bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A feasibility study of ‘The StepSmart Challenge’ to promote physical activity in adolescents
Authors: Corepal Rekesh , Best Paul , O’Neill Roisin , Kee Frank , Badham Jennifer , Dunne Laura , Miller Sarah , Connolly Paul , Cupples Margaret E. , van Sluijs Esther M. F. , Tully Mark A. , Hunter Ruth F.
Published: November 2019

Background

Inactive lifestyles are becoming the norm and creative approaches to encourage adolescents to be more physically active are needed. Little is known about how gamification techniques can be used in physical activity interventions for young people. Such approaches may stimulate interest and encourage physical activity behaviour. The study investigated the feasibility of implementing and evaluating a physical activity intervention for adolescents which included gamification techniques within schools. We tested recruitment and retention strategies for schools and participants, the use of proposed outcome measures, and explored intervention acceptability.

Methods

This school-based feasibility study of a randomised cluster trial recruited adolescents aged 12–14 years (n = 224) from five schools (three intervention; two control) in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The 22-week intervention (The StepSmart Challenge) informed by self-determination theory and incorporating gamification strategies involved a school-based pedometer competition. Outcomes, measured at baseline, and post-intervention (at 22 weeks post-baseline and 52 weeks post-baseline) included daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (measured using ActiGraph accelerometer), mental wellbeing (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale), social support for physical activity, time preference (for delayed and larger rewards or immediate and smaller rewards), pro-social behaviour (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)) and the influence of social networks. The intervention’s acceptability was explored in focus groups.

Results

We invited 14 schools to participate; eight showed interest in participating. We recruited the first five who responded; all five completed the trial. Of the 236 pupils invited, 224 participated (94.9%): 84.8% (190/224) provided valid MVPA (minutes/day) at baseline and 57.2% (123/215) at 52 weeks. All other outcomes were well completed apart from the SDQ (65% at baseline). Qualitative data highlighted that participants and teachers found The StepSmart Challenge to be an acceptable intervention.

Conclusions

The level of interest and high recruitment and retention rates provide support for the feasibility of this trial. The intervention, incorporating gamification strategies and the recruitment methods, using parental opt-out procedures, were acceptable to participants and teachers. Teachers also suggested that the implementation of The StepSmart Challenge could be embedded in a lifelong learning approach to health within the school curriculum. As young people’s lives become more intertwined with technology, the use of innovative gamified interventions could be one approach to engage and motivate health behavioural change in this population.

Trial registration

NCT02455986(date of registration: 28 May 2015).
Optimization of glutaminase-free L-asparaginase production using mangrove endophytic Lysinibacillus fusiformis B27
Authors: Prihanto Asep Awaludin , Yanti Indah , Murtazam Mohammad Achsanil , Jatmiko Yoga Dwi
Published: November 2019

Background: The mangrove, Rhizophora mucronata, an essential source of endophytic bacteria, was investigated for its ability to produce glutaminase-free L-asparaginase. The study aimed to obtain glutaminase-free L-asparaginase-producing endophytic bacteria from the mangrove and to optimize enzyme production.

Methods: The screening of L-asparaginase-producing bacteria used modified M9 medium. The potential producer was further analyzed with respect to its species using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Taguchi experimental design was applied to optimize the enzyme production. Four factors (L-asparagine concentration, pH, temperature, and inoculum concentration) were selected at four levels.

Results: The results indicated that the endophytic bacteria Lysinibacillus fusiformis B27 isolated from R. mucronata was a potential producer of glutaminase-free L-asparaginase. The experiment indicated that pH 6, temperature at 35°C, and inoculum concentration of 1.5% enabled the best production and were essential factors. L-asparagine (2%) was less critical for optimum production.

Conclusions: L. fusiformis B27, isolated from Rhizophora mucronata, can be optimized for L-ASNase enzyme production using optimization factors (L-ASNase, pH, temperature, and inoculum), which can increase L-ASNase enzyme production by approximately three-fold.
A Time Motion Study Evaluating the Impact of Geographic Cohorting of Hospitalists
Authors: Kara Areeba , Flanagan Mindy E , Gruber Rachel , Lane Kathleen A , Bo Na , Kroenke Kurt , Weiner Michael
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Geographic cohorting (GCh) localizes hospitalists to a unit. Our objective was to compare the GCh and non‐GCh workday.

METHODS

In an academic, Midwestern hospital we observed hospitalists in GCh and non‐GCh teams. Time in patient rooms was considered direct care; other locations were considered ‘indirect’ care. Geotracking identified time spent in each location and was obtained for 17 hospitalists. It was supplemented by in‐person observation of four GCh and four non‐GCh hospitalists for a workday each. Multilevel modeling was used to analyze associations between direct and indirect care time and team and workday characteristics.

RESULTS

Geotracking yielded 10,522 direct care episodes. GCh was associated with longer durations of patient visits while increasing patient loads were associated with shorter visits. GCh, increasing patient loads, and increasing numbers of units visited were associated with increased indirect care time. In‐person observations yielded 3,032 minutes of data. GCh hospitalists were observed spending 56% of the day in computer interactions vs non‐GCh hospitalists (39%; P < .005). The percentage of time spent multitasking was 18% for GCh and 14% for non‐GCh hospitalists (P > .05). Interruptions were pervasive, but the highest interruption rate of once every eight minutes in the afternoon was noted in the GCh group.

CONCLUSION

GCh may have the potential to increase patient–hospitalist interactions but these gains may be attenuated if patient loads and the structure of cohorting are suboptimal. The hospitalist workday is cognitively intense. The interruptions noted may increase the time taken for time‐intensive tasks like electronic medical record interactions.
Fitting a Gamma Distribution using a Chi-squared Approach to the Heights of Students of Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria
Authors: Tim Michae Itoro , Effiong Usoro Anthony , Nkereuwem Ikpang Ikpang , Udoudo George Ekemini , Ita Bassey David
Published: November 2019

This paper fits a gamma probability model to the heights of Students of the Akwa Ibom State University. A sample of 998 Students was drawn from the Medical Centre of the Institutionâ€™s Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, Akwa Ibom State. Some exploratory data analyses were carried out to observe the behavior of the data set graphically. A chi-square test is used to ascertain whether or not the heights of students are gamma distributed. From the graphical displays and the chi-squared test results, it is observed that the heights follow gamma distribution even though the maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters are quite influential on the results at ð›¼ â‰¥ 0.01% significance level.Â Â
Teratogenic effects of imidacloprid in rats: mechanistic role of oxidative stress
Authors: Borai El-Borai Nermeen , Said Hadad Seham , Kamal Khalifa Hanem
Published: November 2019

Extensive use of imidacloprid (IMI) insecticide in the agro-vet practices leads to continuous animal and human exposure. Exposure of pregnant dams to such insecticides results in fetal malformations. In the light of this, the present study was designed to investigate the teratogenic effects of two different doses of IMI and the possible mechanistic role of oxidative stress. Fifteen pregnant females were randomly divided into three equal groups and orally treated daily during organogenesis period (6-15th GD), control (distilled water), LD-IMI (45 mg/kg) and HD-IMI (90 mg/kg). All pregnant dams were exposed to caesarean section on GD 20. Exposure to IMI induced significant increase in the percentage of resorptions at high-dose with significant reduction of fetal and placental weights in a dose-dependent manner. External fetal morphological abnormalities were recorded only at high-dose while several visceral abnormalities were observed in fetuses at low- and high-doses. Significant increases in the percentages of fetal skeletal malformations were recorded only in the high-dose group. Significant changes in MDA, GSH levels and CAT activity with insignificant change in the level of H2O2 were recorded only in placentae of LD-IMI group. However, all these parameters recorded significant changes in serum of dams, placentae and liver of fetuses at high-dose. In conclusion, exposure of pregnant rats to IMI, particularly at higher-dose, during the period of organogenesis induced fetal teratogenic effects that may be related to its maternal and fetal oxidative damaging impacts.Â Â Â
Metformin and l-glutamine ameliorate pancreatic damage induced by chronic nicotine exposure in adult male albino rats
Authors: Abdel-Mohsen Abdel-Aziz Eman , Y. A. Hussein Asmaa , A Elnoury Heba
Published: November 2019

Nicotine is a major addictive component of tobacco and cigarettes. It is believed to play a major role in the development of many diseases of pancreas including induction of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. This study was designed to assess the ameliorative effect of metformin & L-glutamine administered either individually or in combination on pancreatic damage induced by chronic exposure to nicotine. Fifty-six adult male albino rats were divided into 7 weight matched groups of 8 animals per each group and treated once daily for a period of 10 weeks according to the following protocol; group I (normal control): left without intervention ; they were allowed to free access to balanced diet & distilled water for the end of the experiment, group II (metformin treated group; Met): metformin was administrated to normal rats at a dose of (150 mg/kg /day /orally); group III (glutamine group ; LG): in which L-glutamine was given to normal rats at a dose of 500â€‰mg/kg by oral gavage); group IV (diseased non-treated group ;Nicotine) were injected subcutaneously with nicotine (1.5 mg/kg/day after day) to induce pancreatitis; group V (Nicotine +Met), VI (Nicotine +LG) &VII (Nicotine +Met + LG) were treated by (Nicotine +Met, Nicotine +LG & Nicotine +Met + LG respectively) by the same doses and routs described above. At the end of the experiment the following biochemical parameters were measured (fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin level, serum amylase and lipase level, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-Î±), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) & reduced glutathione; GSH) to investigate the protective effect of either or both drugs on pancreas. Additionally, histopathological evaluations of pancreatic tissues were assessed. The current study documented the damaging effect of nicotine on pancreas evidenced by significant increase of (blood glucose level due to decrease in plasma insulin level, serum lipase and amylase & TNF-Î± levels along with significant reduction of GSH in pancreatic tissue & heat shock protein -70. This was accompanied by histopathological alteration in pancreatic tissue. The previously mentioned parameters illustrate partial significant improvement in concomitant administration of individual or both metformin & L glutamine along with nicotine. In conclusion, co- supplementation of metformin and L glutamine documented to be anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which can ameliorate the damaging effect of nicotine on pancreas. The combination use of both drugs produces more protective effect than each other alone.Â Â Â
Historical survey on metaheuristics algorithms
Authors: M. Almufti Saman
Published: November 2019

Metaheuristic algorithms have been an interesting and widely used area for scientists, researchers and academicians because of their specific and significant characteristics and capabilities in solving optimization problems. Metaheuristic algorithms are developed base on inspiration of some real world phenomenon in nature or on the behavior of living being (animal, insects, organic living beings). On the past many metaheuristic algorithms have been introduced and applied on various problems of various domains including real world optimization problems. This paper is aimed to provide a historical Survey on metaheuristic algorithms, it will provide a list of metaheuristic based algorithms ordered according to the foundation year, with the name of Authors and the algorithm abbreviations.Â
Estudio preliminar de las percepciones de los estudiantes del Grado de Maestro de Primaria sobre el desarrollo de sus competencias profesionales
Authors: Cuevas López Mercedes , Rosas Francisco Díaz
Published: November 2019

El presente estudio, centrado en el análisis de las competencias específicas del Título y de las materias que constituyen la formación básica del mismo, se ha llevado a cabo en una de las Facultades de la Universidad de Granada que imparte dicha titulación. El trabajo ha consistido en una revisión de las guías docentes de las asignaturas del plan de estudios para comprobar qué competencias se pretenden conseguir en cada una de ellas. Posteriormente se ha recogido la opinión de los estudiantes de la Facultad de Educación, Economía y Tecnología de Ceuta para conocer en qué medida perciben los estudiantes que las han adquirido. La muestra está formada por 105 estudiantes de diferentes cursos del Grado de Primaria. Los resultados obtenidos ponen de manifiesto un grado aceptable de adquisición de las mismas y, al mismo tiempo, la existencia de determinadas carencias formativas. Como principal conclusión se recomienda ampliar el estudio a los otros centros de la Universidad de Granada para determinar si los déficits formativos afectan al diseño del Título de Grado.
O movimento do acesso ao ensino superior em Portugal de 1960 a 2017: Uma análise ecológica
Authors: Thomas Dotta Leanete , Lopes Amélia , Leite Carlinda
Published: November 2019

Globalmente, a ampliação dos investimentos no campo do ensino superior, que decorre e é decorrente tanto das demandas do sector económico quanto da crescente valorização da dimensão social do conhecimento, implica em mobilizações no âmbito do acesso a este nível de ensino. Se, por um lado, as políticas de acesso têm um papel central, por outro lado, as interações dos indivíduos nos diferentes ambientes em que estão inseridos não podem ser desconsideradas. O objetivo deste artigo, numa perspetiva sócio ecológica, foi a análise dos movimentos do acesso ao ensino superior em Portugal no período de 1960 a 2017. A interpretação dos dados de acesso e da legislação sobre o ensino superior do referido período, em relação com o resultado da revisão de literatura, permitiu identificar momentos de expansão e retração do acesso à formação superior em Portugal. Foi na confluência de um conjunto de fatores, mais ou menos favoráveis, que se originaram os distintos movimentos do acesso ao longo do tempo. Esta confluência de fatores fez com que os indivíduos modelassem e remodelassem suas aspirações com relação ao ingresso no ensino superior.
Respon pertumbuhan dan produksi bawang merah (Allium ascalonicum L.) terhadap frekuensi dan level mikroorganisme lokal bonggol pisang
Authors: Lestari Lestari , Sumarsono Sumarsono , Sutarno Sutarno
Published: November 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji pengaruh level MOL bonggol pisang yang sesuai, pengaruh frekuensi serta mengetahui kombinasi level dan frekuensi terhadap pertumbuhan dan produksi bawang merah. Penelitian berlangsung pada bulan Februari – April 2018. Penelitian dilakuan di rumah kaca Balai Perlindungan Tanaman Pangan dan Hortikultura (BPTPH), dilanjutkan dengan menimbang berat basah di Laboratorium Ekologi dan Produksi Tanaman, Fakultas Peternakan dan Pertanian Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang.Rancangan yang digunakan dalam penelitian adalah Percobaan Faktorial 5 x 3 Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan ulangan 3 kali. Faktor pertama adalah level mol (0, 10, 20, 30 dan 40 ml) Faktor kedua frekuensi penyiraman (1 minggu, 2 minggu, 3 minggu). Parameter penelitian yaitu Tinggi tanaman, jumlah daun, bobot segar vegetatif tanaman, jumlah umbi bawang merah. Pemberian level mol 40 ml menghasilkan pertumbuhan tinggi tanaman,bobot segar vegetatif tanaman dan jumlah umbi bawang merah, Kata Kunci : Bawang Merah, Mol, Level dan frekuensi
Respon pertumbuhan true shallot seed beberapa varietas bawang merah (Allium cepa l.) terhadap aplikasi giberelin
Authors: Elshyana Intan Shofa , Lukiwati Dwi Retno , Karno Karno
Published: November 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui respon pertumbuhan beberapa varietas benih bawang merah terhadap beberapa dosis GA3 terhadap pertumbuhan bawang merah. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada tanggal 5 Maret – 6 Juli 2018 di Screen HouseAgroecotechnopark dan Laboratorium Fisiologi dan Pemuliaan Tanaman, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang. Penelitian ini akan menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap Faktorial 4x3 dengan 4 kali ulangan. Faktor pertama yaitu dosis GA3 terhadap terdiri atas 4 taraf yaitu M0: 0 ppm, M1: 50 pm, M2:100 ppm dan M3: 200 ppm. Faktor kedua yaitubeberapa varietas benih bawang merah terdiri atas 3 taraf yaitu V1: Bima, V2: Tutuk dan V3: Lokananta. Parameter yang diamati yaitu Indek vigor, daya kecambah, potensi tumbuh maksimum, tinggi tanaman, jumlah daun, jumlah anakan dan berat basah total tanaman. Data dianalisis ragam dan diuji lanjut dengan Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan perlakuan dosis GA3 100 ppm dengan varietas Lokananta memberikan hasil nyata lebih tinggi dibanding perlakuan lainnya, pada parameter indeks vigor dan daya kecambah. Perlakuan dosis GA3 50 ppm dengan varietas tuktuk memberikan hasil nyata lebih tinggi dibanding perlakuan lainnya, pada jumlah daun dan anakan bawang merah. Kata Kunci : Allium cepa L.,true shallot seed, giberelin, pertumbuhan.
Aplikasi paclobutrazol dan pelapisan lilin lebah terhadap mutu rimpang benih jahe merah (Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum) selama penyimpanan
Authors: Adipraja Maulana Azhar , Anwar Syaiful , Kusmiyati Florentina
Published: November 2019

Jahe merupakan tanaman yang bagian rimpangnya memiliki nilai ekonomi yang tinggi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji pengaruh aplikasi paclobutrazol dan pelapisan lilin lebah dalam mempertahankan mutu rimpang benih jahe merah selama penyimpanan. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan April – Juli 2018 di Laboratorium Fisiologi dan Pemuliaan Tanaman, Fakultas Peternakan dan Pertanian, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang. Penelitian ini merupakan percobaan faktorial 4x4 dengan 3 kali ulangan dengan dasar Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL). Faktor pertama adalah konsentrasi paclobutrazol dengan 4 taraf, terdiri atas 0, 500, 1000, 1500 ppm. Faktor kedua adalah konsentrasi lilin lebah dengan 4 taraf, terdiri atas 0, 4, 6, dan 8 %. Penyimpanan dilakukan pada kondisi ruang simpan dengan suhu 28-30°C selama tiga bulan. Penyemaian dilakukan selama satu bulan setelah masa penyimpanan. Parameter yang diamati adalah jumlah rimpang bertunas, tinggi tunas, susut bobot rimpang dan kadar air rimpang. Data dianalisis menggunakan analisis ragam dan uji lanjut menggunakan Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Berdasarkan penelitian yang telah dilakukan diperoleh hasil bahwa perlakuan paclobutrazol dengan konsentrasi 500 ppm dan perlakuan lilin lebah konsenrasi 4% dapat menghambat tinggi tunas, mempertahankan jumlah rimpang bertunas, susut bobot rimpang dan kadar air rimpang hingga akhir masa simpan.Kata kunci: jahe merah, paclobutrazol, lilin lebah.
Pengaruh jumlah ruas stek dan sumber pupuk nitrogen yang berbeda terhadap pertumbuhan dan produksi simplisia tanaman kumis kucing (Orthosiphon aristatus)
Authors: Jayanti Astrie Dian , Karno Karno , Kristanto Budi Adi
Published: November 2019

Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengkaji pengaruh jumlah ruas stek dan sumber pupuk nitrogen yang berbeda pada pertumbuhan dan produksi simplisia tanaman Kumis Kucing(Orthosiphon aristatus). Rancangan percobaan yang digunakan adalah rancangan acak lengkap pola faktorial. Faktor pertama adalah jumlah ruas batang stek (3, 5, dan 7 ruas) dan faktor kedua adalah sumber pupuk nitrogen (urea, pupuk kandang ayam, pupuk kandang sapi, dan pupuk kandang kambing). Parameter pertumbuhan yang diamati meliputi panjang tunas total, jumlah daun, dan volume akar. Parameter produksi yang diamati yaitu berat daun (simplisia) segar dan kering. Data dianalisis dengan analisis ragam dan dilanjutkan dengan uji berganda Duncan (Duncan’s Multiple Range Test). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan peningkatan jumlah ruas stek mampu meningkatkan panjang tunas total, jumlah daun, dan volume akar. Penggunaan sumber hara nitrogen yang berbeda hanya meningkatkan parameter volume akar. Kedua perlakuan belum mampu meningkatkan produksi simplisia tanaman kumis kucing, serta tidak menunjukkan adanya interaksi pada seluruh parameter penelitian. Kata kunci : Orthosiphon aristatus, Simplisia, Stek, Sumber Nitrogen.
Produksi kacang tanah (Arachis hypogaea L. Var. Takar) pada perbedaan waktu inokulasi Rhizobium sp. dan pemberian berbagai mulsa organik di lahan salin
Authors: Asyari Hafidz Fikri , Fuskhah Eny , Purbajanti Endang Dwi
Published: November 2019

Tujuan penelitian adalah mengkaji waktu inokulasi terbaik dan pemberian berbagai jenis mulsa organik terhadap produksi kacang tanah (Arachis hypogaea L. Var. Takar) pada lahan salin dengan tingkat salinitas 6,4 dS/m. Penelitian kali ini dilaksanakan di Desa Bulakbaru, Kecamatan Kedung, Kabupaten Jepara. Rancangan yang digunakan adalah RAK Faktorial 4 x 3 dengan 3 kelompok. Faktor pertama adalah perbedaan waktu inokulasi Rhizobium sp. yaitu T0: tanpa inokulasi, T1: inokulasi saat tanam, T2: inokulasi 7 HST, dan inokulasi 14 HST. Faktor kedua adalah berbagai jenis mulsa organik yaitu R0: tanpa mulsa organik, R1: mulsa organik jerami padi, dan R2: mulsa organik sekam padi. Parameter yang diamati adalah tinggi tanaman, jumlah daun, jumlah polong per petak, bobot polong per petak, jumlah biji per petak, jumlah bintil akar dan bobot 100 biji. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa R1 menunjukkan peningkatan rerata tinggi tanaman sebesar 62,1 cm dan T1 menunjukkan rerata jumlah bintil akar tertinggi sebesar 1,86/tanaman. Tidak ada pengaruh dan interaksi pad parameter lain. Kesimpulan yang diperoleh adalah mulsa organik jerami mampu meningkatkan tinggi tanaman dan waktu inokulasi saat tanam dapat meningkatkan jumlah bintil akar di lahan dengan tingkat salinitas 6,4 dS/m. Kata kunci : kacang tanah, salinitas, rhizobium sp, mulsa organik.
Respon tanaman kedelai (Glycine max L. Merill) pada berbagai konsentrasi cemaran ion logam Ni2+ dengan pemberian biokompos
Authors: Fitriani Ririn Nur , Budiyanto Susilo , Sukarjo Sukarjo
Published: November 2019

Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengkaji respon pertumbuhan tanaman kedelai, produksi dan kualitas kedelai pada tanah yang tercemar logam nikel yang diberi biokompos.Penelitian dilakukan di Rumah Kasa dan Laboratorium Terpadu BALINGTAN (Balai Penelitian Lingkungan Pertanian) Pati, Jawa Tengah dari bulan November 2018 – Februari 2019. Rancangan dasar yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah rancangan acak lengkap pola faktorial 5 x 3 dengan 3 ulangan.Faktor pertama yaitu perlakuan konsentrasi cemarannikel (Ni) 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 ppm dan faktor kedua yaitu perlakuan dosis biokompos 0 ton/ha, 3,5 ton/ha dan 7ton/ha. Data dianalisis dengan analisis ragam dan dilanjutkan dengan uji berganda Duncan (Duncan’s Multiple Range Test). Hasil penelitian menunjukkanbahwa pada tanah yang diberi biokompos kurang dari 7 ton/ha dan semua tingkat cemaran menunjukkan penurunan pertumbuhandan produksi kedelai. Tanah yang diberi biokompos 7 ton/ha pada perlakuan konsentrasi cemaran nikel 25 ppm menghasilkan produksi kedelai (jumlah polong isi) setara atau sama dengan tanah tanpa cemaran nikel. Konsentrasi nikel dalam biji kedelai pada tanah yang tercemar nikel 25 ppm dengan diberi biokompos 7 ton/ha masih berada diatas ambang batas yang diijinkan. Kata kunci: kedelai, cemarannikel, biokompos
Equilibrium and System Analysis in Economic Dynamics
Authors: Biondi Yuri
Published: November 2019

Many economic theories rely on equilibrium. Notwithstanding its widespread framing role, the very notion of equilibrium shows epistemic and methodological limits when confronted with space, time, human behaviour and institutions. A systemic perspective may upgrade equilibrium by considering the featuring roles of economic organisation (entity), money and accounting in the economic process. This article tributes to Martin Shubik’s scholarship and friendship by providing a systemic perspective on his last co-authored book with Eric Smith.
Graphic and Numerical Evolution of a Bonus-Malus System via Markov Chain Models
Authors: BOUNNITE Mohamed Yasser , NASROALLAH Abdelaziz
Published: November 2019

This paper describes an online solution for visualizing the simulation of a discrete time Markov chain using an animated graph. Based on the D3.js library, the development of this solution offers the user the choice between a presentation based on the concept of a probabilistic graph oriented and a presentation of the transitions in a matrix framework. As an application the solution helps to describe the dynamics of individual policyholders in a Bonus-Malus system of automobile insurance.
A case of syphilis with high bone arsenic concentration from early modern cemetery (Wroclaw, Poland)
Authors: Dabrowski Pawel , Kulus Michal Jerzy , Cieslik Agata , Domagala Zygmunt , Wiglusz Rafał J. , Kuropka Piotr , Kuryszko Jan , Thannhauser Agata , Szleszkowski Lukasz , Wojtulek Piotr Marian , Solinski Daniel , Dziegiel Piotr
Published: November 2019

Venereal syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum – Gram-negative, slowly growing bacteria. The spread of the disease in the Old World was due to increased birth rate, urban population growth, migration and lack of knowledge concerning the epidemiology. In the past, the treatment was mainly symptomatic and included application of mercury compounds. The goal of the study was to present the case of advanced venereal syphilis found in early modern (16th–18thc) graveyard localized in Wroclaw, Poland. The object of the study is a cranium of a male whose age at death has been estimated to be over 55. In order to observe the morphological and paleopathological characteristics of the examined material, anthropometrics, computed tomography, spectrometry and microscopic methods were incorporated. Microscopic analysis revealed the presence of the extensive inflammatory lesions. Analyses indicate tertiary stage of venereal syphilis as the most probable cause of the observed lesions. Concentration of arsenic (16.17±0.58 μg/g) in examined bone samples was about hundred times bigger than average arsenic concentration in bones reported in other studies. Advanced stage of observed lesions along with high arsenic level may suggest long-lasting palliative care and usage of arsenic compound in therapeutic treatment of this chronic disease.
Evaluation of Heavy Metals and Microbiological Contamination of Selected herbals from Palestine
Authors: Abualhasan Murad , Jaradat Nidal , Sawaftah Zahraa , Mohsen Hala , Najjar Dyala , Zareer Wahbi
Published: November 2019

Background

Herbal medicine is widely used for the prevention and treatment of diseases worldwide including Palestine and may require long term usage. The level of some heavy metals and microbial contaminants in some of these medicinal plants consumed by Palestinians were studied in order to evaluate their quality.

Methodology

The level of metals including: Zinc, Cadmium, Lead and Copper were quantified by Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Moreover, the bacterial and fungal contaminations were tested for some of the selected plants in Palestine. The procedures of microbial and elemental testing of the plants followed USP.

Results

The result of the heavy metals testing showed that copper and cadmium were above the allowable limits in all the tested plants. Zinc metal was above the allowable limit in 78.9% of the tested samples. The microbiological results of the tested plants showed that 63.2% of the tested plants were contaminated by bacteria and 89.5% were contaminated by yeast.

Conclusions

Herbal medicine used in the Palestinian markets doesn’t meet the international requirement for heavy metal and microbiological limits. Therefore, urgent action has to be taken by the responsible authorities including the Ministry of health to implement importation and registration requirements and perform regular quality checks of sold and imported herbal medicines. Pharmacists as expert professionals must take an active role in selling and advising consumers about the quality and efficacy of the sold plants.
How Much Does Basic Income Cost? Modelling Basic Income as Universal Life Annuity
Authors: Gan Wee Chung
Published: November 2019

The cost of basic income is typically estimated for a particular year. However, to assess the financial feasibility of basic income, it is also important to consider how much basic income will cost in the future. This is especially important in countries experiencing an ageing population, where the proportion of workers is expected to shrink. This article considers basic income as a universal life annuity and develops two models based on actuarial concepts to estimate the flat tax rate required to finance basic income. The first model considers the cost of basic income over the lifetime of the current population and the second model additionally considers changing population dynamics. The proposed models are conceptually simple, providing a straightforward way to assess the financial feasibility of basic income. Using Singapore data, the models show that the monthly cut-off income separating net contributors and net recipients is around $2710 and benefits around 39 % of adult residents. A tax rate of around 22 % is required to support a basic income of $600.
Schizophrenia phenomenology comprises a bifactorial general severity and a single-group factor, which are differently associated with neurotoxic immune and immune-regulatory pathways
Authors: Maes Michael , Vojdani Aristo , Geffard Michel , Moreira Estefania G. , Barbosa Decio S. , Michelin Ana Paula , Semeão Laura de Oliveira , Sirivichayakul Sunee , Kanchanatawan Buranee
Published: November 2019

In schizophrenia, a single latent trait underlies psychosis, hostility, excitation, mannerism, negative (PHEMN) symptoms, formal thought disorders (FTD) and psychomotor retardation (PMR). Schizophrenia is accompanied by a breakdown of gut and blood-brain-barrier (BBB) pathways, increased tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) levels, bacterial translocation, and lowered natural IgM and paraoxonase (PON)1 activity.

The aim of this study was to examine the factor structure of schizophrenia symptom domains and the biomarker correlates of these factors.

We recruited 80 patients with schizophrenia and 40 healthy subjects and assessed the IgA/IgM responses to paracellular/transcellular (PARA/TRANS) ratios, IgA responses to TRYCATs, natural IgM to malondialdehyde and Gram-negative bacteria, and PON1 enzymatic activity.

Direct Hierarchical Exploratory Factor Analysis showed a bifactorial oblique model with a) a general factor which loaded highly on all symptom domains, named overall severity of schizophrenia (“OSOS”); and b) a single-group factor (SGF) loading on negative symptoms and PMR. We found that 40% of the variance in OSOS score was explained by IgA/IgM to PARA/TRANS ratio, male sex and education while 36.9% of the variance in SGF score was explained by IgA to PARA/TRANS, IgM to Gram-negative bacteria, female sex (positively associated) and IgM to MDA, and PON1 activity (negatively associated).

Schizophrenia phenomenology comprises two biologically-validated dimensions, namely a general OSOS dimension and a single-group negative symptom dimension, which are associated with a breakdown of gut/BBB barriers, increased bacterial translocation and lowered protection against oxidation, inflammation and bacterial infections through lowered PON1 and natural IgM.
A more accurate prediction to rule in and rule out pre-eclampsia using the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and NT-proBNP as biomarkers
Authors: Lafuente-Ganuza Paula , Lequerica-Fernandez Paloma , Carretero Francisco , Escudero Ana I. , Martinez-Morillo Eduardo , Sabria Enric , Herraiz Ignacio , Galindo Alberto , Lopez Ana , Martinez-Triguero Maria L. , Alvarez Francisco V.
Published: November 2019

Background

The management of potential pre-eclamptic patients using the soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1)/ placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio is characterised by frequent false-positive results.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify and validate cut-off values, obtained using a machine learning model, for the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and NT-proBNP that would be predictive of the absence or presence of early-onset pre-eclampsia (PE) in singleton pregnancies presenting at 24 to 33 + 6 weeks of gestation.

Results

For the development cohort, we defined two sFlt-1/PlGF ratio cut-off values of 23 and 45 to rule out and rule in early-onset PE at any time between 24 and 33 + 6 weeks of gestation. Using an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio cut-off value of 23, the negative predictive value (NPV) for the development of early-onset PE was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 99.5–100). The positive predictive value (PPV) of an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio >45 for a diagnosis of early-onset PE was 49.5% (95% CI: 45.8–55.6). When an NT-proBNP value >174 was combined with an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio >45, the PPV was 86% (95% CI: 79.2–92.6). In the validation cohort, the negative and positive values were very similar to those found for the development cohort.

Conclusions

An sFlt-1/PlGF ratio <23 rules out early-onset PE between 24 and 33 + 6 weeks of gestation at any time, with an NPV of 100%. An sFlt-1/PlGF ratio >45 with an NT-proBNP value >174 significantly enhances the probability of developing early-onset PE.
Locally conformally Kähler structures on four-dimensional solvable Lie algebras
Authors: Angella Daniele , Origlia Marcos
Published: November 2019

We classify and investigate locally conformally Kähler structures on four-dimensional solvable Lie algebras up to linear equivalence. As an application we can produce many examples in higher dimension, here including lcK structures on Oeljeklaus-Toma manifolds, and we also give a geometric interpretation of some of the 4-dimensional structures in our classification.
Influence of heat treatment on the corrosion properties of CuAlMn shape memory alloys
Authors: Vrsalović Ladislav , Ivanić Ivana , Kožuh Stjepan , Kosec Borut , Bizjak Milan , Kovač Janez , Gabor Urška , Gojić Mirko
Published: November 2019

This paper reports on the influence of heat treatment on the corrosion properties of CuAlMn alloy in 0.1%, 0.9% and 1.5% NaCl solution (pH = 7.4). Heat treatment of alloy samples was performed by samples annealing at 900°C for 30 min. Electrochemical methods of investigations included measuring the open circuit potential (E
oc) and linear and potentiodynamic polarisation. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to study the morphology and composition of the corroded surfaces, along with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Heat-treated samples have slightly more positive values of E
oc, slightly lower values of corrosion current density and higher values of polarisation resistance compared with the as-cast alloy. The microscopic analysis showed the rough surfaces due to corrosion processes. Increasing the electrolyte concentration leads to an increase in alloy surface damage. AFM and SEM examinations showed that the surface was covered with interlaced layers of corrosion products, as well as cracks and ducts formed by their dissolution. EDX and XPS analyses showed that corrosive products consist mainly of aluminium and manganese oxides and chlorides. Annealed CuAlMn alloy samples have significantly lower copper content compared with the as-cast CuAlMn alloy.
3D-printed, home-made, UV-LED photoreactor as a simple and economic tool to perform photochemical reactions in high school laboratories
Authors: Rossi Sergio , Dozzi Maria Vittoria , Puglisi Alessandra , Pagani Michela
Published: November 2019

In the paper we present the simple manufacturing of an easy and economical UV-A photoreactor using a desktop 3D printer and its application in chemical transformations. PLA (polylactic acid) was used as inexpensive and not toxic polymer for the 3D printing process, while commercially available decorative ultraviolet LEDs (UV-A) have been employed as a light source. With this device, the photoreduction of benzophenone was performed in high yield and short times, compatible with the duration of a typical laboratory experiment in a high school program.
Black Public Art: On the Socially Engaged Work of Black Women Artist-Activists
Authors: Pena Mary
Published: November 2019

Inaugurated at the Brooklyn Museum of New York in 2017, the path-breaking exhibition “We Wanted a Revolution: Black Radical Women, 1965-85,” centers the creative expressions and lived experiences of black women artists within a primarily white, middle-class, heteronormative mainstream feminist movement. Engaging visual mediums, artist-activists rendered a black feminist politics through cultural and aesthetic productions. In so doing, artists recast extant representations of black social life, demanded inclusion within cultural institutions, and created black-oriented spaces for artistic engagement. In the contemporary global political climate of anti-blackness, artists craft socially engaged practices that creatively intervene in public space and the cultural institutional landscape. Through a critical analysis of Carrie Mae Weems’ Operation: Activate, Simone Leigh’s The Waiting Room, and LaToya Ruby Frazier’s Flint is Family, this essay concerns recent interventions that mobilize an expansive approach to art combined with activism. The myriad practices of Weems, Leigh, and Frazier recompose sites of political engagement and empowerment that enact a broader praxis of reimagining social worlds. These projects belie the representational fixity on which art economies hinge, gesturing to material formations that elicit tactile modes of relation, and challenge the bounds of subjects and objects in the world.
Problems with collapsible soils: Particle types and inter-particle bonding
Authors: Smalley Ian , Ng’ambi Samson
Published: November 2019

A collapsible soil is composed essentially of a packing of mineral particles and a set of interparticle bonds holding the system together. Failure requires the bond system to fail and the soil structure to collapse. A natural hazard is presented. The soil structure may collapse inwards (consolidate), as in loess failure, or it may collapse outwards (disperse, disintegrate), as in the failure of quick-clays, some collapsing sands, some silty estuarine deposits, and in wind erosion of silty soils by saltating sand grains. Generalising about bonding systems allows two types of interparticle bond to be recognized: long range bonds and short range bonds. Long range bonds are found in clay mineral systems and allow the occurrence of plasticity. They are represented by c in the standard Coulomb equation. Short range bonds are found in inactive particle systems. These are soil systems where the constituent particles do not have a significant electrical charge. A slight deformation of a short-range bonded system causes much loss of strength. It is short range bonds which tend to dominate in collapsing soil systems, although in the complex case of loess the bond failure is initially mediated by long range bonds at the interparticle contact regions. A collapse failure involves a large scale remaking of the soil structure, and thus total failure of the bonding system.

Generalising again- it can be claimed that five types of particle make up engineering soils: A active clay mineral particles (the smectites), B inactive clay mineral particles (e.g. kaolinite, illite), C very small inactive primary mineral particles (close to the comminution limit in size- mostly in the quick-clays), D silt (usually quartz silt), and E sand (usually quartz sand). The nature of type D particles contributes to the collapse of loess soils, the most widespread of the collapsing soil phenomena. The nature of type C particles controls the behaviour of quick-clays. C and D systems are essentially dominated by short-range bonds.
“Feeding the Hungry, Quenching the thirsty”: Shaping the Rights to Food and Water in Disaster Settings through Humanitarian Standards
Authors: Sommario Emanuele , Spagnuolo Francesca , Alabrese Mariagrazia
Published: November 2019

Natural and technological disasters have the potential to severely undermine the capacity of States to comply with their human rights obligations. Among the most vital rights of disaster victims are the rights to food and water, encapsulated in the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. In this article, the scope of State obligations under international human rights law to secure sufficient amounts of adequate food and water in disaster settings is explored. After assessing if and to what extent the exercise of such rights can be restricted in the wake of a major disaster, the focus of the analysis shifts to the core content of State obligations, which are explored in the light of commonly accepted humanitarian standards. Lastly, the relationship between the obligation to ensure access to a minimum essential amount of food and water and the non-derogable right to life is examined.
Re-Characterization Risk and True Sale Principle within the Context of Asset Securitization
Authors: Vygovskyy Oleksandr
Published: November 2019

The aim of this paper is to determine the re-characterization risk inherent in a classic securitization project. The paper highlights the importance of making a more thorough investigation of the true-sale doctrine providing principal tools for minimization of such a risk. The author examines the legal consequences of re-characterization for a securitization project and outlines the basic factors which may lead to re-characterization. He explores the classic true-sale doctrine and suggests its better understanding within the securitization context. The existing literature provides no common approach which would help to distinguish between a sale and a secured loan in this context. This article fills a gap in the doctrine by establishing an efficient ‘purpose-oriented approach’, under which a court shall focus on the purpose of the principal transaction in securitization. We suggest the exhaustive list of criteria for characterization of such a deal which should include only adequacy of consideration paid for the receivables and adequacy of the subject-matter of the deal.
Molecular weight-based fractionation of lignin oils by membrane separation technology
Authors: Polizzi Viviana , Servaes Kelly , Vandezande Pieter , Kouris Panos D. , Panaite Ana M. , Jacobs Griet , Hensen Emiel J.M. , Boot Michael D. , Vanbroekhoven Karolien
Published: November 2019

Lignin is a renewable and abundant source for production of bio-based chemicals and is a valuable alternative to crude oil to obtain aromatic building blocks. It is built from aromatic units with strong chemical linkages, which need to be cleaved to enable the use of the aromatic compounds in industrial applications. In addition to depolymerizing lignin, efficient fractionation and conversion of the resulting complex mixtures is an essential step in the valorization of lignin derivatives for different applications. In this work, we studied the separation of a lignin oil obtained by catalytic cleavage in supercritical ethanol (scEtOH) of technical lignin produced by means of soda pulping of wheat straw. The use of six commercial polymeric nanofiltration (NF) membranes and one in-house developed Grignard-functionalized ceramic membrane was investigated for the fractionation of a mixture of lignin derivatives. Separation by molecular weight (MW) was observed with the polymeric NP030 membrane but not with the other membranes tested. The development of a protocol using this membrane in the diafiltration mode for fractionation of crude lignin oils (CLOs) is discussed.
Incorporation of nano lignin reverse micelles on the transparency, UV-blocking and rheological properties of high-density polyethylene films
Authors: Zhou Yijie , Qian Yong , Wu Senyi , Zhong Xiaowen , Huang Jinhao , Qiu Xueqing
Published: November 2019

Aiming to improve the poor miscibility between lignin and non-polar materials, alkali lignin (AL) was self-assembled into lignin reverse micelles (LRM) and blended with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to fabricate composite films. The particle size of AL increased from 3.5 nm to 130 nm after forming LRM, showing a uniform spherical morphology. The water droplet contact angle increased from 54° to 89°. Optimal and rheological analysis revealed that composite films exhibited good transparency, ultraviolet (UV)-blocking performance and low viscoelasticity after adding the nano LRM. Under the optimal dosage of 5 wt% LRM, the composite film can screen 93% UV rays, and the apparent viscosities, complex viscosities, storage and loss modulus of the mixture were the lowest. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to investigate the molecular interactions between lignin and HDPE. The average adhesion force between LRM and HDPE in dry air was 1.07 mN m−1, while that between AL and HDPE was 0.77 mN m−1. AFM experiments fundamentally demonstrated better compatibility between LRM and HDPE, which was beneficial for the improvement of UV-blocking, rheological properties, as well as their processability of LRM/HDPE films.
Using “Knowing That” and “Knowing How” to Inform Learning of Peripheral Vein Cannulation in Nursing Education
Authors: Ravik Monika
Published: November 2019

Background

Peripheral vein cannulation is one of the most common invasive practical nursing skills performed by registered nurses. However, many registered nurses lack competence in this practical skill. Learning peripheral vein cannulation associated with successful placement and maintenance is not well understood.

Framework

Ryle’s ways of knowing, “knowing that” and “knowing how”, can be used during peripheral vein cannulation learning to guide development and competence in this practical skill.

Aim

The aim of the article was to provide an overview of Ryle’s ways of knowing and to make recommendations for best practices for nurse teachers and nurses teaching students peripheral vein cannulation.

Conclusion

Ryle’s ways of knowing can assist nursing students in their learning and development of peripheral vein cannulation.
Students’ Time Allocation and School Performance: A Comparison between Student Jobs, Sports and Music Participation
Authors: Pfeifer Christian , Seidel Katja
Published: November 2019

The authors analyze the correlations between students’ time allocation and school performance in terms of grades and satisfaction with their own performance in math, German, first foreign language, and overall. They address the heterogeneity between three important extracurricular activities (student jobs, sports and music participation) and the heterogeneity within each activity by accounting for different types and participation length of an activity. The used cross-sectional survey data of 3388 students, who are about 17 years old and enrolled in a German secondary school, indeed reveal substantial heterogeneity between and within the activities. The empirical analysis is accompanied by an extensive survey of the empirical literature about the association between student jobs, sports, and music participation and school performance.