bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies Used by Middle Managers to Support Employees Carrying Out Emotionally Demanding Work: Which Strategies and Why Those Ones?
Authors: Pelletier-Bosshard Emma , Freeman Andrew , Jauvin Nathalie , Côté Nancy
Published: March 2021

Many areas of practice in health and social services are emotionally demanding. This type of work can be associated with psychological health problems and middle managers play a key role in reducing such risks for their staff. Although the importance of providing this support is recognized, attaining such an objective is not necessarily straightforward because of the multiple demands that managers must juggle.

Using an ergonomic perspective, this qualitative research study, which was conducted in a regional child protection service in Quebec (Canada), aimed to identify the strategies used by middle managers to support staff whose work is considered emotionally demanding. The results reveal that managers use a range of support strategies, which fall into seven categories. Although the strategies are distributed along two axes, proximity (direct, indirect) and time (short-term, long-term), they tend to be more direct and short-term (e.g., provide emotional support). The choice of strategies is influenced by various facilitating or constraining organizational, interpersonal and individual factors. A strong influence appears to be time availability.

This study provides a detailed picture of the strategies used by middle man-agers and the complexity with which these individuals are confronted in providing their staff with support. Further research is required, for example, to better understand the impact of certain factors on the choice of support strategies and to evaluate the impact of support strategies from a staff perspective.
Listening Backward: Sonic Intimacies and Cross-Racial, Queer Resonance
Authors: Hale Wood Katelyn
Published: March 2021

Documenting my encounters as a white queer scholar with the sonic archive of the late black American lesbian comic Jackie “Moms” Mabley, this paper explores the cross-racial/sexual politics of sonic historiography. Through what I term listening backward, I examine how sound procures queer sonic intimacies between critic and subject: the repetitive listening, soundwaves directly travelling from one voice to one person, and most pertinently, the historical and sociocultural contexts that make consumption of such exchange possible and/or fraught. This listening practice centres on relational and resonant modes of archiving through sound and asks: (1) How can exploring methods of sonic documentation align performance studies’ commitment to archiving the affective? (2) What might attention to not only the product of such documentation but also its performative processes offer about how the sonic can deepen modes of performance historiography and the racial/sexual politics of listening? (3) What practices of listening can centre queer intimacies and temporalities in the archive?
Architectural Space in Ancient Greece
Authors: Doxiadis Constantinos A.
Published: March 2021

Doxiadis is best known as an architect-planner, as a consultant with an international clientele, as something of a prophet whose outlook is focused on man's worldwide future. But here, in his first major study, originally published in German in 1937, Doxiadis looks back into the past, to the architectural roots of his native Greece.

He works out a theory that accounts for the seemingly unordered layout of the buildings in ancient Greek sacred precincts, proposing that the spatial relationships between the buildings were strictly determined according to a plan.

Doxiadis examines in detail nearly thirty sites, charts their layouts, and presents relevant linear and angular measurements. Numerous site plans and about forty halftones complement the text. The full references include many recent sources. The trim size of the book itself is proportioned by means of the golden section.
Modernity and Housing
Authors: Rowe Peter G.
Published: March 2021

Peter Rowe explores the social, cultural, and expressive history of housing at two crucial moments: the first large-scale developments along modernist lines in the 1920s, and the widespread reconsideration of modernist principles in the 1970s.

Starting from the question of how can the design of modern housing can be successful, Peter Rowe explores the social, cultural, and expressive history of housing at two crucial moments: the first large-scale developments along modernist lines in the 1920s, and the widespread reconsideration of modernist principles in the 1970s. Although the inquiry is conducted along historical and theoretical lines, it proposes to uncover practical principles that may guide the design of modern housing, each principle responding to a contemporary architectural paradox posed by modern conditions. Six detailed case studies form the illustrative centerpiece of the book. Modernity and Housing embraces three more or less parallel themes concerning modernity: the rise of technocracy and the attendant tendency of modern space to become universal while the experience of time is confined to the present; the problem of representation for a culture in which subject-centered reason has replaced metaphysical foundations; and social practices that give rise to urban concentrations and the production of mass housing on an unprecedented scale. Within these themes, the modern experience of space and time philosophically grounds discussion of local and traditional versus universal and novel building practices. The perspective of subject-centered reason grounds the exploration of the use of abstract forms and the comcomitant problem of providing for an expressive architectural language; while the unprecedented quantities of housing production raise the thorny issue of widely defining a normative building program that allows for local particularity. The case studies cover Sunnyside Gardens, New York; Romerstadt, Frankfurt-am-Main; Kiefhoek, Rotterdam; Byker Redevelopment, United Kingdom; Villa Victoria, United States; Malagueira Quarter, Portugal. An appendix contains an annotated and statistical summary of all major housing projects described in the text (about 40) with notes that include the date, size, place, architect, client, housing type, relative densities, and other items of interest.
The Politics of Park Design
Authors: Cranz Galen
Published: March 2021

Galen Cranz surveys the rise of the park system from 1850 to the present through 4 stages - the pleasure ground, the reform park, the recreation facility and the open space system. Looking at both their physical design and social purpose, Cranz argues that city parks have become an instrument of social policy with the potential for reflecting and serving social values.
Increased longevity due to sexual activity in mole-rats is associated with transcriptional changes in the HPA stress axis
Authors: Sahm Arne , Platzer Matthias , Koch Philipp , Henning Yoshiyuki , Bens Martin , Groth Marco , Burda Hynek , Begall Sabine , Ting Saskia , Goetz Moritz , Van Daele Paul , Staniszewska Magdalena , Klose Jasmin Mona , Costa Pedro Fragoso , Hoffmann Steve , Szafranski Karol , Dammann Philip
Published: March 2021

Sexual activity and/or reproduction are associated with a doubling of life expectancy in the long-lived rodent genusFukomys. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, we analyzed 636 RNA-seq samples across 15 tissues. This analysis suggests that changes in the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal stress axis play a key role regarding the extended life expectancy of reproductive vs. non-reproductive mole-rats. This is substantiated by a corpus of independent evidence. In accordance with previous studies, the up-regulation of the proteasome and so-called ‘anti-aging molecules’, for example, dehydroepiandrosterone, is linked with enhanced lifespan. On the other hand, several of our results are not consistent with knowledge about aging of short-lived model organisms. For example, we found the up-regulation of the insulin-like growth factor 1/growth hormone axis and several other anabolic processes to be compatible with a considerable lifespan prolongation. These contradictions question the extent to which findings from short-lived species can be transferred to longer-lived ones.
Selective dendritic localization of mRNA in Drosophila mushroom body output neurons
Authors: Mitchell Jessica , Smith Carlas S , Titlow Josh , Otto Nils , van Velde Pieter , Booth Martin , Davis Ilan , Waddell Scott
Published: March 2021

Memory-relevant neuronal plasticity is believed to require local translation of new proteins at synapses. Understanding this process requires the visualization of the relevant mRNAs within these neuronal compartments. Here, we used single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization to localize mRNAs at subcellular resolution in the adult Drosophila brain. mRNAs for subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and kinases could be detected within the dendrites of co-labeled mushroom body output neurons (MBONs) and their relative abundance showed cell specificity. Moreover, aversive olfactory learning produced a transient increase in the level of CaMKII mRNA within the dendritic compartments of the γ5β'2a MBONs. Localization of specific mRNAs in MBONs before and after learning represents a critical step towards deciphering the role of dendritic translation in the neuronal plasticity underlying behavioral change in Drosophila.
Learning precise spatiotemporal sequences via biophysically realistic learning rules in a modular, spiking network
Authors: Cone Ian , Shouval Harel Z
Published: March 2021

Multiple brain regions are able to learn and express temporal sequences, and this functionality is an essential component of learning and memory. We propose a substrate for such representations via a network model that learns and recalls discrete sequences of variable order and duration. The model consists of a network of spiking neurons placed in a modular microcolumn based architecture. Learning is performed via a biophysically realistic learning rule that depends on synaptic ‘eligibility traces’. Before training, the network contains no memory of any particular sequence. After training, presentation of only the first element in that sequence is sufficient for the network to recall an entire learned representation of the sequence. An extended version of the model also demonstrates the ability to successfully learn and recall non-Markovian sequences. This model provides a possible framework for biologically plausible sequence learning and memory, in agreement with recent experimental results.
The global burden of yellow fever
Authors: Gaythorpe Katy AM , Hamlet Arran , Jean Kévin , Garkauskas Ramos Daniel , Cibrelus Laurence , Garske Tini , Ferguson Neil
Published: March 2021

Yellow fever (YF) is a viral, vector-borne, haemorrhagic fever endemic in tropical regions of Africa and South America. The vaccine for YF is considered safe and effective, but intervention strategies need to be optimised; one of the tools for this is mathematical modelling. We refine and expand an existing modelling framework for Africa to account for transmission in South America. We fit to YF occurrence and serology data. We then estimate the subnational forces of infection for the entire endemic region. Finally, using demographic and vaccination data, we examine the impact of vaccination activities. We estimate that there were 109,000 (95% credible interval [CrI] [67,000–173,000]) severe infections and 51,000 (95% CrI [31,000–82,000]) deaths due to YF in Africa and South America in 2018. We find that mass vaccination activities in Africa reduced deaths by 47% (95% CrI [10%–77%]). This methodology allows us to evaluate the effectiveness of vaccination and illustrates the need for continued vigilance and surveillance of YF.
Egr2 induction in spiny projection neurons of the ventrolateral striatum contributes to cocaine place preference in mice
Authors: Mukherjee Diptendu , Gonzales Ben Jerry , Ashwal-Fluss Reut , Turm Hagit , Groysman Maya , Citri Ami
Published: March 2021

Drug addiction develops due to brain-wide plasticity within neuronal ensembles, mediated by dynamic gene expression. Though the most common approach to identify such ensembles relies on immediate early gene expression, little is known of how the activity of these genes is linked to modified behavior observed following repeated drug exposure. To address this gap, we present a broad-to-specific approach, beginning with a comprehensive investigation of brain-wide cocaine-driven gene expression, through the description of dynamic spatial patterns of gene induction in subregions of the striatum, and finally address functionality of region-specific gene induction in the development of cocaine preference. Our findings reveal differential cell-type specific dynamic transcriptional recruitment patterns within two subdomains of the dorsal striatum following repeated cocaine exposure. Furthermore, we demonstrate that induction of the IEG Egr2 in the ventrolateral striatum, as well as the cells within which it is expressed, are required for the development of cocaine seeking.
Seroconversion stages COVID19 into distinct pathophysiological states
Authors: Galbraith Matthew D , Kinning Kohl T , Sullivan Kelly D , Baxter Ryan , Araya Paula , Jordan Kimberly R , Russell Seth , Smith Keith P , Granrath Ross E , Shaw Jessica R , Dzieciatkowska Monika , Ghosh Tusharkanti , Monte Andrew A , D'Alessandro Angelo , Hansen Kirk C , Benett Tellen D , Hsieh Elena WY , Espinosa Joaquín M
Published: March 2021

COVID19 is a heterogeneous medical condition involving diverse underlying pathophysiological processes including hyperinflammation, endothelial damage, thrombotic microangiopathy, and end-organ damage. Limited knowledge about the molecular mechanisms driving these processes and lack of staging biomarkers hamper the ability to stratify patients for targeted therapeutics. We report here the results of a cross-sectional multi-omics analysis of hospitalized COVID19 patients revealing that seroconversion status associates with distinct underlying pathophysiological states. Low antibody titers associate with hyperactive T cells and NK cells, high levels of IFN alpha, gamma and lambda ligands, markers of systemic complement activation, and depletion of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and platelets. Upon seroconversion, all of these processes are attenuated, observing instead increases in B cell subsets, emergency hematopoiesis, increased D-dimer, and hypoalbuminemia. We propose that seroconversion status could potentially be used as a biosignature to stratify patients for therapeutic intervention and to inform analysis of clinical trial results in heterogenous patient populations.
Architecture and structural dynamics of the heteromeric GluK2/K5 kainate receptor
Authors: Khanra Nandish , Brown Patricia MGE , Perozzo Amanda M , Bowie Derek , Meyerson Joel R
Published: March 2021

Kainate receptors (KARs) are L-glutamate-gated ion channels that regulate synaptic transmission and modulate neuronal circuits. KARs have strict assembly rules and primarily function as heteromeric receptors in the brain. A longstanding question is how KAR heteromer subunits organize and coordinate together to fulfill their signature physiological roles. Here we report structures of the GluK2/GluK5 heteromer in apo, antagonist-bound, and desensitized states. The receptor assembles with two copies of each subunit, ligand binding domains arranged as two heterodimers and GluK5 subunits proximal to the channel. Strikingly, during desensitization, GluK2, but not GluK5, subunits undergo major structural rearrangements to facilitate channel closure. We show how the large conformational differences between antagonist-bound and desensitized states are mediated by the linkers connecting the pore helices to the ligand binding domains. This work presents the first KAR heteromer structure, reveals how its subunits are organized, and resolves how the heteromer can accommodate functionally distinct closed channel structures.
Surveillance of tuberculosis and treatment outcomes following screening and therapy interventions among marriage-migrants and labor-migrants from high TB endemic countries in Taiwan
Authors: Kuan Mei-Mei
Published: March 2021

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) among migrants from high-risk countries and underling interventions were concerned for disease control. This study aimed to assess the TB trends among marriage-migrants with the 1–2-round vs. labor-migrants with the four-round TB screenings in the period of the first four post-entry years; pre-entry screenings by an initial chest X-ray (CXR) were conducted during 2012–2015, and a friendly treatment policy was introduced in 2014.

Methods

TB data of migrants during 2012–2015 were obtained from the National TB Registry Database and analyzed. The incidences, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes were assessed to explore the impact of underlying interventions.

Results

During post-entry 0–4 years, the TB incidence rates among marriage-migrants ranged 11–90 per 100,000 person-years, with 60.8% bacteria-positive and 28.2% smear-positive cases. Whereas among labor migrants, the incidence rates ranged 67–120 per 100,000 person-years, with 43.6% bacteria-positive and 13.7% smear-positive cases. All migrants originated from Southeast Asia following pre-entry health screening in 2012–2015. The TB cases among marriage-migrants were with a higher proportion of sputum-smear-positivity (SS+) (OR: 4.82, 95% CI [3.7–6.34]) and CXR cavitation (OR: 2.90, 95% CI [2.10–4.01]). Marriage-migrants with TB had treatment completion rate of >90%, which was above the WHO target. For labor-migrants with TB, when compared the period of post- vs. pre-implementation of the friendly therapy policy that eliminated compulsory repatriation, the overall treatment completion rate of those who stayed in Taiwan improved by 30.9% (95% CI [24.3–37.6]) vs. 6.7% (95% CI [3.8–9.7]), which exceeded a 4.88-fold (95% CI: 3.83–6.22) improvement. Additionally, the treatment initiation rate within 30 days of diagnosis for SS- TB and B- TB cases during post- vs. pre-implementation of the therapy policy was increased, that is, 77.1% vs. 70.9% (OR: 1.38, 95% CI [1.12–1.70]) and 78% vs. 77% (OR: 1.64, 95% CI [1.38–1.95]).

Conclusion

Multiple CXR screenings could identify more TB cases with sputum-smear-negativity (SS-) TB at the early-stage, introducing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening might save underlying efforts. For those labor-migrants with TB who stayed in the receiving country, the friendly TB therapy policy not only significantly improved the treatment completion but also the early treatment initiation.
Direct-acting antiviral treatment for Hepatitis C Virus in geriatric patients: a real-world retrospective comparison between early and late elderly patients
Authors: Yen Hsu-Heng , Su Pei-Yuan , Liu I-Ling , Zeng Ya-Yuei , Huang Siou-Ping , Hsu Yu-Chun , Yang Chia-Wei , Chen Yang-Yuan
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection rates are high in the geriatric population considering that interferon-based therapy is usually intolerable. With the introduction of oral antiviral therapy for HCV, increased treatment tolerability and good treatment responses have been observed. However, treatment data regarding the geriatric population have been limited. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of direct-acting antiviral therapy for HCV in the geriatric population.

Materials and Methods

The primary end point was sustained virologic response (SVR) 12 weeks after treatment completion, whereas the secondary end points were treatment-related side effects and short-term survival rate following treatment.

Results

In total, 492 patients (median age, 73 years; 43.9% males), including 278 early elderly patients, were enrolled. Among the included patients, 45% had cirrhosis. HCV genotypes 1 (72.4%) and 2 (25.4%) were the most common. The overall SVR rate was 96.7%, with no difference in SVR rates observed between early and late elderly groups (96.8% vs. 96.7%; p = 0.983). Both groups showed similar side effects, including dizziness (11.4%), and fatigue (8.7%), with three patients discontinuing therapy owing to side effects. Both groups had a similar 3-year survival rate. Significant factors associated with post-treatment survival included cirrhosis, albumin, and creatinine level.

Conclusions

Our real-world data showed that both early and late elderly patients could undergo direct-acting antiviral treatment for HCV with excellent treatment outcomes.
Reproducible, portable, and efficient ancient genome reconstruction with nf-core/eager
Authors: Fellows Yates James A. , Lamnidis Thiseas C. , Borry Maxime , Andrades Valtueña Aida , Fagernäs Zandra , Clayton Stephen , Garcia Maxime U. , Neukamm Judith , Peltzer Alexander
Published: March 2021

The broadening utilisation of ancient DNA to address archaeological, palaeontological, and biological questions is resulting in a rising diversity in the size of laboratories and scale of analyses being performed. In the context of this heterogeneous landscape, we present an advanced, and entirely redesigned and extended version of the EAGER pipeline for the analysis of ancient genomic data. This Nextflow pipeline aims to address three main themes: accessibility and adaptability to different computing configurations, reproducibility to ensure robust analytical standards, and updating the pipeline to the latest routine ancient genomic practices. The new version of EAGER has been developed within the nf-core initiative to ensure high-quality software development and maintenance support; contributing to a long-term life-cycle for the pipeline. nf-core/eager will assist in ensuring that a wider range of ancient DNA analyses can be applied by a diverse range of research groups and fields.
Transcriptome profiling reveals histone deacetylase 1 gene overexpression improves flavonoid, isoflavonoid, and phenylpropanoid metabolism in Arachis hypogaea hairy roots
Authors: Su Liangchen , Liu Shuai , Liu Xing , Zhang Baihong , Li Meijuan , Zeng Lidan , Li Ling
Published: March 2021

Background

The peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is a crop plant of high economic importance, but the epigenetic regulation of its root growth and development has not received sufficient attention. Research on Arabidopsis thaliana has shown that histone deacetylases (HDACs) are involved in cell growth, cell differentiation, and stress response. Few studies have focused on the role of HDACs in the root development of other plants, particularly crop plants. In earlier studies, we found large accumulations of A. hypogaea histone deacetylase 1 (AhHDA1) mRNA in peanut roots. However, we did not explore the role of AhHDA1 in peanut root development.

Methods

In this paper, we investigated the role of the peanut AhHDA1 gene and focused on the effect of altered AhHDA1 expression in hairy roots at both the phenotypic and transcriptional levels. We analyzed the transformation of A. hypogaea hairy roots using Agrobacterium rhizogenes and RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes that were assigned to specific metabolic pathways. Transgenic hairy roots were used as experimental material to analyze the downstream genes expression and histone acetylation levels. To thoroughly understand AhHDA1 function, we also simultaneously screened the AhHDA1-interacting proteins using a yeast two-hybrid system.

Results

AhHDA1-overexpressing hairy roots were growth-retarded after 20 d in vitro cultivation, and they had a greater accumulation of superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide than the control and RNAi groups. AhHDA1 overexpression in hairy roots accelerated flux through various secondary synthetic metabolic pathways, as well as inhibited the primary metabolism process. AhHDA1 overexpression also caused a significant upregulation of genes encoding the critical enzyme chalcone synthase (Araip.B8TJ0, CHS) in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, hydroxyisoflavanone synthase (Araip.0P3RJ) in the isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathway, and caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase (Aradu.M62BY, CCoAOMT) in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. In contrast, ferredoxin 1 (Araip.327XS), the polypeptide of the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II (Araip.N6ZTJ), and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (Aradu.5IY98) in the photosynthetic pathway were significantly downregulated by AhHDA1 overexpression. The expression levels of these genes had a positive correlation with histone acetylation levels.

Conclusion

Our results revealed that the relationship between altered gene metabolism activities and AhHDA1 overexpression was mainly reflected in flavonoid, isoflavonoid, and phenylpropanoid metabolism. AhHDA1 overexpression retarded the growth of transgenic hairy roots and may be associated with cell metabolism status. Future studies should focus on the function of AhHDA1-interacting proteins and their effect on root development.
Narrowband Ultraviolet B Phototherapy versus Excimer Laser in the Treatment of Vitiligo: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Mohamed Esmaeel Alsayed , Parmar Nisha V , Falasi Amani Al
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Vitiligo is an acquired autoimmune disorder of depigmentation with a global prevalence of 1%. Phototherapy with Narrowband Ultraviolet B (NBUVB) light and excimer laser are both FDA approved treatments for vitiligo. Studies comparing the two modalities are few in patients with different skin colors. Aim: To compare the efficacy and safety of NBUVB versus excimer laser in vitiligo in terms of re-pigmentation achieved during treatment and side effects. Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of vitiligo patients attending the phototherapy unit from January 2016 to August 2018. Patient profiles including age, gender, site and extent of vitiligo, type of phototherapy treatment (NBUVB vs excimer laser), sessions per week, sessions required for onset of repigmentation, sites of repigmentation, and side effects were noted. Qualitative variables were analysed using Chi-square test. Quantitative variables were analysed using mean and Standard Deviation (SD). A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 146 patients aged 4-70 years were included. Ninety-six patients received excimer laser and 50 patients were on NBUVB. Initial repigmentation occurred after a mean±SD of 28.91±16.61 sessions in the NBUVB group and 24.26±17.57 sessions in the excimer laser group. The difference was not statistically significant (p=0.18). Repigmentation occurred faster on the face followed by the trunk in both groups. Side effects were higher with excimer laser compared to NBUVB (90.6% versus 76%) and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.017). Side effects were, however, mild and did not warrant treatment discontinuation. Conclusion: Number of sessions required for onset of repigmentation was similar in both groups. Side effects, although more frequent with excimer laser, were mild and required dose reduction rather than discontinuation of treatment.
Caregiver Burden for Patients Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease: A Cross-sectional Study from Southern India
Authors: Kurupath Arun , Arathil Praveen , Bansal Rahul
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder where the individual over time needs more and more assistance from their caregivers to carry on their life and that causes increasing burden on the caregiver. The burden for the caregiver is affecting them physically, mentally and also on a socioeconomic level. Aim: To examine the factors related to caregiver burden in caregivers of Parkinson’s patients. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Parkinson’s clinic of a Tertiary Care Hospital of Kochi, on 100 Parkinsonism patients and their respective caregivers. Patients were assessed using the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn and Yahr Scale (H&Y) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Caregivers were assessed using Zerit’s Caregiver Burden inventory (CBI). Semi structured questionnaire was administered for socio-demographic details. Non parametric tests were done to examine the correlation among various variables. Results: Among the patients and caregivers, mean age was 70.65±7.30 and 67.31±8.56, respectively. Among the patient’s majority were males (n=74) while among caregivers, majority were females (n=73). Mean duration of disease was 6.79±2.68 years, mean caregiver burden score was 65.05±21.79, mean UPDRS score was 21.89±8.74 and had significant positive correlation with caregiver burden. Mean MMSE score was 17.19±4.91. The disease duration and UPDRS score had a significant positive correlation with caregiver burden score. MMSE score had significant negative correlation with caregiver burden score. Conclusion: This study concludes that a patient’s Parkinsonism related disability accounts for majority of caregiver burden. An early identification of factors contributing to stress in caregivers will help to avoid its persistency leading to a better insight in the caregiving role and thus in-patient care.
Chemical Composition of Essential Oil of Ageratum conyzoides with Antifungal Activity on the Lasiodiplodia theobromae Strain in the Region of Kisangani and DR Congo
Authors: Kwembe J. T. K. , Onautshu O. , Mpiana P. T. , Vermeir Pieter , Haesaert G.
Published: March 2021

Aims: To determine the chemical composition of essential oil of Ageratum conyzoides with antifungal activity on the strain of Lasiodiplodia theobromae in the Kisangani region.

Location and Duration of Studies: Faculty of Sciences of University of Kisangani (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Faculty of Biosciences Engineering of University of Ghent (Belgium), between May to November 2019.

Methodology: The essential oil from the leaves of A. conyzoides was extracted by hydrodistillation. Potato dextrose agar (PDA) was used as a culture medium. In vitro evaluation of its antifungal activity was performed on PDA medium and expressed as percentage of inhibition (PI).

Results: The extracted essential oil (with a yield of 0.63%) showed a PI of 91.63% on the strain of L. theobromae after two days of incubation. It consists of at least 23 compounds, of which seven are in the majority (abundances greater than 1.5% and represent 92.05%), namely Precocene I (38.33%), Beta-caryophyllene (26.51%), Beta-sesquiphellandrene (8.63%), Beta-cubebene (7.91%), Alpha-muurolene (4.95%), 1.5.9.9-Tetramethyl-1.4.7-cycloundecatriene (3.04%), Cis-beta-farnesene (2.99%). The hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes are the most frequent compounds (58.95%).

Discussion: Compared to the A. conyzoides saponins the PI obtained from the essential oil is higher. The essential oil chemotype obtained from the leaves of A. conyzoides is of the Precocene I type, similar to the oils from the stems and flowers of the same plant in West Africa.

Conclusion: The essential oil of A. conyzoides has a very high inhibitory power on L. theobromae. It mainly contains the Precocene and the hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes. Assessment of the antifungal activity of each separate molecule should be considered.
Weed Control in Tomato through Mulching Approaches
Authors: Rahmani Zabihullah , Faqiri Shah Mahmoud , Muradi Ahmad Jawid
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study is to evaluate effect of different types of mulches on weed control and yield of tomato in the farm of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Department were conducted in the year 2019. The method for study is completely randomized block design with three replications and four treatments such as transparent plastic, black plastic, barley straw and control (without mulch). According to the study, the control treatment, black plastic mulches were a significant effect on the number of weeds and yield of tomatoes. The maximum yields were 48.05 (ton/ha) in black plastic and the minimum yields were 19 (ton/ha) in control mulch. The present work suggests that the application of different types of mulches can be an effective method to reduce the number of weeds in a tomato farm. The black plastic mulch is recommended due to increase in the yield of tomato and also an effective practice on controlling the weeds.
Evaluating Measure of Reformed Rotatability for Second Degree Polynomial Using a Pair of Incomplete Block Designs with Two Unequal Block Sizes
Authors: Jyostna P. , Victorbabu B. Re
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a study on evaluating measure of reformed rotatability for second degree polynomial using a pair of incomplete block designs with two unequal block sizes (like symmetrical unequal block arrangements with two unequal block sizes) is suggested which enables us to assess the degree of reformed (modified) rotatability for a given response surface design.
Final Health and Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Soybean A5547-127
Authors: Andreassen Åshild Kristin , Bakke Anne Marie , Dahl Knut Kelkås , Dalen Knut Thomas , Finne Merethe Aasmo , Mikalsen Arne , Sanden Monica , Sipinen Ville Erling , Vikse Rose , Brandtzæg Per , Junttila Olavi , Meadow Richard , Nielsen Kåre Magnus , Sorteberg Hilde-Gunn Opsahl
Published: March 2021

Soybean A5547-127 expresses the phosphinothricin - N - acetyltransferase (pat) gene from the soil bacterium Streptomyces viridochromogenes. The encoded PAT protein confers tolerance to the active herbicidal substance glufosinate-ammonium. Bioinformatics analyses of the inserted DNA and flanking sequences in soybean A5547-127 have not indicated a potential production of putative harmful proteins or polypeptides caused by the genetic modification. Genomic stability of the functional insert and consistent expression of the pat gene have been shown over several generations of soybean A5547-127. With the exception of the  intended changes caused by the trans-genetically introduced trait, data from field trials performed in the USA show that soybean A5547-127 is compositionally, morphologically and agronomically equivalent to its conventional counterpart and other commercial soybean varieties. A repeated dose toxicity study with rats and a nutritional assessment trial with broilers have not revealed adverse effects of soybean A5547-127. These studies indicate that soybean A5547-127 is nutritionally equivalent to and as safe as conventional soybean varieties. The PAT protein produced in soybean A5547-127 does not show sequence resemblance to known toxins or IgE-dependent allergens, nor has it been reported to cause IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Soybean is not cultivated in Norway, and there are no crosscompatible wild or weedy relatives of soybean in Europe. 

 

Based on current knowledge the VKM GMO Panel concludes that with the intended usage, there are no discernible safety concerns associated with soybean A5547-127 regarding human or animal health or to the environment in Norway.
Final Health and Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Soybean MON 89788
Authors: Andreassen Åshild Kristin , Bakke Anne Marie , Dahl Knut Kelkås , Dalen Knut Thomas , Finne Merethe Aasmo , Mikalsen Arne , Sanden Monica , Sipinen Ville Erling , Vikse Rose , Brandtzæg Per , Junttila Olavi , Meadow Richard , Nielsen Kåre Magnus , Sorteberg Hilde-Gunn Opsahl
Published: March 2021

Soybean MON 89788 expresses the cp4 epsps gene from the plant pathogenic bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Rhizobium radiobacter) sp. strain CP4. The encoded enzyme 5enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (CP4 EPSPS) protein confers tolerance to the active herbicidal substance glyphosate. Updated bioinformatics analyses of the inserted DNA and flanking sequences in soybean MON 89788 have not indicated a potential production of putative harmful proteins or polypeptides caused by the genetic modification. Genomic stability of the functional insert and consistent expression of the cp4 epsps gene, have been shown over several generations of soybean MON 89788. With the exception of the intended changes caused by the trans-genetically introduced trait, data from several field trials performed in USA and Argentina show that soybean MON 89788 is compositionally, morphologically and agronomically equivalent to its conventional counterpart and other commercial soybean varieties. A sub-chronic feeding study with rats, as well as a nutritional assessment trial with broilers has not revealed adverse effects of soybean MON 89788. These studies indicate that soybean MON 89788 is nutritionally equivalent to, and as safe as conventional soybean varieties. The CP4 EPSPS protein produced in soybean MON 89788 does not show sequence resemblance to known toxins or IgE-dependent allergens, nor has it been reported to cause IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Soybean is not cultivated in Norway, and there are no cross-compatible wild or weedy relatives of soybean in Europe. 

 

Based on current knowledge, the VKM GMO Panel concludes that with the intended usage, there are no discernible safety concerns associated with soybean MON 89788 regarding human or animal health or to the environment in Norway.
Autoregressive Modeling and Forecasts of Degema Monthly Allocation: Buy’s-Ballot and Bartlett’s Transformation
Authors: AfeyaIbibo Herbert, , Emmanuel Biu, Oyinebifun , Dennis Enegesele, , Allen Wokoma, Dagogo Samuel
Published: March 2021

The paper focused on Autoregressive modeling and forecasts of Degema Local Government Council Monthly Allocation (DLGCMA) in River State, Nigeria. The Buys-Ballot table and Bartlett’s Transformation method were adopted to identify the trend pattern and to determine the best transformation for the series. The logarithmic transformation was adjudged to be the best and was applied to stabilize the variance. Identification of the trend and stationary for the data set was done and the DLGCMA series showed a linear trend that was non-stationary. The stationarity of the DLGCMA series was obtained after the first difference. The ARIMA models were fitted to the series base on the behaviour of autocorrelation function (ACF) and partial autocorrelation function (PACF). Finally, the model selection criteria called Akaike information criterion was used to determine the best model among the predicted models. The AR(3,1,0) model ( Xt = 0.56Xt-1 + 0.17Xt-2 + 0.64Xt-3 - 0.37Xt-4 + et) was considered to be the best model because it has the least value of the Akaike information criterion (AIC). Hence, the forecasts for the next allocation of twenty-four (24) months ahead were determined.
Serum Hepcidin Level in Obese Children and Adolescents: It’s Association with Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Nashar Mahmoud Ibrahim El , EL-Shafiey Rasha Mohamed Gamal , Saad Mohammed Attia , Hamam Mohammed Amr
Published: March 2021

Background: Childhood obesity is a worldwide chronic public health problem. It was found that obesity is associated with iron deficiency and iron profile abnormalities, which appear to be caused by several factors such as decreased intake, insufficient bioavailability, and deficient intestinal iron uptake as well as iron release from stores because of an over expression of hepcidin.

Aim of the Work: Was to estimate serum hepcidin levels in obese children and adolescents and to evaluate its relation with iron deficiency anemia in these children.

Subjects and Methods: The current study included 50 patients recruited from the Nutrition Clinic of Pediatric Department at Tanta University Hospital, 25 of them were obese with iron deficiency anemia and the other 25 were obese without iron deficiency anemia and 25 healthy children and adolescents of matched age and sex enrolled as controls. All studied children were subjected to complete history taking, thorough clinical examination including anthropometric measures (Weight, height, Body mass index), assessment of pubertal status using Tanner criteria and laboratory investigations including: CBC, BUN, creatinine, ALT, AST, stool analysis, occult blood in stool, CRP, iron profile, Serum Hepcidin, abdominal ultrasound.

Results: There were significant differences between patients and control group as regard Weight, BMI and their z scores. Significantly lower levels of hemoglobin, serum ferritin, serum iron and transferrin saturation in obese children with IDA than obese children without IDA and controls and significantly higher levels of TIBC were found in obese children with IDA compared to obese children without IDA and controls. As regard CRP it was significantly higher in obese children than controls. Serum hepcidin was significantly higher in obese children than controls but there is no significant difference between obese children with IDA and obese children without IDA. Significant positive correlation between Serum hepcidin levels and BMI in obese children was found. Conclusion: Serum hepcidin level was significantly higher in obese children and adolescents in comparison with healthy lean control with no significant difference between obese children with IDA and obese children without IDA. So, estimation of serum hepcidin level is not diagnostic but it may be beneficial in screening of iron deficiency anemia in pediatric obese individuals. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to verify these findings.
Demonstration of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (Mic) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration(Mbc) of Both Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium Extracts Mixture against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli
Authors: Obroh Ajirioghene A. , Oshim Ifeanyi O. , Odeyemi Oluwayemisi , Urama Evelyn U. , Olise Nkechi A.
Published: March 2021

Background: Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium have many nutritional values that contain bioactive components such as alkaloids, saponin, tannin, steroids and terpenoids, as  antimicrobials.           

Objective: The general purpose of this study was to evaluate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimal bactericidal concentration(MBC) of both Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium  extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli.

Method: This is laboratory experimental research involving post test only control group design using the Kirby Bauer dilution method. With treatment combination of Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium extracts concentration ranging from 50-200 mg/ml and positive control (gentamycin).

Result: Mininum bacterial concentration was found between 6.25 mg /ml – 12.5mg /ml for Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium extracts while minimum inhibitory concentration of Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium was found between 12.5 mg / ml – 25.0 mg/ml respectively. U-Mann whitney results showed that the value of p < 0.05 were significant. In this study, the Staphylococcus aureus showed the highest inhibition zone diameter compared to other isolates.

Conclusion: The results from this work affirms the use of Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium as antimicrobials and emplores the attention of pharmaceutical companies to exploit production of antibiotics for treatment of infections resulting from Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus isolates.
Enhanced Wirebonding Technique on QFN Device with Critical Die Reference
Authors: Pulido Jonathan C. , Gomez Frederick Ray I.
Published: March 2021

Wirebonding is one of the most challenging assembly manufacturing processes in semiconductor packaging industry. This paper discussed the wirebonding challenge and the solution to mitigate misplaced ball issues and prevent pattern recognition alignment errors. Parameter optimization particularly on wirebond looping was done to ensure that the silicon die’s L-fiducial is visible and not obstructed by the wires, which is the operator point or die reference of the unit during wirebonding setup. Ultimately, the optimized wirebonding parameter prevented the pattern recognition alignment error and misplaced ball issues during the lot process.  For future works, the configuration and technique could be applied on packages with the similar situation.
Investigation on Die Crack in a Stacked Die Package Using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Talledo Jefferson
Published: March 2021

Die crack is one of the problems in stacked die semiconductor packages. As silicon dies become thinner in such packages due to miniaturization requirement, the tendency to have die crack increases. This study presents the investigation done on a die crack issue in a stacked die package using finite element analysis (FEA). The die stress induced during the package assembly processes from die attach to package strip reflow was analyzed and compared with the actual die crack failure in terms of the location of maximum die stress at unit level as well as strip level. Stresses in the die due to coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch of the package component materials and mechanical bending of the package in strip format were taken into consideration. Comparison of the die stress with actual die crack pointed to strip bending as the cause of the problem and not CTE mismatch. It was found that the die crack was not due to the thermal processes involved during package assembly. This study showed that analyzing die stress using FEA could help identify the root cause of a die crack problem during the stacked die package assembly and manufacturing as crack occurs at locations of maximum stress. The die crack mechanism can also be understood through FEA simulation and such understanding is very important in coming up with robust solution.
Assessment of Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality of Well Water Samples in Ido Community, Nigeria
Authors: Akani N. P. , Amadi L. O. , Amafina I. M.
Published: March 2021

This study was carried out to investigate the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of well water samples in Ido community. Thirty water samples were collected from five different wells ( six samples from each well) and subjected to standard microbiological and physicochemical analysis. All physicochemical properties showed difference (p<0.05) in all the wells analyzed except temperature and turbidity. Temperature ranged between 25.3±3.50C and 26±2.350C; pH, 6.3±0.7 and 6.9±0.3; electrical conductivity, 127.6±1.9 and 157.8±7.7μs/cm; total suspended solids, 25.2±8.9 and 53.2±1.8mg/l; turbidity, 0.15±0.7 and 1.20±1.4NTU; dissolved oxygen, 4.40±2.8 and 5.35±2.1 mg/l; Biological Oxygen Demand, 9.40±2.8 and15.4±2.8mg/l; Chemical Oxygen Demand, 177.2±1.6 and 260.3±1.6mg/l; chloride, 59.8±8.5 and 101.2±2.6mg/l and total hardness, 246.6±1.9 and 395.6±2.7mg/l. All values fell within WHO standards except Chemical Oxygen Demand (WHO Standard 40mg/l) and total hardness (WHO Standard 100mg/l). Results of microbial population did not show any difference (p>0.05) across the wells. However, Total Heterotrophic Bacteria ranged from  2.15±0.91×104 to 5.3±0.86×104cfu/ml; total coliform, 3.00±0.77×104 to 6.18±0.73×104 cfu/ml; Total feacal coliform, 2.61±0.71×104 to 4.39±0.76×104 cfu/ml; Total vibrio count, 2.68±0.81× 103  to 4.4±0.86×103 cfu/ml; Total salmonella shigella count. 2.02±0.84×103 to 4.8±0.95×103 cfu/ml. Total coliform bacteria ranged from 220 to > 1600 coliform MPN index /100ml-1, while thermo tolerant coliform bacteria ranged from 220 to  1600 coliform MPN index /100ml-1.  A total of forty bacterial isolates belonging to ten genera were identified. They include species of Bacillus 22 (26.4%), Staphylococcus 14(16.8%), Vibrio 13(15.7%), Serratia 6(7.3%), Enterobacter 6(7.3%), Chromobacterium 4(4.8%), Salmonella 4 (4.9%), Shigella 4(4.8%) and E. coli 4(4.8%).  This  result highlights the fact that  well water in Ido community are not safe microbiologically for drinking without additional treatment such as boiling or disinfection and this could lead to outbreak of water borne diseases. Good and proper environmental and personal hygiene is advocate especially by the users of those wells to prevent their contamination with bacterial pathogens.