bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Over de kunst van het verdwijnen. Reflectie op twee masterclasses van Lucas Vandervost / On the art of disappearing: Reflections on two Masterclasses by Lucas Vandervost
Authors: Lambert Rosa
Published: November 2019

In het najaar van 2018 gaf Lucas Vandervost twee masterclasses die inkijk gaven in zijn eigenwijze omgang met tekst(zegging) in het theater. De eerste vond plaats in Theater Malpertuis in Tielt, de volgende in het Koninklijk Conservatorium van Antwerpen. De deelnemers kwamen er op een unieke manier in aanraking met zijn methode en technieken. Dit artikel blikt terug op die masterclasses en licht Lucas’ principes van tekst en theatraliteit toe.
Symbolisme en het kunstlied in België (1884 – 1950). Een nieuwe esthetiek voor muziek op symbolistische gedichten / Symbolism and the art song in Belgium (1884 – 1950): A new aesthetics for music accompanying symbolist poetry
Authors: Lebbe Pauline
Published: November 2019

In de periode tussen de jaren 80 van de negentiende eeuw en de Tweede Wereldoorlog was België een belangrijk internationaal kunstcentrum. In het bijzonder vond de symbolistische stroming er toen vruchtbare grond. Wereldwijd erkent men de hoge kwaliteit van de Belgische symbolistische literatuur en schilderkunst, maar ook in de muziek speelde het symbolistische gedachtegoed een belangrijke rol. In dit artikel bespreekt Pauline Lebbe het repertorium aan liederen van Belgische componisten, gecomponeerd op teksten van Belgische symbolistische auteurs. Ze heeft daarbij aandacht voor de creatieve werkomgeving van de muzikanten. De nauwe samenwerking tussen kunstenaars, kunstcritici en -theoretici en de organisatoren van concerten en muziekverenigingen vormt een belangrijk maar weinig onderzochte context van die muziek. Het corpus aan liederen blijkt verrassend verfijnd en origineel.
Electoral Activism in Iran: A Mechanism for Political Change
Authors: Kadivar Mohammad Ali , Abedini Vahid
Published: November 2019

Scholars of electoral authoritarianism contend that elections make autocratic regimes more durable, while scholarship on democratization states that authoritarian elections can lead to electoral revolutions and regime change. In this article, we argue that these two lenses occlude smaller
instances of activism during election periods and the influence that this activism has on bringing about gradual political change. To build our argument, we draw on two presidential elections held in Iran in 2009 and 2013. We show how grassroots activists use elections to abort gains made
by hardliners, push centrist and moderate candidates toward more reformist and democratic stances, promote issues that would otherwise be considered beyond the pale of formal regime politics, and encourage solidarity and opposition coalition building.
Everyone Is at Liberty to Be a Fool
Authors: Stoneman Ethan ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: November 2019

Retrieved from unpublished manuscript remains, Arthur Schopenhauer’s Eristic Dialectics (1830–1831) has been largely ignored both by philosophers and rhetoricians. The work is highly enigmatic in that its intended meaning vacillates between playful irony and Machiavellian seriousness. Adopting an esoteric perspective, this article argues that the tract can be read as simultaneously operating on two levels: an exoteric, cynical one, according to which Schopenhauer accepts that people are going to argue irrespective of the truth and as a result provides tools for defeating one’s opponents, and a deeper, esoteric level, which functions not cynically but, in Peter Sloterdijk’s language, kynically, as a satirical unmasking of the cynical impulses animating the study and practice of argumentation, especially as evinced in the rhetorical-humanist tradition. Such an interpretation reveals that, while a minor work, Eristic Dialectics offers a sophisticated philosophical critique of “the art of persuasion.”
Gill nets selectivity determine the fish community in connected oxbow lakes of the Pantanal
Authors: Muniz Claumir Cesar , Oliveira Junior Ernandes Sobreira , Barbosa Ana Paula Dalbem , Peret Alberto Carvalho
Published: November 2019

Pantanal is known because of the amplitude on the water dynamics, with a pronounced flood and dry seasons. The water expansion and retraction reflect in the hydric connectivity between river and bays, resembling the environments and causing distinct characteristics of water quality. In order to capture fish in these environments the gill nets are used.  These passive devices allow the capture of a certain length category according to the meshes size, avoiding the capture of fish that are too small or too large, characterizing their selectivity. The present study aims to characterize the ichthyofauna of an oxbow lake system, as well as to establish its relationship with the seasonal, limnology and structural alterations of fish, seeking to understand the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of the community. Three points of two side lakes were sampled using a set of gill nets with 2, 3, 4 and 5 cm between knots, allocated in parallel columns at every 10 meters in the lakes. The samples were performed during the day and during the night, where the nets were left in the water for 6 hours. Concomitantly to the fish sampling, the limnologic variables were obtained using a portable field equipment and Secchi disk. The results showed that the limnological variables changes according to the hydric seasons. These changes associated to the connectivity between the river and lakes presented an increase in the diversity indices considering the inlet of water in the system, while the disconnected lakes remained about the same during the entire year. This discrepancy may be caused by the selectivity of the gill nets using in the study, where fish may use the flooded area during the high waters, reducing the capture capacity of these devices. In the Pantanal, the connectivity associated to the selectivity of the gill nets determine the fish community.
Tratamento pré-germinativo de sementes de cebolinha com peróxido de hidrogênio
Authors: Santos Barbara Davis Brito dos , Bonou Semako Ibrahim , Matos Rigoberto Moreira de , Silva Patrícia Ferreira da , Cabral João Henrique de Andrade , Oliveira Raucha Carolina de , Dantas Neto José , Lima Vera Lucia Antunes de
Published: November 2019

Objetivou-se estudar o tratamento pré-germinativo de sementes de cebolinha com diferentes concentrações de peróxido de hidrogênio. O experimento foi conduzido no laboratório de fisiologia vegetal pertencente à Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG). Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado simples com cinco concentrações de peróxido de hidrogênio (0,0; 0,015; 0,030; 0,045 e 0,060 mM) e quatro repetições, totalizando 20 unidades experimentais. As sementes foram embebidas em recipientes de cor escura por 24 horas em temperatura ambiente. Adotou-se o método de germinação em substrato (papel germitest) umedecido com as soluções, a temperatura de 25 °C. Foi avaliado o sistema produtivo que incluiu o número de plântulas germinadas (NPG), comprimento das plântulas (CP), massa fresca das plântulas (MFP), massa seca das plântulas (MSP), porcentagens de germinação (%G), índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG), tempo médio de germinação (TMG) e a velocidade média de germinação (VMG). As avaliações foram realizadas diariamente durante 12 dias após a instalação do teste. O pré-tratamento das sementes com peróxido de hidrogênio influenciou positivamente no crescimento das plântulas de cebolinha. Diante dos resultados, recomenda-se o pré-tratamento das sementes de cebolinha com 0,036 mM de peróxido de hidrogênio.
Análise da governança dos recursos hídricos na bacia hidrográfica do Rio Paraíba
Authors: Grangeiro Ester Luiz de Araújo , Ribeiro Marcia Maria Rios , Miranda Livia Izabel Bezerra de
Published: November 2019

No presente trabalho foi analisada a articulação da gestão dos recursos hídricos com a gestão urbana, considerando como caso de estudo a bacia hidrográfica do Rio Paraíba, à luz dos princípios da governança da OECD a fim de definir diretrizes e recomendações para boa governança. Considerando a integração do território como elemento fundamental para uma boa gestão dos recursos hídricos, foi percebido que embora no Brasil existam legislações avançadas (como a Política Nacional de Recursos Hídricos) ainda existem lacunas que dificultam a articulação da gestão das águas com o território, pois suas políticas públicas foram pensadas e implementadas como se as dinâmicas fossem independentes. Neste sentido, foram propostas diretrizes, baseadas nos princípios da governança da OECD, para o preenchimento das lacunas existentes. Assim, foi identificado a necessidade de melhores estratégias na elaboração das políticas, considerando que embora se tenham divisões políticas-administrativas diferentes, o território e os recursos são os mesmos. E que, as tomadas de decisão, seja no âmbito da bacia ou do município, precisam ser capazes de refletir a real dinâmica do território, onde os processos ocorridos nas cidades, tem impactos significativos na dinâmica da bacia hidrográfica, requerendo assim um maior comprometimento e envolvidos dos atores de ambas as gestões.
Lisbon Treaty
Authors: Sela Ylber , Shabani Lirim
Published: November 2019

Rejection of Constitutional treaty and enlargement of EU to 27 member states drew highlights for the need of institutional reform of the Union. These reforms were important for the functioning of the EU. So, leaders of member states prepared a new treaty which will fulfill needed reforms in order to achieve the goals. Thus, in order to avoid the referendums, they decided to take out those parts of the rejected treaty and to continue forward with reformation of European Union. Lisbon treaty is designed to achieve these institutional reforms and to be more close to the citizens of EU member states. There are some institutional changes and other provisions that leads toward this goal. Also, it makes the Union more accountable and transparent. All these purposes are achieved through involvement of National Parliament, strengthening of European Parliament, giving to the citizens more involvement in EU decision-making through citizen’s initiative. Now, we expect the positive results in practicing all these reforms that are included in the Lisbon Treaty.
The reflective philosophy of European integration - European identity and the transition of post-communist societies. The case of Albania. Aspects of Political Behavior.
Authors: Leka Agim
Published: November 2019

Research so far in the field of political philosophy and moral philosophy and experience dealing with Albanian post communist transition period, leading to the potential of these theses to be argued. European integration as an objective process size world as and globalization are two parallels, which are moving in time of crisis of philosophical though. The end of the Cold War, the decline of the Berlin Wall, in 10-year-old the last century, Islamic fundamentalism, especially after the events of 9 September 2001 in America, are the objective processes that have led the world toward a new order. Even in the second decade of the XXI century, this development is not only objective but also irresistible advance and the most faster. In this time are present many subjective phenomena, like multiculturalism and Christianity xenophobia. These are only some of the objective and subjective circumstances that determined a new philosophical though. Aristotelian philosophy was transformed into a postmodernism and is serving as a strong basis for a new philosophy. Postmodernism more and more will emerge us as a modern Aristotle’s. Aristotle’s philosophical thought can communicate quite well with Kantian universalism and transcendence Kantian right path of truth and not even stop to existentialism or to analytic philosophy. The process of European integration proves that philosophy is already exceeded critical and critical and philosophical thought that post have paved the way critical of a new thought, reflective. We think that it opened the way towards a new philosophy: reflective philosophy. This philosophy will be the product of integration of all philosophical thought from antiquity: from ancient Greek philosophy, to medieval Aristotle or Thomism philosophy, to the modern philosophy down to us, the post modern philosophy. The new philosophy is reflective will try to interpret the old truth, or historical truth not by a wide critical to the antagonist, but in a competitive value and competitive alternatives. In reflective philosophy appreciates and prevailed the product (outcome) and not only the process. So the truth according to this philosophy will be the integrated truth. Dialectic of philosophical idea in this philosophy, is not a critical dialectic as a result of facing the negative dialectic to that positive. But it is a process that evaluated the validity of product development.
A Teachers’ Perspective of Inclusive Education for Students With Special Needs in a Model Demonstration Project
Authors: Ballhysa Narbis , Flagler Marita
Published: November 2019

The goal of the study is to give the teachers’ perspective on challenges and rewards of inclusive education for students with special needs. Participants (N=50) were teachers of four mainstream schools involved in inclusive education through a model demonstration project. The data were collected through a written questionnaire and a focus group. The results show that the participating teachers believe in the message of inclusive education and have embraced it. The challenges are related to (a) lack of adequate professional preparation to work with students with special needs in general and in inclusive settings, in particular; (b) lack of administrative support such as reduced class size and teaching load; (c) lack of support by other professionals and special education teachers; and (d) lack of any supportive resources such as special equipment and modified didactic materials.
Insurance Contract, Just Compensation as Result of Insurance
Authors: Mustafaj Ilir
Published: November 2019

History of Insurance Contract development, taking into account National and International aspects. The main features of the contract of insurance, according to Albanian legislation. The main subjects of the contract and in particular the Insurer as a legal person. Remuneration of damage that comes from insurance contracts and reinsurance contracts. Events which may be provided by the Albanian legislation. Albanian judicial practice in dealing with problems which are related to insurance considering unifying decisions of the United Colleges of Supreme Court.
“Product Placement”: The harmonization of the new Albanian media law with the European Audio-Visual Media Services Directive
Authors: Bushati Endira
Published: November 2019

With the Audio-Visual Media Services (AVMS) Directive the explicit regulation of product placement is introduced into the framework of European media law. The product placement is today one of most debated issue for the media law experts in Europe. What is the “product placement”? In what kind of programmes the product placement is allowed? What are the conditions these programmes have to fulfill in order to contain the product placement? The AVMS Directive states even the programmes during which is not allowed the product placement. How are reflected into the new Albanian draft-law on audiovisual media services the AVMS Directive obligations? These are some of the questions that the following article tries to answers.
Health and safety at work
Authors: Sema Eneida , Melo Ilda
Published: November 2019

Protection at work with regard to health and safety at work is an important part of Albanian Labour Legislation. Determination of general obligation of the employer aims at protecting the employees’ health and security. With regard to health security and protection, Albanian Labour Code foresees that the employer is responsible in cases of accidents and professional diseases considering that it should clearly define rules for technical security. With the regard to employers’ responsibility, it should be mentioned that this might be administrative or penal, depending on the violations occurred a few of which contain elements of criminal acts. An important step forward in regulating labour relations is to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation and cooperation between employees, employers, trade unions and state and to further dialogue between those. However, implementation of the Labour Law plays an important role in the stabilization of labour relations in general. An important role remains with institutions such as Ministry of Labour and Equal Opportunities, National Labour Council and State Labour Inspectorate.
The Sentencing System in the Albanian Criminal Code and the Demand for Special Tretament of Juveniles
Authors: Xhafo Jola
Published: November 2019

Juveniles are subject to a cognitive process and growth, where the physical, intellectual, emotional and personality are still in phase of development phase. As a result, they enjoy a special status which arises the demand for their specialized treatment. The status as a minor in criminal matters raises the need to create a system consisting of different rules, which should take into consideration the physical and psychological peculiarities of the child and his educational needs. This system should be oriented towards the goal of juvenile education, rehabilitation and development, goal which can be successfully implemented only if it is reflected in the nature and types of sanctions applied to juveniles. In the application of sanctions it should be taken into consideration the need for education, assistance and welfare of the juvenile. Prison sentence and other similar measures should be considered as a last resort and used in order to reduce only when other forms of treatment do not comply with the personality of the offender and the seriousness of the offense. Priority should be given to educational and non-institutional measures. These requirements impose the necessity of legal interventions in the system of sanctions to address the needs for special treatment in accordance with the personality of the children and their individual needs for education. This paper aims at a critical analysis of the sentencing system provided in the Criminal Code, in the focus of the standards set by the international instruments which safeguard in a special manner the juvenile as a criminal offender. Through the analysis of legal provisions as well as referring to the juridical doctrine and court jurisprudence, there will be evidenced some issues related to the special treatment of juvenile criminal offenders in the field of the system of sentencing. After a detailed analysis, there will be provided conclusions and concrete recommendations on the current stage of the sentencing system, its’ compliance with the need for special treatment of juvenile criminal offenders, the need for improvement as well as the concrete legal initiatives to be adopted.
Protection of the Human Right to Water Under International Law - The Need for a New Legal Framework
Authors: Daci Jordan
Published: November 2019

The human right to water entitles everyone to sufficient, safe, acceptable, physically accessible and affordable water for personal and domestic uses. An adequate amount of safe water is necessary to prevent death from dehydration, to reduce the risk of water-related disease and to provide for consumption, cooking, personal and domestic hygienic requirements. Indeed, the right to water clearly falls within the category of guarantees essential for securing an adequate standard of living, particularly since it is one of the most fundamental conditions for survival. Thus, the human right to life doesn’t have any sense without the right to water and other vital human rights that are a pre-condition for human life. Consequently, the enjoyment of the human right to water is a prerequisite for the enjoyment of other basic human rights such as the right to the highest attainable standard of health and the rights to adequate housing and adequate food etc. Nevertheless, today in this era of quasi irreversible clime changes as well as very extensive increase use of natural fresh water resources, their quantity and quality is significantly decreased. From this perspective, the future of the entire mankind depends mostly in the preservation of world natural water resources. However their preservation requires from mankind a new world approach that would include inter alia the following steps: the adoption of a new international treaty on world environmental protection, the establishment of the World Water Authority under UN that would deal with issues such as the protection, management and use of international waters, ICJ shall be empowered with biding jurisdiction to exanimate inter-state disputes over international watercourses, a new international treaty on Artic shall be adapted at least to address environmental concerns, and finally International Humanitarian Law shall address other environmental protection issues raised by enormous development of weapons destruction power including avoidance of loopholes that allow derogations from these treaties obligations. Certainly, any failure to do so, will undoubtedly lead mankind to future massive wars that shall be mostly fought for water rather than for oil.
An Application Using Stochastic Approximation Method for Improvement Specific Loss System
Authors: A. Atwa Rasha.
Published: November 2019

In this paper, an application using the modified stochastic approxi-mation procedure which studied to answer the question for Robbins-Monroe procedure. The modified procedure depends on a new form. We use the case of loss system obey Negative Binomial distribution. The efficiency of the proposed procedure is calculated to determine the ways to improve the mentioned loss system, the results which are obtained show that our procedure can serve as a model of stochastic approximation with delayed observations. This new topic can be applied in many fields such as the biological, medical, life time experiments, and some industrial projects, to increase the production, where in our system we depend on, observe a lot items and this items are realized after random time delays. In this paper we referred to the conditions which improve the proposed loss system.
Correlational Analysis between Growth and Yield Parameters of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) as Affected by Organic Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer in Jos
Authors: Shakirdeen M. Obidola, , Ibrahim I. Iro, , Mudi Anayib , Silas Dapia Akle,
Published: November 2019

Aim: To determine the correlation between the growth and yield parameters of cabbage grown with organic manure and inorganic fertilizer.

Study Design: The experimental design consist of randomized complete block design with five treatments which were replicated four times.

Location and Duration: The experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Federal College of Forestry, Jos, during the 2018/2019 raining season.

Methods: Land clearing was done and the land was properly demarcated based on the different treatments and replicates. Cabbage seeds were first planted in a nursery bed and later transplanted onto the experimental plots. Data was taken on the plant height, leaf count, cabbage head diameter and head weight. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS version 23 and Duncan Multiple Range Test, used to separate the means were significance occurred.

Results: The result of the correlation coefficient of growth and yield showed that a strong correlation exist between plant height and cabbage head weight (r = 0.681 and 0.648) at P ≤ 0.01. Plant height was also positively correlated with head weight (r = 0.365, P ≤ 0.05) and head weight was as well and positively correlated with head diameter at (r = 0.501, P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that application of organic manure and inorganic fertilizer has positive correlations between the growth and the yield parameters of cabbage.
Effect of Different Doses of Urea on the Yield of Boro Rice Varieties in Haor Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Karim Mahmudul , Kashem Md. Abul , Huda Azmul , Aziz Md. Abdul , Goswami Bani Krishna
Published: November 2019

The experiment was carried out at Sunamganj district during November 2016 to May 2017 to observed the effect of urea fertilizer on the yield of boro rice varieties in haor areas of Bangladesh. Two factors experiment viz. Varieties BRRI dhan29 and BRRI dhan58; and six urea fertilizer levels including: 340 (F1), 320 (F2), 300 (F3), 280 (F4), 260 (F5), and 165 kg ha-1 (F6) [Farmer’s practice (FP)] were used. In case of F1-F5, the MoP-TSP-CaS04-ZnS04 as 127-112-75-11 kg ha-1 were used while Farmers’ practice (FP) was done with only 82 kg ha-1 TSP. The experiment was laid out in two factors randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three farmers’ replications. Data were collected on growth, yield and yield contributing characters of boro rice. Plant height varied at harvest stage in relation to variety and fertilizer. The tillers production hill-1 varied at harvest in case of variety and urea application. Higher plant height was found in BRRI dhan58 (93.9 cm) in comparison to BRRI dhan29 (90.3 cm). Plant height was also influenced due to urea fertilizers application. The higher tillers hill-1 (15.9), effective tillers hill-1 (12.3) and longer panicle length (21.1 cm) were produced by BRRI dhan58 at harvest compared to BRRI dhan29. The longest panicle (21.4 cm) was produced in the treatment F3 (300 kg urea ha-1). Higher number of sterile spikelets panicle-1 (58.5) and 1000-grain weight (23.2 g) was produced by BRRI dhan58. Higher number of grains panicle-1 (137.5) was produced by BRRI dhan29. The highest grain yield (6.7 t ha-1) and straw yield (7.91 t ha-1) were obtained in the treatment F3 (300 kg urea ha-1). The experimental soil analyses showed that the nutrient contents in post-harvest soils were higher compared to initial soil due to balanced fertilizer application. It is concluded that 300 kg urea ha-1 promoted highest grain yield.
Analysis of Two Finite Dierence Schemes for a Channel Flow Problem
Authors: Nwaigwe Chinedu , Weli Azubuike
Published: November 2019

Aims/ Objectives: To investigate the influence of a model parameter on the convergence of two finite difference schemes designed for a convection-diffusion-reaction equation governing the pressure-driven flow of a Newtonian fluid in a rectangular channel.Methodology: By assuming a uni-directional and incompressible channel flow with an exponentially time-varying suction velocity, we formulate a variable-coefficient convectiondiffusion- reaction problem. In the spirit of the method of manufactured solutions, we first obtain a benchmark analytic solution via perturbation technique. This leads to a modified problem which is exactly satisfied by the benchmark solution. Then, we formulate central and backward difference schemes for the modified problem. Consistency and convergence results are obtained in detail. We show, theoretically, that the central scheme is convergent only for values of a model parameter up to an upper bound, while the backward scheme remains convergent for all values of the parameter. An estimate of this upper bound, as a function of the mesh size, is derived. We then conducted numerical experiments to verify the theoretical results.Results: Numerical results showed that no numerical oscillations were observed for values of the model parameter less than the theoretically derived bound.Conclusion: We therefore conclude that the theoretical bound is a safe value to guarantee non-oscillatory solutions of the central scheme.
Climate Smart Agriculture and Its Implementation Challenges in Africa
Authors: Kaptymer Behailu Legesse , Abdulkerim Ute Jemal , Negeso Hule Musa
Published: November 2019

The changing climate is hitting smallholder farmers hard. It is doing so especial in the African continent which is regularly pronounced as most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.  Climate change brings droughts and floods, pests and diseases; it means poorer crops, less food, and lower incomes. Agriculture in Africa must undergo a major transformation in the coming decades in order to meet the intertwined challenges of achieving food security, reducing poverty and responding to climate change without depletion of the natural resource base. Climate-smart agriculture seeks to increase productivity in an environmentally and socially sustainable way, strengthen farmers’ resilience to climate change, and reduce agriculture’s contri­bution to climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon storage on farmland. Climate-smart agriculture includes practical techniques including mulch­ing, conservation agriculture, integrated crop-livestock management, crop rotation, intercropping, agro forestry, improved grazing, and improved of water management system. In spite of the potential of Climate Smart Agriculture to improve resilience and to enhance agricultural production and rural livelihoods, systematic response to climate change through adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture practices and technologies is still very limited in Africa for a host of reasons. some of the challenges facing Climate-smart agriculture in Africa includes, Lack of practical understanding of the approach; Lack of data and information and appropriate analytical tools at local and national levels; Inadequate coordinated, supportive and enabling policy frameworks; Lack of adequate and innovative financing mechanisms and effective risk-sharing schemes; Limited credit and finance and Poor physical and social infrastructure to mention few.  To support the implementation of climate-smart agriculture and resolve the challenges in Africa, it is necessary to improve the coordination of policies and strengthen local, national and regional institutions.
Commercial Microalgae Culture in Inorganic Fertilizer Media
Authors: E. Ezeani Sandra , O. Abu Gideon
Published: November 2019

Algal biomass production using relatively and locally available NPK formulated media has been identified as a key factor in commercial algal biomass production. The suitability of agricultural fertilizer as a growth medium for commercial algae cultivation was assessed using NPK 15:15:15, NPK 20:20:20 and composite medium of NPK 15:15:15+ BG11, while BG11 was used as a control medium. Microalgae Chlorella species was cultivated in these NPK formulated media at ambient temperature under solar irradiation for a period of 15 days. The cell biomass was determined by the optical density at 660nm, cell dry weight and total chlorophyll content were also determined. The maximum value for cell biomass of 0.356 mg/L, total chlorophyll content of 0.0.493 mg/ml and cell dry weight of 0.0185 mg/L achieved in the composite medium was closer to the values of 0.389 mg/L, 0.531 mg/ml and 0.2121 mg/L for cell biomass concentration, total chlorophyll content and dry cell weight respectively for BG11 medium. Although NPK 15:15:15 and NPK 20:20:20 media achieved lower values for cell biomass, total chlorophyll, and cell dry weight, there is no significant statistical difference between the media. This study suggests that inorganic fertilizer can be a relatively cost-effective and locally available substitute for commercial algae biomass production.
Comparative Analysis of the 2009-2018 Curricula of Life Science Course in Turkey
Authors: Seda Koc E.
Published: November 2019

This study was conducted to determine the similarities and differences between the curricula of  2009 and 2018 Primary School Life Science Course (1st, 2nd and 3rd Grades) in terms of the curriculum elements (purposes, content, education-teaching process, assessment and evaluation). The data of the study, which was conducted in accordance with the case study model, were analyzed by making use of the “document analysis” technique. According to the findings obtained in the study, it was determined that there are many common/similar acquisitions in the curricula; that curriculum of 2018 has a relatively richer structure in terms of personal quality and values but some of the fundamental skills found in the previous curriculum are not included in. It is seen that a more comprehensive and systematic presentation is preferred for the curriculum of 2009 and there are some deficiencies in the curriculum of 2018 in relation to the elements of the curriculum in question. Similarly, it was also found out that quite limited knowledge is presented in the curriculum of 2018 about assessment-evaluation activities.
Cultivation of Mint (Mentha x gracilis) in Intercropping with Fruit Trees in an Agroforestry System: Production and Quality of Essential Oil
Authors: Paulus Dalva , Becker Dislaine , Nava Gilmar Antônio , Luckmann Daiane , Moura Claúdia de Andrade
Published: November 2019

Aims: The cultivation of medicinal plants in intercropping with other species of agricultural use has been an alternative to make production sustainable in family farming. The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth, biomass production, and chemical composition of the essential oil of mint (Mentha x gracilis Sole) in intercropping with fruit species in an agroforestry system.

Study Design:  The experimental design was randomized blocks with four treatments, mint interplanted with citrus (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck), bananas (Musa spp.), blackberries (Morus nigra), or Barbados cherries (Malpighia glabra).

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in the agroforestry located in the sector of Olericultura of the Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR), Brazil, in the period between November 2015 to February 2017.

Methodology: We analyzed light intensity, relative chlorophyll index, height, leaf area, biomass accumulation, essential oil content, oil production and chemical composition of mint grown in agroforestry.

Results: The highest production of biomass and essential oil were obtained in the intercropping of mint with citrus and Barbados cherries, possibly due to the edaphic climatic conditions, such as greater light intensity, that favored the growth, production, and chemical composition of the mint essential oil. Bananas and blackberries intercropped with mint were not beneficial for the growth and production of essential oils.

Conclusion: The intercropping of mint with citrus and Barbados cherries resulted in higher growth, biomass accumulation, and essential oil content and production. The major components of the essential oils were linalool and carvone, with higher percentages in the intercropping of mint with citrus and Barbados cherries. The cultivation of mint by intercropping with fruit species such as citrus and Barbados cherries is an option to diversify the production of medicinal plants, making it sustainable.
Determination of Heavy Metals in Waters of Lower River Kuywa
Authors: Muchanga Stephen Wekesa , Salim Ali Mohammed
Published: November 2019

Heavy metals are required by the biological organisms as nutrients but their availability above certain limits leads to adverse conditions such as bone, nerve and internal body organs damage like liver, high blood pressure, acute poisoning and death in animals and human beings and reduction of photosynthesis production, inhibition of seed germination and decreased crop yield in plants. River Kuywa being in a rich inorganic farming of sugarcane and maize area as well as industrial and urban environment, it is exposed to pollution. The objective was to determine the levels of heavy metal concentration using an Atomic absorption spectrometer and the effects of physicochemical parameters to the metal ions concentration which could arise from pollution. Temperature, pH, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids were found to be (22.9, 23.3 C̊), (7.19, 4.34), (312.43, 318.45 µS) and (201, 204 mg/L) for upstream and downstream side of pollutants entry point respectively. Chromium, Copper and Zinc ions had relatively high concentrations compared to Cadmium ions. Lead ions were below the detection limit. Chromium, Copper and Zinc had (0.2660 ppm, 0.4276 ppm), (0.1306 ppm, 0.085 ppm) and (0.1369 ppm, 0.1395 ppm) while Cadmium had (0.0684 ppm, 0.0513 ppm) for upstream and downstream respectively. All physicochemical parameters were within WHO limits except pH. Chromium and Cadmium concentrations were above WHO limits while Copper and Zinc were below. Chromium had elevated concentration compared to other metals. There should be continuous and close monitoring of Chromium levels by reducing the factors leading to high rate of rock weathering and leaching. The water having Chromium and Cadmium concentrations above recommended limits, it should be treated first for Quality Assurance before it is consumed. Agencies like NEMA and WARMA should increase water quality surveillance operations for surface water.
Bioremediation of Refinery Effluent by Consortium of Bacteria Isolated from Abattoir Waste
Authors: Voke Owarieta Urhibo , Asiboroko Odesiri-Eruteyan Eunice , Onyeka Kingsley Emecheta , Tochukwu Nnaji Praise
Published: November 2019

Aim: This research was conducted to examine the efficacy of bioremediation of refinery effluent by a consortium of bacterial organisms from abattoir waste.

Study Design: The experimental and analytical research designs were adopted for the study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in a laboratory in the Department of Environmental Management and toxicology, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria. The research was conducted within three months.

Methodology: Standard methods were adopted for sample collection, microbiological analysis and determination of physicochemical properties.

Results: Out of eight bacterial species isolated from abattoir waste, Pseudomonas, Proteus and Bacillus species recorded high hydrocarbon utilization potential. There was a significant difference between the physicochemical property of the control and the refinery effluents. The effluents had a mean Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of 19 mg/l, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) of 3 mg/l, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of 35 ppm, pH of 6.67, Electrical Conductivity (EC) of 71 µs/cm and temperature of 29.5°C. Samples subjected to 0 – 10 days biodegradation test by Pseudomonas, Proteus and Bacillus species recorded a mean increment in EC, reduction in pH, increase of TDS and reduction in Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) with Proteus species being the best. The percentage of degradation by Proteus was 69.7%, Bacillus 61.56% and Pseudomonas 53.19%.

Conclusion: The use of abattoir waste bacteria for bioremediation purposes are very safe, cost-effective and aids the environment from accumulating more burdens of unsafe compounds that render it harmful for living organisms including man.
Tasuki for neck pain: An individually-randomized, open-label, waiting-list-controlled trial
Authors: Furukawa Yuki
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Neck pain ranks 4th highest in terms of disability as measured by years lived with disabilities. This study was conducted to determine whether Tasuki-style posture supporter improves neck pain compared to waiting-list.

Methods

This trial was an individually-randomized, open-label, waiting-list-controlled study. Adults (20 years or older) with non-specific chronic neck pain who reported 10 points or more on modified Neck Disability Index (mNDI: range, 0-50; higher points indicate worse condition) were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to the intervention group or waiting-list. Prespecified primary outcome was the change in mNDI at 1 week. The principle of intention-to-treat analyses (as randomized) was applied. This trial was prospectively registered with UMIN (UMIN000034825).

Results

In total, 50 participants (mean age, 40.9 [standard deviation (SD) = 9.6]; 32 participants [64%] were female, mean mNDI, 14.3 [SD = 2.9]) were enrolled. Of these participants, 26 (52%) were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 24 (48%) to the waiting-list. Attrition rate was low in both groups (1/50). The mean mNDI change score at 1 week was more favorable for Tasuki than waiting-list (between-group difference, −3.5 points (95% confidence interval (CI), −5.3 to −1.8); P = .0002). More participants (58%) had moderate benefit (at least 30% improvement) with Tasuki than waiting-list (13%) (relative risk 4.6 (95% CI 1.5 to 14); risk difference 0.45 (0.22 to 0.68)).

Conclusion

This trial suggests that wearing Tasuki might moderately improve neck pain. With its low-cost, low-risk, and easy-to-use nature, Tasuki could be an option for those who suffer from neck pain.
Molecular evidence for the evolution of the eukaryotic mitochondrial arginyl‐tRNA synthetase from the prokaryotic suborder Cystobacterineae
Authors: Igloi Gabor L.
Published: November 2019

The evolutionary origin of the family of eukaryotic aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases that are essential to all living organisms is a matter of debate. In order to shed molecular light on the ancient source of arginyl‐tRNA synthetase, a total of 1347 eukaryotic arginyl‐tRNA synthetase sequences were mined from databases and analyzed. Their multiple sequence alignment reveals a signature sequence that is characteristic of the nuclear‐encoded enzyme, which is imported into mitochondria. Using this molecular beacon, the origins of this gene can be traced to modern prokaryotes. In this way, a previous phylogenetic analysis linking Myxococcus to the emergence of the eukaryotic mitochondrial arginyl‐tRNA synthetase is supported by the unique existence of the molecular signature within the suborder Cystobacterineae that includes Myxococcus.
Adenovirus vectors in hematopoietic stem cell genome editing
Authors: Li Chang , Lieber André
Published: November 2019

Genome editing of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) represents a therapeutic option for a number of hematological genetic diseases, as HSCs have the potential for self‐renewal and differentiation into all blood cell lineages. This review presents advances of genome editing in HSCs utilizing adenovirus vectors as delivery vehicles. We focus on capsid‐modified, helper‐dependent adenovirus vectors that are devoid of all viral genes and therefore exhibit an improved safety profile. We discuss HSC genome engineering for several inherited disorders and infectious diseases including hemoglobinopathies, Fanconi anemia, hemophilia, and HIV‐1 infection by ex vivo and in vivo editing in transgenic mice, nonhuman primates, as well as in human CD34+ cells. Mechanisms of therapeutic gene transfer including episomal expression of designer nucleases and base editors, transposase‐mediated random integration, and targeted homology‐directed repair triggered integration into selected genomic safe harbor loci are also reviewed.
Respirovirus C protein inhibits activation of type I interferon receptor‐associated kinases to block JAK‐STAT signaling
Authors: Kitagawa Yoshinori , Yamaguchi Mayu , Kohno Miki , Sakai Madoka , Itoh Masae , Gotoh Bin
Published: November 2019

Respirovirus C protein blocks the type I interferon (IFN)‐stimulated activation of the JAK‐STAT pathway. It has been reported that C protein inhibits IFN‐α‐stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of STATs, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we show that the C protein of Sendai virus (SeV), a member of the Respirovirus genus, binds to the IFN receptor subunit IFN‐α/β receptor subunit (IFNAR)2 and inhibits IFN‐α‐stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of the upstream receptor‐associated kinases, JAK1 and TYK2. Analysis of various SeV C mutant (Cm) proteins demonstrates the importance of the inhibitory effect on receptor‐associated kinase phosphorylation for blockade of JAK‐STAT signaling. Furthermore, this inhibitory effect and the IFNAR2 binding capacity are observed for all the respirovirus C proteins examined. Our results suggest that respirovirus C protein inhibits activation of the receptor‐associated kinases JAK1 and TYK2 possibly through interaction with IFNAR2.
UvrA and UvrC subunits of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis UvrABC excinuclease interact independently of UvrB and DNA
Authors: Thakur Manoj , Badugu Sugith , Muniyappa Kalappa
Published: November 2019

The UvrABC excinuclease plays a vital role in bacterial nucleotide excision repair. While UvrA and UvrB subunits associate to form a UvrA2B2 complex, interaction between UvrA and UvrC has not been demonstrated or quantified in any bacterial species. Here, using Mycobacterium tuberculosis UvrA (MtUvrA), UvrB (MtUvrB) and UvrC (MtUvrC) subunits, we show that MtUvrA binds to MtUvrB and equally well to MtUvrC with submicromolar affinity. Furthermore, MtUvrA forms a complex with MtUvrC both in vivo and in vitro, independently of DNA and UvrB. Collectively, these findings reveal new insights into the pairwise relationships between the subunits of the UvrABC incision complex.
Antibodies against nephronectin ameliorate anti‐type II collagen‐induced arthritis in mice
Authors: Kon Shigeyuki , Honda Machiko , Ishikawa Kiyoshi , Maeda Masahiro , Segawa Tatsuya
Published: November 2019

The extracellular matrix protein nephronectin (Npnt) is known to be critical for kidney development, but its function in inflammatory diseases is unknown. Here, we developed a new enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay system to detect Npnt in various autoimmune diseases, which revealed that plasma Npnt levels are increased in various mouse autoimmune models. We also report that antibodies against the α8β1 integrin‐binding region of Npnt protect mice from anti‐type II collagen‐induced arthritis, suggesting that Npnt may be a potential therapeutic target molecule for the prevention of autoimmune arthritis.
Delivery of platelet TPM3 mRNA into breast cancer cells via microvesicles enhances metastasis
Authors: Yao Bing , Qu Shuang , Hu Ruifeng , Gao Wen , Jin Shidai , Ju Junyi , Zhao Quan
Published: November 2019

Platelets are implicated in the pathophysiology of breast and other cancers through their role in exchanging biomolecules with tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment. Such exchange results in tumor‐educated platelets with altered RNA expression profiles. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that platelet RNA profiles may be suitable as diagnostic biomarkers for cancer‐related biological processes. In this study, we characterized the gene expression signatures of platelets in breast cancer (BC) by high‐throughput sequencing and quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. Our results indicate that the expression of TPM3 (tropomyosin 3) mRNA is significantly elevated in platelets from patients with BC compared with age‐matched healthy control subjects. Furthermore, up‐regulation of TPM3 mRNA in platelets was found to be significantly correlated with metastasis in patients with BC. Finally, we report that platelet TPM3 mRNA is delivered into BC cells through microvesicles and leads to enhanced migrative phenotype of BC cells. In summary, our findings suggest that the transfer of platelet TPM3 mRNA into cancer cells via microvesicles promotes cancer cell migration, and thus platelet‐derived TPM3 mRNA may be a suitable biomarker for early diagnosis of metastatic BC.