bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial distribution of lichen communities and air pollution mapping in a tropical city: Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Correa-Ochoa Mauricio Andres , Vélez-Monsalve Leidy Catalina , Saldarriaga-Molina Julio César
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Enough scientific evidence is available on the harmful effects of air pollution on the health of human beings, fauna, flora, and ecosystems in general. The mechanical and electronical monitoring networks are the first option for the air quality diagnosis, but they do not allow a direct and precise assessment of the impacts in living organisms that may result from the exposure to air pollutants. Objective: To evaluate the changes in the composition of corticulous lichen communities as a response to various stress factors in areas with different levels of air quality to diagnose the state of pollution or intervention in an area with a more complete option. Methods: Air quality contrasts and changes in richness and coverage of corticulous lichens in response to different stress factors, such as land use and distance to roads, in three different biomonitoring areas, were evaluate using GIS, and the data are presented in an easy-to-understand grey scale coded isoline map. Results: Indicators such as lichen coverage (R= -0.4) and richness (R= -0.7) are inverse correlated with PM2.5 concentrations in each area. A total of 110 lichen species were identified, being Phaeophyscia chloantha (Ach.) Moberg and Physcia poncinsii Hue the most frequent species (present in 38 and 33 % of the 86 sampled phorophytes, respectively). The intra-area relationships of lichen richness exhibit significant relationships with regards to the land use and distance to roads (with correlations coefficients greater than 0.5) and the Simpson index was higher than 0.9, in places with better conditions in terms of air quality and microenvironments, likewise the resistance factors calculated suggest that the most sensitive species can be found in environments with a lesser degree of disturbance. Conclusion: These evaluations represent more criteria elements for the diagnosis of the environmental health in the biomonitoring areas.
Harvest Management Problem with a Fractional Logistic Equation
Authors: Barrios Melani , Reyero Gabriela , Tidball Mabel
Published: October 2021

In this article, we study a fractional control problem that models the maximization of the profit obtained by exploiting a certain resource whose dynamics are governed by the fractional logistic equation. Due to the singularity of this problem, we develop different resolution techniques, both for the classical case and for the fractional case. We perform several numerical simulations to make a comparison between both cases.
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS' PERCEPTION ON THE RISK OF CONTAMINATION BY COVID-19 IN BRAZIL
Authors: Oliveira Adriana Cristina de , Lucas Thabata Coaglio , Iquiapaza Robert Aldo
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT Objective: to know the factors that exert an influence on the health professionals’ perception of the risk of becoming contaminated with COVID-19 in Brazil. Methods: a survey conducted from May to October 2020 with 436 active health professionals working in the front line against COVID-19. Descriptive analyses were used and a structural equation model from an exploratory factor analysis was estimated. Results: the health professionals' perception on contracting COVID-19 was considered as medium to very high for 72% of the respondents. In the structural equation model, knowledge of the treatment for COVID-19, preparation of the health professionals to work, and safety in the institutional protocol together with confidence in official protocols and disclosures through social, printed and television media exerted an influence on confidence to face the pandemic (P<0.05). This self-confidence along with the male gender were significant determinants (P<0.001) for the perception of the possibility of becoming contaminated. Conclusion: this study may contribute to the realization of strategies, public policies and guidelines that may impact on improving self-confidence and protecting the health professionals in their performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nomofobia entre discentes de medicina e sua associação com depressão, ansiedade, estresse e rendimento acadêmico
Authors: Kubrusly Marcos , Silva Paulo Goberlânio de Barros , Vasconcelos Gabriel Vidal de , Leite Emanuel Delano Lima Gonçalves , Santos Priscilla de Almeida , Rocha Hermano Alexandre Lima
Published: October 2021

Abstract: Introduction: As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the adoption of technology remains one of the defining factors of human progress. Nomophobia (NO MObile PHOne PhoBIA) represents a mental condition caused by the fear of being detached from mobile phone connectivity. Such condition is directly associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Moreover, nomophobia can lead to structural brain damage. Objective: The present study aims to assess the effect of nomophobia on medical students at a private institution and its association with depression, anxiety, stress and academic performance. Method: This is a cross-sectional observational study carried out in medical students at Centro Universitário Christus. Nomophobia was measured using the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q). The NMP-Q has 20 questions, which are asked on a 7-point Likert scale. This scale has been validated for the Brazilian Portuguese language. Depression, anxiety and stress were measured by the DASS-21, a simplified version of the DASS instrument. The DASS-21 questionnaire was also validated for the Brazilian Portuguese language. Academic performance was measured through API, the product of a complex mathematical operation that results in the student’s average grade in the semester and functions as a reference index for pedagogical follow-up in the assessed institution. In addition, the device use habits were assessed. Descriptive results were presented, and bivariate analyses of association and correlation were performed. This study was approved by the research ethics committee. Result: A sample of 292 students was assessed. Virtually all students (99.7%) had some degree of nomophobia, and 64.5% had a moderate or severe level of nomophobia. More than 50% of the students had higher than mild degrees of stress, and 19.5% and 11.2% of the students had severe or very severe levels of anxiety and depression, respectively. When analyzing the correlation of NMP-Q with DASS-21 scores, it was observed that increases in NMP-Q lead to increases in the overall DASS score (p < 0.001), and that worse results in DASS-21 are associated with worse API. Conclusion: Our study suggests that nomophobia is likely to increase anxiety, stress and depression and, as a result, leads to a decrease in academic performance.
Polypharmacy simulation and pharmacotherapy perceptions among students from a university in Ceará: a pilot study
Authors: Bezerra Yuri M. , Pereira Isabelle de Sousa , Sarubbi Rafael D. , Viana Júnior Antônio Brazil , Quidute Ana Rosa P.
Published: October 2021

Abstract: Introduction: Given the high prevalence of polypharmacy patients, it is paramount that they be handled with an effective therapeutic alliance and with safe and feasible treatments. Empathy towards the patient is essential, and the lack of prescriber experience may hamper such bond. Objectives: This study simulates a polypharmacy regimen among medical students, aiming to promote reflections about the daily challenges faced by patients. Methods: It is a prospective study in a single, non-blind group. The participants were medical students and residents from our institution, all of whom followed a 7-day placebo prescription. They answered questionnaires on their perceptions of medication adherence and concordance before and after the simulation. Results: twenty-eight volunteers participated, 27 of which (96.4%) forgot to take at least one pill during the experiment. Among the lower undergraduates, 28.57% interrupted at least one medication. As for the higher undergraduates and residents, this happened with 71.43% of them. There were more adherence failures than predicted by the participants themselves. In realistic dosages, levothyroxine, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and metformin were the drugs reported to be the most difficult. 96% of the volunteers strongly agreed that doctor and patient’s agreement regarding the treatment correlates with good adherence. Conclusion: Understanding the factors that affect adherence and how to handle them is essential for a doctor, as well as a good bond with the patient. The teaching of these abilities is very necessary. Further studies are needed to reach more undergraduate students and to highlight the relevance of simulations in the medical education setting.
Influence of geosynthetic stiffness on analytical solutions for reinforced fill over void
Authors: Naftchali F.M.
Published: October 2021

Analytical solutions for geosynthetic reinforced fills over a void have appeared in the literature starting in the 1980s. Current solutions pay little or no attention to the influence of the creep-reduced stiffness of the geosynthetic reinforcement under tensile loading. This paper addresses this gap by introducing a reinforcement stiffness limit state in the design of these systems. The choice of reinforcement stiffness is based on a simple two-parameter hyperbolic isochronous load–strain model developed by the authors and applied to a large database of uniaxial and biaxial geogrids and woven geotextiles. The paper provides a design chart procedure that can be used with four well-known analytical solutions to compute the maximum reinforcement load. In addition to the stiffness limit state, the design chart approach includes vertical deformation and reinforcement strain serviceability limit states, and a tensile strength limit state. A novel feature of the design charts is a quantitative link to the ultimate strength of the reinforcement to estimate the isochronous stiffness of the reinforcement for different elapsed loading times and strains. There are many instances in the literature where the reinforcement stiffness was taken from a constant rate-of-strain tensile test. The paper shows that this is non-conservative for design.
Compressive loading of structural insulated panels and conventional stud walls: a study
Authors: Abbasi Hassan , Hojatkashani Ata , Sennah Khaled , Nematianjelodar Hossein
Published: October 2021

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are structural elements comprising a core of expanded polystyrene insulation sandwiched between two oriented strand boards. They can replace conventional joist floors and stud walls in low-rise residential construction. Three identical samples of full-scale SIP walls and stud walls were tested according to ASTM standards and experimental results for the specimens were obtained in terms of their ultimate load capacity and failure mechanism. Comparison of the load–deformation diagrams of the SIPs and stud walls showed that tangential stiffness variation of the former occurred in the hardening mode, whereas the variation for the latter was in two stages, hardening and softening. Regarding compressive loading, the results showed that SIPs are as good as conventional wood framing of the same size. Therefore, SIP walls are very efficient in the case of axial compressive loading.
Detrimental orofacial manifestations of dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever clinical case series, review of the causes, complications, and vaccine strategies
Authors: Dutta Shubha Ranjan , Sing Purnima
Published: October 2021

It is estimated that there are about 10% of cases that involve oral mucosa in patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever (HF), and even less number of cases in dengue fever (DF) has been reported. This leads to a lack of future investigation. Aims and objectivesThis review intends to enhance the understanding of the epidemiology, clinical features involving the oral manifestations, and treatment of dengue disease. Design and Methods Several search engines, including PubMed, World Health Organization (WHO), and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) websites were utilized for the literature search using the terms dengue and dengue shock syndrome.Results Dengue is a major arthropod-borne viral disease of humans. Its presentation is protean and varies from an undifferentiated viral syndrome to viral HF and severe shock. The early diagnosis of the oral manifestations, hemorrhagic, or mucocutaneous, may lead to timely clinical evaluation of the patient with signs and symptoms suggestive of dengue viral infection.Conclusion The specific therapy for dengue infections is still undiscovered. Proper care, including vector control and prevention of mosquito bites, may be beneficial. However, the role of dental professionals and general practitioners is important in identifying the oral manifestations of dengue viral infection and providing specific diagnosis and effective treatment to the patients.
Assessment of Water Quality in Brackish Lake Bafa (Muğla, Turkey) by Using Multivariate Statistical Techniques
Authors: SUKATAR Atakan , ERTAŞ Alperen , TÜNEY KIZILKAYA İnci
Published: October 2021

Lake Bafa is one of the biggest lake in the western part of Turkey. It has a great importance in terms of both historical and biodiversity. Lake Bafa which was fed by Büyük Menderes River has become an area where the pollutant factors carried by the river accumulated over time. In this context, the complex physicochemical characteristics of Lake Bafa were evaluated and water quality classes were determined in order to constitute a monitoring pattern. In this research, the water samples were taken monthly from eight different stations located in the Lake Bafa during the two years study period (2015-2017). Total of 22 water quality parameters including atmospheric pressure, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolution solids, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, oxygen saturation, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, sulphate total phosphorus and total nitrogen were investigated in water samples. The data obtained were statistically evaluated by using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Cluster Analysis (CA) and Pearson Correlation Analysis and compared with the limit values reported by various national and international organizations. According to the results PCA, three factors (PCA 1, PCA 2 and PCA 3) explained 79.05% of the total variance while CA results exhibited three statistically significant clusters. Overall the results suggested that Lake Bafa has been exposed to high amount of pollution and it is generally classified in “Class III-IV” water quality level based on both Klee’s method and Turkish Water Pollution Control Regulation.
Some Water Quality Properties of Acı Lake and Meke Lake (Konya/ Turkey)
Authors: AŞIKKUTLU Baran , GÜMÜŞ Numan Emre , AKKÖZ Cengiz
Published: October 2021

Living beings need water to sustain their lives. Usage, conservation and management of water supplies are therefore extremely important. Researches on the investigation of the water quality properties of aquatic ecosystems are frequently carried out. The purpose of this study is to determine water quality characteristics of Acı Lake and Meke Lake. The lakes are located in Konya Province, Karapınar District and they are important habitats for birds and other species. In this study, some physical and inorganic parameters were examined in Acı Lake and Meke Lake at July 2014, October 2014 and January 2015. During the study, water samples were taken seasonally from the stations in the lakes. Results were compared with water pollution control regulation (SKKY) and water intended for human consumption standards (TS-266). According to Pearson Correlation Index (PCI) analysis, physical and inorganic parameters relationships were determined. About the measurement results of the physical and inorganic parameters, temperature values at July 2014 in two lakes, electrical conductivity values for all measurements in two lakes, dissolved oxygen and oxygen saturation values at July 2014 and October 2014 in Meke Lake and color values for all measurements in Meke Lake exceeded the limit values specified in the regulations, values other than these were found within the limit values of the regulation. According to PCI results, physical and inorganic parameters showed positive and negative correlation with each other in Acı Lake and Meke Lake.
Hindlimb Muscle Dissection, Permeabilization, and Respirometry v1
Authors: D. Campbell Matthew , J. Marcinek David
Published: October 2021

The use of permeabilized muscle fibers (PMF) has emerged as a gold standard for assessing skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. PMF provide an intermediate approach between in vivo strategies and isolated mitochondria that allows the mitochondria to be maintained in close to their native morphology in the myofiber while allowing greater control of substrate and inhibitor concentrations. However, like mitochondrial isolation, the primary drawback to PMF is disruption of the cellular environment during the muscle biopsy and preparation. Despite all the benefits of permeabilized muscle fibers in evaluating mitochondrial respiration and dynamics one of the major drawbacks is increased variability introduced during a muscle biopsy as well as intrinsic variation that exists due to sex and age. This study was designed to evaluate how age, sex, and biopsy preparations affect mitochondrial respiration in extensor digitorum longus, soleus, and gastrocnemius muscle of mice. Here we detail a modified approach to skeletal muscle biopsy of the gastrocnemius muscle of mice focused on maintenance of intact fibers that results in greater overall respiration compared to cut fibers. The improved respiration of intact fibers is sex specific as are some of the changes in mitochondrial respiration with age. This study shows the need for standard practices when measuring mitochondrial respiration in permeabilized muscle and provides a protocol to control for variation introduced during a typical mouse muscle biopsy.
Óvodások szociálisprobléma-megoldásának hazai és nemzetközi vizsgálatai
Authors: Szitás Teodóra , Kasik László
Published: October 2021

Az óvoda mint szocializációs színtér számtalan újdonságot rejt a gyermekek számára (Vajda, 2005), melyek közül az egyik legjelentősebb, hogy egy új közösség tagjaiként a korábbiaknál több – és folyamatos alkalmazkodást igénylő – interakcióban vesznek részt (Solymosi, 2017). Az interakciók során egyre gyakrabban alakulnak ki személyközi, leginkább kortársi problémák, melyek nem hatékony kezelése megnehezítheti mind a társas közegben való eligazodást, mind az alkalmazkodást rövid és hosszú távon egyaránt (Kasik & Gál, 2014b; Zsolnai et al., 2007). A társas problémákhoz való viszonyulás és azok megoldásának óvodáskori sajátosságairól – a többi életkori szakaszhoz viszonyítva – kevés információval rendelkezünk, mivel e jellemzőket is nehezebb vizsgálni a 3–7 évesek kognitív és verbális sajátosságai miatt (Kasik, 2015). Akárcsak más jellemzők, a problémamegoldás esetében is a gyerekek közvetlen mérése mellett a legtöbb kutatás során a szülők és a pedagógusok véleményét is feltérképezik, valamint egyre több olyan eszközt dolgoznak ki, amely vizuális elemeket is tartalmaz, alkalmazkodva ezen életkor fejlődési sajátosságaihoz (pl. Yilmaz et al., 2018). E tanulmány célja a szociálisprobléma-megoldás általános és óvodáskori jellemzőinek ismertetése, valamint az óvodások vizsgálatára kidolgozott mérőeszközök és az eddig elvégzett empirikus vizsgálatok főbb eredményeinek bemutatása. A tanulmány egy vizuális elemeket tartalmazó mérőeszköz kifejlesztésének elméleti alapját képezi.
Fotoğraf Serüveninin Son Durağı, Mobil Fotoğrafçılık
Authors: DEMİREL Gökhan , KANLIOĞLU Alahattin
Published: October 2021

Fotoğraf serüveni, insanoğlunun gördüklerini tekrar görülebilir somut bir veriye dönüştürme çabasıyla başlamıştır. Görüntünün kayıt altına alınabilmesi, tekrar görülebilir, basılabilir ve çoğaltılabilir olması ise ancak eklentik teknolojik gelişmeler sayesinde gerçekleşebilmiştir. Bu bağlamla bakıldığında fotoğraf, teknolojik bir araç olarak dikkat çekmektedir. Hatıra biriktirme aracı olarak konumlandırılan fotoğraf, zamanla belge ve kanıt özelliklerini de kazanarak, toplumsal belleğin oluşumunda söz sahibi olmuştur. Fotoğrafın artan kullanımı, aynı zamanda teknoloji olarak gelişmesinin önünü açmıştır. Fotoğrafın bu bağlamda gelişimi çoğunlukla fotoğraf üretim pratiklerinde iyileştirme, herkes tarafından ulaşılabilir hale gelme, saklama ve paylaşma olanaklarının iyileştirmesi yönünde olmuştur. Bu bağlamıyla bakıldığından fotoğraf karanlık odalardan analog makinelere, oradan dijital makinelere geçiş yapmıştır. Dijital makineler bugün yerini daha ileri bir teknoloji olan aynasız makinelere bırakırken, bilişim teknolojisi de cep telefonu fotoğrafçılığını oluşturmaya başlamıştır. Özellikle de cep telefonlarına entegre kameraların gün geçtikçe yükselen popülariteleri, optik teknolojilerinde meydana gelen gelişmeler ile toplumların dijitalleşmeye başlaması, yeni bir alan olan mobil fotoğrafçılığın oluşumunda doğrudan etkili olmuşlardır. Bu çalışma anı biriktirme amacı taşıyan fotoğrafın kitle iletişim aracına dönüşümünde geçirdiği evrelere değinerek, mobil fotoğrafçılığın tanımını, kapsamını, teknolojik bağlamı ve kullanım alanlarını açıklamayı amaçlamaktadır. Bir literatür taraması olan bu çalışmada, fotoğrafta yeni bir alan olan mobil fotoğrafçılığın dünü, bugünkü gelişimi ve teknolojik bağlamıyla geleceği kronolojik sıralamayla araştırılarak tartışılmaktadır.
In Search of Methodology for English Medium Instruction
Authors: Belskaya T.V.
Published: October 2021

English Medium Instruction (EMI) — teaching/learning of content through English at a university — is currently gaining momentum worldwide, albeit it still lacks consensus regarding conceptualization and efficacious pedagogy and encounters a myriad of challenges at the implementation level. The latter prompt ed a host of researchers to voice concerns about its possible negative effects on content learning and overall educational quality. Current EMI conceptualization is primarily informed by the applied linguistics perspective. Drawing on the dialectical unity of language (word) and cognition (thought), the article presents recent and fruitful applications of Vygotsky’s ideas to foreign language teaching/learning praxis and suggests a symbiosis of two theoretical perspectives — the cultural historical theory and systemic functional linguistics — to inform teaching/learning in English-mediated contexts. The article shifts the focus from the most researched area in the EMI acronym, which is E (dealing with the English language issues), to I (Instruction) to suggest a potential conceptual and pedagogical solution to the EMI conundrum.
The Psychodrama and its Contribution to the Children’s Competitive Confrontation. Case Study
Authors: Zaragas C.K.
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this paper is twofold, first to study in depth by analyzing the phenomena in the circle of the psychodrama group and then to highlight the results from the application of the psychodrama tech¬nique to young athletes who would take part in competitions. A group of 6 boys and 4 girls (N = 10, 100%) aged 12 years ± 5 months have participated in psychodrama sessions, lasting 90 minutes, with a frequency of every 15 days for 12 months (January 2019 — January 2020). The meetings took place in parallel and in combination with the judo training that lasted 90 minutes for three times a week. Both the trainings and the psychodrama meetings took place in the same place. The present work is a case study for the detailed examination and qualitative analysis of the group of young judo athletes in the process of psychodrama. The results of the coupling of the program of physical education and the method of psychodrama were impres¬sive both by the testimonies of the children and the official results of the Panhellenic championship for girls and boys. Psychodrama can be an alternative method of education in school.
Near-Field High-Resolution Maps of the Ridgecrest Earthquakes from Aerial Imagery
Authors: Rodriguez Padilla Alba M. , Quintana Mercedes A. , Prado Ruth M. , Aguilar Brian J. , Shea Thomas A. , Oskin Michael E. , Garcia Leslie
Published: October 2021

High-resolution maps of surface rupturing earthquakes are essential tools for quantifying rupture hazard, understanding the mechanics of rupture propagation, and interpreting evidence of past earthquakes in the landscape. We present highly detailed maps of five portions of the surface rupture of the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes, derived from 5 cm per pixel aerial imagery and 2–20 cm per pixel unmanned aerial vehicle imagery. Our high-resolution maps cover areas of complexity and distributed deformation, sections in which strain is very localized, and areas where the rupture breaks through sediment and bedrock, ensuring sampling of the diverse rupture styles of this earthquake sequence. These maps reveal the near-field deformation of the surface rupture with a high level of detail, resolving the extent of secondary fracturing, lateral spreading, and liquefaction features that are below the resolution of airborne lidar data, field mapping, and geodesy. These data may serve as a machine learning training dataset, and offer opportunities for detailed kinematic analysis and high-resolution probabilistic displacement hazard analysis.
Las principales fuerzas políticas durante la crisis del modelo de Convertibilidad de diciembre de 2001. Posicionamientos políticos, disputas públicas e impacto hegemónico
Authors: Fair Hernán
Published: October 2021

Este trabajo analiza los posicionamientos y disputas hegemónicas de las principales fuerzas políticas durante la crisis del modelo de Convertibilidad y reformas neoliberales de diciembre de 2001. A partir del análisis de los discursos público-mediáticos, se identifican los tópicos en disputa, se estructuran y caracterizan los paquetes de discursos y se posiciona a los referentes políticos clave. En la segunda parte, se analiza la dimensión del impacto hegemónico, examinando la eficacia de los argumentos de los exponentes clave del gobierno de la Alianza en torno al “Corralito” y el modo de estructuración de las alternativas políticas. Se halló un escaso impacto interpelativo de los argumenos de justificación de las medidas entre los principales oponentes en las fuerzas políticas, y ausencia de un proyecto contrahegemónico al modelo de Convertibilidad, aun entre los referentes más críticos. Desde el plano lingüístico, ello se explica por la persistencia de un consenso tácito o explícito en torno a la estabilidad monetaria como eje estructurador de la hegemonía neoliberal, su encadenamiento extensivo a la estabilidad institucional y la dispersión de las posiciones más combativas al modelo económico. Desde el plano no meramente lingüístico de la dinámica política, el consenso sobre la estabilidad y la ausencia de un programa alternativo se refuerzan por el equilibrio fáctico de los precios, la percepción de las restricciones económicas e institucionales, las prácticas sociales y los imaginarios sedimentados.
The Content of Special Creditors’ Rights in Case of Reorganization
Authors:   PhD (Law), Kuznetsov Aleksandr A.
Published: October 2021

The main task of company law is to find an adequate balance between protecting the interests of the creditor and those of the companies being reorganised. In this article, based on foreign doctrine, we propose ways to improve Russian legislation to prevent creditors from abusing their rights.
Potential impact on biodiversity in Kwale's forest reserve by power plant establishments
Authors:   University of Ibadan, Lameed Akeem
Published: October 2021

Kwale forest reserve with gazetted area of 3km 2 in the present Delta state, south eastern Nigeria, is surrounded by numbers of adjoining communities such as Okpai, Umu-uzor, Ugbome, Nkwor, Amama and Asa. The fringe ecosystem is endowed with important conservation-status species like primate: Cercopithecus spp; family of artiodactyla, Tragelaphus scriptus, rodentia : Dendrohyrax arborea, Thryonomys swinderianus; carnivores Panthera leo, Vulpes pallida and numbers of avifauna species as well as reptilea. The natural high forest ecosystem consists of emergent trees, such as: Ceiba pentandra , Landolphia oweriensis ; the under storeys: Strychnos spinosa , Lindaclearia dentata and the surrounding inhabitant drawn most of their livelihood from the natural ecosystem like bush meat which provide protein, firewood, water for cooking and other basic necessities. The use of Kwale forest reserve and the surrounding ecosystem by the Independent Power Plant (IPP) for electricity generation will continue to contribute to the loss of most natural resource base (flora and fauna). Many of such developmental projects (eco-development) are executed daily in the country and have resultant ecosystem damage, species erosion and environmental degradation. The exploitation over past decades has left a wasteland with serious environmental problems. The percentage preference for hunting of primate, rodent, antelope and avifauna are 55%, 20%, 20%, 5%, respectively, while the preference for consumption of meat indicated that bush meat is mostly preferred (33.5%) by the inhabitants, compared to other conventional sources such as beef, pork, fish, and chicken with 20.6%, 10.5%, 25.6% and 10.0%, respectively. It is pertinent to note that strategic management will be needed to protect, sustain, and manage the Kwale forest reserve along side with IPP developmental concept, thus, there is a need for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a tool for decision makers as well as ecosystem managers. This is necessary for timely communication of information between the policy makers (government) and stakeholders conducting specific projects that have mutual benefits to the general public.
Locally processed roasted-maize-based weaning foods fortified with legumes: Factors affecting availability and competitiveness in Accra, Ghana
Authors:   NTC International Co., Ltd., Nagai Tomokazu , Staatz JM ,   Michigan State University, Bernsten RH ,   Michigan State University, Sakyi-Dawson EO ,   University of Ghana, Annor GA ,   University of Ghana
Published: October 2021

Tom Brown (roasted-maize porridge) is one of the traditional weaning foods in Ghana. As an effort by the Ministry of Health to enhance the nutrient content of this low- nutrient-density weaning food, a product called weanimix , which is Tom Brown fortified with legumes (cowpeas or soybeans and groundnuts), was introduced more than two decades ago. Cowpeas are an indigenous African legume, popularly used by Ghanaians for various traditional dishes. While soybeans are not traditionally used, they can easily be incorporated into local diets. Commercial weanimix -type products in ready-to-cook flour form are currently available mainly at supermarkets, which target higher-income consumers. This paper examined: (1) the competitiveness between cowpeas and soybeans as an ingredient in weanimix ; and (2) constraints to making weanimix more widely available to lower-income families. Local food processors, weaning mothers, commercial custom millers, and retailers were interviewed for both qualitative and quantitative data. Secondary price data were collected from different sources including the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Descriptive analysis was carried out to address non-price factors of the issues, and enterprise budgeting and sensitivity analyses were conducted to address price factors. The study found that the higher price of cowpeas, compared to soybeans, is a minor factor in local processors’ choice between cowpeas and soybeans. Rather, the current overwhelmingly popular use of soybeans in the weanimix -type products among the respondents was attributed to non-price factors such as the perception that soybeans are more nutritious. A main reason for the lack of availability of weanimix for mothers from lower-income families appeared to be low awareness of the product among consumers. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that typical differences in prices currently observed between weanimix -type products and Tom Brown seems to be larger than the difference in the cost of production between these products. It was also shown that the level of processing and retail margins greatly affect the retail prices of weanimix . Weanimix could be made more available to lower-income consumers if local companies expanded their outlet for the product from supermarkets to small shops or if grain and flour-type product vendors in the local markets (who currently prepare and sell Tom Brown ) produced and sold weanimix . However, actions would need to be taken to help assure consumers of the quality of the product sold through market vendors.
Effects of extracts from three indigenous spices on the chemical stability of smoke-dried catfish (Clarias lezera) during storage
Authors:   Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Kiin-Kabari DB , Barimalaa IS , Achinewhu SC , Adeniji TA
Published: October 2021

Fishes are the cheapest source of animal protein and it plays an important role in the diet of many people in both developed and developing countries. It is an important ingredient in the Nigerian traditional cuisine, cat fish being one of the most valued and very diverse groups of bony fish. The catfishes are a monophyletic group, belonging to the super-order called the Ostariophysi. Freshly caught fish spoil easily and therefore requires adequate preservation and storage. Of all flesh foods, fish is the most susceptible to tissue decomposition, development of rancidity, and microbial spoilage. Fish begin to deteriorate as soon as they leave the water. The preservation of fish is therefore considered to be a major hindrance to its production and utilisation especially in the tropical countries in Africa. The four most popular methods of fish preservation are freezing, canning, smoking and pickling, the major preservation method being pickling or salting, which has been used for centuries. In this present study, the effect of extracts from three indigenous spices; Piper guinensis (uziza), Xylopia aethiopicum (okada) and Myrustica monodora (ehuru) on the preservation of smoked-dried catfish stored for six weeks were evaluated using brine solution as control. Samples treated with uziza showed the lowest moisture content of 6.5% and lowest mean FFA formation of 0.55%, which was significantly different (p<0.5) from the other spices. The mean peroxide value range of 5.8-15.1 meq/kg was observed throughout the storage period for all the spices used. Thiobarbituric acid values ranged from 0.6mg/kg-1.4mg/kg with the lowest mean value of 0.37 mg/kg recorded in fish samples treated with uziza while the highest mean TBA value of 1.14mg was obtained in ehuru treated samples. This new research reveals that the three indigenous spices used, including Piper guinensis, Myristica monodora and Xylophia aethiopicum had chemical preservative and antioxidant properties. Among the three spices, Piper guinensis (uziza) was found to have the most effective preservation potential of smoked-dried fish during storage. This new result is anticipated to provide a simple, cheaper, healthier and safer method of fish preservation in developing countries.
Efficacy of clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr and Perry) powder as a protectant of groundnut kernels in storage
Authors:   Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, Amoako-Attah I , Awuah RT ,   Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Jolly CM ,   Auburn University
Published: October 2021

Fungi and insects infestation of groundnut kernels in storage is a serious post-harvest problem. It leads to quality deterioration and loss of market value and kernels may become contaminated with aflatoxin (AF), which has many negative health implications when consumed. Currently, botanical pesticides are highly preferred to synthetic ones during storage. Effectiveness of preserving groundnut kernels against fungi and insect damage with Syzygium aromaticum cloves (fruits) powder were assessed in the laboratory. Another experiment was conducted under farmer’s storage conditions to evaluate potential of Syzygium powder to protect kernels against AF contamination. In the laboratory assessment, 3 kg kernel samples from sun-dried and undried pods were protected with 2 % (w/w) Syzygium powder. Kernels were kept under ambient conditions in sanitised and non-sanitised rooms for six months during the dry season. Unprotected kernels were kept as control and costs of applying the treatments were estimated. The experiment was repeated in the wet season. Under farmer’s storage, 50 kg kernel lots of 6 and 9 % initial storage moisture contents were protected with 2 % (w/w) Syzygium powder. Kernel lots stored without Syzygium powder served as control. These were packaged in interlaced polypropylene bags (IPPB) or polyethylene bags (PB) and stored in a farmer’s barn on farm. In dry and wet seasons, fungi colonised all kernels stored in laboratory from undried pods completely at three months. Pod drying costs GH¢ 8.99 (GH ¢0.82 = $ US1) and it was cost effective against fungi infection in dry season. Protecting kernels with Syzygium powder was estimated at GH¢ 17.87/100 kg lot and under the humid conditions in wet season, it proved cost effective against fungi infection. However, insect damage to the kernels was always higher after three months. Insects damage and fungi colonisation of kernels packaged in either PB or IPPB were reduced significantly (P < 0.05) at three months storage under farmer’s conditions, when they were protected with Syzygium powder. Aflatoxins do not use abbreviation at beginning of sentence were not detected in the kernels prior to storage. At three months, however, Syzygium-protected kernels had AF levels ranging between 0 and 29.30 µg/kg compared to 27.5-84.0 µg/kg associated with unprotected kernels. Syzygium powder applied at 2 % (w/w) was effective against fungi colonisation, insect infestation and subsequent AF contamination of kernels in storage. However, the kernels should be stored for three months.
Comparative analysis of the promixate compositions of Tarpon atlanticus and Clarias gariepinus from culture systems in south-western Nigeria
Authors:   University of Lagos, BE Emmanuel , Oshionebo C , Aladetohun NF ,   Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology
Published: October 2021

The comparative analysis of the proximate compositions of Tarpon atlanticus (megalops) and Clariasgariepinus (African catfish) collected from two culture systems (Pen and concrete pond) were examined . Parameters of proximate composition analysed were moisture, ash, protein, fibre, fat and carbohydrate from the head and tail region. Proximate composition comparison was also done with various sizes of the two species of fish which are the juvenile, young adult and a dult forms . The total length and weight of juvenile ranged from 24.5 - 26.5cm, 178.3 - 180g and 25.2 - 27.4cm, 177.6 - 179.5g for T. atlanticus and C. gariepinus , respectively. For the young adult, the total length and weight ranged from 27.0 - 28.5cm, 212 .0 - 220.1g and 26.9 - 29.4cm, 214.2 - 221.3g for T. atlanticus and C. gariepinus , respectively. For the adults, the total length and weight ranged from 40.20 - 42.10cm, 783 - 800g and 39.9 - 44.5cm, 785 - 805g for T. atlanticus and C. gariepinus , respectively . Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant difference (P<0.05) between the moisture content of T. atlanticus and C. gariepinus in the adult head although there was a significant difference (P<0.01) between the ash of T. atlanticus and C. gariepinus in the adult tail. There was no significant difference (P<0.05) between the protein of T. atlanticus and C. gariepinus in the young adult tail but there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the fibre of T. atlanticus and C. gariepinus in the juve nile tail. There was a significant difference (p<0.01) between the fat and oil of T. atlanticus and C. gariepinus . Ash content was highest in the adult head of T. atlanticus and lowest in the adult tail of C. gariepinus . Protein was at its highest in the young adult tail of C. gariepinus and lowest in the juvenile head of T. atlanticus . The low concentration of lipids in the muscles of these species could be due to poor storage mechanism s and the use of fat reserves during spawning activities. Generally the two species contain high protein content as f ou nd out in this study. The high tissue protein content may have resulted from high protein content of their diets. Thus , both fish species constitute a high source of protein and low fatty acids, as well as an ideal dietetic fish food for human consumption.
Planting Methods and Number of Buds of Setts on Sprouting, Growth and Productivity of Vegetative Propagated Crops: A Review
Authors: Varshini S.V. , Jayanthi C.
Published: October 2021

Ever increasing demand for food and fodder due to growing population and livestock necessitates the urgency to improve productivity of the fodder crops. In this context, the concept of vegetative propagation technologies serves as an important tool for higher productivity. Conventionally, crops such as sugarcane, cassava, bajra napier hybrid grass and napier grass were cultivated by stem cuttings. This depends heavily on the quality of planting material and their availability. It is a huge barrier for the cultivation of fodder grass as the quality of planting material influences the sprouting, establishment, growth, tillering and fodder yield of grasses and also the higher requirement of planting material increases the overall cost of cultivation. Therefore, a more robust approach needs to be developed to address these limitations. Normally propagation by vegetative means assumes importance when desirable biotypes need to be multiplied in a short span of time. Also a suitable method of planting and number of buds reduce the cost of cultivation as well as transportation. Similarly one and two budded setts are ideal for optimum germination compared to larger seed pieces. Horizontal planting of stem cuttings is the most practical approach which increased sprouting and yield. Based on this ideology this paper reviews the various aspects of influence of planting methods and number of buds by vegetative propagated setts on sprouting, growth and productivity of fodder grasses.
Association of SSCP Polymorphisms of HSP70 Gene with Physiological, Production and Reproduction Performance in Sahiwal and Crossbred Cows
Authors: Prasanna J. Sai , Rao S.T. Viroji , Prakash M. Gnana , Rathod Suresh , Kalyani P. , Reddy B. Rajith
Published: October 2021

Background: Cellular tolerance to heat stress is mediated by heat shock proteins (HSPs). The HSPs act as molecular chaperones and are transcribed in response to stress. Among different families of these proteins, HSP70 is considered to be related to the development of temperature tolerance. Unraveling polymorphism in heat shock protein genes could be a step towards the identification of genetic markers for selecting heat-tolerant cattle. Methods: The present study was carried out in Sahiwal (n=50) and Crossbred cows (n=50) with the objective to identify polymorphisms in HSP70 gene. Two fragments (295 and 220 bp) of HSP70 gene were subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction-Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) technique. Statistical analysis was performed to study the association of each SSCP genotype on physiological, production and reproduction traits in Sahiwal and crossbred cows using the univariate GLM model of SPSS 25. Result: The PCR-SSCP of 295 bp fragment of HSP70 gene revealed two genotypes AA and AB in Sahiwal cows and two genotypes AA and AC in crossbred cows. The association analysis revealed that genotype AA had higher peak milk yield in Sahiwal cows while the same genotype had higher total lactation milk yield, lower service period and calving interval in crossbred cows. The 220 bp fragment was found to be monomorphic in both Sahiwal and crossbred cows.
​Comparative Gross Anatomical and Biometrical Studies on Thyroid Gland of Buffalo, Sheep and Goat
Authors: Poonia Amit , Gupta Anuradha , Uppal Varinder
Published: October 2021

Background: The thyroid gland is vital endocrine gland which secretes three hormones i.e. thyroxin (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and Calcitonin hormones. The thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones are biologically active and are required for maintenance of normal levels of metabolic activity. The thyroid also produces calcitonin from the parafollicular cells which act directly on osteoclast to decrease the bone resorption which lower the blood calcium level. Deficient or excessive production of thyroid hormones may lead to serious pathological states with outward symptoms. Methods: The gross anatomical and biometrical studies were conducted on thyroid gland of buffalo, sheep and goat (n=12) collected immediately after slaughtering from slaughter house and local meat shop. The weight of thyroid gland was measured by weighing balance, volume by water displacement method, length and width of lateral lobes and isthmus by calibrated scale and inelastic thread and thickness of lateral lobes and isthmus was measured by digital vernier calliper. The data was analysed statistically. Result: The lateral lobes were roughly triangular in buffalo and elongated in sheep and oval in goat. The surfaces were granular and rough in buffalo but smooth in sheep and goat. It extended from thyroid cartilage to 2nd tracheal ring in buffalo, 1st to 6th tracheal ring in sheep and 1st to 7th tracheal ring in goat. The left lobe was larger than the right lobe in all the three species studied. The thyroid gland was biggest in buffalo followed by goat and smallest in sheep. The density of isthmus was more than the lobes in sheep and goat but not in buffalo.
Genetic Polymorphisms of Chicken Antiviral Mx1 and TVB Genes in Indigenous and Giriraja Chicken
Authors: Nihar S. , Kumar S. Naveen , Ruban Wilfred , Yathish H.M. , Nagaraja R. , Nagaraja C.S.
Published: October 2021

Background: Recent developments in molecular genetics lead to addressing certain poultry diseases via breeding for disease resistance. The present study was carried to identify and compare the genetic polymorphism in Chicken Mx1 and TVB genes among the indigenous and Giriraja chicken using PCR-RFLP technique. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 50 indigenous and 50 Giriraja birds and DNA isolation was done by Phenol: Chloroform: Isoamyl alcohol method. PCR amplification of Chicken Mx1 (exon 14) and Chicken TVB (exon 3) genes was carried out followed by RFLP analysis. Result: PCR product sizes of 301 bp and 303 bp of Mx1 and TVB genes, respectively were successfully amplified. RFLP analysis of Mx1 gene with Hyp8I restriction enzyme revealed three genotypes AA, AB and BB. In indigenous birds genotypic frequencies of AA, AB and BB were 0.314, 0.493 and 0.194, respectively and gene frequencies were 0.56 and 0.44 for alleles A and B, respectively. In Giriraja birds, genotypic frequencies for AA, AB and BB were 0.27, 0.499 and 0.23, respectively and gene frequencies were 0.52 and 0.48 for alleles A and B, respectively. RFLP analysis of TVB gene with NlaIII restriction enzyme revealed two genotypes viz., AA and AB. In indigenous birds genotypic frequencies of AA and AB were 0.81 and 0.18, respectively and gene frequencies were 0.9 and 0.1 for alleles A and B, respectively. In Giriraja birds genotypic frequencies for AA and AB were 0.774 and 0.211, respectively and gene frequencies were 0.88 and 0.12 for alleles A and B, respectively.