bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public Health Observatories: a learning community model to foster knowledge transfer for sustainable cities
Authors: Vito Domenico , Ottaviano Manuel , Cabrera Maria Fernanda , Teriús Padrón José Gabriel , Casella Vittorio , Bellazzi Riccardo 
Published: May 2020

A Public Health Observatory (PHO) is a platform to provide “health intelligence” as a service for a specific population. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies the primary purposes of PHOs as “monitoring health situations and trends, including assessing progress toward agreed-upon health-related targets; producing and sharing evidence; and, supporting the use of such evidence for policy and decision making” For the purposes of the PULSE project, create an observatory to function as a unique point of access to the PULSE technology for people both inside and outside the project consortium.Specifically, we create a platform for e-learning and knowledge sharing that it can be easily navigated by lay persons that are interested in learning about or participating in the PULSE project. We targeted specifically policymakers, clinicians, as well as leaders and citizens in other cities. As a concept, it reflects the principles participation, sustainability, and collaboration across sectors and levels of government The Observatory leverages on the Health in All Policies (HiAP) framework. HiAP is a cross-sectoral approach to public policy that systematically takes into account the health implications of decisions, seeks synergies, and avoids harmful health impacts in order to improve population health and health equity.
Critical Thinking on Technology Use: Higher Education Course Design to Promote Personal, Professional and Societal Change
Authors: Walker Susan K , Brown Rebecca Leaf 
Published: May 2020

Higher education is a venue for developing critical thinking skills, dispositions and actions (Davies, 2015). With the exponential growth of information and communications technologies (ICT) in the last thirty years, dynamic changes and societal impacts, and evolving research findings, intentional use for personal and professional well-being depends on emerging adults’ critical thinking abilities. This paper describes the design of an undergraduate course and elements of critical thinking deployed through content, learning activities and assessments. Thematic analysis of student qualitative responses at the end of the course indicate specific areas of growth that represent gains in cognitive skills, dispositions and action orientations. These validate the selected methods of instruction and underscore the course design, content and pedagogical framework as applicable to a wide range of content areas and field domains in higher education.
Adolfo J. Domínguez Monedero (ed.), Politics, Territory and Identity in Ancient Epirus (=Diabaseis 8), Venecia, Edizioni ETS, 2018, 338 pp. [ISBN: 978-884675415-8].
Authors: Reboreda Morillo Susana 
Published: May 2020

Reseña del libro de Adolfo J. Domínguez Monedero (ed.), Principio del formulario Politics, Territory and Identity in Ancient Epirus (=Diabaseis 8), Venecia, Edizioni ETS, 2018, 338 pp. [ISBN: 978-884675415-8].
Students’ Perception towards Mathematics and Its Effects on Academic Performance
Authors: Hagan John Ekow , Amoaddai Solomon , Lawer Vincentia Terkwor , Atteh Evans 
Published: May 2020

Aim: The research sought to find out the perception of students towards Mathematics and how it affects their academic attainment in a Ghanaian context.
Study Design: Descriptive survey design was used for the study.
Methodology: The main instrument used for the study was questionnaire. The sample size for the study comprised of students selected from the three SHSs in Kumasi metropolis using purposive sampling approach. The sample size for the students consisted of 297 students selected by stratified sampling of which 180 were males and 117 were females.
Results: The students have positive perception towards mathematics though they see it to be difficult in a sense that it is important as it is used in their daily lives. The relationship between perception and students Mathematics performance in the study was very weak and negatively related.
Conclusion: From the study it can be concluded that students’ perception towards mathematics has no influence or effect on their academic performance in Ghanaian senior high schools. It is recommended that students’ positive perception towards Mathematics must be sustained and improved by teachers and headmasters.
Food and Feeding Habits, Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Fresh Water Fish Mystus armatus
Authors: Khillare Chhaya , Khandare Rahul 
Published: May 2020

The present study describes the food and feeding habits, Length- weight relationship and condition factor in Cat fish Mystus armatus. Food contents was measured by frequency of occurrence method. Length-weight relation was measured by correlation regression equation method LogW=aLb. The length weight relationship indicates that relationship between length-weight is allometric growth having high values of b withR2> 0.56 with CI of 95%. The values of condition factor varies from 0.70 to 0.88. The present study is useful to study conservation and sustainable fisheries management. It was concluded that Mystus armatus is carnivorous feeder, length weight relationship is significant, and fish is in poor condition due to various conditions of water.
Economic Implication of the Fall Armyworm in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Abiodun Ajiboye , Oso Adeola Abiola , John Ojo Oluwatoyin 
Published: May 2020

Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the economic implication years after an outbreak of armyworm among the smallholding farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Methodology: A combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 60 respondents in four communities of the State. Thematic information from the semi-structured questionnaire related to the socio-economic characteristics of respondents, their enterprise characteristics, farmers’ perception of significant constraints militating against maize production in the study area, as well as the efficacy of management strategies adopted by the respondents. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and Tobit regression.
Results: The study revealed that maize farming was mostly on smallholdings owned by males within the active age of 35 years. These farmers practised mixed cropping system whereby maize is planted with other crops in a shifting cultivation pattern. Also, the respondents identified lack of inputs, lack of fund and credit facilities, climate change, disease and pest outbreak, inadequate storage and processing facilities, and imperfect information dissemination as significant constraints militating against self-sufficiency in maize production. The most debilitating of these constraints was the outbreak of the Fall armyworm, which ravaged maize farms. Information gathered revealed that higher percentages of the respondents combated this notorious pest with the use of synthetic chemicals alongside other management approaches. The result of the gross margin revealed that net return per hectare to maize production was N27, 510. The Tobit results revealed that only pests’ infestation in the previous year and age were significant with maize output loss.
Conclusion: The Fall armyworm outbreak resulted in an economic downturn for maize farmers in Ekiti State.
Maternal Serum Levels of Interferon-gamma, Tumor Necrotic Factor-alpha and Progesterone of Infertile Women on In vitro Fertilization before and after Treatment
Authors: Osakue N. , Onyenekwe C. C. , Ehiaghe F. A. , Ahaneku J. E. , Ikechebelu J. I. , Igberase G. O. , Alekwe L. O. 
Published: May 2020

Background: In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) that is widely used globally in the treatment of infertility. Infertility can occur due to male factors, female factors or both.
Aim: This is the first Nigerian study that sets out to observe the levels and relationship between circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α) and progesterone (PG) in Nigerian women undergoing in vitro fertilization pre and post treatment and their possible effect on pregnancy outcome.
Materials and Methods: This observational study randomly selected sixty-two (62) infertile females below 45 year of age who enrolled in the IVF treatment at Lily Hospitals, Warri and Shepherd Specialist Hospital, Warri, Southern Nigeria. Only data of the thirteen (13) infertile females who became pregnant after the IVF treatment where followed up and presented in this study. Five (5) ml of whole blood were collected into plain tubes on day 3 of the menstrual cycle of all the participants from the ante-cubital vein before and after IVF procedure using standard laboratory collection technique. Ovarian stimulation was done using the long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol. Oocyte retrieval transfer was done using ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and embryo transfer was done using ultrasound-guided embryo transfer. IFN-γ, TNF-α and PG were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.
Results and Conclusion: Significant increase in the levels of TNF-α and PG at the second trimester and third trimester of pregnancy when compared with the first trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.000). While the level of IFN-γ was significantly increased in the second trimester of pregnancy when compared with the first trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.000). It is evident from the study that both pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ and TNF-α) act in synergy to maintain the level of progesterone which act as an anti-inflammatory agent to regulate the activities of the pro-inflammatory cytokines for successful oocytes implantation and maturation.
Relationship between Glycosylated Haemoglobin Levels and Perinatal Outcome among Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Authors: Ezeaku Elizabeth Chioma , Alegbeleye Justina Omoikhefe , Bassey Goddy 
Published: May 2020

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a global health challenge and is known to affect pregnancy adversely. Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level reflect long term glycaemic control and is a more accurate measure than Fasting Plasma Glucose and post prandial plasma glucose level.
Aims and Objectives: To determine the levels of HbA1c, perinatal outcomes and the relationship between maternal HbA1c level and perinatal outcomes in women with GDM at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal study of 80 pregnant women from 36 weeks of gestation with GDM attending the antenatal clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Blood samples from all consenting pregnant women were collected and sent to the Chemical Pathology laboratory to determine the HbA1c level. The blood samples from the babies were also sent to determine the random plasma glucose (RPG) level. A structured proforma was used to obtain socio-demographic characteristics and other information. Data collected was analyzed with SPSS version 22.0.
Results: The mean age of the women was 32.58 ± 4.95 years. A total of 57 (71.3%) women with GDM had elevated HbA1c levels (≥ 6.5%). Fetal macrosomia occurred in 17.5%, while 8.8% had birth asphyxia. The perinatal mortality ratio was 1.3%. There was a statistically significant relationship between HbA1c levels and neonatal hypoglycemia and perinatal mortality (p <0.05). Conclusion: Despite the higher proportions of adverse perinatal outcomes occurring among those with elevated HbA1c levels, only neonatal hypoglycemia and perinatal mortality were significantly associated with elevated HbA1c.
Magnetotaxis in Prokaryotes
Authors: Abreu Fernanda , Morillo Viviana , Trubitsyn Denis , Bazylinski Dennis A 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Magnetotaxis refers to the behaviour of some motile, aquatic bacteria that orient and swim along magnetic field lines. These microorganisms, called magnetotactic bacteria (MTB), contain intracellular structures known as magnetosomes, which are nano‐sized, magnetic, iron‐mineral crystals, each enveloped by a biological (phospholipid bilayer) membrane. Magnetosomes are usually arranged in chains within the cell, providing it with a permanent magnetic dipole moment that facilitates these bacteria in locating and maintaining an optimal, preferred position in chemically stratified aquatic habitats having vertical chemical (e.g. O
2
) gradients. For many MTB, this is at or below the oxic–anoxic interface in the water column or sediment. Although all MTB are motile by means of flagella and have a cell wall structure characteristic of Gram‐negative bacteria, their diversity is reflected in them possessing a large number of different morphotypes and phylotypes in diverse aquatic environments. Recently, magnetotaxis has been described in microorganisms (protozoa) belonging to the Domain
Eukarya
, revealing a complex scenario regarding the evolution of magnetic field orientation, in which symbioses between magnetosome‐producing bacteria and cells without magnetosomes should be considered.

Key Concepts

Some prokaryotes (bacteria), like eukaryotes, internally compartmentalise and contain organelles.

The prokaryotic flagellum in magnetotactic bacteria rotates clockwise and counter‐clockwise thereby propelling the cell forwards and backwards during swimming.

Magnetotaxis appears to be a mechanism to make bacterial chemotaxis more effective using the Earth's geomagnetic field. This behaviour can be observed under the microscope by controlling bacterial motility through an artificial magnetic field (magnet).

Magnetotactic bacteria contain intracellular, nano‐scale, membrane‐enveloped, magnetic iron‐mineral crystals called magnetosomes.

Magnetosomes impart a permanent magnetic dipole moment to cells of magnetotactic bacteria causing them to behave as miniature, motile, compass needles.

Magnetotaxis works in conjunction with aerotaxis, and possibly other forms of chemotaxis, to increase energy transduction in magnetotactic bacteria.

Genes for magnetosome formation are generally clustered in the genomes of magnetotactic bacteria.

Magnetotactic bacteria are important in the cycling of a number of important elements including carbon, iron, nitrogen and sulfur.
Lipid Signals from Plasma Membrane
Authors: Ferreri Carla 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Plasma membrane is a more and more appreciated topic in life sciences research for the specific roles of this lipid asset for cell functions. In particular, fatty acids, which are the principal constituents of membrane phospholipids, are known for their crucial contributions to the membrane organisation, biophysical properties and molecular signalling. An interdisciplinary vision of lipid signaling from plasma membrane is necessary, combining interdisciplinary vision of lipid signalling from plasma membrane, combining the intrinsic significance of saturated and unsaturated lipid structures, the interplay between metabolism and diet creating healthy signalling and the perspectives of fatty acid‐based membrane lipidomics to obtain molecular information that can predict the signalling, in particular for inflammatory conditions. From this scenario, several issues emerge for future research, pointing to the full integration of the plasma membrane analysis in molecular biology studies and to calibrated and automated protocols for gathering big data on membrane lipidome.

Key Concepts

Fatty acid‐containing phospholipids provide structural, functional and signalling properties to cell membranes.

Each tissue has its own membrane fatty acid composition which regulates the structure and functions.

Plasma membrane needs unsaturated fatty acids as cis isomers, prepared both endogenously by desaturase enzymes and by taking the precursors of polyunsaturated fatty acids from diet.

The presence of trans fatty acids in plasma membrane can be marker of free radical stress causing an endogenous isomerisation of the naturally occurring cis lipids.

The position and geometry of double bonds are crucial for the organisation given by fatty acids to cell membranes and must be recognised by appropriate analytical methodologies.

The balance between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids regulates plasma membrane organisation and responses, thus influencing the entire cell fate.

Fatty acids in membranes are epigenetic molecular factors, showing how nutritional and metabolic factors control the release of important signalling molecules in inflammatory conditions and other metabolic processes.

The balance between omega‐6 and omega‐3 components in membranes creates the predisposition of cell membrane to signalling responses in the inflammatory process.
From a Biosynthetic Pathway toward a Biocatalytic Process and Chemocatalytic Modifications: Three‐Step Enzymatic Cascade to the Plant Metabolite cis‐(+)‐12‐OPDA and Metathesis‐Derived Products
Authors: Löwe Jana , Dietz Karl‐Josef , Gröger Harald 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA biotechnological approach toward the plant metabolite and regulator cis‐(+)‐12‐oxophytodienoic acid (cis‐(+)‐12‐OPDA) in a one‐pot process with >99% conversion, at least 90% selectivity and ≤10% of side products as well as a high diastereoselectivity (leading to d.r. of at least 90:10) is reported. The optimized organic‐synthetic enzyme cascade for preparing this bioactive and commercial molecule with pharmaceutical relevance on a gram per L scale is designed based on its biosynthetic pathway starting from cheap and readily accessible linolenic acid. Toward this end, a recombinant biocatalyst system has been prepared for carrying out the most critical two key steps in a tailored manner, thus avoiding sensitive intermediate decomposition. Furthermore, cis‐(+)‐12‐OPDA is successfully modified via a cross‐alkene metathesis reaction with conversions of up to >99%, leading to a compound library of new cis‐(+)‐12‐OPDA derivatives with different substitution pattern of the side chain at the 2‐position. By means of such a combined biotechnological and chemocatalytic route, a straightforward approach to a structurally unique oxylipin library is realized, which would be highly difficult or not accessible by pure chemical and biotechnological methods, respectively.
Psychological functioning, brain morphology, and functional neuroimaging in Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Skakkebæk Anne , Gravholt Claus H. , Chang Simon , Moore Philip J. , Wallentin Mikkel 
Published: May 2020

AbstractKlinefelter syndrome (KS; 47,XXY) impacts neurodevelopment and is associated with an increased risk of cognitive, psychological and social impairments, although significant heterogeneity in the neurodevelopmental profile is seen. KS is characterized by a specific cognitive profile with predominantly verbal deficits, preserved function in non‐verbal and visuo‐spatial domains, executive dysfunction and social impairments, and by an increased vulnerability toward psychiatric disorders. The neurobiological underpinnings of the observed neuropsychological profile have not been established. A distinct pattern of both global and regional brain volumetric differences has been demonstrated in addition to preliminary findings of functional brain alterations related to auditory, motor, language and social processing. When present, the combination of cognitive, psychological and social challenges has the potential to negatively affect quality of life. This review intends to provide information and insight to the neuropsychological outcome and brain correlates of KS. Possible clinical intervention and future directions of research will be discussed.
Ribbon of DNA Lattice on Gold Nanoparticles for Selective Drug Delivery to Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhang Shuxin , Chen Chang , Xue Chang , Chang Dingran , Xu Huo , Salena Bruno J. , Li Yingfu , Wu Zai‐Sheng 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHerein, we report on the design of a programmable DNA ribbon using long‐chain DNA molecules with a user‐defined repetitive padlock sequence. The DNA ribbon can be further combined with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to create a composite nanomaterial that contains an AuNP core and a high‐density DNA crown carrying a cancer‐cell‐targeting DNA aptamer, a fluorescent tag for location tracking, and a cell‐killing drug. This composite material can be efficiently internalized by cancer cells and its cellular location can be tracked by fluorescence imaging. The system offers several attractive characteristics, including simple design, tunable DNA crown, high drug‐loading capacity, selective cell targeting, and pH‐sensitive drug release. These features make such a material a promising therapeutic agent.
Near‐Infrared‐III‐Absorbing and ‐Emitting Dyes: Energy‐Gap Engineering of Expanded Porphyrinoids via Metallation
Authors: Wang Yue , Ogasahara Koki , Tomihama Daisuke , Mysliborski Radomir , Ishida Masatoshi , Hong Yongseok , Notsuka Yusuke , Yamaoka Yoshihisa , Murayama Tomotaka , Muranaka Atsuya , Uchiyama Masanobu , Mori Shigeki , Yasutake Yuhsuke , Fukatsu Susumu , Kim Dongho , Furuta Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe synthesis of organometallic complexes of modified 26π‐conjugated hexaphyrins with absorption and emission capabilities in the third near‐infrared region (NIR‐III) is described. Symmetry alteration of the frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) of bis‐PdII and bis‐PtII complexes of hexaphyrin via N‐confusion modification led to substantial metal dπ–pπ interactions. This MO mixing, in turn, resulted in a significantly narrower HOMO–LUMO energy gap. A remarkable long‐wavelength shift of the lowest S0→S1 absorption beyond 1700 nm was achieved with the bis‐PtII complex, t‐Pt2‐3. The emergence of photoacoustic (PA) signals maximized at 1700 nm makes t‐Pt2‐3 potentially useful as a NIR‐III PA contrast agent. The rigid bis‐PdII complexes, t‐Pd2‐3 and c‐Pd2‐3, are rare examples of NIR emitters beyond 1500 nm. The current study provides new insight into the design of stable, expanded porphyrinic dyes possessing NIR‐III‐emissive and photoacoustic‐response capabilities.
Validation of water main failure predictions: A 2‐year case study
Authors: Kahn Christopher , Damiani Aaron , Ge Shaoqing 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRecent studies have shown that U.S. water mains are failing at an accelerating rate. In the meantime, water utilities are challenged by limited funding. It is important that water mains with much higher likelihood of failure (LOF) are replaced before they fail to avoid possible high consequences, such as public safety threats, high financial losses, and environmental damages. This article presents a model to evaluate the LOF of water mains using data available in geographic information systems (GIS). A case study is presented comparing 2 years of actual water main break data with the results of the model. The comparison shows a strong correlation between the model prediction and the actual break rates of main pipes; thus, it validates the robustness of the model and shows that funding can be used more efficiently by focusing on the water mains with a high LOF as predicted by the GIS model. This model has been used in New Jersey American Water's distribution systems. It can be used in other water systems to help guide water main replacement efforts.
Zinc‐induced copper deficiency, sideroblastic anemia, and neutropenia: A perplexing facet of zinc excess
Authors: Wahab Ahsan , Mushtaq Kamran , Borak Samuel G. , Bellam Naresh 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHypocupremia due to zinc products can cause sideroblastic anemia and neutropenia and mimics other serious hematological disorders. Early consideration of the copper deficiency and a thorough clinical history can prevent unnecessary interventions.