bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students’ conceptual understanding of organic chemistry and classroom implications in the Rwandan perspectives: A literature review
Authors: Sibomana Aimable , Karegeya Claude , Sentongo John
Published: February 2021

Chemistry subject continues to be considered as difficult to teach and learn. This leads to students’ low academic achievement, retention, and negative attitude towards the subject. Organic chemistry as one of the concepts on which technological advancement is constructed sometimes appears to be enormously complex to students. There are some persisting misconceptions about it although different innovative instructional strategies have been applied and this area is of main concern as the learning of students can be extremely hindered in case their misconceptions are not minimized and/or corrected. The review then is to equip educators with knowledge about organic chemistry concept and source of students ‘misconceptions; the misconceptions of students about organic chemistry; the ways of diagnosing students’ misconceptions and remedies of those misconceptions; some learning theories for the effective organic chemistry instruction and classroom implications. The paper is also useful to know more about the minimization of students’ misconceptions and leading them to the great academic achievement and interest towards the subject by employing cooperative learning models; thus, many other different innovative teaching strategies are recommended to apply in organic chemistry instruction
Biology Instructional Resources Availability and Extent of their Utilization in Teaching Pre-Service Biology Teachers
Authors: Mukagihana Josiane , Nsanganwimana Florien , Aurah Catherine
Published: February 2021

Education of pre-service science teachers necessitates inquiry and resource-based instruction to ensure the production of both hands-on and mind-on skilled science teachers. This becomes possible when a variety of instructional resources regularly support the teaching process. This study aimed to identify the types of available biology instructional resources and their extent of use in teaching pre-service biology teachers. The study used a descriptive survey research design and was conducted in three private Universities selected from those offering education in Rwanda. Eighty-two pre-service biology teachers and five biology lecturers participated in the study. Observational checklist of biology instructional resources and questionnaires aided the collection of data analyzed by frequency counts and percentages. The findings revealed that biology instructional resources like classroom chairs, chalkboards, laboratories, microscopes, centrifuge, slide projectors, biology textbooks were available while resources like a class whiteboard, classroom overhead projectors, electrophoresis unit, recorders, Polymerase chain reaction machines, among others, were absent. The findings also revealed low-level use of available biology instructional resources in teaching pre-service biology teachers. The implication is the likelihood of producing less competent future biology teachers. The provision of adequate biology instructional resources, as well as the monitoring of their use in teaching biology, was recommended
Impact of gamification and experiential learning on achievement in mathematics among learners with hearing impairment in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeniyi Samuel , Kuku Olaotan
Published: February 2021

There had been mixed observations about the ability and achievement of learners with hearing impairment. However, there are consensus that impactful teaching effort could aid in stimulating innovative approaches in teaching and learning of mathematics of learners particularly among learners with hearing impairment. This study seeks to appraise the impact of gamification and experiential learning on achievement in mathematics among learners with hearing impairment in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study population comprised learners with hearing impairment in Lagos State. Purposive and simple random sampling were used to select sample of 24 learners. The research design used was quasi-experimental pretest posttest traditional method  group. Mathematics Knowledge Check (MKC) was used to collect data and the data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, mean difference and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study found out that achievement in Mathematics differs as a result of exposing learners with hearing impairment to gamification and experiential learning methods of instruction. Besides, the study observed that the two interventions benefit were of benefit to male and female learners with hearing impairment. The employment of gamification and experiential learning instructional strategy was recommended for mathematics lessons of learners with hearing impairment.
Effectiveness of Practical Work in Physics on Academic Performance among Learners at the selected secondary school in Rwanda
Authors: Twahirwa Jean , Twizeyimana Etienne
Published: February 2021

The current study investigates the effectiveness of practical work in physics on academic performance among learners of a secondary school in Rwanda. The study employs a quasi-experimental research design specifically pretest-posttest control group design (control group and experimental group). Two groups of learners of senior one at Groupe Scholaire Rugoma were treated differently through an expository and practice-based approach respectively. Physics achievement test prepared to evaluate the effect of practical work indicated that learners in the experimental group outperformed those of the control group treated by the expository teaching method. Various factors that may advance or hinder the implementation of practical work were identified and views from science teachers were collected. Most of the respondents strongly agreed that those factors have a significant impact on the implementation of practical work which in turn influence learners’ overall academic performance during Physics Achievement Test (PAT). A significant difference was observed from the statistical analysis performed by using SPSS version 21.0. (Pretest and posttest among learners in the experimental group; t = 27.243; 32.743; MD = 8.4239; 13.12500 respectively whereas the pretest and posttest among learners are as follow, t = 28.442; 32.627; MD = 9.82500; 2.38005 respectively and for all performance evaluation hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance. Based on the observed results, it was found that practical work was more effective in improving learners’ performance in Physics. It was therefore concluded that practical work continues to be a promising approach in teaching sciences, particularly teaching Physics in secondary schools.
Ways School Leaders Support the Teaching of Chemistry
Authors: Byusa Edwin , Kampire Edwige , Mwesigye Adrian Rwekaza
Published: February 2021

The study aims to reinforce the effective teaching of chemistry in secondary schools through the support of the school leadership in the implementation of the competence-based curriculum (CBC). Interviews were organised and conducted with five headteachers and five deputy headteachers from ten selected schools. The results confirmed that the support provided by the school leadership in teaching chemistry was dominated by 30% of respondents at visiting teachers in classes, provision of some basic teaching materials and encouraging teachers to work in the chemistry department for mutual support and professional growth. However, in some schools, there is a need for prioritising continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities, feedback meetings and analysing school data for decision making. Therefore, this study recommends more efforts in CPDs, avail enough teaching aids and hold the pedagogical review and learning meetings lead by headteachers; analyse and use the school data for continuous improvement and build the school on tangible evidence in positive learning outcomes. Plus more support in engaging learners doing chemistry rather than just giving them chemistry books. Transformational leadership is needed, where all stakeholders share the same vision and mission of the school.
Concept mapping impact on self-efficacy for enhancing students’ motivation and performance in biology
Authors: Adiyiah Michael , Mutangana Dieudonne , Ameyaw Yaw
Published: February 2021

The impact of students’ self-efficacy beliefs about their academic performance and motivation in all stages of their academic endeavour has been a major concern to many researchers. It contributes greatly to the overall total development and success of the student even at their progression to the next level in their educational development. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to investigate the effect of using concept mapping strategy as an intervention strategy on the development of students’ self-efficacy beliefs about their motivation and performance in biology. One hundred and twenty students from two different Senior High Schools in Ashanti Region of Ghana were involved in the experiment. Two instruments, namely students’ self-efficacy and motivation questionnaire as well as students’ achievement test were used in the data collection and the results were analyzed using Pearson product-moment correlation, one-way ANOVA and multiple regression statistics. The findings of the study indicated that effective regular use of concept mapping strategy has a strong and positive influence on students’ self-efficacy beliefs about their development which enhances their motivation to learn and performance in biology.
Teachers’ Behaviours Towards Vital Interactions that Attract Students’ Interest to Learn Mathematics and Career Development
Authors: Ukobizaba Fidele , Ndihokubwayo Kizito , Uworwabayeho Alphonse
Published: February 2021

It is natural for students to expect appropriate behaviours from their teachers. Not only students but also every human being appreciates care from surrounding individuals. Within the classroom, students can feel less motivated to take part in the learning of the given course with the teacher who has offensive behaviours. The purpose of this study was to explore students’ reflections about what they consider to be appreciable behaviors of mathematics teachers, for students to be motivated to learn. The study also intended to find out whether there is a link between teachers' behaviours and students' career development.  A total number of 53 students comprised of 16 primary pupils, 26 secondary students, and 11 graduate students participated in this study. Purposive, inconvenient, and systematic sampling methods were used to collect data. The findings showed that teachers’ behaviours can influence learners’ interest to learn mathematics. However, the study showed that there is no link between mathematics teachers' behaviours and learners' career development. Therefore, teachers are advised to be approachable, responsive, and behave in a way that motivates students to learn mathematics.
Teachers’ perceptions towards the utilization of WhatsApp in supporting teaching and learning of chemistry during COVID-19 pandemic in Rwandan secondary schools
Authors: Nsabayezu Ezechiel , Iyamuremye Aloys , Kwitonda Jean de Dieu , Kwitonda Jean de Dieu , Mbonyiryivuze Agnes
Published: February 2021

This paper reports the results about teachers’ perceptions towards the utilization of WhatsApp in supporting teaching and learning of chemistry during the COVID-19 pandemic in Rwandan selected secondary schools. The collected data by using a survey questionnaire were from 18 chemistry teachers in Nyarugenge and Kicukiro Districts. The findings illustrated that WhatsApp is effective for teaching chemistry and supporting students learning. This application promotes students’ motivation, engagement, collaboration, interaction, participation, and ubiquitous learning. Despite the facilitation of collaboration between teachers and their students while using WhatsApp, the internet connection related problems including its cost and availability were among the hindering factors for effective collaboration for both students and teachers. The lack of smartphones and computers for some students, teachers, parents, or guardians was among the highlighted limitations for the participation of some students. The limited students’ management and their distraction were also highlighted by some teachers. The provision of computers, smartphones, and enough internet connection for all teachers, parents, or guardians were among the proposed potential solutions. To deal with students’ management and distractions while learning via WhatsApp, there should be the follow-up and guidance provided by teachers, guardians, or parents. Chemistry teachers and students are recommended to use WhatsApp as a supporting learning tool due to its added value of providing ubiquitous learning. Parents, boards in charge of education, and other educational stakeholders should integrate WhatsApp in teaching and learning to complement classroom learning.
Reconstruindo o objeto de pesquisa: reestruturação produtiva e terceirização no setor elétrico.
Authors: Pereira Rhavier Mazieri
Published: February 2021

O presente texto consiste em apresentar parte dos resultados e metodologia de uma pesquisa de iniciação científica e monografia intitulada “Por um fio: Um estudo de caso sobre as condições de trabalho em uma empresa terceirizada do setor elétrico na cidade de Ribeirão Preto-SP”.  Nessa pesquisa, a proposta foi examinar os aspectos das condições de trabalho na empresa, procurando analisar as principais consequências do processo de privatização e consequente terceirização sobre os trabalhadores, especialmente no que se refere à organização do trabalho e reflexos sobre sua saúde e subjetividade. Para tanto, foram realizadas entrevistas a partir de um roteiro semiestruturado, além de discussões em grupo e observações de situações de trabalho
Notas para pensar o “corre-corre” cotidiano nas cidades
Authors: Nedel Oliveira Victor Hugo
Published: February 2021

PAIS, José Machado. Lufa-lufa cotidiana: ensaios sobre cidade, cultura e vida urbana. Lisboa: ICS, 2015.

 

Comentário do autor: "Trata-se de resenha da obra Lufa-lufa cotidiana: ensaios sobre cidade, cultura e vida urbana, de autoria do sociólogo português José Machado Pais”.
Dupla perversidade do efeito pandêmico sobre comunidades quilombolas
Authors: Santos Silveira Dener
Published: February 2021

O ensaio visa analisar a existência de um contexto pandêmico constante na comunidade quilombola do Boqueirão, situada no sudoeste do Estado da Bahia na região nordeste do Brasil. As medidas de saúde adotadas, contra a COVID-19, na maior parte do mundo, abalaram o modo de vida livre da sociedade moderna, um isolamento social forçado pela gestão da vida humana. Contudo, para algumas comunidades de origem africana, como os grupos quilombolas a realidade de isolamento social não se trata de exceção, mas de uma regra,dupla e perversa.
Permanência e resistência de estudantes oriundas de uma escola pública na universidade - interfaces entre raça, gênero e classe
Authors: Ramos dos Santos Elen Cristina
Published: February 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir e analisar sobre o perfil e trajetória de estudantes universitárias, oriundas de uma escola pública de Brasília. Metodologicamente optou-se por aplicação de questionários fechados e entrevistas em profundidade com 16 estudantes secundaristas e que atualmente são estudantes de graduação na Universidade de Brasília- UnB. A partir dos dados obtidos e de bibliografia ancorada nos debates de raça, gênero e classe, será abordado sobre os desafios, bem como as resistências para a permanência empenhadas pelas estudantes investigadas cujo perfil constituído majoritariamente de negras, periféricas e de contextos socioeconomicamente vulnerabilizados
Para além de Carlos Drummond, Racionais MC’s também é poesia
Authors: Silva Tássio
Published: February 2021

Essa resenha tem como objetivo analisar o documentário "Sarau da Onça - Poesia da Quebrada" dirigido por Vinícius Eliziário, cineasta soteropolitano, bem como refletir sobre o tema apresentado revelando a importância de iniciativas culturais e educacionais, como o Sarau da Onça, nas periferias de Salvador, muitas vezes desconhecidas pelos turistas e população e estigmatizadas pela mídia como "lugares violentos". O documentário foi premiado com diversos temas, entre eles: Melhor Filme no XI Festival Visões Periféricas em 2017; Melhor Filme no XIV Panorama Internacional Coisa de Cinema e Melhor Interpretação no I Festival Mimoso de Cinema, em 2018.
“Onde a ação se une com a ideia: produção do espaço urbano e sociabilidade juvenil em uma batalha de rimas”
Authors: Hummel Carolina
Published: February 2021

Resumo

Este artigo visa refletir sobre como categorias como sociabilidade e circulação pela cidade estão conectadas à ocupação do espaço público pela perspectiva da juventude engajada no movimento hip-hop. Com pesquisa de campo[1] realizada em uma batalha de rimas de São Carlos, o trabalho se debruçará nas notas da experiência no evento para discutir, em conjunto com a literatura e com letras de rap, como os jovens estão pensando e produzindo seus espaços dentro da cidade.

 

[1] A pesquisa de campo em questão foi realizada como exercício na disciplina de Etnografia em Sociologia ministrada pelo Profº Gabriel Feltran, no segundo semestre de 2018.
Algumas expressões da guerra entre facções nas unidades de internação alagoanas
Authors: Barbosa da Silva Ada Rízia , Barros Santos Alana
Published: February 2021

Neste ensaio apresentamos reflexões sobre algumas expressões de guerra entre facções no contexto de unidades de internação alagoanas. Acompanhamos nos últimos anos que a noção de guerra passou a figurar como um elemento vivenciado por quem está às margens urbanas. Suas trincheiras estão nas quebradas, nas periferias urbanas, e suas vítimas são jovens garotos e garotas que ansiosamente passaram a enunciar vínculos com o Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) ou com o Comando Vermelho (CV). Concluímos questionando até que ponto a gestão institucional das vidas de adolescentes encarcerados acaba por potencializar seus conflitos ao não fornecer e propiciar meios de superá-los por uma via que não seja a da violência, do silenciamento, da desconfiança letal em suas relações.
“Vida preta importa quando a gente tá morta, não quando a gente tá viva”
Authors: Nzinga Ribeiro Bruno
Published: February 2021

O propósito deste artigo é discutir o universo político e criativo das relações em lugares organizados por e para pessoas LGBT negras e ou periféricas na cidade de São Paulo. Para isso, em um primeiro momento,  discuto a  emergência da cena preta LGBT de São Paulo a partir dos discursos em torno da relação entre arte e política sobre um conjunto de estéticas, lugares e sujeitos identificados como “geração tombamento”, e o enquadramento de uma cena de festas engajadas com redes, estética e códigos próprios. Num segundo momento trago algumas notas etnográficas do trabalho de campo realizado em um baile funk LGBT e periférico onde se produzem ambientes em que sujeitos negros LGBT podem se afirmar, desajar e se sentir desejados.
NEURAL NETWORKS IN FINANCE: A DESCRIPTIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Riyazahmed K.
Published: February 2021

Traditional statistical methods pose challenges in data analysis due to irregularity in the financial data. To improve accuracy, financial researchers use machine learning architectures for the past two decades. Neural Networks (NN) are a widely used architecture in financial research. Despite the wider usage, NN application in finance is yet to be well defined. Hence, this descriptive study classifies and examines the NN application in finance into four broad categories i.e., investment prediction, credit evaluation, financial distress, and other financial applications. Likewise, the review classifies the NN methods used under each category into standard, optimized and hybrid NN. Further, accuracy measures used by the research work widely differ, in turn, pose challenges for comparison of a NN under each category and reduces the scope of formalizing a theory to choose optimum network model under each category.

JEL Classification Codes: G1, G17, M150.
Meslek Odalarında Veri Madenciliği Yardımıyla Üye Segmentasyonu ve İş Geliştirme Uygulamaları
Authors: ÖZGÜN KİBİROĞLU Çağrı , AYHAN Sevim
Published: February 2021

Yaşamış olduğumuz bilişim çağında teknolojinin hızlı artışı ve bilginin bu kadar güçlü bir şekilde artması nedeni ile bilgisayarlarda daha büyük miktarda verinin saklanabilmesine imkân sağlamaktadır. Bu yüzden, büyük miktardaki verileri kayıt altına alabilmek için kolayca saklanabilmesini ve erişimini sağlayabilmek büyük bir önem kazanmaktadır. Veri madenciliği sayesinde biriken yığınlardan kurumlara faydalı ve anlamlı bilgilerin elde edilebilmesi sağlanmaktadır. Bu çalışmada veri madenciliği teknikleri ile iş geliştirme analizi yapılmıştır. Analiz için TMMOB’ne kayıtlı 28314 adet üye kaydında 17 farklı özniteliği içeren veriler kullanılmıştır. Bir sınıflama problemi olan bu analizde üyelerin meslek birliği aidiyetini yükseltecek üye kazanımı durumları tahmin edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Ayrıca üyelerin oda ile etkileşimine sebep olan etkenler analiz edilmiştir. Segmentasyon sonucu ortaya çıkan sınıfların ortak özellikleri tespit edilmiştir. Müşteri kazanımı analizinde en etkili öz niteliklerin üye yaşı, lisans branşı, bağlı bulunduğu temsilcilik şubesi olduğu gözlemlenmiştir.
Dialog Kemanusiaan
Authors: Banoet Fiktor
Published: February 2021

Apakah ada peluang bagi diskursus tentang dialog kemanusiaan antara kekristenan dan ateisme dalam tatanan diskursif, praktis dan lebih menukik pada relasi antarspiritualitas? Dalam tulisan ini saya akan mencoba mengupayakan peluang tersebut secara imajinatif. Saya berpendapat bahwa usaha menjembatani dialog kemanusiaan antara kekristenan dan ateisme dapat dilangsung dengan menerima posisi keduanya sebagai zona “spiritual” yang dapat diperbandingkan (commensurability) sekaligus tidak dapat diperbandingkan (incommensurability). Tesis tulisan ini dilahirkan dari usaha saya memantau perkembangan relasi keduanya, dengan menengok usaha André Comte-Sponville, yang memang sedang mengembangkan diskursus “spiritualitas tanpa Tuhan.” Dengan pendekatan kritis, spiritualitas tanpa Tuhan akan dibingkai sebagai diskursus bersama dengan spiritualitas trinitaris kosmis dalam rangka mengonstruksi perspektif dialog kemanusiaan. Arah dan manfaat konstruksi ini adalah untuk mengalami spiritualitas trinitaris setelah mempertimbangkan pesan kritis (dialog) dari spiritualitas ateisme sebagai usaha berteologi di tengah krisis kemanusiaan (dan juga ekologi), sebagai perkara historis masa kini dalam konteks Indonesia yang cukup diwarnai kekerasan dan disfungsi sosial agama.
La semántica cognitiva de la anatomía humana y animal en la cultura andina
Authors: Cisneros Ayala Claudia
Published: February 2021

En el presente documento, se explica la función de la categoría de singularidad de las partes del cuerpo que son pares o múltiples en la cultura andina. Primero, metodológicamente, se recolectó la información a través de una entrevista. Segundo, los datos obtenidos fueron sistematizados según el funcionamiento de la lógica natural y el pensamiento de la cosmovisión andina. Tercero, se analizaron las partes del cuerpo según la paridad y la multiplicidad, ampliando a los elementos de la naturaleza. Finalmente, los resultados mostraron que, cuando se trata de partes del cuerpo que son pares o que se considera que están conformadas por más de dos entes, se asigna el número singular en la semántica cognitiva andina. Además, algunos elementos de la naturaleza también fueron señalados con número singular, tales como los pétalos de las flores, las papas de la chacra y un par de bueyes.
Castellano andino de la provincia de Huamanga: distritos de Quinua y Pacaycasa
Authors: Ruiz Villa Julissa Milagros
Published: February 2021

En el presente artículo, se aborda el análisis morfológico y sintáctico de la variedad del castellano andino, específicamente, de los distritos de Quinua y Pacaycasa que se ubican en la provincia de Huamanga, Ayacucho. De esta manera, esta investigación es de corte metodológico descriptivo-explicativo, ya que se ha anotado una serie de ejemplos correspondientes a los diversos procesos gramaticales obtenidos. Asimismo, se ha incluido una breve descripción que contrasta con otros autores que versan mencionados temas.
Improving the Nutritional Value of Nile Tilapia Fillet by Dietary Selenium Supplementation
Authors: Hancz C. , Mezes M. , Balogh K. , Biro J. , Molnar T.
Published: February 2021

Selenium (Se) supplementation in animal feeds for producing feasible foodswas successfully experimented with in different meat-producing animals including fish. In the present study, Nile tilapia were fed Se-fortified diets (0.5, 2.0, or 4.0 mg/kg) ad lib for six weeks. In addition to traditional production traits, the antioxidant parameters glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the blood, liver, and muscle of the tilapia, Se accumulation in the fillet, and body composition were determined. The highest Se value in the fillet was obtained with the diet containing 2 mg/kg supplementation, where the actual Se content of 2.47 mg/kg Se induced 128 µg/kg Se in the fillet. Selenium incorporation had a cubic relationship with the dietary Se content.
Astragalus Polysaccharides Enhance Cellular Immune Response and Disease Resistance in Yellow Catfish
Authors: Bai D. , Zhu G. , Guo Y. , Yang G. , Ning B. , Xing K. , Wu X.
Published: February 2021

We studied the effects of dietary astragalus polysaccharides on the cellular immune response of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). 540 Yellow catfish were fed different levels of astragalus polysaccharides (0, 300, 600, 900, 1200, or 1500 mg/kg diet) for eight weeks. Non-specific immune responses were measured at the end of the experimental feeding. We then challenged control and treated fish with an intraperitoneal injection of Aeromonas hydrophila and recorded mortality for seven days. Groups treated with 1200 mg/kg displayed a significant increase in oxygen respiratory burst (oxidative burst) activity of head kidney macrophages (p<0.05), along with significant increases in nitrogen respiratory burst activity (p<0.01) and leukocyte proliferation (p<0.05). The 1500 mg/kg group also displayed significant increases in nitrogen respiratory burst activity (p<0.01) and leukocyte proliferation (p<0.05). The lowest mortality was obtained in the 1200 and 1500 mg/kg groups. These data indicate that dietary astragalus polysaccharides may effectively enhance cellular immune responses and disease resistance, and reduce mortality, in yellow catfish against A. hydrophila infection.
Testing Protein Digestibility in Red Grouper Epinephelus Morio using In Vitro and In Vivo Methods
Authors: Silva A.F. , Escalante K. , Alvarez-González C.A. , Guerrero-Olazarán M. , Gaxiola G. , Cuzon G
Published: February 2021

The digestibility of pre-selected ingredients was evaluated for Epinephelus morio using pH-stat and multi-enzyme extract (stomach, intestine, and ceca). The degree of hydrolysis (DH) was tested with acid and alkaline proteases using crustacean meals, squid meal, fish protein concentrate (FPC), fish meal, dried whey, as well as canola paste (w/ or w/o phytase), soybean meal (w/ or w/o phytase), soyprotein concentrate (SPC), and wheat gluten. SPC produced DH values between 3.6-4.1%, obtained from the three different parts of the digestive tract. Canola paste produced high DH in the stomach by adding phytase to 0.8 and 2% feed. This process was repeated under alkaline conditions for DH, with 0.6-2.6% in the pyloric ceca, and 1-2.2% in the intestine. The DH from stomach with crustacean meals (shrimp meal and crab meal) ranged from 32-87%, while values for dried whey from the ceca and intestine ranged from 6-7.4%. It did not differ from crab meal with values of 4.5 and 8.7% from pyloric ceca and intestine respectively. Based on the above results, 4 diets were developed using shrimp meal, dried whey, soy protein concentrate, and canola+phytase. The DH, FAA (fish amino acid) and SDS-PAGE (analysis of protein gels) for each diet were analysed. After an in vivo test, results on juveniles fed whey protein diet (WPd) and CPd+ ranked high (95% and 92% respectively) compared with other treatments. pH-Stat provided consistent results regarding digestibility of selected protein sources. Therefore, dried whey, shrimp meal, and canola+phytase ranked first to be included in E.morio feed formulation with a pool of 55% of these components, complemented with a minimum of fish meal, FPC, grains and wheat gluten
Efficacy of Tricaine Methanesulfonate (MS-222) as an Anesthetic Agent for Short-term Anesthesia in Juvenile Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)
Authors: Zhai S-w , Shepherd B.S. , Yang S. , Zhao H-h. , Jiang M. , Binkowski F.P. , Deng D-F.
Published: February 2021

The present study was conducted to assess an optimal dose of tricaine methansulfonate (MS-222) for rapid anesthesia and recovery in juvenile Yellow perch Perca flavescens. Yellow perch (≈7.0 g/fish) exposed to increasing concentrations of MS-222 (100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mg/L) showed significant (P<0.05) decreased anesthetic induction and increased recovery time with increasing MS-222 dose. Among the doses tested, the 250 mg/L MS-222 dose showed the shortest anesthetic induction and recovery times. Blood glucose and hematocrit levels were significantly (P<0.05) lower in juvenile yellow perch exposed to the 250 mg/L MS-222 dose than the other MS-222 doses tested. Juvenile yellow perch (about 9.7 g/fish) exposed to 250/mg MS-222 combined with bicarbonate buffer at three ratios (w/w: 1:0.5, 1:1 and 1:2) showed significantly (P<0.05) reduced anesthesia induction and recovery times. The shortest times of anesthesia induction and recover were observed in treatments using the 1:1 MS-222 to buffer ratio. Analysis on serum biochemical parameters (e.g., osmolality, glucose, albumin, calcium, alanine transaminase, total protein and calcium) showed that use of sodium bicarbonate with MS-222 did not have any significant effect on the above measurements compared with those determined in fish exposed to MS-222 only. Anesthesia induction time and recovery time of yellow perch were significantly affected by body sizes. These results suggest that a brief exposure to a 250 mg/L MS-222: sodium bicarbonate dose may be optimal for minimizing handling disturbance in juvenile yellow perch.
Nitrite-Induced Oxidative Stress, Histopathology, and Transcriptome Changes in the Mud Crab (Scylla paramamosain)
Authors: Guo Z-X , Chen X-L , Feng J , Deng Y-Q , Ma H-L , Su Y-L , Cheng C-H
Published: February 2021

Nitrite in the aquatic environment is highly toxic to aquatic animals. However, the mechanism by which the mud crab responds to nitrite-induced stress remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the physiological response and molecular mechanism in the mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) exposed to the acute nitrite exposure (20 mg/L) for 24h. The results showed that nitrite exposure induced significant changes in antioxidant enzyme activity and MDA content. Severe cytological damage was observed in the hepatopancreas. After 24h exposure to nitrite, 11,638 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by transcriptome analysis. These DEGs were involved in many pathways related to oxidative stress and immune responses. Our results also found that FoxO signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, and NF-kB signaling pathway participated in the anti-stress defense against nitrite stress. The study provides new insight into the understanding of nitrite-induced toxicity in the mud crab.
Inhibitory Effects of Galla chinensis, Tannic Acid, and Gallic Acid on Saprolegnia parasitica
Authors: Liu LH , Li AH , Zhang QQ
Published: February 2021

The inhibitory effects of Galla chinensis and its two main ingredients, tannic acid and gallic acid, on Saprolegnia parasitica were examined, using the method of agar plate assay and liquid dilution assay. The results showed that all the three tested drugs had different degrees of inhibitory activity on mycelial growth and zoospore germination of Saprolegnia parasitica, with tannic acid showing the most significant inhibition. The mycelial growth of S. parasitica was completely inhibited by tannic acid at the concentration of more than 32 mg/L, and the germination rate of S. parasitica zoospores decreased by 66% at a concentration of 5 mg/L. Considering the low cost of tannic acid together with its inhibitory effect on S. parasitica, tannic acid showed the most significant potential in the prevention and control of fish saprolegniasis.
Streptococcal Infection Caused by Enterococcus casseliflavus in Cultured Meagre (Argyrosomus regius)
Authors: Timur G , Urku C
Published: February 2021

Gram Positive Streptococci (GPS) have become increasingly important fish pathogens. In this study, 170 moribund marine fish (sea bass, gilthead sea bream, meagre, sharp snout sea bream, and marine rainbow trout), obtained from 30 fish farms in the Black Sea and Aegean Sea regions of Turkey, were investigated for the presence of GPS. Streptococci were recovered from fifteen moribund young meagre (Argyrosomus regius) from an inland fish farm located in the Aegean region. The isolates were identified as Enterococcus casseliflavus using a Polymerase Chain Reaction-based (PCR) method. This result was confirmed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing and serological methods, including slide agglutination and IFAT. The diseased meagre showed unilateral or bilateral exophthalmia, loss of eyes, and hemorrhagic ulcerative skin lesions on the body surface. Histopathologically, tubular degeneration and congestion in the kidney, myopathy in the heart tissue, discharge of the white pulp in the spleen, extensive vacuolation of hepatocytes, and congestion in the liver were observed. Intraperitoneal challenge with one of the isolates in healthy European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in resulted mortalities 8 days post-injection.
Effects of Different Salinities on Growth, Body Composition, Oxygen Consumption Rate, and Ammonia Excretion Rate in American shad (Alosa sapidissima) Juveniles
Authors: Deng P , Xu J , Shi Y , Yan Y , Shui C
Published: February 2021

A laboratory experiment was undertaken to analyze the effects of salinity on growth, body composition, oxygen consumption, and ammonia excretion of anadromous American shad (Alosa sapidissima) juveniles. Results showed the best survival rate occurred at 5‰ and 15‰. The relative weight gain and the specific growth rate declined as salinity increased. However, feed conversion rate increased with increasing salinity. Oxygen consumption rates showed a parabolic relationship in relation to salinity. From the quadratic relationship (y= -0.0004x2+0.0166x+0.319; R2=0.801; P<0.05), the highest oxygen consumption rate occurred at a salinity of 20.75‰. The ammonia excretion ratio decreased significantly as salinity increased from 10‰ to 15‰. No further differences were observed in salinities ranging from 15‰ to 40‰. There were no significant influences of salinity on whole body protein and moisture content. Lipid content declined as salinity increased. Results indicate that an appropriate increase in salinity was beneficial to the culture of American shad juveniles. The optimal salinity for American shad juveniles ranged from 15‰ to 20‰.
Depletion Study of Oxolinic Acid in Freshwater Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) with Multiple-Dose Oral Administration
Authors: Chou C.H. , Kuo T.F. , Wang J.H , Wang W.S , Wang C.Y , Xue Y.J , Sheu S.Y , Chen R.S
Published: February 2021

All drugs used in aquaculture must be approved by the government agency responsible for veterinary medicine; prudent use of antibiotics under veterinary supervision is critical in ensuring safety of aquaculture products. The international production of farmed turtle, considered a cultured aquatic species, has been growing continuously but control of bacteria proliferation in turtle farms requires frequent use of antimicrobials. In the present investigation, the residue depletion and withdrawal period of quinolone antibacterial oxolinic acid (OXO) was evaluated in Chinese softshell turtle Pelodiscus sinensis, after repeated (once daily for 5 days) oral doses of medicated feed containing OXO, at the dose of 30 and 60 mg/kg body weight (bw). Muscle and liver tissues were collected at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, and 48 days posttreatment, and OXO was quantified using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method. According to the test preparation record, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for OXO were estimated at 0.03 and 0.1 µg/g, respectively. Considering a maximum residue level (MRL) of 0.1 µg/g for OXO in muscle in European Union (EU) legislative framework, the longest withdrawal period of 72 days was calculated on the basis of a safety span (corresponding to 50% of the time point when at which residues fall below the MRL) added to the depletion time (48 days). These results may be helpful not only for the establishment of public policies regarding the use of OXO for turtle farming but also to producers for proper handling to ensure safe consumption.
Characteristics of Communities in the Extracts of Different Purple Soils in the Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Su S , Li T , Li Y , Jiang R , Chen X , He T
Published: February 2021

Pond soils play a fundamental role determining nutrient availability and regulate the characteristics of phytoplankton communities. This study investigated the change of phytoplankton communities in three types (alkaline, neutral, and acid) of purple soil. There were 107 species of phytoplankton detected in three purple soils belonging to 52 genera of 6 phyla (68 species in acid group, 69 species in neutral group and 64 species in alkaline group). The highest percentage of phytoplankton in three purple soil groups is Chlorophyta, followed by Bacillariophyta, and Euglenophyta. There were 23 species of 5 phyla in three purple soil ponds as the dominant species of phytoplankton, and the dominance varied from 0.05 to 0.67. The dominant species in neutral and alkaline purple soil groups were more than those in acid purple soil. Phytoplankton density varied from 43 to 7360 × 106 ind/L in the acid purple soil group, and the ratio of the highest value to the lowest one was 170. The variation range of phytoplankton density in neutral and alkaline purple soil ponds was 83 to 565 × 106 and 56 to 437 × 106 ind/L, and the ratio of the highest value to the lowest one was 6.8 and 7.8 respectively. The variation of biodiversity indices (Shannon—Wiener index, Pielous evenness index and Margalef richness index), were higher in the acid purple soil group than in the neutral and alkaline purple soil groups, similar to the result of phytoplankton density. Our results indicate that the phytoplankton community was more stable in the neutral and alkaline purple soil groups than in the acid soil group, and these two soil types are recommended for site-selection to build aquaculture ponds.
Dietary Iron Requirements of Adult GIFT Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Wen H , Gao W , Lu X , Yu L J , Wu F , Liu W , Jiang M , Yao Y , Tian J , Cheng X
Published: February 2021

Dietary iron requirement of adult Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT strain), was determined in this study through a 77 day feeding trial. Diets with six concentrations of iron (45.55 - the control group, 94.91, 193.62, 292.34, 391.05, and 489.77 mg iron/kg diet) from ferrous sulfate were formulated and hand-fed to adult GIFT (initial body weight 174.58±3.49g). The results indicated that no fish died in all groups. Weight gain ratio, feed efficiency rate, as well as specific growth rate decreased in relation to increasing dietary iron levels, and reached the lowest when supplemented with 489.77 mg iron/kg diet. Crude body fat content showed an increasing trend in relation to increasing dietary iron levels. The iron content in the body, vertebrae, and liver significantly increased with dietary iron levels which reached up to 391.05 mg iron/kg diet. The number of red blood cells, the hemoglobin content and the packed cell volume was highest in 94.91 mg iron/kg group. In conclusion, dietary iron made no obvious improvement on growth performance, but improved hematopoietic function of adult Nile tilapia, reared in freshwater. We found that no additional iron needs to be added to the adult Nile tilapia (174.6–558.1 g) feed based on the growth, whereas broken-line regression analysis were used to determine the optimum iron requirements for maximum hemoglobin levels, the dietary iron requirement for hemoglobin was 120.94 mg iron/kg diet with ferrous sulfate as a source of iron.
Citrobacter freundii: a causative agent for ulcer disease in snakehead fish Ophiocephalus argus (Cantor)
Authors: Cao Haipeng , Chen Jun , Guo Cheng , Wang Huicong , Gu Ying
Published: February 2021

Ulcer disease has caused significant economic losses in the culture of snakehead fish Ophiocephalus argus (Cantor). Information available on Citrobacter freundii as a possible causal agent for this disease is scarce. In this study, a virulent strain, temporarily named GB1, was isolated from diseased snakehead fish suffering from ulcer disease and was identified as C. freundii through molecular and phenotypic methods. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to examine isolate GB1 and compare it to other known isolates. In addition, isolate GB1 has developed resistance to aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, and sulfonamides drugs for veterinary use in aquaculture as revealed when screened against a range of common antibiotics. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of ulcer disease caused by C. freundii in snakehead fish.

Published
Hybrid Origin of the Thai-Chitralada Tilapia Strain Using DNA Barcoding and Microsatellite Analysis
Authors: Ron M. , Seroussi E. , Benet-Perelberg A. , Zak T. , Dor L. , Shirak A. , Curzon A.Y.
Published: February 2021

The Thai-Chitralada strain originates from Egypt and was transferred to Japan. From there a stock of 50 fish were introduced to the Royal Chitralada Palace in Thailand. The commercially cultured strain of Nile tilapia O. niloticus in Thailand, Thai-Chitralada, possesses desirable traits for aquaculture, such as high growth rate integrated with reasonable fecundity and excellent performance in Asian countries. In 2010 a few dozen Thai-Chitralada fish were introduced to Israel from Thailand. The objective of this study is to trace the origin of Thai-Chitralada using DNA barcoding and microsatellite genetic markers. Cytochrome Oxidase I and D-loop sequences of 19 Thai-Chitralada fish clustered into three groups comprising 6, 7, and 6 individuals were homologous to the consensus sequences of O. aureus, O. niloticus, and O. mossambicus, respectively. The allele ranges for microsatellites UNH168 and G7A exclude O. niloticus (Ghana) as potential contributor to the ThaiChitralada strain. Genotyping for three microsatellites indicate overlap of alleles between Thai-Chitralada and O. niloticus (Egypt) and O. aureus, while O. mossambicus was not tested. Thus, our data based on mitochondrial and genomic analyses demonstrate that O. aureus, O. niloticus (Egypt), and O. mossambicus contributed to the formation of Thai-Chitralada. Thai-Chitralada can be used as a genetic resource for selection and adaptation to different geographical regions because of its diverse genetic background and desirable traits.
Vaccination during a pandemic - a public health challenge
Authors: Ahmed Faruqueuddin
Published: February 2021

Since the emergence of COVID 19 virus, scientists all over the world are working at breakneck speed to develop a vaccine. Development of a vaccine is not a competitive race to the finish as it must pass through a stringent process of evaluation. The process includes vaccines’ immunogenicity, duration of immunity, efficacy of protection, interaction with other antigens, dosage, route of administration, packaging, and thermostability and expected adverse events and safety. Efficacy of a new vaccine is measured in clinical trials under ideal conditions, whereas its effectiveness is measured in the field under actual program conditions. (1) In normal circumstances, vaccine development is a prolonged process, averaging over 10 years from start to finish (2). To meet the urgent, need a COVID 19 vaccine may be available in a much shorter-term frame, at the earliest in 18 months.
Shifting towards online training-Possible challenges from Educators/Trainers perspective in Indian setting
Authors: Singh Snehil , Gupta Sanjay , Sharma Lokesh , Chatterjee Mainak , Juneja Sumeet , Panigrahi Paritosh , Kumar Hitesh , Thakur Harshad
Published: February 2021

Worldwide metastasis of novel coronavirus COVID-19 has caused immense alterations among every walk of human existence and social interaction(1). Education and training sector being as vulnerable to these adjustments as any other domain(2). Owing to its extremely infectious nature, the COVID-19 pandemic enforced the closure of training institutes globally. All the traditional classroom training were restricted as an instant consequence, to achieve the norms of social distancing which can perhaps aid in obliterating the infection curve and lessen the resultant fatalities(3).

Educational institutions in India predominantly bank on traditional methods of training, utilizing conventional setup of in-person training and lectures in a teaching space. While over the years, there is a marked shift towards blended learning, still most of the academic institutes are guided by the existing orthodox learning methodologies. An unexpected outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic caused by Corona Virus (SARS-CoV-2) shuddered the entire world (4). This complete shutdown kind of circumstances has tested the education system globally and coerced the educators to shift to digital platforms and online modules almost instantaneously. Academic institutions were required to shift from their traditional pedagogical approach to online teaching-learning. The article recognises the possible barriers to swiftly shift from traditional methods of learning towards e-learning among adult professionals through analysing the limitations faced by the authors while converting and conducting traditional trainings into e-trainings at The National Cold Chain and Vaccine Management Resource Centre (NCCVMRC-NIHFW), New Delhi. This article also put some light on methodologies that could assist academic institutions in dealing with challenges associated with shifting towards e-learning.
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection in children among age of 6 to 12 years in rural area of Bareilly District: Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Sharma Ashish Kumar , Khan Swati
Published: February 2021

Background: In India overall prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infection ranges from 12.5% to 66% with varying prevalence rate for individual parasite. About 50% of the urban population and 68% of the rural population in India is affected. Aim: Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection in children among age of 6 to 12 years in rural area of Bareilly District Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using multistage random sampling technique in rural area of Bareilly District, Uttar Pradesh, India, from November 2016 – October 2017. Result: Among 248 children, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation in 6-12 years of aged children was found to be 33.90%. Conclusion: This study revealed high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among 6-12 years of age children in Rural Area of Bareilly District.