bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of organic mulching on drip irrigation management of cabbage cultivation
Authors: Berça Andressa Scholz , Mendonça Thais Grandizoli , Souza Claudinei Fonseca
Published: June 2019

Irrigation has been pointed out in recent decades as the major consumer of water. Considering the need for a rational use of water resources and the importance of mulching for planting, this study evaluated the effect of organic mulching (sugarcane straw) under soil water storage for cabbage crop development. This research was conducted at CCA/UFSCar, and the experimental design was a completely randomized design with four replications and two treatments with and without sugarcane straw. Water application was performed by a drip irrigation system and irrigation management was determined from data collected by TDR. The use of organic mulching did not interfere with cabbage productivity under greenhouse conditions. The straw presents efficiency for reduction of soil evaporation and, consequently, increases water-use efficiency. The soil cover made it possible to save up to 28.1 mm (14.5%) of the water depth.
Performing Hamlet
Authors: Croall Jonathan
Published: June 2019

Hamlet is arguably the most famous play on the planet, and the greatest of all Shakespeare’s works. Its rich story and complex leading role have provoked intense debate and myriad interpretations.

To play such a uniquely multi-faceted character as Hamlet represents the supreme challenge for a young actor. Performing Hamlet contains Jonathan Croall’s revealing in-depth interviews with five distinguished actors who have played the Prince this century:

Jude Law: ‘You get to speak possibly the most beautiful lines about humankind ever given to an actor.’

Simon Russell Beale: ‘Hamlet is a very hospitable role: it will take anything you throw at it.’

David Tennant: ‘No other part has been so satisfying. It was tough, but utterly compelling.’

Maxine Peake: ‘Hamlet was a way of accessing bits of me as an actress I’ve not been able to access before.’

Adrian Lester: ‘Working with Peter Brook on Hamlet changed me as an actor, and for the better.’

The book benefits from the author’s interviews with six leading directors of the play during these years: Greg Doran, Nicholas Hytner, Michael Grandage, John Caird, Sarah Frankcom and Simon Godwin. Many other productions are described, from those starring Michael Redgrave, Alec Guinness and Paul Scofield in the 1950s, to the performances of Benedict Cumberbatch, Andrew Scott and Paapa Essiedu in recent times. The volume also includes an updated text of the author’s earlier book Hamlet Observed, and an account of actors’ experiences of performing at Elsinore.
Reassessing the Role of State-Owned Enterprises in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe
Authors: Richmond Christine , Benedek Dora , Cegar Bobana , Dohlman Peter , Hassine Michelle , Jajko Beata , Kopyrski Piotr , Markevych Maksym , Miniane Jacques , Parodi Francisco , Pula Gabor , Roaf James , Song Min Kyu , Sviderskaya Mariya , Turk Rima , Weber Sebastian
Published: June 2019

The Central, Eastern, and South Eastern European (CESEE) region is ripe for a reassessment of the role of the state in economic activity. The rapid income convergence with Western Europe of the early 2000s was not always equally shared across society, and it has now slowed dramatically in many countries of the region.
Populair, afgewezen, genegeerd, controversieel of gemiddeld
Authors: van der Wilt Femke , van der Veen Chiel , van Kruistum Claudia , van Oers Bert
Published: June 2019

Popular, rejected, neglected, controversial, or average: Do young children of different sociometric groups differ in their level of oral communicative competence?

Children’s sociometric status refers to their position within the peer group and plays a major role in their future social-cognitive development. It is therefore important to investigate factors that are related to it. Although it has been suggested that one of these factors is children’s level of oral communicative competence, little attention has been paid to its potential role. Therefore, the present study investigated sociometric group differences in the level of oral communicative competence in a sample of N = 570 children in early childhood education. Sociometric status was measured using a nomination procedure. Based on peer nominations, children were categorized into five sociometric groups: (1) popular (generally well-liked), (2) rejected (generally disliked), (3) neglected (low visibility and neither liked nor disliked), (4) controversial (high visibility and both liked and disliked), and (5) average (at or about the mean on both likability and visibility). In addition, children’s level of oral communicative competence was assessed with the Nijmegen Test for Pragmatics. Results of multi-level analyses revealed significant sociometric group differences: Children who were rejected or neglected by their peers exhibited lower levels of oral communicative competence than average children. Based on these findings, early childhood teachers are encouraged to pay more explicit attention to the promotion of their pupils’ oral communicative competence.
Grain Chemical Composition as Affected by Genetic Backgrounds and Toxigenic Aspergillus flavus Inoculation in Corn Hybrids
Authors: Bellaloui Nacer , Abbas Hamed K. , Bruns H. Arnold , Mengistu Alemu
Published: June 2019

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites commonly found in corn and known to cause health issues to human and animals. Information on the relationship between corn grain inoculated with mycotoxins and grain nutrients (protein, oil, fatty acids, sugars, and amino acids) in corn hybrids, especially stacked-gene hybrids is very limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional advantage of stacked-gene hybrids (Stgene) over non-genetically modified organisms (non-GMO) corn or glyphosate-resistant corn (RR). The experiment was conducted in two locations (clay and sandy soils) in 2011, irrigated, and inoculated with toxigenic Aspergillus flavus using four hybrids of stacked-gene, four of RR, and two non-GMO (conventional). Non-inoculated plots were used as control. The results showed that stacked-gene hybrids had no observable nutritional advantage over RR or non-GMO as all hybrid classes accumulated adequate nutrients in their grains; this effect could be due to adequate concentrations of nutrients in the soil. Higher levels of grain protein, carbohydrates (glucose, reducing sugars, and starch), oleic acid, total amino acids, and some minerals were observed under inoculated conditions in clay and sandy soils indicated a possible osmotic adjustment role of these compounds as stress indicators and osmoprotectants under inoculated conditions. Grain nutrients in clay soil were higher than those in sandy soils; nutrient differences could be due to sandy soil possibly suffering drier conditions, especially inoculated soil, reducing nutrient uptake and nutrients mobility to the grain. This study provides advanced knowledge on the relationship between grain nutrients and mycotoxins in corn hybrids. It is also useful to the corn breeders to understand the responses of grain nutrients to fungal diseases in corn hybrids.
On Tomography with Limited Data
Authors: Hjouj Fawaz
Published: June 2019

We give an algorithm for reconstructing a density function f in the plane from limited number of Radon projections on a range of angles −𝝋∗<𝝋<𝝋∗ together with a few well selected angles outside this range. In doing so, we assume that f is subjected to a linear transformation that produces g, and actually recover g. Interpolation is a basic tool in our calculations
On Regular Pre-Semiclosed Sets in Topological Spaces
Authors: Isac Mary T. Shyla , Thangavelu P.
Published: June 2019

The generalized closed sets in point set topology have been found considerable interest among general topologists. Veerakumar introduced and investigated pre-semi- closed sets and Anitha introduced pgpr-closed sets. In this article the concept of regular pre-semiclosed sets is introduced in topological spaces and its relationships with other generalized sets are investigated.
Effect of essential oils of Myrtaceae plants on the Penicillium commune
Authors: Tančinová Dana , Foltí­nová Denisa , Mašková Zuzana , Štefániková Jana , Árvay Július
Published: June 2019

The aim of this research was to determine the inhibitory effect of vapor phase of five essential oils (EOs) on the growth of seven strains of Penicillium commune isolated from moldy milk products. Another objective was to determine the minimum inhibitory doses (in vitro and probit analyses) of EOs, which at concentration 625 μL.L-1 of air completely inhibited the growth of all strains. The antifungal activity was evaluated by the micro-atmosphere method. The essential oils used in this study were extract of plants from family Myrtaceae. Only one essential oil – clove (from Syzygium aromaticum L.; leaves) completely inhibited the growth of all strains during cultivation at 25 °C and 5 °C. Eucalyptus essential oil (from Eucaliptus globulus; leaves), tea tree essential oil (from Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel; leaves), cajeput essential oil (from Melaleuca leucadendra L.; leaves and twigs), niaouli essential oil (from Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S.T.Blake; leaves) have different effects on the growth of P. commune strains. The order of tested essential oils according to the inhibition effect on the growth of the strains of P. commune (from the strongest to the weakest effect) was: clove > tea tree > cajeput > niaouli > eucalyptus. Clove EO that completely inhibited the growth of all strains was used to determine minimum inhibitory doses (MIDs). The MIDs were 125 µL.L-1 of air for two strains of P. commune and 250 µL.L-1 of air for five strains of P. commune on the 7th and 14th day of cultivation, also. Using probit analysis, predicted MIDs90 and MIDs50 were calculated. The MIDs90 were determined from 104.93 to 301.37 µL.L-1 of air.
Understanding Nation and Nationalism
Authors: Kundra Nakul
Published: June 2019

Divided into four sections, this review paper on nation and nationalism gives a snippet view of the complex1 concept of nation and nationalism. The first section of the paper outlines the idea of nation and nationalism and the complexities involved in framing its scientific definition. The second section touches on the main schools of thought in the discipline, whereas the third section cursorily traces the development of the discourse of nation and nationalism from Rousseau to Benedict Anderson and Partha Chatterjee. The fourth section explores the critical validity of the concept. The paper does not intend to identify and address any knowledge gap; it discusses the theoretical development of the intricate concept of nation and nationalism.
Darkenfloxx™ for Two: Kantian Morality and the Presentations of Suicide in George Saunders'sTenth of Decemberand David Foster Wallace's “Good Old Neon”
Authors: Ng Audrey
Published: June 2019

George Saunders and David Foster Wallace are two American prose writers who rose to prominence in the late twentieth century. This article reads their short stories alongside the formal philosophy of Immanuel Kant, an eighteenth-century German philosopher who argues that rationality is the source of morality. Fictional discourse informs, invigorates and deepens Kant's philosophical theories. The dialogue between Kant's universal moral laws and the particularized aesthetic treatment of existence in Saunders's Tenth of December and Wallace's “Good Old Neon” illuminates our understanding of suicide and self-worth. The short stories explore suicide as the occasion of self-discovery and autonomy and collectively establish an ethical model of human relations where the individual's value is not self-inherent as Kant argues, but embedded within societal claims.
Susceptibility of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma achaeae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) to selected insecticides used in tomato greenhouses
Authors: Gallego Juan R. , Guerrero-Manzano Jesús , Fernández-Maldonado Francisco J. , Cabello Tomas
Published: June 2019

The South American tomato moth Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a pest species of great economic importance in tomatoes, both in greenhouses and in open-air crops. This importance has increased in recent years because it has been introduced in many countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Insecticides different active ingredients and biological control agents are being used in the control of this pest species. This implies the need to make both groups compatible within IPM programmes. Therefore, the objective of this work was to study the compatibility between different insecticides and the use of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma achaeae Nagaraja and Nagakartti (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Three groups of trials were carried out under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Ten insecticides with the following active ingredient were evaluated: abamectin, azadirachtin, Bacillus thuringiensis, chlorantraniliprole, emamectin, flubendiamide, indoxacarb, methomyl, spinosad, and spiromesifen. In the results, three groups of insecticides were established based on their compatibility with the use of biological control: The first group (abamectin, B. thurigiensis, flubendiamide, indoxacarb and spiromesifen) showed a high degree of compatibility with egg parasitoid releases. The second group (azadirachtin and chlorantraniliprole, and methomyl) presented compatibility problems. Finally, the last group (emamectin, methomyl, and spinosad) did not apper to be compatible. The results found will allow a better application of IPM programmes in tomato crops for the control of this pest species.
Research of expression and correlation of ADAM8 and EGFR in the osteosarcoma tissue
Authors: Liu Yan , Wen Jie
Published: June 2019

Objective: To lay a foundation for the research on the targeted therapy of osteosarcoma or the regulatory mechanism of the occurrence and development of osteosarcoma by studying the expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 8 (ADAM8) and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) in osteosarcoma.Methods: Osteosarcoma tissues, osteochondroma tissues, osteoarthritis tissues and normal bone tissues were selected and included in this research. By use of tissue chips and immunohistochemistry, the expression levels of ADAM8 and EGFR in the previously-mentioned tissues were observed and compared. Spearman’s rank correlation test was used to analyze the correlation of ADAM8 and EGFR and their relationship with clinicopathological factors in these cases.Results: The positive expression levels of ADAM8 in osteosarcoma tissues, osteochondroma tissues, osteoarthritis tissues and normal bone tissues were 80.95%, 36.36%, 62.86% and 24.14% respectively, the difference was of statistical significance (p < .05); the positive expression levels of EGFR in osteosarcoma tissues, osteochondroma tissues, osteoarthritis tissues and normal bone tissues were 66.67%, 9.09%, 40.00% and 4.76% respectively, the difference was of statistical significance (p < .05); Spearman’s rank correlation test showed that ADAM8 was positively correlated with EGFR (r = .379, p < .05).Conclusions: Both ADAM8 and EGFR have a much higher expression in osteosarcoma tissues, and the combined detection of two indexes can be considered as a new method in the clinical diagnosis of osteosarcoma.
Examining stress and coping: Program improvements of pre-licensure nursing students
Authors: Hudson Krysia W. , Kim George R. , Osipowicz Grace T. , Mollenkopf Nicole L. , Akparewa Nikki E. , Ball Marion J.
Published: June 2019

In a pre-licensure program, an unexpected number of episodes of student distress occurred during clinical training (resulting in emergency department visits and health-related absenteeism) in the first semester. To understand the underlying reasons for these episodes, investigators retrospectively explored how these students perceived and approached the stresses associated prior to and after their first semester work (as a part of program to improve performance and student well-being). Program innovations were employed, and student distress has dramatically decreased.
Revisiting the Tinto's Theoretical Dropout Model
Authors: Nicoletti Maria do Carmo
Published: June 2019

In the context of university higher education at undergraduate level, the model of student-institution integration, proposed by Tinto & Cullen and later refined in some of its parts, has often been used to explain the process of dropout/persevere, and even to anticipate such events. This paper approaches the evolution of the Tinto's model since its proposal and reports an analysis of versions of the model found in the literature. The conducted analysis was directed with focus on how to make the model operational, in a way that it could be implemented by universities as an academic computational support system for predicting dropouts. Aiming at its future computational implementation, the analysis approaches the model in relation to its lack of precise definitions of some concepts employed, the loose specification of both, variables and processes involved and questions the extreme importance given to the social integration aspect experienced by students, for explaining dropout.
Redes personales de apoyo entre desplazados, desmovilizados y comunidad receptora
Authors: Sierra Yuly Carolina , Palacio Jorge , Madariaga Camilo , Ávila-Toscano José Hernando
Published: June 2019

En Colombia miles de excombatientes ilegales cumplen un proceso de reintegración a la sociedad, siendo necesario comprender la forma como reconstruyen sus relaciones con las personas que los reciben en los nuevos escenarios sociales, dónde también se encuentran las víctimas de su accionar. Con el objetivo de analizar las redes personales de víctimas, desmovilizados y miembros de una comunidad receptora, se analizó mediante un estudio descriptivo las redes personales de 17 individuos (6 víctimas, 5 desmovilizados y 6 miembros de la comunidad receptora), quienes respondieron un cuestionario de redes mediante entrevista semiestructurada. Los resultados muestran redes poco densas entre los desmovilizados aunque con mejores recursos de apoyo que en los demás grupos. Existe poca integración con desmovilizados y víctimas en redes de la comunidad receptora y se observa preferencia por constituir relaciones con lazos fuertes.
Colegios invisibles y patrones de colaboración en el Sistema de Investigación Agropecuaria en Colombia
Authors: Romero Goyeneche Oscar Yandy , Velez Cuartas Gabriel , Ramírez Matías , Robledo Velásquez Jorge , Balanzó Alejandro
Published: June 2019

Se analizan los patrones de colaboración del sistema de investigación agropecuario en Colombia que surgen de la conformación de colegios invisibles. El análisis se hace en tres niveles: macro, referido a los patrones generales que organizan la colaboración en colegios invisibles, meso, que describe la capacidad de enlace de las distintas organizaciones en el sistema y micro, la conformación de colegios invisibles que permiten observar la diversidad temática. La combinación de los tres niveles, reflejan un sistema de investigación en proceso de consolidación, pero aún frágil. Para este estudio se consideraron las publicaciones realizadas en revistas Web of Science por autores adscritos al Programa Nacional de CTI en Ciencias Agropecuarias y aquellos relacionados con la emergencia de comunidades temáticas derivadas el acoplamiento bibliográfico. Metodológicamente se aplica un análisis multinivel de redes de co-citación y colaboración empleando coeficientes de correlación, identificando conectores del sistema y detectando las comunidades semánticas que se constituyen en colegios invisibles.
Teoría y práctica de las redes ilegales encubiertas
Authors: Alieva Deniza
Published: June 2019

El libro de Cunningham, Everton y Murphy ocupa un lugar importante en la literatura dedicada a la aplicación del análisis de redes sociales en el estudio de las "redes oscuras". Por un lado, es un buen manual que puede ser de interés tanto para un principiante, como para un investigador avanzado en el análisis de redes sociales. Por otro lado, los ejemplos propuestos por los autores analizan datos de gran interés, siendo buenos ejemplos prácticos de la aplicación de la teoría aprendida.
Anti-Deficit Narratives: Engaging the Politics of Research on Mathematical Sense Making
Authors: Adiredja Aditya P.
Published: June 2019

This article identifies a self-sustaining system of deficit narratives about students of color as an entry point for studies of cognition to engage with the sociopolitical context of mathematical learning. Principles from sociopolitical perspectives and Critical Race Theory, and historical analyses of deficit thinking in education research, support the investigation into the system. Using existing research about students' understanding of a limit in calculus as context, this article proposes a definition of a deficit perspective on sense making and unpacks some of its tenets. The data illustration in this article focuses on the mathematical sense making of a Chicana undergraduate student. The analysis uses an anti-deficit perspective to construct a sensemaking counter-story by a woman of color. The counter-story challenges existing deficit master-narratives about the mathematical ability of women of color. The article closes with a proposal for an anti-deficit method for studying the sense making of students of color.
THERMO-ACTIVE SHAPE MEMORY MULTI-LAYER PAPERBOARD PACKAGING
Authors: CUEVAS ZARRAGA JOSE MARIA , ABASCAL CARRANZA EDGAR , GARCIA HUETE NURIA , LAZA TERROBA JOSE MANUEL , VILAS VILELA JOSE LUIS
Published: June 2019

A new shape memory paperboard laminated packaging concept is presented by introducing a polymeric shape memory layer within the multilayer structure. A shape memory polyethylene-like polymer, with low triggering temperature (Ttrans= 49.8ºC), was developed by crosslinking a polycyclooctene with a peroxide. Thermo-mechanical properties of the polymer were characterised, as well as shape memory properties.
Once the shape memory material was developed and characterised, a series of different opportunities for shape memory packaging are presented, where the increase of temperature in food and/or packaging allows geometrical shape changes. Thus, from opening to collapsing movements of the carton-like packaging under heating operations are described. This thermoresponsive concept becomes into a new design tool to surprise the consumer. New interactive elements could emerge from packages which are able to open when suitable temperature is achieved and the food is ready. Equally, materials that change shape when exposed to high temperature could report about cooked dried food by thermo-responsive packaging.
Finally, the presented concept is experimentally demonstrated by a laminate consisted of a thick paperboard layer, an adhesive polyvinyl alcohol film, a shape memory polyalkenamer film and a multilayered aluminium foil (polyethylene/aluminium/polyethylene), which was moulded as a self-opening package.

Keywords: Shape memory polymers, Paperboard packaging, Self opening, Active packaging
MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO EVALUATE THE STATE OF CONSERVATION OF A PROTECTED BUILDING
Authors: FIOL OLIVAN FRANCISCO , GARABITO LOPEZ JAVIER , MUÑOZ RUIPEREZ CARMELO
Published: June 2019

Nowadays public administrations are promoting policies of urban regeneration and recovering the city centers, where are located buildings with unique values.
It is necessary to find a balance between protection and regeneration, so the building maintains the patrimonial elements complying with the current habitability standards.
The objective of the study is to propose a methodology to determine the conservation status of buildings, with a multidisciplinary approach. For this purpose we have evaluated a protected building located in the Historic Center of Burgos, Spain.
We analyse the existing wooden structural framework, the foundation, the roof and the walls. In the first place, physical and mechanical injuries have been mapped. Measurements of wood moisture were also taken.
Then we have studied the pathologies, according to norm UNE 41805-8IN.
Subsequently, structural analysis is carried out, evaluating the structure, the bearing capacity of the bricks walls, wooden structure and foundations.
The analysis has been completed by studying mortars and foundations, with dynamic penetration tests and trial pits. In conclusion, the damaged elements have been established in a qualitative and quantitative way.
Thus we have a real and technically reliable image of the physical state of the building, in order to propose its reform.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF NEW-TYPE COMPOSITE SHEAR WALL
Authors: SONG XIAORUAN , HUANG CHENLING , ZHANG GUANFANG , SHAN WENCHAO , WANG YONGMENG
Published: June 2019

The composite shear wall structure is an industrialized and promising product in civil engineering. Its application in the industry is limted and not satisfying due to the tremendous difficulty in manufacturing the lattice reinforced shear walls and large amount of used steel. This paper proposes a new-type composite shear wall with easy fabrication process and decreased weight. The mechanical properties of the composite walls were studied by performing quasi-static experiments on four proposed composite shear walls and one conventional concrete shear wall. The influence of shear-span ratio, axial load ratio and interface connection on seismic behaviors of the composite structure were included by analyzing the bearing capacity, hysteresis and skeleton curves, stiffness degeneration, displacement ductility and energy dissipation capacity. Results show that the new-type composite shear wall shows good seismic performance and similar mechanical properties with the conventional wall; Shear studs installed at the interface between the precast fibergalss reinforced cement plate and cast-in-place concrete can improve the bonding performance, initial stiffness and energy dissipation capacity; Increasing the axial load ratio and reducing shear-span ratio can improve the bearing capacity of the shear wall. A formula was developed to calculate the bearing capacity of the normal section of such composite shear walls, which shows good agreement with the test results. This study may provide reference for design and engineering applications of the composite shear walls.

Keywords: Composite shear wall, Seismic performance, Quasi-static test, Interface bonding, Shear studs
REDESIGN OF A CARDBOARD DISPLAY USING THE INTEGRAL MODEL FOR THE DESIGN OF NEW PRODUCTS, INSPIRED BY THE SEQUENCE OF FIBONACCI
Authors: RICO  CORTEZ MARISOL , SANDOVAL PINEDA JUAN MANUEL , FLORES HERRERA LUIS ARMANDO , SILVA RIVERA USIEL SANDINO
Published: June 2019

Any company that has the fundamental mission of exercising a trade must always change products or services for an economic benefit, the success of this exchange will depend on the future of the organization. Since the appearance of the first self-service stores, the field of commercial distribution has undergone an enormous revolution. The consumer is free to choose from the hundreds or thousands of items offered in new types of stores, without the assistance of salespeople.
Periodismo, ética y posverdad
Authors:   Universidad Pompeu Fabra (España), Rodrigo-Alsina Miquel , Cerqueira Laerte ,   Universidad Federal da Paraíba (Brasil)
Published: June 2019

La aparición del neologismo posverdad vuelve a plantear cómo el periodismo puede distorsionar la realidad. Las redes sociales han irrumpido con gran fuerza en el mundo de la comunicación, pero su responsabilidad no es equiparable con la del periodismo. Frente a una ética personal del comunicador no profesional está el código deontológico de una profesión. El periodismo informativo se sustenta en su credibilidad y en la verdad de sus relatos. En este texto, reflexionaremos sobre las crisis éticas del periodismo y de los peligros que tiene para su credibilidad no resolverlas adecuadamente
Visiones políticas. El sistema imaginario de Cambiemos (Argentina, 2015-2018)
Authors:   CONICET/Universidad Nacional de Quilmes (Argentina), Dagatti Mariano , Onofrio María Paula ,   Universidad de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Published: June 2019

A partir de un método sincrónico, este artículo comunica los resultados preliminares de una indagación en progreso acerca de la imaginación política desplegada por la coalición argentina gobernante, Cambiemos (2015-2018). Se relevan de manera exhaustiva piezas (audio)visuales de comunicación política y se identifica, en función de las regularidades percibidas, una gramática de imaginación política organizada en torno a múltiples fines de mediano y corto plazo. Las conclusiones permiten comprender cómo la comunicación política de dicha fuerza trabaja de manera original con el nuevo paisaje mediático, signado por la cultura de la conectividad y la convivencia de diferentes sistemas de medios.
Efficacy of Crude Extract from Candle Brush (Senna didymobotrya) Leaves against Aspergillus niger in Reduction of Post-harvest Losses in Tomatoes
Authors: Orwa C. A. , Njue L. G.
Published: June 2019

Background: Senna didymobotrya grows naturally in East Africa and is commonly used to treat microbial infections by African communities due to the presence of various phytochemicals such as alkaloids, terpenoid, anthraquinones, tannins, saponins, phenols and flavonoids.

Objective:  This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the crude extract of candle brush (Senna didymobotrya) leaves against Aspergillus niger in the reduction of post-harvest losses in tomatoes.

Methods: A completely randomised design with two treatments, each replicated six times was used. In this study. Dried leaves were ground into a fine powder and extracted using the Soxhlet apparatus with 100% methanol. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the extract were determined against Aspergillus niger. The shelf life of tomatoes was determined by spraying the extract reconstituted in water at 0.4 g/ml and further analysed the total viable counts at three-day intervals and checking for the growth of mould, colour changes and odours as indicators of spoilage.

Results: After extraction 22 g of the crude extract was obtained from the dried leaves The MIC and MFC of the methanol crude extract against Aspergillus niger were 0.04 g/ml. The shelf life of the treated tomatoes was 14 days while for the untreated was 9 days. T-test results at (P0.05) showed a significant difference between the treated and untreated samples based on the total viable counts.

Conclusion: The crude extract of the candle brush inhibited the growth of Aspergillus niger in fresh tomatoes and also prolonged the shelf life of tomatoes for 14 days.  Further studies should be done to evaluate the market acceptability of the tomatoes.
In vitro Susceptibility Pattern of Major Gram Negative Isolates to Selected Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Gupta Shalini , Mandale Pankaj
Published: June 2019

Background: The choice of choosing right anti-microbial therapy in hospitals depends on the knowledge of local anti-microbial susceptibility profile. This retrospective study was conducted to assess the in vitro susceptibility pattern of different pathogen isolates to various antibiotics including Cefepime-Amikacin-Antibiotic resistant breakers (ARBs)* in various hospitals across the Jaipur City.

Methods: To characterize the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of different isolates from various hospitals across the Jaipur City, a retrospective, observational analysis was done for antibiogram data. A total of 1201 Gram negative isolates collected during the period from January 2017 to December 2017 were included in the study. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done in accordance with the recommendations of Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines.

Results: Of the total 1201 Gram negative isolates included in this study, 51.6% were from wounds and pus specimens, 40.1% were from respiratory and 8.2% from blood. P. aeruginosa (49.7%) was the most frequently isolated pathogen distantly followed by A. baumannii (21.6%), K. pneumoniae (16.6%) and E. coli (12.1%). The highest susceptibility was reported to polymyxins (100%) including Colistin and Polymyxin B, among all the tested bacteria’s and system wise. Among all the antibiotic tested, (Cefepime-Amikacin-ARBs*) sensitivity ranged for 87.9% to 52% on pathogens (E. coli, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa) tested from samples of skin and soft tissue, respiratory tract, blood stream, followed by Meropenem ranged for 78.4% to 55% on pathogens (E. coli, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa), followed by ceftazidime-tazobactam ranged for 82.7% to 58% on pathogens (E. coli, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa) and 22.7% sensitive for A. baumannii to Cefoperazone sulbactam. Based on pathogen type, E. coli exhibited highest overall susceptibility and the lowest was reported by A. baumannii. The susceptibility of A. baumannii ranged from 1-26% to all the tested antibiotics except polymyxins with 100% susceptibility.

Conclusions: This in vitro susceptibility data suggests that Cefepime-Amikacin-ARBs* can serve as important therapeutic option for the treatment of various resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections to relieve the excess pressure on last resort antibiotics, carbapenems and other drugs including Colistin and polymyxin B. Cefepime-Amikacin-ARBs*on the basis of antimicrobial susceptibility data can be considered as an effective therapeutic option for carbapenems in treating gram negative bacterial infections, and could be considered as a broad spectrum antibiotic sparer’s like carbapenem, colistin and Polymyxin B.
Pattern of Blood Donation Practices among Students of a Nigerian University
Authors: I. Ugwu, N. , N. Ugwu C. , O. Oti W. J. , J. Uneke C.
Published: June 2019

Background: Blood transfusion service is an indispensable component of health care. Despite the increased demand for blood, the supply of safe blood has been inadequate.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of blood donation practices among medical students in Abakaliki.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out at Ebonyi State University Abakaliki between October 2017 and March 2018. Stratified sampling technique was used to recruit participants from medical students using pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire, to assess their pattern of blood donation practices. Data was analysed using SPSS software, version 20.

Results:  One hundred and fifty eight medical students who participated in the study were made up of 90 (58.4%) males and 68 (41.6%) females. The most prevalent age group was 20 to 25years. One hundred and forty three (93%) of the participants were single. The most common blood group was O Rh positive, followed by A Rh positive then B Rh positive while AB Rh negative was the least. Majority of the participants have never donated blood. The minority who have ever donated blood, donated either once or twice and the donation was made for a family member or friend.

Conclusion: Participants were found to have poor pattern of blood donation practices. Misconception, fear, cultural and religious influences deter people from practicing voluntary non-remunerated blood donation. Conducting awareness and enlightenment programs regularly will help to keep them well informed and motivated to practice voluntary non-remunerated blood donation.
Bayesian Benefits for Binomial Applications in Practice
Authors: Tuyl Frank , Howley Peter
Published: June 2019

Introduction: When it comes to the practice, and teaching, of statistics, the world has primarily focused on what is known as classical or frequentist methods, rather than Bayesian methods.

Scope of the Study: This paper demonstrates some beneficial properties of Bayesian methods within the commonly practiced domain of inference by utilizing consultancy case studies, one concerning an unusual sample size question and one on the detection of mail items with high biosecurity risk material.

Methods: We introduce through practical applications two more aspects of the Bayesian approach which we believe are invaluable to practitioners and instructors. Having in mind readers who may be less familiar with statistical software, we have added Excel instructions which are easy to translate for those who are familiar with any such software.

Findings: These cases reflect two valuable aspects for both practitioners and instructors which are unique to the Bayesian paradigm. They are: 1. including prior information to improve inference and how to apply sensitivity analysis to this inclusion and 2. the effortless inference for functions of parameters, compared with frequentist approaches. These examples involving the binomial parameter have not been considered from this perspective before, are of significant practical value and thus benefit students and instructors of courses teaching Bayesian techniques and endeavoring to include authentic learning experiences.
Methodological Flaws: A Review of Sample Masters Theses
Authors: Tulu Geberew , Tolosa Tigist , Page Linda
Published: June 2019

This paper reports results of a review of Masters theses from four academic units at the College of Education and Behavioral Studies, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. The purpose of this review was to explore and reflect on the appropriateness of research designs of Masters theses across four academic units. The review focused on the research designs, tools, methods of data analyses, and sampling used in the theses. A total of 121 Masters theses were randomly selected. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The review found similar research designs adopted by theses across each academic unit. Findings common to the theses under review include: qualitative data analysis was hardly explained using appropriate methods of qualitative data analysis.  In addition, in most of the theses, the sample size was not determined and justified using the proper sample size calculation formula or justification. Therefore, there is a need for the college and academic units on how the research course instructors and supervisors support students to craft their research designs properly. Finally, the researchers suggest that more studies of this kind need to be conducted in the broader context in other higher education institutions in order to build up a more coherent picture of the area.
Senescence caused by inactivation of the homeodomain transcription factor Pdx1 in adult pancreatic acinar cells in mice
Authors: Horiguchi Masashi , Yoshida Masahiro , Hirata Koji , Furuyama Kenichiro , Masui Toshihiko , Uemoto Shinji , Kawaguchi Yoshiya
Published: June 2019

In this study, we used tamoxifen‐inducible Elastase‐Cre–mediated inactivation of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox1 (Pdx1), an indispensable gene during embryonic pancreatogenesis, to investigate the role of Pdx1 in adult pancreatic exocrine tissue. We found that Pdx1 depletion in approximately 50% of acinar cell mass did not show any macroscopic phenotype. Lineage tracing experiments revealed that the percentage of Pdx1‐depleted cells did not change initially but gradually decreased, while the proliferation of Pdx1‐preserved cells increased. Electron microscopic analysis showed the emergence of round‐shaped mitochondria with less cristae, dilated ER lumen and increased number of autophagosomes but no apoptosis. Instead, Pdx1‐depleted acinar cells became senescent. These findings indicate that intracellular stress caused by Pdx1 inactivation triggers the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype to maintain organ homeostasis in this model.
Botulinum neurotoxins A, B, C, E, and F preferentially enter cultured human motor neurons compared to other cultured human neuronal populations
Authors: Pellett Sabine , Tepp William H. , Johnson Eric A.
Published: June 2019

Human‐induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)‐derived neurons can be exquisitely sensitive to botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), exceeding sensitivity of the traditionally used mouse bioassay. In this report, four defined hiPSC‐derived neuronal populations including primarily GABAergic, glutamatergic, dopaminergic, and motor neurons were examined for BoNT/A, B, C, D, E, and F sensitivity. The data indicate that sensitivity varies markedly for the BoNTs tested. Motor neurons are significantly more sensitive than other neuron types for all BoNTs except BoNT/D. Examination of SNARE protein levels and BoNT‐specific cell surface protein receptors reveals few differences between the cell types except greater expression levels of the receptor protein SV2C and synapsin‐IIa in motor neurons. This indicates that differential toxicity of BoNTs for motor neurons compared to other neuronal cell types involves multiple mechanisms.
Peer victimization in single‐grade and multigrade classrooms
Authors: Rambaran J. Ashwin , van Duijn Marijtje A. J. , Dijkstra Jan Kornelis , Veenstra René
Published: June 2019

Although peer victimization mainly takes place within classrooms, little is known about the impact of the classroom context. To this end, we examined whether single‐grade and multigrade classrooms (referring to classrooms with one and two grades in the same room) differ in victim–bully relationships in a sample of elementary school children (646 students; age 8–12 years; 50% boys). The occurrence of victim–bully relationships was similar in single‐grade and multigrade classrooms formed for administrative reasons, but lower in multigrade classrooms formed for pedagogical reasons. Social network analyses did not provide evidence that peer victimization depended on age differences between children in any of the three classroom contexts. Moreover, in administrative multigrade classrooms, cross‐grade victim–bully relationships were less likely than same‐grade victim–bully relationships. The findings did not indicate that children in administrative multigrade classrooms are better or worse off in terms of victim–bully relationships than are children in single‐grade classrooms.
Connectivity‐based selection of optimal deep brain stimulation contacts: A feasibility study
Authors: Krishna Vibhor , Sammartino Francesco , Rabbani Qinwan , Changizi Barbara , Agrawal Punit , Deogaonkar Milind , Knopp Michael , Young Nicole , Rezai Ali
Published: June 2019

Background

The selection of optimal deep brain stimulation (DBS) parameters is time‐consuming, experience‐dependent, and best suited when acute effects of stimulation can be observed (e.g., tremor reduction).

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that optimal stimulation location can be estimated based on the cortical connections of DBS contacts.

Methods

We analyzed a cohort of 38 patients with Parkinson's disease (24 training, and 14 test cohort). Using whole‐brain probabilistic tractography, we first mapped the cortical regions associated with stimulation‐induced efficacy (rigidity, bradykinesia, and tremor improvement) and side effects (paresthesia, motor contractions, and visual disturbances). We then trained a support vector machine classifier to categorize DBS contacts into efficacious, defined by a therapeutic window ≥2 V (threshold for side effect minus threshold for efficacy), based on their connections with cortical regions associated with efficacy versus side effects. The connectivity‐based classifications were then compared with actual stimulation contacts using receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) curves.

Results

Unique cortical clusters were associated with stimulation‐induced efficacy and side effects. In the training dataset, 42 of the 47 stimulation contacts were accurately classified as efficacious, with a therapeutic window of ≥3 V in 31 (66%) and between 2 and 2.9 V in 11 (24%) electrodes. This connectivity‐based estimation was successfully replicated in the test cohort with similar accuracy (area under ROC = 0.83).

Conclusions

Cortical connections can predict the efficacy of DBS contacts and potentially facilitate DBS programming. The clinical utility of this paradigm in optimizing DBS outcomes should be prospectively tested, especially for directional electrodes.
Cooling, Scattering, and Recombination—The Role of the Material Quality for the Physics of Tin Halide Perovskites
Authors: Kahmann Simon , Shao Shuyan , Loi Maria A.
Published: June 2019

Tin‐based perovskites have long remained a side topic in current perovskite optoelectronic research. With the recent efficiency improvement in thin film solar cells and the observation of a long hot carrier cooling time in formamidinium tin iodide (FASnI3), a thorough understanding of the material's photophysics becomes a pressing matter. Since pronounced background doping can easily obscure the actual material properties, it is of paramount importance to understand how different processing conditions affect the observed behavior. Using photoluminescence spectroscopy, thin films of FASnI3 fabricated through different protocols are therefore investigated. It is shown that hot carrier relaxation occurs much faster in highly p‐doped films due to carrier–carrier scattering. From high quality thin films, the longitudinal optical phonon energy and the electron–phonon coupling constant are extracted, which are fundamental to understanding carrier cooling. Importantly, high quality films allow for the observation of a previously unreported state of microsecond lifetime at lower energy in FASnI3, that has important consequences for the discussion of long lived emission in the field of metal halide perovskites.
Toward the Growth of High Mobility 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Semiconductors
Authors: Li Henan , Huang Jing‐Kai , Shi Yumeng , Li Lain‐Jong
Published: June 2019

The development of integrated circuits greatly relies on the continuous dimension downscaling in material size and thickness. However, the miniaturization of silicon‐based transistors is facing fundamental limitations and the geometry scaling trend for silicon‐based microelectronics is becoming plateaued. With the continuous scaling of the gate length, overlapping junctions may lead to short channel effects degrading the transistor performance. Two‐dimensional (2D) monolayers, especially layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have emerged as a new class of materials, which offer several attractive features for electronic devices, including excellent thermal stability, flexibility, tunable bandgap, and high mobility. This review focuses on the key factors that determine the electrical performance of 2D TMDCs. From the device fabrication point of view, the interfacial properties between 2D TMDCs, electrode contacts, substrates, dielectric layers, and ambient environment dominate the device performances. Recent efforts on surface engineering for achieving high carrier mobility in TMDCs are reviewed. Fundamentally, the mobility of 2D materials is often hindered by charge scattering mechanism from the lattice defects or grain boundaries. The growth of high‐quality TMDCs monolayers is essentially important for the large‐scale fabrication of TMDCs‐based integrated circuits. This paper further gives the outlook for future research directions, challenges, and possible development for 2D semiconducting electronics.
Multifunctional and Multiband Fractal Metasurface Based on Inter‐Metamolecular Coupling Interaction
Authors: Li Si Jia , Cui Tie Jun , Li Yun Bo , Zhang Chen , Li Rui Qi , Cao Xiang Yu , Guo Ze Xu
Published: June 2019

Metasurfaces, as artificially patterned microstructures representing the ultrathin planar version of metamaterials, have attracted growing attention due to their unprecedented properties in controlling the amplitude, phase, and polarization states of electromagnetic waves. Here, a multifunctional and multiband fractal metasurface is proposed in reflection mode with strong inter‐metamolecular coupling interactions to accomplish simultaneous manipulations from a linear polarization to another and from a linear polarization to left‐ and right‐circular polarizations. The calculated Stokes parameter and axial ratio indicate excellent multiband polarization conversions, which are realized by the inter‐metamolecular coupling interactions of fractal metasurface. Both numerical simulations and experimental results demonstrate good performance of the multifunctional and multiband fractal metasurface.