bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing a Psychological Model of Political Trust
Authors: Gaina Viktorija , Dimdins Girts , Austers Ivars , Muzikante Inese , Leja Veronika
Published: June 2020

The article examined the predictors of political trust and distrust in the context of a new democracy. Latvia regained its independence from the Soviet Union 25 years ago, and its political culture differs from traditional Western democracies by high voter volatility, low ideological constraint, and low political trust. The study tested how perceived characteristics of politicians, political parties and institutions, perception of socio-economic factors, and individual characteristics of respondents predicted the reported political trust in political parties and specific politicians. The results show that different considerations used when people think about trust in political parties vs. politicians. When political parties evaluated, the perceived benevolence predicted trust in the political party. When politicians evaluated, the strongest predictor was the perceived integrity. The findings illustrate the complex nature of political trust, showing that the predictors of reported political trust can change depending on the specific political context.
The Moderating Effect of Individual Differences on the Acceptance and Use of Internet Banking
Authors: El-Masri Mazen
Published: June 2020

This research examines factors influencing the acceptance of internet banking (IB) in Lebanon. It extends the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model by including trust as a proxy and then investigates the moderating effect of a set of socio-demographic variables (gender, age, experience) in shaping consumer perceptions towards using IB. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 408 IB consumers in Lebanon. Structural equation modelling was employed as the main method of analysis. The results show that behavioral intention (BI) was significantly influenced by performance expectancy (PE), social influence (SI), trust (TRU) and effort expectancy (EE) in their order of influencing power. Moreover, facilitating conditions (FC) and BI significantly influenced use behavior (UB). Gender moderated the relationship between PE_BI and SI_BI, age moderated the relationship between PE_BI, EE_BI, and FC_UB, and experience moderated the relationship between EE_BI and SI_BI. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed at the end of the article.
Quality of rubber tree rootstock seedlings grown in protected environments and alternative substrates
Authors: Silva Abimael Gomes da , Costa Edilson , Pereira Talita Cristina Campos , Binotti Flávio Ferreira da Silva , Scaloppi Junior Erivaldo José , Zoz Tiago
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Hevea brasiliensis seedlings, a GT1 clone, produced in protected environments in a variety of substrates. The treatments consisted of 13 substrates composed of combinations of cattle manure, soil from a ravine, medium vermiculite, superfine vermiculite and washed fine sand and two environments: a greenhouse with 50% shade using aluminized screen and a plant nursery with 50% shade using a Sombrite® screen. There were no replications of the environments; therefore, each one was considered an experiment. For each environment, a completely randomized experimental design with five replications was used to evaluate the substrates. Subsequently, the average squares of the residuals of individual variance analyses of these treatments (substrates) were evaluated, and because they did not exceed an approximate ratio of 7:1, a combined analysis of experiments was performed with Sisvar software. Two hundred eighty days after sowing, the dry weight, plant height, stem diameter, diameter at five centimeters above soil and the seedling quality indices were evaluated. Results indicated that substrates with a low amount of manure and sand and a high amount of vermiculite (S9 and S13) produced rubber tree seedlings of high-quality. The environment with greater radiation availability was better for the development of high-quality rubber tree seedlings.
Intracultivar selection for seed quality of soybeans in an ultra-low-density selection model (Honeycomb Selection Designs)
Authors: Lopes Karla Bianca de Almeida , Pípolo Antônio Eduardo , Bazzo José Henrique Bizzarri , Zucareli Claudemir
Published: June 2020

Selecting genotypes that combine high productivity with high seed quality is a challenge. The exploration of intracultivar genetic variation is an alternative to significantly increase the annual genetic gain and maximize the selection efficiency for both characteristics. The present study aimed to identify intracultivar variation to improve the seed quality of soybean genotypes derived from the commercial cultivar BRS 284, selected using the HSD (Honeycomb Selection Designs) model. Soybean genotypes selected for two years from two environments with contrasting edaphoclimatic characteristics, according to the principles of the HSD selection model, were cultivated under competition by using the experimental model in randomized blocks with four replicates and evaluated regarding the productivity and physiological quality of seeds. The results showed that genotype 284-3 presented a greater mass of 100 seeds, germination, vigour after accelerated ageing test, seedling emergence and emergence speed index than the other genotypes in both environments, with no significant difference in the standard cultivar regarding seed yield. The HSD method was an efficient selection method to identify intracultivar variation to improve cultivar performance.
Bioprospecting of elite plant growth-promoting bacteria for the maize crop
Authors: Ikeda Angela Cristina , Savi Daiani Cristina , Hungria Mariangela , Kava Vanessa , Glienke Chirlei , Galli-Terasawa Lygia Vitória
Published: June 2020

The use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), which aims to replace chemical fertilizers and biological control, is a goal for achieving agriculture sustainability. In this scenario, our goal was to identify and evaluate the potential of bacteria isolated from maize roots to promote plant growth and be used as inoculants. We evaluated 173 bacterial strains isolated from the maize (Zea mays L.) rhizosphere for the properties of their PGPB in vitro. Twelve strains were positive for siderophores, indole acetic acid (IAA) production, biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), and phosphate solubilization. Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA identified these strains as belonging to the genera Cellulosimicrobium, Stenotrophomonas, Enterobacter, and Bacillus. The elite strains were evaluated under greenhouse conditions upon the inoculation of two maize hybrids, ATL100 and KWX628. The ability of the isolates to promote plant growth was dependent on the maize genotype; Enterobacter sp. LGMB208 showed the best ability to promote growth of hybrid ATL100, while Enterobacter sp. strains LGMB125, LGMB225, and LGMB274 and Cellulosimicrobium sp. strain LGMB239 showed the best ability to promote growth of hybrid KWX628. The results highlight the potential of bacterial genera little explored as maize PGPB but indicate the need to investigate their interactions with different plant genotypes.
First report of complete albinism in Mazama americana (Erxleben, 1777) in the Biological Reserve of Tapirapé, Oriental Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro Raquel , Siqueira-Silva Diogenes Henrique de
Published: June 2020

Albinism is a genetic condition that results in total hypopigmentation of the eyes, fur, skin, hair, scales, and feathers of an organism. Albinism might result in a selective disadvantage for affected animals. Cases of albinism have been previously recorded in Neotropical vertebrates, such as reptiles, mammals, birds, and fish. However, observing albinism in a wild population is still considered to be a rare event. This paper reports a unique case of complete albinism in a red-brocket deer (Mazama americana) living in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. The individual was observed within the Biological Reserve of Pará State, one of the most deforested regions of the Brazilian Amazon. The survival of the albino red-brocket deer in the wild can be related to mechanisms of apostatic selection, which theorize the survival of individual prey animals whose mutations make them less likely to be attacked by predators. In other words, the more different a prey animal is from others, the less likely it will be targeted by predators. The high abundance prey animals within the Biological Reserve of Tapirapé seems to support this prediction. This report exemplifies the importance of monitoring the biodiversity and promoting the conservation of favorable habitats to support species multiplicity in highly fragmented regions, as in the Brazilian Amazon.
Solid-state fermentation with orange waste: optimization of Laccase production from Pleurotus pulmonarius CCB-20 and decolorization of synthetic dyes
Authors: Contato Alex Graça , In´ácio Fabíola Dorneles , Brugnari Tatiane , Araújo Caroline Aparecida Vaz de , Maciel Giselle Maria , Haminiuk Charles Windson Isidoro , Peralta Rosane Marina , Souza Cristina Giatti Marques de
Published: June 2020

Laccases are oxidoreductase enzymes that have the ability to oxidize phenolic substrates. Its biotechnological potential has been greatly explored in many areas as biotechnology industry, bioremediation of dyes, food industry and environmental microbiology. The aim of this study was maximize the laccase production by Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quélet in solid-state fermentation (SSF) using orange waste as substrate. After optimization the capability of the crude laccase to decolorize dyes was analyzed. The fermentation medium in the solid-state was optimized by applying a factorial design. After statistics optimization, laccase activity increased two times. The laccase activity appears to be correlated with the ability of crude extract to decolorize some industrial dyes. The optimized laccase was characterized with respect to optimum pH, influence of temperature and salts. Our results demonstrate that P. pulmonarius was an efficient producer of an important industrial enzyme, laccase, in a cheap solid-state system using orange waste as substrate.
Por uma abordagem multi, complexa, dialética: especificidades do fazer científico na área de Letras
Authors: Flory Alexandre Villibor , Pereira Hélcius Batista , Marins Liliam Cristina
Published: June 2020

Editorial
A leitura literária como lugar de liberdade em um ambiente de encarceramento: possibilidade de reflexão sobre problemas sociais
Authors: Lima-Duarte Flávia Karolina , Gaia Rossana Viana
Published: June 2020

Este artigo resultou de pesquisa de iniciação científica (PIBIC) cujo objetivo foi contribuir com o letramento literário de adolescentes encarceradas em uma Unidade de Internação Feminina (UIF). O referencial teórico está representado pelos estudos na área do letramento literário. A metodologia, de natureza qualitativa, do tipo estudo de caso, incluiu realizar leitura de texto motivador e produção textual com fragmentos de memórias, selecionar imagens indicadas pelas adolescentes, realizar oficina lúdica para capas dos cadernos de memórias, organizar rodas de conversa sobre o texto literário selecionado, ampliar a leitura com diálogos e escritas para coleta e geração de dados. Após etapas de leitura e conversas sobre a obra literária Becos da memória, de Conceição Evaristo, foram produzidos textos pelas adolescentes em situação de encarceramento, sobre suas histórias de vida. Os resultados indicaram interesse por parte das internas na leitura literária e na escrita de texto autobiográfico memorialístico, com base nas lembranças pessoais dos lugares onde moravam a partir do imbricamento entre literatura e vida real. Concluiu-se que o livro selecionado lhes possibilitou refletir sobre seus contextos, ativou memórias afetivas e favoreceu escritas significativas.
Estados alterados de consciência: a ficção fantástica de Jean Lorrain
Authors: Pierini Fábio Lucas
Published: June 2020

O fantástico é uma narrativa de ficção em que ocorrem eventos inverificáveis ou irreproduzíveis na realidade referencial. No entanto, diferentemente de outros gêneros como o maravilhoso ou o feérico, estamos diante de uma história na qual esses eventos são percebidos como sobrenaturais no mesmo espaço-tempo do texto, o que nos leva a questionar as razões pelas quais autores europeus a partir do século XIX tenham investido tanto de seu tempo e esforços em sua produção. Optamos por uma abordagem sociocognitiva segundo a qual, todo gênero narrativo, textual ou discursivo é uma resposta sociocognitiva a uma contingência sociocultural que, neste momento histórico, é o fim da sociedade baseada no tempo vertical, de mentalidade mágica, e seu conflito com aquela que surge orientada pelo tempo horizontal, de mentalidade científica. De forma geral, os autores de ficção fantástica jogam com o viés de confirmação dos leitores, apresentando-lhes situações recorrentes na normalidade cotidiana, como os estados alterados de consciência e as coincidências fortuitas, as quais são vistas como manifestações do sobrenatural na realidade referencial. Jean Lorrain (1855-1906) foi um autor francês que, em seus contos fantásticos, recorreu bastante aos estados alterados de consciência, muitas vezes desencadeados pelo consumo de substâncias alucinógenas, para apresentar a seus leitores a ideia de que em plena Belle Époque se poderiam abrir as ‘portas da percepção’ e enxergar a verdade sobrenatural sob o véu da normalidade cotidiana.
A A heterotopia no discurso fotográfico: o espaço do sujeito ‘invasor’
Authors: Silva Maraisa Daiana da , Tasso Ismara
Published: June 2020

Este artigo, fundamentado nas teorias da Análise do Discurso de base foucaultiana, traz à tona a emergência do discurso da inclusão social, a qual requer repensar o sujeito ‘invasor’, ressignificando-o no interior das práticas sociais, de modo a questionar como é possível entender as construções de contraespaços, nos quais esse sujeito vive. Assim, considerando a urgência de definir o posicionamento desse sujeito excluído, elegeu-se por objetivo refletir como o espaço outro de um conjunto de prédios ocupados, denominado, ironicamente, Copacabana Palace, a partir do movimento descritivo-interpretativo arqueogenealógico, é discursivizado em uma série enunciativa constituída por imagens fotográficas produzidas por Bauza (2016). Nesse intuito, a opção metodológica adotada para a realização deste estudo se centrou em uma abordagem qualitativa do objeto de análise. Diante disso, a sensibilidade das imagens permitiu repensar as condições de emergência e de (co)existência enunciativas sobre o espaço outro que, à margem da sociedade, certos sujeitos ocupam, fugindo da geografia arquitetada e manipulada da biopolítica. Dessa maneira, salientamos que as experiências do cotidiano dos sujeitos ‘invasores’ aqui tratados apresentaram um conjunto de relações pelo qual se podem definir os diferentes posicionamentos em cujas ações questionam, subvertem e transgridem a ordem institucional preestabelecida. Assim, o sujeito ‘invasor’ delimita seu espaço, posicionando-se e enfatizando que sua posição é uma contraposição, opondo-se à norma e ao legal instituído, como pronto e acabado.
Uma proposta teórico-metodológica de telecolaboração para o ensino de línguas nas escolas regulares do Brasil
Authors: Schaefer Rodrigo , Sehnem Paulo Roberto , Heemann Christiane
Published: June 2020

Muitas das vezes, alunos de escolas regulares parecem não demonstrar habilidades necessárias para se comunicarem suficientemente bem em outras línguas, por exemplo, em inglês e espanhol. A telecolaboração, relacionada com o uso de ferramentas digitais em projetos colaborativos (Belz, 2002; O’Dowd, 2018), pode viabilizar o desenvolvimento de referidas habilidades por meio da interação entre alunos de escolas regulares brasileiras e de escolas de outros países. Com fundamentos em autores como Belz (2002, 2007), O’Dowd (2006, 2012, 2013, 2018), Thorne (2006), Telles (2009, 2015), Schaefer (2019) e Schaefer e Heemann (2019), o objetivo do presente estudo é apresentar uma proposta teórico-metodológica, a qual envolve a telecolaboração, para o ensino de línguas em escolas regulares do Brasil. Sugerimos que projetos que inserem a telecolaboração como modelo de ensino e aprendizagem online de línguas em escolas regulares brasileiras podem promover a reflexão acerca de diferentes questões de sociedades contemporâneas, tais como manifestações de preconceito, inclusão e diversidade cultural, diferenças étnico-raciais e discriminação. Desse modo, defendemos a ideia de que a língua, em atividades telecolaborativas, não pode ser percebida meramente como um meio de comunicação, mas também como um instrumento que visa à educação intercultural de um indivíduo pois, de acordo com Deardorff (2004), as instituições educativas possuem a tarefa de preparar intelectual e culturalmente os seus alunos.
Population dynamics of Saccharomyces cerevisiae PE-2 and CAT-1 in CO-culture for the production of ethanol
Authors: Santos Mayara Vieira , Souza Adriana Régia Marques , Silva Maria Carolina Santos , Castiglioni Gabriel Luis
Published: June 2020

In the Brazilian industries, the inoculum used throughout the harvest of ethanol production consists of a combination of two or more yeast strains. The combination of yeasts may influence in the metabolic pathways of microorganisms and increase the yields and production rates of some compounds. In biotechnological processes with co-culture, one microorganism can prevail over the other. Therefore, the knowledge about how the population dynamics occurs during fermentation allows modifications in the process in order to obtain higher yields and to achieve greater fermentative efficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate the fermentation with synthetic sugar cane broth in co-culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains CAT-1 and PE-2 followed by molecular fermentation monitoring. The concentration of biomass, ethanol, glycerol, acetic acid and residual sucrose were monitored to verify the influence of different combinations during the fermentation. The mixture of CAT-1 and PE-2 presented the highest ethanol production, with higher performance of fermentative parameters than pure cultures
Improvement of lipid quality on nile tilapia fillet composition with low protein feeding treatment
Authors: Teunissena Sebastiaan Frans , Morais Damila Rodrigues  de , Carneiro William Franco , Colpini Leda Maria Saragioto , Meurer Fabio , Souza Rodrigo Clemente Thom de , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira , Meurer Eduardo Cesar
Published: June 2020

The lipid composition is directly related to nutritious significance of fish meat. In this paper we evaluate the possibility of tuning lipid composition of Nile Tilapia fillet changing the feeding treatments with different levels of energy and protein using lipidomic approach. Five feeding treatments were used varying protein and energy content with soy protein, corn carbohydrates and soy oil. Easy Ambient Sonic-Spray Ionization mass spectrometry in negative mode was used for lipidomic characterization of polar lipids in Nile Tilapia fillet, that were extracted using the Bligh & Dyer method and evaluated by principal component analyzes revealing differences over the treatments. High Resolution Mass Spectrometry data obtained were imported into Lipid Maps (www.lipidmaps.org, accessed on 10/19/2018) for molecular identification. The major influence to separate the treatments was protein content, energy does not appear to differentiate the groups. Thirteen different ions were observed as the major differentiators of the groups and nine compounds were identified comparing the mass spectrometric results to Lipidomic library, and they are related to high metabolic activity, lipids with anti-diabetic effect, and fat levels reducers.
Numerical stability of solitons waves through splices in quadratic optical media
Authors: Oliveira Camila Fogaça de , Natti Paulo Laerte , Cirilo Eliandro Rodrigues , Romeiro Neyva Maria Lopes , Natti Érica Regina Takano
Published: June 2020

The propagation of soliton waves is simulated through splices in quadratic optical media, in which fluctuations of dielectric parameters occur. A new numerical scheme was developed to solve the complex system of partial differential equations (PDE) that describes the problem. Our numerical approach to solve the complex problem was based on the mathematical theory of Taylor series of complex functions. In this context, we adapted the Finite Difference Method (FDM) to approximate derivatives of complex functions and resolve the algebraic system, which results from the discretization, implicitly, by means of the relaxation Gauss-Seidel method. The mathematical modeling of local fluctuations of dielectric properties of optical media was performed by Gaussian functions. By simulating soliton wave propagation in optical fibers with Gaussian fluctuations in their dielectric properties, it was observed that the perturbed soliton numerical solution presented higher sensitivity to fluctuations in the dielectric parameter β, a measure of the nonlinearity intensity in the fiber. In order to verify whether the fluctuations of β parameter in the splices of the optical media generate unstable solitons, the propagation of a soliton wave, subject to this perturbation, was simulated for large time intervals. Considering various geometric configurations and intensities of the fluctuations of parameter β, it was found that the perturbed soliton wave stabilizes, i.e., the amplitude of the wave oscillations decreases as the values of propagation distance increases. Therefore, the propagation of perturbed soliton wave presents numerical stability when subjected to local Gaussian fluctuations (perturbations) of the dielectric parameters of the optical media.
Cocoa shell as a substrate for obtaining endoglucanase and xylanase from Aspergillus oryzae ATCC 10124
Authors: Reis Nadabe dos Santos , Lessa Ozana Almeida , Pacheco Clissiane Soares Viana , Pereira Norma Eliane , Soares Glêydison Amarante , Silva Erik Galvão Paranhos , Oliveira Julieta Rangel , Franco Marcelo
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of cocoa shell as an alternative substrate for the production of endoglucanase and xylanase by Aspergillus orizae ATCC 10124 in solid-state fermentation. The fermentation assays were performed using cocoa shells humidified with distilled water. The parameters incubation temperature, water activity and fermentation time were optimized by using a Box-Behnken design. The maximum activities achieved for endoglucanases and xylanases were 0.846 and 0.945 U g-1 at 35°C, with a water activity equal to 0.9 and an incubation time of 96 hours.
Fabrication and Characterization of Biocomposite Membranes from Polycaprolactone and Native Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea L.) Extracted Starch
Authors: Damian Kirk Benedict Beau T. , Bermundo Kyla Athena C. , Macatol Yannis Belle L. , Marino Gericho Piolo C. , Aquino Ruth R.
Published: June 2020

This paper explored the chemical, mechanical, and morphological characteristics ofpolycaprolactone and starch composite membranes by utilizing SEM, FTIR, W-CA, UTM, and biodegradability tests. Native Philippine arrowroot (Marantaarundinacea L.) starch was extracted for the study. Varying polymer concentrations along with 85% solvent NMP, the films were plasticized with PEG 4000 and prepared through solvent casting and NIPS. The films were found to be hydrophilic. Increased starch contentimproved porousnessand biodegradation rate, with 4.12%/day in 5 days for the highest starch-containing film, with the highest weight loss of 38.02% in 15 days for 20% starch-containing films. However, degradation decreased as time went by. Increasing amounts of starch also increased elongation at break, albeit reducing Young’s modulus and tensile strength of the films. Coupled with notable morphological and chemical interaction, arrowroot starch and PCL composite films can indeed be successfully fabricated, proving the potential of Marantaarundinacea L. in the field of bioplastic research.
Synthesis and Electrical Resistance Property of Vanadium Oxide Thin Films by DC Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Chotirat Ladawan , Niyomwas Sutham , Supothina Sitthisuntorn , Wongpisan Witthawat , Waree Kirati
Published: June 2020

Thin films of vanadium oxide were synthesized by DC magnetron sputtering on a glass slide. Process parameters including temperature, argon and oxygen ratio (Ar:O2) and base pressure were investigated. It was found that the control of sputtering base pressure is very important in realizing the pure VO2 (M) thin films. These thin films have grown at low base pressure of 5x10-6 mbar. The results of the valence electron analysis show the outstanding phase of VO2 and a small amount of V2O5 and V2O3 phases. The hysteresis loop of electrical resistance property of the VO2 thin films illustrated the quality of film, which is related to metal-insulator transition phase (MIT) at the transition temperature (Tc) of approximately 63°C. The sample was tested for its electrical properties by a four-probe setup with a temperature controller during heating and cooling cycles.
Machine Learning Approach to Predict Dielectric Permittivity of PE/TiO2 Nanocomposites
Authors: Zazoum Bouchaib
Published: June 2020

Controlling process parameters has significant influence in designing and developing nanocomposites materials with tailored dielectric properties. In the present study, polyethylene/TiO2 nanocomposites were fabricated using ball milling technique. The effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on the final dielectric properties of the nanocomposites in frequency domain were investigated. The dielectric spectroscopy measurements revealed that relative dielectric permittivity of the nanocompsoites was increased with TiO2 content. Besides, machine learning approach based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) algorithm was used to predict the dielectric permittivity of the nanocomposites materials. Modeling results showed clearly that the predicted data of the proposed artificial model are in good agreement with the experimental values. Moreover, the present study proved that ANNs can be used as successful tool to predict the dielectric properties of nanocomposites materials.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polycaprolactone(PCL)/Organo-Montmorillonite(O-MMT) Blendvia Solvent Casting
Authors: Ramos Rey Mark A. , Aquino Ruth R. , Tolentino Marvin S. , Eleazar Elisa G. , Basilia Blessie A.
Published: June 2020

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a hydrophobic, semi-crystalline polymer that has been broadly applied in long term implants, drug release applications, and in the tissue engineering field due to its availability, relatively inexpensive price and suitability for modification. Organo-montmorillonite (O-MMT) clay has been extensively used for various polymer-nanocomposite studies and widely used as adsorbent due to its high specific surface area. Most polymer clay nanocomposites are involved in biomedical applications such as in drug delivery systems and wound healing. In this study, O-MMT was incorporated to PCL via solvent casting, which resulted into film membranes that were characterized to identify its surface morphology, chemical structure, wettability, mechanical property, pore size, and antibacterial properties upon its varying concentrations. The SEM and FTIR results indicated the presence of both PCL and O-MMT within the membrane. The mechanical properties of the film membranes showed an improvement upon reaching an optimal point. An increase in pore size was determined relative to its hydrophilicity. The film membrane showed an antibacterial activity only at the higher concentrations of the O-MMT using the S. aureus strain. As such, the results showed that there is an improvement in the mechanical, wettability, water absorption and antibacterial properties of the PCL with the incorporation of the O-MMT, making it a viable candidate dressing material for wound healing.
Simulation Study of Structural and Dynamic Properties of Bi-Disperse Colloidal Suspensions
Authors: Irfachsyad Danial , Meidia Hira
Published: June 2020

We used Brownian Dynamic simulation to study structural and dynamic properties of bi-disperse colloidal suspensions. The size ratio of large to small particles in the bi-disperse colloidal suspension is set at 5:1 and 10:1. We studied the interaction of aggregates (clusters) formed through DLVO (Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey and Overbeek) and soft sphere interactions in a bi-disperse suspension. The dynamic properties of bi-disperse is correlated by varying the size ratio of bi-disperse particles, it is found that the mobility is decreased at size ratio of large to small particles is 5:1. This is despite the percolating particle gels formation was disrupted by larger particles at higher size ratio.
Changing of Particle Size and Pore Structures of Calcium Oxide during Calcinations of Industrial Eggshell Waste
Authors: Putkham Apipong , Ladhan Somchai , Putkham Ajchara Imkum
Published: June 2020

Surface area and particle size are significant properties of a catalyst that determine the reaction rate of the heterogeneous catalyst. In this research, calcium oxide derived from industrial eggshell waste was synthesized by thermal decomposition method under air-atmosphere. The obtained eggshell waste was washed, dried, and ground to 420 μm followed by calcination of the ground eggshell in different conditions including calcination temperature (800 to 900 °C) and holding time (1 to 4 hours). Changes of pore structure and the median particle size diameter of the obtained calcium oxides were systematically investigated by various scientific instruments. Results from powder X-ray diffractometer (PXRD) indicated that the calcium oxide can be obtained after calcination at both 800 and at 900°C. Laser diffractometer shows that median particle size diameter of calcium oxide significantly decreased by about 76-95 % with increasing of both calcination temperature and holding time. Additionally, specific surface area of calcium oxides determined by N2 adsorption experiment at-195 °C shows that surface area of calcium oxide dramatically decreased (37-84 %) with increasing both calcination temperature from 800 to 900 °C and calcination time from 1 to 4 hours. These results indicated that both calcination temperature and time play an important role in the shrinkage of pores of calcium oxide. Higher calcination temperature and longer holding time induce more shrinkage of pore leading to smaller particle size diameter and lower surface area of the calcium oxide catalyst.
Effect of Multidirectional Forging and Subsequent Annealing to the Microstructure of Al-Mg-Mn Type Alloy
Authors: Kotov Anton D. , Kishchik Mikhail , Mikhaylovskaya Anastasia V.
Published: June 2020

The grain refinement is important to improve both service properties at room temperature and superplasticity at elevated temperatures. This study focuses on the effect of multidirectional forging in isothermal conditions on the microstructure of Al-Mg-Mn-type alloy. The evolution of dislocation and grain structure, and precipitates of Mn-rich phase during multidirectional forging in a temperature range of 200 to 500 °C was studied. Multidirectional forging at temperatures of 200 and 300 °C leads to the formation of shear bands in the deformed grains. The multidirectional forging at 400 and 500 °C leads to the formation of a bimodal grain structure with fine- and coarse-grained areas. Subsequent recrystallization annealing at 500 °C increases the grain size and decreases the fine grains fraction in the samples pre-deformed at 400-500°C, and, on the contrary, annealing leads to formation homogeneous and fine grain structure with size up to 6.5 μm in samples pre-deformed at 200 and 300 °C.
Feasibility of a single session retrograde endoscopic laser lithotripsy of two large stones located in a bifid urinary tract. Presentation of a rare case
Authors: Kozyrakis Diomidis , Zarkadas Anastasios , Katsaros Ilias , Mourkas Vasileios , Kratiras Zisis
Published: June 2020

A 76 year-old male presented with urosepsis and acute renal injury secondary to obstruction by a 13 mm stone located in the common segment of a bifid left ureter. A second 10 mm stone was detected in the mid calyx of the lower moiety of the kidney. Drainage of both moieties with two double-J stents was initially performed. Following recovery from urosepsis a retrograde endoscopic semirigid and flexible laser lithotripsy of the distal and proximal stone respectively was performed resulting in stone clearance. Although retrograde ureterolithotripsy has been presented in the past, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first description of flexible retrograde intrarenal lithotripsy performed through a bifid ureter.
COMMENT ON: Hospital care in Departments defined as COVID-free: A proposal for a safe hospitalization protecting healthcare professionals and patients not affected by COVID-19
Authors: Tafuri Alessandro , Minervini Andrea , Celia Antonio , Cindolo Luca , Schiavina Riccardo , Rocco Bernardo , Porreca Angelo , Antonelli Alessandro
Published: June 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak dramatically changed hospital everyday life, impairing the course of previous routine activity, also in urology. In the next months, together with keeping the focus on the prevention of contagion recrudescence, the health care system will face another stringent issue, i.e. to restore all the services not COVID-related. Leonardi et al. in their paper report an equilibrate overview on the incoming “Phase 2”, in order to set up so-called COVID-free hospitals and departments. The authors offer an insight from a practical point of view, detailing protocols for any of the steps of the path of care, from the outpatient visit to surgery
Can multiparametric ultrasound improve cognitive MRI/TRUS fusion prostate biopsy
Authors: Pepe Pietro , Pepe Ludovica , Panella Paolo , Pennisi Michele
Published: June 2020

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of multiparametric transrectal ultrasound (contrast- enhanced ultrasound plus elastosonography) in the detection of the suspicious area diagnosed by multiparametric magnetic resonance (mpMRI). Materials and methods: From June 2018 to June 2019 60 men (median age 63 years) with persistent suspicion of cancer underwent repeat saturation biopsy following pelvic mpMRI and the lesions characterized by a PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System) score ≥ 3 were submitted to 4 additional cores by transperineal cognitive fusion biopsy (TPBx). All patients, before prostate biopsy, underwent contrast- enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) following intravenous administration of a bolus of Sonovue® (2.4 mg of nonpyrogenic suspension of phospholipid/sulphur hexaphloride); in addition, a transrectal elastosonography (TRES) was done to evaluate prostate tissue elasticity. The accuracy of multiparametric ultrasound to detect the mpMRI lesions was evaluated. Results: In 27/60 (45%) of men a T1c prostate cancer (PCa) was diagnosed by TPBx and 21 (77.8%) of them were classified as clinically significant cancer (csPCa); in detail, 16/21 (76.2%) vs. 5/21 (23.8%) csPCa were located in the peripheric and anterior zone of the gland, respectively. Median total PSA was 10.3 ng/ml (range: 4.9-51 ng/ml). TRES and CEUS were positive for csPCa only in 6/21 (28.5%) and 13/21 (62%) of TPBx showing an increased accuracy directly related with the PI-RADS scores Conclusions: Multiparametric ultrasound using TRES and CEUS after Sonovue® administration did not improve the accuracy of TPBx in diagnosing csPCa.
Intensive simulation training on urological mini-invasive procedures using Thiel-embalmed cadavers: The IAMSurgery experience
Authors: Mantica Guglielmo , Pini Giovannalberto , De Marchi Davide , Paraboschi Irene , Esperto Francesco , Van der Merwe André , Van Deventer Heidi , Garriboli Massimo , Suardi Nazareno , Terrone Carlo , Leonardi Rosario
Published: June 2020

Introduction: The objective of the study was to evaluate the benefits perceived by the use of cadaver models by IAMSurgery attendees and to define indications to standardize future similar training camps. Materials and methods: A 25-item survey was distributed via e-mail to all the participants of previous training courses named as “Urological Advanced Course on Laparoscopic Cadaver Lab" held at the anatomy department of the University of Malta, for anonymous reply. Participants were asked to rate the training course, the Thiel’s cadaveric model, and make comparison with other previously experienced simulation tools. Results: The survey link was sent to 84 attendees, with a response rate of 47.6% (40 replies). There was improvement in the median self-rating of the laparoscopic skills before and after the training camp with a mean difference of 0.55/5 points in the post-training skills compared to the basal (p < 0.0001). The 72.2% of the urologists interviewed considered Thiel's HCM better than other training methods previously tried, while five urologists (27.8%) considered it equal (p = 0.00077). Globally, 77.5% (31) of attendees found the training course useful, and 82.5% (33) would advise it to colleagues. Conclusions: Thiel’s fixed human cadaveric models seem to be ideal for training purposes, and their use within properly structured training camps could significantly improve the surgical skills of the trainees. An important future step could be standardization of the training courses using cadavers, and their introduction into the standardized European curriculum.
Employment of Mapping Technology in Antimicrobial Resistance Reporting in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhifany Abdullah A. , Alqurashi Abdullah F. , Al-Agamy Mohamed H. , Alkhushaym Nasser , Alhomoud Faten , Alhomoud Farah K. , Almangour Thamer A.
Published: June 2020

Although Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a worldwide threat, local AMR databases do not exist. Unlike other health disasters, developing containment strategies for AMR cannot be started without a representative, local, updated AMR data. However, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) mapping technology is capable of visualizing AMR data integrated with geographical regions. Due to the absence of AMR databases in Saudi Arabia, we searched Medline and Embase databases from inception until May 28, 2018, including literature that reported AMR data on the most prevalent gram-negative bacterial strains in Saudi Arabia. These data were extracted into Microsoft Excel file and inserted into STATA software, version 13 and ArcMap 10.6 software platform for mapping. We found particularly high levels of AMR in Makkah (Mecca), possibly due to high antibiotic consumption because of the influx of pilgrims, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates showing the highest resistance rate against amikacin, aztreonam, cefepime, ceftazidime, ciprolfloxacin, gentamicin, imipenem, meropenem and pipracillin/tazobactam, and Enterobacteriaceae isolates against cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, imipenem and ertapenem. The cause is, however, multifactorial since Acinetobacter baumannii isolates showed a variable resistance rate throughout the country. The employment of mapping technology in displaying AMR data extracted from published literature is a practically useful approach, and advanced GIS analyses should help stakeholders create containment strategies and allocate resources to slow down the emergence of AMR.
THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK’S COMMUNICATION AT THE TIMES OF MARIO DRAGHI
Authors: Ziller Jacques
Published: June 2020

In un periodo in cui le dichiarazioni della neopresidente della BCE Christine Lagarde, durante l’emergenza sanitaria generata dall’epidemia di coronavirus, hanno scatenato polemiche, può essere utile tornare con analisi multidisciplinari sulla comunicazione della BCE ai tempi di Mario Draghi, come fanno i tre articoli di seguito pubblicati in questo numero della rivista “Il Politico”.
UNCONVENTIONAL MONETARY POLICIES AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK
Authors: Canepa Allegra
Published: June 2020

Il lavoro ripercorre ed analizza il ruolo della Banca Centrale Europea e gli interventi adottati durante la crisi finanziaria soffermandosi sul contenuto, la fisionomia ed in modo specifico sulle modalità di comunicazione delle diverse misure adottate. Come risulta dall’analisi, la BCE ha fatto ricorso a misure di politiche monetaria non convenzionali per l’efficacia delle quali gli aspetti comunicativi sono risultati molto importanti. In questo senso le politiche di comunicazione relative alle misure non convenzionali adottate risultano interessanti ed attuali da esaminare perché mostrano come esse siano diventate non solo una modalità di incremento di trasparenza ma un supporto fondamentale per l’efficacia della politica monetaria.
Economics of piggery enterprise in Nigeria: A case study of Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Onyekuru N.A. , Ukwuaba I.C. , Aka E.O.
Published: June 2020

The study examined the economics of pig enterprise in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Despite the economic leverage and  nutritional advantages of pig, its production still remains the least when compared to other livestock sub-sector. The study specifically described the socioeconomics characteristics of pig farmers, examined the factors influencing revenue from pig production, estimated the costs and returns in pig production and examined the problems faced by pig farmers in the area. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used in the selection of 60 farmers for the study. Primary data were collected from the selected farmers with the aid of structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, net income and multiple regression models. Results showed that majority of the respondents (85%) were male, married (81.7%), literate (100%) with mean age and household size of 48 years and five persons, respectively. Majority (88.3%) of the respondents sourced their capital from personal savings and 95% of them had crossed breeds of pigs. The determinants of net income from pig production were  education (−0.271), cost of feed (0.687) and cost of labour (0.329). The profitability and the viability of piggery enterprise in the study area were shown by the gross margin, net farm income and the return on investment of ₦824,395.30 ($2,269.56), N747,797.42 ($2,058.69) and 0.84 (84%),  respectively. Huge capital required for the investment, inadequate extension education, high cost of feed, diseases and parasite infestation, poor farm management, high cost of veterinary services, insufficient credit facilities and subsidies, and infant mortality and cannibalism were the major constraints faced by the farmers in the piggery enterprise. The study recommends that the government and other relevant agencies should provide subsidies and make credit facilities available and accessible to pig farmers in the study area.

Key words: pig production, enterprise, gross margin, profitability, Nigeria
Medication prescribing pattern and potential teratogenicity risk among pregnant women at Hidar 11 General Hospital, south Wollo, northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Muhammed Oumer Sada , Seid Kemal Ahmed , Nasir Beshir Bedru
Published: June 2020

Drugs given to pregnant mothers for therapeutic purposes may cause serious structural and functional adverse effects in the developing child. However, the fact that drugs are needed to mitigate complications during pregnancy cannot be totally avoided. Hence, the current study is aimed to evaluate the pattern of medication prescribing practice during pregnancy at Hidar 11 General Hospital, Ethiopia. Institution based cross sectional study was conducted on 310 pregnant women whose medical charts were selected using systematic random sampling from antenatal care (ANC) attendants at Hidar 11 General Hospital. Data was collected through medical chart review by using data abstraction tool and analyzed by statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) Version 24 software. Among the study participants, 263 (84.8%) had a prescription at least for one drug during their pregnancy. Majority of the drugs prescribed for the pregnant women were vitamins and minerals (60.6%), antibacterial agents (30.6%) and central nervous system drugs (28.4%). A high proportion of drugs were prescribed from US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) category C (57.7%) followed by category B (50.6%) and category A (22.9%). Only 6.8% of the prescribed drugs were with positive evidence of risk (US FDA category D) during all trimesters and no drugs were prescribed from proven fetal risk category (US FDA X category). Even though, drugs from category X were not prescribed, a significant number of pregnant women consumed drugs with potential fetal risk that should be addressed by informing the prescribers to stick to the treatment guidelines and seek safer options.
Knowledge Sharing Imperatives on STEM Career Path Intentions among Secondary School Students in Northern-Central Nigeria
Authors: Opeke Rosaline O. , Iroaganachi Mercy A. , Yemisi T. Babalola , Soyemi Opeyemi D.
Published: June 2020

The study investigates knowledge sharing as a predictor of STEM career path choice intentions among secondary school girls in North-Central Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design. The population comprised 5,433 junior secondary school girls from Federal Government Colleges in the geo-political zone. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 361 girls for the study. Instrument for data collection was a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistics regression. Findings showed that Knowledge sharing predicted girls STEM career path choice intentions (Cox and Snell R2 = 0.025; Nagelkerke R2 = 0.047, p < 0.05). The study concludes that secondary school students at the junior level have high intentions to choose STEM career path and that the varied indicators of knowledge sharing predicted STEM career path choice intentions of junior secondary school girls in North-Central Nigeria. It was recommended that secondary school authorities should give incentives and or introduce programmes that will motivate and sustain the students’ STEM career intentions such as prizes, awards and recognitions among others for practical projects, quizzes and STEM career debates. Additionally, they should create knowledge sharing opportunities such as playing learning games, group discussions and science clubs for the girls among others.

Keywords:  Knowledge sharing, STEM, career path, Secondary schools, Career choice intentions