bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary metabolites profiling of Vernonia amygdalina Del. in response to copper-induced abiotic stress
Authors: Adu Abosede , Ojekale Anthony , John Bamidele , Avoseh Opeyemi N.
Published: February 2021

Background: Vernonia amygdalina is a green leafy vegetable that grows in tropical Africa and popularly cultivated in the southern part of Nigeria for its economic, nutritional and ethnomedicine value.Aims: This study analysed the influence of copper-induced abiotic stress on the deoxyribonucleic acid and secondary metabolites of V. amygdalina.Setting: Analyses of plant material were carried out in the Department of Botany, Lagos State University.Methods: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) amplification were performed. Copper (Cu) concentration in leaves and stem of V. amygdalina was determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), secondary metabolites were determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the effect on DNA amplification and profiling was analysed using gel electrophoresis.Results: After 41 days of cultivation, the stem of V. amygdalina significantly bioaccumulated 37 mg/L, 50 mg/L and 215 mg/L of Cu after spiking with 400 mg/L, 1000 mg/L and 2000 mg/L, respectively, whilst the leaves accumulated 52 mg/L, 100 mg/L and 350 mg/L of Cu, respectively. Copper-impregnated soil influenced phytochemicals of the plants by causing inconsistent increase and decrease in specific compounds such as levomenthol, methyl stearate and glycerine. Deoxyribonucleic acid bands of the stem and leaf of V. amygdalina from control site showed no band shift, whilst band shift occurred in the stem and leaf of the Cu-spiked V. amygdalina.Conclusion: This study revealed the leaves of V. amygdalina having higher Cu accumulation capacity than the stems. Also, Cu alters the quality and quantity of phytochemicals in plant parts.
When people do not ‘Zol’: Reduced emergency centre attendance of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown with the accompanying tobacco sales ban in South Africa
Authors: Saieva Piero , Jenkins Louis S.
Published: February 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread throughout the world, with devastating effects of the virus as well as the repercussions of the resulting ‘lockdowns’. South Africa went into a national lockdown in March 2020 to mitigate the impact of the virus. This included a ban on the sales of tobacco and electronic cigarette products. The ban has been a highly contentious issue in South Africa, discussed worldwide, which has drawn many criticisms. The prevalence rate of smoking in South Africa was around 21.5%, with the Western Cape province having a prevalence rate of 39%. We compared the number of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presentations at a large regional referral hospital in the Western Cape province from January to August 2019 with the same period in 2020. Electronic emergency centre data showed a reduction of 69.28% in COPD presentations. To control for some confounders for the same period, we also reviewed patients presenting with urinary tract infections, which showed only a 30.60% reduction. This notable reduction in COPD presentations reduced service pressure of emergency centre and most likely benefitted patients’ health. Further research and policies are needed to ensure ongoing reduction in the prevalence of smoking.
Guided tissue regeneration
Authors: Wagle Shreeprasad Vijay , Agrawal Amit Arvind , Bardoliwala Dinaz , Patil Chhaya
Published: February 2021

Regeneration is a reproduction or reconstruction of a lost or injured part in such a way that the architecture and function of the lost or injured tissues are completely restored. Epithelium acts as a barrier to successful therapy because its presence interferes with the direct apposition of connective tissue and cementum, therefore would limit the height to which periodontal fibers can become inserted to cementum. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) describes procedures attempting to regenerate lost periodontal structures through differential tissue responses and typically refers to regeneration of periodontal attachment. Barrier techniques are used for excluding connective tissue and gingiva from the root in the belief that they interfere with regeneration.
Unraveling coronoplasty in periodontics
Authors: Singh Malvika
Published: February 2021

The study of dental occlusion often considered mysterious has been a subject of major interest since the time of the emergence of modern dentistry due to the fact that good clinical practice excels only after having proper knowledge about occlusion. Occlusal surfaces, if and when inhibited, cause trauma to the individual, becoming a matter of attention and concern for clinicians as well as patients. Coronoplasty is the procedure that selectively reduces the supracontacts, thus relieving patient of the same. It is used to provide better stability and occlusion in a permanent dentition noninvasively. The aim of this article is to throw light on occlusion, occlusion interferences, and treating of the same so that it can be applied by clinicians, especially periodontists, for treatment of the same.
The clinical effectiveness of adhesive agents in posterior restorations
Authors: Arandi Naji Ziad , Thabet Mohammad
Published: February 2021

The clinical effectiveness of adhesive agents has been mainly evaluated using class V restorations. Clinical studies evaluating adhesives in combination with posterior composites are scarce and of short-term periods. This paper is aimed to review the current literature on the clinical effectiveness of contemporary adhesives when used to restore posterior teeth (Class I and Class II). To conduct this review, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases were used to search for peer-reviewed articles on the clinical performance of adhesive agents in posterior composite restorations. Search terms used included “adhesive agents,” “clinical evaluation,” “composite restorations,” “posterior teeth,” “self-etch adhesives,” “etch -and -rinse adhesives,” and “universal adhesives.” To enrich the results, reference mining of the articles that were identified was used to locate other papers. The process of cross-referencing continued until no new articles were identified. No limits were placed on the year of publication, but only articles in English were considered. The current review found that simplification in the adhesive technique so far seems to affect the clinical performance. There is a relative paucity of evidence relating to the performance of universal adhesive agents in posterior restorations. Further long-term clinical studies are needed to evaluate the clinical performance of adhesive agents.
Early orthodontic treatment need among 6-9-year-old children of West Bengal
Authors: Galui Sauvik , Pal Shubhabrata
Published: February 2021

Background:

Early orthodontic treatments (EOTs), which basically include interceptive and preventive orthodontic procedures, are relatively simple and cost-effective treatment approaches that target developing malocclusions during the mixed dentition period. The present study is aimed to assess the need for EOT among 6–9-year-old children of West Bengal that would benefit from preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment to prevent or reduce the number of late/corrective orthodontic treatments, which can be complex, lengthy, and costly.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 1129 children from different public and private primary schools of West Bengal were evaluated using index for preventive and interceptive orthodontic need (IPION). On the basis of IPION, the overall scores of children were distributed into three groups – no treatment need, moderate treatment need, and definite treatment need. According to dental development, children were divided into two groups – IPION-6 and IPION-9.

Results:

Among 1129 children examined, 554 children (49.1%) came under the category of no treatment need, 174 children (15.4%) presented with moderate treatment need, and 401 children (35.5%) showed definite treatment need. The IPION groups had a significant effect on treatment need distribution (6 vs. 9, P = 0.010)); the IPION-9 scores were significantly higher than the IPION-6 scores.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment need is unsatisfactorily high in children of West Bengal, which highlights the importance of including preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment in local dental health-care programs.
Salivary total protein levels among healthy controls, chronic gingivitis patients and chronic periodontitis patients
Authors: Zin Thaw Htet , Soe Ommar , Thet Yin Mu , Tun Soe , Hein Ye Myat , Thiha Kyaw
Published: February 2021

Background:

Periodontal diseases are one of the most common chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases in the world that can be diagnosed by clinical, radiographic signs and some biomarkers. Saliva contains locally and systemically derived markers that can aid in the diagnosis of periodontal diseases. The aim of the present study was designed to evaluate salivary total protein levels in patients with chronic gingivitis and chronic periodontitis.

Materials and Methods:

Five milliliters of unstimulated whole saliva samples was collected from a total of 113 individuals; each of the healthy and chronic gingivitis groups was included 39 participants and 35 patients in the chronic periodontitis group. Salivary total protein levels, gingival index (GI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level were recorded in the respective groups. Salivary protein estimation was done by direct ultraviolet absorption method, and determination was based on biuret method.

Results:

The mean salivary total protein levels in the healthy, chronic gingivitis, and chronic periodontitis groups were 1.52, 2.58, and 6.30 g/dl, respectively. The salivary total protein levels of gingivitis and periodontitis patients were 1.6 and 4.2 times higher than healthy controls, which were statistically significant (P < 0.001). In addition, GI (r = 0.476) and PBI (r = 0.490) were significantly correlated with protein levels in gingivitis patients. However, PPD was significantly correlated with protein contents in only periodontitis patients (r = 0.387).

Conclusions:

Increased total protein levels are related to the severity of periodontal diseases, and it may serve as a biomarker in inflammation of the periodontium.
Pyogenic granuloma
Authors: Sharma Shivani , Singh Sonali , Yadav Lalita , Tyagi Sumit
Published: February 2021

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is an inflammatory hyperplasia describing large range of nodular growths of the oral mucosa. PG commonly occurs on the skin or oral cavity but seldom in the gastrointestinal tract. It most commonly involves the gingiva. Extragingivally, it can occur on the lips, tongue, buccal mucosa, and palate. It is caused due to low-grade irritation, traumatic injury, or hormonal factors. Various authors have suggested other names for PG such as Crocker and Hartzell's disease, granuloma pyogenicum, benign vascular tumor and during pregnancy as granuloma gravidarum. Because it is possible to misdiagnose PG as peripheral ossifying fibroma, peripheral giant cell granuloma, hemangioma, and fibroma, its histopathological examination is essential for accurate diagnosis. Differential diagnosis is important because of its tendency to recur. This article presents a case of PG in a 17-year-old female along with a comprehensive review of the lesion.
Age, Growth and Ovarian Histology of Sardinella aurita (Valenciennes, 1847) in the South of Atlantic Moroccan Coast
Authors: Baali Ayoub , Belhsen Oum Keltoum , Ouazzani Khalil Chahdi , Amenzoui Khadija , Yahyaoui Ahmed
Published: February 2021

Otoliths reading and length frequency distribution were used for age determination and growth estimation of Sardinella aurita (round sardinella) stock of Southern Atlantic coast of Morocco. Both otoliths' method for age determination and Bhattacharya’s method for length frequency analysis showed five age groups. The growth performance index revealed that there is significant accordance among method of length frequency distribution and otoliths reading for stock assessment studies of Sardinella aurita stock in the south of Morocco. The microscopic observation of female gonads using histology method was investigated for the first time in our study area and confirms the presence of five principal stages of ovary of sardinella aurita: immature, maturing virgin and recovering spent, mature (or pre-spawning phase), spawning, post-spawning or spent. In addition, our results of the fecundity showed that the mean relative fecundity obtained is estimated at 193 ± 98 oocytes/g which is lower compared to those obtained in other areas in the Atlantic coast.
Karyology of Rhodeus amarus (Block, 1782) (Teleostei, Acheilognathidae) from Turkey
Authors: Ayata Muradiye Karasu , Karakus Sevgi Ünal , Gaffaroğlu Muhammet
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to determine chromosomal characteristics of Rhodeus amarus (Block, 1782) from Turkey by conventional procedures (Giemsa, C-banding and Ag-NOR staining). Metaphase chromosomes were obtained from the head kidney cells. The diploid number was found as 48 and the fundamental number as 76. Chromosomes were morphologically characterized as metacentric (four pairs), submetacentric (10 pairs) and subtelo-acrocentric (10 pairs). C-bands were found to occur on the pericentromeric regions of most of the chromosomes and a single AgNOR was observed on Silver stained metaphases. The results may expand the knowledge on chromosomal features of bitterlings.
An emphasis on the leadership role of the man in context of family and church in a post-pandemic era: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Alard Arthur John , Freeks Fazel Ebrihiam
Published: February 2021

The leadership role of the man has significant impact on the wellbeing of the family and church, which, in turn, has a significant impact on society. This article encompasses an evaluation of the leadership role of the man in context of the family and church, with an analysis of qualitative research through structured interviews (naïve sketches) conducted with fifteen female participants. The structured interviews are presented in the form of selected verbatim responses to five questions related to the leadership role of the man in the mentioned contexts. It is imperative for men to study the Bible adequately and appreciate the authority of Scripture and what it says about their leadership role in the family and church. Having a sound biblical theology about the leadership role of the man in context of the family and church can potentially help him to lead his family and church toward a more biblical model of leadership in a post-pandemic era. The purpose of this article is to highlight the imperative leadership
role of the man, where challenges may be identified, and practical solutions be recommended for equipping men to be effective leaders in the mentioned contexts. This article comes from a chapter in a larger study from a PhD dissertation: The leadership role of the man in context of the family and church: A Pastoral-Theological study.
REFLECTIONS ON CIVIL LIABILITY ARISING FROM THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: THE "PRINCIPLES" OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Ortiz Fernández Manuel
Published: February 2021

Abstract: The matter dedicated to civil liability arising from the use of artificial intelligence deserves to be rethought so that it effectively arrives to fulfil its role: to compensate victims. To carry out this exercise, we must analyse the most relevant documents issued by the European institutions or support agencies. After that, we will be able to establish a series of "principles" that should ultimately be reported by national legal systems. However, we understand that some issues are not addressed with the depth required and require further study. In this article, we will seek to establish a kind of basis which we believe should preside over-regulation in this sector.

Key words: Artificial intelligence, principles, compensation, civil liability, European Union.
PAY-FOR-DELAY AGREEMENTS UNDER EU COMPETITION LAW – A COMMENT ON PAROXETINE
Authors: Pateira Ferreira João
Published: February 2021

Summary

The Court of Justice of the European Union (“Court of Justice”) issued its first ruling on pay-for-delay agreements, in reply to a reference for a preliminary ruling from the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal (“CAT”) during its review of the appeal of a Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) decision applying a fine to GlaxoSmithKline (“GSK”) and five generic manufacturers for having entered into agreements settling patent disputes relating to GSK’s antidepressant paroxetine, on the basis that such agreements infringed competition rules.

In its Paroxetine ruling of 30 January 2020[1], the Court of Justice found that patent settlements are not, by their very nature, anticompetitive; however, generic manufacturers can be regarded as potential competitors to the originator manufacturers when they have announced their intention to compete in the same market as the originator and, as such, patent settlement agreements are to be reviewed as horizontal agreements between competitors. Finally, a payment from the originator to the generic manufacturer in a patent settlement agreement is not enough to qualify such an agreement as a restriction of competition by object (the agreement is not anticompetitive by its very nature), unless there is no other justification for the payment other than to compensate the generic manufacturer for accepting to delay its entry in the market. In those circumstances, the Court finds that such an agreement will constitute a restriction of competition by object[2].

In this comment, we review the Court’s findings in relation to the issue of potential competition between the originator and the generics manufacturers and the qualification of this agreement as a restriction of competition by object.

Keywords: pay-for-delay; restriction; competition; agreement; settlement; patent
OPINION ON THE INTERPRETATION OF ARTICLE 942(4) OF THE CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE
Authors: Sinde Monteiro Jorge , Capelo Maria José
Published: February 2021

Summary

Introductory. Method Issues
1. Brief history of the precept
2. Interpretation of Article 942(4): the relevance of setting the rise mode and the effect of the appeal
3. The application of the general rules on the admissibility of appeals against decisions at first instance
4. The admissibility of a review appeal in the special reporting procedure
CONCLUSIONS
Editorial
Authors: Fernandes Godinho Inês , R. Flores Cláudio , Castro Marques Nuno
Published: February 2021

Editorial of Vol. 14, Issue 1 of ULP Law Review
PUBLIC SUPPORT AND PROSPECTS OF DRONES OR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVs) TECHNOLOGIES FOR EFFECTIVE TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS DELIVERY IN NIGERIA
Authors: Abiodun Temitope
Published: February 2021

The study focuses on the issue that prompt transportation and delivery of logistics from one location to the other in Nigeria is at present costly, difficult, unrealistic, and cumbersome as occasioned by; road congestion in urban cities, increased, insecurity pollution, unnecessary delays, and declined efficiency, among others. The menace often poses threats to city planners to maintain the pace of the ever increasing urbanization process and population growth in all ramifications. The current situation has, however, warranted possibility for drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) technology for logistics delivery and transportation in Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African nations, to alleviate the stress posed by the conventional mode of transportation. This paper is poised to: investigate the public support and prospects of using of drones or UAVs for effective transport or logistics delivery, and also find out its applications in other sectors in Nigeria; examine the potential threats or barriers to the application; appraise the technology’s cost-effectiveness, acceptability, local sustainability; and recommend the parameters around adoption, safety or security, reliability of drones technology, and effective monitoring for future implementation in Nigeria. The study generated its data from both primary and secondary sources while the research findings are comprehensively and descriptively analyzed. The study, however, recommends to transport sector, governments, end-users, and drone providers on logistics delivery to swiftly ensure that: safety of drone operations; insurance coverage availability be taken care of; ensure regulatory and procedural frameworks, better assessment and evaluation of drone pilot programmes; strengthening national and local capacity to test, learn, use and maintain drones; and ensure that evidences and prospects that could aid advancing the use of drones for logistics delivery or transport in the country be adequately shared.
ESTIMATION OF NOISE POLLUTION PARAMETERS AND THEIR HEALTH EFFECTS ON BUILDING OCCUPANTS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Adekunle A , Omange Mary , Tope Adekunle , Msughter Shawon
Published: February 2021

Noise pollution in our environments has been discovered by researchers in recent times to contribute adversely to health conditions, social challenges and occupational efficiencies of its victims. This study considered measuring noise pollution parameters within a particular locality based on the positions of the people from their respective sound sources. The parameters measured in this study are sound pressure level ( SPL ), sound intensity level (I), power emitted ( PAV ), dose of noise (D), and noise pollution level (NPL). The devices employed for noise level measurements are dosimeters and sound level meters. A total of 15 locations within Lagos state environs where noise impacts are mostly felt by citizens were considered. The results obtained revealed that the closer the hearer to the sound sources the higher the sound pressure levels and sound intensities. Locations with the highest sound pressure levels are event centers, markets, and religious centers with average sound levels 85.9dB, 84.7dB, and 83.1dB respectively. Event centers recorded the highest noise pollution level and dose of noise while schools recorded the least. Considering the hearing thresholds according to International Standard Organization, the hearers with the highest sound pressures and intensities are likely to suffer over a long period of time from health conditions such as headache, muscle tension, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, resentment, distraction, hearing impairment, interference with communication, drug consumption, interference with relaxation, and temporary threshold shift. It is however imperative to provide continuous awareness on different ways of curbing noise pollution and its effects in our environments.
Behavioral Asymmetries of Pectoral Fin Use During Social Interactions of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Winship Kelley A , Poelma Brittany , Kuczaj Stan A. , Eskelinen Holli C.
Published: February 2021

The preference for utilizing certain appendages (handedness) has been explored in human and nonhuman primates. Similarly to primates, dolphins possess hemispheres that allow an individual to present behaviorally dominant features as well as appendages (i.e., pectoral fins) that are utilized both as social facilitators as well as means to interact with objects. Thus, the possibility of handedness in a captive population of 27 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) was explored. Dolphins in a mother-offspring relationship made significantly more pectoral fin contacts than in the absence of this relationship (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between maternal siblings and non-maternal siblings in overall pectoral fin contact. Handedness indexes were calculated for 26 individuals that initiated pectoral fin contact with both conspecifics and flora (i.e., seagrass) in their habitat. No significant differences were observed between the sexes in handedness indexes, however calves displayed a significant right-fin handedness compared to both sub-adults and adults (p < 0.05). Both sub-adults and adults showed a left-fin handedness indexes, but no significant difference in the strength of this relationship among these two age classes was observed. Individual variation in handedness indexes was noted. These results suggest that handedness may be present in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins with regards to social contact, and a larger and more diverse sample size may provide a better understanding in why handedness may change across development.
Elephant Conservation: Reviewing the Need and Potential Impact of Cognition-based Education
Authors: Makecha Radhika N. , Ghosal Ratna
Published: February 2021

Conservation education programs centered on animal cognition seem to be effective in bringing humans closer to non-human species and thereby, influencing their conservation attitudes. Systematic evaluation of the impact of cognition-based education programs on the attitudes of participants has revealed positive feedback and an appreciation towards the species of interest. However, such evaluations are rare for species like elephants, who suffer severe conservation challenges such as high degrees of conflict with the local community. In this paper, we review the need for cognition-based education programs in elephant conservation as well as the need to evaluate these programs to assess their impact on conservation attitudes. In particular, we emphasize the need for such programs in the native ranges of elephants, which are more prone to human-elephant conflict, and argue that exposure to such programs may potentially increase the collaboration of the local community towards conservation efforts.
Vocalizations Produced by Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) during Mouth Actions in Aggressive and Non-aggressive Contexts
Authors: Perazio Christina E. , Kuczaj II Stan A.
Published: February 2021

Dolphins exchange information with conspecifics using different types of vocalizations that are often associated with specific behaviors. The present study used simultaneous acoustic and video recordings of captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Honduras to describe potential correlations between the type of mouthing behavior (open mouth, mouthing, bite) and associated vocalizations (whistle, whistle-squawk, chirp, moan, burst-pulse ‘A’, burst-pulse ‘B’, clicks). Literature on sound-behavior relationships among odontocetes with the noted infrequent systematic analyses of mouth actions highlights the need for this investigation. The influence of aggression on vocalization use was also addressed. From this observational study a series of general expectations on the interaction of sound, mouth action, and aggressive context are presented. Mouth actions are associated with vocalizations more often than not, and results suggest an overall flexible association of vocalizations during mouth actions, with the production of various sounds altered during aggressive contexts. There is an apparent distinction of frequency-modulated sounds with mouthing, suggesting that frequency parameters are an important characteristic of information exchange during mouth actions, and further that mouth actions are individually distinct behaviors. A dichotomy of burst pulse sounds in association with aggressive and non-aggressive contexts also introduces the need to analyze pulsed sounds according to inter-pulse interval. This paper proposes that there may be an interactive function to the use of vocalizations during mouth actions that is not yet understood.
Does Personality Similarity in Bottlenose Dolphin Pairs Influence Dyadic Bond Characteristics?
Authors: Moreno Kelsey R. , Highfill Lauren , Kuczaj II Stan A.
Published: February 2021

Social structures are critical to the success of many species and have repercussions on health, well-being, and adaptation, yet little is known about the factors which shape these structures aside from ecology and life history strategies. Dyadic bonds are the basis of all social structures; however, mechanisms for formations of specific bonds or patterns in which individuals form which types of bonds have yet to be demonstrated. There is a variety of evidence indicating personality may be a factor in shaping bonds, but this relationship has not been explored with respect to bond components and is yet to be demonstrated in dolphins. This study utilizes a captive population in a naturalistic environment to test for correlation between similarity within the dyad along each personality factor and the strength of the dyad’s bond characteristics. Personality was assessed using a Five Factor Model questionnaire. Dyadic bond strength and characteristic qualities were determined through an exploratory factor analysis to group behaviors recorded via underwater opportunistic focal-follow video. Discovered bond components differed from previous studies and were termed affiliative support, sociosexual, and conflict play. Individuals who differed in Extraversion and Neuroticism displayed greater levels of bonding. This study expands our understanding of the formation of bonds between individuals and the evolution of social structure. Furthermore, it better equips us for making informed environmental policy decisions and improving captive animal care.
How and Why Does Category Learning Cause Categorical Perception?
Authors: Pérez-Gay Fernanda , Thériault Christian , Gregory Madeline , Sabri Hisham , Rivas Dan , Harnad Stevan
Published: February 2021

Learning to categorize requires distinguishing category members from non-members by detecting the features that covary with membership. Human subjects were trained to sort visual textures into two categories by trial and error with corrective feedback. Difficulty levels were increased by decreasing the proportion of covariant features. Pairwise similarity judgments were tested before and after category learning. Three effects were observed: (1) The lower the proportion of covariant features, the more trials it took to learn the category and the fewer the subjects who succeeded in learning it. After training, (2) perceived pairwise distance increased between categories and, to a lesser extent, (3) decreased within categories, at all levels of difficulty, but only for successful learners. This perceived between-category separation and within-category compression is called categorical perception (CP). A very simple neural network model for category learning using uniform binary (0/1) features showed similar CP effects. CP may occur because learning to selectively detect covariant features and ignore non-covariant features reduces the dimensionality of perceived similarity space. In addition to (1) – (3), the nets showed (4) a strong negative correlation between the proportion of covariant features and the size of the CP effect. This correlation was not evident in the human subjects, probably because, unlike the formal binary features of the input to the nets, which were all uniform, the visual features of the human inputs varied in difficulty.
Songbirds as Objective Listeners: Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata) Can Discriminate Infant-directed Song and Speech in Two Languages
Authors: Phillmore Leslie S. , Fisk Jordan , Falk Simone , Tsang Christine D.
Published: February 2021

Despite their acoustic similarities, human infants are able to discriminate between infant-directed song (as produced by human adults) and infant-directed speech in both English and Russian. However, experimenters are somewhat limited in what they can test using the preference paradigm with infants. As a complement to a previous infant study (Tsang et al. 2016), we asked whether a songbird, the zebra finch, could discriminate infant directed song and speech in English and Russian, and tested responses to stimuli that humans could not categorize as either type. Male and female zebra finches learned to discriminate the stimuli in both languages equally well, although females were slightly faster at learning the discrimination, and generalized responses to untrained stimuli of the same categories. Bird responses to stimuli that humans could not categorize likewise did not follow a clear pattern. Our results show that infant-directed song and speech are discriminable as categories by non-humans, that song and speech are as easy to discriminate in English and Russian, and that comparative studies together can provide more complete answers to research questions about auditory perception and acoustic features used for discrimination than using one species or one language alone.
Relation between Exclusion and Stimulus Equivalence Class Formation in Auditory-Visual and Visual-Visual Matching in Preschoolers
Authors: Plazas Elberto A. , Cortés Deby
Published: February 2021

The hypothesis that exclusion performance is a prerequisite for the stimulus equivalence class formation was assessed in preschoolers of about 5 years of age. In Experiment 1, two groups of children were trained in a set of conditional discriminations in a two-choice matching to sample format, Group 1 in an auditory-visual modality baseline, and Group 2 in a visual-visual modality baseline. Exclusion test trials included an undefined (not previously related) comparison stimulus, and a defined (i.e., related in the baseline) comparison stimulus, in the presence of an undefined sample stimulus. Selection of the undefined comparison was recorded as a correct response. Stimulus equivalence class formation was assessed by way of symmetry and transitivity test trials. Experiment 2 replicated the design of the first experiment, with the difference that exclusion was assessed independently and with a different baseline from symmetry and transitivity. Exclusion scores were higher for the auditory-visual groups than the visual-visual groups. In both modalities symmetry scores were superior to those in transitivity. Symmetry showed independent from the exclusion performance, but transitivity was presumably dependent from it in the auditory-visual modality.
A Transferrable Change in Preferences of Floral Patterns by Bumblebees through Reward Reversal
Authors: Xu Vicki , Plowright Catherine
Published: February 2021

This study examines the use behavioral transfer across perceptually similar stimuli in bumblebees (Bombus impatiens) and addresses whether foraging judgments about a floral stimulus can change in a way that contradicts direct previous experience with that stimulus. Twenty bees from each of four colonies underwent discrimination training of stimuli placed in a radial maze. Bees were trained to discriminate between two corresponding object and photograph pairs of artificial flowers, where one object and its corresponding photo were rewarding, while another object and its corresponding photo were unrewarding. Following discrimination training, one stimulus from each pair (either the object or the photo) was removed. The predictive reward values of the remaining stimuli were either switched for one group or stayed the same for another. Subsequent testing on the removed stimuli revealed foraging preferences to shift based on experience with the other stimulus in the group. For instance, bees treated a previously unrewarding object as rewarding after learning that the corresponding photograph had become rewarding. Foraging decisions depend not only on previous experience with stimuli, but also category membership.
From Animal Models to Behavioral Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Matthews-Carr R. Nicolle
Published: February 2021

Bipolar disorder is difficult to capture in a single animal model, so far proving impossible. Models have evaluated the neurobiological, genetic, pharmacological and behavioral aspects, both in seclusion and in various combinations, but have yet to prove construct or face validity or led to highly effective treatment models. One area where animal models are having success is when animal models shape behavioral treatment. Third wave behavioral therapies and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) have shown decreased relapse and re-hospitalization at 1 year follow up, increased medication compliance and increased family support. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Family Focused Treatment (FFT) that include problem solving, family education and self-management have shown success across setting such as school, home and community, especially when used as part of the overall treatment package with medication. While a single model is unable to encompass all areas of need for a disorder as complex as bipolar disorder, continued research should allow for new treatment models to emerge
The Importance of Chimpanzee Personality Research to Understanding Processes Associated with Human Mental Health
Authors: Latzman Robert D. , Green Lindsey M. , Fernandes Mary A.
Published: February 2021

Personality research seeks to identify and understand underlying process associated with individual differences in dispositional traits. In humans, individual variation across personality traits have been found to associate with mental health outcomes often times via common neurobiological processes. This shared neurobiological basis demonstrates the value of personality research in elucidating processes associated with mental disorders. More recently, a burgeoning animal personality literature has made efforts to elucidate neurobiological and environmental mechanisms associated with variation in personality—within this literature, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) represent the most promising model species with respect to optimal translational value to humans. The purpose of the current paper was thus to review the chimpanzee personality literature, with particular emphasis on the organizational, genetic, environmental, and neuroscientific basis of individual variation in personality. We further present a primate-translational operationalization of personality pathology underscoring the notion that personality pathology is rooted within basic dispositions, with evidence of genetic and environmental contributions to such tendencies. Finally, benefits with regard to animal welfare and the National Institute of Mental Health’s Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) Initiative, as well as roadblocks associated with curtailment of research involving captive chimpanzees are reviewed. In sum, the current review highlights the importance of translational personality research with chimpanzees as an unparalleled animal model for investigations into the pathophysiology of human mental health.
Culture Of The Australian Red-Claw Crayfish (Cherax Quadricarinatus) In Israel Crayfish Incorporation Into Intensive Tilapia Production Units
Authors: Karplus Ilan , Harpaz Sheenan , Hulata Gideon , Segev Ran , Barki Assaf
Published: February 2021

This study tested the suitability of the Australian red-claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus for rear- ing in an intensive culture system as a supplement to Oreochromis niloticus. Fish were grown in twelve 5.5 m3 tanks at high density (33/m3) for 133 days, alone or with crayfish at two stocking den- sities (10/m2 and 20/m2) with added shelters or with crayfish at the lower density (10/m2) without shelters. Tilapia survival ranged 90.3-95.0% with no significant differences among treatments. The growth rate of the tilapia raised with crayfish (2.05 g/day) was significantly higher than that of tilapia grown alone (1.88 g/day) probably because the fish were feeding on part of the crayfish pellets. Among treatments, there were no significant differences in fish yield. Crayfish survival was extremely low in the ‘no shelter’ treatment (2.9±2.7%) but reasonable (approximately 60%) when raised with shelters. The growth rate of the crayfish raised with shelters was significantly higher at the lower density (0.21 g/day) than at the higher density (0.18 g/day). Further research is needed on rearing tilapia and crayfish to market size in intensive systems, to establish the economic prof- itability of this culture strategy.
The Israeli Market For Cultured Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus Aurata)
Authors: Conijeski Daniel , Mozes Noam , Sheskin Arieh
Published: February 2021

With average annual growth at 38%, sea bream production is the main growth factor in Israel’s fish- eries industry. It is estimated that cultured sea bream constituted over 10% of the volume and 20% of the value of domestic fisheries in 2000. Per capita consumption of sea bream grew from 0.11 kg in 1995 to an estimated 0.39 kg in 2000. Rapid industry development lowered market prices but, in general, farm-gate prices in Israel are higher than in major Mediterranean producers. Fluctuations in sea bream prices reflect fluctuating demand, but the percentage that sales have increased is greater than the percentage that prices have decreased. Cultured sea bream in Israel lacks competition from wild or imported sources. Increasing supplies of sea bream will come from the local mariculture industry, but growth is slowing and several constraints must be overcome. Intensive recirculating aquaculture systems may enhance inland marine farm production. The sea bream market in Israel has not reached saturation level, as indicated by consumption which has increased without signifi- cant marketing efforts. Demand could increase to 4,500 tons (0.7 kg per capita) by 2005. Whether this forecast is overly optimistic or not, it reveals potential for mariculture development.
Length To Weight Relationship Of Sea Bass Lates Calcarifer (Bloch) Reared In A Closed Recirculating System
Authors: Volvich L. , Appelbaum S.
Published: February 2021

The length to weight relationship of sea bass, Lates calcarifer, reared for two years in our lab- oratory in an indoor recirculating system, was determined as follows: W (g) = 0.0107 TL (cm)3.0347, R2 = 0.9974. The values found in this study correspond to length/weight relation- ships found for a natural population by other researchers, indicating that sea bass cultivated in captivity under intensive conditions and at high stocking densities do not seem to differ in body appearance from those in nature.
Effects Of Light Intensity On Early Life Development Of Gilthead Sea Bream Larvae (Sparus Aurata)
Authors: Saka Sahin , Fırat Kürat , Süzer Cüneyt
Published: February 2021

The effects of different levels of illumination on sea bream (Sparus aurata, L. 1758) larvae were examined. The best total length development and highest survival rate were achieved in a dark environment. Illumination affected the relationships between total length and digestive tube length, total length and oil globule volume, and total length and yolk sac volume. The relationships between total length and digestive tube length, and total length and oil globule volume were not significant ly different (p>0.05) among groups whereas the relationship between total length and yolk sac volume was significantly different (p<0.05) between the group under 450 lux illumination and the group under 30 lux. All the relationships were significantly different (p<0.05) between groups kept in complete darkness and those which were illuminated.
Use of Juvenile Instar Diaphanosoma Celebensis (Stingelin) In Hatchery Rearing Of Asian Sea Bass Lates Calcarifer (Bloch)
Authors: de la Peña Milagros R.
Published: February 2021

The effects of size, dry mass intake and nutritional value of the brackishwater cladoceran, Diaphanosoma celebensis, on the growth and survival of 15-30 day sea bass (Lates calcarifer) lar- vae reared in a static green water system were determined. The highest specific growth rate (29.4%/day) was attained in larvae fed a 1:1 combination of Artemia nauplii and adult Diaphanosoma but it was not significantly different (p>0.05) from fish fed only adult Diaphanosoma (28.8%/day) or only juvenile instar Diaphanosoma (28.6%/day). Survival rates of larvae (92.4- 99.0%) fed the different live diets did not significantly differ (p>0.05). Larvae markedly prefered juve- nile instar Diaphanosoma over Artemia nauplii and adult Diaphanosoma. The crude protein con- tents of juvenile Diaphanosoma (58.7%), adult Diaphanosoma (58.3%) and Artemia (56.7%) were substantially high and satisfied the dietary protein requirements of larvae. The fatty acid profile of the sea bass fry reflected the lipid composition of the live diet. Improved growth, survival and dry mass intake in larvae indicate the potential of juvenile Diaphanosoma in the hatchery rearing of sea bass larvae.
Growth Performance Of Hybrid Bass And Hybrid Tilapia In Conventional And Active Suspension Intensive Ponds
Authors: Milstein A. , Avnimelech Y. , Zoran M. , Joseph D.
Published: February 2021

Recently developed, active suspension intensive ponds are based on the idea that fish ponds (aer- ated and mixed as required for the well-being of the fish) can also serve as water purification units. The present paper compares water quality and fish growth in conventional intensive ponds (daily water exchange 500%), with active suspension intensive ponds (daily exchange 8%). The fish test- ed were hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. aureus), already known to perform well in active suspension units, and hybrid bass (Morone saxatilis x M. chrysops), which is commercially cultured in conventional intensive ponds.

Water quality in the two types of intensive ponds differed as a result of the “internal water purifi- cation” vs “external water purification” approach. Bacterial development was greater in the active suspension ponds. Several parameters were affected by the different rate of water exchange, including temperature and removal of ammonium. The latter was lower in active suspension ponds due to reduced washout of particles and their associated nitrifying bacteria. Nitrification was greater in tilapia active suspension ponds because of grazing by this fish. Active suspension units operated with less than 2% of the water used in the conventional intensive ponds. Hybrid bass and hybrid tilapia performed similarly well in both types of pond, indicating the economic advantage of culturing them in the water-saving active suspension system. Tilapia graze on suspended parti- cles, leading to additional savings in feed costs. The good performance of hybrid bass in active suspension ponds is herein reported for the first time.

• Corresponding author. Email: anamilst@netvision.net.il 2 Email: agyoram@techunix.technion.ac.il
Effects of Thermostable Bacterial α-AMYLASE On Growth Feed Utilization In Rohu, Labeo Rohita (Hamilton), Fingerlings
Authors: Ghosh Koushik , Chakraborty Kakali , Sen Sukanra Kumar , Ray Arun Kumar
Published: February 2021

The effects of dietary supplementation of thermostable bacterial α-amylase (produced by Bacillus stearothermophilus, a thermophilic soil bacterium) on the growth, feed conversion, body composi- tion and digestive enzyme profile of rohu, Labeo rohita, fingerlings were evaluated. Rohu finger- lings (avg wt 0.99±0.01 g) were fed purified isonitrogenous diets (35% crude protein) with crude bacterial α-amylase at 350, 525, 700 and 850 U per 100 g feed for 60 days at 3% of their body weight. Fingerlings fed the enzyme-supplemented diets performed better than the control group which received no enzyme supplementation. The best performance in terms of percent weight gain, SGR, FCR and PER was achieved in fish fed the diet supplemented with 700 U of α-amylase. The bacterial α-amylase led to higher protein accretion and lipid depletion in the carcass up to the 700 U incorporation level. Intestinal protease and α-amylase activity increased in all groups com- pared to the initial level.