bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Captura da Aceitação do Blackboard e do Tipo de Motivação de Alunos de Cursos Presenciais de Ciências Exatas em uma Universidade Privada
Authors: De Oliveira Natália J. S. , Procaci Thiago Baesso , Siqueira Sean Wolfgand Matsui
Published: October 2020

A motivação tem sido objeto de estudo em diversas áreas de conhecimento. No que diz respeito a aceitação e uso de tecnologias, a motivação pode ser considerada um fator crucial, influenciando diretamente na decisão do usuário em utilizar ou não um sistema de informação. Embora existam modelos propostos com o intuito de compreender a aceitação e o uso de tecnologias, seus aspectos motivacionais não são totalmente explorados. O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar o tipo de motivação e os fatores que levam à aceitação e uso de um Ambiente Virtual de Aprendizagem (AVA), permitindo assim que a instituição desenvolva estratégias de intervenção. Para isto, foi proposto um questionário baseado no Modelo TAM3 (Technology Acceptance Model 3) e na Teoria da Autodeterminação. O questionário foi aplicado com alunos de cursos presenciais de Ciências Exatas de uma universidade privada que utiliza o Blackboard como AVA. Os resultados revelam que os alunos estão satisfeitos com os recursos educacionais e técnicos disponíveis para o uso do AVA e com sua aplicabilidade em sua área de conhecimento. Além disso, acreditam que a utilização do AVA melhora o seu desempenho na realização de suas atividades. Em relação à motivação, os resultados confirmam que os alunos se encontram mais motivados extrinsecamente do que intrinsecamente, ou seja, utilizam o AVA por obrigação e não por prazer ou vontade própria.
Utilização de Enriquecimento Semântico para a Recomendação Automática de Videoaulas no Moodle
Authors: Barrére Eduardo , De Souza Jairo Francisco , Vitor Marluce Aparecida , De Almeida Miguel Alvim
Published: October 2020

Considerando que os vídeos são mídias altamente atrativas aos alunos e que é possível agregar diversas informações que identifique-no de forma satisfatória, foi desenvolvida uma solução para realizar a recomendação automática de vídeos educacionais para o professor, que por sua vez pode disponibilizá-los aos alunos de uma determinada turma, inicialmente na plataforma Moodle. A solução usa como fonte um vídeo previamente processado, de forma a obter os principais termos (sistema de indexação) presentes no áudio do vídeo e o relacionamento (recomendação) desse vídeo com os demais do repositório. Com base nos termos de busca, o sistema recomenda um conjunto de vídeos e o professor seleciona os que pretende divulgar para a turma. Foi realizado um experimento que comprovou a corretude e viabilidade de uso para a recomendação de vídeos educacionais na plataforma Moodle.
Ensinando Design de Interface de Usuário de Aplicativos Móveis no Ensino Fundamental
Authors: Ferreira Miriam Nathalie Fortuna , Pinheiro Fernando Da Cruz , Von Wangenheim Christiane Gresse , Filho Raul Missfeldt , Hauck Jean Carlo R.
Published: October 2020

Computação na educação básica geralmente é abordada pelo ensino de programação por meio de atividades práticas nas quais os alunos criam artefatos de software, como aplicativos móveis. Essa abordagem, no entanto, pode não abranger outras competências importantes, como o design da interface do usuário, que são essenciais para o desenvolvimento de software. Neste contexto, este artigo apresenta uma unidade instrucional que incorpora o ensino de competências de design de interfaces de usuário no ensino de computação. A unidade instrucional foi desenvolvida de forma sistemática seguindo um processo de design instrucional e aplicada e avaliada em uma escola pública brasileira. Os primeiros resultados indicam que a dinâmica pode ter um impacto positivo na motivação, na experiência do usuário e na aprendizagem como também empoderar os alunos virando criadores ativos de produtos de TI.
Tendências de Pesquisas em Mineração de Dados Educacionais em MOOCs: um Mapeamento Sistemático
Authors: Souza Vanessa Faria , Perry Gabriela Trindade
Published: October 2020

ResumoMassive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) são uma modalidade de curso que utilizam plataformas online e atraem diferentes perfis de estudantes, ofertando oportunidades de qualificação - seja formal ou informal - em um formato bastante dinâmico. Uma característica das plataformas que ofertam tais cursos é a capacidade de armazenar uma grande quantidade de dados, o que possibilitou a exploração destes dados por meio de técnicas de Mineração de Dados Educacionais (MDE). Nesse contexto, foi conduzido um mapeamento sistemático de literatura em cinco bases de dados com o propósito de verificar quais as vertentes de estudos em destaque quanto ao uso de MDE em MOOCs. A busca compreendeu o período de 2015 a 2020, sendo que 158 foram selecionados. Os resultados revelaram que estudos relativos à Análise de Comportamento, Predição (de Desempenho, de Abandono, de Conclusão), Mineração de Texto e Sistemas de Recomendação são os mais frequentes. Além disso, foram identificadas áreas com potencial de exploração, como Social Network Analysis (SNA), Digital Learning Ecosystem (DLE) e Análise de Mind Wandering (MW). Ademais, foram levantados métodos e ferramentas usados nas pesquisas, bem como desafios do uso de MDE na pesquisa sobre MOOC. Conclui-se que a questão do desequilíbrio de classes, provocado pela baixa adesão aos cursos, é um dos maiores desafios.Palavras-Chave: MOOCs, Mineração de Dados Educacionais, Mapeamento Sistemático. AbstractMassive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) use online platforms and attract different student profiles, offering qualification opportunities - whether formal or informal - in a very dynamic format. A characteristic of the platforms that offer such courses is the ability to store a large amount of data, which made it possible to explore it through Educational Data Mining (EDM) techniques. In this context, a systematic scoping was conducted in five databases with the purpose of discover research trends regarding to the use of EDM in MOOCs. The search covered the period from 2015 to 2020, selecting 158 papers. The results revealed that studies related to Behavior Analysis, Prediction (Performance, Abandonment, Conclusion), Text Mining and Recommendation Systems are the most frequent. Promissing researches were also identified, such as Social Network Analysis (SNA), Digital Learning Ecosystem (DLE) and Mind Wandering Analysis (MW). Methods and tools used in research were listed, as well as challenges in the use of EDM in research on MOOC. We concluded that the issue of class imbalance, caused by low adherence to courses, is one of the biggest challenges.Keywords: MOOCs, Educational Data Mining, Systematic Scoping.
Tecnologia interativa para aprendizagem sobre vida marinha em espaço museal
Authors: Silva Lucas Daniel Lira da , Alves Adriana Gomes , Müller Lincoln Henrique
Published: October 2020

Aborda-se nesse artigo o desenvolvimento de tecnologias com adoção de interfaces naturais aplicadas à educação em espaços museais. O objetivo geral do estudo foi o desenvolvimento de soluções para ampliar a experiência de aprendizagem dos visitantes do MOVI - Museu Oceanográfico Univali - por meio de tecnologias interativas. A metodologia pautou-se no Design Science Research que legitima o desenvolvimento de artefatos como um meio para se produzir conhecimento científico. Por meio desta metodologia, levantaram-se as necessidades educativas do MOVI, desenvolveu-se um jogo de simulação e avaliou-se o produto junto ao público-alvo – visitantes do museu.  O Ocean Simulator foi dessa forma concebido como um simulador de vida marinha que adota interface touch que considera fatores bióticos como cadeia alimentar, pirâmide de energia e limite populacional e abióticos, como a interferência humana por meio da pesca. O software foi experienciado pela equipe técnica e visitantes do MOVI, e mostrou-se promissor para implantação no espaço tecnológico educativo do museu.
Kommerzialisierungsfester Datenschutz
Authors: Bijok Alexander
Published: October 2020

Daten werden oft als „Rohstoff des 21. Jahrhunderts“ bezeichnet, da sie für viele informationswirtschaftliche Geschäftsmodelle zentral für ihre Wertschöpfung sind. Faktisch werden persönliche Daten somit zu Wirtschaftsgütern, ohne dass die Rechtsordnung nennenswert auf diese Entwicklung reagiert. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht, inwieweit diese Kommerzialisierung durch die Rechtsordnung und das Datenschutzrecht anerkannt werden kann und auch anerkannt werden muss, um den Betroffenen vor wirtschaftlicher Übervorteilung aber auch einem übermäßigen Verlust seiner Privatheit zu schützen. Dabei wird neben wettbewerblichen Konsequenzen insbesondere das Vertragsrecht in den Fokus genommen und auch ein etwaiges Dateneigentum diskutiert.
A new physeteroid from the late Miocene of Peru expands the diversity of extinct dwarf and pygmy sperm whales (Cetacea: Odontoceti: Kogiidae)
Authors: COLLARETA Alberto , LAMBERT Olivier , MUIZON Christian de , BENITES PALOMINO Aldo Marcelo , URBINA Mario , BIANUCCI Giovanni
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, the odontocete family Kogiidae is monotypic and only includes two species of diminutive relatives of the great sperm whale Physeter Linnaeus, 1758. Conversely, a growing body of extinct species indicates that kogiids were diverse and disparate during the late Neogene. The fossil record of Kogiidae is, to date, represented by several cranial specimens from Mio-Pliocene localities of the Northern Hemisphere, with the significant Southern Hemisphere exception of the Pisco Formation of Peru, from which two genera were known so far, including Scaphokogia Muizon, 1988, a highly idiosyncratic form characterised by a distinctly spoon-shaped dorsal surface of the neurocranium and a downturned semicylindrical rostrum, which is even placed in its own subfamily Scaphokogiinae. Here, we report on two skulls of Kogiidae from the Messinian (upper Miocene) portion of the Pisco Formation exposed in the East Pisco Basin. These two skulls are referred to the new taxon Platyscaphokogia landinii n. gen., n. sp., which our phylogenetic analysis recovers as sister group of Scaphokogia, within the subfamily Scaphokogiinae. Although Platyscaphokogia n. gen. shares with Scaphokogia a remarkably spoon-like dorsal aspect of the neurocranium, it retains a non-pachyostotic, dorsoventrally thin rostrum that distinctly points anteriorly; as such, Platyscaphokogia n. gen. might be regarded as testifying an early stage in the evolution of the scaphokogiine cranial anatomy. Morphofunctional and palaeoecological considerations allow for hypothesising that Platyscaphokogia n. gen. was a raptorial physeteroid that foraged along the water column in relatively open-sea palaeoenvironments. In conclusion, our finds expand the palaeodiversity of Kogiidae, as well as our knowledge on the late Miocene sperm whales of the southeastern Pacific, and further suggest that the fossil content of the East Pisco Basin is crucial for reconstructing the Neogene evolutionary history of physeteroids.
A teoria de Hundertwasser e sua relação com o movimento Slow fashion
Authors: Koppe Vanessa Mazzocchi , Schulte Neide Köhler , Rech Sandra Regina , Silveira Icleia
Published: October 2020

Este artigo se propõe a desenvolver uma relação entre tendências de comportamento, a obra do artista Hundertwasser e o movimento Slow fashion, e compreender melhor como a moda influencia nas atitudes pessoais e de que forma ela tem contribuído para as grandes mudanças do mercado atual. Através de uma análise comportamental, demonstrar que a identidade de cada um se constrói a partir do que ele consome e seu modo de vida.
Differences in Parameters of an Embryo In Vitro Production Program between Cattle (Bos Indicus) and Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Berdugo Jesús Alfredo , Tarazona-Morales Ariel Marcel , Echevererry José Julian , Konrad Jose Luis , Crudeli Gustavo Angel , Lopéz-Herrera Albeiro
Published: October 2020

In order to improve production, it is necessary to apply reproductive biotechnologies, including embryo transfer. Due to the management and physiology of the animals and the buffalo production system, the best system is the in vitro production of embryos (IVP). This work aims to compare the results of the (IVP) of cows (Bos indicus) and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) from animals kept under the same conditions of feeding and handling. This study was conducted in an Argentinan commercial herd located in the province of Corrientes (-27.742859 latitude, -57.773611 longitude) that raise buffaloes and cattle, during the breeding season of 2018 (March-May). Twenty animals of each species were used. Antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels of each animal were determined using ELISA. Standardized protocols were used for oocyte aspiration, maturation, fertilization and culture of the embryos, frozen semen of a single proved bull was used in each species. Information about the number of follicles, oocytes, and embryos was recorded and analyzed individually and grouped by species. The normality of the data was evaluated with the D'Agostino and Shapiro-Wilk tests and the comparisons between species using the Mann Whitney and ANOVA tests. Values are shown as median and range. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The AMH levels of the cows were 688.5 pg/ml (45.3-2394) and the buffaloes 73.8 pg/ml (14.8-262.5), p <0.001. Significant differences were found in the number of recovered oocytes 9 (0-23) cows vs. 4.5 (1-11) buffaloes (p> 0.05). There were no significant differences in the number of follicles and the quality of the oocytes. Significant differences were found in the number of oocytes cleaved 4 (0 -17) vs. 0.5 (0-4) and blastocysts/animal 1,5 (0-15) and 0,1 (0-2) l for cows and buffalos respectively. The number of blastocysts in relation to the number of oocytes cleaved did not show statistical significance. The differences in the levels of AMH and the marked differences in the IVP between buffaloes and cattle are confirmed, it is necessary to propose research proposals that explain the differences.
Effect of Polyvinylpyrrolidone on Vitrification of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Oocytes
Authors: Bari Jannatul , Islam M.N. , Alam Md Hasanur , Khatun A. , Hashem M.A. , Moniruzzaman M.
Published: October 2020

Vitrification, a method of rapid cooling, is an alternate cryopreservation method of oocytes and embryos. The present study was aimed to examine the effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on vitrification of buffalo oocytes. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) with fully grown oocytes (120-130 µm in diameter) were aspirated from slaughtered buffalo ovaries for vitrification. COCs were treated with equilibration solution at room temperature for 5 min and then transferred to a vitrification solution for 1 min. Then the COCs were submerged into liquid nitrogen (-196̊C) for a while using cryotops. The COCs were thawed, diluted, and washed in a washing solution for 5 min, respectively. Vitrified oocytes were incubated for in vitro maturation (IVM) at 38.5̊C under an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in the air for 24 hrs. Cumulus cells surrounding the oocytes were removed mechanically, oocytes were fixed in acetic acid and ethanol, and stained with aceto-orcein to examine the meiotic stages of oocytes. The numbers of morphologically normal oocytes after vitrification were higher in 5% PVP than 0 and 10% PVP groups. A proportion of oocytes treated with 5% PVP reached the metaphase II (MII) stage while none of the oocytes from 0% and 10% PVP groupsdeveloped beyond anaphase I and metaphase I (MI) stages, respectively. These results show that PVP can be used as a cryoprotectant for the vitrification of buffalo oocytes.
Langue, histoire et littérature en Belgique francophone, des origines à la belgitude
Authors: Quaghebeur Marc
Published: October 2020

L’objectif de cet article est de restituer la logique qui structure la production littéraire francophone belge depuis les prémices de l’indépendance jusqu’à la transformation de l’État unitaire en un État fédéral qui a peu d’équivalent au monde. Ce terminus ad quem est en outre celui qui voit, au pays, la proclamation de la belgitude et, dans le monde, l’émergence des francophonies littéraires. Les spécificités de l’invention de la première littérature francophone stricto sensu – qui plus est, d’une francophonie originaire – s’expliquent par une intrication insuffisamment prise en compte entre Histoire d’un vieux pays récent, qui ne saurait devenir un État-nation au sens canonique du terme, et du/des rapports à une langue maternelle devenue le coeur de l’identité du grand voisin français. Le pas de deux qui s’ensuit fait l’objet de ces pages.
Du discours sur l’Histoire à la remise en Histoire. La figure du Gueux et La Légende d’Ulenspiegel de Charles De Coster
Authors: Stan Sorin C.
Published: October 2020

La Légende d’Ulenspiegel (1867), roman fondateur de la littérature belge francophone, participe d’un discours public belge sur l’histoire nationale se donnant pour objectif la revalorisation de celle-ci à travers la littérature. Or, ayant cours depuis l’indépendance de la Belgique en 1830, ce discours sera reconnu comme légitime seulement à partir des années 1880. Dans le sillage du mythos ricoeurien, compris comme « mise en intrigue » du passé, cet article montre qu’à travers son roman, Charles De Coster oeuvre pour une remise de la Belgique dans « la grande Histoire ». Il y parvient par l’hybridation épique de deux héros ancrés dans l’imaginaire collectif belge : l’un légendaire – Ulenspiegel –, l’autre historique – le Gueux.
Fragmentation identitaire et énonciative dans Octobre long dimanche de Guy Vaes
Authors: Yigit Sarah
Published: October 2020

Cette étude se propose de montrer comment Octobre long dimanche de Guy Vaes, roman d’une lente et extraordinaire dépossession de soi au profit d’une identité imaginaire qui permet au héros de prendre la tangente face à un réel avec lequel l’identification n’est plus possible, constitue une mise en abyme de la problématique identitaire belge telle qu’elle se donne à voir à ce moment de l’Histoire et qui s’illustre dans la voie singulière du réalisme magique à travers un plein accomplissement de la synthèse des ordres (rêve-réalité) et des genres (poésie-roman), repérable dans les structures narratives mêmes. Cette synthèse aboutit à la création d’une nouvelle réalité avec sa temporalité propre, un éternel présent, comme réponse à cette problématique identitaire. Au coeur de ce roman de la « déshistoire », c’est toute une réflexion métaphysique autour des questions fondamentales et complémentaires de l’être et du temps que l’auteur bâtit au détriment de l’illusion fictionnelle. Les contours de cette réflexion se marquent dans l’exploitation et l’articulation d’un certain nombre de procédés formels récurrents à dimension métaleptique, lesquels, en raison du dédoublement énonciatif qu’ils impliquent, permettent d’identifier une entreprise de subversion énonciative révélatrice de la présence d’une autre instance subjective, réflexive et énonciative, une autre voix issue d’un processus de fragmentation qui échappe à toute catégorisation narratologique et renvoie à une fragmentation identitaire symptomatique.
La littérature belge sur le Rwanda : récits et relations à l’Histoire
Authors: Vaucher Pierre
Published: October 2020

Quels sont les rapports à l’Histoire qui se construisent à travers les textes d’écrivains belges sur le Rwanda ? Cette question nous éclaire sur la fécondité de tels récits. En eux se reflètent les déséquilibres incessants du monde. S’agissant du Rwanda – de l’époque coloniale jusqu’à l’après-génocide –, l’Histoire ne peut s’envisager de manière inoffensive. Il s’agit après tout d’un échec humain. Mais au-delà de leur défiance envers l’Histoire, les textes que nous aborderons font émerger des formes de nuance tout à fait inattendues. Pour l’illustrer, nous ferons appel à des auteurs belges relativement ignorés jusqu’ici : Grégoire Pessaret, Ivan Reisdorff, Marie Gevers, Claude Nemry, Omer Marchal, Huguette de Broqueville ou encore Pierre-Olivier Richard.
Le Congo des romanciers francophones de Belgique : pour une histoire poïétique de la modernité congolaise
Authors: Desorbay Bernadette
Published: October 2020

La modernité kino-congolaise a tardé à s’imposer au sein des lettres françaises de Belgique. Il a fallu attendre l’oeuvre de Jean Bofane pour qu’elle y trouve sa pleine expression. Bofane adopte en la matière une démarche poïétique qui se cherchait déjà, à des degrés divers, chez des écrivains comme Pierre Mertens, Jean-Louis Lippert et Gérard Adam. Elle va de pair, chez des auteurs comme Marie Gevers ou, plus près de nous, Jean-Pierre Orban, avec un mode exploratoire se dégageant des constructions épiques léopoldiennes. Y conduisent la revisitation du motif de la descente du fleuve Congo et la figure mythique du héros de l’indépendance Patrice Lumumba.
Economic Burden Bore by Patients and Families because of stroke: Policy Assessment
Authors: Fadhilah Honesty , Permanasari Vetty Yulianty
Published: October 2020

AbstractStroke to this day is still a disease that causes a high disability. In the future, it will require a prohibitive cost so that it has an impact on the socio-economic consequences for patients and their families. The price is prohibitive so that the impact on socioeconomic implications for patients and their families. Because of that, the purpose of the study is to estimate the cause of the cost that causes an economic burden from a stroke. The method that is used is a content analysis by doing a further literature review from various sources, from journal to textbook from a national level to international. Literature studies show that direct medical cost, which is rehabilitation, and nursing care cost is identified as the leading contributor to the high price of economic burden from a stroke. High costs incurred cause family to experience catastrophic financial disaster; it even impacts to drop welfare level. Social preventive action is needed to reduce the high prevalence of stroke to reduce the cost, to protect every household from financial disaster from a stroke.
Ebola and Marburg virus matrix layers are locally ordered assemblies of VP40 dimers
Authors: Wan William , Clarke Mairi , Norris Michael J , Kolesnikova Larissa , Koehler Alexander , Bornholdt Zachary A , Becker Stephan , Saphire Erica Ollmann , Briggs John AG
Published: October 2020

Filoviruses such as Ebola and Marburg virus bud from the host membrane as enveloped virions. This process is achieved by the matrix protein VP40. When expressed alone, VP40 induces budding of filamentous virus-like particles, suggesting that localization to the plasma membrane, oligomerization into a matrix layer, and generation of membrane curvature are intrinsic properties of VP40. There has been no direct information on the structure of VP40 matrix layers within viruses or virus-like particles. We present structures of Ebola and Marburg VP40 matrix layers in intact virus-like particles, and within intact Marburg viruses. VP40 dimers assemble extended chains via C-terminal domain interactions. These chains stack to form 2D matrix lattices below the membrane surface. These lattices form a patchwork assembly across the membrane and suggesting that assembly may begin at multiple points. Our observations define the structure and arrangement of the matrix protein layer that mediates formation of filovirus particles.
Diversifying readership through open access
Authors: Pyne Ros
Published: October 2020

In 2019 Springer Nature worked with COARD to analyse usage data relating to almost 4,000 books, including 281 OA books. Our goal was to better understand the extent to which usage of OA books differs from usage of closed books, looking not only at the number of downloads but also at their geographical distribution. The findings show that for every book type, every discipline and across all time since publication, OA books are reaching more readers, in more countries, including more readers in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
APCs in the Wild: could monitoring and tracking of OA payments help speed up the transition to OA?
Authors: Lucraft Mithu
Published: October 2020

Accelerating progress towards full and immediate open access (OA) is reliant on being able to source adequate funding to cover the costs of gold OA. Monitoring and tracking OA payments has created a complex and challenging role for institutions, but is crucial in order to understand the complete picture of the cost of OA. Whilst some institutions have developed methods to monitor OA payments, there remain a high number of "APCs in the wild", or APC payments whose origins are difficult to track. In this presentation we will summarise research Springer Nature has undertaken to explore the tracking and monitoring of APC payments, including interviews and a survey of global librarians, and data from Springer Nature authors to better understand the sources of APC funding, and the motivations and challenges concerning the monitoring of APCs. We will focus on feedback from institutions on the routes to implement better tracking, and on the noted benefits of being able to do so in enabling a faster transition to OA.
Development of services in the field of research data management and scholarly communication at the University of Vienna
Authors: Blumesberger Susanne , Ganguly Raman
Published: October 2020

In 2008 the University of Vienna released the institutional repository PHAIDRA. With this release, several services for research data management followed soon. It is still essential to review the services and integrate new one, related to the change of the research practice. The demand for training and support is increasing, and more often, we see now the need for consulting services. That service supports the research cycle from writing a data management plan to getting DOIs for data and are integrated into the PHAIDRA portfolio. PHAIDRA is a cooperation between the Central University Computer Center and the University Library for researcher and research projects of the University of Vienna. To be alleged with the actual changes in research data management, PHAIDRA regularly participates in national and international projects, like Austrian Data Lab and Services and FAIR Data Austria nationally as well as implementing with COAR (Confederation of Open Access Repositories) a vocabulary service and engaging with researcher projects together with RDA (Research Data Alliance) internationally. Several networks such as the network for repository managers (RepManNet) or the network for sustainable software development (code4research), and the network of other PHAIDRA users at other universities in Austria, Italy and Balkan countries, enable constructive cooperation on a technical, library and scientific level on various topics. The poster intends to give an insight into these activities.
Are giant clams (Tridacna maxima) distractible? A multi-modal study
Authors: Doyle Ryan , Kim Jonathan , Pe Angelika , Blumstein Daniel T.
Published: October 2020

To properly assess risk, an animal must focus its attention on relevant external stimuli; however, attention can be reallocated when distracting stimuli are present. This reallocation of attention may interfere with an individual’s ability to effectively assess risk and may impede its response. Multiple stimuli presented together can have additive effects as distractors, and these include stimuli in different modalities. Although changes in noise and water flow are detectable by some bivalves, this has not been studied in the context of risk assessment or distraction. We experimentally exposed giant clams (Tridacna maxima) to changes in water particle movement through underwater sound (motorboat noise) and increased water flow to determine whether these stimuli, individually or together, modified risk assessment or caused distraction. We found that clams responded to sound, flow, and their combination by increasing frequency of mantle retractions (a potential anti-predator response) when exposed to a stimulus. Sound alone did not change risk assessment in either the latency to close or to reemerge following closure. However, when exposed to both stimuli simultaneously, clams increased their latency to close. We suggest that clams perceive sound and flow in an additive way, and are thus distracted. Interestingly, and uniquely, clams discriminate these multimodal stimuli through a single sensory modality. For sessile clams, anthropogenic noise is detectable, yet unavoidable, suggesting that they be especially vulnerable to marine noise pollution.
Predictors of Gull-billed tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) nest survival in artificial coastal saltpans, Bohai Bay, China
Authors: Wu Fuxing , Lei Weipan , Lloyd Huw , Zhang Zhengwang
Published: October 2020

Background

Coastal saltpans are a common supratidal human-modified wetland habitat found within many coastal landscape mosaics. Commercial salt production and aquaculture practices often result in the creation of exposed coastal substrates that could provide suitable breeding habitat for waterbird populations; however, few studies have quantified waterbird breeding success in these artificial wetlands.

Methods

Here we examine the nesting behavior of the Gull-billed tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) breeding in the Nanpu coastal saltpans of Bohai Bay, Yellow Sea, China over three consecutive nesting seasons (2017–2019) by using nest survival model in Program MARK.

Results

The results revealed that nest survival of Gull-billed terns in coastal saltpans (0.697) was higher than previously published estimates from other regions, with an estimated daily survival rate (DSR) of 0.982 ± 0.001 (±95% CI). High nest survival was mainly attributed to low levels of human disturbances and low predation rates, while exposure to strong winds, flooding and silting were the main factors causing nest failure. Model-averaged estimates revealed that eggs laid in nests located on ‘habitat islands’ with feather or clam shell substrates were most likely to hatch. Initiation date, nest age, clutch size and quadratic effects of nearest-neighbor distance, nearest distance to road and nearest distance to water were all significant predictors of nest success, but the nest survival declined overall from 2017 to 2019 due to the degradation and loss of breeding habitat anthropogenically caused by rising water levels.

Discussion

Coastal saltpans represent an alternative breeding habitat for the Gull-billed tern populations in Bohai Bay, but conservation management should prioritize flood prevention to improve the extent and quality of breeding habitat, concurrent with efforts to create further ‘habitat islands’ with suitable nesting substrate.
Application of Percent of Normal Precipitation Method for Meteorological Drought Intensity Assessment and Its Impact on Agricultural Production
Authors: Sadiq A. A. , Williams W. S. , Tukur A. I.
Published: October 2020

Aim: To study the application of percent of normal precipitation method for meteorological drought intensity assessment and its impact on agricultural production.

Place and Duration: The study was conducted in Yola South Local Government Area (LGA), of Adamawa Sate Nigeria during the year 2020.

Methodology: Drought intensity was assessed using Percent of Normal Precipitation method (PNP) using forty (40) years of rainfall data (1987-2017) obtained from Upper Benue Development Authority, Yola (UBRBDA). In addition, data on the negative impact of drought intensity on agricultural production were obtained from the well defined and structured questionnaires administered randomly to the fifty (50) selected farmers in the area where simple descriptive statistic was used in the analysis of the sourced data.

Results: It revealed that out of the forty years under study, the extremely wet condition was reoccurred in six years (15%), very wet season (5%), while moderately wet conditions had experienced in 14 years (35%) and normal condition was identified in 16 years (40%) respectively.  Under dry conditions it was found that only moderately dry condition had ever occurred in 2 years (5%) only. For the drought impact on agricultural production most farmers (55 %) perceived that drought does not happen every year in the area. However, it occurs with seasonal variability mostly in the months July-August which last for 1-2 weeks as agreed by (55%) of the farmers. Majority of the farmers (60 %) in the area revealed that the level of the drought impact on agricultural production was high affecting crop yield (18%), drying of dams, reservoirs and lakes and outbreak of crops’ pest and diseases (12 %). In contrast other effects include soil degradation, loss of profit and capital, loss of employment opportunities, dead of livestock and starvation and drop in the water table and drying of soils with (6%) each of the respondents respectively. Similarly,  the use of early matured crops (30%), Early planting (18%), Delay planting (16 %) and water harvesting ( 12 %) were adopted as mitigation strategies towards curtailing the negative impact of drought impact on their agricultural production in the area.

Conclusion: The application of PNP method towards the assessment of drought intensity revealed important information of drought intensity which can serve as a valuable knowledge towards effective drought monitoring and proper agronomic mitigation strategies on its negative impact on agriculture in the area for optimum and profitable production. The application of another drought index is imperatively recommended for comparision and validation towards finding reliable information on drought in the area.
Microbial Assessment of Fresh and Frozen (For Four Days) Marine Najil Fish (Plectropomus pessuliferus)
Authors: Ahmed Khansaa Bdr Aldien Osman , Hamid Samia Hamid Ahmed , Elawad Abdalla N.
Published: October 2020

The present study was conducted at Directorate General of Preventing Medicine and PHC, Epidemiology Dept, Ports and Quarantine Health Unit, Port Sudan, endeavors for Microbial evaluation (bacteriological load) of marine Najil fish (Plectropomus pessuliferus). And to determine the occurrence of some contaminated bacteria. 20 samples of Najil fish (P. Pessuliferus) were collected from Port Sudan fish market (in sterile plastic bags) and pre chilled with ice in thermostatic container. All the samples were tested immediately, and instantly froze for four days. Then the studied samples were tested microbiologically and results showed:For fresh fish total bacterial count (TBC) was (5.68×105) CFU/gm, and for frozen samples was (4.38×105) CFU/gm, respectively.The study concluded that, Najil fish (P. Pessuliferus) showed the highest level of contamination between fresh fish. While in frozen fish freeze seem have the higher effect (less number). And the results showed highly significant differences between fresh and frozen fish.The samples were also tested for contaminant bacteria and the result indicated the presence of Staphylococcus and E. coli, while the salmonella and vibrio were absent at each of it.
Effects of Mono-Ammonium Phosphate and K-Humate Applications on Grain Yield and Phosphorus Uptake Efficiency of Bread Wheat Crop (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Yossif Ahmed M. , Gezgin Sait
Published: October 2020

Study was aimed to determine the effect of mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP, NH4H2PO4) and K-Humate application on grain yield and grain phosphorus uptake efficiency which applied on Central Anatolian calcareous and basic reaction soil. The research was conducted at Bahri Dağdaş Agricultural Research Institute field in dry conditions during 2018 - 19 to determine the effect of phosphorus doses @ 0, 17.5 and 35.0 kg ha-1 and K-Humate @ 0 and 12 kg ha-1 on Bayraktar 2000 variety of bread wheat crop grain yield, agronomic (AE), physiological (PE) and apparent recovery (AR) phosphorus uptake efficiency.

Results of the research revealed that increased phosphorus rate, enhances grain yield and amount of grain phosphorus uptake increase, while the grain AE, PE and AR were decreasing significantly. Additionally, with the K-Humate application with respect to control, the grain yield was positively affected in P0 and P17.5, while the grain phosphorus uptake amount was increased by 13%, in the P35 application the grain yield and the grain phosphorus uptake amount decreased by 9% and 5% respectively. In another direction, with the K-Humate application depending on control, in P17.5 application grain AE and AR were increased by 13% and 12% respectively, while grain PE decreased by 54%. Besides, with the K-Humate application according to control and in the P35 application grain AE, PE and AR were decreased by 66%, 51% and 40% respectively.
The Sub – Acute Effects of Raw Honey on Prothrombin Time, Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time and Platelet Values in Albino Wistar Rats
Authors: Ohale Akudo Chidinma , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Mark Happiness Alaribe , Okoli Chidindu C. Mmadu- , Ezepue Chukwuebuka Brian Ugo- , Ohanu Chibuike Ernest , Okongwu Uzoma Chinyere , Nlemadim Chidinma Ijeoma , Ekeigwe Ifeoma Blessing , Okeke Ogochukwu Adamaka
Published: October 2020

For centuries honey has been regarded as wonderful gift of nature in which the properties of an excellent food, beneficial alike to adults and children, are combined with medicinal properties. Surprisingly, its sub-acute effect on coagulation is unknown. Hence; this present study aims at evaluating the effects of raw honey on coagulation in albino wistar rats. Thirty (30), 3-4 months old albino wistar rats both males and females were used for the study. The experimental animals were divided into five (A, B, C, D, E) groups with six rats per group. The test groups (B-E) were gavaged with graded doses (625, 1250, 2500, 5000 mg/kg body weight) respectively of the raw honey once daily for nine days. Group A served as control. Two (2) animals were bled from each group after 3, 6 and 9 days through the ocular plexus. Four (4) ml of venous blood was collected. Two (2) ml was delivered into 0.25ml trisodium citrate anticoagulant bottle for determination of Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT). The remaining two (2) ml was delivered into K3EDTA anticoagulant bottle for platelet value determination. There was no statistical significant difference (P > 0.05) recorded in all the parameters investigated among the test groups when compared with the control group on Day 3. However, group B revealed a statistical significant decrease (P < 0.05) in PT when compared with the control group on Day 6. In addition, no statistical significant difference (P>0.05) was recorded on Day 9 when all the parameters investigated among the test groups were compared with the control group. Furthermore, there was no exposure related statistical significant difference (P>0.05) in the test groups in PT and APTT in the ANOVA.  However, there was a time related significant difference (P<0.05) in platelet value of group C when Days 3, 6 and 9 were compared. It can be concluded that raw honey possesses a sub-acute coagulation stimulatory potentials which is likely to be dose and duration related.
Examining Credit Screening Criteria’s: Evidence from Five Selected Microfinance Institutions in South West Ethiopia, Oromiya Region, Jimma Town
Authors: Bayu Kefiyalew Belachew , Hunde Dagnachew Abera
Published: October 2020

The ability of MFI's to formulate and adhere to policies and a procedure that promotes credit quality and curtails non-performing loans is the means to survive in the stiff competition. Inability to create and build up quality loans and creditworthy customers lead to default risk and bankruptcy as well as hampers economic growth of a country. This study of credit screening– A Case Study on Microfinance Institution in South West Ethiopia, Jimma Town is an attempt to indicate the criteria that MFI’s should take in credit screening. Thus, the rationale behind for undertaking this study is to deeply examine and screen the credit criteria and to suggest the possible solutions that enable the MFI’s to run its operation most safely as credit is known to be the mainstay of all MFI. For the study, both primary and secondary data were used. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires and in-depth- interview and Qualitative approach were adopted. Hence, the nature of the study is descriptive and it is related to qualitative analysis method. The census or total universe inquiry method was applied since the study is the easily manageable and the total number of population in the MFI was less than 30. Finally, based on the findings possible recommendations were given. These include the issues impeding loan growth and rising loan clients complaint on the MFI regarding the valuing of feature offered for collateral, lengthy of loan processing, amount of loan processed and approved, loan period as well as the amount, and discretionary limits are currently affecting the performance of credit screening and management.
Cascade Variabilities in TB Case Finding among People Living with HIV and the Use of IPT: Assessment in Three Levels of Care in Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Odo Michael , Ochei Kingsley Chinedum , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Barinaadaa Afirima , Eteng Emmanuel Ugobo , Ikpeme Mabel , Bassey Jonah Offor , Paul Andrew Ogar
Published: October 2020

TB is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) as it accelerates the progression of HIV infection. Every PLHIV is at an annual risk of 10% and a lifetime risk of 50% to acquiring TB and TB is responsible for the death of 30-40% PLHIV. We undertook to assess the WHO recommended intensified TB case finding among PLHIVs in three of levels of ART clinics in cross River State, Nigeria. We used quantitative method to review retrospectively collected routine TB and HIV facility data from University of Calabar Teaching hospital, Calabar; Infectious disease Hospital, Calabar and primary Health Centre, Calabar Municipal ART clinics. The study population for intensified case finding and IPT comprised of available records of HIV- positive patients ≥15 years old seen at the selected facilities for clinical care and treatment from January to December 2016 and January to December 2018. A cohort sampling strategy was used to assess the ICF cascade and IPT uptake. Data collection lasted from 15th to 31st November 2019 in the first phase and had extension to February 2020 due to delayed ethical clearance from the University of Calabar Teaching hospital. Quantitative data was analysed using Stata 13.0 to produce descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages for categorical variables. Of the 326 PLHIVs (115 females) in the records, 311 had their TB screening recorded (95%). 155(50%) were screen positive while 326(210%) were evaluated for TB in the lab, out of which 182 (56%) were TB confirmed. PLHIVs ages 25-29 years were most affected, with more persons being evaluated for TB before the `test and treat` policy. Of the 207 PLHIVs started on IPT, 103 (99%) started before `test and treat` compared to 102(91%) after policy. IPT uptake was highest among ages 25-29 years. This evaluation shows that intensified case finding among PLHIV is feasible and has a high prospect for TB case finding among PLHIVs. However, critical gaps exist- poor documentation and linkages on the clinical and diagnostic arm of the cascade makes it impossible to estimate yield in a cohort and present the situation of weak clinical interphase with people seeking care.
Cell Membrane Coated Particles
Authors: Spanjers Järvi M. , Städler Brigitte
Published: October 2020

Nanoformulations are widely considered in the biomedical field for drug delivery, imaging, or detoxification purposes. Cell membrane coatings are a growing concept that aims to camouflage nanomaterials. The cell membranes are the first point of contact for cells to other biological or synthetic materials and nature has established signaling pathways in this context. In contrast to using purified membrane associated proteins, the use of purified cell membranes contains the protein of interest in a very native environment. This report provides an overview over the advances in cell membrane coated (nano)particles from the past 2–3 years. The progress in using cell membranes from mammalian cells without nuclei, i.e., red blood cells and platelets, as well as nucleus‐containing cells in particular white blood cell and specific cancer cells is outlined. Additionally, highlights from recent reports considering hybrid cell membrane coating that originate from at least two different cell types are discussed. Finally, a future perspective indicating the challenges and potential of cell membrane coated nanomaterials and biomaterials is provided.
Engineering of Lipid Nanoparticles by the Multifunctionalization of the Surface with Amino Acid Derivatives for the Neutralization of a Target Toxic Peptide
Authors: Koide Hiroyuki , Hirano Satoshi , Ide Takafumi , Saito Kazuhiro , Suzuki Hikaru , Yasuno Go , Hamashima Yoshitaka , Yonezawa Sei , Oku Naoto , Asai Tomohiro
Published: October 2020

Protein affinity reagents (e.g., antibodies) are often used for basic research, diagnostics, separations, and disease therapy. Although a lot of “synthetic” protein affinity reagents have been developed as a cost‐effective alternative to antibodies, their low biocompatibility is a considerable problem for clinical application. Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) represent a highly biocompatible drug delivery agent. However, little has been reported that LNP itself works as a protein affinity reagent in living animals. Here, LNP is engineered for binding to and neutralizing a target toxic peptide in living animals by multifunctionalization with amino acid derivatives. Multifunctionalized LNP (MF‐LNP) is prepared using amino acid derivative‐conjugated lipids. Optimized MF‐LNP exhibits nanomolar affinity to the target toxic peptide and inhibits toxic peptide‐dependent hemolysis and cytotoxicity. In addition, MF‐LNP captures and neutralizes the toxic peptide after intravenous injection in the bloodstream; in addition, MF‐LNP does not release the toxic peptide in the accumulated organ. These results reveal the potential of using LNP as a highly biocompatible protein affinity reagent such as an antidote.
Connecting the Multiscale Structure with Macroscopic Response of Relaxor Ferroelectrics
Authors: Otoničar Mojca , Bradeško Andraž , Fulanović Lovro , Kos Tomaž , Uršič Hana , Benčan Andreja , Cabral Matthew J. , Henriques Alexandra , Jones Jacob L. , Riemer Lukas , Damjanovic Dragan , Dražić Goran , Malič Barbara , Rojac Tadej
Published: October 2020

Lead‐based relaxor ferroelectrics are characterized by outstanding piezoelectric and dielectric properties, making them useful in a wide range of applications. Despite the numerous models proposed to describe the relation between their nanoscale polar structure and the large properties, the multiple contributions to these properties are not yet revealed. Here, by combining atomistic and mesoscopic‐scale structural analyses with macroscopic piezoelectric and dielectric measurements across the (100–x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–xPbTiO3 (PMN–xPT) phase diagram, a direct link is established between the multiscale structure and the large nonlinear macroscopic response observed in the monoclinic PMN‐xPT compositions. The approach reveals a previously unrecognized softening effect, which is common to Pb‐based relaxor ferroelectrics and arises from the displacements of low‐angle nanodomain walls, facilitated by the nanoscale polar character and lattice strain disorder. This comprehensive comparative study points to the multiple, distinct mechanisms that are responsible for the large piezoelectric response in relaxor ferroelectrics.