bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shadow enhancers can suppress input transcription factor noise through distinct regulatory logic
Authors: Waymack Rachel , Fletcher Alvaro , Enciso German , Wunderlich Zeba
Published: August 2020

Shadow enhancers, groups of seemingly redundant enhancers, are found in a wide range of organisms and are critical for robust developmental patterning. However, their mechanism of action is unknown. We hypothesized that shadow enhancers drive consistent expression levels by buffering upstream noise through a separation of transcription factor (TF) inputs at the individual enhancers. By measuring the transcriptional dynamics of several Kruppel shadow enhancer configurations in live Drosophila embryos, we showed that individual member enhancers act largely independently. We found that TF fluctuations are an appreciable source of noise that the shadow enhancer pair can better buffer than duplicated enhancers. The shadow enhancer pair is also uniquely able to maintain low levels of expression noise across a wide range of temperatures. A stochastic model demonstrated the separation of TF inputs is sufficient to explain these findings. Our results suggest the widespread use of shadow enhancers is partially due to their noise suppressing ability.
Summer Abundance of Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the Coastal Waters of Iceland and the Faroe Islands
Authors: Gilles Anita , Gunnlaugsson Thorvaldur , Mikkelsen Bjarni , Pike Daniel G. , Víkingsson Gísli
Published: August 2020

This study presents the first fully corrected abundance estimates for the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) for Iceland and the Faroe Islands. In both regions reliable estimates are needed to assess the impact of by-catch and other threats to harbour porpoises. Aerial surveys with harbour porpoise as a secondary and main target species were conducted in the summers of 2007 and 2010 in Icelandic and in Faroese coastal waters respectively. In Iceland, the cue counting procedure was used (which also produces the data required for line transect analysis), while in the Faroese, standard line transect sampling was applied, following the SCANS-II (Small Cetacean Abundance in the North Sea) survey protocol. In both surveys, identical aircraft surveyed at an altitude of 600 ft and a speed of 90–100 kn. Only data collected during Beaufort Sea States (BSS) lower than 3 and during good or moderate porpoise sighting conditions were used for abundance estimates. Abundance estimates were corrected using stratified estimates of esw (incorporating g(0)) values derived during the SCANS-II survey in 2005 as principal observers took part in this survey as well. In Iceland, realised effort in good or moderate harbour porpoise sighting conditions totalled 8,289 km in 13 survey strata, where 77 sightings (109 individuals) were made by the experienced harbour porpoise observer only. In Faroese waters, only part of the area inside the 300 m depth curve could be surveyed and 1,564 km were surveyed in good or moderate porpoise sighting conditions, yielding 39 sightings (49 individuals). The total abundance estimates were 43,179 porpoises (CV=0.45; 95% CI: 31,755–161,899) for Icelandic coastal waters and 5,175 porpoises (CV=0.44; 95% CI: 3,457–17,637) for Faroese waters.
Delimiting the boundaries of sesamoid identities under the network theory framework
Authors: Fontanarrosa Gabriela , Fratani Jessica , Vera Miriam C.
Published: August 2020

Sesamoid identity has long been the focus of debate, and how they are linked to other elements of the skeleton has often been considered relevant to their definition. A driving hypothesis of our work was that sesamoids’ nature relies deeply on their connections, and thus we propose an explicit network framework to investigate this subject inLeptodactylus latinasus(Anura: Leptodactylidae). Through the dissection ofL. latinasus’ skeleton, we modeled its anatomical network where skeletal elements were considered nodes while joints, muscles, tendons, and aponeurosis were considered links. The skeletal elements were categorized into canonical skeletal pieces, embedded sesamoids, and glide sesamoids. We inquired about the general network characterization and we have explored further into sesamoid connectivity behavior. We found that the network is structured in a modular hierarchical organization, with five modules on the first level and two modules on the second one. The modules reflect a functional, rather than a topological proximity clustering of the skeleton. The 25 sesamoid pieces are members of four of the first-level modules. Node parameters (centrality indicators) showed that: (i) sesamoids are, in general terms, peripheral elements of the skeleton, loosely connected to the canonical bone structures; (ii) embedded sesamoids are not significantly distinguishable from canonical skeletal elements; and (iii) glide sesamoids exhibit the lowest centrality values and strongly differ from both canonical skeletal elements and embedded sesamoids. The loose connectivity pattern of sesamoids, especially glides, could be related to their evolvability, which in turn seems to be reflected in their morphological variation and facultative expression. Based on the connectivity differences among skeletal categories found in our study, an open question remains: can embedded and glide sesamoids be defined under the same criteria? This study presents a new approach to the study of sesamoid identity and to the knowledge of their morphological evolution.
Frequency and quality of first aid offered by older adolescents: a cluster randomised crossover trial of school-based first aid courses
Authors: Rossetto Alyssia , Morgan Amy J. , Hart Laura M. , Kelly Claire M. , Jorm Anthony F.
Published: August 2020

Background

Research indicates that school-based first aid programmes appear to improve students’ knowledge and skills. However, evidence for their effectiveness is limited by a lack of rigorously designed studies. This research used a cluster randomised crossover trial to assess the effects of two different types of first aid training on the frequency and appropriateness of older adolescents’ first aid behaviours towards their peers 12 months after training.

Methods

Schools eligible to participate were government funded and able to accommodate first aid training and survey time for two consecutive Year 10 student cohorts. Four Australian public schools were matched in two pairs and randomly assigned to receive either physical first aid (PFA) or teen mental health first aid (tMHFA) training for their Year 10 student cohort (mean age 16 years). In the second year, the new Year 10 cohort received the other intervention. Four cohorts were randomised to receive PFA and four were randomised to receive tMHFA. Online surveys were administered at baseline and 12 months after training, measuring whether students had encountered a peer needing PFA, whether they had provided PFA, what actions they performed and, if applicable, why they had been unable to help the person. Only research staff analysing the data could be blinded to measurement occasion, school identity and condition.

Results

Four cohorts received PFA and four received tMHFA. The results indicated that there were no differences between groups regarding the frequency of appropriate first aid actions performed 12 months after training. The most common types of PFA provided to a peer were sending for help and wound care. Students most commonly mentioned someone else attending to their peer or lacking skills or experience as reasons for not performing PFA actions.

Conclusions

More research that examines first aid behaviours using rigorous, longitudinal study designs is needed to establish the effectiveness of school-based first aid training for older adolescents.
Nonacademic qualities as predictors of performance in an undergraduate healthcare program
Authors: Rix Jacqueline , Dewhurst Philip , Cooke Caroline , Newell David
Published: August 2020

Objective

Nonacademic qualities such as time management, study skills, stress, and motivation have been linked to academic performance. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of this relationship to enable early remediation in a chiropractic training program.

Methods

Questionnaire data were collected at the beginning of the academic year, end of semester 1, and end of semester 2. Questions were related to participants' time management, study skills, stress, and motivation. These were compared to summative assessment results. Semistructured interviews were conducted at the end of semester 1 and end of semester 2.

Results

Amount of time spent studying did not correlate significantly with assessment results. At the beginning of the year, 85.7% of students participated in extracurricular activities. This reduced throughout the year; students who stopped activities were significantly more successful in assessments. When stress at the beginning of the year was compared to end of semester 1, there was a significant increase (p = .012), with further significant increases from semester 1 to the end of semester 2 (p = .001). Students were very motivated at the beginning of the year, and this was maintained to the end of semester 1 (p = .257). However, at the end of semester 2, students became significantly less motivated (p = .007). End-of-year motivation correlated with poor student outcomes (p = .056).

Conclusion

Time management, study skills, stress, and motivation influenced academic performance in this sample of students. This study supports the notion that student assistance is needed. Additional research into student assistance would be beneficial.
Fatty Acid Profile and Oil Stability of Butter Made from Peanut Paste Supplemented with Sesame Seed Paste
Authors: Inyang Ufot E. , Oduma Onyale V.
Published: August 2020

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of supplementation of peanut paste with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% sesame seed paste on the fatty acid profile and oil stability of butter made from the blends. Packaged samples from each blend were stored at ambient temperature (27±2oC) for 12 weeks and analysed for oil separation, peroxide value (PV) and acid value (AV) at four weeks interval. Unblended peanut and sesame seed butters served as control samples. The result showed that apart from behenic acid that was not detected in sesame butter oil, the other eight fatty acids detected in peanut butter oil were also found in sesame butter oil but in varying quantities. Oil extracted from 100% peanut and sesame seed butters contained slightly below 20% saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and slightly above 80% unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Palmitic, palmitoleic, oleic, linolenic, arachidic and behenic acids decreased while stearic, linoleic, and eicosenoic acids increased with increase in sesame paste supplementation. Butters made from blended pastes had higher percentages of SFAs and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) but lower percentage of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFAs) than 100% peanut butter oil. Oil separation, PV and AV significantly (P = .05) increased with storage time. Quantity of oil separated at week 12 ranged from 1.05% to 3.19%. The rate of peroxide formation decreased with increase in sesame paste supplementation. Consequently, at week 12, while 10% sesame paste supplemented butter recorded 263.12% increment in PV, the value for 50% sesame paste supplemented butter was 143.01%. The treatment had no effect on acid value during storage. At week 12, the AV increment for the butters from the blended pastes ranged from 179.59% to 181.82% while the values for 100% peanut butter and 100% sesame butter were 183.72% and 119.64% respectively. The study has shown that butter of high unsaturated fatty acids with delayed onset of oxidative deterioration could be produced from peanut paste supplemented with sesame seed paste.
Parental Involvement in the Education Development of Indigenous People in Selected Elementary Schools in the Northern Part of Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: Enteria Odinah Cuartero- , Tagyam Renante P.
Published: August 2020

Parents play a vital role in increasing the performance and ensuring the good manners of their children in school. In the context of Indigenous People (IP), parental participation in educating their children is a meaningful involvement that benefits student learning directly. This study aims to determine the parental involvement of indigenous people in selected elementary schools in Northern Part of Mindanao, Philippines. The study specifically identified the profile of the IP parents, parents’ contributory factors and involvement on the aspect of communication, learning at home, and financial support. The extent of parental involvement on the behavior of their children and significant relationship between respondents’ profile were also measured. The study utilized a descriptive-quantitative method to explore how the IP parents extend their support to their children through survey, actual visitation and interview to validate the accuracy of the data gathered. Selected IP parents from IP elementary schools were surveyed using a researcher-made questionnaire as the main tool in the study.  Data were analyzed using frequency counting, simple percentage, weighted mean, and Pearson R correlation.

The IP parents fall to marginal classification in terms of educational background (45.83% are elementary undergraduate) with monthly income of less than fifteen thousand (less than the minimum wage). Regardless of race and background, IP parents’ instincts are the same with common parents in supporting their children in school-related activities. However, issues on communication, learning at home, and financial support extended by IP parents to their children still need to be improved. In addition, parents’ involvement influence academic endeavor of the students because they are given chances to enjoy the opportunity of free and supportive education. Thus, parents should constantly monitor the performance of their children at school to help them improve in their studies and build confidence to do better.
The Environmental Friendliness Level of Boat Bagan Fishing Gear in Belitung Regency
Authors: Tejo Satrio Bimo Arya , Supriadi Dedi , Rostika Rita , Khan Alexander M. A.
Published: August 2020

This research aimed to analyze the environmental friendliness level of boar bagan towards the amount of fish caught by the fishermen in Belitung Regency Waters and determined fish composition based on the type and the length of fish. The research was conducted in August 2019. The primary data collection technique used was purposive sampling technique while the secondary data was obtained from Tanjungpandan Archipelago Fisheries Port (Pelabuhan Perikanan Nusantara Tanjungpandan/PPN). The research analyzed types of fish composition, proportion of main and bycatches, proportion of biologically worth caught fish, proportion of utilized catches, and eco-friendly analysis. Based on the results of research on the environmental friendliness level of boat bagan fishing gear in Belitung Regency Waters, it can be concluded that the boat bagan catch during the study obtained 10 species including fringescale sardinella (Sardinella fimbriata), spotted sardinella (Sardinella sirm), devis’ anchovy (Stoleporus devisi), squid (Loligo sp), short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma), common ponyfish (Leiognathus equulus), largehead hairtail (Trichiurus sp), and yellowstrip scad (Selaroides leptolesis), large pelagic fish such as barracuda (Sphyraena sp), and demersal fish was also caught such as pufferfish (Tetraodo sp). Boat bagan fishing gear is classified as less environmentally friendly because 48% of fish caught was not mature, fish that are not the main target fish (bycatch) was 41%, and it catches more than 3 target fish species. However, the utilization of catch is quite good at 99,12%.
Assessment of Threats to Survival of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, Akwa Ibom State
Authors: Umoren Nsikak E. , Obute Gordian C. , Ukaegbu Kingsley O. E.
Published: August 2020

Different climes are endowed with a myriad of biodiversity resources, ecosystem services and functions suited to sustenance of lives and providing assorted raw materials for sustainable development if effectively managed. There is global outcry about disappearing biodiversity and mismanaged fragile ecosystems. Human endeavours are strongly implicated in the resulting distorted ecological balance. This study therefore sets out to examine the cause and effects of the declining singular gazetted forest reserve in Akwa Ibom State, the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve (SCFR). Threats to survival of biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) were studied qualitatively (a combination of field observation and engagement with key stakeholders of SCFR). Community forest occupational user-groups, corporate players and the public sector were engaged. Outcomes of the study suggest that among other factors, institutional weakness and unsustainable consumption patterns may be of primary concern in tackling further degradation. A quick concerted intervention is required to reposition SCFR for alignment with global sustainable development goal 15, ecosystem restoration and climate change adaptation.
Evaluation of Associated Changes on Haematological Profile of Wistar Rats Fed Curcuma longa (Turmeric) Rhizome Powder
Authors: Iwueke A. V. , Chukwu E. C. , Ejekwummadu J. N. , Nwodu J. A.
Published: August 2020

Turmeric spice has a diverse array of biological activities. The present study evaluated body weight and haematological impact of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) in male albino rats using  standard analytical methods. Twenty four healthy male albino rats were used for the study.  Results shows no significant increase in body weight in the first week of dieting while a gradual increase     was observed with increasing weeks of dieting.  Treatment with the powder did not significantly (P ≥ 0.05) alter the levels of hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC) and means corpuscular volume (MCV) of the rats. The result also showed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in the platelets and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations (MCHC). However, the white blood cells (WBC) and the packed cell volume (PCV) concentrations were slightly reduced. This study   suggests that adding Curcuma longa (Turmeric) at 50, 100, 200 mg/kg body weight within the duration of study could positively affect the hematological parameters and general well being of the body.
Screening of Common Herbal Medicines as Promising Direct Inhibitors of Sars-Cov-2 in Silico
Authors: Kamaz Zahraa , Jassani Mohammad J. Al- , Haruna Umar
Published: August 2020

Background: Molecular docking has been used recently in pharma industry for drug designing, it’s a powerful tool to find ligand-substrate interactions at molecules level. Since urgent need to develop anti-viral drug that target new coronavirus main proteins, in silico docking has been used to achieve this purpose.

Materials and Methods: Thirteen herbs are known for their antioxidants and antiviral properties have been selected to investigate their abilities in inhibiting SARS-COV2 spike protein and main protease Mpro. pdb files for RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) region of spike protein and for Mpro and mol2 files for all herbs understudy were uploaded for swiss dock online server, the docking results were analyzed using chimera software. Full fitness energy and hydrogens bonds interactions were considered for docking evaluation.  Pharma kinetic properties for compounds have good binding results were evaluated through AMES and ADMET tests.

Results: All compounds showed negative full fitness energy that means they are able to complex with both SARS-COV2 spike protein and main protease, however some of the herbs form very powerful hydrogen bonding with the RBD site of the spike protein and the catalytic site of Mpro such as coumarylquinic acid, while stigmasterol has strong binding with the spike protein only. Both compounds appear to be safe drugs for human according to AMES test results.

Conclusion: Coumarylquinic acid and stigmasterol have powerful binding in silico, further in vitro studies include using viral infected human lung cells and testing above compounds ability for inhibiting viral entry and replication should be proceed to confirm the study results.
Morpho-Molecular Diversity Analysis of Local Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes Using Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Singh S. K. , Singh Charupriya , Korada Mounika , Habde Sonali , Singh D. K. , Khaire Amrutlal , Majhi Prasanta Kumar
Published: August 2020

Aim: The knowledge of genetic diversity and relationship among the genotypes play a significant role for genetic enhancement in breeding programmes to increase production, improve quality, biotic and abiotic stresses, and also for the selection of superior parental lines in rice. The present field experiment was conducted to study the diversity present in 29 local genotypes of rice using both morphological and molecular ways.

Methodology: The experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, during Kharif-2017 in an augmented block design with 29 rice genotypes including 3 checks. Mahalanobis’ D2 analysis was carried out to assess the morphological diversity present among the genotypes and molecular analysis was done with 21 polymorphic SSR markers using the NTSYSpc software.

Results: Mahalanobis’ D2 grouped the 29 genotypes into 6 clusters based on the inter-se genetic distance. The highest intra-cluster distance was recorded in the Cluster I (32.73), which comprised of 7 genotypes. The highest inter-cluster distance (65.86) was observed between Clusters IV and V. Molecular diversity analysis grouped the 29 rice genotypes into 2 main clusters i.e. cluster I and cluster II with dissimilarity coefficient of 0.34, which were further divided into sub-clusters. Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) value is an evidence of diversity and frequency among the varieties. The level of polymorphism varied from 0.164 to 0.694, with an average 0.521. The highest PIC value was observed for locus RM 5 (0.694) followed by RM 510 (0.692). All the 21 primers showed polymorphism and the number of alleles ranged from 2 to 4 with an average of 3.04. 

Conclusion: This study established the presence of considerable amount of genetic diversity among the genotypes studied, the most diverse genotypes being Anupam gold and HUR-1309 followed by Kalanamak-2 and HUR-1304. Breeders may attempt hybridization among the above genotypes which showed maximum diversity, for creating more variability in rice and can be used for planning further breeding programmes.
Effect of Light Intensity on the Morpho-physiological Traits and Grain Yield of Finger Millet
Authors: Reddy Y. A. Nanja , Gowda K. T. Krishne
Published: August 2020

The normal light intensity during monsoon season in rainfed finger millet cultivation regions in particular, Bangalore, is around 1200 uMm-2s-1; the effect of reduction in light intensity on physiological parameters and grain yield of finger millet was studied. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four light intensity treatments and three varieties in three replications. Each replication had four lines of 1.5 m row length (1.5 m x 1.0 m). The crop was directly sown on 03-08-2007 with the spacing of 22.5 cm between rows and 10 cm between the hills, using three varieties namely, GPU-48 (early maturing variety, 100 days), GPU-28 (medium maturing variety, 110 days), and L-5 (late maturing variety, 120 days). Decreased light intensity at canopy level decreased the leaf area, specific leaf weight, net assimilation rate and biomass production, which resulted in decreased grain yield in all varieties. Mean grain yield decreased by 16.4, 34.7 and 55.7% respectively with 75, 50 and 25% light intensity. Low light intensity decreased the biomass, which is important in regional fodder security. Early maturing variety had lesser percent reduction in grain yield (1.68%) as compared to the medium (9.5%) and late maturing (29.0%) varieties at low light intensity of 75 % natural light. Therefore, the critical lower limit of light intensity could be nearly 1200 uMm-2s-1 for finger millet potential yield. The results obtained in this study also suggests that genotypic variability for low light adaptation of early maturing genotype (GPU-48) can be exploited for intercropping systems in rainfed mango plantations up to 4-5 years.
Critical Review on Cooperative Societies in Agricultural Development in India
Authors: Sahoo Alok K. , Meher Sanat K. , Panda Tarak C. , Sahu Susrita , Begum Rukeiya , Barik N. C.
Published: August 2020

Cooperative Societies are grass root organization of group of people united with collective responsibilities to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs which run with philosophy of self-reliance and mutual help. It helps in agricultural development supporting critical inputs supply (seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, credit), storage facilities like Go downs, agro processing facilities and marketing the agro produce.  Since 1904, the cooperative moment took stardom and the five year plans and Government legislation have integrated them into the policies for self-reliant rural growth and development. Agricultural cooperative societies dealing with inputs and credit disbursement, processing cooperatives such as Sugar Cooperatives, Dairy cooperatives etc. flourished with their consumer products whereas KRIBHCO, IFFCO became successful large cooperatives in marketing their fertilizers to their farmer members and outsiders act as a business enterprise. Status of Primary Agricultural Cooperatives Societies (PACS) reveals 19% of total PACS potentially viable, 49% running in profit, 45% small farmers’ borrower from societies. Several challenges like lack of professionalism, lack of infrastructure, political interference, nepotism, unawareness of members, meager shareholding, overdependence on financing agencies for credit, poor recovery are hindering the sustainability of societies. Certain restructuring with policy intervention like reducing state control, increased professionalism, good governance, raising share capital, quality assurance with competitive product & service, multi-purpose support system, will act as vibrant social enterprise with public trust as Government sector initiative  in the locality converged with other agencies.
Effect of Organic Mulching and Early Post Emergence Herbicides on Weed Dynamics and Growth of Unpuddled Transplanted Rice
Authors: Kumari Sneha , Singh Manoj Kumar , Das Sripriya
Published: August 2020

Field studies were carried out in 2017 and 2018 at Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, to evaluate the effect of natural mulching and herbicides on weed dynamics and growth of rice. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three mulching treatments viz. no mulching, cover crop of Sesbania followed by green mulch and rice residue mulch (5 t/ ha) in main plots and five weed management treatments, viz. weedy, two hand weeding, post-emergence application of bispyribac Na 25 g/ ha, penoxsulam 30 g/ ha and tank mix bispyribac Na 25 g/ ha + pyrazosulfuron 20 g/ ha at 18 DAT in sub plots. Combination of main plot treatments and sub plot treatment allocated randomly and all the treatment combination were replicated thrice. The study revealed that mulching with Sesbania provided effective control of weeds, recorded significantly higher growth attributes and biological yield as compared to no mulching in both the years. Among weed management treatments two hand weeding resulted significant reduction in density and dry matter of weeds and increased yield which was at par with post-emergence application of penoxsulam 30 g/ha in both the years Treatment combination of surface mulching of Sesbania with two hand weeding recorded significantly higher number of tillers, as compared to other treatment combinations, it was at par with combination of surface mulching with Sesbania and post-emergence application of penoxsulam  30 g/ha and rice straw mulching and post-emergence application of penoxsulam  30 g/ha.
An Optimal Algorithm for the Solution of the Helmholtz Equation
Authors: Akinola Richard O. , Ogbeh Blessing Okwudo , Chukle Isaac
Published: August 2020

Aims/Objectives: The Helmholtz equation is a partial differential equation which is used in numerical weather prediction. Angwenyi et. al., used a five point finite difference stencil in discretizing the partial differential equation and solved the resulting square system of equations using eight iterative methods and concluded that the BICGSTAB was the most computationally efficient using just one example. However, based on a comparison of the norm of the residual and CPU time of four methods presented in this work on the same example in their paper and others; we not only discovered that the Gauss Seidel method out performed the BICGSTAB contradicting the claim of the authors but also the Thomas Block Tridiagonal Algorithm (TBTA)in the absence of round off errors.Methodology: We compared the performance of the Gauss Seidel Method, BICGSTAB, Matlab backslash, and the Thomas Block Tridiagonal Algorithm (TBTA) for the numerical solution of the Helmholtz equation with different step sizes.

Results: We discovered that in the absence of round off errors, not only did the Gauss Seidel method but also the Thomas Block Tridiagonal Algorithm (TBTA) out performed the BICGSTAB contradicting the claim of Angwenyi et. al.Conclusion: We do not recommend the BICGSTAB for the solution of the linear system of equations arising from the discretization of the Helmholtz equation as claimed by Angwenyi et al. Rather, the Thomas Block Tridiagonal Algorithm should be used and if one is thinking of an iterative method for the numerical solution of the Helmholtz equation, the Gauss-Seidel method should be the method of choice rather than the BICGSTAB.
Leadframe Design Enhancement for Elimination of Burrs at Singulation Process
Authors: Jr. Antonio Sumagpang , Gomez Frederick Ray , Jr. Edwin Graycochea
Published: August 2020

The paper focused on the improvement done in leadframe design to address the copper (Cu) burrs defect in assembly manufacturing.  Newly qualified device struggled to hit the target yield due to the said Cu burrs defect. A holistic approach through why-why analysis was performed by the technical cross-functional team to identify the root-cause and come-up with the robust solution to the issue. The paper discussed how the device in focus was made as point of reference in designing a leadframe carrier. Ultimately, the new and enhanced leadframe design successfully eliminated the occurrence of Cu burrs with 100% improvement in the scrappage rate.
Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activities of Crude Extract of Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae IBRL OS-64 against Foodborne Bacterium, Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Taufiq M. M. J. , Darah I.
Published: August 2020

The antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of crude extract of Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae IBRL OS-64 was studied and tested against a foodborne pathogenic bacterium, Yersinia enterocolitica. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited favorable antibacterial activity with the zone of inhibition was 20.3±0.6 mm compared to dichloromethane (15.0±0.3 mm) and butanol (9.0±0.3 mm) extracts. Minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of the extract were 125 and 250 µg/mL, respectively. Structural degeneration studies through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrographs exhibited major abnormalities that occurred on the bacterial cells after exposure to the extract were complete alterations in their morphology and collapsed of the cells beyond repair. The findings showed that the extract possesses antibiofilm activity against the initial and preformed biofilm of Y. enterocolitica with the highest inhibition value of 69.12% and 58.70%, respectively. The results also revealed the initial biofilm was more susceptible to the extract as compared to pre-formed biofilm. The light microscopy (LM) and SEM photomicrographs proved that the fungal extract significantly eliminates extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) matrices and hinder the attachment of the bacterial cells for biofilm formation. Therefore, the current study suggested the ethyl acetate crude extract from an endophytic fungus, L. pseudotheobromae IBRL OS-64 may be an effective antibacterial and anti-biofilm agent to treat foodborne pathogens.
Gestão escolar e conhecimento: a função social da escola a partir da pedagogia histórico-crítica
Authors: Santana Rossi Aline Cristina , Piatti Célia Beatriz
Published: August 2020

O presente artigo é um instrumento por meio do qual abordamos a problemática da gestão escolar. Esta temática é analisada a partir das contribuições da pedagogia histórico-crítica, pois esta teoria educacional e pedagógica, que está em desenvolvimento, permite uma apreensão sólida, real e histórica sobre a função social da educação escolar a partir de uma premissa conectada com as reais demandas e interesses formativas dos seres humanos. Concluímos que todos os esforços de organização e gestão escolar precisam ter como objetivo o desenvolvimento de ações educacionais que promovam a socialização dos conhecimentos em suas formas mais desenvolvidas e numa orientação crítica.
Olga Benário Prestes e a "questão democrática"
Authors: Prestes Anita Leocadia
Published: August 2020

No artigo é reconhecida a admiração que Olga Benario Prestes desperta junto a numerosos setores sociais, mas, por outro lado, obscurece, em certa medida, alguns aspectos das posições ideológicas e políticas por ela sempre adotadas. Revela-se que sua posição frente à chamada “questão democrática”, inspirada no conhecimento dos clássicos do marxismo, contribuiu para que tivesse comportamento heroico diante dos algozes que a torturam e assassinaram
Educação das mulheres na história do Brasil: a contribuição de Heleieth Saffioti
Authors: Rosa Mariana Silveira dos Santos
Published: August 2020

O presente artigo tem como objetivo discutir aspectos que envolvem o desenvolvimento da educação institucional formal oferecida às meninas e às mulheres que viviam no Brasil colônia (1500 a 1822). Busca também compreender o desenvolvimento da educação feminina, desde o período colonial até a educação formal oferecida no Brasil império. Tais discussões terão como base um estudo desenvolvido pela socióloga Heleieth Saffioti, A mulher na sociedade de classes. Neste estudo Saffioti dedica a segunda parte às mulheres na sociedade brasileira, debruçando-se, entre outros temas, sobre aspectos relacionados à instrução feminina nos períodos colonial e imperial do Brasil.
A interlocução entre estado e mercado na elaboração da Base Nacional Comum Curricular
Authors: Freire Jacqueline Lopes , Borges Netto Mario
Published: August 2020

Nosso objetivo é problematizar o caráter democrático do processo de elaboração da Base Nacional Comum Curricular. Para tanto, apresentamos o processo histórico de sua construção, seus proponentes, signatários e apoiadores. Analisamos a elaboração da Base e o que representou a exclusão das organizações representativas dos/as trabalhadores/as e pesquisadores/as da educação do processo. Concluímos que um processo que pretende ser democrático não pode privilegiar um seguimento da sociedade em detrimento de outros. Estabelecer o mercado como principal interlocutor no processo de reforma curricular, o Ministério da Educação negligencia as entidades do setor público e confere caráter privatista e mercantil à educação.
A mulher na brincadeira do Boi-Bumbá de Parintins: no ritmo da exploração e da opressão
Authors: Da Silva Elizandra Garcia
Published: August 2020

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo é analisar o trabalho da mulher na brincadeira do Boi-Bumbá de Parintins. O método utilizado para analisar os dados extraídos do campo foi o materialismo histórico dialético, por meio do qual evidenciamos, as contradições constituintes do trabalho da mulher na brincadeira de Boi e as discutimos a luz das teorias. E, consideramos haver, na brincadeira de Boi, exploração e opressão da mulher, como mediações próprias do modo de produção capitalista àquela realidade. Logo urge a necessidade de superação desse modal pelo comunista, onde os sujeitos, práticos e sociais, se organizem livremente para produzir suas vidas.

 
Investigações sobre o tema da prática: contribuições de José Barata-Moura para o debate da formação pré-profissional de professores
Authors: Peixoto Elza Margarida de Mendonça
Published: August 2020

Este artigo apresenta resultados de estudos pós-doutorais relativos ao tema da prática na formação de professores, no sentido de um aprofundamento teórico. Nesta direção, expõe as análises empreendidas pelo filósofo português José Barata-Moura acerca das “ontologias da prática”. Tais estudos trazem à tona abordagens que, na tentativa de se afastarem do idealismo, sem realizar uma rigorosa crítica dos seus fundamentos, acabam por produzir teorizações recheadas de uma expectativa de posição da realidade pela prática. Finalizamos apontando as demandas abertas pela crítica aos idealismos da prática, entre estas, a revisão crítica dos fundamentos teóricos subjacentes às disciplinas que visam à preparação pré-profissional dos professores.
A socialização da sociedade
Authors: Luxemburgo Rosa
Published: August 2020

A juventude trabalhadora, sobretudo, é chamada para esta grande tarefa. Como geração futura, ela formará com toda certeza o verdadeiro fundamento da economia socialista. Ela tem que mostrar já, como portadora do futuro da humanidade, que está à altura dessa grande tarefa. Há todo um velho mundo ainda por destruir e todo um novo mundo a construir. Mas nós conseguiremos, jovens amigos, não é verdade? Nós conseguiremos! Como diz o poema:

Não nos falta nada, minha mulher, meu filho, a não ser tudo que cresce através de nós, para sermos livres como os pássaros: nada, a não ser tempo!
Rosa Luxemburg: uma carta da prisão a Sonia Lliebknecht
Authors: Luxemburgo Rosa
Published: August 2020

Soniucha, você conhece o poema de Platen, “Verhängnisvolle Gabel” [Garfo fatal]? Você poderia enviá-lo ou trazê-lo? Karl mencionou uma vez que tinha lido em casa. Os poemas de George são bonitos; agora sei de onde vem o verso “e sob o murmúrio do trigo erubescente”. [Umd unterm Rauschen rötlichen Getreides…] que você sempre recitava quando íamos passear no campo. Você poderia copiar para mim, quando for possível, o novo “Amadis”? Gosto tanto desse poema – naturalmente graças ao lied de Hugo Wolf –, mas não o tenho aqui. Você continua lendo a Lenda de Lessing? Retomei a História do materialismo, de Lange, que sempre me estimula e restaura. Gostaria tanto que você a lesse um dia desse.
Marxismo - a contribuição das mulheres
Authors: Rosar Maria de Fátima Félix
Published: August 2020

Neste Volume 12, N. 1 de Germinal, produzido em conjuntura adversa, convidamos para um diálogo a Professora Maria de Fátima Félix Rosar, Graduada em Pedagogia pela Universidade Federal do Maranhão (1975), a Professora cursou mestrado e doutorado na UNICAMP, e constituiu o primeiro grupo de pesquisadores que sob a orientação do Prof. Dermeval Saviani, em 1986, iria compor o Grupo de Estudos e Pesquisas História, Sociedade e Educação no Brasil – O HISTEDBR. Desenvolveu sua tese de doutorado investigando a Globalização e Descentralização: o processo de desconstrução do sistema educacional brasileiro pela via da municipalização (1995) e em 1999 concentrou o estágio de pós-doutorado na área de política e financiamento na Faculdade de Educação da USP. Sua produção anterior, resultante do mestrado, foi amplamente divulgada em livro publicado pela Cortez Editora e Autores Associados, Administração Escolar – um problema educativo ou empresarial. Lançado em 1984, na Conferência Brasileira de Educação, na cidade de Niterói, circulou em quatro edições, antecipando o debate sobre a tendência de subordinação da escola aos ditames da concepção empresarial. Em 2012, a Autores Associados divulgou uma reedição da obra. Atuou como docente nas Universidades Estadual do Maranhão, Federal do Maranhão e Estadual de Campinas. Atualmente, realiza pesquisas e integra a coordenação, no Maranhão, do Grupo de Pesquisa História, Sociedade e Educação no Brasil (HISTEDBR). O roteiro proposto – construído por Maria de Fátima Rodrigues Pereira e Elza Peixoto – busca obter, dentro do possível, um balanço da contribuição das mulheres ao debate marxista no Brasil, incluindo ai uma leitura do presente e das tendências que se delineiam.
Chemoselective Ketone Synthesis by the Strontium‐mediated Alkylation or Arylation of N,N‐Dimethylamides or Urea
Authors: Miyoshi Norikazu , Kimura Shodai , Kubo Shigeki , Ohmura Satoshi D. , Ueno Masaharu
Published: August 2020

Ketone synthesis via the addition of organometallic reagents to amides has long been investigated. In many cases, it is necessary to control the solvent, reaction temperature, and adhere to strict nucleophile stoichiometry for each combination of amide and organometallic reagent. Strontium, with an electronegativity comparable to lithium but a larger ionic radius, may display high reactivity with the characteristics of monoalkylation. Here, we show that the monoalkylation of various N,N‐dimethylamide derivatives with alkyl iodides to afford the ketones proceeds smoothly under generally mild temperature conditions. By this method, not only aromatic amides but also α‐proton‐bearing aliphatic amides were suitable substrates for ketone synthesis. In addition, we found that tetramethylurea, typically a poor electrophile, also reacted to afford benzophenone in good yield with excellent selectivity.
Relationships between memory decline and the use of metformin or DPP4 inhibitors in people with type 2 diabetes with normal cognition or Alzheimer's disease, and the role APOE carrier status
Authors: Wu Che‐Yuan , Ouk Michael , Wong Yuen Yan , Anita Natasha Z. , Edwards Jodi D. , Yang Pearl , Shah Baiju R. , Herrmann Nathan , Lanctôt Krista L. , Kapral Moira K. , MacIntosh Bradley J. , Rabin Jennifer S. , Black Sandra E. , Swardfager Walter
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Few studies have examined memory decline among patients with type 2 diabetes using different oral hypoglycemic drugs.

Methods

Participants with normal cognition (NC) or Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia using a hypoglycemic medication (2005 to 2019) were identified from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center database. Delayed memory was assessed using the Wechsler Memory Scale Revised–Logical Memory test. Associations between oral drug classes and memory over time were examined using mixed‐effects models with inverse probability treatment weights.

Results

In NC (n = 1192), metformin use was associated with better memory performance over time, whereas in AD (n = 807), dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP4) inhibitor use was associated with a slower rate of memory decline. Interaction effects suggested greater benefit associated with DPP4 inhibitor use among APOE ε4 carriers.

Discussion

Associations between different oral hypoglycemic drugs and memory change were not consistent between cognitively normal elderly and those with AD dementia. APOE ε4 genotype modified some relationships.
Boron neutron capture therapy: Current status and future perspectives
Authors: Dymova Mayya Alexandrovna , Taskaev Sergey Yurjevich , Richter Vladimir Alexandrovich , Kuligina Elena Vladimirovna
Published: August 2020

The development of new accelerators has given a new impetus to the development of new drugs and treatment technologies using boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). We analyzed the current status and future directions of BNCT for cancer treatment, as well as the main issues related to its introduction. This review highlights the principles of BNCT and the key milestones in its development: new boron delivery drugs and different types of charged particle accelerators are described; several important aspects of BNCT implementation are discussed. BCNT could be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and it is evaluated in light of the outlined issues. For the speedy implementation of BCNT in medical practice, it is necessary to develop more selective boron delivery agents and to generate an epithermal neutron beam with definite characteristics. Pharmacological companies and research laboratories should have access to accelerators for large‐scale screening of new, more specific boron delivery agents.
Ireland’s pre‐1940 daily rainfall records
Authors: Ryan Ciara , Murphy Conor , McGovern Rhonda , Curley Mary , Walsh Séamus ,   476 students
Published: August 2020

This article presents daily rainfall data and metadata for Ireland transcribed from historical manuscript and printed copies of rainfall registers located in Met Éireann's archives. To facilitate the transcription of rainfall observations from paper records, the historical manuscripts were scanned and integrated into Met Éireann's digital archives. The transcription from digital image to data format was undertaken in collaboration with students at Maynooth University as part of a novel crowdsourcing initiative to integrate data rescue activities into the classroom. In total, 3,616 station years of rainfall data (~1.32 million daily values) were transcribed. The data, which was double keyed, have undergone basic quality assurance to check for transcription errors and the resultant raw data and associated metadata are presented here. Ongoing work involves the application of further quality assurance and homogenization techniques to develop a long‐term, quality assured daily rainfall network for Ireland.
Frontline Science: OX40 agonistic antibody reverses immune suppression and improves survival in sepsis
Authors: Unsinger Jacqueline , Walton Andrew H , Blood Teresa , Tenney Daniel J , Quigley Michael , Drewry Anne M , Hotchkiss Richard S
Published: August 2020

A defining feature of protracted sepsis is development of immunosuppression that is thought to be a major driving force in the morbidity and mortality associated with the syndrome. The immunosuppression that occurs in sepsis is characterized by profound apoptosis-induced depletion of CD4 and CD8 T cells and severely impaired T cell function. OX40, a member of the TNF receptor superfamily, is a positive co-stimulatory molecule expressed on activated T cells. When engaged by OX40 ligand, OX40 stimulates T cell proliferation and shifts the cellular immune phenotype toward TH1 with increased production of cytokines that are essential for control of invading pathogens. The purpose of the present study was to determine if administration of agonistic Ab to OX40 could reverse sepsis-induced immunosuppression, restore T cell function, and improve survival in a clinically relevant animal model of sepsis. The present study demonstrates that OX40 agonistic Ab reversed sepsis-induced impairment of T cell function, increased T cell IFN-γ production, increased the number of immune effector cells, and improved survival in the mouse cecal ligation and puncture model of sepsis. Importantly, OX40 agonistic Ab was not only effective in murine sepsis but also improved T effector cell function in PBMCs from patients with sepsis. The present results provide support for the use of immune adjuvants that target T cell depletion and T cell dysfunction in the therapy of sepsis-induced immunosuppression. In addition to the checkpoint inhibitors anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1, OX40 agonistic Ab may be a new therapeutic approach to the treatment of this highly lethal disorder.