bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interference from alkenes in chemiluminescent NOx measurements
Authors: Alam Mohammed S. , Crilley Leigh R. , Lee James D. , Kramer Louisa J. , Pfrang Christian , Vázquez-Moreno Mónica , Muñoz Amalia , Ródenas Milagros , Bloss William J.
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) are critical intermediates in atmospheric chemistry. NOx levels control the cycling and hence abundance of the primary atmospheric oxidants OH and NO3, and regulate the ozone production which results from the degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. They are also atmospheric pollutants, and NO2 is commonly included in air quality objectives and regulations. NOx levels also affect the production of the nitrate component of secondary aerosol particles and other pollutants such as the lachrymator peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN). The accurate measurement of NO and NO2 is therefore crucial to air quality monitoring and understanding atmospheric composition. The most commonly used approach for measurement of NO is chemiluminescent detection of electronically excited NO2 (NO2*) from the NO + O3 reaction. Alkenes, ubiquitous in the atmosphere from biogenic and anthropogenic sources, also react with ozone to produce chemiluminescence and thus may contribute to the measured NOx signal. Their ozonolysis reaction may also be sufficiently rapid that their abundance in the instrument background cycle, which also utilises reaction with ozone, differs from the measurement cycle – such that the background subtraction is incomplete, and an interference effect results. This interference has been noted previously, and indeed the effect has been used to measure both alkenes and ozone in the atmosphere. Here we report the results of a systematic investigation of the response of a selection of commercial NOx monitors, ranging from systems used for routine air quality monitoring to atmospheric research instrumentation, to a series of alkenes. Alkenes investigated range from short chain alkenes, such as ethene, to the biogenic monoterpenes. Experiments were performed in the European Photoreactor (EUPHORE) to ensure common calibration and samples for the monitors, and to unequivocally confirm the alkene levels present (via FTIR). The instrument interference responses ranged from negligible levels up to 11 % depending upon the alkene present and conditions used (e.g. presence of co-reactants and differing humidity). Such interferences may be of substantial importance for the interpretation of ambient NOx data, particularly for high-VOC, low-NOx environments such as forests, or indoor environments where alkene abundance from personal care and cleaning products may be significant.
A kernel-driven BRDF model to inform satellite-derived visible anvil cloud detection
Authors: Scarino Benjamin , Bedka Kristopher , Bhatt Rajendra , Khlopenkov Konstantin , Doelling David R. , Smith Jr. William L.
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Satellites routinely observe deep convective clouds across the world. The cirrus outflow from deep convection, commonly referred to as anvil cloud, has a ubiquitous appearance in visible and infrared (IR) wavelength imagery. Anvil clouds appear as broad areas of highly reflective and cold pixels relative to the darker and warmer clear sky background, often with embedded textured and colder pixels that indicate updrafts and gravity waves. These characteristics would suggest that creating automated anvil cloud detection products useful for weather forecasting and research should be straightforward, yet in practice such product development can be challenging. Some anvil detection methods have used reflectance or temperature thresholding, but anvil reflectance varies significantly throughout a day as a function of combined solar illumination and satellite viewing geometry, and anvil cloud top temperature varies as a function of convective equilibrium level and tropopause height. This paper highlights a technique for facilitating anvil cloud detection based on visible observations that relies on comparative analysis with expected cloud reflectance for a given set of angles, thereby addressing limitations of previous methods. A one-year database of anvil-identified pixels, as determined from IR observations, from several geostationary satellites was used to construct a bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) model to quantify typical anvil reflectance across almost all expected viewing, solar, and azimuth angle configurations, in addition to the reflectance uncertainty for each angular bin. Application of the BRDF model for cloud optical depth retrieval in deep convection is described as well.
The Price Impact of Energy Vouchers
Authors: Podesta Marion , Poudou Jean-Christophe , Roland Michel
Published: June 2020

France and South Korea have implemented voucher programs to counter energy poverty. In contrast to goods that traditional voucher programs target, the market structure that dominates energy supply is the oligopoly. In this paper, we study the price impact of vouchers in this market structure. We first state conditions on demand elasticities that make the choice of vouchers consistent with the regulator’s objective of eliminating energy poverty. We then model a game between energy suppliers and the regulator, where suppliers maximize profit while the regulator ensures that no consumer spends more than a given share of income on energy.From a benchmark case without vouchers, we show that vouchers reduce the energy price under simultaneous decision making or when the regulator moves first. However, the price impact of vouchers is ambiguous if firms move first. This scenario’s price is above the price of the simultaneous decision scenario’s price.
Centre of Main Interest (otherwise known as COMI) with Regard to the Existing Case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)
Authors: Gandžalová Lucia , Pacalajová Nikola
Published: June 2020

The centre of main interests is the key concept of Regulation (EU) 2015/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on insolvency proceedings. Its significance lies in the fact that this concept constitutes the sole determinant for establishing international jurisdiction for the opening of the main insolvency proceedings. The paper deals with the analysis of the concept of COMI, including the presentation of the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Choice of Court Agreements after Brexit
Authors: Zabloudilová Kateřina
Published: June 2020

The aim of the contribution is to assess whether Hague Convention on Choice of Court Agreement and Brussels Ibis Regulation are comparable legal instruments as far as choice of court agreements are concerned. The article shall analyze mutual features of the two legal instruments as well as their divergences in relation to choice of court agreements. The article shall demonstrate whether Hague Convention presents a complete and a comprehensive solution in terms of choice of court agreements for the UK provided that the Brussels Regulation is no longer applicable.
The Aftermath of the Achmea Case
Authors: Profeldová Tereza
Published: June 2020

The paper deals with the implications arising from the Achmea judgment which are far reaching not only for the arbitration community. With regard to investment arbitration, the decision controversially excluded the possibility of arbitration agreements in BITs concluded between EU Member States. The lack of proper reasoning concerning individual arguments used by the CJEU is discussed. The judgment is also being taken as example of increasing practice where decisions are being made based on political needs rather than as a result of legal assessment.
Hypogean Quedius of Taiwan and their biogeographic significance (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae)
Authors: Hu Fang Shuo , Bogri Amalia , Solodovnikov Alexey , Hansen Aslak Kappel
Published: June 2020

As a result of the integrative (morphology and DNA barcodes) revision of the Taiwanese species of the rove beetle genus Quedius belonging to the abnormalis group, in the subgenus Microsaurus, three valid hypogean species are reported for the fauna of this island: Quedius masuzoi Watanabe, 1989, Q. nishikawai Watanabe, 1991 and Q. adilus sp. nov. A new synonymy, Quedius masuzoi = Quedius chiangi Smetana, 1995 syn. nov., is established along with providing additional records, a larval description and bionomic information for this species. Finally, the biogeographic origin of the abnormalis group in Taiwan is discussed.
Decolonizing higher education in Africa: Implications and possibilities for university libraries
Authors: Ocholla Dennis
Published: June 2020

Decolonizing higher education in Africa, a process inclusive of indigenous literacy, is an emancipatory transformative concept that is largely grounded on critical theory, critical theory of education, dependency theory, and Afrikology epistemology. The four theoretical perspectives espouse emancipation, transformation, liberation, empowerment, inclusivity, equality, co-existence and social justice, and, to some degree, are rooted in neo-Marxist radical paradigms and can be used as the theoretical lens for analyzing decolonization and indigenization.
Opening up to OER: Creating Open Education Awareness on a large campus
Authors: Lyon Colleen , Bastone Gina , Brandt Sarah
Published: June 2020

ike many academic libraries, the University of Texas Libraries (UT) at UT-Austin is looking for ways to increase awareness of open educational resources (OER) on our campus. Our university does not have an OER mandate from our central campus administration, so the path towards greater awareness hasn’t been straightforward. We hope that sharing our nascent attempts to start this conversation on our campus, which have included starting a working group, offering faculty workshops, and fundraising for an OER librarian position, will help others begin to champion OER on their campuses.
Fast Facts
Authors: Pattillo Gary
Published: June 2020

Streaming during the COVID-19 pandemicCourse credits and GPAPodcastsEducational institutionsFacebook
Hook Line Sinker
Authors: Rowe John
Published: June 2020

The Hook-Line-Sinker eBook aims to utilise rich tasks as the core learning in mathematics rather than a selection of “one-hit-wonders”. The featured resources intend to provide teachers with a starting point for sparking student curiosity, developing the need to learn, and consolidating learning in multiple ways.
Constructing and Unpacking Diagrams in Geometry
Authors: Conner Kimberly A.
Published: June 2020

By having students practice constructing diagrams for geometric theorems, teachers can develop students' understanding of mathematical claims, vocabulary, and notation methods. This practice can also strengthen students' ability to interpret mathematical diagrams and recognize their limitations.
Um estudo sobre alfabetização financeira com acadêmicos de administração em uma instituição de ensino superior no interior do Ceará
Authors: Cândido Romário Medeiros , Gomes Filho Antoniel dos Santos , Gomes Otácio Pereira , Macêdo Maria Erilucia Cruz , Felix Ednael Macedo , Santos Antonio Wilson dos
Published: June 2020

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar qual o nível de alfabetização financeira dos acadêmicos do curso de administração da Faculdade Vale do Salgado no município de Icó, no Estado do Ceará, a partir do Termômetro de Alfabetização Financeira (POTRICH et al., 2016). Para tanto se fez necessário compreender o perfil sócio econômico dos discentes do curso de administração, bem como verificar se os discentes em sua vida cotidiana têm práticas de alfabetização financeira e distinguir quais os níveis de alfabetização financeira dos discentes, constituem-se como objetivos específicos. A pesquisa utilizou abordagem quantitativa de caráter exploratório e descritivo, onde foi realizado um estudo de caso na IES. Com aplicação do questionário: Termômetro de Alfabetização Financeira sendo os dados analisados através do software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences – SPSS. Conclui-se, para que aconteça o bem estar financeiro é necessário compreender a importância da alfabetização financeira, que é um processo indispensável na formação social e intelectual. Com base no exposto, os acadêmicos apresentam um nível médio de conhecimento, porém, é imprescindível um desenvolvimento do conhecimento dentro da temática para ampliar e aperfeiçoar habilidades, sobretudo na administração das finanças pessoais, buscando planejamento para qualidade de vida e bem-estar financeiro.
Nível de conhecimento discente acerca da contabilidade ambiental
Authors: Silva Igor Coutinho da , Correia José Jonas Alves , Gomes Filho Antoniel dos Santos
Published: June 2020

A Contabilidade Ambiental tem um importante papel na sociedade e para as empresas. Ela é uma ferramenta importante para o desenvolvimento sustentável, além de ser essencial para as empresas obterem vantagens no mercado. Dado a importância da Contabilidade Ambiental, essa pesquisa teve por objetivo verificar o nível de conhecimento dos discentes de Ciências Contábeis da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco em relação a esse tema, além de observar a importância dada pelos alunos acerca do tema. Para tanto, utiliza-se o método survey, fazendo uso de um questionário dividido em três blocos, procurando traçar o perfil do aluno, medir a importância dada por ele acerca da Contabilidade Ambiental e seu nível de conhecimento sobre esse tema. O questionário foi aplicado online aos estudantes de Ciências Contábeis matriculados no semestre de 2019.2. Os resultados indicaram que, a maioria dos discentes tem interesse em cursar a disciplina de Contabilidade Ambiental caso essa seja ofertada, além de atribuírem grande importância a temas a ela relacionados. Porém, os discentes apresentaram baixo nível de conhecimento quanto aos temas relacionados a Contabilidade Ambiental, o que pode ser um reflexo da pouca importância dada pelos professores acerca da Contabilidade Ambiental, segundo os discentes.
Caracterização da fauna cavernícola e da flora rupícola da cavidade do Morro Redondo, Iúna/ES
Authors: Silva Cleber Vinicius Vitorio da , Moraes Juan Carlos Resende de , Brandão Vanessa da Silva , Almeida Josimar Ribeiro de , Silva Carlos Eduardo
Published: June 2020

A equipe de pesquisadores da empresa Helium Corp Engenharia elaborou o inventário bioespeleológico da cavidade do Morro Redondo, localizada na sub-bacia do rio Pardo, no município de Iúna localizado na Serra do Caparaó, também foi analisada a sua relevância, segundo a Resolução CONAMA nº 347, de 10 de setembro de 2004 e a Instrução Normativa nº 2, de 30 de agosto de 2017. A área de estudos localiza-se no distrito de Nossa Senhora das Graças, na comunidade do Morro Redondo. De acordo com o Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Cavernas (CECAV), a cavidade do Morro Redondo é a única caverna registrada para o município de Iúna-ES no Cadastro Nacional de Informações Espeleológicas (CANIE) até a síntese deste estudo. A cavidade foi topografada e teve seu inventário bioespeleológico realizado, assim como a sua caracterização histórica e cultural, fatores que possibilitaram avaliar a sua relevância. Com a ampliação do número de ocorrências de cavernas para a Serra do Caparaó, será possível uma melhor caracterização do perfil das cavernas desenvolvidas na região de Iúna. Portanto, espera-se que a divulgação dessa pesquisa, possa contribuir como base para futuros estudos bioespeleológicos na região.
Abordagem sobre a Schistosoma Mansoni e seu perfil epidemiológico nos munícipios do Rio Grande do Norte/RN
Authors: Macedo Júnior Adriano Menino de , Costa Alani Silva da
Published: June 2020

A esquistossomose é uma doença infecto-parasitária causada por protozoários, habitantes de lagos, córregos e açudes, lugares comuns de seu habitat. Este estudo aborda o conceito do Schistosoma mansoni, bem como analisa o perfil epidemiológico dos infectados no período de 2016 a 2017, no estado do Rio Grande do Norte/RN, com dados disponibilizados no DATASUS. Em 2016 foram notificados 27 casos positivos de esquistossomose e no ano de 2017, foram 23 casos, em zona rural e urbana. Indivíduos do sexo feminino foram acometidos pela esquistossomose, em 2016, com 29,62% dos casos e, em 2017, com 56,52% dos casos. Os indivíduos do sexo masculino, em 2016, foram acometidos numa porcentagem de 70,37% dos casos e, em 2017, numa proporção de 43,47% dos casos. A faixa etária mais infectada em 2016 e 2017 foi a de 20-39 anos, a população menos escolarizada também é a mais atingida sendo a de 5ª a 8ª série incompleta do ensino fundamental. A esquistossomose ainda permanece infectando comunidades insalubres na Região Nordeste, em específico no estado do Rio Grande do Norte/RN.
Levantamento do patrimônio espeleológico da sub-bacia do Rio Pardo, Iúna/ES
Authors: Silva Cleber Vinicius Vitorio da , Brandão Vanessa da Silva , Moraes Juan Carlos Resende de , Almeida Josimar Ribeiro de , Silva Carlos Eduardo
Published: June 2020

A equipe de pesquisadores da empresa Helium Corp Engenharia elaborarou o inventariamento do patrimônio espeleológico na sub-bacia do rio Pardo, no município de Iúna localizado na Serra do Caparaó, tendo foco na sua caracterização, segundo a Resolução CONAMA nº 347, de 10 de setembro de 2004 e o Decreto No 6.640, de 07 de novembro de 2008. A área de estudos está localisada no distrito de Nossa Senhora das Graças, na comunidade do Morro Redondo. O município de Iúna não possuía nenhuma caverna cadastrada no Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Cavernas (CECAV) até a síntese deste estudo, que possibilitou o inventário e cadastramento de uma caverna, nomeada de cavidade do Morro Redondo. A cavidade foi georreferenciada, topografada e cadastrada no CECAV. Com a ampliação do número de ocorrências de cavernas para a Serra do Caparaó, será possível uma melhor caracterização do perfil das cavernas desenvolvidas na região de Iúna. Portanto, espera-se que a divulgação dessa pesquisa, possa contribuir como base para futuros estudos espeleológicos.
mPFC spindle cycles organize sparse thalamic activation and recently active CA1 cells during non-REM sleep
Authors: Varela Carmen , Wilson Matthew A
Published: June 2020

Sleep oscillations in the neocortex and hippocampus are critical for the integration of new memories into stable generalized representations in neocortex. However, the role of the thalamus in this process is poorly understood. To determine the thalamic contribution to non-REM oscillations (sharp-wave ripples, SWRs; slow/delta; spindles), we recorded units and local field potentials (LFPs) simultaneously in the limbic thalamus, mPFC, and CA1 in rats. We report that the cycles of neocortical spindles provide a key temporal window that coordinates CA1 SWRs with sparse but consistent activation of thalamic units. Thalamic units were phase-locked to delta and spindles in mPFC, and fired at consistent lags with other thalamic units within spindles, while CA1 units that were active during spatial exploration were engaged in SWR-coupled spindles after behavior. The sparse thalamic firing could promote an incremental integration of recently acquired memory traces into neocortical schemas through the interleaved activation of thalamocortical cells.
FoxO suppresses endoplasmic reticulum stress to inhibit growth of Tsc1-deficient tissues under nutrient restriction
Authors: Gupta Avantika , Stocker Hugo
Published: June 2020

The transcription factor FoxO has been shown to block proliferation and progression in mTORC1-driven tumorigenesis but the picture of the relevant FoxO target genes remains incomplete. Here, we employed RNA-seq profiling on single clones isolated using laser capture microdissection fromDrosophilalarval eye imaginal discs to identify FoxO targets that restrict the proliferation of Tsc1-deficient cells under nutrient restriction (NR). Transcriptomics analysis revealed downregulation of endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation pathway components uponfoxoknockdown. Induction of ER stress pharmacologically or by suppression of other ER stress response pathway components led to an enhanced overgrowth ofTsc1knockdown tissue. Increase of ER stress inTsc1loss-of-function cells uponfoxoknockdown was also confirmed by elevated expression levels of known ER stress markers. These results highlight the role of FoxO in limiting ER stress to regulateTsc1mutant overgrowth.
Adsorption and bonding strength of chromium species by ferrihydrite from acidic aqueous solutions
Authors: Dzieniszewska Agnieszka , Kyziol-Komosinska Joanna , Pająk Magdalena
Published: June 2020

The adsorption behavior of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions onto laboratory-synthesized 2-line ferrihydrite was investigated under a batch method as a function of initial chromium concentration (0.1–1000 mg L−1) and pH (3.0 and 5.0). Moreover, the effect of the type of anion (chloride and sulfate) on Cr(III) adsorption was studied. The affinity of Cr(III) ions for the ferrihydrite surface depended on both the type of anion and pH of the solution and the maximum adsorption capacities decreased as follows: q (SO42−, pH 5.0) > q (SO42−, pH 3.0) > q (Cl−, pH 5.0) > q (Cl−, pH 3.0), and were found to be 86.06 mg g−1, 83.59 mg g−1, 61.51 mg g−1 and 40.67 mg g−1, respectively. Cr(VI) ions were bound to ferrihydrite in higher amounts then Cr(III) ions and the maximum adsorption capacity increased as the pH of the solution decreased and was 53.14 mg g−1 at pH 5.0 and 83.73 mg g−1 at pH 3.0. The adsorption process of Cr species was pH dependent, and the ions were bound to the surface of ferrihydrite by surface complexation. The Sips isotherm was the best-fit model to the results obtained from among the four isotherm models used, i.e., Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Sips, indicating different adsorption centers participate in Cr uptake. In order to assess the bonding strength of the adsorbed chromium ions the modified BCR procedure, dedicated to the samples with a high iron content, was used. The results of the sequential extraction showed that Cr(III) ions were bound mainly in the immobile residual fraction and Cr(VI) ions were bound in the reducible fraction. The presence of Fe (oxyhydr)oxides in soil and sediments increases their adsorption capacity for Cr, in particular for hexavalent Cr in an acid environment due to their properties (high pHPZC).
Effect of Combined Application of Cattle Manure, Mineral Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer on Soil Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Tuber Yield of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Masha District, South-western Ethiopia
Authors: Zewide Isreal , Tana Tamado , Wogi Lemma , Mohammed Ali
Published: June 2020

Soil fertility depletion due to soil erosion and nutrient leaching caused by heavy and continuous rainfall is one of the major causes for declining of soil productivity and crop yields in Masha district of south-western Ethiopia. Soil Hence, a field experiment was conducted in Belg and Meher seasons at Abelo area, Masha district, south-western Ethiopia, to determine the effect of combined application of cattle manure (CM) with inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on potato tuber yield, and selected soil physico-chemical characteristics. The treatments comprised of combinations of three rates (2.5,5, 7.5 t ha-1) of CM with 25%, 50% and 75% of recommended rates of mineral NP, respectively. In addition, 100% recommended rate of mineral NP (165 kg N ha-1 and 137 kg P2O5 ha-1) and zero rates were used for comparison. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that applying 7.5 t ha-1 CM combined with 75% mineral NP gave significantly highest potato total tuber yield of (40 and 34 t ha-1), the same rate increased tuber yield by 55.9% and 43.45% in Belg and by 51.19%, and 36.64% in Meher over the control and the application of 100% recommended rate of NP fertilizers, respectivelysoil pH (5.15 and 4.94), Organic carbon (21.1and 12.7 g kg-1 ), total N (1.71 and 1.51 g kg-1), available P (7.55 and 6.27 mg kg-1), CEC (22.04 and 23.96 cmol (+) kg-1 ), exchangeable Ca+2 (8.36 and 8.28 cmol (+) kg-1), exchangeable Mg+2 (3.14 and 2.06 cmol (+) kg-1), total porosity (51.1 and 54.97%) more over the treatment decreases exchangble acidity (2.32 and 2.08 cmol+kg-1) and exchangble aluminum (1.46 and 1.41 cmol(+) kg-1), bulk density (1.07and 1.30g cm-3)  in Belg and Meher seasons, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of combined application of 7.5 t of ha-1 CM together with 75% of recommended rates of inorganic N (123.75 kg N ha-1) and P (103.05 kg P2O5 ha-1). can significantly increase potato tuber yield and improve the soil properties and reduces soil acidity. Keywords: Cattle manure,physico-chemical properties, nitrogen, phosphorus, tuber yield.
Is the zooplankton of mesosaline lakes in protected areas in the semiarid Pampa of Argentina different from those in lakes with high anthropic influence?
Authors: Echaniz Santiago Andres , Vignatti Alicia María , Cabrera Gabriela Cecilia , Torres Florencia Lorena
Published: June 2020

Most of the mesosaline lakes in the semiarid central Pampas have a high anthropic influence. The objective was to determine the limnological and zooplankton parameters of a mesosaline lake with little human impact, the West Lake of the Parque Luro Reserve, and compare it with previously studied aquatic ecosystems. Monthly samples were taken (2014–2015). The mean depth and salinity were 0.66 m and 29.33 g/L, respectively. The transparency was high and favored the growth of the macrophyte Ruppia cirrhosa. Zooplankton diversity was low, with autochthonous halophilic crustaceans (Daphnia menucoensis and Boeckella poopoensis). Zooplankton density was 20 to 100 times lower than that of other pampean lakes, probably due to the presence of the macrophyte, which distinguishes this lake from others in the region.
Some Physico-chemical Properties of the Habitat of West African Manatee Trichichus senegalensis along River Benue, Nigeria.
Authors: Iwar Micheal , Egwumah P O , Olufeagba S. O.
Published: June 2020

Some physico-Chemical parameters of Manatee habitat along river Benue were conducted. The river was divided into four segments;  Makurdi, Abinsi, Gbajimba and Gbaji. In each srgment, ten (10) sample points were chosen and the following parameters ; Temperature, dissolved solid (D0), pH, Total dissolved solid,(TDS) Electrical conductivity (EC) and Biological oxygen demand (BOD) were measured. Data collected was subjected to statistical analysis.  The result indicated that there were significant differences in the pH, Electrical conductivity, and Biological oxygen demand (BOD) among the four study areas. The mean pH ranged between 6.94 to 7.09, EC ranged between 47.76 µs/cm -55.91 µs/, dissolved oxygen was between 15.82Mg/L in Makurdi to 18.50Mg/L in Abinsi, mean Temperature moved between 29.27oC in Makurdi to 34.33oC in Gbaji, the total dissolved solids ranged from 44.46 Mg/l in Abinsi to 56.74Mg/L in Gbajimba while Biological Oxygen demand (BOD) was least at Gbajimba( 3.03 Mg/L) and  Makurdi with 5.49Mg/L It is therefore suggested that continuous monitoring of the water health of the river be sustained for the survival of the west African manatee.
THE USE OF ENRICHED ORGANIC FERTILIZER TO REDUCE ORGANIC AND INORGANIC FERTILIZER APPLICATION AND INCREASE POTATO YIELDS IN THE HIGHLANDS OF INDONESIA
Authors: Hilman Yusdar
Published: June 2020

The use of Enriched organic fertilizer to Reduce organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Application and Increase the Potato Yields in the Highlands of Indonesia. Experiment was conducted at Experimental Station of Indonesian Vegetable Research Institute (the elevation of this site is 1250 meters above sea level) from June to November 2017. The objective of the experiment is to obtain an efficient technology of nutrient management in terms of organics and biological fertilizers and to obtain appropriate technology of potato tuber. The implementation of the reseach was preceded by making compost manure using Bio-decomposer for one month and enriched by using Bio-Phosphate and benficial Micro-organism, dolomite, ash husk and rock phosphate, then continued with its application in the field with potato as an indicator plant. The treatments were arrange in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The treatments included the use of organic fertilizer in terms of horse manure enrichment at a rate of 20 and 40 t/ha and inorganic fertilizer at a rate of 0, 500 and 1000 kg NPK and horse manure 40 t/ha + 1000kg NPK/ha as control plants (farmer's practice). Results of the experiments indicated that the use of horse manure enriched by microorganism can reduce a rate of hord=se manure from 40 ton/ha to 20 t/ha to produce growth and yield of potato. Enriched horse manure can also reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers by half rate ( 500 kg NPK / ha). Combination of enriched horse manure 20 t / ha + 500 kg NPK / ha is more efficient to increase yield of potato tubers. The use of enriched horse manure does not seem to affect the improvement of soil fertility, especially for the availability of soil P and soil biological activity.  Keywords: Solanum tuberosum, horse manure, decomposer microbes, inorganic fertilizers, tuber yields.
A Mini Review on the Phytochemistry, Toxicology and Antiviral Activity of Some Medically Interesting Zingiberaceae Species
Authors: Mbadiko Clement M. , Inkoto Clement L. , Gbolo Benjamin Z. , Lengbiye Emmanuel M. , Kilembe Jason T. , Matondo Aristote , Mwanangombo Domaine T. , Ngoyi Etienne M. , Bongo Gedeon N. , Falanga Clarisse M. , Tshibangu Damien S. T. , Tshilanda Dorothée D. , Ngbolua Koto-te-Nyiwa , Mpiana Pius T.
Published: June 2020

Background: Plants of the Zingiberaceae family namely Curcuma longa, Aframomum melegueta and Zingiber officinale are known for their many biological activities such as the antiviral activity.

Aim: To provide an updated knowledge on the phytochemistry, toxicology and antiviral activity of some medically interesting Zingiberaceae species.

Study Design: Multidisciplinary advanced bibliographic surveys and dissemination of the resulted knowledge.

Results: The literature review shows that these edible plants have antiviral properties on different types of viruses ( Rhinovirus, hepatitis B and C viruses, Herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2, Human immunodeficiency viruse, Enterovirus 71, Ebola Virus, Human cytomegalovirus,  Chikungunya virus,   Epstein-Barr Virus, Japanese Encephalitis Virus, Respiratory syncytial virus, Fish viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, Influenza A virus, Epstein-Barr virus, Coronavirus SARS-CoV-1, etc.).  In addition, the literature indicated that these plants are a significant source of nutrients, which can boost the immune system and are safe according to the existing toxicological data.

Conclusion: The present mini-review can therefore help to inform future scientific research towards the development of antiCovid-19 herbal drugs of relevance as well as nutraceuticals from these three plants species for the improvement of human health and wellbeing using reverse pharmacology approach. Molecular docking of some naturally occurring isolate compounds against SARS-CoV-2 proteases is in progress.
Serum small extracellular vesicle‐derived LINC00853 as a novel diagnostic marker for early hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Soon Sun , Baek Geum Ok , Ahn Hye Ri , Sung Suna , Seo Chul Won , Cho Hyo Jung , Nam Suk Woo , Cheong Jae Youn , Eun Jung Woo
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to identify novel long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using publicly available tissue genomic datasets and validate their diagnostic utility for early‐stage HCC. Differentially expressed lncRNAs between 371 HCC and 50 nontumor tissues were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas liver hepatocellular carcinoma (TCGA_LIHC) project. Subsequently, the expression of the serum‐ and extracellular vesicle (EV)‐derived lncRNA was assessed in 10 patients with HCC and 10 healthy controls using RT–qPCR. The candidate lncRNAs were validated in 90 HCC and 92 non‐HCC (29 healthy control, 28 chronic hepatitis, 35 liver cirrhosis) patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated for the candidate lncRNAs and the current HCC biomarker, alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP). SFTA1P, HOTTIP, HAGLROS, LINC01419, HAGLR, CRNDE, and LINC00853 were markedly upregulated in HCC in TCGA_LIHC dataset. Among them, LINC00853 has not been reported in relation to HCC before. In patients with HCC, only expression of small EV‐derived LINC00853 (EV‐LINC00853) was increased. EV‐LINC00853 showed excellent discriminatory ability in the diagnosis of all‐stage HCC (AUC = 0.934, 95% confidence interval = 0.887–0.966). Moreover, using a 14‐fold increase and 20 ng·mL−1 as cutoffs for EV‐LINC00853 expression and AFP level, respectively, EV‐LINC00853 was found to have a sensitivity of 93.75% and specificity of 89.77%, while AFP showed only 9.38% sensitivity and 72.73% specificity for the diagnosis of early‐stage HCC (mUICC stage I). EV‐LINC00853 had a positivity of 97% and 67% in AFP‐negative and AFP‐positive early HCC, respectively. Serum EV‐derived LINC00853 may be a novel potential diagnostic biomarker for early HCC, especially for AFP‐negative HCC.
Racial Differences in Contraception Encounters and Dispensing Among Female Medicaid Beneficiaries With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Williams Jessica N. , Xu Chang , Costenbader Karen H. , Bermas Bonnie L. , Pace Lydia E. , Feldman Candace H.
Published: June 2020

Objective

African American and Hispanic women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have the highest rates of potentially avoidable pregnancy complications, yet racial disparities in family planning among reproductive‐age women with SLE have not been well‐studied. Our objective was to examine whether there are racial differences in contraception encounters and dispensing among US Medicaid‐insured women with SLE.

Methods

Using Medicaid claims data from 2000–2010, we identified women ages 18–50 years with SLE. We examined contraception encounters and uptake over 24 months. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval by race/ethnicity of contraception encounters, any contraception dispensing, and highly effective contraception (HEC) use, adjusted for age, region, year, SLE severity, and contraindication to estrogen. We also compared contraception encounters and dispensing among women with SLE to the general population and women with diabetes mellitus.

Results

We identified 24,693 reproductive‐age women with SLE; 43% were African American, 35% White, 15% Hispanic, 4% Asian, 2% other race, and 1% American Indian/Alaska Native. Nine percent had a contraceptive visit, 10% received any contraception, and 2% received HEC. Compared to White women, African American and Asian women had lower odds of contraception dispensing, and African American women had lower odds of HEC use. Women with SLE were more likely to receive HEC than the general population and women with diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

In this study of reproductive‐age women with SLE, African American and Asian women had lower odds of contraception dispensing and African American women had lower odds of HEC use. Further study is needed to understand the factors driving these racial disparities among this population.
Determination of Sitotroga cerealella infestation in wheat seeds by radiographic and multispectral images
Authors: França‐Silva Fabiano , Rego Carlos Henrique Queiroz , Gomes‐Junior Francisco Guilhien , Brancaglioni Vivian Aparecida , Hirai Welinton Yoshio , Rodrigues Daniele Brandstetter , Almeida Andreia da Silva , Martins Andrea Bicca Noguez , Tunes Lilian Vanussa Madruga de
Published: June 2020

Radiographic and multispectral image analysis have potential to be efficient, objective methods for assessing seed quality and internal insect infestation. The aim of this study was to verify the efficiency of radiographic and multispectral analysis in detecting signs and damage caused by Angoumois grain moth [Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier)] and its different developmental stages in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with six replications of 50 seeds. The samples were subjected to laboratory‐induced infestation and after 5 and 10 d, radiographic and multispectral analysis were conducted. Afterwards, the seeds were immersed in water for 24 h and then sectioned with a cutting blade. The number of seeds with signs of eggs or oviposition, larvae, pupae, adult insects and insect galleries was quantified. The generalized linear models (GLM) methodology was used and the Tukey test (p < .05) was used to compare the means. In general, the radiographic (with or without contrast) and multispectral methods are viable tools to evaluate insect‐infested and uninfested wheat seeds. Multispectral analysis was efficient only in identifying eggs on the seed surface and does not detect the presence of larvae and pupae inside the seeds.
Societal attitudes towards in ovo gender determination as an alternative to chick culling
Authors: Reithmayer Corrina , Danne Michael , Mußhoff Oliver
Published: June 2020

In ovo gender determination of incubated eggs can be a large‐scale substitute to the culling of male chicks in layer hen production. However, the technology raises new ethical concerns which relate to the sensitivity of the embryo, as well as how the screened out eggs will be used afterward and the accuracy of gender determination. To comprehensively investigate consumer attitudes towards this new technology, a questionnaire including a choice experiment was distributed to a representative sample of 482 German consumers between December 2018 and March 2019. The data was analyzed by an explorative factor analysis and a latent class analysis. Results indicate that the sample can be divided into four segments, which differ in preferences for production attributes, attitudes, and price sensitivity. Attitudinal differences are found regarding respondents' approval of the technical advances in agricultural production, confidence in legal regulations, and the endorsement of enhanced livestock production conditions. Both a meaningful usage of by‐products and a high rate of accuracy are crucial factors for the acceptance of in ovo gender determination for a majority of respondents. However, the response behavior of one segment, representing 11% of the sample, indicates the disapproval of both chick culling and in ovo screening.[EconLit Citations: Q160, Q510].
Programmed death ligand‐1 expression in gastrointestinal cancer: Clinical significance and future challenges
Authors: Yamashita Kohei , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Ajani Jaffer A. , Baba Hideo
Published: June 2020

Cancer immunotherapy has caused a paradigm shift from conventional therapies that directly target cancer cells to innovative therapies that utilize the host immune system. In particular, programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1)/programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) inhibitors have achieved an impressive breakthrough and been approved for clinical use in several types of cancer including gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. To identify and develop predictive biomarkers for PD‐1 inhibitors is of great concern in clinical practice. Although PD‐L1 expression is considered a logical biomarker as PD‐L1 is a substantial target of the immune checkpoint inhibitors, its clinical significance in GI cancer remains unclear. In this review, we summarize the current evidence for PD‐L1 expression as a prognostic and predictive biomarker for PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors in GI cancer from recent publications, and emerging evidence from recent key clinical trials on the efficacy of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors. Challenging clinical issues for PD‐L1 assessment are then discussed from the viewpoint of the methodology for PD‐L1 evaluation including the differences in PD‐L1 detection assays and evaluation criteria for PD‐L1 positivity. Moreover, we highlight the biological features of PD‐L1 expression in terms of tumor spatial and temporal heterogeneity, which suggests important implications for biomarker analysis. Finally, we describe future perspectives using liquid biopsy for better assessment of PD‐L1 status. This new information should improve our understanding of the clinical significance of PD‐L1 in GI cancer, leading to optimal patient selection and treatment strategy for the clinical use of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors in patients with GI cancer.
Challenges and shifting treatment strategies in the surgical treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Kim Ho Seung , Kim Nam Kyu
Published: June 2020

The current standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) in Korea and Western countries is a multimodal approach incorporating preoperative long‐course chemoradiotherapy (LCRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME) and adjuvant chemotherapy. This approach has significantly improved local control and reduced recurrence rates; however, the overall survival benefit has not been established. Although LCRT is a good option, there remain challenging unresolved problems for colorectal surgeons. We focused on four challenging issues in this review article. The first is LARC with resectable liver metastases, for which there has been no consensus regarding optimal management and practice thus far. The second is cancer progression at the time of restaging after completion of preoperative LCRT. To date, there have been few reports on this issue. The third is early recurrence after TME following preoperative LCRT, the reason for which is thought to be the delayed systemic chemotherapy in the preoperative LCRT protocol. The fourth is cost‐effectiveness. The preoperative LCRT protocol takes 5 weeks. After a 6‐8‐week waiting period, surgery is performed. Therefore, it is more time‐consuming than short‐course chemoradiotherapy. To overcome these issues, total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT) modalities, performed using various protocols, have been conducted globally based on cumulative experience. We also attempted to discuss previous TNT protocols in this article. One treatment strategy is not sufficient for patients with varying clinical characteristics. Therefore, we should revisit current treatment strategies based on recent clinical experience.
Kabuki syndrome with midgut malrotation and hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia: A rare co‐occurrence from Thailand
Authors: Phetthong Tim , Tim‐Aroon Thipwimol , Khongkrapan Arthaporn , Poomthavorn Preamrudee , Wattanasirichaigoon Duangrurdee
Published: June 2020

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare heterogeneous phenotypic genetic syndrome, characterized by hypotonia, developmental delay and/or intellectual disability with typical facial features. It is challenging to diagnose KS in newborn and young infant. We report a Thai girl who presented with two rare co‐occurrence phenotypes, hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia and midgut malrotation. She had not have distinctive facial dysmorphism during neonatal period. At 4 months of age, she had poor weight gain with some facial features suggestive KS. Singleton whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out followed by Sanger sequencing of the supposed variant. The result indicated a novel de novo heterozygous KMT2D mutation, c.15364A>T (p.Lys5122*), confirming KS. Our patient revealed rare clinical manifestations from the diverse population and address the benefit of WES in establishing early diagnosis of KS before typical facial gestalt exhibited, which allows timely and appropriate management to maximize developmental achievement.
Observation of Collective Photoswitching in Free‐Standing TATA‐Based Azobenzenes on Au(111)
Authors: Rusch Talina R. , Schlimm Alexander , Krekiehn Nicolai R. , Tellkamp Tobias , Budzák Šimon , Jacquemin Denis , Tuczek Felix , Herges Rainer , Magnussen Olaf M.
Published: June 2020

Light‐induced transitions between the trans and cis isomer of triazatriangulenium‐based azobenzene derivatives on Au(111) surfaces were observed directly by scanning tunneling microscopy, allowing atomic‐scale studies of the photoisomerization kinetics. Although the azobenzene units in these adlayers are free‐standing and spaced at uniform distances of 1.26 nm, their photoswitching depends on the isomeric state of the surrounding molecules and, specifically, is accelerated by neighboring cis isomers. These collective effects are supported by ab initio calculations indicating that the electronic excitation preferably localizes on the n–π* state of trans isomers with neighboring cis azobenzenes.
Designable Aluminum Molecular Rings: Ring Expansion and Ligand Functionalization
Authors: Geng Lin , Liu Chen‐Hui , Wang San‐Tai , Fang Wei‐Hui , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2020

Presented herein are the AlIII molecular ring architectures from 8‐ring to 16‐ring. Although there are numerous reported cyclic coordination compounds based on transition metals, gallium, or lanthanides, the Al versions are less developed due to the fast hydrolysis nature of Al3+ ion. With the assistant of monohydric alcohols, a series of atomic precisely Al molecular rings based on benzoates are synthesized. The ring expansion of these Al‐rings from 8‐ring to 16‐ring is related to the monohydric alcohol structure‐directing agents. Moreover, the organic ligands on the Al‐rings can be modified by using various benzoate derivatives, which lead to tunable surface properties of the Al‐rings from hydrophilicity to ultra‐hydrophobicity. Importantly, 4‐aminobenzoic acid bridged 16‐ring is soluble in organic solvents and exhibits high solution stability revealed by mass spectroscopy. Ligand substitution also can be performed between these Al‐rings, which reveal controllable ligand functionalization of these Al‐rings.
Does technological innovation reduce water pollution intensity in the context of informal environmental regulation?
Authors: Ma Yadong , Cao Hongmei , Ma Yu , Wu Sijian
Published: June 2020

In the new era of Chinese economy stepping toward high‐quality development, with the enhancement of the public environmental protection awareness and continuous improvement of technological innovation level, it is of great significance to study how technological innovation reduces water contamination against unofficial environmental regulations, which is also the primary task of construction of ecological civilization. The purpose of this paper is to study the contribution of technological innovation to water pollution intensity at different quantile levels and to test the nonlinear relationship between technological innovation and water pollution emission intensity under informal environmental pollution. On the basis of the provincial panel data of China from 2002 to 2018, the model of quantile and panel threshold was constructed to empirically analyze the structural mutation and threshold effects of technological innovation on the intensity of water pollution in China against the environment of informal environmental regulation. The study found that the marginal effects of technological innovation on the intensity of water pollution in China had undergone structural changes. Under different water pollution intensity, technological innovation can reduce pollution between 0.167% and 0.415%; with informal environmental regulation as the threshold variable, when the intensity of informal environmental regulation is less than the threshold value of 0.2168, technological innovation has a significant inhibitory effect on China's water pollution intensity, and when the intensity of informal environmental regulation exceeds the threshold value, the mitigation effect of technological innovation on China's water pollution intensity is more significant. The inhibition effect of technological innovation on water pollution emission intensity changed from 0.437 to 0.474. Therefore, when formulating environmental pollution policies, local governments should make rational use of informal environmental regulations and technological innovation, improve the informal environmental regulation system, and promote water pollution control with science and technology.