bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiating morpho-functional patterns of the five most common deep-sea benthic anglerfishes (Lophiiformes) from Andaman and Nicobar Islands (eastern Indian Ocean)
Authors: Rajeeshkumar Meleppura , Vijayan Aneesh Kumar Kannamkulathil , Otero-Ferrer José Luís , Lombarte Antoni , Hashim Manjebrayakath , Saravanane Narayanane , Narayanan Sanjeevan Veloorkirakathil , Venkata Ramana Murthy Mallavarapu , Manuel Tuset Víctor
Published: October 2020

Anglerfishes are widely distributed from shallow to deep-water habitats occupying different ecological niches. To explain this adaptability, we performed a morpho-functional study on common benthic anglerfishes inhabiting the Indian deep-sea waters. Sensory capabilities of species were examined using the morphology and morphometry of sagitta otoliths (related to detection sound and hearing) and eye size (related to visual communication). We also performed an analysis of the degree of functional niche overlap using fish body traits to understand the coexistence of species. Otoliths showed a morphological pattern similar to that of other anglerfishes: an archaesulcoid sulcus acusticus and variability in the irregularity of the dorsal margin. This last feature affected the allometric relationships between the otolith morphometry and fish length, as well as the otolith relative sizes of each species. The findings suggested that bigger otoliths are associated with the increase of depth distribution of species up to 1000 m, from which it decreases. Our hypothesis is that anglerfishes with irregular otolith shapes could be linked to more nocturnal feeding behaviour because they were characterized by greater eye sizes. The results also indicated interspecific significant differences in functional traits providing a low niche overlap. Therefore, our study supports the hypothesis of an environmental and ecological specialization of benthic anglerfishes.
Edito
Authors: Orange-Ravachol Denise
Published: October 2020

Ce numéro pose la question des voies et conditions d’une fonction émancipatrice de l’éducation scientifique et technologique. Mais la valeur émancipatrice de la science et de la technique soulève des paradoxes. Car les conceptions des savoirs scientifiques ou technologiques et les voies d’accès à leur appropriation ne sont pas équivalentes pour se libérer des servitudes de l’ignorance, de dogmes, de tutelles exercées au nom d’un savoir supérieur. Sans prétendre à l’exhaustivité, ce numéro présente plusieurs réflexions et études de cas, dans des contextes contrastés, permettant de penser cette question de l’émancipation à travers l’enseignement scientifique et technologique. Il s’agit d’une esquisse pour une approche multiréférentielle de la thématique à partir d’un ensemble de travaux mobilisant principalement des cadres d’interprétation psychologiques et didactiques.
Impacts émancipateurs d’une coopération scientifique-enseignant à l’école primaire sur les représentations des enfants et leur mobilisation dans les apprentissages en sciences
Authors: Lafosse-Marin Marie Odile
Published: October 2020

Un enseignement des sciences dans lequel un étudiant scientifique coopère avec un professeur des écoles contribue-t-il à une forme d’émancipation des élèves ? Les impacts de cette pratique ont été étudiés sur les apprentissages des enfants à travers les interactions langagières lors de séances de science à l’école primaire. Les représentations que les filles et les garçons se construisent des scientifiques ont été appréhendées par l’analyse de 1500 dessins légendés d’élèves de cycle 3. Des facteurs d’émancipation sont apparus : émancipation d’un assujettissement à une forme de savoir ; échappée de l’assignation à une « place » dans la classe et du « contrôle » permanent du professeur ; affranchissement de représentations sociales enfermantes. La dynamique interactive multiforme entre professeur- étudiant-élèves s’accompagne d’une sorte de circularité libératrice entre les actes de savoir/ enseigner/apprendre. Une offre de savoir témoignée par le binôme enseignant, plutôt qu’injonctive, rend l’élève plus libre pour répondre. De nouvelles postures pour apprendre sont investies. Une mobilisation inédite est suscitée par une possible identification au jeune scientifique. Elle conduit à une libération d’autocensures dues à des stéréotypes qui pèsent particulièrement sur les filles et les enfants de milieux défavorisés, ces derniers étant parfois exclus des sciences sous prétexte de retour aux soi-disant fondamentaux « lire, écrire, compter ».
Le travail des chefs d’établissement avec les parents d’élèves : des activités complexes à l’interface entre leur hiérarchie et les enseignants
Authors: Gaudin Cyrille , Amathieu Jérôme , Chaliès Sébastien
Published: October 2020

Si la formation des chefs d’établissement en France est fortement balisée, référencée et définie par un corpus de savoirs théoriques et pratiques, leurs activités professionnelles quotidiennes n’y sont pas spécifiquement abordées. L’objet de l’étude est donc de recenser, formaliser et analyser certaines de ces activités, en particulier celles réalisées auprès des parents d’élèves qui sont peu examinées dans la littérature. Inscrite dans un programme de recherche sur la formation professionnelle, l’étude a consisté à analyser les rencontres entre deux chefs d’établissement et des parents d’élèves. Chaque rencontre a été enregistrée et des entretiens d’autoconfrontation ont été menés avec un principal et une principale de collège. Les résultats montrent la complexité de leur travail d’une part, en raison de la diversité des activités qu’ils mènent avec les parents d’élèves (les convaincre, leur donner des exemples, leur donner des explications, leur affirmer l’identité du collège, répondre à leurs questions et les associer) et, d’autre part, du fait que ces activités sont mêlées à d’autres activités qu’ils conduisent avec les enseignants et/ou leur hiérarchie. La complexité de ces activités des chefs d’établissement à l’interface entre leur hiérarchie et les enseignants est amplifiée par le contexte spécifique d’une réforme importante des enseignements. Sur la base d’une discussion de ces résultats, des pistes en matière de recherches complémentaires à mener et d’aménagement des dispositifs de formation des chefs d’établissement sont finalement proposées.
Une éducation scientifique émancipatrice pour les élèves de maternelle et leur professeur
Authors: Bisault Joël
Published: October 2020

Nous proposons dans cet article d’examiner dans quelle mesure une éducation scientifique à l’école maternelle peut être émancipatrice pour les élèves comme pour le professeur. La capacité des acteurs à penser par eux-mêmes est mise en avant pour envisager à la fois une émancipation des élèves et du professeur. Des indicateurs d’émancipation sont définis pour les élèves et des pistes sont suggérées pour concevoir une émancipation du professeur indissociable de celle des élèves. L’analyse de moments scolaires à visée scientifique sur les ballons de baudruche permet d’illustrer l’utilisation de ces outils.
L’évangélisation numérique selon le réseau catholique Lights in the Dark
Authors: Douyère David
Published: October 2020

Cet article s’intéresse aux théorisations mais aussi à la préparation, à la stimulation et à l’accompagnement des pratiques d’évangélisation en ligne du réseau catholique français Lights in the Dark. Par l’examen des publications, par l’observation des forums e-Mission du réseau (2017-2019), à Toulon et à Tours, par l’examen du parcours du fondateur, l’activiste chrétien et professionnel de la communication numérique Jean-Baptiste Maillard, cet article analyse une dynamique communicationnelle religieuse à l’œuvre sur les réseaux numériques. Celle-ci constitue autant une évangélisation de et par l’internet, via le chat, qu’une évangélisation digitale des catholiques, au sein d’un courant croisant spiritualité charismatique et approche traditionnelle du rite catholique. Conversion numérique prend donc ici un double sens.
Former une ambiance sacrée
Authors: Gonçalves Kelber Pereira
Published: October 2020

Cette recherche s’intéresse au processus de mise en scène d’une « ambiance sacrée » à travers des productions audiovisuelles publiées et diffusées par de jeunes femmes laïques chrétiennes brésiliennes sur la plateforme YouTube. À partir des productions qui ont pour ambition d’apprendre aux internautes à créer un cahier de prières, une ambiance sacrée s’élabore en deux temps : d’une part, à partir de l’assemblage d’objets ordinaires du quotidien et dans un espace physique qui lui est réservé, correspondant le plus souvent à la chambre des youtubeuses ; d’autre part, lors de l’édition de vidéos grâce à l’usage des dispositifs socio-numériques conçus à cet effet. Bien que s’inscrivant dans une démarche pédagogique d’incitation à une pratique de piété populaire, ces productions audiovisuelles cherchent également à donner à voir un « éthos » de l’idéal de la femme chrétienne ainsi que de parler du dieu chrétien dont elles sont les interlocutrices.
Le jeûne d’internet
Authors: Jonveaux Isabelle
Published: October 2020

L’utilisation des médias numériques pour la pratique religieuse ne fait plus figure d’exception et semble au contraire être devenue pratique courante. Mais parallèlement, apparaissent de plus en plus de démarches de renoncement total ou partiel à l’utilisation d’Internet pendant une période particulière de réintensification de la vie religieuse ou spirituelle. Prenant l’exemple de l’ascèse des virtuoses religieux avec les moines et moniales catholiques, du carême chrétien et des stages de jeûne et randonnée qui s’inscrivent dans une approche de spiritualité globale, cet article montre grâce à des données de terrain comment les acteurs réduisent consciemment leur consommation d’Internet à des fins religieuses. Certains parlent même d’un jeûne d’Internet qui serait le pendant indispensable du jeûne alimentaire. Toutefois, dans de nombreux cas, la déconnexion apparaît plus difficile que le jeûne alimentaire et s’affiche alors comme un nouveau type de virtuosité. Réexaminant les catégories classiques pour la sociologie des religions que sont le jeûne et l’ascèse, cet article montre comment elles se redéfinissent aujourd’hui dans leurs nouveaux objets d’application. Pour l’Eglise institutionnelle, c’est aussi l’occasion de redonner une plausibilité à des pratiques – notamment le jeûne du carême – qui étaient peu à peu tombées en désuétude.
Emerging Role of Natriuretic Peptides in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Berezin Alexander E. , Berezin Alexander A.
Published: October 2020

Prediabetes and diabetes mellitus (DM) are established risk factors for newly occurred heart failure (HF) with reduced and preserved ejection fraction. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) were found to be useful tool for CV risk stratification among patients with prediabetes and type 2 DM (T2DM) regardless of HF phenotype. Previous clinical studies have shown that elevated levels of NPs predicted all-cause mortality and CV mortality, risk of HF occurrence and progression, as well as a risk readmission due to HF. The discriminative potency of NPs for CV death and HF-related clinical events in prediabetes and T2DM populations has not been demonstrated beyond traditional CV risk factors. The aim of the review is to accumulate knowledge regarding predictive value of circulating NPs depending on presentation of prediabetes and established T2DM. It has been found that HFrEF or HFpEF in T2DM patients may require modification of NP cutoff points to primary diagnose HF and determine HF-related risks. There are several controversies between clinical outcomes and dynamic of circulating levels of NPs in diabetics treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors that require to be elucidated in large clinical studies in the future.
Structural assembly of Polycomb group protein and Insight of EZH2 in cancer progression
Authors: Gautam Nisha , Kaur Mandeep , Kaur Satbir
Published: October 2020

Polycomb group proteins (PcG) are multi-subunit structure, consisting of polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), PRC2/3, and pleiohomeotic repressive complex. PRC1 is made up of PHC, BMI-1, CBX, and Ring 1A/B. PRC2 protein complex included embryonic ectoderm development, PCL, SUZ12, SET domain, enhancer of zeste homolog-2 protein (EZH2), and Nurf55. The third subunit PhoRC consists of Pho and DSFMBT subunits. One of the important subunits of PcG group of protein is EZH2 (a histone methyltransferase), which catalyzes tri-methylation of histone H3 at Lys 27 (H3K27me3) to regulate gene expression through epigenetic machinery and induces silencing of specific gene transcription. In case of breast cancer and prostate cancer, EZH2 is very well studied. Evidence shows that EZH2 is overexpressed and mutated in a variety of human cancers, rendering EZH2 an attractive target for the design of new chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer. EZH2 also functions both as a transcriptional suppressor and a transcriptional co-activator, depending on H3K27me3 or its absence. In this review, we summarized various studies reported till date, elucidating the structure of PRC2 complex, various mechanisms involved with this, and highlighting the role of EZH2 in breast cancer and prostate cancer progression. An increased understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of wide spectrum of cancers is therefore needed to develop novel therapeutic approaches for this disease and to improve the quality of life in patients.
Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma in the maxillary gingiva
Authors: Protyusha GB , Sivapathasundharam B.
Published: October 2020

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a rare, unique, and aggressive variant of squamous cell carcinoma which mostly occurs in the upper aerodigestive tract. Histologically and immunologically different from conventional squamous cell carcinoma, it is mostly seen in men of the sixth and seventh decades and is commonly associated with tobacco and alcohol usage. BSCC usually presents as a high stage disease with distant metastasis, high recurrence rate, and poor prognosis. In the head-and-neck region, BSCC has a strong predilection for sites such as the base of the tongue, soft palate, and epiglottis. Less commonly, it may also occur on the floor of the mouth, gingiva, and tonsils. In the present article, we report a case of BSCC in the right maxillary anterior gingiva of a 57-year-old female for its rarity.
Cost vs. integral foliated simplicial volume
Authors: Löh Clara
Published: October 2020

We show that integral foliated simplicial volume of closed manifolds gives an upper bound for the cost of the corresponding fundamental groups.
Understanding the Corpus of Mobile Payment Services Research: An Analysis of the Literature Using Co-Citation Analysis and Social Network Analysis
Authors: Verma Surabhi , Chaurasia Sushil S. , Singh Vibhav
Published: October 2020

Mobile Payment Services have evolved in the past 20 years, attracting the attention of international practitioners and research scholars. Although several review and analyses of literature have been conducted to examine the multiple dimensions of mobile payment services, no co-citation analysis has been conducted to examine and understand the knowledge structures involved in mobile payment services studies. Therefore in order to fill this research gap, this research article analyses the corpus of mobile payment services research published from 1997 to June 2017 using Bibliometric and Social Network Analysis (SNA) methods to develop an intellectual structure of mobile payment services research. All data source documents (406 articles and 3,424 citations) were obtained from Web of Knowledge (WoK) database. A co-citation analysis was used to analyse mobile payment services data. Factor analysis, citation and co-citation analysis, multidimensional scaling and centrality measurement are applied to the mobile payment services dataset using UCINET to identify the core influential articles in the field. This study identifies seven core clusters of mobile payment services research that centre around (1) Adoption and usage; (2) Trust, risk and security; (3) Application; (4) Scheme; (5) Protocol; (6) Architecture; (7) Mobile payment corporation. The findings of this research study provide core knowledge and directions for practitioners and researchers interested in the mobile payment services field.
NCD epidemic and sexual reproductive health issues in the infectious disease world
Authors: Tumwine James K
Published: October 2020

Nil.
Under-five malnutrition in a South-Eastern Nigeria metropolitan city
Authors: Jude Chukwuemeka Kenechukwu , Chukwunedum Agozie Ubesie , Egbuna Kunle Obidike
Published: October 2020

Background: Malnutrition (under and overnutrition) presents significant threats to child health. The co-existence of under and overnutrition in a population is increasingly being described in the literature .Objective: To identify the prevalence of malnutrition among under-five children in Enugu metropolis.Methods: A cross-sectional study of pre-primary school children conducted from January to May 2016. using stratified sampling technique. Caregiver-administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information. Weights and heights were measured using a standard weight scale and stadiometer/ length mat respectively. Wasting, stunting, overweight and obesity were determined based on the recommended WHO Growth Standard. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20.0. The associations between nutritional status on one hand, and categorical variables such as age grouping, sex, socio-economic status, and maternal educationwere determined using chi square. . P-value < 0.05 were reported as statistically significant.Results: Eighteen (2.4%) and 26 (3.5%) subjects were wasted and stunted respectively. Eleven (1.5%) subjects were overweight while another 11(1.5%) subjects were obese. Risk factors for undernutrition were maternal education and low socioeconomic class while risk factor for overnutrition was upper socioeconomic class..Conclusion: There is a low rate of malnutrition in the area of study. However, sustained efforts must continue to prevent further rise and possibly eliminate the scourge of malnutrition.Keywords: Malnutrition, Nigeria.
Core competencies acquired in indigenous training of traditional health practitioners in Kwazulu-Natal
Authors: Nompumelelo Mbatha , Gomo Exnevia , Gqaleni Nceba , Ngcobo Mlungisi
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Despite the recognition of Traditional Medicine systems as a critical component of health care by the WHO and the African Union, its integration into the health care mainstream remains very subdued in South Africa. This is partly due to the lack of empirical data pertinent to traditional healer training that could inform the accreditation process. Objective: To determine core competencies acquired by Traditional Health Practitioners (THP) of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa during their apprenticeship. Materials and methods: Purposeful, convenient and snowballing sampling and the sequential data collection methods of questionnaires, journaling and focus groups was used to collect data from the THP tutors and their trainees in rural, peri-urban and urban areas of eThekwini and uThungulu Districts of Kwa Zulu Natal (KZN). Results: Eleven core competencies were identified: consultation, diagnoses, holistic patient care and treatment, integrative and holistic healing, application of healing procedures and cultural rituals, spiritual development, ethical competencies, problem solving, herbalism, ancestral knowledge and end of life care. Conclusion: The apprenticeship of THPs in KZN is based on eleven core competencies. These competencies are fundamental pillars for critical health care provided by THPs and are crucial for setting standards for the accreditation of traditional training in South Africa if the THP Act 22 of 2007 is to achieve its purpose of providing for the management of and control over the registration, training and conduct of the practitioners. Hence, the appointed interim THP Council should include the identified competencies when articulating bases for accreditation of the training and assessments.Keywords: Indigenous training, traditional health practitioners, Kwazulu-Natal.
Knowledge about modifiable risk factors for non-communicable diseases adults living with HIV in Rwanda
Authors: Biraguma Juvenal , Mutimura Eugene , Frantz José M
Published: October 2020

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCD) are of international public health concern. Of more concern are people living with HIV (PLHIV), who have the increased risk of developing NCDs, such as hypertension, stroke and diabetes. Research has revealed that there is a relationship between knowledge of NCD risk factors and risk perceptions in the general population. Therefore, an assessment of PLHIV’s NCD risk factors knowledge is quite critical, to design effective NCD prevention programmes.Objective: To assess the level of knowledge of modifiable risk factors for NCDs and its associated factors among adults living with HIV in Rwanda.Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design was used to collect the data. The study targeted PLHIV who visited the out-patients’ public health centres in three purposively selected provinces of Rwanda. The knowledge assessment questionnaire relating to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle was used to collect the data. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23.Results: Of the 794 respondents, 64.6% were women, and the mean age was 37.9 (±10.8) years. The results revealed that the majority of the respondents (65.0%) had low levels of knowledge about NCD risk factors, while some (35.6%) were of the opinion that they had a low risk of contracting NCDs. Good knowledge was significantly associated with high educational status, a low CD4+ cell count (< 350 cells/mm3) and normotension.Conclusion: The current study findings highlight the need for comprehensive health education, to raise awareness of non-communicable diseases’ risk factors for adults living with HIV in Rwanda.Keywords: Non-communicable diseases, Risk factors, HIV infection, Knowledge, Rwanda.
An overview of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia for the African generalist practitioner
Authors: Govender I , Maphasha O M , Rangiah S , Steyn C
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Pneumocystis jirovecii is the causative organism of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in humans, which is more common among immunocompromised patients. Classically patients present with fever, non-productive cough, and dyspnoea. In the HIV-infected individuals the symptoms may be subtle at first, but gradually progress over several weeks. In the HIV-uninfected patient, however, the duration of symptoms is shorter and more severe, mainly due to the increased inflammatory response of the HIV-uninfected patient.Methods: This article focuses on the diagnostic methods and then the management and prophylaxis principles of PCP by reviewing the best current practices and guidelines in Africa.Conclusion: This overview is presented by clinicians who have experience with PCP and is directed mainly at first-line healthcare providers.Keywords: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, african generalist practitioner.
A DISEASE OF TOMATO IN PUERTO RICO RESEMBLING THE BRAZILIAN CURLY TOP OF TOMATOES
Authors: José Adsur
Published: October 2020

A DISEASE OF TOMATO IN PUERTO RICO RESEMBLING THE BRAZILIAN CURLY TOP OF TOMATOES
Título en español.
Authors: L. A. Snyder  , Alice R. Hernández  , H. E. Warmke
Published: October 2020

El estudio citológico de especímenes de Pennisetum ciliare de siete colecciones procedentes de distintas regiones, reveló que en esta especie tan variable las formas predominantes de reproducción son aposporia y pseudogamia. Además de los números diploides 32, 36, 40, y 54, informados anteriormente, se encontraron también los de 43 y 48. Aunque el proceso meyótico en las células madres es muy distinto en las diferentes variedades, el mismo se caracteriza, en términos generales, por pocas agrupaciones cuadrivalentes, considerable irregularidad y no-disyunción cromosómica. Los productos de la meyosis en los óvulos casi siempre degeneran poco después de haberse formado y una o más células de la núcela, al aumentar de tamaño, se convierte en sacos embrionales no reducidos. Se forman dos tipos de sacos embrionales maduros, unos con cuatro núcleos y otros con ocho, pero éstos últimos son relativamente escasos. Este estudio, así como otros practicados con Panicum maximum, parecen indicar que en estas dos especies los sacos embrionales maduros dotados de 4 núcleos son normalmente no reducidos, mientras que los de ocho núcleos son reducidos. La polinización es necesaria para que el endosperma comience a dividirse, proceso que antecede a las divisiones que se verifican en el óvulo no reducido y no fecundado. Una forma de reproducción muy parecida a la descrita se observó también en especímenes de una colección de Cenchrus setigerus.
Influence of Fertility Levels on the Varietal Response of Sugarcane
Authors: Samuels G. , Landrau, Jr. P. , Capó B. G.
Published: October 2020

There are many as yet unanswered questions concerning the relationship between sugarcane varieties and soil fertility. Important among them are the following: 1. Are the results of sugarcane-variety field trials valid for different fertility levels when performed at but one fertility level? 2. Is it necessary to run fertilizer field trials on new varieties? 3. Should certain sugarcane varieties be recommended for soils of low fertility and different varieties for soils of medium or higher fertility? Statistical examination of the data from eight variety-fertilizer experiments carried on in different parts of Puerto Rico: Humid, semihumid, arid-irrigated, and arid-nonirrigated, and also on different soil types, revealed the following answers to these questions concerning differences in varietal response to different fertility or fertilizer levels, using nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium: 1. Certain varieties did not consistently yield best at all fertility levels. 2. Some varieties appeared to do better at higher fertility levels than at low ones; others performed better at low fertility levels. 3. Inasmuch as varietal response is different at various fertility levels, caution is recommended in evaluating new variety trials at only one fertility level. 4. Not all varieties responded similarly to fertilizer applications, and it would be misleading to define fertilizer requirements or the fertility level on the basis of the performance of one cane variety only, if other varieties are to be grown in that area. 5. A discussion of the interaction of varieties and fertilizers is presented in which it is suggested that some cane varieties developed in one geographic area do better there than elsewhere, while other varieties grow well over wide areas.
The Carotene Content of Green and Ripe Plantains
Authors: Asenjo Conrado F. , Porrata Elba I.
Published: October 2020

1. The carotene content of green and yellow plantains, as determined by the chromatographic assay procedure, averaged 10.43 ± 3.66 and 6.68 ± 2.97 µg. of carotene per gram of the raw edible portion, respectively. 2. Rat assay indicated that the green plantain protected more the vitamin A-depleted rats than the yellow plantain.
Essentials of Successful Potato Culture in Puerto Rico
Authors: Pastor Rodríguez Juan , Landrau, Jr. Pablo
Published: October 2020

Potatoes constitute an important item in the diet of the Puerto Rican family. Large amounts of this important commodity are imported to the Island every year, and for this reason it has always been regarded by our agronomists as a potential crop to increase the Island sources of food supply. But, before it could become an established crop in Puerto Rico, the optimum conditions in other respects than varieties had to be determined. Potato trials were conducted under different conditions of soil and climate to find the best way to manage the different factors which are essentials for the successful production of potatoes in the Island.
Some Limitations in the Use of the Air Picnometer for Soil-Porosity, Soil-Moisture, and Particle-Density Determinations
Authors: Vicente-Chandler José , Silva Servando , Figarella Jacinto
Published: October 2020

The air picnometer does not appear to be suitable for accurately determining either the particle density, the porosity, or the moisture content of soil samples. However, it appears well suited to making rapid, approximate field estimates of soil porosity and moisture status. In dry soils, gaseous adsorption on the surface of dry colloids introduces a serious error in picnometric determinations. In moist soils gaseous solution in soil moisture while under pressure in the air picnometer and "packing" of water molecules on colloidal surfaces introduce a similar error. Structure also exerts a marked influence on picnometric determinations either by modifying the area of air-water interface, thus affecting the amount of air dissolved in the soil moisture, or through the effect of structure on the quantity of air which may be trapped and thus not be subject to pressure changes during the determinations. The air picnometer has various innate weaknesses. It must be checked constantly for leakage. Since changes in atmospheric pressure affect results, calibration curves must be prepared for use at different pressures. The air picnometer must also be recalibrated periodically as variations occur with usage. Data are presented showing the results of particle-density, soil-porosity, and soil-moisture determinations made by various methods on several soils of Puerto Rico. The relative merits of the various methods are discussed.
RESISTANCE BY PLANT TISSUE HIGH IN SILICA TO INJURY BY CYANIDE AND MARINE BORERS
Authors: Wolcott George N.
Published: October 2020

RESISTANCE BY PLANT TISSUE HIGH IN SILICA TO INJURY BY CYANIDE AND MARINE BORERS
Título en español.
Authors: Harvey Leonard Cromroy
Published: October 2020

El presente trabajo es un estudio taxonómico de los ácaros que atacan las plantas en Puerto Rico. Estos artródos pertenecen a la Clase Arachnida, Orden Acarina, Suborden Trombidiformes y a las familias Tetraniquidae, Tenuipalpidae, Tarsonemidae y Eriofiidae. Para cada familia se da su morfología, biología general y una clave para indentificar las especies.
Yield Responses to Different N-P-K Levels, and Correlations With Foliar Analysis, in Sand-Culture Studies With Corn, Sugarcane, and Cotton
Authors: Bonnet J. A. , Riera A. R. , Roldán J.
Published: October 2020

The layout for 28 concrete pits is described herein where sand-culture and irrigation studies under cover have been carried in Puerto Rico since 1940 with certain crops: Sugarcane, beans, corn, sweetpotatoes, and cotton. The data for 10 experiments performed with sweet corn, dent corn, sugarcane, and cotton are reported. These data included N-P-K contents of the respective leaves at different crop ages and yields obtained by varying the N or P or K levels from deficient to sufficient values, but keeping other major and minor nutrients constant. These experiments were important in showing that foliar contents of the major nutrients at specific crop ages can be used to predict or correlate with relative yield values. These correlations are not generally obtained with phosphorous and potassium in field experiments because the initial available phosphorus and potassium contents of the soil are usually high.
Termite-Repellent Activity and Chemical Composition of West Indian Mahogany Wood, (Swietenia Mahagoni Jacq.) with Special Reference to the P2 Fraction
Authors: Asenjo Conrado F. , Amorós Marín Luis , Torres Wanda , Del Campillo Alice
Published: October 2020

1. Serial extraction of West Indian mahogany wood with selective solvents was performed. 2. The petroleum ether extract was the only fraction to exhibit promising termite-repellent activity. 3. Mahogany blocks subjected to petroleum ether extraction became susceptible to termite attack. 4. A waxy substance (P2 fraction) separated from the petroleum ether extract at times showed high termite-repellent activity. The termite-repellent principle in the P2 fraction seems to be a labile one, as the termite-repellent activity varied greatly from batch to batch. 5. The P2 fraction is a mixture of two major components and of at least a third minor one. As far as we have been able to determine this mixture, at the elemental level, contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen only, while esters have been the only compounds definitely characterized at the structural level.
Fruit and Vitamin C Production of Five- and Six-Year-Old Acerola Trees
Authors: Jackson George C. , Pennock William
Published: October 2020

1. The production records obtained from 163 individual acerola trees belonging to 10 selected clones at the Isabela Substation are shown for the years 1955 and 1956. The trees were 5 and 6 years old from time of setting out as large, well-rooted cuttings. 2. The trees bore fruit during five well-defined cropping periods, which consisted of from 1 to 4 weeks of continuous production. These bearing periods were interspersed with resting periods which varied from 2 to 16 weeks. 3. The four longest bearing periods, accounting for 96 percent of the yearly fruit total, occurred during the months of May to October, inclusive. 4. The yearly yield per acre of a commercial planting in Puerto Rico is estimated at 10 tons of fruit containing 435 pounds of vitamin C. 5. The most productive clone, now strongly recommended for commercial plantings, was B15 which more than doubled the above estimates. The Florida Sweet (K7), a selection made at Homestead, Fla., gave a high yield of fruit which had a relatively low vitamin content. It is rated as an outstanding clone for consumption as fresh fruit.
The Determination of Moisture in Parchment Coffee and Green Coffee Beans with a Dielectric-type Moisture-Meter
Authors: Boyce D. S.
Published: October 2020

1. It is necessary for all those concerned with the production, processing, and handling of seedlike products such as coffee parchment and green coffee to have available a method for the rapid and simple determination of moisture content. 2. A review of the literature indicates that much work has been done on the moisture determination of the seed of commerce of the Temperate regions, but little information exists concerned with the moisture determination of coffee. 3. As an initial step in setting up a program to investigate methods of coffee-processing it was necessary to establish a quick, simple, and accurate method of moisture determination. Investigations by others indicated that the Kappa moisture-meter, manufactured by Messrs. Kappa Moisture Meter Ltd., U. K., was probably the most suitable instrument available for this purpose. 4. It was decided to use a distillation method as the primary means of establishing the relationship between the moisture content of the material and the meter reading. It was found that it was not only necessary to determine the meter reading but also the weight of the sample and the ambient temperature if reliable results were to be obtained. 5. The Kappa moisture-meter was calibrated both for coffee parchment and green coffee over the widest possible range of moisture contents likely ever to be encountered. 6. All the results were statistically evaluated. It was found that, if the weight of the sample and the ambient temperature were taken into consideration, the standard deviation from the regression or the standard error of estimate for both parchment and green coffee were very comparable to similar values obtained for other dielectric moisture-meters used for moisture determination in wheat over a much more limited range. 7. It was found that the range of the Kappa moisture-meter was sufficient for the entire range of moisture contents considered. The divisions on the meter scale were also found to be adequately spaced, so that all readings could be made with sufficient accuracy. 8. It was observed that there was a very close relationship between the weight of a given volume of moderately compacted coffee parchment and its moisture content. This relationship could perhaps form the basis of a cheap, simple way for roughly evaluating the moisture content of parchment coffee which would be sufficiently accurate for farm use. 9. It was considered that the most convenient method of determining the moisture content from the Kappa meter-reading, the sample weight, and the ambient temperature, is by means of a four-variable addition-type alignment chart or nomogram. 10. Though the linear regression equations established for Kappa moisture- meter, Serial No. 7755, are unlikely to be applicable to other moisturemeters of the same type, additional meters required can be calibrated from this original meter instead of by more tedious primary methods.
The Influence of Fertilizers on Cigar-Filler Tobacco Quality
Authors: Samuels George
Published: October 2020

The influence of fertilizers on cigar-filler tobacco quality, as judged by price per pound, was investigated, using three crops of a major-element fertilizer (N-P2O5-K2O) experiment at Aibonito on a Juncos clay and a source-of-nitrogen experiment at Caguas clay. The results obtained were as follows: 1. The use of 50 pounds per acre of nitrogen increased the quality of the tobacco significantly when compared to the no-nitrogen treatment. 2. Rates up to 150 pounds per acre of nitrogen did not increase significantly either yield or quality of tobacco per acre over the 50-pound-per-acre nitrogen treatment. However, the quality of the tobacco was not reduced by the high nitrogen applications. 3. Phosphates and potash failed to increase the quality of the tobacco. 4. Lime and magnesium oxide increased the quality of the tobacco. 5. The other sources of nitrogen used failed to increase the quality of the tobacco, as far as price per pound was concerned, beyond the price of the tobacco produced with ammonium sulfate. 6. The burning rates of cigars made with tobacco fertilized with various nitrogen sources showed urea to give the slowest rate of burning, and a mixture of urea and cottonseed meal the most rapid. Ammonium sulfate as a nitrogen source was about intermediate between these. 7. The nicotine content of the tobacco increased with applications of nitrogen up to the 100-pound-per-acre level. Phosphate and potash applications tended to lower the nicotine content of the tobacco leaf. 8. A discussion of the influence of fertilizers on quality of the tobacco is presented to aid the farmer in his use of fertilizer to increase tobacco quality. Warning is also given that these relationships on the relation between yield and quality of tobacco cannot be regarded as applicable to all commercial tobacco-growing in Puerto Rico until further work is done on other tobacco soils.
Relation of Earliness to Some Plant Characters in the Tomato
Authors: Pérez López Agripino
Published: October 2020

An experiment was conducted to determine the association of certain characters with earliness in the tomato, at the Isabela Agricultural Experiment Substation. Four varieties were included in this study, namely: Earliana, first early; Valiant, second early; Queens, midseason; and Rutgers, late. The information recorded was as follows: 1, Leaf production at weekly intervals; 2, node number at which the first consecutive four-flower clusters appeared on the main stem; 3, percentage of the first four flowering lateral branches originating four leaves below or above the position of the first flower cluster on the main stem; 4, fresh and dry weights of five mature tomato leaves per plant collected from the first and the last plant in each replication; 5, fresh and dry weights of each whole tomato plant that was planted at the beginning and at the end of each replicate; 6, stem diameter two leaves below the first inflorescence; and 7, yield measured in terms of total number and weight of fruits produced. The results of this experiment strongly indicate that earliness is associated with the following characters: 1. High rate of leaf production, i.e., an early variety producing more leaves per unit of time than a late one. 2. Small number of leaves from the cotyledons to the position of the first inflorescence on the main stem. 3. A relatively large number of leaves from the first to the second, and from the second to the third inflorescences on the main stem. 4. Concentration of the first four flowering branches within a relatively small zone on the main stem, a few leaves below or above the position of the first inflorescence. 5. Relatively thin stem. 6. Relatively small leaves.
Título en español.
Authors: Rubén Caro-Costas  , José Vicente-Chandler
Published: October 2020

Se estudió el efecto en el rendimiento de yerbas Napier, Para, Guinea, Pangola y melao, de cortarlas a una altura de 0-3 y de 7-10 pulgadas del suelo cada 60 días durante 2 años. Con corte bajo se redujo grandemente el rendimiento de la yerba melao. Sin embargo, los rendimientos de las yerbas Napier, Para y Pangola fueron marcadamente más altos con corte bajo. Aunque la altura de corte no afectó grandemente el rendimiento de la yerba Guinea, con corte alto se mantuvo más vigorosa, recobró más rápidamente después del corte, y crecieron menos malas yerbas.
Effects of Gibberellic Acid on Germination of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Seed
Authors: Ramírez Oscar D.
Published: October 2020

Papaya seed were treated with the potassium salt of gibberellic acid to determine the effect on the time interval and percentage of germination. The dosages used were 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 ounces of 0.88 percent of potassium gibberellate per 100 pounds of seed. No significant effect was observed in accelerating the germination of papaya seed nor on the germination percentage.
DELETERIOUS EFFECT OF SIMAZINE ON MOSAIC-INFECTED SUGARCANE
Authors: Adsuar José
Published: October 2020

DELETERIOUS EFFECT OF SIMAZINE ON MOSAIC-INFECTED SUGARCANE
Título en español.
Authors: L. Rivera-Brenes  , H. Cestero  , A. Sierra
Published: October 2020

Se llevó a cabo un experimento para probar la capacidad productiva de forraje de una variedad de caña, P.R. 1010, comparada con la yerba Napier (Merker). Se usaron dos intervalos de corte, 60 y 90 días. Intervalos de 60 días entre corte y corte en promedio es lo que se recomienda para la yerba Napier. La yerba Napier (Merker) sobrepasó, significativamente al uno por ciento, a la caña de azúcar en producción de forraje. La yerba Napier crece más rápidamente y puede alcanzar hasta cinco pies de altura entre los 40 y 50 días después de cortada, mientras que la caña sólo llega a pie y medio a la misma edad. La Estación no recomienda la siembra de caña de azúcar para forraje porque con la yerba Napier (Merker) los agricultores pueden hacer mucho mejor uso del terreno. Los agricultores con plantaciones viejas de caña de azúcar podrían usarlas como forraje para el ganado, pero si se disponen a sembrar predios para forraje entonces les conviene usar la yerba Napier.
Economical Method for the Production of Flour from Green Plantains
Authors: Rahman Abdul R.
Published: October 2020

An economical method was developed for producing a flour of acceptable quality from green plantains. Five lots weighing 20 pounds each were prepared for dehydration as follows: Peeled by hand and sliced, unpeeled and sliced, unpeeled sliced and treated with 2-percent potassium metabisulfite, and unpeeled sliced and treated with 2-percent citric acid. The results follow: 1. The yield of the flour produced from the plantains which were unpeeled and treated with potassium metabisulfite, 31 to 32 percent, was higher than that produced from the peeled ones, which was 25 to 28 percent. It also showed a trend towards increase in yield compared with the rest of the flours. 2. This flour also possessed better color than the one produced from the unpeeled and untreated plantains, or the flour from plantains treated with citric acid. 3. The flours produced from the treated plantains showed a relatively higher moisture and a trend towards lower total sugars and proteins than the untreated ones. 4. The calories per gram produced from all the flours were almost the same, whereas the bulk density was higher in the flour produced from the steam-peeled plantains than in the rest of the flours which were all about the same. 5. The organoleptic tests established no significant difference between the flavor of soups and "buñuelos" (crullers) prepared from the following flours: Unpeeled not treated, unpeeled but treated with potassium metabisulfite, unpeeled and treated with citric acid, and hand-peeled. However, a significant difference was established in favor of the color of the flour prepared from the unpeeled plantains treated with potassium metabisulfite as compared with flours made from untreated, unpeeled plantains, and from those treated with citric acid.
The Brine-Grading of Pigeonpeas
Authors: Sánchez-Nieva F. , González M. A. , Benero J. R. , Hernández I.
Published: October 2020

The possibility of using brine-grading to improve the quality of canned pigeonpeas by separating the overmature yellow from the more tender green pigeonpeas was investigated. The results obtained show that brine-grading separated pigeonpeas into two groups, floaters and sinkers, the floaters being less developed than the sinkers, which were the more mature, but failed completely to separate the overmature yellow peas from the green. Failure to separate the overmature yellow peas from the green occurred because green and overripe yellow pigeonpeas, although having a different starch content, apparently have similar specific gravity, and may float or sink together in a brine of any given specific gravity, making a clear-cut separation between the two groups impossible. The results from this work suggest that brine-grading is of doubtful value as a quality-control measure in the canning of pigeonpeas because a high percentage of sinkers is generally obtained, which, when canned, result either in a low-C grade or a substandard product.
Ascorbic Acid Content of Some Malpighia spp.
Authors: Jackson George C.
Published: October 2020

Malpighia Shaferi Brit ton & Wilson, M. infestissima (A. Juss.) Rich., M. linearis Jacq., M. coccigera L., and M. suberosa Small are reported to contain 507, 153, 139, 103, and 29 mg. of ascorbic acid per 100 gm. of edible matter, respectively.
Performance of the Solo Papaya (Carica papaya L.) in Puerto Rico
Authors: Singh-Dhaliwal T. , Pérez-López A. , López-García J.
Published: October 2020

The Solo papaya (Carica papaya L.), which is the common commercial papaya in Hawaii, was introduced into Puerto Rico. Its performance was studied at the Fortuna and Isabela Agricultural Experiment Substations of this Station. The plantings comprised hermaphrodite and female trees. No tree of male form appeared. The trees started bearing fruits at a height of little more than 5 feet. When about a year old the average number of fruits per tree was 14.15, of which 2.53 were misshapen. The average weight of the fruits was 0.94 pounds; length, 5.21 inches; girth, 10.97 inches; and thickness of flesh, 1.27 inches. The color of the flesh of most of the fruits was yellow and they had good taste and flavor. The female trees were less productive than the hermaphrodite trees, but had fewer misshapen fruits. The fruits from female trees were relatively heavier and roundish in shape. By the end of 1 year in the field all the trees became severely infected with virus diseases, the south-coast mosaic and bunchy top, and stopped growing and bearing. On the basis of the present study the Solo papaya is not recommended for large-scale commercial production in Puerto Rico. However, interested fruit growers may test its performance on their farms by establishing small plantings.