blood volume yields a significantly high DNA yield with high purity. Dominant marker HUR0424 showed to be a reliable marker system for the genetic sexing of domestic chickens over co-dominant markers.Research Limitation: For the accuracy of the results, protocols had to be followed at the same time and using same sample to avoid any errors.Originality/ Value: PCR based sexing is considered, the most accurate and inexpensive method and hence validation of the method is important for success of future avian research.
Long term assessment of intralipotherapy in Madelung’s disease
Authors: Scevola Silvia , Nicoletti Giovanni , Neri Antonino , Faga Angela
Published: September 2019

Madelung’s disease is characterised by multiple symmetric abnormal fat masses in the head, neck and upper limbs. Surgical excision or liposuction is the only realistic available option, although palliative in nature. The serial intralipotherapy with phosphatidylcholine/deoxycholate has been proposed as a non-invasive treatment of Madelung’s disease. The authors used serial intralipotherapy with phosphatidylcholine/deoxycholate in two patients affected by Madelung’s disease. Three injections per lesion per patient were performed with 1 month’s interval. Pre- and 6 months’ post-treatment dimensions were assessed with ultrasound scan and patients were observed along a 5 years’ clinical follow-up. A 42.5% average size reduction was reported in all treated lesions. About 33% recurrence rate was observed in the 5 years’ follow-up. We confirm the efficacy of intralipotherapy in the non-invasive palliative treatment of Madelung’s disease, as a valid option to reduce the volume and limit the growth of the pathological adipose masses.
Hypothenar island flap: A safe and excellent choice for little finger defects
Authors: Tapan Mehmet , Iğde Murat , Yıldırım Ali Rıza , Balı Yağmur Yaprak , Yılancı Sedat , Ünlü Ramazan Erkin
Published: September 2019

Soft-tissue defects of the little finger are challenging especially when bone, tendon or vascular pedicle is exposed because of trauma. The hypothenar island flap is easy to harvest and has a good colour and texture match to the little finger pulp. We present nine clinical cases of soft tissue defects of the little finger covered using the reversed hypothenar fasciocutaneous island flap. This article intends to highlight the ease of elevation and good clinical results of the hypothenar flap which is rarely used.
On the Density Variability of Poissonian Discrete Fracture Networks, with application to power-law fracture size distributions
Authors: Lavoine Etienne , Davy Philippe , Darcel Caroline , Le Goc Romain
Published: September 2019

Abstract. This paper presents analytical solutions to estimate at
any scale the fracture density variability associated to stochastic Discrete
Fracture Networks. These analytical solutions are based upon the assumption
that each fracture in the network is an independent event. Analytical
solutions are developed for any kind of fracture density indicators. Those
analytical solutions are verified by numerical computing of the fracture
density variability in three-dimensional stochastic Discrete Fracture
Network (DFN) models following various orientation and size distributions,
including the heavy-tailed power-law fracture size distribution. We show
that this variability is dependent on the fracture size distribution and the
measurement scale, but not on the orientation distribution. We also show
that for networks following power-law size distribution, the scaling of the
three-dimensional fracture density variability clearly depends on the
power-law exponent.
Partitioning snowmelt and rainfall in the critical zone: effects of climate type and soil properties
Authors: Hammond John C. , Harpold Adrian A. , Weiss Sydney , Kampf Stephanie K.
Published: September 2019

Abstract. Streamflow generation and deep groundwater recharge may be vulnerable to
loss of snow, making it important to quantify how snowmelt is partitioned
between soil storage, deep drainage, evapotranspiration, and runoff. Based
on previous findings, we hypothesize that snowmelt produces greater
streamflow and deep drainage than rainfall and that this effect is greatest
in dry climates. To test this hypothesis we examine how snowmelt and
rainfall partitioning vary with climate and soil properties using a
physically based variably saturated subsurface flow model, HYDRUS-1D. We
developed model experiments using observed climate from mountain regions and artificial climate inputs that convert all precipitation to rain, and then
evaluated how climate variability affects partitioning in soils with
different hydraulic properties and depths. Results indicate that event-scale runoff is higher for snowmelt than for rainfall due to higher antecedent moisture and input rates in both wet and dry climates. Annual runoff also increases with snowmelt fraction, whereas deep drainage is not correlated with snowmelt fraction. Deep drainage is less affected by changes from snowmelt to rainfall because it is controlled by deep soil moisture changes over longer timescales. Soil texture modifies daily wetting and drying patterns but has limited effect on annual water budget partitioning, whereas increases in soil depth lead to lower runoff and greater deep drainage. Overall these results indicate that runoff may be substantially reduced with seasonal snowpack decline in all climates, whereas the effects of snowpack decline on deep drainage are less consistent. These mechanisms help explain recent observations of streamflow sensitivity to changing snowpack and highlight the importance of developing strategies to plan for changes in water budgets in areas most at risk for shifts from snow to rain.
The Rate of Sectional entire sequence spaces - doi: 10.5269/bspm.v30i2.14304
Authors: Gurumoorthy N. , Rao Chandrasekhara
Published: September 2019

The space (Gamma_s)_pi is introduced. This paper deveoted a study of the general properties of sectional rate space (Gamma_s)pi of Gamma.
CHARACTERIZATION OF SPACELIKE BIHARMONIC CURVES WITH TIMELIKE BINORMAL ACCORDING TO FLAT METRIC IN LORENTZIAN HEISENBERG GROUP Heis³ - doi: 10.5269/bspm.v30i2.14706
Authors: Körpınar Talat , Turhan Essin
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we study spacelike biharmonic curves with timelike binormal according to flat metric in the Lorentzian Heisenberg group Heis³. We characterize spacelike biharmonic curves with timelike binormal in terms of their curvature and torsion. Additionally, we determine the parametric representation of the spacelike biharmonic curves with timelike binormal according to flat metric from this characterization.
Inverse problem for Sturm-Liouville operators on a curve
Authors: Golubkov Andrey Aleksandrovich , Kuryshova Yulia Vladimirovna
Published: September 2019

he inverse spectral problem for the Sturm-Liouville equation with a piecewise-entire potential function and the discontinuity conditions for solutions on a rectifiable curve \(\gamma \subset \textbf{C}\) by the transfer matrix along this curve is studied. By the method of a unit transfer matrix the uniqueness of the solution to this problem is proved with the help of studying of the asymptotic behavior of the solutions to the Sturm-Liouville equation for large values of the spectral parameter module.
Gaston Mialaret. Ostatni animator idei Nowego Wychowania
Authors: Wojnar Irena
Published: September 2019

The article presents the activities and selected views of the French educationalist Gaston Mialaret on the centenary of his birthday. He was a long-time professor at Faculté des Lettres et Sciences Humaines at the University of Caen. He combined the taste for empirical research with interest in philosophy. He continued and enriched the concepts of the New Education, especially the lasting importance of simultaneous research on the subsequent stages of child development and the implementation of education based on the assumptions of development pedagogy. He developed proposals for progressive educational reform presented in 1947 in the project “Le plan Langevin-Wallon”. On the background of the analysis of the changing role of education in the contemporary world, Mialaret showed the changing role of pedagogical studies and especially the new role of the teacher as an animator of educational acts and situations. The article emphasises the basic, in Mialaret’s opinion, the importance of the socalled active methods enabling the enrichment of personality at all levels of education and the development of the educational, intellectual, civic and cultural potential of each student.
Akademickie ocenianie i jego niezamierzone konsekwencje. Od wymiaru ukrytego do nowej kultury oceniania
Authors: Pauluk Dorota
Published: September 2019

The aim of the article is to present selected aspects of academic assessment as an element of a hidden curriculum. Based on the literature on the subject, the results of the research will be presented showing how the assessment system, deep rooted in educational environment, generates unplanned educational outcomes, including a surface approach to learning and various strategies of coping. Proposals of alternative solutions in evaluation procedures will be presented, involving active involvement of students in designing, managing and checking the effects of their own work. The new assessment culture should support the learning process and reduce the gap between the explicit and hidden curriculum.
Ojcostwo – w wypowiedziach dorosłych sprawców przestępstw, odbywających karę pozbawienia wolności
Authors: Siemionow Justyna
Published: September 2019

The aim of this paper is to present the results of the research on the way of understanding the meaning of parenthood/fatherhood from the perspective of prisoners. The research group has been formed with ten adult men who are under sentences in chosen penitentiary. The main goal of this research is to find the answer for the following questions: How do the prisoners identify the father’s role in their life? How do they understand their fatherhood? The decision to use an individual interview was influenced by the nature of the research and the small research sample. The attachment theory of John Bowlby (1969) and the concept of criminal thinking style by Glen David Walters (1990) – are the main theoretical assumptions of the presented article. The imprisoned men make not enough efforts to build the positive and effective relationship with their children and families. The findings also show that for the individuals included within this study imprisonment had both positive and negative effects on how they identified as parents and consequently on the relationships they were able to maintain with their children. Most of the respondents identify themselves as “good fathers”, they do not see any problems in their behavior and decisions which provide them committing different crimes. The respondents find the resources of their problems in the social environment. They completely are not able to recognise the sources of their problems in their personalities. The second theoretical issue mentioned in this paper is connected with the attachment theory. It explains how the parent–child relationship emerges and influences subsequent development. The attachment relationship acts as a prototype for all future social relationships so disrupting it can have severe consequences. The respondents cannot build emotional relationships with their children because they experienced intense distress during their childhood.
Nurturing the leadership that matters in a time of uncertainty
Authors: Bezzina Christopher , Madalińska-Michalak Joanna
Published: September 2019

This paper aims to challenge school principals, teachers and teacher educators to seriously engage with concepts that are deemed central to educational improvement, namely positive leadership and authenticity. It is argued that when teachers as leaders work with and for others to build communities that are relevant and meaningful they can have an impact on collective growth. The paper adopts a different approach, one that encourages the reader to engage not only at the conceptual level but to move from in inward to an outward perspective. The intention being to get the reader to make personal decisions that can have an impact at the personal and collective level. It is argued that only in this way can change be brought about.
Reforma oświatowa a zadania dyrektora szkoły
Authors: Wasilewska-Kamińska Ewa , Marek Jerzy
Published: September 2019

“Management and leadership in education” conference took place at University of Warsaw in June 2018. During the conference there was a panel session whose theme focused on the issues of school management in the face of education reform carried out in Poland recently. The article is a record of educational and organisational problems faced by schools that underwent the reform. Thirteen problem areas are presented, for example, the scope of duties of the headmaster; student situation and parent situation with regard to transformation of schooling structure as well as school curriculum; relocation of teachers etc. Headmasters participating in the panel session represented different types of schools hence the comparison of public and private schools was made possible.
We Are Kenosha! A Grassroots Passive Program Fueled by an EJK Grant
Authors: Thompson Heather
Published: September 2019

Inspiration struck, as it usually does, during a conference presentation. Though the specifics of the presentation (which presenters, library, and even the conference itself) are lost to now-defunct electronics, I know that the idea for my Ezra Jack Keats (EJK) Mini-Grant proposal originated in that moment.
Análisis factorial confirmatorio y propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Desesperanza de Beck en estudiantes en contextos de pobreza en México
Authors: Quiñonez Tapia Francisco , Méndez Luevano Tanya Elizabeth , Castañeda-Camey Nicté
Published: September 2019

Abstract: Confirmatory factor analysis and psychometric properties of the Beck Hopelessness Scale in students in contexts of poverty in Mexico. Hopelessness predicts depression and suicide. In the world, suicide is the second cause of death in people between 15 and 29 years, and depression is the main cause of disability. The internal factorial structure, reliability and construct validity of the Hopelessness Scale were analyzed in upper secondary and higher education students in contexts of poverty in Mexico. 771 participants were evaluated. Reliability was examined with the coefficient omega, and validity with confirmatory factor analysis with the weighted least square mean and variance adjusted method. The value of omega was .89. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed an SRMR = .07, CFI = .95, TLI = .94, RMSEA = .05. The scale is valid and reliable for students in contexts of poverty in Mexico.Keywords: Reliability; validity; students; Beck Hopelessness Scale.Resumen: La desesperanza predice la depresión y el suicidio. En el mundo, el suicidio es la segunda causa de muerte en personas de 15 a 29 años, y la depresión es la principal causa de incapacidad. Se analizo la estructura factorial interna, fiabilidad y validez de constructo de la Escala de Desesperanza de Beck en estudiantes de educación media superior y superior en contextos de pobreza en México. 771 participantes fueron evaluados. Se examinó la fiabilidad con el coeficiente omega, y la validez con el análisis factorial confirmatorio con el método weighted least square mean and variance adjusted. El valor de omega fue de .89. El análisis factorial confirmatorio arrojó un SRMR = .07, CFI = .95, TLI = .94, RMSEA = .05. La escala es válida y fiable para los estudiantes en contextos de pobreza en México.Palabras clave: Fiabilidad; validez; estudiantes; Escala de Desesperanza de Beck.
Caracterização mineralógica de argilas moles presentes nos arredores da reserva natural de Guaratiba: zona oeste do município do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Silva Junior Flávio Vieira da , Marques Maria Esther Soares
Published: September 2019

A expansão desordenada dos grandes centros, bem como a falta de estudos mais aprofundados, acarretaram na crescente ocupação de áreas irregulares, assim como acontece hoje nas ultimas áreas de manguezais da reserva natural de Guaratiba. A argila mole, muito presente na costa brasileira, sempre proporciona um desafio, quanto à análise do seu comportamento, pois áreas próximas e com presença de espessuras consideráveis de argila mole, podem apresentar comportamentos geomecânicos distintos. Com a finalidade de constribuir para melhor compreensão do comportamento das arligas moles, bem como aprofundar os estudos nessas áreas de preservação, tão importantes para a manutenção do bioma local, o presente estudo aprofunda o conhecimento sobre a mineralogia dos solos da Zona Oeste do Rio de Janeiro. Foram realizados ensaios de difração de raio-x nas profundidades entre 4m e 6m, das  nove amostras analisadas, bem como ensaios de fluorescência de raios – x, com a finalidade de complementação da caracterização mineralógica da região em estudo. Todos os ensaios realizados, respeitaram o bioma local, visando a sua preservação. Uma variedade grande de argilominerais, bem como minerais não argilosos, quartzo, feldspato e poligorsquite, foram encontrados nas amostras. Do grupo dos argilominerais identificados, as Illitas, Caulinitas e Vermiculitas foram os argilominerais mais presente nas amostras, sendo a Illita o argilomineral que mais contribue para o comportamento do solo, pois apresenta mais que 25% do material constituinte do solo. A presença de argilominerais de baixa atividade, como Illita, Clorita, Caulinita e Mica, propicia o desenvolvimento de alta sensibilidade ao amolgamento, pois estão sujeitos à redução do limite de liquidez e da resistência amolgada sob alterações químicas no ambiente, como lixiviação e ação de agentes dispersantes.
Otimização do uso dos recursos hídricos na irrigação: estudo de caso no Açude Aracagi-Paraíba
Authors: Brito Virgínia da Costa , Santana Cícero Fellipe Diniz de , Medeiros Luísa Eduarda Lucena de , Santos Valterlin da Silva , Curi Wilson Fadlo
Published: September 2019

A agricultura irrigada consome cada dia mais água devido ao seu crescente uso para produção de alimentos. Os recursos hídricos estão disponíveis de forma irregular, variando de região para região. Essa característica se torna mais visível na região semiárida nordestina, onde a pluviosidade é baixa e irregular, dificultando o desenvolvimento agrícola. Dessa maneira, fica impraticável o uso da água de forma contínua e indefinida, sem um planejamento estratégico para a preservação da disponibilidade e qualidade hídrica. É possível estabelecer estratégias para uso adequado deste recurso na agricultura irrigada, avaliando a possibilidade de ferramentas que possam contribuir para o direcionamento de uma agricultura planejada otimizando os recursos naturais. Dentro deste contexto, este trabalho tem como objetivo otimizar o uso da água por meio da eficiência da aplicação desta na irrigação, proporcionando ganhos de produtividade sem comprometimento da disponibilidade deste recurso. O trabalho traz a avaliação do uso da água de um outorgado do reservatório de Araçagi, estado da Paraíba, Brasil, realizado em um ambiente EXCEL. A metodologia aplicada foi a Programação Linear na Otimização e os resultados obtidos mostram que a água disponibilizada é maior do que o consumo do produtor, sendo desta forma possível ampliar sua produção com esta disponibilidade hídrica ou minimizar a quantidade de água disponibilizada. Ainda é possível aferir que a água outorgada pode ser utilizada de forma mais eficiente, como também, o processo de disponibilização de outorga hídrica pode ser melhor avaliado pelo outorgante, visando uma segurança hídrica futura.
Avaliação da qualidade microbiológica e georreferenciamento de fontes hídricas utilizadas por moradores do município de Divinópolis (MG)
Authors: Parreira Adriano Guimaraes , Orlando Fabricio Máximo , Mourão Camila Castro
Published: September 2019

No município de Divinópolis (MG), muitos moradores têm-se utilizado de fontes hídricas, cujas informações relativas à qualidade da água são inexistentes ou encontram-se desatualizadas. Tal prática intensificou-se nos últimos meses de 2014, sobretudo em virtude do déficit pluviométrico observado na última estação chuvosa, com consequente desabastecimento em alguns pontos da cidade. Dentro deste contexto, o presente trabalho visou avaliar a qualidade microbiológica e aspectos físico químicos de amostras de água coletadas em 4 nascentes localizadas no município de Divinópolis (MG), e frequentemente utilizadas por moradores de seu entorno para consumo próprio sem quaisquer tipos de tratamento prévio ao consumo. Em duas das fontes analisadas, foram constatadas condições inadequadas para o consumo da água e cujos dados fogem aos parâmetros microbiológicos de potabilidade definidos pela legislação vigente. Comprovou-se, ainda, que a fervura trouxe bons resultados, sob o ponto de vista de redução de bactérias heterotróficas totais e eliminação do indicador microbiológico de contaminação fecal. Todas as fontes hídricas analisadas foram catalogadas e georreferenciadas e os dados disponibilizados em blog construído para tal. As informações levantadas foram repassadas à população por meio de reuniões com os moradores circunvizinhos às áreas estudadas, sendo o projeto considerado um piloto a ser desenvolvido em outras regiões da cidade.
Comparison of Oral Hygiene Attitudes, Awareness and Periodontal Parameters of Undergraduate Dental Students
Authors: LEKTEMUR ALPAN Aysan , PIRIM GORGUN Emine
Published: September 2019

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to compare the differences in self-reported oral
health attitudes and clinical measurements between dental students who enrolled
in or not enrolled in periodontology course in Turkey.

Material and Methods: A
total of 701 students were included in the study. Students asked 26 questions
including age, gender, smoking, oral hygiene habits and self-assessment
measures for periodontal status. Probing depth (PD)
clinical attachment level (CAL), presence of bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque
index (PI) and gingival index (GI) measurements performed. The Chi-square test was used for
categorical data and one way Anova post hoc Tukey test for ordinal level data.

Results: There were no differences between
grades in term of PD and CAL (p>0.05). Statistically significant difference
was in BOP value between 1st and 5th grade (p<0.05).
PI values of 1st grade were statistically higher than 3rd,
4th and 5th grades (p<0.05).  GI of 1st grade was statistically
higher than 4th and 5th grades (p<0.05). GI of 2nd
grade was statistically higher than 3rd, 4th and 5th
grades (p<0.05). Tooth brushing was not different between grades
(p>0.05). Interdental care ratios in grades significantly differ from each
other (p<0.05). According to students, they did not have any kind of
periodontal disease with high percentages above 88%.  4th and 5th grades had
periodontal treatment comparing the other grades (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Starting to
take periodontology course in dental faculties from the first year and
constitute a periodontal disease prevention program will be beneficial to
students in Turkey.
Ending the Code of Silence on Abductions of Aid Workers
Authors: Weissman Fabrice
Published: September 2019

This article discusses the policy of absolute secrecy on abductions adopted by aid organisations. It argues that the information blackout on past and current cases is to a large extent a function of the growing role of private security companies in the aid sector, which promote a ‘pay, don’t say’ policy as a default option, whatever the situation. The article contends that secrecy is as much an impediment to resolving current cases as it is to preventing and managing future ones. It suggests abandoning the policy of strict confidentiality in all circumstances – a policy that is as dangerous as it is easy to apply – in favour of a more nuanced and challenging approach determining how much to publicise ongoing and past cases for each audience, always keeping in mind the interests of current and potential hostages.
Interferon lambda 4 impacts the genetic diversity of hepatitis C virus
Authors: Ansari M Azim , Aranday-Cortes Elihu , Ip Camilla LC , da Silva Filipe Ana , Lau Siu Hin , Bamford Connor , Bonsall David , Trebes Amy , Piazza Paolo , Sreenu Vattipally , Cowton Vanessa M ,   STOP-HCV Consortium, Ball J , Barnes E , Burgess G , Cooke G , Dillon J , Foster G , Gore C , Guha N , Halford R , Holmes C , Hudson E , Hutchinson S , Irving W , Khakoo S , Klenerman P , Martin N , Mbisa T , McKeating J , McLauchlan J , Miners A , Murray A , Shaw P , Simmonds P , Smith S , Spencer C , Thomson E , Troke P , Vickerman P , Zitzmann N , Hudson Emma , Bowden Rory , Patel Arvind H , Foster Graham R , Irving William L , Agarwal Kosh , Thomson Emma C , Simmonds Peter , Klenerman Paul , Holmes Chris , Barnes Eleanor , Spencer Chris CA , McLauchlan John , Pedergnana Vincent
Published: September 2019

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a highly variable pathogen that frequently establishes chronic infection. This genetic variability is affected by the adaptive immune response but the contribution of other host factors is unclear. Here, we examined the role played by interferon lambda-4 (IFN-λ4) on HCV diversity; IFN-λ4 plays a crucial role in spontaneous clearance or establishment of chronicity following acute infection. We performed viral genome-wide association studies using human and viral data from 485 patients of white ancestry infected with HCV genotype 3a. We demonstrate that combinations of host genetic variants, which determine IFN-λ4 protein production and activity, influence amino acid variation across the viral polyprotein - not restricted to specific viral proteins or HLA restricted epitopes - and modulate viral load. We also observed an association with viral di-nucleotide proportions. These results support a direct role for IFN-λ4 in exerting selective pressure across the viral genome, possibly by a novel mechanism.
Parental vaccination to reduce measles immunity gaps in Italy
Authors: Marziano Valentina , Poletti Piero , Trentini Filippo , Melegaro Alessia , Ajelli Marco , Merler Stefano
Published: September 2019

High-income countries are experiencing measles reemergence as the result of suboptimal vaccine uptake and marked immunity gaps among adults. In 2017, the Italian Government introduced mandatory vaccination at school entry for ten infectious diseases, including measles. However, sustainable and effective vaccination strategies targeting adults are still lacking. We use a data-driven model of household demography to estimate the potential impact on future measles epidemiology of a novel immunization strategy, to be implemented on top of the 2017 regulation, which consists of offering measles vaccine to the parents of children who get vaccinated. Model simulations suggest that the current vaccination efforts in Italy would not be sufficient to interrupt measles transmission before 2045 because of the frequency of susceptible individuals between 17 and 44 years of age. The integration of the current policy with parental vaccination has the potential to reduce susceptible adults by 17–35%, increasing the chance of measles elimination before 2045 up to 78.9–96.5%.
A single H/ACA small nucleolar RNA mediates tumor suppression downstream of oncogenic RAS
Authors: McMahon Mary , Contreras Adrian , Holm Mikael , Uechi Tamayo , Forester Craig M , Pang Xiaming , Jackson Cody , Calvert Meredith E , Chen Bin , Quigley David A , Luk John M , Kelley R Kate , Gordan John D , Gill Ryan M , Blanchard Scott C , Ruggero Davide
Published: September 2019

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are a diverse group of non-coding RNAs that direct chemical modifications at specific residues on other RNA molecules, primarily on ribosomal RNA (rRNA). SnoRNAs are altered in several cancers; however, their role in cell homeostasis as well as in cellular transformation remains poorly explored. Here, we show that specific subsets of snoRNAs are differentially regulated during the earliest cellular response to oncogenic RASG12V expression. We describe a novel function for one H/ACA snoRNA, SNORA24, which guides two pseudouridine modifications within the small ribosomal subunit, in RAS-induced senescence in vivo. We find that in mouse models, loss of Snora24 cooperates with RASG12V to promote the development of liver cancer that closely resembles human steatohepatitic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). From a clinical perspective, we further show that human HCCs with low SNORA24 expression display increased lipid content and are associated with poor patient survival. We next asked whether ribosomes lacking SNORA24-guided pseudouridine modifications on 18S rRNA have alterations in their biophysical properties. Single-molecule Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) analyses revealed that these ribosomes exhibit perturbations in aminoacyl-transfer RNA (aa-tRNA) selection and altered pre-translocation ribosome complex dynamics. Furthermore, we find that HCC cells lacking SNORA24-guided pseudouridine modifications have increased translational miscoding and stop codon readthrough frequencies. These findings highlight a role for specific snoRNAs in safeguarding against oncogenic insult and demonstrate a functional link between H/ACA snoRNAs regulated by RAS and the biophysical properties of ribosomes in cancer.
Kombucha: a novel model system for cooperation and conflict in a complex multi-species microbial ecosystem
Authors: May Alexander , Narayanan Shrinath , Alcock Joe , Varsani Arvind , Maley Carlo , Aktipis Athena
Published: September 2019

Kombucha, a fermented tea beverage with an acidic and effervescent taste, is composed of a multispecies microbial ecosystem with complex interactions that are characterized by both cooperation and conflict. In kombucha, a complex community of bacteria and yeast initiates the fermentation of a starter tea (usually black or green tea with sugar), producing a biofilm that covers the liquid over several weeks. This happens through several fermentative phases that are characterized by cooperation and competition among the microbes within the kombucha solution. Yeast produce invertase as a public good that enables both yeast and bacteria to metabolize sugars. Bacteria produce a surface biofilm which may act as a public good providing protection from invaders, storage for resources, and greater access to oxygen for microbes embedded within it. The ethanol and acid produced during the fermentative process (by yeast and bacteria, respectively) may also help to protect the system from invasion by microbial competitors from the environment. Thus, kombucha can serve as a model system for addressing important questions about the evolution of cooperation and conflict in diverse multispecies systems. Further, it has the potential to be artificially selected to specialize it for particular human uses, including the development of antimicrobial ecosystems and novel materials. Finally, kombucha is easily-propagated, non-toxic, and inexpensive, making it an excellent system for scientific inquiry and citizen science.
Identification and evaluation ofLonicera japonicaflos introduced to the Hailuogou area based on ITS sequences and active compounds
Authors: He Haiyan , Zhang Dan , Gao Jianing , Andersen Theis Raaschou , Mou Zishen
Published: September 2019

Lonicera japonicaflos (LJF), the dried flower buds ofL. japonicaThunb., have been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years. Recent studies have reported that LJF has many medicinal properties because of its antioxidative, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. LJF is widely used in China in foods and healthcare products, and is contained in more than 30% of current traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. Because of this, many Chinese villages cultivate LJF instead of traditional crops due to its high commercial value in the herbal medicine market. Since 2005, the flower buds ofL. japonicaare the only original LJF parts considered according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China. However, for historical and commercial reasons, some closely related species ofLonicera Linn. continue to be mislabeled and used as LJF. Currently, there are hundreds of commercial varieties of LJF on the market and it is difficult to choose fine LJF varieties to cultivate. In this study, a total of 21 varieties labeled as LJF on the market were planted in the Hailuogou area. In order to choose the optimum variety, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence alignment analysis was used to test whether the 21 varieties were genuine LJF or not. Cluster analysis of active components based on the content of chlorogenic acid and luteoloside in flower buds, stems and leaves was used to evaluate the quality of the varieties. Results demonstrated that four of the varieties wereL. macranthoidesHand.-Mazz., while the other 17 varieties wereL. japonica, and genuine LJF. The ITS sequence analysis was proven to be highly effective in identifying LJF andLoniceraeflos. Among the 17L. japonicavarieties, the amounts of chlorogenic acid and luteoloside in flower buds, stems and leaves were significantly different. Based on the cluster analysis method, the variety H11 was observed to have the highest level of active components, and is therefore recommended for large-scale planting in the Hailuogou area.
Identification of Aloperine as an anti-apoptotic Bcl2 protein inhibitor in glioma cells
Authors: Xu Zhijie , Wang Xiang , Chen Xi , Zeng Shuangshuang , Qian Long , Wei Jie , Gong Zhicheng , Yan Yuanliang
Published: September 2019

Objective

Aloperine (ALO), an alkaloid isolated from the leaves of Sophora alopecuroides, has been suggested to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties and is traditionally used to treat various human diseases, including cancer. However, limited information is available about the mechanisms that determine the anti-tumor activities of ALO.

Methods

Herein, through comprehensive bioinformatics methods and in vitro functional analyses, we evaluated the detailed anti-tumor mechanisms of ALO.

Results

Using the databases Bioinformatics analysis tool for molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine and PubChem Project, we identified the potential targets of ALO. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed to determine the relationship among these probable targets. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that ALO is potentially involved in the induction of apoptosis. In addition, molecular docking demonstrated that ALO expectedly docks into the active pocket of the Bcl2 protein, suggesting Bcl2 as a direct target of ALO. Moreover, western blot and qPCR analysis showed that ALO downregulated Bcl2 expression in human glioma cell lines, SK-N-AS and U118. Using flow cytometry methods, we further confirmed that ALO significantly promotes apoptosis in SK-N-AS and U118 cell lines, similar to the effect induced by ABT-737, a well-known Bcl2 inhibitor. In addition, Bcl-2 overexpression could rescue ALO-induced Bcl-2 inhibition and suppress pro-apoptotic effects in glioma cells.

Conclusion

Taken together, these findings suggest that the natural agent ALO effectively enhances apoptosis by acting as a potential Bcl2 inhibitor in human glioma cells.
Determinants of Loan Repayment among Small-scale Cassava Farmers in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Kuye O. O. , Edem T. O.
Published: September 2019

This study investigated the determinants of loan repayment among small-scale cassava farmers in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Data were collected with structured questionnaire from 160 randomly selected farmers. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, multiple regression and likert scale. Results showed that males were dominant (56.6%) in cassava production and majority (37.5%) were between 41-50 years. About 50% had farm income of less than N100,000.00 while about 46.3% had less than N50,000.00 as their off-farm income. Also, the results found that majority (44.4%) obtained loans from informal sources. Factors  that significantly affected loan repayment include off-farm income and interest rate (p ≤ 0.05) and farm income (p ≤ 0.05). The major causes of loan diversion were seasonal activities  in the agricultural sector (66.9%) and inadequate sustainable income (65.6%) among others. The major constraints faced by the farmers in terms of loan repayment were high interest rate and short period of repayment among others. Government should encourage the formal loan sources to open branches in the rural areas for easy loan accessibility by farmers and to obtain loan with moderate interest rate.