bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMMUNOLOGICAL EVOLUTION OF A COHORT OF HIV-2 INFECTED PATIENTS: PECULIARITIES OF AN UNDERESTIMATED INFECTION
Authors: Focà Emanuele , Fumarola Benedetta
Published: February 2022

"IMMUNOLOGICAL EVOLUTION OF A COHORT OF HIV-2 INFECTED PATIENTS: PECULIARITIES OF AN UNDERESTIMATED INFECTION"
Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 2 (HIV-2) affects a minority of patients in Italy; nevertheless, the increasing migratory flow from higher prevalence areas led to the spread of this virus into our Country. We evaluate clinical, viro-immunological and therapeutic characteristics of patients with HIV-2 infection and HIV-1/HIV-2 dual-infection and the early treatment impact on overall survival and incidence of AIDS event.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all HIV-2 and HIV-1/HIV-2 positive patients followed in a large Italian clinic from January 1987 to December 2020. We recorded demographic, viro-immunological, clinical and therapeutics data. We performed a descriptive analysis followed by a longitudinal analysis to explore the factors associated with CD4+ lymphocyte trend; lastly, we studied in a multivariable model the possible predictors of death and AIDS in our cohort.
Results: 32 subjects were enrolled, 17 (53%) HIV-2 infected and 15 (46.8%) HIV-1/HIV-2 dual-infected; 12 patients were lost to follow up, while 3 died. We found a lack of HIV-2 viremia in 12/32 subjects (37.5%).Most of the patients at baseline had a good viro-immunological profile with HIV-2 RNA <200 copies/ml and CD4+ lymphocyte >200 cell/mcl.
T-LYMPHOCYTES EXPRESSION OF TOLL-LIKE RECEPTORS 2 AND 4 IN ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA PATIENTS WITH INVASIVE FUNGAL INFECTIONS
Authors: Abdel Hameed Muhamad R. , Elgendy Sherein G. , El-Mokhtar Mohamed A , Sayed Douaa , Mansour Samar M. , Darwish Abeer M.
Published: February 2022

Background: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are important cause of mortality in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients on treatment with intensive induction chemotherapy. Toll-like receptors, mainly Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2 and TLR4), play a considerable role in the host defense against microorganisms.  The expression of TLRs and their association with the occurrence of IFIs in patients with AML remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between the T-lymphocyte expression of TLR2 and TLR4 and the occurrence of IFIs in AML patients treated with intensive induction chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty two newly diagnosed AML patients were evaluated. The laboratory diagnostic techniques for IFIs include culture, microscopic examination, histopathology, galactomannan assay and PCR. The expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 were analyzed by flow cytometry. The Control group included 20 age and sex-matched individuals. Results: There was a significant increase in the expression of TLR4 in AML patients with IFI compared to healthy controls (p = 0.001). TLR2 and TLR4 expressions increased significantly in AML patients with mixed fungal and bacterial infection compared to healthy controls (p= 0.002 and p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: TLRs expressions could be important biological markers for the occurrence of IFI in AML patients after intensive induction chemotherapy.

 

Keywords: Invasive Fungal Infection, TLR2, TLR4, Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Instabilities of invariant quasi-periodic tori
Authors: Farré Gerard , Fayad Bassam
Published: February 2022

We prove the existence of real analytic Hamiltonians with topologically unstable quasi-periodic invariant tori. Using various versions of our examples, we solve the following problems in the stability theory of analytic quasi-periodic motion:
La estrategia aplicada a las relaciones públicas en el medio digital: El caso español
Authors: Cuenca-Fontbona Joan , Compte-Pujol Marc , Zeler Ileana
Published: February 2022

Introducción: El propósito de este artículo es el de conocer si los departamentos de comunicación de las empresas españolas de mayor facturación planifican estratégicamente la actividad de relaciones públicas (RP) en el medio digital, cuál es la tipología y la función comunicativa de los planes que se diseñan y cuáles son las herramientas más utilizadas del ecosistema digital. Metodología: Para este cometido se cursó un cuestionario que fue enviado a los directivos funcionales de comunicación de esta tipología de empresas y que son socios de la Asociación de Directores de Comunicación-Dircom. Resultados: A partir del modelo de toma decisiones estratégicas de John Marston (1963) y contemplando las RP como una función directiva independiente y estratégica (Grunig y Hunt, 2003) hemos comprobado que la mayoría de los planes de RP de las empresas españolas en el medio digital son diseñados estratégicamente. Discusión: Estos datos contrastan con varios estudios realizados en los últimos años a nivel profesional, que indicaban que la gestión de las RP en el entorno digital era planteada tácticamente y con objetivos cortoplacistas. Conclusiones: Se confirma una tendencia hacia la profesionalización de la gestión estratégica de las RP en el ciberespacio, pero también se evidencia que existen aspectos propios del pensamiento estratégico aplicado que deben mejorar, como el uso de otros tipos de programas, más allá de los que procuran notoriedad y más allá de la función informativa. También el uso de nuevas herramientas digitales.
О проблеме равенства конечно-порожденных классов экспоненциально-полиномиальных функций
Authors: Marchenkov Sergey Seraphimovich
Published: February 2022

Рассматривается класс $\mathrm{EP}_{\mathbb N}$ экспоненциально-полиномиальных функций, которые можно получить произвольными суперпозициями из констант 0, 1 и арифметических функций сложения, умножения и возведения в степень. Для этого класса решается алгоритмическая проблема равенства двух функций, принимающих конечное число значений. Далее этот класс сужается до класса $\mathrm{PEP}_{\mathbb N}$, в котором функция $x^y$ заменена последовательностью функций $\{p_i^x\}$, где $p_0, p_1,\ldots$ - все простые числа. Для класса $\mathrm{PEP}_{\mathbb N}$ проблема принадлежности функции конечно-порожденному классу эффективно сводится к проблеме равенства двух функций. Последняя проблема эффективно решается для множества всех одноместных функций из $\mathrm{PEP}_{\mathbb N}$.
Comparison of Different Sampling Methods to Catch Lymphatic Filariasis Vectors in a Sudan Savannah Area of Mali
Authors: Coulibaly Yaya Ibrahim , Sangare Moussa , Dolo Housseini , Doumbia Salif Seriba , Coulibaly Siaka Yamoussa , Dicko Ilo , Diabate Abdoul Fatao , Coulibaly Michel Emmanuel , Soumaoro Lamine , Diallo Abdallah Amadou , Dembele Massitan , Traore Sekou Fantamady , Stanton Michelle , Koudou Benjamin Guibehi , Klion Amy D. , Nutman Thomas B. , Kelly-Hope Louise , Bockarie Moses John
Published: February 2022

There is a need for better tools to monitor the transmission of lymphatic filariasis and malaria in areas undergoing interventions to interrupt transmission. Therefore, mosquito collection methods other than human landing catch (HLC) are needed. This study aimed to compare the Ifakara tent trap type C (ITTC) and the Biogents sentinel trap (BGST) to the HLC in areas with different vector densities. Mosquitoes were collected in two villages in Mali from July to December in 2011 and 2012. The three methods were implemented at each site with one ITTC, one BGST, and one HLC unit that consisted of one room with two collectors—one indoor and the other outdoor. The Anopheles collected in 2011 were individually dissected, whereas those from 2012 were screened in pools using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine the maximum infection prevalence likelihood (MIPL) for Wuchereria bancrofti and Plasmodium falciparum. The dissection of the females also allowed to assess the parity rates, as well its results. Over the 2 years, the HLC method collected 1,019 Anopheles, yields that were 34- and 1.5-fold higher than those with the BGST and ITTC, respectively. None of the dissected Anopheles were infected. The RT-PCR results showed comparable MIPL between HLC and ITTC for W. bancrofti with one infected pool from each trap’s yield (respectively 0.03% [0.0009–0.2%] and 0.04% [0.001–0.2%]). For P. falciparum, no infected pool was recovered from BGST. The ITTC is a good alternative to HLC for xenomonitoring of program activities.
Malaria Relapses Following Parasite-Free Blood Transfusions in the U.S. Army during the Korean War
Authors: Shanks G. Dennis , Waller Michael
Published: February 2022

Latent Plasmodium vivax parasites in the liver known as hypnozoites activate causing malaria relapses months after the original infection. The putative initiation signal is unknown. Plasmodium falciparum infections appear to trigger P. vivax relapses and initiation of relapse may be triggered by hemolysis or fever. The U.S. Army hospital records from the Korean War (> 500,000 individual records) were used to determine whether there was an association between blood transfusion and vivax malaria relapse. Importantly, blood for transfusion was collected in the United States, so the risk of transmission of malaria parasites was minimal. Blood transfusion (largely for combat trauma) was a risk factor for subsequent vivax malaria (relative risk 2.54, 95% CI 2.15–2.99, P < 0.0001). As expected, blood transfusion was not a risk factor for subsequent dysentery, but transfusion was a risk factor for subsequent hepatitis. Blood transfusion causing an increased heme delivery to the liver and a subsequent redox signal within hepatocytes may partially explain hypnozoite activation leading to relapses of vivax malaria.
Determinants of technical efficiency among lowland rice farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria: a stochastic frontier production function approach
Authors: Okoh T.C. , Opata P.I. , Ibe J.C. , Onyenekwe S.C. , Ikubaiyeje K.P. , Ettum P.O.
Published: February 2022

The study examined the determinants of technical efficiency among lowland rice farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. Primary data were sourced from rice producers through the use of well designed questionnaires. The study was conducted in four agricultural zones of Enugu State, during the 2017/2018 cropping season. Multistage and simple random sampling technique was employed to select 300 sampled rice farmers for the study. Cobb-Douglas stochastic production frontier function was used for the analysis.The result revealed that (98%)of random variation in the output of farmers was because of their inefficiency in their use of productive inputs in the study area. .Apart from farm size with estimated coefficient of (0.0531), fertilizer (0.0329), seed (0.2319), labour (0.0804) and agro-chemical (0.1711) were underutilized by the rice farmers. The average technical efficiency for the farmers was 0.71 implying that, on the average, the  respondents are able to obtain 71% of potential output from a given mixture of production inputs. Thus, in a short run, there is a minimal scope (29%) of increasing the efficiency, by adopting the technology and techniques used by the most technically efficient farmer. High cost of inputs (MS=3.69), bad roads (MS=3.67), poor credit accessibility (MS=3.40) and inadequate storage facilities (MS꞊2.90) were found to be the major constraints of the rice farmers. The study recommends that in order to improve efficiency of resource use by the farmers in the study area, more of labour, seed, fertilizer and agro-chemicals should be utilized.
Awareness and willingness to consume whole plant-based food in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Appah N.E. , Adeosun K.P. , Omonona B.T.
Published: February 2022

Food is an essential entity that supports life and is required in the right quantity and quality in all living things which includes man and animals. Food contains nutrients which would be used in the body of an organism to sustain growth, aid vital processes and to furnish energy. Even though some foods are important for growth and development, the factors influencing households to purchase is yet unknown in the literature. More so, low consumption of plant based food can lead to poor nutrition which impairs daily health and wellbeing. Thus, this study examines factors that influencing the willingness to consume plant-based whole foods. Data were obtained from primary source from households in Ibadan, Oyo State through the use of structured questionnaire with the adoption of multistage sampling procedure. Data were analysed using the Descriptive Statistics, Ordinary Least Squares Regression Model, Logistic Regression, Probit Regression Model. The findings from the study show that marital status, educational level and household size are the important determinants of the level of awareness of whole plant-based diet by households. Likewise, results show that marital status, education and income are the variables that influence the willingness of households to consume whole plant food. The study concludes that the consumption of whole plant-based foods is of great benefit to households as the prevalence of non-communicable diseases would be drastically reduced. The study recommends that households should be educated on the benefits of whole plant food through focused group discussion and media channels to increase the willingness to consume it. Government should place taxes on highly processed food to discourage their purchase and consumption.
Tobacco smoking: the role of dental health professionals
Authors: Osadolor Obehi O. , Osadolor Aisosa J. , Otakhoigbogie Uwaila , Osadolor Owens O.
Published: February 2022

Tobacco use is a serious public health problem with smoking as the most common method of consuming tobacco. It is a major preventable cause of premature morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of tobacco smoking varies from country to country. It creates a huge economic burden on the individuals who consume it and on the healthcare system. The current approach toward the management of tobacco smoking addiction revolves around a combination of education, counselling, and pharmacotherapy. Dental professionals, such as dentists and dental therapists/hygienists have a special role in identifying smokers: odour and teeth stains are obvious revealing signs. Dentists are well placed in tobacco smoking cessation as they provide preventive and curative services on a regular basis. The regularity of visits by patients to dental clinics offer valuable contacts for dental health professionals to initiate and strengthen tobacco cessation measures. Dentists are in a unique position to motivate and assist their patients to quit tobacco use and smoking.
How training is encouraging mothers to deliver in health facilities in Ulang, South Sudan
Authors: Kier Panom Puok Duoth
Published: February 2022

In South Sudan, health facility delivery coverage is very low despite the presence of health facilities with staff that can conduct deliveries. Some factors like inaccessibility, insecurity, low knowledge of benefits of health facility delivery, poor services, financial challenges, family influence and cultural practices might be some of the reasons that prevent some mothers from delivering in the health facilities. This paper describes how UNICEF with other partners has started training master trainers with Basic Emergency Obstetrics and New Born Care modules in Greater Upper Nile, and includes a case of one mother who benefited from the training.
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Trainings: Activities to Increase Participant Engagement
Authors:   Dept. of Food Science and Technology, 100 Wiegand Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, Waite-Cusic Joy
Published: February 2022

The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) created the first standardized and U.S. Food and Drug Administration–recognized Grower Training curriculum focused on the Produce Safety Rule. The standard PSA Grower Training is an 8-h, lecture-based training with limited opportunities for participant engagement. The objectives of this study were to increase PSA Grower Training participant engagement and assess immediate knowledge gain. We developed and incorporated supplemental learning activities into the existing training curriculum (PSA+). The two objectives were assessed using pre- and posttraining tests and evaluation comments, respectively, from 12 trainings (2019 to 2020; 6 PSA and 6 PSA+). Participant knowledge gain was significant (t = −16.72, P < 0.01) for each training and comparable between formats. Three questions with identical training content between PSA and PSA+ had significantly higher posttraining scores in PSA+. A question on what should guide risk management actions had less participants choosing the intended correct answer between pre- and posttest. Participants reported improved engagement in PSA+ and highlighted the need for more diversity and cultural sensitivity in PSA slides and verbal delivery of information. These findings identified additional resources that would be useful to participants and helped inform future training and trainer improvements.
Quantitative and Qualitative Assessments of Enterobacteriaceae, Coliforms, and Generic Escherichia coli on Fresh Vegetables Sold in Cambodian Fresh Produce Distribution Centers
Authors: Trinetta Valentina
Published: February 2022

Cambodia has introduced several initiatives to increase production and consumption of fresh produce throughout the country. Fresh produce, however, is often associated with foodborne disease; thus, understanding how food-borne pathogens enter and are transmitted throughout Cambodian production chains can help to ensure positive nutritional outcomes from increased produce consumption. This study was conducted to provide a quantitative (log CFU/g) and qualitative (prevalence) assessment of Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, and Escherichia coli on tomato, cucumber, and lettuce sold through aproduce distribution center in Cambodia. Samples (n = 384) were collected over 6-month period (December 2019– May 2020) and screened for the presence of Entero-bacteriaceae, coliforms, and Escherichia coli following methods adapted from the U.S. Food and Drug Admin-istration’s Bacteriological Analytical Manual. A significantly greater concentration of Enterobacteriaceae was observed on lettuce (4.71 ± 1.02 log CFU/g) than cucumber (3.44 ± 1.12 log CFU/g) and tomato (2.79 ± 1.02 log CFU/g) (P < 0.05). The indicator organisms were present at the highest percent prevalence (P < 0.05) in lettuce, followed by cucumber and tomato. The results of this study provide an initial assessment of Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, and E. coli contamination in vegetables sold through Cambodian markets. These data highlight the necessity to establish and/or improve sanitation practices among the different points of the vegetable value chain in Cambodia.
Designing a Deep Learning Hybrid Using CNN and Inception V3 Transfer Learning to Detect the Aggression Level of Deep Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Children
Authors: Madanan Mukesh , Sayed Biju T.
Published: February 2022

The usage of Artificial intelligence in medical arena has proved to be a game changer in the detection and diagnosis of several medical conditions. In the current digital era, children with stressful medical issues are suffering from Deep Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (DOCD). This kind of mental stress occurs in children because of the continuous usage of gadgets such as mobile phone, playing games using play stations, watching videos on tablets, etc. In most of the possibilities, single children are the ones affected with several obsessions such as stubborn activities, fighting for selfish priorities and so on. In medical terms, these kinds of complex behavioral changes are identified as DOCD. Genetic behaviors sometimes in a few group of children are also noticed as a modality difference. As symptoms are psychiatric impairment, such a child remains isolated, abnormal silence, being obsessive and repeating irrelevant words, high stress or anxiety. All medical challenges could be treated as healthcare research metrics and the gradual increase in DOCD disorder among children of this generation can be considered too. Early detection of DOCD is essential as it can help in early diagnosis but techniques to do so is unavailable currently. Deep learning-an artificial intelligence method can be utilized to detect DOCD, diagnose and treat it and bring about a positive character in children. Behavior changes in children can be classified and detected using transfer learning algorithms. In COVID-19 pandemic situation, 3% of DOCD has increased to 10-15% as a disorder. This information is retrieved from children by monitoring negative activities, unusual behavior such as nail biting, removing spectacles and placing them in the wrong place, watching tablets, mobile phones and television for more hours. Using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), input such as MRI (Magnetic resonance Imaging) is used for experimenting the variations in behavior with the high dimension that are analyzed from the image dataset. Using Transfer Learning with Inception V3-, CNN generalization of misophonia level can be statistically analyzed to avoid overfitting problems. By employing AI techniques, the aggression level can be predicted using data augmentation method with better accuracy and a low error rate than the existing systems. In the research it is observed that using the model employing Inception-V3 transfer learning CNN a better prediction of aggression levels can be achieved in comparison to the existing CNN model used.
Contribution to the Theoretical Study of Electrical Conductivity of Materials Composites
Authors: Boudahri Fethi , Baba-Ahmed Abderrazzak , Bourdim Mokhtar , Ferouani Abdelkarim , Belkilali Walid
Published: February 2022

The present work, constituted a theoretical study of the phenomenon of the electric conductivity of composite conducting polymers. Generally, the polymers are used as electrical insulators. The incorporation of conducting loads in an insulating polymeric matrix makes it possible to obtain materials having at the same time a high electric conductivity and a low density. These materials offer a great number of applications such as the electromagnetic shielding, the protection of metals against corrosion, the adhesives conducting, the connectors, the sensors, etc. The prediction and modelling of the electrical behaviour of these composite materials are needed for the choice of their scope and could therefore reduce the onerous experimental work and the cost of production through an optimized design. We carried out a theoretical study. To make this study, we are based on experimental results existing in the specialized literature and we build a new ideal model which describes the variation of electrical conductivity in function the voluminal fraction of the conducting loads. The comparison between our ideal model suggested and other models of McLachlan, Kirkpatrick and Landauer, shows that the model suggested is in concord with the experimental results.
PRESERVATION AND VALORIZATION OF THE HAMRA SHEEP BREED
Authors: Ayachi Ahmed , Belkhadem Sara , Gaouar Semir Bechir Suheil
Published: February 2022

The sheep breed Hamra is in a very detrimental situation, the numbers are lacking, it is almost in danger of extinction in our country. There is still a very small herd in the racial cradle. This sheep breed must be saved, because it has potentialities in measures to provide solutions in the national economy. During the colonial period the port of Marseilles received annually more than a million heads of Algerian sheep, , To answer a specific demand (of Hamra meat) from the French consumer . This rescue falls within the framework of a national biodiversity conservation policy, which will enable the sheep breed Hamra to berestored and integrated into the national economy by the conservation and multiplication of the largest number of. A response from the public authorities is desired to provide solutions to this genetic leaching not only for the Hamra breed but also for other sheep breeds such as: D'men, Rembi, Barbarine, Berber, Tadmit and some genetic populations such as Tazegzawt and Srendia. "Rustic" biodiversity is nevertheless valuable, however, especially in the face of adaptation to climate change and the scarcity of forage resources.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF SOME WILD CARNIVOROUS MAMMALS IN WESTERN ALGERIA
Authors: Kerboub Youcef , Kerboub Yamina , Boulenouar Yacine
Published: February 2022

This four-year study (from April 2013 to May 2017) focuses on the inventory and updating of the geographical distribution of some endangered wild mammals in various biotopes in western Algeria. Our work has been started over the years (2013-2017) ie four years of investigation based on direct and indirect observation as well as information collected from a questionnaire and surveys conducted with indigenous populations, hunters and foresters. Our investigations carried out on this mammalian fauna, allowed us to count 14 species of carnivorous mammals, the order of Carnivores contains: the Canids where a wide distribution has been reported on the whole territory to study. The latter are represented by Canis aureus or North African wolf Canis lupus, Vulpes rupellii and Vulpes vulpes. Felids; are poorly represented in the study area. Indeed, the 03 identified species in this group are all taxa listed by subsequent studies as threatened in the region. These species are Felis libyca, Felis margarita and Felis caracal. The Hyaenidae; very low and almost nonexistent in the desert areas. This group is represented by Hyaena hyaena. Mustelids; the 05 species Mustelanivalis, Ictonyx libyca, Mellivora capensis, Lutralutra and Mustela putorius furo showed a very small geographical distribution. The viverrids represented by Genetta genetta are present throughout the area but in small numbers. Finally, the Herpestidae; represented by Herpestes ichneumon are present with numbers that place the species in danger and risk of extinction.
BARYMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF ALGERIAN SHEEP BREEDS IN WESTERN ALGERIA
Authors: Belharfi Fatima Zohra , Djaout Amal , Ameur Ameur Abdelkader , Gaouar Semir Bechir Suheil
Published: February 2022

To study of the biodiversity of the sheep genetic resources, our phenotypic approach consists on the barymetric parameters of Algerian sheep breeds in western Algeria using the body measurements in 166 sheep of six breeds: Ouled Djellal, Hamra, Barbarine, Srandi, Daraa and Tazegzawt. The body measurements studied are: WH, SIL, HG, CD, SW, RW, TW, PL, HL, HW, EL, EW and CP, they are respectively : 84.71±7.15 cm ; 84.08±7.96 cm  103.53±10.79 cm ; 30.21±4.18 cm ; 17.34±2.09 cm ; 21.63±2.90 cm ; 26.01±2.32 cm ; 24.40± 4.07 cm ; 25.58±1.99 cm ; 15.18±1.62 cm ; 16.22±2.60 cm ; 8.24±0.96cm et 9.09±1.21 cm. The barymetric characterization revealed clear barymetric diversity between the breeds studied and between males and females, with very highly significant differences (p<0.001) for the most of body measurements used. A principal component analysis (CPA) was performed on the barymetric characteristics, revealed two main principal components accounting for 55.63% and 18.02% of the inertia, being related to WH, HG, CD, TW and SIL. The results of the CPA allowed establishing 3 classes, which only one class presents the majority of the population.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF WOOL QUALITY IN SHEEP BREEDS IN WESTERN ALGERIA
Authors: Belharfi Fatima Zohra , Djaout Amal , Ameur Ameur Abdelkader , Sahraoui Hossem , Gaouar Semir Bechir Suheil
Published: February 2022

Our study of the wool quality in Algerian sheep breeds in western Algeria was based on the analysis of wool fineness which has been conducted by measuring the diameter of wool fibers. The data were collected from 60 samples from the the following breeds: Ouled Djellal, Hamra, Barbarine, Srandi, Daraa and Rembi. The average wool fiber diameter is 48.18 ± 39.49μm which is significantly different (p <0.001) in the breeds studied. The average wool fiber diameter was 48.18 ± 39.49μm which is significantly different (p <0.001) in the breeds studied, it varies from medium wool with a diameter of 28.89 ± 6.009μm in Ouled Djellal breed to coarse wool with a diameter of 74.17 ± 49.44 in Hamrabreed. No significant effect (p> 0.05) of the sex on the wool finesse in different breeds was observed. This study is the initiation of future zootechnical study on the wool performance of different sheep breeds in Algeria by studying the wool quality.
MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION AND TYPOLOGY OF DONKEY FARMING (EQUUS ASINUS) IN THE WILAYA OF TLEMCEN
Authors: LABBACI Madani , Djaout Amal , Benyarou Mohammed , Ameur Ameur Abdelkader , Gaouar Semir Bechir Suheil
Published: February 2022

Due to the absence of the ethnic data and studies of racial characterizations of this species in Algeria, which is an endangered species, we contributed to the phenotypical study of donkey population in the area of Tlemcen. A manpower of 61 adult asses, distributed on the level of two areas from where 11 body measurements and 06 phenotypical characters were retained for this study. Measurements LTC, HG, TP, LH, LE, PC, LoT, LoO, LQ, LaT and TM are respectively of 157,26±12,88; 116,16±7,23; 124,26±7,03; 37,15±3,21; 27,07±3,27; 17,50±1,86; 52,39±4,06; 30,15±2,19; 41,42±5,76; 23,01±2,06 and 46,24±4,16cm. the sex does not present any significant effect on studied body measurements (p>0,05). A factorial analysis of the multiple correspondences was carried out on the phenotypical characteristics, and it revealed two principal components which constitute 47,62% and 41,39% of total inertia, percentages respectively related to the color of the dress, the head, the members, the hairs, the muzzle and the belly .This analysis made it possible to establish remarkable phenotypical differences which have implications to take into account in the program of characterization and conservation of the species.
VARIETAL VARIABILITY OF ARGAN TREE FOLIAGE ARGANIA SPINOSA (L) SKEELS IN VARIOUS BIOCLIMATIC STAGES IN ALGERIA
Authors: Beladjemi S
Published: February 2022

The study of the morphological difference of 628 leaves of the argan tree Argania spinosa (L.) Skeelswas carried out by subjective sampling after a period of field data collection in spring 2017 through thevarious wilayas: Mascara, Mostaganem, Algiers, Bechar, Adrar, Tindouf. The objective was a varietalidentification of foliage through the bioclimatic stages. However a measurement of two biometriccriteria (length and width) was carried out, which shows a differentiation of forms between the samplesstudied by the significant differentiation at which with a low correlation R² = 27.2%, the effect of climateon the shape of the leaves is noticeably well represented.
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF CALVES FROM TERMINAL CROSSES OF THREE LOCAL BREEDS WITH SOME IMPORTED BREEDS IN THE WESTERN HIGHLANDS OF CAMEROON
Authors: Youchahou Poutougnigni Matenchi , Keambou Tiambo Vhtistian , Manjeli Yacouba
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of factors influencing growth performances (live weightand average daily weight gain) of 374 calves from terminal crossing between indigenous breeds (Gudali,White Fulani and Banyo) and three exotic breeds (Brahman, Brangus and Holstein). Data have beencollected from 1993 to 2008 at the Agricultural Research Institute for Development (IRAD)-Bambui stationwestern highlands of Cameroon. Growth performances were significantly influenced by several factorsunder study. Hence, pre-and post-weaning live weight and average daily gain (ADG) were significantlyinfluenced by all the factors, excepted age and breed of dam, age and breed of sire for post weaningperformance. Sex x breed interaction was significant at 90 days while season x breed interaction influencedall pre-weaning traits. Live weight varied according to season, month and year of calving. Calves born inthe dry season were heavier than those born in the rainy season by 5.38% and 6.03% at weaning and 720days respectively. Crossbred calves generally performed better than local breed for all traits considered.Male calves outperformed female by 5.48%, 5.19% and 12.66% at birth, weaning (205 days), and 720 daysrespectively. Middle-aged parents were found to account for heavier calves at both birth weight and finalweight while very young and very old parents produced lighter calves for all growth parameters studied.ADG also showed the same tendency as live weight and varied with all the factors under study. Theimprovement of husbandry system may permit the calves to better express their growth potential in thewestern highlands of Cameroon
Biofilm capability of staphylococcus strains isolated from food and the antibiofilm activity of a chemically synthesized pyrrolomycin
Authors: Cusimano Maria Grazia , Raimondi Maria Valeria , Schillaci Domenico , Nocera Piera , Cascioferro Stella Maria , Di Marco Lo Presti Vincenzo , Vitale Maria
Published: February 2022

This electronic document is a “live” template. The various components of your paper [title, text, tables, figures and references] are already defined on the style sheet, as illustrated by the portions given in this document.
Genetics of wildlife diseases and its impact on biodiversity conservation
Authors: Coker Oluwakayode Michael
Published: February 2022

Diseases of wildlife origin have great impact on the conservation of the vast global biodiversity and also take a toll on domestic animals’ and human health. Diseases of wildlife have the capacity to be of utmost concern because they can affect the economy and public health if not attended to promptly. An amazing 60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic and many of the recent cases have been proved to originate from wildlife. Knowledge of genetics is important to curtail the emergence of overwhelming wildlife diseases. Understanding the genetics of these diseases is important to give a better understanding of how they can be prevented and controlled to forestall the decimation of wildlife populations and consequent effect on biodiversity. Being armed with the knowledge of both, host and pathogen or parasite genome, would go a long way to pursue the solutions to wildlife diseases and their transmission. This review is geared towards promoting the incorporation of genetics and genomics and its diverse concepts and techniques into the process of detection, characterization, control and prevention of wildlife diseases.
Morphological and phylogenetic study of the Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) at the Tlemcen hunting reserve.
Authors: Rahmouni Rafiq , Derouiche Louiza , Belantar Ibrahim , Gaouar Semir Bechir suheil
Published: February 2022

The Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) is a hoofed animal ranked globally as a vulnerable species. The Tlemcenhunting reserve is one of the structures that aims to protect, preserve and develop this species in ex-situ, but theproblem is that the reserve does not have the history of its provenance; On the basis of this observation, we havehighlighted our study, which is divided into two parts. The first part focus on a morphometric study targeting 42 adultindividuals, 18 of which were imported from the United Arab Emirates and 24 developed in Algeria; this study focusedon 18 variables including 15 quantitative and 3 qualitative. The data collected were subjected to a statistical analysis bythe software R which; the principal component analysis (PCA) and the ascending hierarchical classification that the twopopulations are distinct from each other without significant separation since the work has was conducted on the samespecies. In addition, we have been able to identify specific subjects of each population that can be used as breeders. Asfor the second part, it is a phylogenetic study targeting the population of Algeria only, in which a molecular analysis of6 collected samples has allowed us to obtain a partial DNA sequence of cytochrome b. We subsequently retrieved thenucleotide sequences of cytochrome b from the same taxonomy from the GenBank database and processed all thesequences by the MEGA software, after alignment by the ClustalW method. The phylogenetic tree showed that thebarbary sheep population of the Tlemcen hunting reserve is a North African subspecies.
Morphometric and biochemical characterization of old low-chilling pear cultivars (pyrus communis l.) Grown in Tunisia
Authors: Ouni R , Zaouaya F , Brahem M , LeBourvellec C , Renard C.M.G.C , Mars M
Published: February 2022

Fruit quality attributes were studied in eight old pear cultivars grown in a Mediterranean climate in the Centereasternof Tunisia. Fruit quantitative and qualitative morphological parameters, fruit skin color on both sunexposedand shaded fruit sides, and chemical characteristics in both flesh and peel (titratable acidity, TSS, fructose,glucose, sucrose, total sugars, citric and malic acids) were evaluated. A high variability was found in the set of theevaluated pear cultivars. The fruit weight varied from 22.63 g to 63.72 g and firmness varied from 2.78 kg/cm2and 4.78 kg/cm2. ‘Arbi Sidi Bou Ali’ and ‘Arbi Bouficha’ presented the biggest fruits. However, ‘Radsi’ tendedto have the smallest fruits. ‘Jrani’ and ‘Arbi Chiheb’ have shown the lowest values of healthy seeds per fruit.‘Radsi’ pears were the most red-colored fruits, while ‘Jrani’ ‘Arbi Chiheb’ and ‘Arbi Bouficha’ produced greenyellowishfruits. Results showed also that pear fruit flesh had more effective sugars and organic acids comparedto peel for all cultivars. The TSS ranged from14.6° brix to 19.1°Brix in the flesh and from 12 to 17.1°Brix in thepeel. ‘Arbi Chiheb’ was distinguished by the highest malic acid content in both flesh and peel. Titratable aciditywas significantly higher in ‘Arbi Sidi Bou Ali’, ‘Tourki’ and ‘Meski Arteb’ compared to other cultivars. A highcorrelation was found among some pear quality attributes, which could reduce the number of pomological traits.These results would be a guide in the selection of potential cultivars which are used in food industry and freshmarket as well as in breeding programs.
Phenotypic and morphometric diversity of local chickens (BRAHMA) from wilaya of Tlemcen, Northwestern of Algeria
Authors: Berrezoug L , Bouchiba I , Hedeili N , Metahri R , Ameur Ameur A , Gaouar S B S
Published: February 2022

The aim of contributing to the identification of the typology of traditional poultry farming and morphometric characterization of local breeds in the wilaya of Tlemcen. Several field surveys were conducted in this region to target BRAHMA type poultry farms based on pre-established contacts with farmers. A total of 67 individuals from the Brahma phenotype hens at different locations in the Tlemcen wilaya were investigated to identify and classify these individuals and to study the morphological differences between them according to their location. Fourteen measurements in which 11 quantitative and three qualitative traits were carried out in this work. The results obtained for all measurements made on the population BRAHMA chickens in the region of Tlemcen with the 8 communes visited, show that there is a significant difference between the morphological characters except two characters length of the tarsi (LT) and width of the thighs (LAC). Furthermore, In addition, sex shows a small significant difference between the measurements studied.Thus the results of the PCA and hierarchical classification show that there are four groups that share the same morphological characteristics except for some differences that may be due to climatic and environmental adaptation. This analysis made it possible to establish remarkable phenotypical differences, which have implications to take into account in the program of characterization and conservation of the species.
Biometric assessment of White Fulani cattle in a semi intensive production system in Northern Cameroon using principal components analysis
Authors: Ngono E.P.J , Meutchieyé F , Manjeli Y
Published: February 2022

In order to appraise the population genetic diversity of a Cameroon native beef cattle breed, eighty-eight adult individuals(70 females and 18 males) of the White Fulani cattle breed in North Cameroon were characterized by metric tools involving 12 simple measurements (the height at the withers, the tail length, the face length, the width of the face, the ears’length, the horns’length, the top line which is the occipito-ischial length, the scapulo-ischial length, the bump circumference, the canon bone perimeter, the thoracic perimeter and the weight) and five combined measures, Body length Index (IBL)(oblique one), the Hearth Girth index (IHG), the index of the barrel bone, the index of compactness or massiveness (MI), and the thoracic auricular index (IAT).Sexual dimorphism was exhibit in White Fulani cattle breed for 50 % of the traits measured (Tail length, ear length, bump perimeter, cannon bone circumference, ,heart girth,body weight). For example, the body weight varied from 350.51a±26.61 in cows to 390.56b±51.33 in bulls. The principal components analysis revealed that, as far as body measurements are concerned, three factors accounting for 73.45 % of total variance should be considered for selection purposes. The MI should also be taken into account in such an exercise in White Fulani cattle breed in the North region of Cameroon.
Phenotypic and phytochemical diversity of saffron (Crocus Sativus L.)
Authors: Daoud Meriem , Loukidi Bouchra , Taibi Warda , Guermouche Baya , Rouigueb Karima , Labeik Alima , Rachid Azzi , Merzouk Hafida , Gaouar Semir Bechir Suheil
Published: February 2022

Our work focuses on the study of a medicinal plant Crocus sativus. L known as saffron, which is very popular and widely used as a spice and in traditional medicine. The purpose of this work was to compare saffron genotypes derived from three different regions, namely Tlemcen, Khenchela (Algeria) and Taliouine (Morocco).Phenotypic diversity was determined by the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H ') at different levels. The estimated H showed high phenotypic variability for different traits with an average H of 0.73. The results of the Multiple Correspondence Analysis (PCA) and the Hierarchical Classification (CAH) showed a clear distinction between genotypes. The study of phytochemical parameters it was made from water-acetone extracts of the stigmas. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, quinones, terpenoids and reducing compounds in the 3 regions stigma extracts; while Anthraquinones and saponins are absent in prepared extracts. The results showed polyphenols, and total flavonoids. The water-acetone extract of Khenchla’s stigmas was higher than Remchi’s. The samples from Taliouine is superior in in polyphenolic compounds (0.6 mg EAG / 100g MF), and flavonoids (0.895mg EQ / 100g MF) Crocus sativus. L stigma extract.
Nigerian Fulani Ecotype Chickens: Growth Performance under Two Production Systems
Authors: Sanusi Adenike , Oseni Saidu
Published: February 2022

The study evaluated the growth performance of Nigerian Fulani ecotype chicken (NFEC) under intensive and pastured poultry production systems. Two hundred (200) day-old chicks of Nigerian Fulani ecotype chicken (NFEC) were obtained from established stocks of NFEC population at the Teaching and Research Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The chickens were separated randomly to intensive and pastured poultry production systems at 12 weeks of age. Data on body weight were taken weekly from day-old to 20 weeks. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM of SAS® at statistical significance level of P<0.05. Results showed significant effect of sex of chicken from the 10th to the 20th week of age (P<0.05). Significant interaction effect was observed between sex and production system at weeks 16 and 18 (P<0.05) when the male chickens under the intensive production system outpaced their male counterparts in the pastured poultry. Average daily gain for the period of 20 weeks was 6.83g and 9.21g for female and male chickens respectively. Weight gain pattern across weeks was not uniform. Therewas no significant difference in the growth rate in the two production systems (P>0.05).
The nocturnal behaviour of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in Aalborg Zoo and how changes in the environment affect them
Authors: Andersen Tobias Astell , Herskind Christinna , Maysfelt Julie , Rørbæk René Worup , Schnoor Christina , Pertoldi Cino
Published: February 2022

Elephants’ nocturnal behaviours are an important part of their welfare in captivity. For this reason, this study investigates whether the nocturnal behaviour of three African elephants’ (Loxodonta africana) in Aalborg Zoo is affected when exposed to different conditions and if they are affected differently.  Camera footage was used to log the elephants’ behaviours at night during a control period and during two periods with different impacts, which consisted of six nights respectively. Every night, the elephants were captured on video from 8 pm to 8 am and the behaviours were subsequently logged every second following an ethogram containing seven behaviours. This study was not able to show an effect (p > 0.05) on the elephants’ nocturnal behaviour related to an increase in visitor activity during the Autumn holiday. However, a significant increase in the duration of the sway behaviour was found after the shift from daylight saving time to standard time. This study also found that the elephants show individual norms within the behaviours such as interaction with food and abnormal behaviours. The lack of statistical evidence for changes in nocturnal behaviour related to visitor activity, may be due to other external factors influencing the nocturnal behaviour of the elephants. Swaying behaviour was affected by the shift to standard time of all three elephants. Individual differences in nocturnal behaviours indicate that the three elephants have different animal personalities.
Comparative study on morphometric traits of local chicken (gallus domesticus L.) in wilaya of Adrar
Authors: Ameur Ameur Abdelkader , Barkaoui Abdelhakim , Guermoudi, Zahra , Mellouk Ikrame , Gaouar Semir Bechir Suheil
Published: February 2022

A study was conducted in the wilaya of Adrar in Algeria (a part of Sahara) to describe the phenotype and morphometric characteristics of local chickens. Six regions namely (part of the wilaya of Adrar) Tamentit, Zawyet Elkenta, Wlad Ahmed, Adrar city, Anezjmir and Founoghil were selected for data collection. A field survey was used to extract information from the farmers concerning production attributes of their local chickens. Measurements on body weight, tarsal length and width, high Length, thigh width, bill length, spout width, total length, breast width and eggs number per year were taken on 89 mature chickens (69 females and 20 males). The results obtained indicate that there exists significant variation between regions with respect to some production attributes as well as body weight and other body measurements. Fonoughil and Adrar city regions had the heaviest chickens (2.54kg-2.40kg respectively) while Zawyet Elkenta had the lightest birds (1.8kg). Overall, male chickens were higher than female birds with respects to all attributes studied. Body weight appeared to be highly positively correlated to some other body measurements considered in this study. The observed variation about the morphometric traits in the present study illustrate by the principal component analysis suggests that there are two groups, the first of which is represented by individuals from the Adar city region, in the other hand the second grouped all the rest of the 5 regions. There is need to pay particular attention to the Adrar city region chicken population for possible consideration for conservation and selection plan.