bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOUTH RAVENSPURN GAS FIELD, OFFSHORE UNITED KINGDOM: SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY AND HETEROGENEITY MODELLING IN A LOW PERMEABILITY CONTINENTAL RESERVOIR
Authors: SWEET M. L.
Published: October 2019

South Ravenspurn Field, located in UKCS blocks 42/30 and 43/26, is a large (> 1 TCF gas initially in place) dry gas field that is currently producing from 22 vertical, hydraulically fractured wells. The reservoir is the Lower Leman Sandstone of the Permian Rotliegend Group. As the field is at the edge of the Lower Leman Sandstone play fairway, reservoir quality is poor.

In 1996 to assess the potential for drilling infill wells the South Ravenspurn geologic and reservoir engineering models were completely rebuilt. By recognizing eolian sequence boundaries, lacustrine transgressive surfaces and maximum flooding surfaces a high-resolution stratigraphic framework was established for the field using core and wireline data. This framework was critical to understanding the continuity of eolian facies flow units and the effects on vertical transmissibility of lacustrine highstand shales. Based on this framework and outcrop analogs a 3-D geologic model of the reservoir was constructed using geostatistical techniques. This model had strongly deterministic elements to honor the facies trends seen regionally and the occurrence of facies changes at major stratigraphic boundaries. Rock properties were assigned to each facies based on core, wireline and well test data.

The resulting geologic model was upscaled to a full-field simulation model. During the history matching process data on gas production and reservoir pressure were used to improve the fine-scale geologic description. The resulting full-field model predicted lateral depletion of the higher permeability eolian units and poor vertical drainage of the reservoir.
CHARACTERIZATION OF A SHALLOW MARINE SANDSTONE RESERVOIR IN A SYN-RIFT SETTING: THE BENTHEIM SANDSTONE FORMATION (VALANGINIAN) OF THE RÜHLERMOOR FIELD, LOWER SAXONY BASIN, NW GERMANY
Authors: WONHAM J.P. , JOHNSON H.D. , MUTTERLOSE J. , STADTLER A. , RUFFELL A.
Published: October 2019

The Bentheim Sandstone Formation is of Valanginian age and consists of several sheet-like bodies (each up to tens of meters thick) located in the western part of the Lower Saxony Basin of NW Germany. This study compares the reservoir characteristics of the Bentheim Sandstone Formation at outcrop in the Bad Bentheim area and in the subsurface where it forms an oil reservoir in the Riihlermoor field. The formation is interpreted to have been deposited along a tidal, embayed coastline at the margin of a small, partially enclosed sea. Rapid thickness variations of the total unit suggest it was deposited in a syn-rift setting of horst and graben. Toward the south and east, the sandstone interfingers with basinal shales.

Outcrop facies analysis has identified three main facies associations: (1) a tide-influenced fluvial deltaic association; (2) a wave-influenced fluvial deltaic association, and (3) a tide-dominated deltaic association. All three facies associations are sand-dominated. Progradation of the deltaic system in all three cases resulted in the formation of sandier-upward facies successions composed of mudstone or heterolithic facies in the lower part and cleaner, more massive sandstone in the upper part. Comparison with contemporaneously deposited reservoir sandstones has been assisted by the collection of outcrop gamma ray and permeability data.

A stratigraphic methodology derived from study of outcrop can be applied to the subsurface. In both outcrop and subsurface, the Bentheim Sandstone Formation can be subdivided into three genetic sequences (Bentheim 1, 2 and 3) which are retrogradationally stacked, back-stepping toward the basin margin in a north-westerly direction. Genetic sequences are used to define progradational-retrogradational phases of deposition within which stacked, sandier-upward successions form a stratigraphic subunit correlatable over several kilometers. These subunits are recognized in the subsurface and are interpreted to possess a sigmoidal geometry.

Sedimentation was strongly influenced by synsedimentary tectonism. This tectonic influence focused deltaic depositional systems into a series of W-E and NW-SE oriented grabens. In both the outcrop and subsurface areas this influence is strong and has a marked control on the distribution of facies and, consequently, on reservoir thickness and quality.
Simulation: A Training Resource for Quality Care and Improving Patient Safety
Authors: Escudero Eliana , Silva Marlova , Corvetto Marcia
Published: October 2019

Patient safety is an ever-present topic in the discussion of educators. It has been 20 years since the publication of To Err Is Human, and there are lessons learned, although there is still much to be done. Healthcare systems are becoming increasingly complex, putting the safety of patients at risk. In this context, there is a greater exposure of healthcare professionals to medical-legal liability issues and to becoming victims of situations that are often preventable. Nurses and medical doctors are especially exposed to these situations, since they are visible during procedures, or do so during the points of greater risk during the patient care process. This chapter will review the contribution provided by the curricular integration of simulation-based education as a tool to train technical and nontechnical issues and how this work can be done for the safety of patients through a standardized training plan, under controlled and evaluated processes. We will discuss how resources and elements allow to perform healthcare interventions in a more safely manner. Finally, we will review the existing literature, some experiences, and the available evidence on this topic.
First-Tier Array CGH in Clinically Variable Entity Diagnosis: 22q13.3 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Budisteanu Magdalena , Tutulan-Cunita Andreea , Ofelia Focsa Ina , Papuc Sorina Mihaela , Arghir Aurora
Published: October 2019

Phelan-McDermid (PMS) or 22q13 deletion syndrome (OMIM 606232) is a rare genetic disorder with highly variable clinical presentation. The phenotype includes generalized neonatal hypotonia, developmental delay with intellectual disability and delayed speech, mild dysmorphic features, and autistic behavior. The genetic defects of PMS consist of 22q13.3 deletions or chromosomal structural rearrangements involving SHANK3 gene; the loss of function mutations of SHANK3 gene was reported in a minority of cases. The 22q13.3 deletions vary in size, from 0.2 to over 9 Mb, and, although larger deletions are generally associated with more severe phenotypes, the genotype-phenotype correlations are not clear-cut for all patients. SHANK3 is considered the main candidate gene for the neurologic features of PMS. PMS is a rare disorder, often underdiagnosed. There are no established clinical diagnostic criteria for PMS. The genetic tests typically used are chromosomal microarray and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) or fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for copy number analysis of SHANK3 gene; next-generation sequencing (NGS) or Sanger sequencing is used for pathogenic mutation screening of SHANK3. In this chapter, we report three cases with PMS and summarize the clinical and genetic diagnostic approaches of this condition, highlighting the role of chromosomal microarray technology in the identification of rare, but significantly impacting patient’s life, DNA copy number abnormalities.
Kant on the Philosopher’s Proper Activity
Authors: Stoner Samuel A. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2019

This essay investigates Kant’s understanding of the philosopher’s proper activity. It begins by examining Kant’s well-known claim in the Critique of Pure Reason that the philosopher is the legislator of human reason. Subsequently, it explicates Kant’s oft-overlooked description of the transcendental philosopher as an admirer of nature’s logical purposiveness, in the ‘First Introduction’ to the Critique of the Power of Judgment. These two accounts suggest very different ways of thinking about the philosopher’s character and concerns. For, while Kant’s philosopher-legislator pursues the practical, world-transformative task of furthering reason’s moral vocation, the transcendental philosopher’s admiration of nature’s purposiveness is a form of a contemplative openness to the contingent but wonderful orderliness of things. I conclude that Kant ultimately recognizes that the tension between legislation and admiration is characteristic of the philosopher and that it is the heart of philosophy’s vitality.
A Study of the Nutritional Diagnosis on Apple Crops Using Multispectral Indices in a Semi-Arid Environment (Chihuahua, Mexico) = Análisis del estado nutricional en manzanos en un ambiente semiárido mediante el empleo de índices multiespectrales (Chihuahua, Mexico)
Authors: Amado Jesús , Pérez Cutillas Pedro , Alatorre Luis , Alarcón J.J.
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe effect of anomalies of foliar mineral nutrients on the nutritional behavior of apple crops has been evaluated using parameters obtained by means of remote sensing techniques. Twenty-five plots in commercial orchards were selected in the five most important municipalities of Chihuahua State, Mexico in which the main nutritional parameters were measured (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and B). Important deficiencies of these nutrients were detected in 88% of the analyzed crops. These deficiencies showed significant correlation with the spectral data (SPOT5) and with the NDVI elaborated from these data. The mathematical models obtained showed high determination coefficients for most of the mineral elements; concretely, nitrogen and calcium presented the best results (0.80 and 0.76, respectively).ResumenSe ha evaluado el efecto en las anomalías de los nutrientes minerals foliares en el comportamiento nutricional de los cultivos de manzanos utilizando parámetros obtenidos mediante técnicas de teledetección. Se seleccionaron veinticinco parcelas en fincas comerciales de los cinco municipios más importantes del estado de Chihuahua (México), en los que se midieron en campo los principales parámetros nutricionales (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu y B). Se detectaron importantes deficiencias de estos nutrientes en el 88% de los cultivos analizados. Estas deficiencias mostraron una correlación significativa con los datos espectrales (SPOT5) y con el NDVI elaborado a partir de estos datos. Los modelos matemáticos obtenidos proporcionaron altos coeficientes de determinación para la mayoría de los elementos minerales; concretamente, el nitrógeno y el calcio presentaron los mejores resultados (0.80 y 0.76, respectivamente).
Las vías pecuarias de la región de Murcia. Valoración y potencialidades como recurso turístico = The Paths for Livestock of the Region of Murcia. Assessment and Potentiality as a Tourist Resource
Authors: Sánchez Sánchez Miguel Ángel
Published: October 2019

Las vías pecuarias son un legado histórico y cultural destacado. La Región de Murcia cuenta con un buen número de estas. Conocer sobre el carácter patrimonial de las mismas y elementos asociados es una cuestión de interés. Para ello se analiza la red de vías pecuarias, anexos y elementos próximos existentes en la Región de Murcia. Además de su posible calificación como caminos paisajísticos regionales. Estas infraestructuras cuentan con un destacado valor patrimonial, dotándolas de atractivo turístico y convirtiéndolas en un recurso complementario de la oferta turística regional. Dado que discurren por todo el territorio regional permiten el acercamiento a la gran diversidad de paisajes con que cuenta la Región, así como el desplazamiento por los mismos, de ahí que se justifique su denominación como caminos paisajísticos regionales.  AbstractThe paths for livestock are a remarkable historical and cultural legacy. The Region of Murcia has a good number of these. Knowing about the patrimonial nature of the same and associated elements is a matter of interest. To this end, the net work of livestock trails, annexes and nearby elements exiting in the Region of Murcia is analyzed. In addition to its possible qualification as regional landscape roads. These infrastructures have an outstanding patrimonial value, endowing them with tourist attraction and turning them into tourist resource complementary to the regional tourist offer. Since they run throughout the regional territory allow the approach to the great diversity of landscapes that the Region has, as well as the displacement by them, hence its name is justified as regional landscape roads.
SIG y bases de datos. Oportunidades y retos en la transición de los sistemas tradicionales al Big Data = GIS and databases. Opportunities and Challenges in the Transition from Traditional Systems to Big Data
Authors: García Juan Laura , Vallina Rodríguez Alejandro
Published: October 2019

La universalización y democratización de diversas geotecnologías, sumada a la creación y consumo de grandes cantidades de geodatos, ha generado un impulso para lograr soluciones tecnológicas que satisfagan las nuevas necesidades surgidas. El debate actual se centra en la disyuntiva de la continuidad de operar con sistemas tradicionales, o bien apostar por el surgimiento y consolidación de nuevas tecnologías, como es el caso del Big Data. A todo ello se suma la necesidad de evaluar y analizar el encaje de los SIG, herramienta fundamental del geógrafo en estos nuevos planteamientos.Dentro de todo este complejo universo, se tomará como ejemplo la transición que se está produciendo en el campo de las bases de datos, verdadero corazón de un SIG. Tradicionalmente se ha venido empleando modelos relacionales, que están actualmente en pugna con opciones más novedosas, entre las que destaca el ya citado Big Data, con una potente irrupción en el mundo geográfico, y con un gran peso fuera de él.A través de una revisión crítica, realizada de forma empírica, mediante el desarrollo de una matriz multicriterio y de la aplicación de un análisis DAFO, con este trabajo se pretenden evaluar las opciones tecnológicas, actuales y futuras, más adecuadas para dar respuesta a este nuevo paradigma.AbstractThe universalization and democratization of diverse geotechnologies, added to the creation and consumption of large amounts of geodata, has generated an impulse to achieve technological solutions that meet the new needs that have arisen. The current debate focuses on the dilemma of the continuity of operating with traditional systems, or betting on the emergence and consolidation of new technologies, such as Big Data. To all this is added the need to evaluate and analyze the fit of GIS, a fundamental tool of the geographer in these new approaches.Within this complex universe, we will take as an example the transition that is taking place in the field of databases, the true heart of a GIS. Traditionally they have been using relational models, which are currently in conflict with newer options, among which the Big Data stands out, with a strong irruption in the geographical world, and with a great weight outside it.Through a critical review, conducted empirically, through the development of a multicriteria matrix and the application of a SWOT analysis, this paper aims to evaluate the technological options, current and future, more appropriate to respond to this new paradigm.
Reseña de: Canales Martínez, Gregorio y Ponce Sánchez, María Dolores: Agua y sostenibilidad. La monumentalidad del edificio hidráulico de la huerta del Bajo Segura
Authors: Morales Yago Francisco José
Published: October 2019

Reseña de: Canales Martínez, Gregorio y Ponce Sánchez, María Dolores: Agua y sostenibilidad. La monumentalidad del edificio hidráulico de la huerta del Bajo Segura (Water and Sustainability. The Monumentality of the Hydraulic Building of the Lower Segura Garden), Alicante, 2019, Editorial Cátedra «Arzobispo Loazes» de la Universidad de Alicante, 268 pp. ISBN- 978-84-1302-029-7
Entre la cooptación y la resistencia: de la Femvertising a la Publicidad Profem
Authors: Menéndez Menéndez María Isabel
Published: October 2019

La Femvertising ha aparecido con fuerza en los últimos años como una estrategia de comunicación persuasiva que intenta eliminar los estereotipos de género al tiempo que trabaja por el empoderamiento de las consumidoras. Sin embargo, el carácter esencialmente comercial de la publicidad plantea dudas sobre sus verdaderos fines. Si bien deberían tender al cambio social, siempre emerge la sospecha ante la posible instrumentalización del feminismo en función de objetivos comerciales. El presente artículo pretende contribuir a paliar la escasez de bibliografía especializada sobre Femvertising, por lo que comienza por ofrecer antecedentes de este tipo de publicidad, plantea luego los nudos teóricos que deben abordarse desde la filosofía feminista y, finalmente, construye una metodología para analizar o diseñar publicidad que genere feminismo (Advertising Profem o Publicidad Profem), enfoque más adecuado para los intereses de género que la definición como publicidad feminista.‘Femvertising’ has gained relevance in the last few years as a strategy of persuasive communication that tries to eliminate gender stereotypes while promoting the empowerment of female consumers. However, the essentially commercial quality of advertising raises doubts about its actual aims. Although ‘femvertising’ is supposed to tend towards social change, there is always some suspicion about its instrumentalization of feminism for commercial purposes. This paper tries to fill a gap within the specialized bibliography on ‘femvertising’. In order to do so, it revises its origins, it explores its main theoretical keys from the point of view of feminist philosophy and, finally, it elaborates a method to analyze or design a type of ‘advertising that generates feminism’, which we have dubbed ‘profem advertising’, taking an approach that seems to be more useful for gender-based interests than the more problematic definition of ‘feminist advertising’.
Mourning My Mother: An Exploration of the Complex Emotions Elicited by the Terminal Illness of an Estranged Parent
Authors: Pedersen Anne Bettina
Published: October 2019

In 2017, I learned that my estranged mother had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. This article explores the conflicting emotional responses I have had following the decision not to reconnect with my mother, not to provide care for her during her illness, and not to attend her funeral (when the time comes). This study combines my own creative explorations of child neglect, through  autophenomenography, with examinations of autobiographical accounts of mother-daughter relationships and literature on family estrangement and the loss of a parent. I suggest that I already ‘read’ myself as a motherless daughter, and that caring, (re)mourning, and (re)grieving for my mother would entail reentering a dysfunctional dyad and opening up past wounds. There appear to be few resources to draw on regarding how to navigate this particular emotional terrain. This article does not intend to provide a prescriptive model for this type of loss, but rather aims at opening up for queer modes of grieving and mourning and suggests that, in some cases, the denial of care for an estranged parent translates into self-care and self-preservation.
L’Union européenne et le droit au séjour dérivé des ressortissants d’États tiers consacré par la CJUE : l’affaire Rendón Marín et ses conséquences
Authors: Gardey de Soos Blandine
Published: October 2019

L’arrêt Rendon Marin du 13 septembre 2016 fut pour la Cour de justice de l’Union européenne l’occasion de réaffirmer le principe d’une protection « remontante » attachée à la citoyenneté européenne. Ainsi, le ressortissant d’un pays tiers parent d’un enfant citoyen européen peut-il se prévaloir d’un droit au séjour sur le territoire de l’Union européenne dérivé de celui du mineur. Toute dérogation à ce principe nécessite que le ressortissant étranger présente une menace réelle et actuelle pour un intérêt fondamental de la société qui l’accueille. Nouvelle illustration du contrôle de proportionnalité par la juridiction européenne elle-même, l’arrêt Rendon Marin préfigure également l’arrêt Chavez Vilchez du 10 mai 2017. Au terme de ce cycle jurisprudentiel, le juge national dispose des outils pour procéder au contrôle de proportionnalité à la lumière des dispositions constitutionnelles de l’article 20 du TFUE. La défense des droits fondamentaux en sort renforcée sur le continent européen. Outre la protection offerte par la jurisprudence de la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme, le droit de l’UE propose désormais de vastes possibilités fondées sur la citoyenneté européenne. Celle-ci est appelée à devenir, pour reprendre les termes de la CJUE, le statut fondamental des ressortissants des États membres.
El mite de l’esperit fantasmal durant el Modernisme: transposició, irrealitat i creences
Authors: Gregori Alfons
Published: October 2019

Amb la voluntat de contribuir a l’escassament estudiada literatura fantàstica catalana, el present article és una aproximació a dos dels motius cabdals d’aquesta modalitat literària, és a dir, els fantasmes i els esperits encarnats. Així, partim d’un fonament teòric interdisciplinari a l’entorn de la funció imaginativa de l’ésser humà per tal d’analitzar un petit corpus de narrativa breu escrita durant l’època modernista en què el component irreal determina l’adscripció genèrica de l’obra i resulta clau en l’engranatge textual del relat. En concret es tracta de dos contes força oposats entre ells: un de M. Genís i Aguilar i un segon de J. Zanné. Tot aplicant les nocions vinculades a la hipertextualitat literària difoses per Genette, examinem els condicionants estètics, ideològics i religiosos en la reescriptura dels mites i dels hipotextos que es localitzen en cadascun dels relats.
L’accepció causativa del verb «interessar» amb complement preposicional
Authors: Royo Carles
Published: October 2019

El verb interessar mostra una remarcable flexibilitat sintàctica que li permet participar en un ampli ventall d’alternances verbals. Presenta una accepció causativa que és poc habitual dins el paradigma dels verbs psicològics catalans, perquè pot participar en construccions causatives de canvi d’estat triargumentals que no presenten la Target/Subject Matter (T/SM) Restriction de Pesetsky (1995) (La Meritxell va interessar la Núria pel teatre), es resisteix a l’ús del verb sense l’experimentador (??La Meritxell va interessar pel teatre) i exigeix la presència obligatòria d’un sintagma preposicional (*La Meritxell va interessar la Núria). A més, l’alternança amb una accepció pronominal es diferencia de l’alternança causativa d’altres verbs psicològics causatius amb objecte experimentador. L’especificitat lèxica i la flexibilitat sintàctica del verb interessar són un repte per al debat entre els diferents enfocaments de la interfície lexicó-sintaxi.
És la «variació lingüística social» una categoria operativa per a la planificació lingüística de corpus?
Authors: Costa Carreras Joan
Published: October 2019

Hem constatat les dificultats d’aprofundir les relacions conceptuals entre la variació social i la funcional, que comencen quan ens preguntem quins factors socials són pertinents per descriure el col·loquial. Creiem que cal tenir en compte, en ordre decreixent, les «adscripcions identitàries» que Block (2014) analitza: capital lingüístic, capital cultural, edat, gènere, activitat habitual, «habitus/ideologia/actituds», «classe social», ètnia i religió. En aquest context d’incertesa conceptual, no és estrany que la variació social sigui una dimensió sociolingüística tractada inadequadament en la normativa catalana: Badia (1994) confon els termes diastràtic i diafàsic i llegint els textos normatius de l’IEC s’hi veu un tractament incoherent, contradictori, imprecís i incomplet de la variació social. La concepció acceptada de gramàtica normativa, que es basa en els judicis socials, queda contradita pel «tractament de la variació» de la GIEC (2016: XXII), que els exclou. Davant d’aquesta contradicció, presentem una anàlisi de com l’IEC exposa la variació social, la funcional i les relacions entre totes dues. Finalment, encetem el debat de quin seria el tractament pertinent de la variació social per la SF.
Corinna Albert, Roger Friedlein & Imma Martí Esteve (eds.), «Els catalans i Llatinoamèrica (s. XIX i XX). Viatges, exilis i teories», Barcelona, Publicacions de l’Abadia de Montserrat, 2017, 352 p.
Authors: Ferrer i Higueras Bruno
Published: October 2019

Ressenya sobre el llibre de Corinna Albert, Roger Friedlein & Imma Martí Esteve (eds.), Els catalans i Llatinoamèrica (s. XIX i XX). Viatges, exilis i teories, Barcelona, Publicacions de l’Abadia de Montserrat, 2017, 352 p., ISBN: 978-84-9883-925-8.
Antoni Girauld, «Remei e memorial per a preservar-se i curar de la pesta (1587)», Francesc Cremades (transcripció, introducció i glossari) i Joan Veny (estudi lingüístic), col·lecció «Scripta», Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona / Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad / Publicacions de l’Abadia de Montserrat, 2017, 182 p.
Authors: Gimeno Betí Lluís
Published: October 2019

Resssenya sobre el llibre d'Antoni Girauld, Remei e memorial per a preservar-se i curar de la pesta (1587), Francesc Cremades (transcripció, introducció i glossari) i Joan Veny (estudi lingüístic), col·lecció «Scripta», Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona / Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad / Publicacions de l’Abadia de Montserrat, 2017, 182 p., ISBN: 978-84-9883-994-4.
PV Panelinin Altına Serbest Olarak Yerleştirilen Siyah Emici Plakanın Termal Kapasitesinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: ATMACA Mustafa , PEKTEMİR İmdat Zafer
Published: October 2019

Fotovoltaik termal sistemler, aynı yüzeyden hem
termal hem elektrik enerjisi kazanmak için oldukça popülerdir.  Bu çalışmada, PV panelin altına yerleştirilmiş
siyah boyalı absorber plakanın  ısı
kazancı deneysel olarak araştırılmıştır. Bu amaçla bakır borulu bir ısı
değiştirici dizayn edilmiştir. Ayrıca siyah boyalı bir alüminyum emici plaka
dizayn edilerek absorber ve ısı değiştirici ısıl iletken bir yapıştırıcı sayesinde
birleştirilmiştir. En sonunda absorber, PV panelin arkasına yerleştirilmiş ve
ısı  yalıtım malzemesi ile yalıtılmıştır.
Ayrıca sistem bir su ısıtma sistemi ile birleştirilmiş olup absorber plakanın
ısı kazancı farklı iklim koşulları için araştırılmıştır. Araştırma farklı güneş
ışınımı, çevre sıcaklığı ve rüzgar hızları için yürütülmüştür.

Sonuçlara bakıldığında, soğutmadan önce, absorber
plaka sıcaklığının 70-80 °C seviyelere ulaştığı,  ayrıca absorberin  iyi oranda termal güneş enerjisi kazandığı görülmüştür.
Bu enerji kolaylıkla su ısıtma sistemlerinde kullanılabilir. Ayrıca, su ısıtma
sistemi sayesinde absorber sıcaklığının optimum değerlere düşürülebileceği
görülmüştür.
A statistical framework to assess cross-frequency coupling while accounting for confounding analysis effects
Authors: Nadalin Jessica K , Martinet Louis-Emmanuel , Blackwood Ethan B , Lo Meng-Chen , Widge Alik S , Cash Sydney S , Eden Uri T , Kramer Mark A
Published: October 2019

Cross frequency coupling (CFC) is emerging as a fundamental feature of brain activity, correlated with brain function and dysfunction. Many different types of CFC have been identified through application of numerous data analysis methods, each developed to characterize a specific CFC type. Choosing an inappropriate method weakens statistical power and introduces opportunities for confounding effects. To address this, we propose a statistical modeling framework to estimate high frequency amplitude as a function of both the low frequency amplitude and low frequency phase; the result is a measure of phase-amplitude coupling that accounts for changes in the low frequency amplitude. We show in simulations that the proposed method successfully detects CFC between the low frequency phase or amplitude and the high frequency amplitude, and outperforms an existing method in biologically-motivated examples. Applying the method to in vivo data, we illustrate examples of CFC during a seizure and in response to electrical stimuli.
ASPEN, a methodology for reconstructing protein evolution with improved accuracy using ensemble models
Authors: Sloutsky Roman , Naegle Kristen M
Published: October 2019

Evolutionary reconstruction algorithms produce models of the evolutionary history of proteins or species. Such algorithms are highly sensitive to their inputs: the sequences used and their alignments. Here, we asked whether the variance introduced by selecting different input sequences could be used to better identify accurate evolutionary models. We subsampled from available ortholog sequences and measured the distribution of observed relationships between paralogs produced across hundreds of models inferred from the subsamples. We observed two important phenomena. First, the reproducibility of an all-sequence, single-alignment reconstruction, measured by comparing topologies inferred from 90% subsamples, directly correlates with the accuracy of that single-alignment reconstruction, producing a measurable value for something that has been traditionally unknowable. Second, topologies that are most consistent with the observations made in the ensemble are more accurate and we present a meta algorithm that exploits this property to improve model accuracy.
Integumentary structure and composition in an exceptionally well-preserved hadrosaur (Dinosauria: Ornithischia)
Authors: Barbi Mauricio , Bell Phil R. , Fanti Federico , Dynes James J. , Kolaceke Anezka , Buttigieg Josef , Coulson Ian M. , Currie Philip J.
Published: October 2019

Preserved labile tissues (e.g., skin, muscle) in the fossil record of terrestrial vertebrates are increasingly becoming recognized as an important source of biological and taphonomic information. Here, we combine a variety of synchrotron radiation techniques with scanning electron and optical microscopy to elucidate the structure of 72 million-year-old squamous (scaly) skin from a hadrosaurid dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Alberta, Canada. Scanning electron and optical microscopy independently reveal that the three-dimensionally preserved scales are associated with a band of carbon-rich layers up to a total thickness of ∼75 microns, which is topographically and morphologically congruent with the stratum corneum in modern reptiles. Compositionally, this band deviates from that of the surrounding sedimentary matrix; Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and soft X-ray spectromicroscopy analyses indicate that carbon appears predominantly as carbonyl in the skin. The regions corresponding to the integumentary layers are distinctively enriched in iron compared to the sedimentary matrix and appear with kaolinite-rich laminae. These hosting carbonyl-rich layers are apparently composed of subcircular bodies resembling preserved cell structures. Each of these structures is encapsulated by calcite/vaterite, with iron predominantly concentrated at its center. The presence of iron, calcite/vaterite and kaolinite may, independently or collectively, have played important roles in the preservation of the layered structures.
Analysis of Institutional Factors Influencing Adoption of Zero-grazing Dairy Farming Technology among Smallholder Farmers in Bondo Sub County, Kenya
Authors: Okello G. O. , Saina E. , Ngode L.
Published: October 2019

Adoption of zero-grazing addresses challenges faced by smallholder farmers. In Bondo Sub-County adoption of zero-grazing technology has remained low at 4-8 percent despite its introduction in the area in 1990s. No in-depth analysis has ever been conducted on the factors responsible for low adoption of this technology. The purpose of this study was to analyze institutional factors influencing adoption of zero grazing dairy farming technology. The study was carried in Bondo Sub-County, Kenya between February to November 2018. A study was conducted on a sampled population of 279 from a target population of 4253 smallholder farmers. These consisted of adopters and non-adopters of zero-grazing dairy technology. Purposive, proportionate, simple random and systematic sampling techniques were used to select households. Structured questionnaire was administered during primary data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The double hurdle model was used in the study to measure the adoption and performance of zero grazing dairy technology. Institutional factors that had significant (p-value 0.000< 0.05) influence on adoption of zero-grazing dairy technology were access to extension services, frequency of extension officer’s visits, group membership and distance to nearest market. In conclusion access to extension services, frequency of extension officer’s visits, group membership and distance to nearest market influenced adoption of zero grazing farming technology in Bondo sub County. Platforms for farmers’ training should be enhanced through employment of more extension workers. The institutions supporting dairy farming should be strengthened.
Comparative Assessment of Starter Culture-Fermented Condiments Made from Seeds of Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon)
Authors: O. Adebayo Fatimat , O. Obiekezie Smart
Published: October 2019

Aim: This study was conducted to assess fermented condiments that were made from watermelon seeds, using isolated organisms from traditional fermentation as starter-cultures.

Study Design: This is a laboratory-controlled experimental design.

Place and Duration of Study: Dept. of Microbiology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria, between March and May 2017.

Methodology: Traditionally fermented (chance-inoculated) ‘ogiri’ condiment was made from sun-dried watermelon seeds. Microbiological isolation and identification were carried out using standard techniques, to obtain the participating organisms. Afterwards, sterilized packages of another batch of boiled, mashed and banana-leaf packaged seeds were aseptically inoculated with the pure isolates obtained earlier as starter cultures for a subsequent laboratory-controlled 3-day-fermentation process at 37°C in an incubator. All the different fermented products (produced by both uncontrolled and controlled fermentation) were subjected to proximate analysis. Also, the organoleptic quality attributes of the products were determined by conducting sensory evaluation on the various samples.

Results: The traditional fermentation of the watermelon seeds yielded an oily brownish paste, which has a strong characteristic pungent aroma. The participating organisms obtained from traditional fermentation were Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Corynebacterium xerosis and Lactobacillus fermenti. The result of the proximate composition show that the moisture content of the samples ranges from 3.5% to 5.4%, protein content ranges from 13.4% to 21.1%, fat content ranges from 25.5% to 40.8%, carbohydrate content of the samples ranges from 29.4% to 49.5% and the ash (total minerals) content ranges from 4.5% to 6.5%. The result of sensory evaluation generally indicated that in terms of all organoleptic attributes assessed, the combined isolates fermented sample was most preferred by the panelists.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that a laboratory prepared watermelon seed ‘ogiri’ with starter cultures of Lactobacillus fermenti, Corynebacterium xerosis and/or Bacillus subtilis can yield an organoleptically acceptable and highly proteinous condiment.
Isolation and Identification of Soil Mycoflora in the Upland and Lowland Soils of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Sokoto State
Authors: Y. Tafinta I. , Sheh K. , M. Maishanu H. , S. Noma S. , A. Yusif S. , Umar M. , Abubakar N.
Published: October 2019

A total of 14 different fungal species belonging to 7 genera were isolated from the upland and lowland soils of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, between October to December, 2015. The mycoflora were isolated using dilution plate technique on Potato dextrose agar amended by 1% streptomycin. Identification was made microscopically using the lacto-phenol cotton blue method and macroscopically by comparing the cultural and morphological features with the help of authentic fungal manual and taxonomic key. The identified species are; Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. nidulans, A. oryzae, Alternaria longifes, Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, F. mangifera, Rhizopus stolonifer, R. orizae, Saccharomyces cerevisae, Trichoderma harzianum and Trichophytum quallinum. The highest number of fungi (50 isolates) were obtained from lowland uncultivated soils (D), followed by the upland uncultivated soils (B) with about 34 strains, and the least (22 isolates) were obtained from upland cultivated soils (A) out of the total 132 isolates. Variations between sites were statistically analyzed.
Antibiogram of the Common Uropathogenic Bacteria among Yemeni Patients in Sana’a City: A Recent Report
Authors: Alsumairy Hafez , K. AlZubiery Tawfique , Alharazi Talal , Baddah Mufeed , Al-Zubeiry Adel
Published: October 2019

Aims: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of the commonly isolated uropathogens in Sana’a city, Yemen.

Study Design:  A cross-sectional and descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the hospitals and clinics of Sana'a city, Yemen between October 2016 and March 2017.

Methodology: Clean-catch mid-stream urine samples were collected to detect the most common uropathogenic bacteria and their antibiotic susceptibility using Kirby Bauer standardized method.

Results: Urine cultures yielded 170 significant bacterial growths of uropathogens. Escherichia coli was the most often isolated pathogen (43.5%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (24.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20.0%) and Staphylococcus aureus (11.8%). The overall sensitivity was high to an excellent pattern for Carbapenems, Nitrofurantoin, Amikacin, and Piperacillin-Tazobactam. Escherichia coli shows an excellent sensitivity (88%) for Nitrofurantoin and Imipenem, followed by (85%) Ertapenem. Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited moderate resistance to Carbapenems, Moxifloxacin, and Piperacillin-Tazobactam in this study. Staphylococcus aureus was more vulnerable to all Quinolones except Nalidixic acid and it displays a high sensitivity pattern, 90% for both Nitrofurantoin and Gentamicin, 83% for Penicillin, 80% for both Minocycline. Antibiogram of isolated organisms revealed that there was resistance to two and more antimicrobials.

Conclusion: In this study, we observe a high resistance rates to Beta-lactam, Quinolones, and Macrolides antibiotics. Nevertheless, most uropathogenic isolates were still sensitive to Nitrofurantoin, Imipenem, Ertapenem, and Amikacin, they considered as a proper antibiotics for empirical therapy of UTIs. Establishment of antibiogram of locally isolated organisms is necessary to avoid indiscriminating use of antibiotic and to decrease the resistance rate in our community.
Therapeutic Effect of Goya Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Albino Rat Orogastricallly Dosed with Salmonella typhi
Authors: Gabriel P. O. , Aribisala J. O. , Oladunmoye M. K. , Arogunjo A. O. , Ajayi-Moses O. B.
Published: October 2019

The therapeutic properties of Goya extra virgin olive oil in albino rats orogastrically dosed with Salmonella Typhi were accessed in this study. Both the in- vivo and in- vitro assays were used in assessing the antimicrobial activity of Goya extra virgin olive oil. Thirteen microorganisms including eight bacteria and five fungi were used in the in- vitro bioassay. Comparison of the antimicrobial efficacy of olive oil and commercial antibiotics revealed ofloxacin, gentamicin as well as the olive oil to be potent against the test organisms. The in- vivo bioassay were carried out using twenty albino rats randomly assigned into four study groups of five rats per group. The groups orogastricallly dosed with Salmonella typhi revealed that the animals showed depressed activity and weakness such as slow movement, anorexia, falling fur and rough hair coat, light soft faeces, ocular discharge and loss of weight. Following separate treatments of the rats with antibiotic (Ofloxacin) as well as Olive oil, all the characteristic symptoms of the disease decreased with time. The treated animals gained more appetite for food and water as evidenced by an increase in their weight. The average weights gained by the rats treated with Goya extra virgin olive oil were found to be higher than the weights of the untreated animals. Thus, revealing that Goya extra virgin olive oil has an antibacterial effect as does, antibiotics in the treatment of S. typhi induced disease. The control group had a fairly constant colonial count per gram (106cfu/g) of animal faeces which ranged from 1.52 ± 0.01 to 1.70 ± 0.01. There was a sharp decrease in the bacterial colony count of the faeces of the animals treated with antibiotic from 3.22 ± 0.06 to 1.70 ± 0.01 when compared to those fed with olive oil which decreased from 3.00 ± 0.00 to 2.9 ± 0.03. This confirms that the elimination rate of the bacteria in the host is as a result of the antibacterial activity of the olive oil and the antibiotics respectively. Olive oil is a natural antimicrobial and a non- toxic immune modulator, it is an amazing health building supplement which stimulates the immune system to fight against infection. Hence, results from this study have justified the use of olive oil as a natural antimicrobial and a non- toxic immune modulator (since the total phenol content present in Goya extra virgin olive oil was shown to be 14.90). Phenols are the major groups of compounds revealed to contribute to the observed inhibitory effect of olive oil. Also, the result of the mineral analysis of the Goya extra virgin olive oil showed Goya extra virgin olive oil not to have any traces of lead. Presence of lead may lead to poisoning and can cause a number of adverse human health effect. Hence, Olive oil has a significant non- toxic health building supplements which has a therapeutic effect on Salmonella typhi induced infection.
Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Analysis of Vernonia amygdalina and Psidium guajava Stems on Bacteria Associated with Dental Caries
Authors: Nata’ala M. K. , Fardami A. Y. , Dalhat M. H. , Sirajo K. , Bashiru I. , Usman M. H. , Mas’ud I.
Published: October 2019

Background: Chewing stick has long been used in many parts of Africa and the Middle East as a means of oral hygiene. Dry stems or Roots of different plants have been used in the process. Stems of Vernonia amygdalina and Psidium guajava are among the commonly used plants in Nigeria in cleansing teeth. Few attempts have been made to screen the antimicrobial activity of the stems of the trees on microorganisms isolated from teeth.

Aim of the Study: The aim was to determine the Phytoconstituents and the antimicrobial activity of Vernonia amygdalina and Psidium guajava on Bacteria isolated from human teeth.

Materials and Methods: Phytoconstituents of the aqueous and ethanolic extract of the stems of Bitter leaf and Guava tree were determined using standard methods. The antimicrobial activity of the extract against some microorganisms isolated from teeth was determined using agar well diffusion method. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined using standard methods.

Results: Phytochemical screening of stems of the two plants revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and carbohydrates. Highest zone of inhibition of 9 mm and 10 mm was recorded on the ethanolic extracts of bitter leaf and Guava tree stems on Staphylococcus aureus respectively. MIC and MBC of 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml for the ethanolic extracts of Bitter leaf stem on Klebsiella pneumonia, S. aureus and Proteus mirabilis were recorded. For the Guava, MIC and MBC of 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml were recorded for the ethanolic extracts were recorded on S. aureus and Proteus mirabilis.

Conclusion: Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of both plants show potential antibacterial activity against the microorganisms isolated from human teeth.
Impact of Pesticides on Microbial Diversity and Enzymes in Soil
Authors: Ataikiru T. L. , Okpokwasili G. S. C. , Okerentugba P. O.
Published: October 2019

Introduction: The presence of pesticides in soils could result in alterations in microbial activities (enzyme activities, microbial populations), soil physical and chemical properties.

Research gap/Challenges: Insufficient literatures on extensive monitoring of soil quality through enzyme activity, during pesticides application. Existing literatures concerning analysis of effect of pesticide application on soil enzyme activity are not comprehensive with respect to number of soil enzymes analysed.

Aim/Objective: The study was conducted to investigate the effect of carbofuran and paraquat on soil biochemical characteristics on certain soils in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Methodology: These pesticides were applied at recommended doses, their effects on soil organic carbon, enzymes activity and microbial populations were assessed using standard methods. The enzymes monitored were amylase, invertase, protease, urease, phosphatase and dehydrogenase. Microbial counts were carried out for total heterotrophic bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, nitrifying bacteria and phosphate solubilizers using the spread plate method.

Results: There were variations in the different enzyme activities in carbofuran – and paraquat - treated soil during this research. Dehydrogenase activity increased in treated soils. Also, urease activity was lower compared to other enzyme activities. As the study progressed, variations in values of soil organic carbon were observed.  There was a gradual increase in microbial counts and can be traceable to their ability to temporarily mineralize and use the pesticides as carbon and energy source. The soil organic carbon, enzymes and microbial counts values were significantly different at P=0.05.

Conclusion: This research revealed that the pesticides cause temporal impact on microbial populations and enzyme activities, associated with the pesticide type at recommended field application rates. A change in numbers, activity and diversity of soil microorganisms may act as indicators of soil fertility and reflect the soil quality.
Emergence and Re-emergence of Zika Virus; History and Current Trend
Authors: Ajide B. A. , Sobayo A. A. , Igbabul M. M.
Published: October 2019

Zika virus is an emerging and re-emerging disease of medical and public health importance. The World Health Organization has already declared the virus a new emerging disease to be managed. The virus was first discovered in Uganda in the year 1947, and the last major outbreak was in Brazil in 2015 and then witness again in India 2017-2018. Aedes aegypti is one of the mosquitoes responsible for transmitting the Zika virus, dengue virus, yellow fever virus and chikungunya virus as a primary vector in certain parts of the world. and other south and Central American countries that made it considered as a re-emerging virus. The infectious agent of Zika virus (Aedes aegypti) has been introduced to vulnerable populations through trade, travel and climate change. As earth’s climate warms and habitats are altered the virus has spread to new geographic areas such that warm temperatures allow mosquitos and diseases spread. There is currently no vaccine, but its development is still ongoing. Public awareness about this silent monster virus must be propagated and proper management of the virus is necessary to avoid future occurrences.