bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personal Shopper Systems in Last-Mile Logistics
Authors: van der Gaast Jelmer Pier , Arslan Alp Muzaffer
Published: November 2022

This paper explores the logistics operations of instant grocery delivery services. Therefore, we introduce the instant delivery problem (IDP) to replicate and examine two widely adopted strategies in the rapid delivery market: the personal shopper system (PSS) and the inventory owned delivery (IOD) system. In the PSS, couriers visit affiliated brick-and-mortar stores in the delivery area to pick up and purchase ordered products and then deliver them to customers. In the IOD system, couriers collect products from a single distribution center, or so-called dark store, in which the platform manages the inventory. Even though a PSS strategy is asset light because of the utilization of existing retailers in the area, maintaining a good level of on-time instant deliveries with the PSS is more complex than with IOD. This is because the PSS requires deciding which store to purchase ordered goods from, and picking and shopping at stores needs to be considered in the real-time decision process. We propose a tailored rolling horizon framework that utilizes column generation to browse updated delivery plans for arriving customer orders. Computational studies both in real life–inspired settings and in case studies on selected urban areas show that the PSS is a highly competitive strategy compared with IOD, particularly when dealing with small-sized customer orders. We observe that the performance of the PSS is robust when varying the delivery service time frame. The case studies also suggest that the PSS becomes even more competitive in areas where the retail store density is high.

History: This paper has been accepted for the Service Science Special Issue on Innovation in Transportation-Enabled Urban Services.

Funding: This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72150410444] to J.P. van der Gaast.

Supplemental Material: The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/serv.2022.0310 .
Constrained Local Search for Last-Mile Routing
Authors: Cook William , Held Stephan , Helsgaun Keld
Published: November 2022

Last-mile routing refers to the final step in a supply chain, delivering packages from a depot station to the homes of customers. At the level of a single van driver, the task is a traveling salesman problem. But the choice of route may be constrained by warehouse sorting operations, van-loading processes, driver preferences, and other considerations rather than a straightforward minimization of tour length. We propose a simple and efficient penalty-based local search algorithm for route optimization in the presence of such constraints, adopting a technique developed by Helsgaun to extend the Lin–Kernighan–Helsgaun algorithm for the traveling salesman problem to general vehicle routing problems. We apply his technique to handle combinations of constraints obtained from an analysis of historical routing data, enforcing properties that are desired in high-quality solutions. Our code is available under the open-source Massachusetts Institute of Technology license. An earlier version of the code received the $100,000 top prize in the Amazon Last Mile Routing Research Challenge organized in 2021.

History: This paper has been accepted for the Transportation Science Special Issue on Machine Learning Methods and Applications in Large-Scale Route Planning Problems.
Precise measurements of the low optical absorption coefficients of massive lithium triborate crystal boules with untreated facets formed during the growth process
Authors: Aloyan Georgii A. , Denisov Dmitriy A. , Grishchenko Ivan V. , Konyashkin Aleksey V. , Ryabushkin Oleg A.
Published: November 2022

A spatial
diagnostic of optical quality
of the massive lithium triborate crystal boule with untreated facets
was performed by measuring optical absorption coefficients at 1070 and
1908 nm wavelengths using the piezoelectric resonance laser
calorimetry technique.
Combined antifogging and antireflective double nanostructured coatings for LiDAR applications
Authors: Gärtner Anne , Sabbagh Ahmad , Schulz Ulrike , Rickelt Friedrich , Bingel Astrid , Wolleb Sabrina , Schröder Sven , Tünnermann Andreas
Published: November 2022

To increase the performance of optical systems, a good antireflective coating is required to ensure low reflectance and high transmittance of optical surfaces. Further problems, such as fogging that causes light scattering, negatively affect the image quality. This implies that other functional properties are also required. Presented here is a highly promising combination of an antireflective double nanostructure on top of an antifog coating with long-term stable properties, generated in a commercial plasma-ion-assisted coating chamber. It is demonstrated that the nanostructures do not affect the antifog properties and can be successfully used for many applications.
Core and spectrum allocation to achieve graceful degradation of inter-core crosstalk with generalized hierarchical core prioritization on space-division multiplexing elastic optical networks
Authors: Seki Yuya , Tanigawa Yosuke , Hirota Yusuke , Tode Hideki
Published: November 2022

Space-division multiplexing elastic optical networks (SDM-EONs) with multi-core fibers (MCFs) are expected to meet the exponentially increasing demand for traffic. However, it is inevitable that inter-core crosstalk (IC-XT) will hinder efforts to increase capacity. Thus, attempts have been made to leverage SDM-EONs by solving the route, modulation format, core, and spectrum assignment problems, but the effects of IC-XT still need to be mitigated. Existing methods such as XT-Aware first fit and core prioritization methods are insufficient for addressing this issue. In this paper, we propose generalized hierarchical core prioritization for the graceful degradation of IC-XT in core and spectrum allocation. Simulation results establish that our approach mitigates adverse influences from IC-XT and has high flexibility in network environments. This study shows that the dynamic resource allocation method, despite being heuristic and computationally inexpensive, can sufficiently reduce the blocking probabilities in any SDM-EONs with hexagonal MCFs.
Signal strength and integrated intensity in confocal and image scanning microscopy
Authors: Sheppard Colin J. R. , Castello Marco , Tortarolo Giorgio , Zunino Alessandro , Slenders Eli , Bianchini Paolo , Vicidomini Giuseppe , Diaspro Alberto
Published: November 2022

The properties of signal strength and integrated intensity in a scanned imaging system are reviewed. These properties are especially applied to confocal imaging systems, including image scanning microscopy. The integrated intensity, equal to the image of a uniform planar (sheet) object, rather than the peak of the point spread function, is a measure of the flux in an image. Analytic expressions are presented for the intensity in the detector plane for a uniform volume object, and for the resulting background. The variation in the integrated intensity with defocus for an offset point detector is presented. This axial fingerprint is independent of any pixel reassignment. The intensity in the detector plane is shown to contain the defocus information, and simple processing of the recorded data can improve optical sectioning and background rejection.
Bayesian homodyne and heterodyne tomography: erratum
Authors: Chapman Joseph C. , Lukens Joseph M. , Qi Bing , Pooser Raphael C. , Peters Nicholas A.
Published: November 2022

We correct typographical errors in Eq. (15) in [Opt. Express 30, 15184 (2022)10.1364/OE.456597]. These errors were not present in the actual formulas used to calculate the results of the paper, so all results remain unaffected.
Challenges of using modelling evidence in the visceral leishmaniasis elimination programme in India
Authors: Dial Natalie J. , Croft Simon L. , Chapman Lloyd A. C. , Terris-Prestholt Fern , Medley Graham F.
Published: November 2022

As India comes closer to the elimination of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) as a public health problem, surveillance efforts and elimination targets must be continuously revised and strengthened. Mathematical modelling is a compelling research discipline for informing policy and programme design in its capacity to project incidence across space and time, the likelihood of achieving benchmarks, and the impact of different interventions. To gauge the extent to which modelling informs policy in India, this qualitative analysis explores how and whether policy makers understand, value, and reference recently produced VL modelling research. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were carried out with both users- and producers- of VL modelling research, guided by a knowledge utilisation framework grounded in knowledge translation theory. Participants reported that barriers to knowledge utilisation include 1) scepticism that models accurately reflect transmission dynamics, 2) failure of modellers to apply their analyses to specific programme operations, and 3) lack of accountability in the process of translating knowledge to policy. Political trust and support are needed to translate knowledge into programme activities, and employment of a communication intermediary may be a necessary approach to improve this process.
Measuring patient centeredness with German language Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREM)–A systematic review and qualitative analysis according to COSMIN
Authors: Mihaljevic Andre L. , Doerr-Harim Colette , Kalkum Eva , Strunk Guido
Published: November 2022

Background

Patient centeredness is an integral part of the quality of care. Patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) are assumed to be an appropriate tool to assess patient-centredness. An evaluation of German-speaking PREMs is lacking.

Objective

To perform a systematic review and qualitative analysis of psychometric measurement qualities of German-language PREMs using for the first time a comprehensive framework of patient centredness.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in Medline, PsycInfo, CINHAL, Embase, Cochrane database (last search 9th November 2021) for studies describing generic, surgery- or cancer care-specific PREMs. All questionnaires that were developed in or translated into German were included. The content of the included PREMs was evaluated using a comprehensive framework of patient centredness covering 16 domains. Baseline data of all PREM studies were extracted by two independent reviewers. Psychometric measurement qualities of the PREMs were assessed using current COSMIN guidelines.

Results

After removal of duplicates 3,457 abstracts were screened, of which 3,345 were excluded. The remaining 112 articles contained 51 PREMs, of which 12 were either developed in (4 PREMs) or translated into German (8 PREMs). Eight PREMs were generic (NORPEQ, PPE-15, PEACS, HCAHPS, QPPS, DUQUE, PEQ-G, Schoenfelder et al.), 4 cancer care-specific (EORTC IN-PATSAT32, PSCC-G, Danish National Cancer Questionnaire, SCCC) and none was surgery-specific. None of the PREMs covered all domains of patient-centeredness. Overall rating of structural validity was adequate only for PEACS and HCAHPS. High ratings for internal consistency were given for NORPEQ, Schoenfelder et al., PSCC-G and the SCCC. Cross-cultural validity for translated questionnaires was adequate only for the PSCC-G, while reliability was adequately assessed only for the EORTC IN-PATSAT32. Due to a lack of measurement gold standard and minimal important change, criterion validity and measurement invariance could not be assessed for any of the PREMs.

Conclusion

This is the first systematic review using a comprehensive framework of patient centredness and shows that none of the included PREMs, even those translated from other languages into German, cover all aspects of patient centredness. Furthermore, all included PREMS show deficits in the results or evaluation of psychometric measurement properties. Nonetheless, based on the results, the EORTC IN-PATSAT32 and PSCC-G can be recommended for use in cancer patients in the German-language region, while the German versions of the HCAHPS, NORPEQ, PPE-15 and PEACS can be recommended as generic PREMs.

Trial Registration

Registration. PROSPERO CRD42021276827.
Protocol for a pre-post, mixed-methods feasibility study of the Brain Bootcamp behaviour change intervention to promote healthy brain ageing in older adults
Authors: Siette Joyce , Dodds Laura , Dawes Piers , Richards Deborah , Savage Greg , Strutt Paul , Ijaz Kiran , Johnco Carly , Wuthrich Viviana , Heger Irene , Deckers Kay , Köhler Sebastian , Armitage Christopher J.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Behaviour change interventions represent key means for supporting healthy ageing and reducing dementia risk yet brief, scalable behaviour change interventions targeting dementia risk reduction in older adults is currently lacking. Here we describe the aims and design of the three-month Brain Bootcamp initiative that seeks to target multiple dementia risk and protective factors (healthy eating, physical, social and cognitive inactivity), through the use of multiple behaviour change techniques, including goal-setting for behaviour, information about health consequences and physical prompts to change behaviours that reduce dementia risk among older adults. Our secondary aim is to understand participants’ views of dementia prevention and explore the acceptability and integration of this campaign into daily life.

Methods

Brain Bootcamp is a pre-post feasibility trial conducted in Sydney, Australia beginning in January 2021 until late August. Participants aged ≥65 years living independently in the community (n = 252), recruited through social media and flyers, will provide information about their demographics, medical history, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, mental health, physical activity, cognitive activity, and diet to generate a dementia risk profile at baseline and assess change therein at three-month follow-up. During the intervention, participants will receive a resource pack containing their individual risk profile, educational booklet on dementia risk factors and four physical items designed to prompt physical, social and mental activity, and better nutrition. Outcome measures include change in dementia risk scores, dementia awareness and motivation. A qualitative process evaluation will interview a sample of participants on the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention.

Discussion

This will be the first short-term multi-domain intervention targeting dementia risk reduction in older adults. Findings will generate a new evidence base on how to best support efforts targeting lifestyle changes and to identify ways to optimise acceptability and effectiveness towards brain health for older adults.

Trial registration number

ACTRN 381046(registered 17/02/2021); Pre-results.
Euphorbia tirucalli latex loaded polymer nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, in vitro release and in vivo antinociceptive action
Authors: Rodrigues Marina Lima , Gomes Anderson de Jesus , Funez Mani Indiana , Marques Mariane Aparecida da Silva , Lunardi Claure Nain
Published: November 2022

The encapsulation of drugs in micro and nanocarriers has helped to resolve mechanisms of cellular resistance and decrease drug side effects as well. In this study, poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) was used to encapsulate the Euphol active substance-containing latex from Euphorbia tirucalli (E-latex). The nanoparticles (NP) were prepared using the solvent evaporation method and the physical and chemical properties were evaluated using spectrophotometric techniques. FTIR was used to prove the formation of the ester bond between the E-latex and PLGA-NP. The UV-Vis spectroscopic technique was used to show that more than 75% of the latex was encapsulated; the same technique was used to determine the release profile of the compound at different pH values, as well as determining the speed with which the process occurs through kinetic models, and it was observed that the best adjustments occurred for the Korsmeyer-Peppas model and the Higuchi model. The DLS technique was used to determine the diameter of the particles produced as well as their zeta potential (ZP). The sizes of the particles varied from 497 to 764 nm, and it was observed that the increase in E-latex concentration causes a reduction in the diameter of the NP and an increase in the ZP (-1.44 to -22.7 mV), due to more functional groups from latex film being adsorbed to the NPs surfaces. The thermogravimetric experiments exhibit the glass transition temperatures (Tg) that is appropriate for the use of formulated NPs as a stable drug delivery device before use. The in vivo activity of E-NPs (30 and 100 mg/Kg/p.o.) was tested against carrageenan-induced mechanical hypernociception. The data demonstrated a significantly antinociceptive effect for E-NPs, suggesting that E-latex nanoencapsulation preserved its desired properties.
Construction of ultra-high-density genetic linkage map of a sorghum-sudangrass hybrid using whole genome resequencing
Authors: Lu Qianqian , Yu Xiaoxia , Wang Huiting , Yu Zhuo , Zhang Xia , Zhao Yaqi
Published: November 2022

The sorghum-sudangrass hybrid is a vital annual gramineous herbage. Few reports exist on its ultra-high-density genetic map. In this study, we sought to create an ultra-high-density genetic linkage map for this hybrid to strengthen its functional genomics research and genetic breeding. We used 150 sorghum-sudangrass hybrid F2individuals and their parents (scattered ear sorghum and red hull sudangrass) for high-throughput sequencing on the basis of whole genome resequencing. In total, 1,180.66 Gb of data were collected. After identification, filtration for integrity, and partial segregation, over 5,656 single nucleotide polymorphism markers of high quality were detected. An ultra-high-density genetic linkage map was constructed using these data. The markers covered approximately 2,192.84 cM of the map with average marker intervals of 0.39 cM. The length ranged from 115.39 cM to 264.04 cM for the 10 linkage groups. Currently, this represents the first genetic linkage map of this size, number of molecular markers, density, and coverage for sorghum-sudangrass hybrid. The findings of this study provide valuable genome-level information on species evolution and comparative genomics analysis and lay the foundation for further research on quantitative trait loci fine mapping and gene cloning and marker-assisted breeding of important traits in sorghum-sudangrass hybrids.
Interleukin-1β triggers matrix metalloprotease-3 expression through p65/RelA activation in melanoma cells
Authors: Nunomura Junichi , Nakano Rei , Naruke Atsuto , Suwabe Yoko , Nakano Masumi , Yachiku Naoya , Kuji Manami , Sugimura Mana , Namba Shinichi , Kitanaka Taku , Kitanaka Nanako , Sugiya Hiroshi , Nakayama Tomohiro
Published: November 2022

Melanoma shows highly aggressive behavior (i.e., local invasion and metastasis). Matrix metalloprotease-3 (MMP-3), a zinc-dependent endopeptidase, degrades several extracellular substrates and contributes to local invasion by creating a microenvironment suitable for tumor development. Here, we report that interleukin-1β (IL-1β) triggers the MMP-3 expression in canine melanoma cells. The activity of MMP-3 in the culture supernatant was increased in IL-1β-treated melanoma cells. IL-1β time- and dose-dependently provoked the mRNA expression of MMP-3. IL-1β induced the migration of melanoma cells; however, this migration was attenuated by UK356618, an MMP-3 inhibitor. When the cells were treated with the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor TPCA-1, the inhibition of MMP-3 expression was observed. In IL-1β-treated cells, the phosphorylation both of p65/RelA and p105 was detected, indicating NF-κB pathway activation. In p65/RelA-depleted melanoma cells, IL-1β-mediated mRNA expression of MMP-3 was inhibited, whereas this reduction was not observed in p105-depleted cells. These findings suggest that MMP-3 expression in melanoma cells is regulated through IL-1β-mediated p65/RelA activation, which is involved in melanoma cell migration.
Acclimation of sugar beet in morphological, physiological and BvAMT1.2 expression under low and high nitrogen supply
Authors: Li Jiajia , Li Wangsheng , Xu Lingqing , Wang Man , Zhou Wanting , Li Siqi , Tan Wenbo , Wang Qiuhong , Xing Wang , Liu Dali
Published: November 2022

Understanding the response and tolerance mechanisms of nitrogen (N) stress is essential for the taproot plant of sugar beet. Hence, in this study, low (0.5 and 3 mmol/L; N0.5 and N3), moderate (5 mmol/L; N5; control) and high (10 and 12 mmol/L; N10 and N12) N were imposed to sugar beet to comparatively investigate the growth and physiological changes, and expression pattern of the gene involving ammonia transporting at different seedling stages. The results showed that, different from N5 which could induce maximum biomass of beet seedlings, low N was more likely to inhibit the growth of beet seedlings than high N treatments. Morphological differences and adverse factors increased significantly with extension of stress time, but sugar beet seedlings displayed a variety of physical responses to different N concentrations to adapt to N abnormal. At 14 d, the chlorophyll content, leaf and root surface area, total dry weight and nitrogen content of seedlings treated with N0.5 decreased 15.83%, 53.65%, 73.94%, 78.08% and 24.88% respectively, compared with N12; however, the root shoot ratio increased significantly as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutamine synthetase (GS) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline content, especially in root. The expression of BvAMT1.2 was also regulated in an N concentration-dependent manner, and was mainly involved in the tolerance of beet leaves to N stress, which significantly positively correlated to GS activity on the basis of its high affinity to N. It can be deduced that the stored nutrients under low N could only maintain relatively stable root growth, and faced difficulty in being transported to the shoots. Sugar beet was relatively resilient to N0.5 stress according to the mean affiliation function analysis. These results provide a theoretical basis for the extensive cultivation of sugar beet in N-stressed soil.
Prevalence and correlates of pre-diabetes in adults of mixed ethnicities in the South African population: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sosibo Aubrey M. , Mzimela Nomusa C. , Ngubane Phikelelani S. , Khathi Andile
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Pre-diabetes is a metabolic condition characterised by moderate glycaemic dysregulation and is a frontline risk factor for multiple metabolic complications such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on generating a comprehensive pooling of studies reporting on pre-diabetes prevalence in South Africa. Therefore, the review’s purpose will be to screen and select reports that can be used to synthesise and provide the best estimate prevalence of pre-diabetes and its associated correlates in the South African population.

Methods and analysis

To determine the prevalence and correlates of pre-diabetes in South Africa, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, Google scholar and African Journal online for published or unpublished studies reporting the prevalence of pre-diabetes in South Africa starting from the year 2000 to 2020. Studies were assessed for eligibility by checking if they met the inclusion criteria.

Results & conclusion

The total number of studies deemed eligible is 13 and from these studies, an overall prevalence of pre-diabetes was reported to be 15,56% in the South African population. Hypertension, obesity and sedentary lifestyle were the common correlates recorded for the population of interest. Therefore, the review highlights the disturbingly high prevalence of pre-diabetes in South Africa and necessitates further investigations into the possible genetics, biochemical and hormonal changes in pre-diabetes.

Ethics and dissemination

The review will not require ethics clearance because non-identifiable data will be used. The review outcomes will give insight into the current burden that pre-diabetes has in South Africa.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020182430
Factors affecting mortality of hospitalized facial trauma patients in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al-Ali Mohamed A. , Alao David O. , Abu-Zidan Fikri M.
Published: November 2022

Background

Facial injuries affect one-third of severely injured patients. These injuries have devastating long-term negative impacts on quality of life. We aimed to study the epidemiology of facial injuries and factors affecting the mortality of hospitalized facial trauma patients in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates.

Methodology

This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from Al-Ain Hospital Trauma Registry. All patients with facial injury who were hospitalized for more than 24 hours or who died after arrival at the hospital during the period from January 2014 to December 2017 were studied. Two sample data analysis was used to compare patients who died and those who survived. Significant factors were then entered into a backward logistic regression model to define factors affecting mortality.

Results

408 patients having a mean age of 31.9 years were studied, 87.3% were males. The main mechanisms of injury were road traffic collisions (52.2%) and fall from height (11.3%). 289 (70.8%) patients had associated injuries which were mainly in the head and chest. The backward logistic regression model showed that the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was the only factor that predicted mortality, p<0.0001 with the best cut-off point of 7.5, having a sensitivity of 0.972 and a specificity of 0.8. The ROC had an area under the curve of 0.924.

Conclusion

The majority of facial injury patients in our setting are young males who were involved in road traffic collisions or falls from height. The most important factor predicting the mortality of these patients was the low GCS. Those having a GCS of 8 and more had a better chance of survival. This information is very important when counseling patients or their relatives for facial surgery.
Reflections of an Indian academic mother during COVID-19: An autoethnographic account
Authors: Mazumdar Ketoki
Published: November 2022

Motherhood during the COVID-19 pandemic has brought forward a host of parenting challenges to the forefront and crystallized the already existing invisible workload and stress on mothers. With the usual support system in the form of schools, day-care, extra-curricular activities all vanishing overnight since March 2020, the process of mothering has been affected with higher physical and emotional labour and a greater responsibility for managing care of the children and household while playing a multitude of roles – mother, partner, guardian, friend, employee and employer – ensuring everyone is safe! Unfortunately, the pandemic has adversely affected professionally employed mothers around the world, often making them rethink their careers with the increase in overall workload and juggling the demands of work and childcare and household chores. This chapter is an endeavour using an autoethnographic method towards understanding the lived experiences of performing motherhood through the eyes of an Indian academic mother. As an academic mother, there have been challenges towards dedicatedly engaging with teaching online, learning, research and publishing, and productivity demands while actively mothering a young child and making sure the house runs like clockwork, all played out in the unfamiliar ground of pandemic survival. Even though there have been advances made in the current Indian sociocultural landscape, there are still tropes of patriarchy present within the system, which further exacerbates the mothering challenges. Using a social-constructionist lens, this personal account will present a slice of change within the traditional Indian family system through the lens of gender equality – equal parenting and shared responsibility within the household. Along with this, how building elements of self-compassion and mindfulness practices in the author’s daily routine aided in skilfully manoeuvring the grips of COVID-19 fatigue will also be presented. I hope this personal narrative will extend support to fellow Indian academic mothers towards advocating for more structural changes both within themselves, while highlighting the need for self-care and grace as well as within their homes towards a more balanced and shared responsibility of performing motherhood through the pandemic.
In vitro phytochemical analysis and antibacterial and antifungal efficacy assessment of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Rumex nervosus leaves against selected bacteria and fungi
Authors: Al-Garadi Maged A. , Qaid Mohammed M. , Alqhtani Abdulmohsen H. , Pokoo-Aikins Anthony , Al-Mufarrej Saud I.
Published: November 2022

Background and Aim: Scientists are interested in identifying natural antibiotic substitutes that are effective against drug-resistant pathogenic microbes and spoilage fungi to counter pathogens and reduce the major public health problem of antibiotic residues in animal products. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Rumex nervosus leaves (RNL) as a medicinal herb against four bacterial and two fungal strains using absolute ethanol, 50% ethanol, and aqueous extracts. Materials and Methods: The antimicrobial activities of various RNL extracts against selected microbes were evaluated using the disk diffusion antibiotic susceptibility test, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), minimum fungicidal concentrations, and the poisoned food technique. Results: The absolute ethanol RNL extract showed the best bacteriostatic/bactericidal activity against Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC/MBC: 0.20/0.40, 0.20/0.40, and 0.32/0.65 mg/mL, respectively). The diameter of the zone of inhibition was larger (p < 0.05) for the 100% ethanol RNL extract (8.17 mm) against Salmonella Typhimurium, the 50% ethanol-RNL extract (11.5 mm) against E. coli, and the aqueous RNL extract (14.0 mm) against S. aureus than for any other bacterial isolate. The aqueous RNL extract strongly (p < 0.0001) inhibited the mycelial growth of Aspergillus fumigatus (100%) and Aspergillus niger (81.4%) compared with the control. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that RNL is a promising new natural antimicrobial agent for food preservation. To date, most research on the antimicrobial properties of natural herbs has been conducted in vitro, with few exceptions in vivo and intervention-based research.
Association of natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 polymorphisms with Salmonella fecal shedding and hematological traits in pigs
Authors: Suwannawong Nattariga , Thumarat Uschara , Phongphanich Pitchayanipa
Published: November 2022

Background and Aim: Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 encoding gene (Nramp1) plays a role in immune response and disease resistance. This study aimed to investigate the polymorphisms of Nramp1 intron 6 concerning Salmonella shedding and hematological traits in pigs.

Materials and Methods: A total of 40 commercial pigs (three-way Large White x Landrace x Duroc cross) were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method and analyze the relationship between the polymorphisms of the Nramp1 gene and Salmonella fecal shedding and hematological parameters.

Results: Nramp1 was shown to be polymorphic in these pigs. The Nramp1 gene has two alleles (A and B) and two genotypes (AB and BB). The BB genotype had a higher frequency than the AB genotype. A significant relationship between the BB genotype and the number of Salmonella in feces compared to the AB genotype (p < 0.05) on 7 days post-inoculation (DPI) was revealed in the association analysis. The single-nucleotide polymorphism at intron 6 in the Nramp1 gene was linked to white and red blood cells 2 and 7 DPI (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The Nramp1 gene was suggested by these findings to be potentially used as a molecular marker for the genetic selection of disease susceptibility in pig breeding.
Belowground carbon dynamics in Scots pine stands
Authors:   University of Helsinki, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Forest Sciences, Ryht Kira
Published: November 2022

Boreal forest soils are globally one of the most extensive carbon storages, whereas soil respiration (CO2 efflux) forms the largest carbon flux from the ecosystem to the atmosphere. Current changes in the world climate may have unpredictable effects on belowground carbon processes, and thereby, on the carbon balance of boreal forests. To better understand the various processes in soil and to quantify the potential changes in the carbon cycle, forest-floor respiration (RFF) was partitioned into five different components, and tree-root respiration (RR) was estimated, using four different methods in a mature boreal Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stand in southern Finland. Non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations in tree roots were determined, and carbon allocation to belowground by trees was estimated with the whole-tree carbon model ‘CASSIA’. In addition, RR and heterotrophic soil respiration (RH) were separated using root exclusion in seven coniferous forests along a latitudinal gradient in Northern and Central Europe. The RR comprised almost half of the RFF, the RH almost a third, and ground vegetation and respiration of mycorrhizal hyphae the remaining fifth in the boreal Scots pine stand. While the annual RR decreased throughout the first three study years, the RH increased when the mycorrhizal roots were excluded from the treatments. The RR and most of the NSC concentrations were higher in the warmer years and lower in the cooler, as estimated with most of the methods. Three methods resulted in rather similar RR estimations, while the RR estimated with root incubation was significantly lower. The RR was over 50% of the annual photosynthesis in the northernmost forest stand, whereas in the southernmost stand it was only up to 15%. Carbon allocation to the belowground, as modelled with CASSIA was a third of the annual photosynthesis on average and almost 5% for the symbiotic mycorrhizae.
Effect Of Social Media On Students' Academic Performance In Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
Authors: Munang Micah Godwin
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT

Social media is a web-based service that gives individual the opportunity to create either a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system, furthermore it’s add a list of others with which they share a connection, view their list of connections and those made within the system. Therefore, this study is aim at examining the impact of use of social networking on students’ academic performance in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. In other to measure social media platforms a questionnaire was developed based on past literatures. The independent variables includes: time appropriateness, time duration, Nature of Usage and type of social networking, while the dependent variable is student CGPA. The sample of 130 students from Department of computer science was selected using convenient sampling method. The data collected was analyzed using description means python programming. Thus considering the abnormal use of Social networking platforms by students, it is expedient that Ahmadu Bello University educate their students to positively use these platforms for educational purposes which will eventually result in a positive impact on their academic performance.
Comparative Analysis Of Phytochemical Constitutents Of Ethanolic Extract Of Leaves Of Polyherbal Mix (GOV)
Authors: N Adela , I Idem
Published: November 2022

A phytochemical screening was carried out on the ethanolic leaf extracts of Gongronema latifolium, Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina. Various combinations of the leaves were obtained. 50g each of Gongronema latifolium, Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina (GOV), 50g each of Gongronema latifolium and Ocimum gratissimum (GO), 50g each of Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina (OV), and also 50g each of Gongronema latifolium and Vernonia amygdalina (GV). Standard method of phytochemical screening was followed. The result of the phytochemical screening revealed that only saponin was present (+++) in all the combinations. Deoxy sugar was present in OV (+++), GOV (+), GV (++) and absent in GO (-). Terpenes was present in only GO (+++) and GV (++), while steroids was present in only OV (+) and GOV (+). Anthraquinones and cardiac glycoside were absent (-) in all the combinations. Absence of phytochemical when combined could be as a result of a particular bioactive compound masking the presence of another. It could also be that a particular phytochemical must have undergone chemical reaction that reduces the concentration of another phytochemical.
Benue Agricultural Freelancing System (BAFS) Design Project
Authors: Aneke Jude , Verkyav Peter
Published: November 2022

This study aims to produce a web base freelancing system that will help the Benue farmers to showcase their products to a wider number of buyers. This system is set up temporary using wildfly server, but will be deployed in the web server shortly to be accessed by the freelancers and buyers. The Object-Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD) methodology was used in the analysis and design of the Benue Agricultural Freelancing System (BAFS) project. This project will help farmers showcase their products to the world where prospective buyers from across the globe can request contact for onward transaction.

Keyword: Benue Agricultural Freelancing System, Freelancing system design, Freelancing Management System, Farmers Showcase System, Agricultural Product Buyers
Nutrient Profiles and Fungi Associated with Post Harvest Deterioration of storage Paddy and Rice in Benue State Makurdi
Authors: Imo Aondoakura Gabriel
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTRice is a staple food for over half the world’s population with about 486.62 million metric tons of rice consumed worldwide between 2018 and 2019. A total number of 30 samples (n=30; 3 control, 27 test samples) were collected from three locations: Kwande, Makurdi and Otukpo. Samples were analyzed using microbiological (fungal culture, macro and microscopy) and chemistry (Ultra Violet Spectrophotometer and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) techniques. Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifera, Bipolaris sp were isolated and identified using standard identification charts. Ultra Violet Spectrophotometry and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry established the presence of Vitamin A (60907 (g/100g; 181349 (g/100g) and Vitamin C (0.14 (g/100g; 0.176 (g/100g), and Zinc (0.186 mg/l; 0.510 mg/l) and Copper (-0.014 mg/l; -0.017 mg/l) respectively. Vitamin A and C contents were significantly higher in stored paddy rice than freshly harvested; similarly, for Zinc (P˂0.05). Copper however did not show any significant difference (P>0.05). Stored paddy rice has higher nutrient content when compared to freshly harvested and this may be as a result of the loss in water content however storage conditions may be attributed to fungal contamination. Rice should be stored before processing for consumption since the concentration of its nutrients is higher in stored than freshly harvested rice. Appropriate storage facilities and conditions should be put in place to reduce fungi contamination thus prevent deterioration.
Ethnomedicinal Survey of plants used in the treatment and management of Diabetes in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
Authors: Saaondo Terkuma , Olalekan Olasan
Published: November 2022

An ethno botanical survey of medicinal plants used for the treatment and management of diabetes in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria was carried out. Data were obtained by oral interview conducted in English and Tiv langueges and thirty (30) structured questions were administered to thirty respondents made of local herb sellers, herbalists (Tradomedicinal practitioners) who are experience practitioners. A total of 27 plant species were collected from the survey belonging to 24 different families. they were claimed to be useful in the treatment and management of diabetes. The most frequent among them were
Moringa oleifera (16.33%),
Vernomia amygdalina (10.20%),
Cocus nucifera (8.16%),
Ocinum gratissium (6.12%)
and Picralima nitida (6.12%).

Herbal preparation could be made from either dried or freshly collected plants while water was basically used as the solvent for extraction. Among the respondents method of extraction was boiling, cold and hot water extraction while some were taken in powered form. The part of the plants basically used were leaves, bark of fruit like in
Cocos nucifera (coconut), seed, branches or stem, bulb, tuber, rhizoid, fronds and roots. Resident of the study found traditional medicine cheaper and more effective than orthodox medicines.
Erotismo feminista en España 1910-2015: Del dildo de la Chelito al posporno de De La Puríssima
Authors: Anastasio Pepa
Published: November 2022

En su reciente libro sobre las culturas del erotismo en la España del cambio del siglo XIX al XX, Maite Zubiaurre defiende la idea de que el erotismo desmantela la asentada teoría de las dos Españas, la liberal y la conservadora, y apunta a una tercera España “audaz y distinta” (13-14). Desde mi punto de vista, la performance del erotismo se asienta, precisamente, en el reconocimiento de la capacidad de la mujer para el placer. Encarnada principalmente en los cuerpos de las cupletistas sicalípticas, esa capacidad para el goce habría de negarse de manera trágica y definitiva con la instauración del nacionalcatolicismo franquista. Sin embargo, la espectacularización del cuerpo de la mujer, su relación con el erotismo, y las prácticas culturales que rodean a esos procesos, han dado lugar a la creación de subjetividades que deben ser entendidas desde la relación que se establece entre el cuerpo y los códigos que lo hacen visible. Este ensayo propone establecer una genealogía entre distintas generaciones de mujeres en el espectáculo. Me detendré en tres momentos: las cupletistas sicalípticas, representadas por La Chelito (1885-1959); las protagonistas del “destape” (a través de la lectura de la novela de Marta Sanz, Daniela Astor y la caja negra, de 2013), y la performance de la artista contemporánea Julia de Castro, De la Puríssima. A través de estos textos intento identificar los esfuerzos por controlar y disciplinar el cuerpo destapado/cuerpo gozador de la mujer, y, sobre todo, señalar líneas de escape a esos esfuerzos disciplinarios.
Cristina Rivera Garza: escribir en la frontera en tiempos de guerra
Authors: Estrada Oswaldo
Published: November 2022

En este ensayo Oswaldo Estrada analiza la mirada crítica de Cristina Rivera Garza con respecto a la frontera entre México y los Estados Unidos. Tomando en cuenta varios de sus ensayos, incluidos en las colecciones Dolerse. Textos desde un país herido (2011) y Los muertos indóciles. Necroescrituras y desapropiación (2013), así como diversos textos escritos en reacción a las recientes elecciones presidenciales en los Estados Unidos, el crítico estudia la manera comprometida en que la autora registra el pesar de los migrantes, la agonía de los que parten al Norte y los que se quedan en el Sur, los conflictos que surgen del contacto incómodo entre una primera lengua y otra segunda lengua de adopción, así como el acto político de escribir en español desde un lugar donde este idioma carece de Estado. Hacer esto, asegura el crítico, es comportarse como una verdadera intelectual que trabaja con una serie de limitaciones, dentro de un orden establecido, abriendo grietas, creando fisuras que poco tienen que ver con el deseo de agradar a muchos y mucho, en cambio, con una consigna personal, la de ejercer la crítica con una lucidez insobornable. Si bien la obra entera de Rivera Garza es un cruce de fronteras, Estrada ofrece esta lectura de la autora mexicana en respuesta a la actual situación política de los Estados Unidos, saturada por discursos oficiales que promueven el odio y la discriminación, el miedo al otro, el racismo y la misoginia.
Of Bacteria, Scientists, and Women: Ramón y Cajal’s “El pesimista corregido”
Authors: Comparone Loredana
Published: November 2022

Written in the final years of the nineteenth century and published in 1905, Santiago Ramón y Cajal’s Cuentos de vacaciones provide wide-ranging reflections on the cultural import of science and the social ramifications of new scientific discoveries. “El pesimista corregido,” the story discussed in this article, mixes the conventions of nineteenth-century realism with science fiction as it explores the possible pitfalls of a slavish commitment to scientific instruments that promise miraculously enhanced vision—in the story’s case, the microscope. Influenced by Lorraine Daston’s notion of “the moral economy of science,” Comparone delves into an aspect of this story that has been ignored until now: the role of gender and gender relations in the context of scientific hubris. Taking into account the epistemic ramifications of magnification, this article examines the narrator’s view of gender, marriage and fatherhood, claiming that these views are difficult to dissentangle from the author’s view of scientific objectivity. As Comparone notes, Ramón y Cajal, himself a Nobel Prize Winner in Physiology, has a surprisingly ambivalent view of his obsessive scientist protagonist. The article further argues that a preoccupation with aesthetics plays a role in the story’s treatment of the issues raised when science becomes so infatuated, or horrified, with the cellular level that it loses sight of the living organism.
Animals Organs Pathological Changes of Heavy Metals Toxicity
Authors: Ahmad Riza Zainuddin , Tiffarent Rida , Sugiartanti Dianita Dwi , Wahyuwardani Sutiastuti
Published: November 2022

Heavy metal toxicity in livestock animals will affect and damage the body organs. The animals that are exposed to heavy metal residues will suffer pain and experience pathological changes in body organs that support the metabolic function of the body's work. Some organs lead to the specific diagnosis of specific contaminating heavy metals. Examination of pathological changes in the body of animals will help a lot in diagnosing, handling animals that are exposed to certain heavy metal toxicity. The respiratory tract, digestive tract and reproductive tract in animals can direct the detection of the effects of toxicity of certain heavy metal. Organs that experience pathological changes can also to help diagnose contamination due to certain heavy metals. The purpose of this writing is to help adding the knowledge of pathological changes regarding heavy metal toxicity Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Cooper (Cu), Mercury (Hg), Mangan (Mn) and Lead (Pb), in the organs of animals.