bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thresholds of acidification impacts on macroinvertebrates adapted to seasonally acidified tropical streams: potential responses to extreme drought-driven pH declines
Authors: Ganong Carissa , Hidalgo Oconitrillo Minor , Pringle Catherine
Published: November 2021

Background

Drought-driven acidification events of increasing frequency and severity are expected as a consequence of climate change, and these events may expose macroinvertebrate taxa to increased acidification beyond their tolerance levels. Recent work in lowland Costa Rica has shown that poorly-buffered tropical streams exhibit natural seasonal variation in pH, with extremely low levels (<4.5) after extreme dry seasons). Our goal was to determine the threshold of pH effects on survival of three tropical stream macroinvertebrate taxa.

Methods

We conducted laboratory mesocosm experiments to determine acidification effects (using diluted HCl) on three focal macroinvertebrate taxa collected from a poorly-buffered stream at La Selva Biological Station: (1) mayfly naiads (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae:Traverella holzenthali), (2) adult shrimp (Decapoda: Palaemonidae:Macrobrachium olfersii), and (3) larval midges (Diptera: Chironomidae). We also compared the effect of pH on survival and growth rates of larval midges from a poorly-buffered (pH 4.3–6.9) vs. a naturally well-buffered (pH 5.1–6.9) stream.

Results/Discussion

Mayfly and shrimp survival decreased between pH 4.0 and 3.5, overlapping with the range of lowest pH levels (3.6–4.0) recorded during a previous extreme El Niño Southern Oscillation event in 1998 and suggesting that increasingly extreme acidification events induced by climate change may negatively affect their survival. In contrast, survival of larval midges was unaffected by pH regimes at/above 3.5, indicating tolerance to pH levels experienced in poorly-buffered stream during seasonal acidification, which has presumably occurred over millennia. These findings highlight the potential importance of historical pH regimes in structuring macroinvertebrate communities. These results are relevant not only to lowland Neotropical streams, but also signal the need for further research in lotic ecosystems worldwide where drought-driven pH declines have been documented or are probable in the future.
Response of diatom assemblages to the disruption of the running water continuum in urban areas, and its consequences on bioassessment
Authors: Szczepocka Ewelina , Nowicka-Krawczyk Paulina , Olszyński Rafał M. , Żelazna-Wieczorek Joanna
Published: November 2021

Transformation of river and stream channels disrupts their natural ecological cycles and interrupts the continuum of their ecosystems. Changes in natural hydromorphological conditions transform lotic communities into those atypical of flowing waters, resulting in bioassessment procedures yielding incorrect results. This study shows how hydromorphological transformations of ecosystems affect the ecological status bioassessment results by disturbing diatom communities typical for rivers. Moreover, the article presents a new biological assessment procedure for urban transformed rivers including the verification of the community structure based on autecology and quantity of species. The ecological status of the ecosystem was assessed using benthic diatom assemblages and supported with results of hydrochemical analysis. The structure of the assemblages and their relationships between individual sampling sites were clarified by shade plot and multivariate data analyses. The analysis of dominant species vitality at sampling sites and their autecology gave the foundation for modification of taxa data matrix and recalculation the diatom indices. Biological assessment showed that one of the artificial ponds constructed at the stream channel was characterized by good ecological status, and its presence strongly affected the state of the downstream ecosystem following the development of a unique assemblage of diatoms that prefer oligosaprobic and oligotrophic waters. The presence of these species was also noted in the downstream sections, but most of the cells were dead. As the indicator values of these taxa are high, their presence artificially increased the ecological status of the stream, resulting in the hydrochemical assessment not being in line with the bioassessment. Therefore, a new procedure was adopted in which non-characteristic taxa for the downstream sections were excluded from analysis. This approach corrected the results of bioassessment characterizing the ecological status of the stream as poor along its entire course, with the exception of this unique pond. For hydromorphologically transformed streams and rivers with disturbed channel continuity, the correct result of an incorrect diatom-based bioassessment may be retrieved after excluding species unusual for the type of ecosystem from the studied assemblages, i.e., the species which are unable to reproduce in that area and are only carried into it by the water flow. Assessment of the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems based on biotic factors is an essential tool of aquatic ecosystems monitoring in many countries. This type of assessment requires a multifaceted approach, in particular, to identify factors that may disrupt this assessment. Standardization of biomonitoring methods is an important step in correct assessment; thus, the findings of this paper will be useful in routine biomonitoring around the world.
A decrease in reports on road-killed animals based on citizen science during COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Dörler Daniel , Heigl Florian
Published: November 2021

Background

To avoid the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 in early 2020, many countries have implemented strict lockdown measures for several weeks. In Austria, the lockdown in early spring has led to a significant drop in human outdoor activities, especially in road traffic. In Project Roadkill, a citizen science project which aims to collect data on road-killed animals, we observed a significant decrease in reported roadkills.

Methods

By asking the citizen scientists through a survey how their travelling routines were affected, we investigated if the observed decrease in roadkills was grounded in less animals being killed by traffic, or in citizen scientists staying at home and thus reporting less road-killed animals.

Results

A majority of the respondents stated that they felt to have reported less roadkills during the lockdown, regardless if they changed their travelling routine or not. This observation in combination with the overall decrease in road traffic indicates that fewer animals were killed during the lockdown. We conclude that when analyzing citizen science data, the effects of lockdown measures on reporting behaviour should be considered, because they can significantly affect data and interpretation of these data.
Creencias Epistemológicas en Profesores y su Relación con el Desarrollo Profesional desde la Evaluación Docente
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vargas Sylvia , Narea Marigen ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Torres-Irribarra David ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Published: November 2021

El desarrollo profesional es fundamental para la calidad de la educación y los sistemas de evaluación docente pueden contribuir a su fortalecimiento. En este estudio se analizó la relación entre las creencias epistemológicas de los docentes y el desarrollo profesional a partir de la evaluación docente en una muestra no probabilística intencionada de profesores de 9 comunas de la Región del Maule, Chile. Los datos fueron recolectados a través del cuestionario de creencias epistemológicas y el cuestionario de consecuencias percibidas de la evaluación docente para el desarrollo profesional, ambos aplicados a 251 profesores de enseñanza básica de zonas urbanas y rurales; hombres y mujeres entre 25 y 66 años. Se realizaron análisis de correlación entre las variables, mediante r de Spearman y un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. Los resultados demuestran que docentes con creencias ingenuas sobre el conocimiento tienen una mayor percepción de que la evaluación docente contribuye a su desarrollo profesional. Se observan diferencias, dependiendo del contexto: profesores rurales perciben que favorece la autorreflexión sobre la práctica docente y profesores urbanos, que contribuye al aprendizaje, a través del trabajo colaborativo. Estos hallazgos evidencian que características personales de los profesores, como sus creencias y otros factores del contexto, influyen en las consecuencias de la evaluación docente para su desarrollo profesional. Se discute las limitaciones de contar con estándares uniformes en políticas educativas como la evaluación docente nacional, considerando la influencia de factores personales y contextuales en función de los resultados obtenidos.
Efecto del Estatus en la Orientación a la Dominancia Social en Estudiantes Universitarios de Lima
Authors:   Universidad Católica de Louvain (Bélgica), Schmitz Mathias , Espinosa Agustín ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Yzerbyt Vincent ,   Universidad Católica de Louvain (Bélgica)
Published: November 2021

El presente estudio analizó el efecto de la amenaza social, producida a través de una manipulación del estatus socioeconómico, en la Orientación a la Dominancia Social (SDO). Se asignó aleatoriamente una muestra de estudiantes universitarios de clase media/media-alta de una universidad privada de Lima, Perú (n = 58) a una de 2 condiciones experimentales: incremento versus reducción del estatus socioeconómico. La manipulación experimental consistió en la exposición de los participantes a una pirámide donde se describe la estructura de la sociedad en términos de estatus y privilegios socioeconómicos, para posteriormente pedirles que desarrollen una pequeña tarea semántica sobre cómo sería su vida si sus circunstancias de vida los colocaran en el nivel superior o inferior de la pirámide social (según la condición experimental aleatoriamente asignada). Posteriormente se les pidió completar la escala de SDO. Los resultados del ANOVA muestran un incremento en los niveles de SDO en la condición de reducción/bajo estatus, mientras que dicha medida no se vio afectada en la condición de incremento/alto estatus. Los resultados son consistentes con la idea de que la SDO es susceptible de ser modificada ante una manipulación del estatus socioeconómico de las personas. Asimismo, el incremento de la SDO, en la condición de bajo estatus, refuerza la idea de que, en sociedades jerárquicas y desiguales como la peruana, la mera representación de una amenaza (disminución del estatus en este caso) es el gatillador de una respuesta defensiva, anclada en la adhesión a ideologías que refuerzan las diferencias de estatus entre individuos y grupos.
Yield Response of Short Duration HYV Aman Rice to Transplanting Times in the Coastal Region of Southwestern Bangladesh
Authors: Lima Fatematujjohora , Sarker Bidhan Chandro , Kabir Md. Enamul , Kabir Md. Nazmul
Published: November 2021

Transplanted (T.) aman rice is the major crop in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh where most of the fields remain fallow the rest of the year due to the cultivation of late-maturing and long-duration aman rice varieties with low yield potential. Timely transplanting of short-duration HYV varieties increased grain yield and allowed the field to be cleared earlier for the next crop. The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Agrotechnology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna during the monsoon (June to December) for  investigating the influence of transplanting dates on growth, yield attributes, and yield of Binadhan-7. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. The experimental treatment comprised of ten transplanting dates (viz.,9 July, 16 July, 23 July, 30 July, 6 August, 13 August, 20 August, 27 August, 3 September, and 10 September) at 7 days intervals. Data recorded on different growth, yield, and yield contributing parameters were influenced substantially by the dates of transplanting. Results of this study showed that transplanting on 30 July produced the tallest plant (105.40 cm), highest tiller hill-1 (20.40), effective tillers hill-1 (17.30), panicle length (22.22 cm), number of grain panicle-1 (10.34), 1000 grain weight (22.83 g), grain yield (4.72 tha-1), straw yield (5.15 tha-1) and harvest index (47.85%) which were on parity with 6 August of transplanting. From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that from 30 July to 6 of August is optimum and recommended transplanting window for the short duration aman rice variety (Binadhan-7) in the coastal zone of southwestern Bangladesh. Furthermore, this transplanting window resulted in an early harvest and timely vacant the field for winter crop planting.
Disposal Pattern of Vegetables in District Varanasi
Authors: Singh Pavan Kumar , Yadav Bhartendu , Choudri Harendra Pratap Singh , Kumar Ajeet , Singh G. P.
Published: November 2021

To analyze the disposal pattern of vegetables in district Varanasi, a purposive cum random sampling technique was used for the selection of district, blocks, villages and the respondents. From the study it is concluded that total disposal of cauliflower was 38.85 quintals, of tomato was 140.22 quintals, brinjal was 38.85 quintals and pea was 11.84 quintals. Maximum disposal of all the selected vegetables was found maximum through the channel III in case of both marginal and small farms. It shows the efficient involvement of the intermediaries in the marketing procedure.
Economics of Banana Production in Solapur District of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Rede B. H. , Ratnaparkhe A. N. , Rede G. D.
Published: November 2021

The study analyses the resource-use efficiency of banana cultivation in relation with per ha return and cost based on the information of 90 sample farmers of Solapur district, Maharashtra in 2018-19. Findings show that production level was 563.11q/ha on an aggregate level. The estimated cost of cultivation was Rs.324671.04/ha. The per hectare inputs utilized for banana at overall level were 118.58 human days, 22.67  tonnes manures, 399.60 kg N, 126.11 kg P, 720.29 kg K. Average gross income was Rs.627708.57. The gross income received in size group small, medium and large was Rs. 609142.70, Rs. 614926.70 and Rs.659056.30, respectively. The benefit-cost ratio was 1.93 at the overall level indicating highly prosperous crop. This ratio is the highest (2.06) for large size farms. Thus, the crop was found to be economically viable. The results of Cobb-Douglas production function howed that seed, manures, potassium fertilizer and irrigation had positive and significant influence on the yield of banana. The magnitude of coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.92. Value of the ratio of MVP/Px was found greater than unity in case of seed, manures and irrigation indicated the underutilization of these resources. Quantity of per hectare produce marketed was maximum (99.09 per cent) for large size group and minimum in (98.88 per cent) for small size group i.e. there is no significant differences as marketing system was similar.
Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty: Technique and Results
Authors: Ahmed Elsaka Omar Mohamed Raouf Mohamed , Elsaka Omar
Published: November 2021

Background: Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty is a procedure used to dilate the mitral valve in cases of rheumatic mitral stenosis. The catheter is inserted into the female vein to the right atrium and atrial septum. The mitral valve is then passed through the inflated balloon to facilitate effective integration of mitral adhesions, which increases the area of the mitral valve and decreases the rate of mitral stenosis. Mitral regurgitation is a potential problem, and thus balloon percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) is prevented in moderate to severe relapse. The Wilkins score studies mitral valve morphology and evaluation by echocardiography to assess the viability of PBMVs based on specific echocardiographic conditions.

Conclusion: There are many factors in the immediate and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing PMV. Echo-Sc can be used in combination with other clinical and morphological predictions of PMV effects to identify patients who experience the best effects on PMV.
Potential Map of Community Welfare Based on Strong and Flexible Statistics Modelling in the Framework of Poverty
Authors: Fernandes Adji Achmad Rinaldo , Isaskar Riyanti , Rahmawati Intan , Muflikhah Lailil
Published: November 2021

Purpose: This study aims to map the level of family welfare in the Wajak District.

Methods: This study uses a survey method with a mixed-method approach. The data used in this study is secondary data regarding HDI (Human Development Index), ISSI (Infrastructure Service Satisfaction Index), and EQI (Environmental Quality Index). The population in this study was all villages in Wajak District, which amounted to 13 villages. Then with the sampling technique using simple random sampling, the village selected as the sample for analysis is Bringin Village. The data analysis used in this study includes biplot, cluster, and IPA analysis.

Findings: The result of this study is that the level of welfare of the community in Bringin Village is said to be quite prosperous, this can be seen from the results of mapping the variables of religiosity, entrepreneurship, and service quality showing that cluster 1 is quite prosperous with 39 members, while in cluster 2, which is less prosperous, there are 11 members.

Originality: The outputs obtained for the Wajak Rural community include a mapping related to the level of family welfare and its distribution in various areas in the Wajak District area.
Assessment and Factors Influencing Protein Content of Human Breast Milk at Various Stages of Lactation in Yobe State Nigeria
Authors: Adekoyeni Oludare Olumuyiwa , Lami Jafiya , Fisayo Ajayi Feyisola
Published: November 2021

Aims: Aim: Protein in breast milk has diverse functions which gives short and long term benefits. This means human milk must adequately supply the nutritional needs of infants especially during the period of exclusive breast feeding as mandated for lactating mothers. The study assessed quantity of proteins in lactating stages of mother’s breast milk and the factors that influence its availability in Yobe State, Nigeria.

Study Design: Quantitative experimental and descriptive survey methods were adopted for the study. Quantitative experimental design was used for the analysis of breast milk samples collected while descriptive survey method was used to derive primary and secondary data to determine factors influencing protein in breast milk.

Place and Duration of Study: The collection of the samples was done in three stages of lactation from October to December (2019) in Yobe State, Nigeria.

Methodology: Primiparous women residing in Nguru (n= 49/town) were recruited base on agreement with the hospitals prior to their delivery. Breast milk samples were collected at three stages of lactation; colostrums (1-2 days), transition (12 day) and mature (30 day) for protein analysis. Descriptive survey through structured questionnaire was adopted to derive primary data which was used to determine nutrition during pregnancy and factors influencing breast milk composition.

Results: The mean proteins are 3.88%, 1.79% and 1.23% for colostrum, transition and mature   milk respectively. It showed that breast milk is a dynamic fluid with changes in its protein content over the course of lactation and varies within and between nutrition and between mothers. Those with low, normal and high BMI accounted for 6.1%, 81.6% and 12.2% respectively. Based on    WHO standard, 82% of the women has normal BMI during pregnancy which translate good  nutrition.

Conclusion: The nutrition of the pregnant women influenced breast milk proteins. Age, ethnicity, religion and parity have no significant effect on protein quantity in breast milk. Increased education stratification and income levels contribute positively to proteins in lactation stages.
Glutathione Reductase Encoding Gene (gor) is Associated with Oxidative Stress and Antibiotic Susceptibility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Abualnoor Ammar , H. Kwon Dong
Published: November 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major causative agent of the hospital- and community-acquired infections. These infections are often antibiotic resistant and difficult to treat. Several intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms to antibiotics have reported in P. aeruginosa. Recently, oxidative- stress-scavenging-systems have suggested as a possible intrinsic resistance mechanism to antibiotics because oxidative stresses induced by bactericidal antibiotics contribute to bacterial killing effects. However, this remains controversial such that further clarification is required. Glutathione reductase is a key enzyme in the maintenance of the optimum level of intracellular glutathione-redox potential to ensure normal functioning of cellular processes including the detoxification of oxidative stress. In this study, the role of a glutathione-reductase-encoding gene (gor) in oxidative stress and antibiotic susceptibility was determined in P. aeruginosa. Results showed that a gor-mutant strain was more susceptible to hydrogen peroxide (but not superoxide) than the parental strain and 100% of cells were killed with 0.01% hydrogen peroxide while the parental strain survived at the same concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The gor-mutant strain was also more susceptible to carbenicillin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline than the parental strain, which was confirmed by bacterial killing-kinetics. These results suggest that the gor gene is associated with oxidative stress and susceptibility to bactericidal as well as bacteriostatic antibiotics and that the oxidative-stress-scavenging-systems may be a possible drug-target for multidrug resistant P. aeruginosa.
Chemical Characterisation and Biological Effects of Essential Oils of Four Gabonese Medicinal Plants
Authors: Mbot Elvis Jolinom , Obiang Cédric Sima , Nyegue Maximilienne Ascenssion , Bikanga Bill Raphaël , Agnaniet Huguette , Menut Chantal
Published: November 2021

Aims: The objective of this work is to determine the chemical composition and in vitro evaluation of the antibacterial activities of essential oils of four species of aromatic plants of Gabonese origin obtained by hydrodistillation.

Methods: All the samples were examined by chromatographic analyzes and by GC / MS coupling. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by diffusion and microdilution methods.

Results: The most common compounds found in essential oils were terpene hydrocarbons and oxygenates. The major constituents are β-phellandrene (56.3%), β-pinene (11%) and myrcene (10.4%). The three bacterial strains used are sensitive to essential oils. However, some essential oils stood out with greater spectra of action compared to others, such as Maranthes gabunensis and Mammea africana which showed activity against all strains. The inhibition parameters (MIC and CMB) are between 0.78 and 25 mg / mL. Some oils have shown bacteriostatic and / or bactericidal activity on the targeted strains.

Conclusion: The essential oils studied present a diversity of chemical compositions and good antibacterial activities.
Effect of Sowing Dates, Tillage and Establishment Methods on Growth and Yield of Mustard
Authors: Reddy P. Sneha , Reddy G. Satyanarayana , Devi K. B. Suneetha , Chaitanya A. Krishna
Published: November 2021

This experiment was conducted at College Farm, Agricultural College, Polasa, Jagtial in Rabi, 2019-20. The experiment was laid out in strip-plot design with T1-Zero tillage with direct sowing, T2-Zero tillage with transplanting, T3-Conventional tillage with direct sowing and T4-Conventional tillage with transplanting in 4 horizontal strips and D1-15 November, D2-25 November and D3-5 December sowing dates in 3 vertical strips. Nursery was prepared 15 days earlier to sowing date for transplanting. Direct sowing and transplanting was carried out on same date. Among tillage practices with establishment methods, significantly the highest performance of growth parameters was obtained with T4 and lowest response under T1. Significantly higher values of growth parameters were recorded under early sowing date (15 November) followed by 25 November and lowest was registered on 5 December. The number of siliqua plant-1, seeds siliqua-1 was significantly higher under T4 which resulted in higher seed yield (754.38 kg ha-1), stover yield (1815.40 kg ha-1) and was comparable with T3. Higher number of siliqua per plant-1 and number of seeds per siliqua-1 resulting in higher seed yield (944.55 kg ha-1) and stover yield (1943.12 kg ha-1) were recordeed on 15 November followed by 25 November and lowest was registered on 5 December.
Impact of Human Activities on the Distribution of Termite Communities in Teak Plantations (Tectona grandis L. F., Verbenaceae) in the Korhogo Communal Area (North Côte d'Ivoire)
Authors: Coulibaly Tenon , Doh Franceline , Bertille Kadio Ekien Alloua A. , Yves-Joël Boko Kindo , Akpa Akpesse Alexandre Moïse , Kouassi Kouassi Philippe
Published: November 2021

Aims: This study aimed to assess the impact of human activities on termites in teak plantations in the Korhogo communal area.

Methodology: Termites were sampled from October to November 2020 using the transect method recommended by Jones and Eggleton (2000). The study was carried out in three teak plantations undergoing different levels of human activities, with a forest fragment as reference area. Five types of human activity were assessed and the overall proportion of human pressure on each habitat was calculated. The species richness (S), Shannon index (H'), Evenness (E) and the relative abundance were calculated of termites for each habitat type. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare the species richness and abundance of termites.

Results: The results showed that the village plantation of teak (PVT) had the highest degree of human pressure (50.94%), followed by the teak plantation of the forest of Mount Korhogo (TFMK) (29.24%). The teak plantation of Botanical Garden (TJB) was under low pressure (6.60%). A total of 30 species grouped in 19 genera and 8 sub-families of termites were identified in all plots. Termite diversity was high in the forest fragment (19.67 ± 1.15) and in the teak plantation of Botanical Garden (21.33 ± 2.08), but low in the village teak plantation (11 ± 1). The abundance of termites evolves in the same direction as the species richness.

Conclusion: Anthropogenic activities affect the trophic composition of termites, particularly the humivore group. Reconstruction of the fauna and flora of the teak forests would be beneficial for the conservation of termite species. In this region, teak forests would thus play a role as a refuge for termite communities, which are recognised as the main soil fertilising organisms in the tropics.
The Use of Mathematical Model to Predict Levels of N and K for Optimum Yield
Authors: Behera Jyotiranjan , Mahanti M. K.
Published: November 2021

Sometimes, yield from a commercial plantation is reduced because of inadequate availability of fertilisers to the plant due to various reasons such as poor quality of fertilizers used, loss of fertilizers in the field during cultivation due to natural causes etc. One way of preventing such loss in yield is to apply remedial fertiliser doses in the field in an intermediate stage of cultivation. To implement such a method effectively, a mathematical model has been proposed in this work.

The model first determines the amount of fertilisers needed at the beginning of cultivation to optimize yield. It then ascertains at an intermediate stage of cultivation whether the plant receives adequate fertilisers for producing optimum yield. In case it is found out that required fertilisers are not available to the plant, the model decides how much more remedial fertilizer doses should be applied at the intermediate stage so that yield will not be affected. A potato plantation has been considered to illustrate the applicability of the proposed mathematical model.
Naira note: Potential Environmental Material for Transmitting Bacterial Pathogens among Food Dealers in Umuahia, Nigeria
Authors: S. Odo Ekene , N. Ebe Gloria , N. Umeh Michael , A. Nwaubani Daniel , C. Omekara Israel
Published: November 2021

Inanimate objects can serve as environmental vehicles for transmitting pathogenic bacteria among individuals in the population. Our study revealed that of the 72 naira notes examined, 58 samples representing 80.6% had bacterial contaminants. The bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (70.8%), Salmonella spp. (51.4%), Escherichia coli (44.4%), Shigella spp. (22.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa. (18.1%), and Proteus spp. (1.4%). The naira notes examined were all obtained from food dealers particularly fish sellers, food vendors, and meat sellers. The presence of these bacterial pathogens on naira notes handled by those food dealers is an important public health hazard as they can contaminate food leading to foodborne diseases and intoxications. Our study found that lower denominations of currency notes (naira), were mostly contaminated by these pathogens and this could be as a result of their frequent use in daily transactions.
Two-step Tensor Splitting Iteration Method for Multi-linear Systems
Authors: Cheng Bing , Wang Guangbin , Tan Fuping
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we construct two-step tensor splitting iteration method for multi-linear systems. Moreover, we present convergence analysis of this method. Finally, we give two numerical examples to show that this new method is more ecient than the existing methods.
Protective Effect of Resveratrol against the Alveolar Bone Loss in Rats with Experimental Periodontitis and Acts Positively on the IL-17
Authors: Pandini JordanaHeidemann , Pasqualotto Lais Fernanda , Carli Rodrigues Pedro Henrique de , De Paivaa João Paulo Gonçalves , Nassar Patricia Oehlmeyer , Nassar Carlos Augusto
Published: November 2021

The resveratrol is a polyphenol known for its health benefits, which includes the ability to interfere in the osteoblastogenesis, which may foster adverse immunomodulators effects in the host response to periodontal disease. In the present study we evaluated the appearance of periodontal tissues of rats with experimentally induced periodontitis, by using resveratrol. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were used, in which half of the animals received a ligature around the first lower molars, then forming the groups with experimental periodontitis. Next, four groups were created: 1) Control Group (CON); 2) The Ligature Group (LIG); 3) Group Resveratrol (RSV); 4) Ligature-Resveratrol Group (LIG-RSV). The animals of the Resveratrol groups were daily dosed with 10 mg/kg of body weight of polyphenol orally, during four weeks. After 105 days of experimental period, euthanasia was performed. The results showed a significantly lower alveolar bone loss (p<0.05) in animals that received resveratrol, and still, the polyphenol was able to reduce concentration of interleukin 17 (IL-17) in the groups dosed with it. Our conclusion is that dosing rats with experimental periodontitis with resveratrol could cause a protective effect on the alveolar bone loss, in addition to act positively on the IL-17.
Evaluation of the Morphological Quality of Hybrid Seeds and the Vegetative Development of Plants from the Two Reproductive Systems of Elite Dura Genitors from Oil Palm (Elaeisguineensis Jacq) Seed Fields in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Tano Ekra Kouamé , N'nan Oulo Alla , Konan Jean-Noël , Allou Désiré , Kouakou Konan Eugène , N'guetta Assanvo Simon-Pierre
Published: November 2021

The production of quality oil palm plant material (Elaeisguineensis Jacq.) necessarily involves the creation of seed fields made up of elite Dura parents. Two methods of reproduction of these elite Duragenitors were adopted for the establishment of current seed fields by the National Center for Agronomic Research (CNRA). The first group is made up of elite first-cycle parents who have undergone two successive generations of [(G1) AF] AF type self-fertilization, noted AFAF. The second group is composed of genitors having undergone a prior self-fertilization followed by AFSIB-type recombination cycle of recombination between genitors of the type (G1 × G2) AF, noted AFSIB. This study involves evaluation of morphological quality of seeds from the two breeding systems of the parents and their quality of vegetative development. For this, the seeds from 553 Dura parents distributed among eight (8) descendants and grouped within the category C1001 F were used.The resultsderived from this study have shown that the seeds obtained from the parents through double self-fertilization of AFAF-type parents are characterized by a thin shell and a high percentage of germination. After the elimination of the abnormal plants at the end of the nursery, various traits viz.circumference at the crown, height of the plants and the number of leaves emitted from the plants on the healthy plants showed that the plants resulting from the seeds obtained from self-fertilization followed by AFSIB-type recombination showed good vegetative development and vigor compared to those of AFAF type respectively.
Comparison of Efficacy and Antibody Levels among Healthcare Providers after Second Dose of Two Different COVID Vaccines
Authors: Ejaz Iqra , Rasheed Adeena , Munir Mian Seher , Shahid Fawzia , Zia Areeba , Mukhtar Shahnila
Published: November 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in significant death and morbidity rates around the globe. SARS-CoV-2 infection has been linked to 43.3 million confirmed cases worldwide, killing 1.15 million people. Physical separation, quarantine, and isolation were successful in minimizing the number of individuals who became sick during the epidemic, but the lack of immunity in the community makes them vulnerable to further waves of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Elderly persons (those 60 and older) and those with pre-existing medical problems are particularly vulnerable.

Material and Methods: In this observation study, people who were vaccinated with sinopharm vaccine and sinovac vaccine were included to see the response of vaccine in the body. The aim of the study was to compare the rise in the antibody level after 2 doses of two different COVID-19 vaccines i.e sinopharm and sinovac. Initially, in this pilot study, 40 people were included randomly from our health care team, after proper informed consent regarding the study.

Results: Among total 40 people were involved, male were 21 of 40 (52.5%) and female were 19 of 40 (47.5%). Most of the individuals were doctors (26 of 40, 65%). Mean age, weight, height and body mass index (BMI) are also shown below.

Conclusion: This study was to report the response of people of Pakistan toward sinopharm and sinoVac vaccines in terms of COVID antibody level. Response of the body was around 40 to 50% for sinopharm and 50 to 70 percent towards CoronaVac vaccine. Further data collection is being done to improve sample size and better outcome.
Comparison of Antibacterial Efficacy of Fenugreek Seed Extract Rinse and Nigella Sativa Seed Extract Rinse against Streptococcus Mutant Colonies
Authors: Iqbal Nasima , Rehman ATA UR , Zaidi Syeda Amber , Khan Kiran , Farooq Lubna , Mehmood Hira
Published: November 2021

Background: Dental infections were caused by the bacterium overgrowth on the surface of the tooth, and treatment should always be set up to prevent this development.Antibiotics have long been used as a conventional antibacterial medication, but their overuse has resulted in microbes gaining resistance to many of the antibiotics, trying to make many commercialized therapeutic remedies ineffectual and resulting to infection recurrence. In this regard we aim to analyze the antibacterial activity of nigella sativa seeds’ and fenugreek seed extract rinses against S. mutans' colonies.

Methodology: It was a preclinical experimental study conducted at Baqai Medical and Dental College Karachi., from January - June 2021. Calculated sample size was n = 80 Consecutive sampling technique was used. Plaque of study participants was collected on sterile strips that was transported to laboratory for culture in sterile containers.The extract of Fenugreek seed and nigella sativa seed was kept in an airtight bottle and stored in a refrigerator till usage. The extracts were diluted in distilled water in 1:4 (Extract: Distilled water). Study participants were instructed to not brush their teeth before sampling. Study participants were divided into four groups (negative control, positive control, fenugreek seed extract group and Nigella sativa group) each group had 20 participants. Diluted Fenugreek seed extract and Nigella sativa extract was given to experimental groups for rinses.

Results: There was significant decrease in number of colonies in positive controls, fenugreek seed extract group and nigella sativa extract group and there was no change in number of colonies in control group. Furthermore, the analysis showed significant (p-value = 0.001) difference among the groups followed by post hoc analysis. Post hoc analysis showed no difference between positive control, fenugreek seed extract group and nigella sativa group.

Conclusion: Fenugreek seed extract and Nigella Sativa seed extract showed comparable antibacterial properties. Also, the effect was found to be similar to commercially available mouth rinse.
Molecular Characterisation and Plasmid Profiling of Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria Isolates from Wetlands in Rivers State, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Ogbonna D. N. , Chibuike P. M. , Williams J. O.
Published: November 2021

Wetlands can intercept runoff from surfaces prior to reaching open water and remove pollutants through physical, chemical, and biological processes thereby protecting and preserving the environment.  Because of unsustainable oil exploration activities, most wetlands in Rivers State, Southern Nigeria have suffered severe petroleum-damaged ecosystems. This research was carried out to characterize and identify the hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria associated with crude oil polluted wetlands and to screen for the presence of plasmids that could confer resistance to antibiotics using both cultural and molecular methods. Soil samples were collected from three different wetlands across the state with hand auger at two depths of 0-15cm and 15-30cm twice monthly for three months. The presence of microbial activity was determined by the enumeration and isolation of total heterotrophic and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria. Eight (8) most occuring hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial isolates were isolated and identified culturally and phenotypically from the 54 wetland soil samples. These bacteria isolates were confirmed to be Bacillus flexus, Bacillus subtilis, Lysinibacillus macroides, Staphylococcus aureus, Chryseobacterium aquifrigidense, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica molecularly via sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The most common bacteria isolated were Bacillus species, followed by Pseudomonas at a dilution of 106.   Seven (7) out of the eight (8) isolates (except Salmoella enterica) showed the presence of the 25kb plasmids at various intensities.
Multicenter Study of Utility and Acceptability of Depression and Anxiety Screening in Adolescents and Young Adults With Childhood‐Onset Systemic Lupus
Authors: Rubinstein Tamar B. , Dionizovik‐Dimanovski Marija , Davis Alaina M. , Smith Chelsey , Faust Lauren , Rutstein Beth , Mitchell Manda , Jones Jordan T. , Harris Julia G. , Rodriguez Martha , Tesher Melissa , Onel Karen , Gabbay Vilma , Stein Ruth E. K. , von Scheven Emily , Knight Andrea M. ,   for the CARRA Mental Health Workgroup
Published: November 2021

Objective

To determine the utility and acceptability for depression and anxiety screening of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) in the pediatric rheumatology setting.

Methods

AYA with cSLE, ages 12–21 years, from 8 collaborating sites, were consecutively screened for depression and anxiety with the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7‐item scale (GAD‐7). Demographic and disease characteristics were collected, as well as patient‐reported outcome measures using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pediatric profile‐25. Acceptability of screening was assessed with postscreening surveys completed by AYA and parents. Chi‐square and Wilcoxon rank sum tests examined the relationship between patient characteristics and history of previous screening. Spearman correlations examined relationships between screening scores, PROMIS domains, and other disease factors.

Results

Among 106 AYA screened, 64 (60%) had been previously screened, 25 (24%) by general pediatricians. Thirty‐two (30%) AYA screened positive, including 24% for depression, 17% for anxiety, and 14% for suicidal ideation. Depression and anxiety symptom severity were highly correlated with increased PROMIS domain scores for fatigue and pain interference and moderately correlated with increased pain severity, decreased mobility, and decreased peer relationships. Eighty‐six percent of AYA and 95% of parents expressed comfort with screening in the pediatric rheumatology setting.

Conclusion

Depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation are common among AYA with cSLE, and symptoms are correlated with important patient‐reported outcomes. Mental health screening in the pediatric rheumatology setting was highly acceptable among AYA with cSLE and their parents.
CoS2 Nanoparticles‐Decorated MoS2/rGO Nanosheets as An Efficient Electrocatalyst for Ultrafast Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Khan Habib , Shah Sayyar Ali , Rehman Wasif ur , Chen Fei
Published: November 2021

Water electro‐reduction for sustainable hydrogen production is a critical factor of water‐splitting devices. However, designing and engineering cheap and highly‐efficient alternative electrocatalysts to replace currently used platinum‐based electrocatalysts is still prerequisite for commercialization of hydrogen production. Herein, a robust and highly active catalyst of CoS2 nanoparticle‐decorated MoS2/reduced graphene oxide (CoS2@MoS2/rGO−w) nanosheets is fabricated by hydrothermal reaction for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The optimized CoS2@MoS2/rGO−0.05 nanocomposite exhibits outstanding HER performance with a low onset overpotential of 15 mV, overpotentials of 66 mV at current density 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 33.9 mV dec−1, and high electrochemical durability in 0.5 m H2SO4 solution. The high HER of CoS2@MoS2/rGO−0.05 can be mostly ascribed to synergistic effect between CoS2 and MoS2. This work offers a novel strategy for design and engineering efficient electrocatalysts for the HER based on earth‐abundant materials.
Gamma‐Ray Radiation Stability of Mixed‐Cation Lead Mixed‐Halide Perovskite Single Crystals
Authors: Gao Lei , Tao Kezheng , Sun Jia‐Lin , Yan Qingfeng
Published: November 2021

Organic–inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskites have shown extraordinary potentials in space photovoltaic technology and high‐energy‐rays detection but their practical application still faces the bottleneck of radiation‐induced instability. Specifically, gamma‐ray radiation hardness is a main concern due to the highest penetrability and difficulty in stopping of gamma‐photons. However, the gamma‐ray radiation stability of perovskites remains controversial. Herein, stability of mixed‐cation lead mixed‐halide FA0.95Cs0.05PbI2.7Br0.3 single crystals under 60Co gamma‐ray radiation of different doses is investigated by tracking the evolution of structural, optical, and photophysical properties. Importantly, they show excellent stability to humidity and heat, eliminating the potential influence of moisture and temperature upon evaluating their gamma‐ray radiation stability. FA0.95Cs0.05PbI2.7Br0.3 single crystals are found stable with an accumulated dose lower than 200 krad and the performance of the irradiated perovskite photodetector could almost completely self‐heal after aging in dark. Perovskite decomposition occurs when the radiation dose is increased to 400 krad or even higher. These phenomena are explained by the synergistic effect between defects generation and lattice reparation caused by ion redistribution during gamma‐ray radiation. These results provide guidance for their practical application in space photovoltaic technology and gamma‐ray detectors.
Identification of growth‐related indicators affecting the appearance and protein content of rice grains
Authors: Nakano Hiroshi , Tanaka Ryo , Guan Senlin , Okami Midori , Wada Hiroshi , Hakata Makoto , Ohdan Hideki
Published: November 2021

To facilitate the stable production of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in a changing climate, it is imperative to establish optimal N application rate via growth diagnosis. In this study, field experiments were conducted to identify useful indicators of white‐back grains and protein content of rice. During the reproductive stages in 2018 and 2019, we applied N at different rates and recorded the soil and plant analyzer development (SPAD) readings and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) measurements. The white‐back grain percentage and grain protein content were more strongly correlated with SPAD readings and NDVI during the reproductive stage when the 2018 and 2019 data were combined than with the separate data for each year. In the combined 2018 and 2019 data, SPAD readings were the most dominant factor affecting white‐back grain percentage at 4–2 wk before heading, whereas NDVI was the most dominant factor at 1 wk before heading. Similarly, in the combined 2018 and 2019 data, SPAD readings were the most dominant factors for grain protein content on all measurement days, and NDVI was one of the dominant factors at 1 wk before heading. These results suggest that SPAD readings at 4–2 wk before heading and SPAD readings and NDVI at 1 wk before heading are useful indicators for determining the optimal N application rates during the reproductive stage to reduce the occurrence of white‐back grains and to regulate the grain protein content.
Maximal Steered Coherence and Its Conversion to Entanglement in Multiple Bosonic Reservoirs
Authors: Xu Xiao‐Xiao , Hu Ming‐Liang
Published: November 2021

The remote control of coherence is a crucial step for its application in quantum computation. The maximal steered coherence (MSC) and its conversion to entanglement in multiple bosonic reservoirs are investigated. It is shown that the MSC decays with time in the Markovian regime and behaves as damped oscillations in the non‐Markovian regime. The MSC can also be connected directly to the strength of non‐Markovianity, through which it is shown that it can be noticeably enhanced by taking full advantage of the non‐Markovian effects. Besides, the MSC can be converted completely to entanglement via optimal incoherent operation applied to the steered qubit and an incoherent ancilla which is immune to decoherence, and the generated entanglement is stronger than the shared entanglement in prior. These findings suggest a potential way for remotely generating and manipulating coherence and entanglement in noisy environments.