bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dinâmica espacial da paisagem do Parque Estadual do Jalapão (TO) de 2000 a 2015
Authors: Cachoeira Jader Nunes , Silva Allan Deyvid Pereira da , Batista Antonio Carlos , Biondi Daniela , Giongo Marcos , Ganassoli Neto Eduardo
Published: September 2020

A modificação da paisagem e a fragmentação do habitat tornaram-se grandes temas de pesquisa, uma vez que são consideradas ameaças graves para a biodiversidade. Considerando o histórico de perturbação da área do Parque Estadual do Jalapão (PEJ), dado sua característica de Unidade de Conservação (UC) de proteção integral inserida no bioma Cerrado, o objetivo desta pesquisa é atualizar o mapa de uso e cobertura do solo dessa UC e analisar as métricas que quantificam a conectividade do habitat e a fragmentação da ecologia da paisagem para o ano de 2015, tendo como base o mapa de uso e ocupação do solo do ano 2000. Para elaborar o mapa de uso do solo do PEJ de 2015, utilizou-se a cena 221/67 (órbita/ponto) de 8 de agosto de 2015 do satélite Landsat 8, sensor OLI, por abranger toda a área de estudo e por não ter cobertura de nuvens. No processamento digital das imagens foram realizadas a correção radiométrica, a pré-classificação e a associação das classes de uso do solo, e, posteriormente, classificação supervisionada por meio de interpretação visual. Para verificar a precisão do mapa foi calculado o coeficiente de Kappa, cujo valor foi de 0,92. A partir do mapa atualizado foram realizados os cálculos de índices de ecologia da paisagem referentes à área, tamanho, forma, borda e proximidade dos fragmentos. Os procedimentos foram realizados no software SIG ArcGIS 10.4 por meio da extensão gratuita Patch Analyst 5.2. Com base nos mapas de uso e cobertura do solo e nos índices de ecologia da paisagem, pode-se constatar que houve mudanças na paisagem. Quanto às métricas, conclui-se que a UC se encontra fragmentada, apresenta 564 fragmentos e possui alta heterogeneidade espacial e forma complexa e irregular em razão dos valores de MPS, PSCoV e MSI.
Avaliação da estrutura da paisagem visando à conservação da biodiversidade em paisagem urbanizada
Authors: Ribeiro Marina Pannunzio , Mello Kaline De , Valente Roberta Averna
Published: September 2020

Considerando que a expansão urbana e o aumento das atividades antrópicas geram perda e fragmentação dos hábitats naturais, ameaçando a biodiversidade, a conservação dos remanescentes florestais urbanos é de extrema importância para a persistência de espécies de fauna e flora nativas. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a estrutura da paisagem de área urbanizada no bioma Mata Atlântica, utilizando técnicas de geoprocessamento e fundamentos de Ecologia de Paisagem, visando a fornecer subsídios à conservação florestal na paisagem urbana. Um mapa de uso e cobertura foi utilizado para quantificar a cobertura florestal e para avaliar a estrutura da paisagem. As métricas de paisagem quantificaram área (AREA), forma (SHAPE) e proximidade (NEAR) dos remanescentes florestais, fornecendo indicadores da estrutura da paisagem. A cobertura florestal representa 22,9% da área de estudo, sendo apenas 3,6% dos fragmentos maiores que 50 ha. A grande maioria dos fragmentos (83%) tem área menor que 10 ha. Apenas três remanescentes são maiores que 500 ha, sendo que o maior deles localiza-se na Floresta Nacional de Ipanema. A maioria dos fragmentos florestais (80%) localiza-se em propriedades particulares. A paisagem foi diagnosticada como altamente antropizada e fragmentada, porém com remanescentes próximos entre si (NEAR 50 m), potencializando a movimentação das espécies na matriz antrópica. Cenários de exclusão dos pequenos fragmentos demonstraram a fragilidade da matriz sem o apoio deles, pois os pequenos remanescentes contribuem para a conexão entre os maiores. O campo antrópico de vegetação pioneira é a segunda classe de uso de maior cobertura na área de estudo (20,4%), atrás somente da área urbanizada (25%). Ações para a manutenção da biodiversidade em paisagens antropizadas, como as da área de estudo, devem priorizar projetos de restauração de campos antrópicos, incentivos à conservação de remanescentes em propriedades particulares e a manutenção de pequenos fragmentos na paisagem, a fim de promover a conexão entre as grandes áreas florestais. Os planejamentos urbano e ambiental das cidades devem ser alinhados e baseados em estudos científicos sobre a espacialização da vegetação no ambiente urbano.
DNA barcoding de  Oncideres saga (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) do Brasil
Authors: Machado Dayanna Do Nascimento , Costa Ervandil Corrêa , Carvalho Acacio Geraldo de , Puntel Letícia , Pozebon Henrique , Arnemann Jonas André
Published: September 2020

Utilizar ferramentas moleculares aliadas a técnicas tradicionais de identificação para determinar corretamente as espécies, a diversidade genética e o fluxo gênico de insetos-praga florestais é um dos maiores avanços dos últimos anos. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do trabalho foi realizar o DNA barcoding da espécie Oncideres saga (Dalman, 1823), utilizando o primeiro fragmento do gene mitocondrial Citocromo Oxidase I (COI). Em Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, galhos de Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth., anelados por uma espécie de Cerambycidae, foram coletados e armazenados em laboratório sob condições controladas até a emergência dos insetos adultos. Um total de 13 insetos emergiram e, a partir das características morfológicas, foram identificados como Oncideres saga. Oito espécimes adultos foram utilizados para a caracterização molecular a partir do gene mitocondrial Citocromo Oxidase I (COI). Após a obtenção do DNA genômico e amplificação do gene COI via PCR, os produtos foram sequenciados gerando um fragmento com 639 pb. Este é o primeiro estudo molecular que caracteriza o DNA barcoding de Oncideres saga, que é uma espécie geneticamente distinta das demais do gênero Oncideres. Esta pesquisa traz informações básicas que poderão ser utilizadas para explorar novas populações desse inseto-praga em futuros estudos moleculares e aplicados.
Queijo artesanal serrano nos Campos de Cima da Serra (RS): análise da dimensão institucional de um sistema agroalimentar localizado
Authors: Ceolin Lilian Varini , Silva Leonardo Alvim Beroldt da , Ambrosini Larissa Bueno
Published: September 2020

O Queijo Artesanal Serrano (QAS) é produzido há mais de 200 anos nos Campos de Cima da Serra, no sul do Brasil, de modo tradicional, por produtores familiares, a partir de leite cru. O QAS é um produto de relevância histórica, social e econômica para a região. Sua produção, entretanto, enfrenta dificuldades com relação aos marcos legais. O objetivo desse estudo é analisar o ambiente institucional de produção do QAS sob a perspectiva dos Sistemas Agroalimentares Localizados (SIAL). Através de aplicação de roteiros semiestruturados, foram avaliadas as relações interinstitucionais e alterações ocorridas nos últimos 10 anos. Existe uma multiplicidade de atores envolvidos, sendo que a apresentação da mobilização coletiva em torno do produto leva a definição de um SIAL na forma passiva.
comunicación y la crisis sanitaria: un tiempo de cambios acelerados
Authors: Marzal Felici Javier , Casero Ripollés Andreu
Published: September 2020

Editorial y presentación de los contenidos del número 20.
Las tecnologías hi-tech en los grados en Periodismo. Planes de estudios, formación de los periodistas y propuestas de inserción curricular
Authors: Ufarte Ruiz María José , Calvo Rubio Luis Mauricio , Murcia Verdú Francisco José
Published: September 2020

El objetivo de esta investigación es triple: identificar, desde una perspectiva exploratoria, la oferta formativa relacionada con las altas tecnologías en los grados en Periodismo de las universidades españolas, conocer si los periodistas que trabajan en los medios de comunicación cuentan con competencias y habilidades específicas para utilizar estas herramientas en la creación de contenidos y proponer diferentes materias docentes para la inserción curricular del periodismo hi-tech. Para alcanzar estos propósitos se ha empleado una metodología mixta, con procedimiento de tipo cualitativo, como el análisis de contenido aplicado a las 768 asignaturas que configuran los 17 planes de estudios de grado que son objeto de esta investigación, y cuantitativo, como el cuestionario online suministrado a profesionales del sector (N=131) con el fin de saber si poseen formación especializada para utilizar las altas tecnologías en los procesos comunicativos. Los resultados revelan que la enseñanza-aprendizaje de las tecnologías emergentes y disruptivas de la información empieza a identificarse en los grados en Periodismo de las universidades públicas españolas. En el terreno laboral, los profesionales también comienzan a formase sobre cómo aplicar la inteligencia artificial, los drones, los móviles y las técnicas inmersivas a la creación de contenidos. Sin embargo, la oferta formativa sobre esta disciplina es aún incipiente, por lo que se proponen diferentes materias en las que puede englobarse la enseñanza-aprendizaje del periodismo hi-tech en los grados en Periodismo.
Tendencia y narrativas de fact-checking en Twitter. Códigos de verificación y fake news en los disturbios del Procés (14-O)
Authors: Pérez-Curiel Concha , Velasco-Molpeceres Ana María
Published: September 2020

Un entorno digital dominado por la inteligencia artificial, la influencia de los líderes políticos, el activismo de las audiencias y la eclosión de desinformación y fake news definen los códigos de la agenda. Se dibuja además un escenario en el que el papel de las agencias de fact-checking como propulsoras o detractoras de lo fake está cuestionado. En un contexto marcado por la convocatoria continuada de elecciones generales en España y por el conflicto de la Independencia de Cataluña se publica la Sentencia del Tribunal Supremo sobre los juicios del Procés (14-O). Una cadena de movilizaciones ciudadanas inunda la red. El objetivo general del estudio es conocer en Twitter las fake news sobre los disturbios catalanes, las estrategias de verificación en las agencias seleccionadas (@malditobulo, @Newtral y @veri_fi_cat), el nivel de impacto y la reacción de los públicos. Aplicamos una metodología triangular de análisis de contenido comparado y sobre una muestra general de tweets (n1=4500) se analiza el tratamiento de los bulos detectados por los fact-checkers (n2=62). Los resultados confirman que la autoría de las noticias falsas corresponde a cuentas de particulares y que las estrategias de fact-checking pueden favorecer más la viralización que el desmentido.
Identification of a prognostic signature of nine metabolism-related genes for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tang Chaozhi , Ma Jiakang , Liu Xiuli , Liu Zhengchun
Published: September 2020

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer. Since changes in liver metabolism contribute to liver disease development, it is necessary to build a metabolism-related prognostic model for HCC.

Methods

We constructed a metabolism-related-gene (MRG) signature comprising nine genes, which segregated HCC patients into high- and low-risk groups.

Results

The survival rate (overall survival: OS; relapse-free survival; and progression-free survival) of patients in the low-risk group of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort was significantly higher than that of patients in the high-risk group. The OS prognostic signature was validated in the International Cancer Genome Consortium independent cohort. The corresponding receiver operating characteristic curves of the model indicated that the signature had good diagnostic efficiency, in terms of improving OS over 1, 3, and 5 years. Hierarchical analysis demonstrated that the MRG signature was significantly associated with better prognosis in male patients, patients aged ≤ 65 years, and patients carrying the wild-type TP53 or CTNNB1 genes. A nomogram was established, and good performance and clinical practicability were confirmed. Additionally, using the GSE109211 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, we were able to verify that the nine genes in this MRG signature had different responses to sorafenib, suggesting that some of these MRGs may act as therapeutic targets for HCC.

Conclusions

We believe that these findings will add value in terms of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of HCC.
Factors Affecting Use of Personal Protective Equipment related to Acute Respiratory Infections in General Hospital Nurses
Authors: Kang Jungeun , Kim Jiyoung
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to identify the risk perception of acute respiratory infections, safety climate and the use of personal protective equipment, and to verify the factors influencing use of personal protective equipment by nurses’ working in general hospitals.Methods: The survey was conducted with 133 nurses working in general hospitals with 200 beds to 499 beds. Data collection was done, from November 13 to December 12, 2017. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression.Results: Factors influencing the use of personal protective equipment related to acute respiratory infections in general hospital nurses were training (β=.36, p<.001), types of isolation facilities in the respective departments (negative pressure room) (β=.27, p<.001), patient instructions (β=.20, p=.027), and absence of job hindrances (β=.15, p=.042). The explanatory power of these results was 47.6%.Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that for general hospital nurses it is necessary to establish a physical safety climate such as a negative pressure room, and to encourage the use of personal protective equipment related to acute respiratory infections. Also, changes should be accompanied by training in the use of personal protective equipment, provision of patient care guidelines, compliance with standard precaution, and the creation of an organizational safety climate and support for the organization.
Risk Factors affecting Dyslipidemia according to Age Group in Women: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2014~2017
Authors: Cha Bo-Kyoung
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors affecting dyslipidemia in women according to age group.Methods: This secondary analysis study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES), 2014~2017. The participants were 10,573 women aged 30 years and older. Data were analysed using descriptive data, x2 statistic, and complex sample multiple logistic regression analysis.Results: Prevalence of hyper-LDL cholesterolemia was estimated at 10.8% (30~49 years old), 42.3% (50~64 years old) and 62.0% (over 65 years old). Prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was estimated at 6.8% (30~49 years old), 13.1% (50~64 years old) and 14.7% (over 65 years old). Risk factors of hyper-LDL cholesterolemia were hypertension, menopause, body mass index, smoking, drinking status in women aged 30~49 years old. Risk factors of hyper-LDL cholesterolemia were hypertension, menopause, body mass index, waist circumference, smoking, drinking status in women aged 50~64 years old, and hypertension in women over 65 years old. Risk factors of hypertriglyceridemia were hypertension, menopause, body mass index, waist circumference, smoking in women aged 30~49 years old. Risk factors of hypertriglyceridemia were hypertension, body mass index, waist circumference, smoking, energy percent from fat in women aged 50~64 years old, and smoking in women over 65 years old.Conclusion: The results of this study revealed the important role of hypertension, menopause, body mass index, waist circumference, smoking, drinking status and energy percent from fat on dyslipidemia according to age group in women. Based on these results, different approaches considering women's age group should be prepared in order to prevent and manage dyslipidemia.
Viagens que Transformam a Condição Existencial
Authors: Abreu Renata Garanito de , Casotti Letícia Moreira
Published: September 2020

O turismo pode figurar como uma atividade catalisadora para mudanças positivas na vida dos idosos ao proporcionar possibilidades de socialização, fuga da rotina, conhecimento de novas realidades e culturas. O presente trabalho utiliza o cinema para investigar representações dos idosos e narrativas sobre processos de transformação em filmes com roteiros centrados em experiências de viagens. A análise de textos culturais tais como músicas, livros, propagandas, programas de televisão e filmes contribui para o entendimento de normas e padrões sociais existentes. Esse tipo de pesquisa ainda é pouco explorado no campo do turismo, mas sabe-se que o cinema se tornou uma arte universal capaz de revelar profundos e íntimos aspectos da sociedade através de suas narrativas e representações. Para análise de conteúdo foram selecionados quatro filmes que ligavam idosos, viagens e transformação: “Antes de Partir (2008)”, “O Exótico Hotel Marigold (2011)”, “Última Viagem a Vegas (2013)” e “Por Aqui e por Ali (2015)”. Posteriormente, foram construídas três categorias de análise: 1) motivação e escolha das experiências; 2) consumo; 3) envelhecimento e estigma. A discussão final está apoiada na lente da filosofia existencial para indicar nas narrativas dos filmes o papel transformador das viagens na vida dos idosos. As viagens são apresentadas como possibilidades de construir uma autenticidade existencial, pois são capazes de diluir sentimentos negativos tais como ansiedade, depressão e isolamento físico e psíquico.
Comportamento do consumidor de turismo
Authors: Serra Letícia Salazar , Alfinito Solange
Published: September 2020

Esse estudo analisou a produção científica brasileira relacionada ao comportamento do consumidor de turismo no período compreendido entre 1996 a 2019, nas bases Spell, Scielo e Scopus, utilizando o protocolo de revisão sistemática difundido por Cronin, Ryan e Coughlan (2008). Ademais, a bibliometria de Araújo e Alvarenga (2011) também foi utilizada como estratégia de investigação. Desse modo, essa pesquisa delineia-se como um estudo descritivo e de abordagem qualitativa. A busca resultou em uma amostra de 109 artigos que foram avaliados a partir de três abordagens: a) geral; b) metodológica e c) teórica. Os artigos foram analisados por intermédio da estatística descritiva, Classificação Hierárquica Descendente (CHD) e Análise Fatorial de Correspondência (AFC). Entre os achados, identificou-se um interesse progressivo na temática após o ano 2014, sendo o período imediatamente posterior o de maior concentração de artigos. Sob o caráter metodológico, os resultados revelaram a preferência por pesquisas descritivas e quantitativas. O survey e levantamento de opinião foram os métodos mais recorrentes. Das análises CHD e AFC emergiram quatro eixos temáticos associados ao tema e definidos como: “influências internas”, “produtos turísticos”, “processo decisório” e “turismo segmentado”. Destarte, essa investigação traz avanços para a área de turismo ao possibilitar uma fotografia sobre as pesquisas brasileiras e identificar lacunas prolíficas a serem preenchidas por estudos futuros.
Influence of Process Variables on a Rice De-stoning Machine
Authors: Adetola O. A. , Akindahunsi D. L.
Published: September 2020

Investigation of the effect of processing factors on a rice de-stoner is necessary to address the major challenge of stone pebbles be introduced during harvesting and post-harvest handling of rice production. In this study, three process variables (moisture content, feed regulator, and machine speed) were investigated to determine their effects on a rice de-stoner. Design expert version 11 Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to identify the process variables levels yielding optimum rice tray loss, impurity level after separation rice separation efficiency, stone separation efficiency, and capacity of the machine. Feed regulator had a little effect on both the tray loss and impurity level after the separation of rice. Machine speed and moisture content had a little effect on both the rice separation efficiency and the stone separation efficiency while the feed regulator and moisture content in percentage had a little effect on the machine capacity. The rice de-stoner has the optimum machine speed, feed regulator, and moisture content of 189.654 rpm, 7.307 mm, and 11.88% respectively. The tray loss, impurity level after separation, rice separation efficiency, stone separation efficiency and machine capacity have optimum values of 9.366 %, 5.713 %, 90.629 %, 72.448 % and 133.024 kg/h with the corresponding R2 values of 0.71, 0.97, 0.71, 0.96, and 0.96 respectively at desirability value of 0.713 which indicates the nearness of the response to the predicted values and adequacy of models established in describing the observed values. The optimization of rice de-stoner showed an optimal processing condition for independent parameters and the machine response variables. This research is a contribution to the improvement of the quality of Nigerian rice.
Coronavirus Spike (S) Protein: A Brief Review on Structure-Function Relationship, Host Receptors, and Role in Cell Infection
Authors: De Albuquerque Lidiane Pereira , Siqueira Patriota Leydianne Leite de , Gonzatto Vitor , Pontual Emmanuel Viana , Guedes Paiva Patrícia Maria , Napoleão Thiago Henrique
Published: September 2020

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a broad group of spherical and enveloped viruses that cause diseases in humans and animals. CoVs have become a major threat to public health in the past two decades, exemplified by epidemics of acute respiratory syndromes and, most recently, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The envelope of CoVs contains spike (S) proteins, which are transmembrane proteins with a crown-like shape involved in cell attachment, cell‒cell fusion, host tropism, and pathogenesis. The receptors for spike proteins in host cells can be glycans and proteins. This review approaches the structural and functional aspects of the S protein of CoVs. Several issues are presented, including the structure‒function relationship, examples of host receptors, S protein-host cell connection, and its role in the entry of the virus into host cells. The S protein is one of the main targets of studies on the evolutionary relationships between CoVs, mapping of cross-host transmission events, changes in virulence, variations in disease severity level, and the development of therapeutic strategies and vaccines.
Assessing Students’ Well-being in Primary Health Care Setting as a Clinical Learning Environment
Authors: Abed Rabab Abdel Raoof
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Well-being in learning environment requires a culture that actively helps students to achieve their own potential. It requires a learning environment (LE) that supports physical, social and spiritual development. It has been shown that medical students experience high levels of stress that can hinder their performance, professionalism, and overall health.

With respect to primary health care (PHC), some studies have shown the relative advantage of PHC centers to provide opportunities for “hands on” practice by pre-clinical students, availability of general practitioners (GPs) to supervise students, and with respect to the scope of PHC, which includes, beside patient care, community health education. Unfortunately, some aspects of the training process in clinical learning environment (CLE) have unfavorable effect on students’ well-being. Medical students face personal distress with negative effect on academic achievement, competency, professionalism, and health.

We aimed to measure students wellbeing during their training in primary health care units.

Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study to assess well-being of undergraduate students in primary health care (PHC) centers affiliated to the Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University (FOM-SCU). In addition, to test psychometric prosperities of The MED-NORD (Medical Education in Nordic Countries) questionnaire through exploratory factor analysis (EFA). A comprehensive (purposive) Sample was taken from year 1, 2, and 3.

Results: Testing the psychometric prosperities of MED-NORD questionnaire revealed that the questionnaire contained 7 factors and 41 items. The seven factors are: Conceptions of learning and knowledge, Approaches to learning, Perceptions of the learning environment, Problems in studying, Optimism, Reflective learning, and Lack of interest. There were adequate correlations between the factors.

Conclusion: The study concluded that the students positively perceived their well-being. Furthermore, Students preferred collaborative knowledge building in learning. However, they use surface approach in their learning more than deep approach. This study also concluded good reliability and construct validity of MED-NORD questionnaire.
Cassava Leaf Compost Influences Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Rice
Authors: Hawlader Nazmul Huq , Ali Fakir Md. Solaiman , Ahmad Masum , Nesa Habibun , Rahman Md. Mustafizur , Hasan Irteja , Islam Md. Monirul , Majumder Md. Sagirul Islam
Published: September 2020

The application of compost as alternatives to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers is considered a feasible agricultural practice to mitigate soil degradation caused by long term application of synthetic fertilizers. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the effect of cassava leaf compost on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of rice. Six treatments of two rice varieties (BRRI dhan29 and BINA dhan5) and three sources of nitrogen (Control - no nitrogen applied but residual soil N was 0.123%, urea @ 200 kg ha-1 and Cassava Leaf Compost @ 10 t ha-1) were used in this study. Cassava Leaf Compost @ 10 t ha-1 and urea @ 200 kg ha-1 significantly increased effective tillers per hill, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield were 12.84 and 13.75, 25.00 g and 24.93 g, 5.57 t ha-1 and 6.047 t ha-1, respectively. Cassava Leaf Compost @ 10 t ha-1 and urea @ 200 kg ha-1 increased N uptake in root is 0.821% and 0.756%, and the residual effect of compost increased C, N, P, K and S availability in soil for the succeeding crop in Cassava Leaf Compost @ 10 t ha-1 applied plots. Carbon and N mineralization rates were higher than control and soils receiving recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers. Our findings suggested that compost could be used as biofertilizer to improve degraded cropland soils for sustainable agriculture.
Seasonal Variation in Photosynthetically Active Radiation Interception and Radiation Use Efficiency in Green Gram [Vigna radiata (L.)Wilczek] in Lower Gangetic Plain of India
Authors: Basu Shrabani , Chakraborty Pramiti K. , Nath Rajib
Published: September 2020

Aim: The present study was conducted for identifying sowing windows and cultivars of green gram in spring – summer and rainy seasons depending on light interception pattern and photo synthetically active radiation use efficiency (PARUE) in the lower Gangetic Plains of Eastern India.

Methodology: Five green gram varieties (V1, V2, V3, V4 and V5) were sown on four dates (D1, D2, D3 and D4) in the spring –summer season starting from 15th February and on three dates (D1, D2 and D3) in the rainy season, starting from 20th August at interval of 10 days. Cumulative intercepted PAR (CIPAR), PARUE for above ground biomass and green gram seed and the seed yield were measured. The experiments were conducted under strip –plot design.

Results: Results showed that CIPAR increased gradually in both the seasons under different dates of sowing. The mean PARUE for above ground biomass were 3.97, 4.58, 3.18 and 2.64 gMJ-1 for D1, D2, D3 and D4 sowings during spring – summer season. In rainy season the same was declined from 8.67 to 3.73 g MJ-1 with the delay in sowing. Maximum seed yield was obtained under D2 and V3 in the spring –summer and under D1 and V5 in the rainy season. The mean PARUE for seed yield were 0.65 and 0.64 g MJ-1 and 0.40 and 0.42 g MJ-1 in the spring summer seasons of 2011 and 2012 respectively. In the rainy season the maximum PARUE were 0.91 and 0.55 g MJ-1 under D1 for two experimental years.

Conclusion: Depending on PARUE Pant Mung – 5 and Mehashould be sown during 3rd week of February and August in this zone.
Histopathological Changes in Gastrointestinal Tissues of Wistar Rats Administered with Methanolic Leaf Extract of Caladium bicolor (Araceae)
Authors: Omotoso Dayo Rotimi , Akinola Adeniran Oluwadamilare , Brown Ibifuro
Published: September 2020

To assess the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Caladium bicolor on the histomorphology of gastrointestinal tissues of experimental animals.

Twenty four Wistar rats (weighing between 175-190 g) were randomly and equally divided into four groups which include one control group (CG) and three treatment groups (TG I, TG II and TG III). The CG was administered with distilled water [2 ml/kg body weight (b.w.)] while TGs I, II and III were administered with 100 ml/kg, 200 ml/kg and 300 ml/kg (b.w.) of C. bicolor extract respectively. All administrations were done orally and once daily for a period of thirty days. The body weight of all animals was recorded at the beginning and end of study. After the period of study, gastric and small intestinal tissues of experimental animals were harvested, processed, converted to tissue blocks and sectioned. Tissue sections were stained using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) technique. Thereafter, stained sections microscopically examined for observable histopathological changes within study tissues.

The results of this study showed that exposure to C. bicolor extract causes significant (p < 0.05) body weight loss in TGs I-III compared to CG. In addition, prominent histopathological changes were observed in gastrointestinal tissues of experimental animals in TGs I-III including gastric mucosal surface erosion and intestinal villi degeneration compared to normal gastrointestinal histomorphology of CG animals.

These histopathological changes may be associated with toxic effect of phytochemicals constituents of the extract. Therefore, its application for therapeutic purposes needs to be thoroughly re-validated or perhaps disallowed where alternative therapeutic agents with minimal toxic potential exist.
Comparative Study and Analysis of Proximate Compositions and Some Mineral Contents in Natural and Artificial Honey from Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Olugbemi Samuel Adeolu , Amoniyan Oluwasegun Amos , Balogun Omolola Myriam
Published: September 2020

Use of honey is gaining ground worldwide as people are getting aware of the high nutritional values and beneficial health promoting effects of honey. This study was carried out in order to compare the proximate compositions and the mineral contents available in both natural honey and artificial honey obtained from some selected towns in Ijebu and Remo zones of Ogun State, Nigeria. The parameters were analyzed using standard methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 2005). From the results obtained, the proximate compositions (%) of the natural honey were - moisture content (17.85±0.74), carbohydrate (78.56±2.92), protein (2.43±0.23), fat (0.68±0.04), crude fiber (0.19±0.02), ash (0.29±0.05) while that of the artificial honey were moisture content (21.65±0.94), carbohydrate (76.25±2.67), protein (1.53±0.12), fat (0.30±0.07), crude fiber (0.12±0.01), ash (0.15±0.09). The natural honey compositions were generally better than those of the artificial honey compositions. This trend was also observed for the mineral contents – Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and other parameters such as pH, titratable acidity, electrical conductivity and total acidity analyzed.
Biodiversity Conservation Friendliness Status of Rural Farmers in Abak Agricultural Zone of Akwa Ibom State
Authors: Ekanem J. T. , Okorie N. U. , Ibanga J.
Published: September 2020

Consolidating on farmers’ agro-ecological knowledge to design environmental-friendly agricultural systems is crucial given the environmental impact of commercial agriculture. The study aimed at assessing the awareness level of the respondents on biodiversity conservation, their biodiversity conservation information source(s), respondents’ information seeking behaviour and their perception towards biodiversity conservation. A survey was conducted on 120 respondents using simple random sampling procedure. Data collected were analysed using frequency distributions, and composite index analytical technique. Findings revealed that all of the respondents had average to high level of awareness of biodiversity conservation practices. Findings also revealed that the information on biodiversity conservation were mostly gotten from friends/neighbors, other farmers, radio/television and internet/electronic mails. The respondents had very positive or favourable perception of biodiversity conservation but biodiversity conservation information seeking behaviour of the respondents was not quite high. Six (6) independent variables contributed a multiple correlation influence (R= 0.606) on the respondents’ perception on biodiversity conservation. However, awareness of biodiversity conservation (b = 0.598, t = 6.882, P = 0.000) was found to significantly and statistically influence the respondents’ perception on biodiversity conservation. These findings are crucial for policy orientations, research and development to efficiently support the implementation of more environmental-friendly farming systems in the study area.
Effects of Season Variation on Water, Feed, Milk Yield and Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows in Smallholder Farms in Eastern Africa
Authors: Mudavadi Ongadi Patrick , Emmanuel Mpolya Abraham , Charles Gachuiri , Namasake Muyekho Francis , Bernard Lukuyu Adubwa
Published: September 2020

Aim: The smallholder dairy industry in Eastern Africa continues to be characterized by seasonality driven milk fluctuations and reproductive performance of dairy cows. In this review, we present important effects of changes in seasons on water, feed quantity and quality, milk yield and reproductive performance of dairy cows in smallholder dairy farms.

Methods: We considered peer-reviewed publications from 1990 to 2019, and extracted any information pertaining to the effects and intensity of changes in seasons and implications on water, feed quality and quantity, milk yield and reproductive performance.

Results: Seasonal variation in rainfall, characteristic of the East Africa region, is strongly reflected in cropping and feeding calendars. Hence, 305-days lactation milk production per cow in Eastern Africa ranges from 850-3150 kg/cow/year, which has not increased, partly because of lack of improvement in nutrition and management, but also due to slow genetic selection of breeds that matches available feed to milk yield and reproductive performance. High milk fluctuations arise mostly because of farmers’ dependence on rainfall for feed production and rarely make provisions for preserving fodder for the dry season, as there isn’t adequate forage (fodder and pasture) even during the wet season.

Conclusion: For the smallholder dairy farmers to remain competitive, it is important to increase the dairy value chain capability to manage implications of changes in seasons on milk yield and reproduction. Therefore, in order to overcome the current seasonal changes, we have discussed technological interventions in adoption of practical, sustainable farmer-led strategies for optimizing water and feed production, milk yield and reproductive performance in Eastern Africa. We have also identified knowledge gaps where research is needed to guide dairy value chain stakeholders on how to ameliorate current seasonal changes or that we expect will occur in the future.
Meat Singeing Practices and Knowledge of Its Effects on Health and Environment among Butchers in Uyo, Nigeria
Authors: Ekanem Anyiekere Morgan , Ijezie Augustina Elochukwu , Udo Isaac Assam , Ekrikpo Udeme Ekpenyong , Idung Alphonsus Udo
Published: September 2020

Aims: To determine the materials used in singeing meat, reasons for their use and knowledge of the health and environmental effects of using old tyres in meat singeing by butchers in Uyo, Nigeria.

Study Design: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional study design.

Place and Duration of Study: Uyo capital city territory, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria from August                       1st  to 30th, 2019.

Methodology: We recruited 42 butchers (all males; mean age 25+/-6 years) from an abattoir, 2 slaughter slabs and meat processing sites on 2 major streets in Uyo capital city territory. Data collection was done using interviewer administered questionnaires and interview guide. Data was analyzed with Stata statistical software version 10.0.

Results: The major singeing materials for goat hides were plastics 19 (45.2%) and old tyres 10 (23.8%) while firewood 13 (31.0%) was used for cattle hides. Reasons for preference of singeing materials were: old tyres burn fast 10 (100.0%), cheaper than firewood 10 (100.0%) and left no cracks on hides 10 (100.0%); Plastics were available 17 (89.5%), longer duration of flame 16 (84.2%) and the cheapest 15 (78.9%) compared to tyres and firewood while firewood was preferred because it burnt slowly. Twenty five butchers (59.5%) had poor knowledge of the effect of use of old tires in singeing on health and environment. Reported symptoms associated with singeing were cough 17 (56.7%), dizziness 16 (53.3%) and itchy eyes 14 (46.7%). Key informant interview revealed that number of animals singed, duration of flame and cost of singeing material were the major determinants of the type of singeing materials used.

Conclusion: Plastics, old tyres and firewood were mainly used by butchers in singeing hides. Poor level of knowledge of effects of use of old tires in singeing was seen. Capacity building of butchers and ban of use of these materials is recommended.
Influence of Toad Parotid Gland Secretion from Indian Toad (Bufo melanostictus) in Diabetic Rats: An Experimental Evidence of P-Glycoprotein Inhibition
Authors: Madugula Naveen Kumar , Neerati Prasad
Published: September 2020

The study was conducted to improve the oral bioavailability of glyburide (GLY) with Indian Toad Parotid Gland Secretions (TPGS). P-glycoprotein is an efflux transporter cellular protein and effluxes xenobiotics and drugs to the outside of cells lead to decreased concentration of drugs at the target site. P-gp inhibitors essentially increase the levels and there is a need for new P-gp inhibitors to develop for the improvement of the oral bioavailability of P-gp substrate drugs because the existing inhibitors have serious side effects. This study was aimed to describe the P-gp inhibitory action from TPGS, Bufo melanostictus, in diabetic rats by using glyburide as p-gp substrate. Acute toxicity studies showed 300 mg/kg as toxic dose and 50 mg/kg was selected as study dose according to OECD 423. LC-HRMS study conducted to identify the new compounds. Apparent permeability (Papp) was estimated by non-everted sac method (In Vitro) with rat jejunum and ileum to confirm the P-gp inhibitory activity of TPGS by using fexofenadine (FEX) as P-gp substrate. In in-vivo protocol rats grouped into 4 groups (n=6), the first one is normal, second diabetic, third GLY 30 mg/kg, and fourth group GLY+ TPGS, 50 mg/kg for the single and multiple-dose treatment study. The spectrometric analysis revealed the new compounds, and TPGS Papp (X10-6 cm/s) in rat jejunum and ileum was significantly increased from 2.0±0.1 to 6.4±0.3 and 1.2±0.3 to 3.0±0.3 respectively. Blood glucose concentration in rats more than 250 mg/dl were considered as diabetic and in single, multiple-dose interaction studies (SDI, MDI) the concentrations decreased from 140.0±2.0 and 122.0±2.2 µg/dl respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameters like Cmax, Cl and in SDI, MDI and significant increase of C max and AUC t and decrease of Cl was observed. The above results conclude that TPGS had the potential P-gp inhibitory activity and improved the oral bioavailability of GLY significantly. Subsequent experimentation is warranted to chemically characterize the compounds from TPGS as potential new P-gp inhibitors.
Genuine Hybrids: Towards an Architecture with No Origin
Authors: Kolatan Ferda
Published: September 2020

Co‐founder of SU11 Architecture + Design, and Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, Ferda Kolatan postulates the idea that ‘authenticity’ with its assumed single point of origin is impossible in our contemporary culture, where all is a series of hybrid mixtures and variations, and the raw material of further architectural appropriation and adaption.
An Estranged Type: Old Techniques, Familiar Materials and Peculiar Outcomes
Authors: Ayata Kutan
Published: September 2020

Founding partner of New York‐based Young & Ayata and tutor at the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design and Pratt Institute, Kutan Ayata describes DL 1310, a residential project in Mexico, the formal innovation of which was confined to a metre‐wide, concrete facade wrap due to the constricted nature of the site. It is the choreography of the wrap and its window apertures, and the fabrication techniques used in its making, that give the building its unique presence.
Disjunctive Continuity and the Aesthetics of the Seam
Authors: Rahim Ali , Jamelle Hina
Published: September 2020

Guest‐Editors Ali Rahim and Hina Jamelle teach graduate Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design and are the co‐founders of Contemporary Architectural Practice (CAP) based in New York and Shanghai. Here they lead us through a brief history of the pros and cons of the architectural digital project of the last 25 years, advocating a return to detailing and the careful juxtaposition of materials, collaboratively working with numerous manufacturers and contractors to create architectures of nested, multiscaled and multivalent seams.
Relieving Cost of Epidemic by Parrondo's Paradox: A COVID‐19 Case Study
Authors: Cheong Kang Hao , Wen Tao , Lai Joel Weijia
Published: September 2020

COVID‐19, also known as SARS‐CoV‐2, is a coronavirus that is highly pathogenic and virulent. It spreads very quickly through close contact, and so in response to growing numbers of cases, many countries have imposed lockdown measures to slow its spread around the globe. The purpose of a lockdown is to reduce reproduction, that is, the number of people each confirmed case infects. Lockdown measures have worked to varying extents but they come with a massive price. Nearly every individual, community, business, and economy has been affected. In this paper, switching strategies that take into account the total “cost” borne by a community in response to COVID‐19 are proposed. The proposed cost function takes into account the health and well‐being of the population, as well as the economic impact due to the lockdown. The model allows for a comparative study to investigate the effectiveness of various COVID‐19 suppression strategies. It reveals that both the strategy to implement a lockdown and the strategy to maintain an open community are individually losing in terms of the total “cost” per day. However, switching between these two strategies in a certain manner can paradoxically lead to a winning outcome—a phenomenon attributed to Parrondo's paradox.
Understanding and Optimizing Ultra‐Thin Coordination Polymer Derivatives with High Oxygen Evolution Performance
Authors: Zhao Yonggui , Wan Wenchao , Chen Yi , Erni Rolf , Triana Carlos A. , Li Jingguo , Mavrokefalos Christos K. , Zhou Ying , Patzke Greta R.
Published: September 2020

Engineering low‐crystalline and ultra‐thin nanostructures into coordination polymer assemblies is a promising strategy to design efficient electrocatalysts for energy conversion and storage. However, the rational utilization of coordination polymers (CPs) or their derivatives as electrocatalysts has been hindered by a lack of insight into their underlying catalytic mechanisms. Herein, a convenient approach is presented where a series of Ni10‐xFex‐CPs (0 ≤ x ≤ 5) is first synthesized, followed by the introduction of abundant structural deficiencies using a facile reductive method (R‐Ni10‐xFex‐CPs). The representative low‐crystalline R‐Ni8Fe2‐CPs (R‐NiFe‐CPs) with a thickness of sub‐2 nm display promising oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance with a very low overpotential of 225 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and high long‐term durability over 120 h. Comprehensive investigations including X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, density functional theory, and mass diffusion theory reveal strong synergistic effects of structural deficiencies on the OER activity. A super‐Nernstian pH‐dependence of 85.15 mV pH−1 suggests that the catalytic OER mechanism of R‐NiFe‐CPs involved a decoupled proton‐electron transfer (PT/ET) pathway, leading to notably higher OER activity compared to the concerted coupled proton‐electron transfer pathway. New insights into the catalytic reaction mechanisms of CP‐related materials open up new approaches to expedite the design of efficient electrocatalysts.
Rainfed maize root morphology in response to plant population under no‐tillage
Authors: Haarhoff Stephanus J. , Lötze Elmi , Swanepoel Pieter A.
Published: September 2020

Maize (Zea mays L.) plant population effects on aboveground growth is well recognized, but little is known regarding the effects on root morphology. Plant population effects on various root parameters were explored in situ under no‐tillage in a semi‐arid environment. A 2‐yr field trial was conducted using three plant population treatments (20,000; 30,000; and 40,000 plants ha−1) at 0.76 m row spacing. Digital images were collected at four soil depths in acrylic minirhizotron tubes using a CI‐600 In Situ Root Imager. Digital images were analyzed using the RootSnap! analysis software. In Season 1, plant population had no effect on volumetric root length density (RLDv) against the crop rows at the 0–60 cm depths. In Season 2, a lower RLDv (P < .05) was found at 30,000 plants ha−1 than 20,000 plants ha−1 at the 15–30 cm depth. A lower (P < .05) RLDv was found at 20,000 plants ha−1 compared to 30,000 plants ha−1 at 30–45 cm depth. Average root diameter was greater (P < .05) in Season 1 compared to Season 2 at all depths. Lateral root length against crop rows were 37 and 39% greater (P < .05) in Season 1 compared to Season 2 at 15–30 and 30–45 cm depths, respectively. Across treatments, yield was 7,001 and 4,940 kg ha−1 in Season 1 and 2, respectively. Yield increased by 351 kg ha−1 for each 0.2 cm cm−3 increase in RLDv against crop rows. Plant population effects on maize root morphology is reduced in dry seasons and is mainly affected by season and soil depth.
Ligand‐Free Iron‐Catalyzed Homo‐Coupling of Aryllithium Reagents
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Yong , Peng Xiao‐Shui , Wong Henry N. C.
Published: September 2020

The synthesis of symmetric biaryls via the iron‐catalyzed homo‐coupling of aryllithium reagents was developed under a mild condition, in the absence of ligand, with wide range of scope, and in good yields. Investigation on reaction concentration and practical utility of this environmentally friendly procedure also indicates a promising application outlook.
Cs+/Alcohol Promoted[4C+2C]Annulation: ASynthetic Strategy for Polysubstituted Phenols
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Zheng Baihui , Wang Yanqing , Li Yifei , Liu Qun , Pan Ling
Published: September 2020

A cesium ion/alcohol promoted [4C+2C]annulation with the easily available diacetyl ketene dithioacetals as 4 C components to give poly‐substituted phenols is reported. It is revealed for the first time that in the presence of cesium ion and alcohol under mild alkaline conditions, the acetyl methyl carbon of ketene dithioacetals can be utilized as a carbon nucleophile. This nucleophile can attack at a carbonyl carbon of a ketone to form a C−C bond to initiate a [4C+2C]annulations, which lead to a poly‐substituted phenol product via intramolecular cyclization followed by aromatization. This reaction provides a new and practical route to the construction of poly‐substituted phenols between the same (two diacetyl ketene dithioacetals) or different ketones (a diacetyl ketene dithioacetal and a ketone) under very mild reaction conditions.