bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Pavement Performance Models for Urban Road Management System
Authors: Kravcovas Igoris , Vaitkus Audrius , Kleizienė Rita
Published: August 2020

The key factors for effective pavement management system (PMS) are timely preservation and rehabilitation activities, which provide benefit in terms of drivers’ safety, comfort, budget and impact on the environment. In order to reasonably plan the preservation and rehabilitation activities, the pavement performance models are used. The pavement performance models are usually based on damage and distress observations of rural roads, and can be applied to forecast the performance of urban roads. However, the adjustment of the parameters related to traffic volume, speed and load, climate conditions, and maintenance has to be made before adding them to PMS for urban roads. The main objective of this study is to identify the performance indicators and to suggest pavement condition establishment methodology of urban roads in Vilnius. To achieve the objective, the distresses (rut depth and cracks), bearing capacity, and international roughness index (IRI) were measured for fifteen urban roads in service within a two-year period. The distresses, rut depth and IRI were collected with the Road Surface Tester (RST) and bearing capacity of pavement structures were measured with a Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD). The measured distresses were compared to the threshold values identified in the research. According to the measured data, the combined pavement condition indices using two methodologies were determined, as well as a global condition index for each road. The analysed roads were prioritized for maintenance and rehabilitation in respect to these criteria. Based on the research findings, the recommendations for further pavement condition monitoring and pavement performance model implementation to PMS were highlighted.
Caenorhabditis elegans nuclear RNAi factor SET-32 deposits the transgenerational histone modification, H3K23me3
Authors: Schwartz-Orbach Lianna , Zhang Chenzhen , Sidoli Simone , Amin Richa , Kaur Diljeet , Zhebrun Anna , Ni Julie , Gu Sam G
Published: August 2020

Nuclear RNAi provides a highly tractable system to study RNA-mediated chromatin changes and epigenetic inheritance. Recent studies have indicated that the regulation and function of nuclear RNAi-mediated heterochromatin are highly complex. Our knowledge of histone modifications and the corresponding histonemodifying enzymes involved in the system remains limited. In this study, we show that the heterochromatin mark, H3K23me3, is induced by nuclear RNAi at both exogenous and endogenous targets inC. elegans. In addition, dsRNA-induced H3K23me3 can persist for multiple generations after the dsRNA exposure has stopped. We demonstrate that the histone methyltransferase SET-32, methylates H3K23in vitro. Bothset-32and the germline nuclear RNAi Argonaute,hrde-1,are required for nuclear RNAi-induced H3K23me3in vivo. Our data poise H3K23me3 as an additional chromatin modification in the nuclear RNAi pathway and provides the field with a new target for uncovering the role of heterochromatin in transgenerational epigenetic silencing.
Hox-dependent coordination of mouse cardiac progenitor cell patterning and differentiation
Authors: Stefanovic Sonia , Laforest Brigitte , Desvignes Jean-Pierre , Lescroart Fabienne , Argiro Laurent , Maurel-Zaffran Corinne , Salgado David , Plaindoux Elise , De Bono Christopher , Pazur Kristijan , Théveniau-Ruissy Magali , Béroud Christophe , Puceat Michel , Gavalas Anthony , Kelly Robert G , Zaffran Stephane
Published: August 2020

Perturbation of addition of second heart field (SHF) cardiac progenitor cells to the poles of the heart tube results in congenital heart defects (CHD). The transcriptional programs and upstream regulatory events operating in different subpopulations of the SHF remain unclear. Here, we profile the transcriptome and chromatin accessibility of anterior and posterior SHF sub-populations at genome-wide levels and demonstrate that Hoxb1 negatively regulates differentiation in the posterior SHF. Spatial mis-expression ofHoxb1in the anterior SHF results in hypoplastic right ventricle. Activation ofHoxb1in embryonic stem cells arrests cardiac differentiation, whereasHoxb1-deficient mouse embryos display premature cardiac differentiation. Moreover, ectopic differentiation in the posterior SHF of embryos lacking bothHoxb1and its paralogHoxa1results in atrioventricular septal defects. Our results show that Hoxb1 plays a key role in patterning cardiac progenitor cells that contribute to both cardiac poles and provide new insights into the pathogenesis of CHD.
Mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis coordinates oxidative metabolism in mammalian mitochondria
Authors: Nowinski Sara M , Solmonson Ashley , Rusin Scott F , Maschek J Alan , Bensard Claire L , Fogarty Sarah , Jeong Mi-Young , Lettlova Sandra , Berg Jordan A , Morgan Jeffrey T , Ouyang Yeyun , Naylor Bradley C , Paulo Joao A , Funai Katsuhiko , Cox James E , Gygi Steven P , Winge Dennis R , DeBerardinis Ralph J , Rutter Jared
Published: August 2020

Cells harbor two systems for fatty acid synthesis, one in the cytoplasm (catalyzed by fatty acid synthase, FASN) and one in the mitochondria (mtFAS). In contrast to FASN, mtFAS is poorly characterized, especially in higher eukaryotes, with the major product(s), metabolic roles, and cellular function(s) being essentially unknown. Here we show that hypomorphic mtFAS mutant mouse skeletal myoblast cell lines display a severe loss of electron transport chain (ETC) complexes and exhibit compensatory metabolic activities including reductive carboxylation. This effect on ETC complexes appears to be independent of protein lipoylation, the best characterized function of mtFAS, as mutants lacking lipoylation have an intact ETC. Finally, mtFAS impairment blocks the differentiation of skeletal myoblasts in vitro. Together, these data suggest that ETC activity in mammals is profoundly controlled by mtFAS function, thereby connecting anabolic fatty acid synthesis with the oxidation of carbon fuels.
Global alignment and assessment of TRP channel transmembrane domain structures to explore functional mechanisms
Authors: Huffer Katherine E , Aleksandrova Antoniya A , Jara-Oseguera Andrés , Forrest Lucy R , Swartz Kenton J
Published: August 2020

The recent proliferation of published TRP channel structures provides a foundation for understanding the diverse functional properties of this important family of ion channel proteins. To facilitate mechanistic investigations, we constructed a structure-based alignment of the transmembrane domains of 120 TRP channel structures. Comparison of structures determined in the absence or presence of activating stimuli reveals similar constrictions in the central ion permeation pathway near the intracellular end of the S6 helices, pointing to a conserved cytoplasmic gate and suggesting that most available structures represent non-conducting states. Comparison of the ion selectivity filters toward the extracellular end of the pore supports existing hypotheses for mechanisms of ion selectivity. Also conserved to varying extents are hot spots for interactions with hydrophobic ligands, lipids and ions, as well as discrete alterations in helix conformations. This analysis therefore provides a framework for investigating the structural basis of TRP channel gating mechanisms and pharmacology, and, despite the large number of structures included, reveals the need for additional structural data and for more functional studies to establish the mechanistic basis of TRP channel function.
Discovery of a molecular glue promoting CDK12-DDB1 interaction to trigger cyclin K degradation
Authors: Lv Lu , Chen Peihao , Cao Longzhi , Li Yamei , Zeng Zhi , Cui Yue , Wu Qingcui , Li Jiaojiao , Wang Jian-Hua , Dong Meng-Qiu , Qi Xiangbing , Han Ting
Published: August 2020

Molecular-glue degraders mediate interactions between target proteins and components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system to cause selective protein degradation. Here, we report a new molecular glue HQ461 discovered by high-throughput screening. Using loss-of-function and gain-of-function genetic screening in human cancer cells followed by biochemical reconstitution, we show that HQ461 acts by promoting an interaction between CDK12 and DDB1-CUL4-RBX1 E3 ubiquitin ligase, leading to polyubiquitination and degradation of CDK12-interacting protein Cyclin K (CCNK). Degradation of CCNK mediated by HQ461 compromised CDK12 function, leading to reduced phosphorylation of a CDK12 substrate, downregulation of DNA damage response genes, and cell death. Structure-activity relationship analysis of HQ461 revealed the importance of a 5-methylthiazol-2-amine pharmacophore and resulted in an HQ461 derivate with improved potency. Our studies reveal a new molecular glue that recruits its target protein directly to DDB1 to bypass the requirement of a substrate-specific receptor, presenting a new strategy for targeted protein degradation.
CMG helicase disassembly is controlled by replication fork DNA, replisome components and a ubiquitin threshold
Authors: Deegan Tom D , Mukherjee Progya P , Fujisawa Ryo , Polo Rivera Cristian , Labib Karim
Published: August 2020

The eukaryotic replisome assembles around the CMG helicase, which stably associates with DNA replication forks throughout elongation. When replication terminates, CMG is ubiquitylated on its Mcm7 subunit and disassembled by the Cdc48/p97 ATPase. Until now, the regulation that restricts CMG ubiquitylation to termination was unknown, as was the mechanism of disassembly. By reconstituting these processes with purified budding yeast proteins, we show that ubiquitylation is tightly repressed throughout elongation by the Y-shaped DNA structure of replication forks. Termination removes the repressive DNA structure, whereupon long K48-linked ubiquitin chains are conjugated to CMG-Mcm7, dependent on multiple replisome components that bind to the ubiquitin ligase SCFDia2. This mechanism pushes CMG beyond a ‘5-ubiquitin threshold’ that is inherent to Cdc48, which specifically unfolds ubiquitylated Mcm7 and thereby disassembles CMG. These findings explain the exquisite regulation of CMG disassembly and provide a general model for the disassembly of ubiquitylated protein complexes by Cdc48.
Microbiome dynamics in the tissue and mucus of acroporid corals differ in relation to host and environmental parameters
Authors: Marchioro Giulia M. , Glasl Bettina , Engelen Aschwin H. , Serrão Ester A. , Bourne David G. , Webster Nicole S. , Frade Pedro R.
Published: August 2020

Corals are associated with diverse microbial assemblages; however, the spatial-temporal dynamics of intra-species microbial interactions are poorly understood. The coral-associated microbial community varies substantially between tissue and mucus microhabitats; however, the factors controlling the occurrence, abundance, and distribution of microbial taxa over time have rarely been explored for different coral compartments simultaneously. Here, we test (1) differentiation in microbiome diversity and composition between coral compartments (surface mucus and tissue) of twoAcroporahosts (A. tenuisandA. millepora) common along inshore reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as (2) the potential linkage between shifts in individual coral microbiome families and underlying host and environmental parameters. Amplicon based 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of 136 samples collected over 14 months, revealed significant differences in bacterial richness, diversity and community structure among mucus, tissue and the surrounding seawater. Seawater samples were dominated by members of the Synechococcaceae and Pelagibacteraceae bacterial families. The mucus microbiome ofAcroporaspp. was dominated by members of Flavobacteriaceae, Synechococcaceae and Rhodobacteraceae and the tissue was dominated by Endozoicimonaceae. Mucus microbiome in bothAcroporaspecies was primarily correlated with seawater parameters including levels of chlorophylla,ammonium, particulate organic carbon and the sum of nitrate and nitrite. In contrast, the correlation of the tissue microbiome to the measured environmental (i.e., seawater parameters) and host health physiological factors differed between host species, suggesting host-specific modulation of the tissue-associated microbiome to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Furthermore, the correlation between individual coral microbiome members and environmental factors provides novel insights into coral microbiome-by-environment dynamics and hence has potential implications for current reef restoration and management efforts (e.g. microbial monitoring and observatory programs).
Enterovirus infections in pediatric patients hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2015–2018
Authors: Rojjanadumrongkul Kitsakorn , Kumthip Kattareeya , Khamrin Pattara , Ukarapol Nuthapong , Ushijima Hiroshi , Maneekarn Niwat
Published: August 2020

Background

Infection with viruses especially rotavirus, norovirus, astrovirus, and adenovirus has been known to be a major cause of acute gastroenteritis in children under 5 years of age globally, particularly in developing countries. Also, some genotypes of enteroviruses (EVs) have been reported to be associated with gastroenteritis. This study is aimed to investigate the prevalence and genotype diversity of EV in children admitted to hospitals with acute gastroenteritis.

Methods

A total of 1,736 fecal specimens were collected from children hospitalized with diarrhea in Chiang Mai, Thailand from 2015 to 2018. All specimens were tested for the presence of EV by RT-PCR of the 5′ untranslated region. The genotypes of EV were further identified by nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the viral protein 1 (VP1) gene.

Results

EV was detected in 154 out of 1,736 specimens (8.9%) throughout the study period. The prevalence of EV detected in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 was 7.2%, 9.0%, 11.2%, and 8.6%, respectively. EV was detected all year round with a high prevalence during rainy season in Thailand. Overall, 37 genotypes of EV were identified in this study. Among these, coxsackievirus (CV)-A24 and CV-B5 (7.5% each), and EV-C96 (6.8%) were the common genotypes detected.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the prevalence, seasonal distribution, and genotype diversity of EV circulating in children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Chiang Mai, Thailand during the period 2015 to 2018.
Personality, cognition and behavior in chimpanzees: a new approach based on Eysenck’s model
Authors: Padrell Maria , Riba David , Úbeda Yulán , Amici Federica , Llorente Miquel
Published: August 2020

Personality has been linked to individual variation in interest and performance in cognitive tasks. Nevertheless, this relationship is still poorly understood and has rarely been considered in animal cognition research. Here, we investigated the association between personality and interest, motivation and task performance in 13 sanctuary chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) housed at Fundació Mona (Spain). Personality was assessed with a 12-item questionnaire based on Eysenck’s Psychoticism-Extraversion-Neuroticism model completed by familiar keepers and researchers. Additionally, personality ratings were compared to behavioral observations conducted over an 11-year period. Experimental tasks consisted in several puzzle boxes that needed to be manipulated in order to obtain a food reward. Dependent variables included participation (as an indicator of interest), success and latency (as measures of performance), and losing contact with the task (as an indicator of motivation). As predicted, we obtained significant correlations between Eysenck’s personality traits and observed behaviors, although some expected associations were absent. We then analyzed data using Generalized Linear Mixed Models, running a model for each dependent variable. In both sexes, lower Extraversion and lower Dominance were linked to a higher probability of success, but this effect was stronger in females. Furthermore, higher Neuropsychoticism predicted higher probability of success in females, but not in males. The probability of losing contact with the task was higher in young chimpanzees, and in those rated lower on Extraversion and higher on Dominance. Additionally, chimpanzees rated higher on Neuropsychoticism were also more likely to stop interacting with the task, but again this was more evident in females. Participation and latency were not linked to any personality trait. Our findings show that the PEN may be a good model to describe chimpanzee personality, and stress the importance of considering personality when interpreting the results of cognitive research in non-human primates.
Grit and chiropractic students' academic performance: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pulkkinen Elina A. , de la Ossa Pablo Perez
Published: August 2020

Objective

Previous investigations have studied the relationship between grit and academic performance, and it has been reported that grittier students perform better academically. The objectives of this study are to measure chiropractic students' grittiness and to explore the correlation between grit and academic performance.

Methods

We distributed the Short Grit Scale (Grit-S) questionnaire to chiropractic students in electronic form. We included questions about their previous grade point average and the number of times they had retaken examinations. We scored the overall Grit-S scale and the Consistency of Interest and Perseverance of Effort subscales. A 2-tailed t test and 1-way analysis of variance were used to determine differences between groups.

Results

The response rate was 87% (n = 110). The mean grit score (3.44 ± 0.60) was similar to the general population and slightly lower than other healthcare professionals. The students who had a grade point average between <80% but less than 90% obtained significantly higher grit scores compared to those who had a grade point average <60% but less than 70%. Similarly, students who had no examination retakes had higher grit scores compared to those who took 4 or more exam retakes. We observed these differences in the overall and subscales scores. No other group showed any difference.

Conclusion

The results of this research showed that the grittier students performed better academically than the less gritty students. Grit scores can potentially be used to identify the students at risk of failing or dropping out. The role and potential application of grit in chiropractic education, student support, and admission procedures should be further evaluated.
The Role of Administrative Staff in Student Relationship Management (SRM); A Tool for Quality Teacher Education
Authors: Lamptey Jane Naa Lankai , Umude Isa Mohammed , Atteh Evans
Published: August 2020

The preparation of pre-tertiary school teachers by colleges of education in Ghana is beset by varied challenges of quality. A lot of the products of the colleges are unable to measure up to desired standards of competence. It appears that efforts at promoting quality teacher education seem to centre mostly on enhancing the academic capabilities of teachers to enhancing students' capability to act as agents of their own learning. This article brings to the fore, the drivers of student-centred learning and how colleges of education can empower students as clients with absolute responsibility to drive their own learning. It clarifies the role of the administrative staff in the implementation of students’ relationship management and how their functions constitute the bedrock for effective teacher preparation.
E-recruitment: A Social Media Perspective
Authors: Hosain Md. Sajjad , Arefin Abu Hena Mohammad Manzurul , Hossin Md. Altab
Published: August 2020

Electronic recruitment (E-recruitment) has become a common phenomenon due to the increasing utilization of information technology by the human resource departments in many organizations around the world. However, recently, we can also observe the integration of social media as a part of e-recruitment although the practice is limited. This review paper aims at discussing the role of social media on e-recruitment process based on existing literature. Most of the previous studies indicate that social media is not being used as the main source of e-recruitment, rather as one of the secondary sources. Further, it has been revealed that such utilization of social media as complementary source is getting popular due to the inexpensive availability of information. The paper is expected to be beneficial for the scholars as a substantial literature evidence for reference as well as for human resource professionals for some practical guidelines (based on recommendations provided) regarding the utilization of social media information for e-recruitment.
Host Preference, Mode of Damage and Succession of Major Insect Pests of Brinjal
Authors: Nasif Saifullah Omar , Siddiquee Shafiquzzaman
Published: August 2020

Brinjal is one of the most popular solanaceous vegetables worldwide because of its nutritive and nutraceutical values. In recent decades, brinjal cultivation has been experiencing increased biotic and abiotic stresses due to the climate changes, which had affected the cultivation practices, growers’ profit and consumers’ choice to a larger extent. Amongst different insect pests, brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB) is the major one causing significant reduction in economic yield followed by epilachna beetle, aphid, jassid and whitefly. On the other hand, proper knowledge on nature of damage, host preference, and seasonal abundance of insect pests is a pre-requisite for development and deployment of an appropriate, effective and timely management strategy against the pests.  A pool of literatures on host preferences, damage pattern and succession of major insect pests of brinjal has been reviewed and presented in this paper.
Livelihood Security Determinants of the Organic Farm Household in Sikkim, India: Ordered Logistic Regression Approach
Authors: Chiphang Singyala , Singh Ram
Published: August 2020

Aims: The study employed ordered logistic regression to assess the determinants of livelihood security of the organic farm households in Sikkim (India).

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in three blocks of East Sikkim district (viz. Martam, Nangdok and Ranka) between January and December 2019.

Methodology: Multistage sampling technique was adopted for the study. Three blocks were selected and from each block 2 villages were selected at random. At the last stage 150 respondents were selected from 6 villages using random proportional sampling. Ordered logistic regression was applied to assess the determinants of the livelihood security.

Results: Landholding, distance to market and possession of livestock were the significant determinants of livelihood security for the organic farm households in Sikkim.

Conclusion: Livelihood security of the organic farm households in Sikkim was influenced significantly by the determinants like landholding, access to market and possession of livestock. Therefore, livestock rearing practices should be encouraged among the farmers and up to some extent livestock incentives must be given to the farmers of the region. Besides markets for organic products should be encouraged at block level respectively by the central or the state government so that farmer can access to their input and output easily.
Remediation of Crystal Violet Dye Aqueous Solution Using Agro Waste Based Activated Carbon: Equilibrium and Kinetics Studies
Authors: Okoye Chukwunonso Chukwuzuloke , Onukwuli Okechukwu Dominic , Onyesolu Chinenye Faith Okey- , Okafo Ifeoma Amaoge Obiora-
Published: August 2020

Remediation of crystal violet (CV) dye aqueous solution was attempted using acid activated raphia hookeri seeds (AARHS) as adsorbent. Adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of CV dye uptake onto AARHS were examined in series of experimental runs, and effects of contact time and initial CV dye concentrations were investigated at different solution temperatures (303 K, 313 K and 323 K). Equilibrium and kinetic data modeling of the adsorption process was performed using selected theoretical methods. Four different forms of Langmuir (type I, II, III and IV) and Freundlich isotherms were considered for fitting the equilibrium data while zero order, first order, pseudo-first order (PFO), second order, types I, II, III and IV pseudo-second order (PSO) and intra-particle diffusion models were selected to describe the kinetics of the adsorption process. Error functions including coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), chi square (χ2) and average relative error (ARE) were employed to reveal model of best fit. Results obtained from error value computations show that the equilibrium data best followed Freundlich isotherm, which indicates multilayer adsorption of CV dye onto AARHS. The calculated Freundlich’s adsorption intensity values at different temperatures reveal the favourability of the adsorption process. PSO type I, II and IV best fitted the kinetic data compared to other investigated models. Intra-particle diffusion plots depict that the adsorption process of CV dye onto AARHS is a two-step process and also, intra-particle diffusion is not the only rate-limiting step.
Antimicrobial Resistance Profile and Detection of Extended Spectrum and Amp C β-Lactamase Resistance Genes in Escherichia coli Isolated from Diarrheic Children in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Zakou A. , Nkene I. H. , Abimiku R. H. , Yahaya I. , Bassey B. E. , Ngwai Y. B.
Published: August 2020

Aims: This study evaluated the presence of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and AmpC β-lactamase resistance genes in E. coli from stool of diarrheic children in some hospitals in Lafia metropolis, Nigeria.

Methodology: A total of 70 stool samples of children were obtained from Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, M & D Hospital, Olivet Medical Centre and Sandaji Medical Centre, Lafia. Escherichia coli were isolated and identified using standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was tested using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) method. The phenotypic detection of ESBL and AmpC β-lactamase production in some antibiotic resistant isolates were carried out using disc method. The molecular detections of ESBL and AmpC resistance genes were carried out using Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR) method.

Results: Of the 70 samples, the occurrence of E. coli was 100%. The isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin (97.14%), ciprofloxacin (90.00%), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (84.29%), streptomycin (78.57%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (70.00%); moderate to gentamicin (38.57%), ceftazidime (37.14%) and cefotaxime (30.00%); and less resistant to cefoxitin (15.71%) and imipenem (8.57%). Twenty-one (30.00%) isolates were jointly resistant to both cefotaxime and ceftazidine. Of this number, 66.67% (14/21) were phenotypically confirmed ESBL producers; and the occurrences of ESBL resistance genes were: 7.14% (SHV), 42.86% (CTX-M) and 50.00% (TEM). Out of 11isolates resistant to cefoxitin, 4(36.36%) were phenotypically confirmed as AmpC β-lactamase producers; and the occurrence of AmpC genes were: 50.00% (CIT), 25.00% (FOX) and 25.00% (MOX).

Conclusion: The isolates were least resistant to imipenem and cefoxitin and highly resistant to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. TEM and CTX-M ESBL genes were more frequent than SHV. CIT AmpC gene was more frequent than FOX and MOX.
Bacteriological Analysis of Top Soil from an Electronic Waste Dumpsite in Port Harcourt Metropolis
Authors: Williams Janet Olufunmilayo , Ugboma C. J. , Ibiene Faith
Published: August 2020

Aim: To determine the bacterial and physicochemical analysis of topsoil from an electronic waste (e-waste) dumpsite within Port Harcourt metropolis using standard procedures.

Place and Duration of Study: The study area was Kaduna street, beside Fruit and Vegetable Garden Market, Mile l which is located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The coordinates are 4o47’57.5” N 7o00’02.7” E. The duration of study was between March and September, 2019.

Methodology: The waste disposed were mainly television sets, computer monitors, radio sets, stoves, laptops and central processing units. Soil samples were cleared off top debris, collected within 5cm of the top soil from four (4) different points of the dumpsite and a control was collected from area devoid of waste disposal, 20m away from the dumpsite. The five samples were kept in clean sterile polythene bags. Contamination observed from soil samples was attributed to the waste disposal. The total heterotrophic bacterial count was performed using l gram of soil from e-waste dumpsite in a 9-fold serial dilution using a spread plate method, in duplicates on dried nutrient agar plates and incubated at 30°C for 24hours. Centrimide agar plates were used to obtain Pseudomonas isolates and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours while MacConkey agar plates were used to isolate coliform bacteria, incubated at 0c for 48 hours. The physicochemical parameters were determined using standard methods.

Results: Seven (7) bacterial genera were isolated from the topsoil of the e-waste dumpsite and they were Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Kluyvera, Bacillus, Micrococcus, Chromobacterium and Pectobacteria species. Staphylococcus spp. had the highest percentage composition of 42.3% and Kluyvera spp, the lowest percentage composition of l.9% of bacterial isolates found in the topsoil of the electronic waste dumpsite. The total heterotrophic bacterial count ranged from l.30 x l06 to l.97 x l06 cfu/g, total coliform count was 3.05 x l03 to 7.98 x l03 cfu/g and total Pseudomonas count ranged from l.00 x l02   to 2.88 x l03 cfu/g with a significant difference at .05 probability level to the control samples. The temperature ranged from 27.67±0.580C to 28.00±l.000C with a control of 29.00±l.000C, pH value ranged from 6.33±0.58 with a control of 7.00±0.00. The pH values were lower than the control indicating that the soil was slightly acidic to neutral. Moisture content had 4% with a control of 2.7%, an organic matter of l7.33±0.58 with a control of 4.47±0.58.

Conclusion: The presence of the isolated organisms could cause public health risk or environmental hazard. Proper education and legislations on handling of e-waste in the society should be intensified to forestall waste related problems along the food chain.
Diálogos com a História da Educação Profissional no Brasil: permanências e contradições
Authors: Castro Mad Ana Desirée Ribeiro , Costa Claudia Borges Costa , Barbosa Sebastião Cláudio Barbosa
Published: August 2020

O presente trabalho versa sobre a História da Educação Profissional no Brasil e propõe desvelar as permanências e as contradições constituídas ao longo desse percurso histórico. Por um lado, a análise das permanências educativas traduz as construções e os desdobramentos que impediram e impedem a constituição da educação sob o ponto de vista emancipatório. Por outro, propõe a reflexão sobre as contradições que apontam para a possibilidade de uma formação que possui como marca a indissociabilidade entre teoria e prática, por meio da formação integrada.

 

Palavras Chaves: Educação Profissional; Permanência; Contradição.
Educação e reestruturação produtiva: neoliberalismo, pós-modernidade e o “aprender a aprender”
Authors: Barcellos Angelo Denis Fernando , Baptista de Medeiros Tanise
Published: August 2020

Este texto apresenta elementos para a compreensão do atual cenário educacional brasileiro, afirmando que há uma imbricação entre a base material produtivo atual, as políticas neoliberais e as concepções chamadas pós-modernas. Isso explicita-se através da chamada pedagogia do “aprender a aprender”, que opera no campo da educação um esvaziamento do indivíduo, não sendo mais necessário a socialização dos conhecimentos, mas uma formação baseada na adaptabilidade da classe trabalhadora à lógica do capital. Aponta-se assim para a necessidade da disputa por um outro projeto de educação e de sociedade.
A secundarização da Educação Física na reforma do ensino médio
Authors: Gomes Gabriel Vielmo , Souza Maristela Da Silva
Published: August 2020

O presente estudo objetiva analisar os impactos da Lei 13.415 e da Base Nacional Comum Curricular para o ensino público da Cultura Corporal. Sob a luz do Materialismo Histórico Dialético, realizamos o diálogo entre a conjuntura política e educacional e a Educação Física, relacionando-as com a organização/reorganização do capital.  Constatamos que as reformas educacionais direcionam novamente a escola para atender as demandas do mercado produtivo, e coloca a Educação Física na área das Linguagens, que resulta na perda de sua verdadeira identidade e de seu verdadeiro objeto de estudo, a Cultura Corporal, alterando assim, seu papel pedagógico no ambiente escolar. 
Resenha crítica do livro: O império do capital
Authors: Dias Junior Elson Moura
Published: August 2020

Em tempos – atravessados pela conjunção de uma crise do capital e uma crise pandêmica/sanitária - onde as assim chamadas disputas interimperialistas não respeitam nenhum tipo de trégua para recolher seus(suas) mortos(as) e cuidar de seus(suas) feridos(as), pelo contrário, aproveitam a conjuntura para acirra-las, abre-se mais um campo de possibilidades para aprofundamento do entendimento sobre a característica desta forma de imperialismo, a do capital. Especialmente se pensarmos na função dos Estados nacionais frente a um capitalismo global. É o que nos oferece Ellen Wood em sua obra “o Império do capital”
O naufrágio do Titanic: a vida das mulheres trabalhadoras em momentos de catástrofe
Authors: Oliveira Souza Ana Karen de
Published: August 2020

A condição particular das mulheres trabalhadoras, especialmente das mulheres negras, se tornaram ainda mais difíceis nesse momento catastrófico onde a crise política e econômica do capital determinam e são determinadas pela a crise sanitária da proporção da pandemia de COVID - 19. Nesse sentido o objetivo deste ensaio é trazer elementos para a análise das condições de trabalho e vida, principalmente das trabalhadoras da saúde, das trabalhadoras domésticas e daquelas que sofrem violências, a partir de elementos de uma leitura marxista da condição da mulher na sociedade capitalista e da teoria da determinação social do processo saúde - doença.
Correlation of clinical outcome, radiobiological modeling of tumor control, normal tissue complication probability in lung cancer patients treated with SBRT using Monte Carlo calculation algorithm
Authors: Sood Sumit S. , Pokhrel Damodar , Badkul Rajeev , TenNapel Mindi , McClinton Christopher , Kimler Bruce , Wang Fen
Published: August 2020

Purpose/Background

We analyzed the predictive value of non‐x‐ray voxel Monte Carlo (XVMC)‐based modeling of tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) in patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) using the XVMC dose calculation algorithm.

Materials/Methods

We conducted an IRB‐approved retrospective analysis in patients with lung tumors treated with XVMC‐based lung SBRT. For TCP, we utilized tumor size‐adjusted biological effective dose (s‐BED) TCP modeling validated in non‐MC dose calculated SBRT to: (1) verify modeling as a function of s‐BED in patients treated with XVMC‐based SBRT; and (2) evaluate the predictive potential of different PTV dosimetric parameters (mean dose, minimum dose, max dose, prescription dose, D95, D98, and D99) for incorporation into the TCP model. Correlation between observed local control and TCPs was assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficient. For NTCP, Lyman NTCP Model was utilized to predict grade 2 pneumonitis and rib fracture.

Results

Eighty‐four patients with 109 lung tumors were treated with XVMC‐based SBRT to total doses of 40 to 60 Gy in 3 to 5 fractions. Median follow‐up was 17 months. The 2‐year local and local‐regional control rates were 91% and and 78%, respectievly. All estimated TCPs correlated significantly with 2‐year actuarial local control rates (P < 0.05). Significant corelations between TCPs and tumor control rate according to PTV dosimetric parameters were observed. D99 parameterization demonstrated the most robust correlation between observed and predicted tumor control. The incidences of grade 2 pneumonitis and rib fracture vs. predicted were 1% vs. 3% and 10% vs. 13%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our TCP results using a XVMC‐based dose calculation algorithm are encouraging and yield validation to previously described TCP models using non‐XVMC dose methods. Furthermore, D99 as potential predictive parameter in the TCP model demonstrated better correlation with clinical outcome.
Processing of a Large‐Scale Microporous Group on Copper Foil Current Collectors for Lithium Batteries Using Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Li Quansheng , Sun Xiaofei , Zhao Wanqin , Hou Xiangguo , Zhang Yihua , Zhao Fei , Li Xindi , Mei Xuesong
Published: August 2020

Due to the thin thickness (≈8 μm) and soft nature of copper foil current collectors, it is extremely difficult to process large‐scale micro–nano holes on their surface. In this study, trepanning drilling of a copper foil current collector with a 1030 nm femtosecond laser system is investigated with emphasis on developing the processing technology of copper foil current collectors with different entry and exit sizes while maintaining good hole quality. The effects of laser parameters on the processing quality of copper foil current collectors are comprehensively studied. The relationship between geometric morphology and processing parameters as well as the formation mechanism is fully discussed. The smallest hole taper is found at a defocusing amount of −1.8 mm. Consequently, a group of holes with 250 000 micropores is obtained on a (2 cm × 2 cm) current collector, demonstrating the high efficiency and high quality of femtosecond laser‐based processing. Half‐cells with a modified current collector operate with a more stable response than half‐cells with unmodified copper foil at cycle performance and rate performance.
Mechanics Design in Cellulose‐Enabled High‐Performance Functional Materials
Authors: Ray Upamanyu , Zhu Shuze , Pang Zhenqian , Li Teng
Published: August 2020

The abundance of cellulose found in natural resources such as wood, and the wide spectrum of structural diversity of cellulose nanomaterials in the form of micro‐nano‐sized particles and fibers, have sparked a tremendous interest to utilize cellulose's intriguing mechanical properties in designing high‐performance functional materials, where cellulose's structure–mechanics relationships are pivotal. In this progress report, multiscale mechanics understanding of cellulose, including the key role of hydrogen bonding, the dependence of structural interfaces on the spatial hydrogen bond density, the effect of nanofiber size and orientation on the fracture toughness, are discussed along with recent development on enabling experimental design techniques such as structural alteration, manipulation of anisotropy, interface and topology engineering. Progress in these fronts renders cellulose a prospect of being effectuated in an array of emerging sustainable applications and being fabricated into high‐performance structural materials that are both strong and tough.
Imidazolium‐Functionalized Diacetylene Amphiphiles: Strike a Lighter and Wear Polaroid Glasses to Decipher the Secret Code
Authors: Choi Yu‐Jin , Park Seohee , Yoon Won‐Jin , Lim Seok‐In , Koo Jahyeon , Kang Dong‐Gue , Park Sungjune , Kim Namil , Jeong Kwang‐Un
Published: August 2020

The development of smart inks that change color and transparency in response to external stimuli is very important for various fields, from modern art to safety and anticounterfeiting technology. A uniaxially oriented diacetylene thin film on a macroscopic area is obtained by coating, self‐assembling and topochemical photopolymerizing of imidazolium‐functionalized diacetylenes (M‐DA and T‐DA) and 4,6‐decadiyne ink (70 wt%:20 wt%:10 wt%) exhibiting a lyotropic smectic A liquid‐crystalline phase at room temperature. The color and transparency of letters and symbols written with the DA‐based secret inks change reversibly from blue to red as well as from colorless transparent to black opaque depending on the temperature and polarization axis. A secret code written with thermoresponsive and polarization‐dependent secret inks consisting of imidazolium‐functionalized diacetylenes is successfully deciphered by wearing polaroid glasses and holding a burning torch.
In Situ Electrospinning Synthesis of N‐Doped C Nanofibers with Uniform Embedding of Mn Doped MFe1−xMnxPO4 (M = Li, Na) as a High Performance Cathode for Lithium/Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Wenyan , Xu Donghui , Chen Yuancheng , Tang Tang , Kuang Shaojie , Fu Haikuo , Zhou Wuyi , Yu Xiaoyuan
Published: August 2020

Using polyvinyl alcohol and N‐rich polyacrylonitrile as carbon sources, uniform MFe1–xMnxPO4 (M = Li, Na)/N‐doped C nanofibers are synthesized by sol–gel pretreatment and an electrospinning method followed by calcination. The as‐prepared nanofibers exhibit a 3D homogenous network with uniform distribution of MFe1−xMnxPO4 nanoparticles. The lattice distorts after Mn‐doping without altering the original crystalline structure, increasing conductivity and enhancing the efficiency of Li+/Na+ diffusion. When applied for lithium ion batteries, the optimized LiFe0.8Mn0.2PO4/C nanofibers deliver a considerable initial capacity of 169.9 mAh g−1 with coulombic efficiency of 92.4%. It also displays the excellent cycling stability with reversible capacity of 160 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.1 C and high rate performances with the specific capacity of 93 mAh g−1 at 5 C. Furthermore, NaFexMn1−xPO4/N‐doped C nanofibers are also synthesized by the same method for sodium‐ion batteries, which exhibit an initial capacity of 134 mAh g−1 and specific capacity of 106 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 90 mAh g−1 at 1 C after 200 cycles. Owing to the facile fabrication process, these nanofibers are promising cathodes for lithium/sodium ion batteries with excellent electrochemical performances.
Field Emission Characteristics of InSb Patterned Nanowires
Authors: Giubileo Filippo , Passacantando Maurizio , Urban Francesca , Grillo Alessandro , Iemmo Laura , Pelella Aniello , Goosney Curtis , LaPierre Ray , Di Bartolomeo Antonio
Published: August 2020

InSb nanowire arrays with different geometrical parameters, diameter and pitch, are fabricated by a top‐down etching process on Si(100) substrates. Field emission properties of InSb nanowires are investigated by using a nano‐manipulated tip anode inside of a scanning electron microscope. Stable field emission current is reported, with a maximum intensity extracted from a single nanowire of 1 µA, corresponding to a current density as high as 104 A cm−2. Stability and robustness of the nanowire is probed by monitoring field emission current for about 3 h. By tuning the cathode‐anode distance in the range 500–1300 nm, the field enhancement factor and the turn‐on field exhibit non‐monotonic dependence, with maximum enhancement β ≈ 78 and minimum turn‐on field EON ≈ 0.033 V nm−1 for a separation d = 900 nm. The reduction of pitch between nanowires and the increase of diameter cause the reduction of the field emission performance, with reduced field enhancement (β < 60) and increased turn‐on field (EON ≈ 0.050 V nm−1). Finally, finite element simulation of the electric field distribution in the system demonstrates that emission is limited to an effective area near the border of the nanowire top surface, with annular shape and maximum width of 10 nm.
A Stable Nitrogen‐centered Bis(imino)perylene Dimer‐based Diradicaloid
Authors: Xiao Zhanhui , Zeng Jian , Phan Hoa , Herng Tun Seng , Gopalakrishna Tullimilli Y. , Ding Jun , Zeng Wangdong , Wu Jishan
Published: August 2020

Carbon‐centered radicals are usually reactive and there are only few stable heteroatom‐centered organic radicals. Herein, we report a nitrogen‐centered bis(imino)perylene dimer based diradicaloid 2Per‐2 N, which has a large diradical character (y0=72%) but still shows reasonable stability due to kinetic blocking of the aminyl radical sites by the bulky and electron‐deficient 2,4,6‐trichlorophenyl groups and effective spin delocalization. It displays thermally populated paramagnetic activity with a moderate singlet‐triplet energy gap (ΔES–T=−3.55 kcal/mol). Compared with a fully fused bis(imino)quaterrylene analogue (QR‐2 N) which is a typical closed‐shell compound, 2Per‐2 N possesses a much larger diradical character mainly due to the steric repulsion between the neighboring perylene units in the rigid quinoidal form. 2Per‐2 N exhibits a much smaller energy gap and longer absorption wavelength compared with QR‐2 N. 2Per‐2 N represents a rare example of stable nitrogen‐centered diradicaloid with a large diradical character.
Ranging patterns of Japanese macaques in the coniferous forest of Yakushima: Home range shift and travel rate
Authors: Hanya Goro , Yoshihiro Shin‐ichi , Hayaishi Shuhei , Takahata Yukio
Published: August 2020

Ranging is one of the most important behavioral adaptations for coping with seasonally fluctuating food and thermal conditions. We studied the ranging patterns, in particular home range shift and travel rate of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) in the coniferous forest of Yakushima by tracking a group for 17 months. We also supplemented our data with records collected every August over a 5‐year annual census. The macaque group used the eastern part of their home range from May to September and the western part during the rest of the year. The eastern part of the home range was largely primary forest in the national park, and the altitude was higher than in the western part. When they used the western part, the macaques ate more herbs and fruits from small‐sized trees, the availability of which was higher in the logged forest. This east–west home range shift occurred repeatedly over multiple years. A neighboring group occupied the western part of the focal group's home range in summer, which the focal group did not use in that season. Both temperature and diet affected seasonal changes in the monthly average travel rate. Animals need more energy for thermoregulation when the temperature is low, so the macaques decreased their ranging efforts to save energy at times of low temperature. They increased their ranging distance to eat fungi, since their encounters with this food would increase with the total distance walked. They also increased their travel rate when eating flowers, which had lower food patch (tree) density than other foods such as fruits. The data supported the hypothesis that the macaques capitalize on habitat heterogeneity in a seasonally fluctuating habitat by shifting their home range and modifying their travel rate.