bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raspado corneal en la lámpara de hendidura
Authors: Borrone María Agustina
Published: October 2024

Se considera a la queratitis microbiana como una de las 5 causas principales de ceguera en el mundo. Es esencial determinar la severidad de la infección para tratarla de manera oportuna y evitar tratamientos empíricos que generen mayor resistencia antimicrobiana.
La forma considerada gold standard para la detección de microorganismos es el raspado corneal. El análisis de las muestras en el laboratorio microbiológico permite identificar el agente patógeno y realizar un antibiograma para determinar la sensibilidad a diferentes antimicrobianos.
Se describen los pasos del raspado corneal de manera sencilla y clara para que puedan realizarse durante la consulta minimizando los riesgos de contaminación de la muestra. Además, se detallan los pasos a seguir para el envío de muestras por medio de un transporte cuando no hay acceso a la toma en directo. Se destaca la necesidad de mantener estrecho contacto con el laboratorio que analiza las muestras para conocer las preferencias de los bacteriólogos que serán los que en última instancia las analicen.
Conocer la técnica correcta para realizar el raspado corneal es crucial para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de las queratitis microbianas. Conocer sus ventajas y desventajas ayuda a decidir cuál es la mejor forma de obtención de muestras para obtener mejores resultados en el manejo de las infecciones corneales y reducir sus graves complicaciones.
Modified partial bisection surgical technique for the extraction of the dislocated intraocular lens-capsular bag complex
Authors: Alza Andrés Germán
Published: October 2024

A modification of the surgical technique, called partial bisection, is presented for the extraction of a dislocated three-piece hydrophilic acrylic monobloc folding intraocular lens-capsular bag complex. The novel surgical technique uses pre-existing incisions that were made during cataract surgery. It consists of trapping the haptic of the IOL in the second-hand corneal incision to perform a partial cut of the optics of the intraocular lens. The technique was performed in an adult patient with dead bag syndrome, and no subsequent complications were observed. It is concluded that the modified partial bisection technique is safe, effective, and less likely to cause complications leading to pars plana vitrectomy.
Placas de Hollenhorst
Authors: Baratz Camila
Published: October 2024

Las placas de Hollenhorst se describieron por primera vez en 19611...
Catarata lamelar
Authors: De Arcos Nicolás A. , Bosch Marcela A. , Cantet Nicole E. , D’Amico Guido , Garnero Juan I.
Published: October 2024

En esta imagen se observa una catarata lamelar que es de origen congénito1...
Historical Memories in Chen Kaige’s Films and their Cultural Reflections
Authors: Qianyu Zhang
Published: October 2024

Chen Kaige is a leading figure of the Fifth Generation and one of the country’s most internationally influential directors. The uniqueness of his films lies in their allegorical expression of national concerns, using specific historical or contemporary settings for personal lyricism. While his films vary in theme and style, they consistently reflect on national spirit and cultural traditions, explore life and fate of the people, question trust and betrayal, and showcase a distinctive artistic perspective and profound humanistic thinking. His works have deepened the artistic exploration of Chinese cinema. The cultural and philosophical depth embodied in his films has not only elevated the quality of Chinese cinema but also promoted dialogue and exchange between Chinese cinema and the world.
ISTA – uma narração de transições
Authors: Varley Julia
Published: October 2024

Neste artigo, Julia Varley, atriz do Odin Teatret, narra a história da ISTA - International School of Theatre Anthropology (Escola Internacional de Antropologia Teatral), desde a primeira seção — que aconteceu no ano de 1980, em Bonn, Alemanha —, até a décimaquinta seção — ocorrida em 2016, em Albino, Itália. Este escrito é originalmente endereçado aos participantes da décima-quarta seção — que teve lugar em 2005, em Wroclaw e na vila de Krzyozowa, Polônia — e foi retrabalhado para a décima-quinta ISTA. No texto, a ISTA é retratada como um ambiente de diversidade profissional, onde artistas e pesquisadores se reúnem ao redor de tarefas concretas. Sua história é narrada como uma contínua sucessão de transições e transformações que permitiram que a inquietação profissional e a obstinação da pesquisa permanecessem vivas ao longo dos anos.
A Sabotagem do Movimento, de Hijikata Tatsumi, e o desejo de matar a ideologia da morte
Authors: Centonze Katja
Published: October 2024

Morte e desejo aparecem como características essenciais no butô de Hijikata Tatsumi, o que traz em pauta o paradoxo da vida e da morte, da quietude e do movimento. Hijikata coloca essas contradições nas raízes da dança em si. Esta análise aponta vários aspectos encontrados na estética da morte e nos processos de execução do butô, que captam a tensão entre estar morto e/ou vivo, entre presença e ausência. Mostra-se como os estados físicos da morte biológica são encenados, e demonstra-se que, no teatro não humano do erotismo de Hijikata, a morte se destaca como um objeto colocado com outros objetos no palco, incluindo o corpo carnal (nikutai) do performer. A discussão foca na investigação radical de corporalidade, de Hijikata, que coloca sob crítica não apenas o nikutai, mas até mesmo o cadáver (shitai), revelando as narrativas culturais às quais estão sujeitos.
Gentilmente cedido pela autora e originalmente publicado em inglês na obra Ca’ Foscari Japanese Studies 6 - Morte e Desejo no Japão Contemporâneo: Representação, Prática, Performance. Editado por Andrea De Antoni e Massimo Raveri, 2017. ISBN [ebook] 978-88-6969-151-5 | ISBN [print] 978-88-6969-150-8. Disponível em: https://edizionicafoscari.unive.it/media/pdf/books/978-88-6969-150-8/978-88-6969-150-8.pdf
Reflexões (Po)éticas na dança Butô
Authors: Abel Thiago
Published: October 2024

Ao considerar o singular processo de criação da dança butô, movimento de vanguarda pós-guerra nascido no Japão ao fim da década de 1950, criado por Hijikata Tatsumi e tendo como principal colaborador Ohno Kazuo, o artigo apresenta uma reflexão sobre o conceito “(Po)ética”, objetivando chamar atenção para a existência de novas epistemologias de dança embasadas em matrizes éticas e poéticas, apartadas da instrumentalização estética e do engessamento das matrizes visuais.
Inquietações do corpo de carne de Hijikata Tatsumi
Authors: Picarelli Caio
Published: October 2024

O presente artigo se debruça sobre as reflexões poéticas do “corpo de carne”, inquietação do bailarino, diretor e fundador da dança butô, Hijikata Tatsumi. O objetivo principal é discutir este conceito em oposição às construções opressivas do que pode ser chamado de “corpo social” que Hijikata visava destruir através de suas inovadoras proposições em dança.
A Palavra em Artaud ou a Carne que se faz Verbo
Authors: Coelho Wilson
Published: October 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir o lugar ou os lugares da palavra na obra de Antonin Artaud, tanto no teatro onde propõe novas maneiras de usá-la, desde a sonoridade até os espaços do silêncio, quanto na literatura que, de alguma forma quebra as fronteiras entre os gêneros conto, romance, poesia, cartas e outros, dando ênfase à poiesis, à criação como a verdadeira pulsão do espírito. Nesse sentido, trata-se de uma abordagem de Artaud, no que diz respeito à palavra, tendo por base o poema Ci-Gît (Aqui Jaz), que se insurge a partir de três formas de linguagem, a saber: o francês normativo, a gíria e as emissões glossolálicas.
Por um performer cruel
Authors: Silva Matheus
Published: October 2024

O presente artigo tem o interesse em traçar uma zona de convergência entre arte da performance e Teatro da Crueldade, de Antonin Artaud, a partir do cruzamento dos estudos dos conceitos filosóficos, tais como “devir-animal” e “corpo-sem-órgãos”, de Gilles Deleuze e Félix Guattari, e “movimentos aberrantes” e “instauração”, de David Lapoujade com o conceito artístico de “precariedade”, de acordo com Eleonora Fabião.
Projeto Artaud
Authors: Dordete Steckert Jacobs Daiane , Bittencourt Laporta Marcos , Rachel de Souza Chula Maria
Published: October 2024

Buscamos com o artigo descrever e fundamentar os procedimentos de criação que envolveram o espetáculo Projeto Artaud (2013), com direção geral de Marcos Laporta e Rachel Chula. O espetáculo foi caracterizado por duas pesquisas práticas: uma pesquisa solo de experimentação de estados anímicos, partindo do conceito atletismo afetivo de Artaud (1995) e outra pesquisa em que se buscou experimentar procedimentos de treinamento e composição corpóreo-vocais, partindo de diferentes técnicas como dança contemporânea, ballet clássico, jogos corpóreo-vocais, canto e improvisações com textos de Antonin Artaud.
Escrita e corpo em Antonin Artaud
Authors: Lima de Assis Marcelise
Published: October 2024

Busca-se investigar neste artigo como se dá a constituição do sujeito em Artaud na carta que este dirige a Wladimir Porché em 4 de fevereiro de 1948. Nesta carta, Artaud expressa sua revolta frente à censura que sofreu sua produção radiofônica Para acabar com o juízo de Deus. A partir do conteúdo desta carta, a autora discute como em Artaud a constituição do sujeito transcorre, necessariamente, pela noção de corpo. Diferente do que Foucault apresenta a respeito dos ascéticos, os quais buscavam na escrita de si uma espécie de fuga dos maus pensamentos ao eliminá-los pela escrita, Artaud toma a escrita como lugar para problematizar a noção de corpo e, consequentemente, do pensamento, para atingir os mais diversos modos de julgamentos que operam na constituição dos corpos ordinários.
Companhia Giradança
Authors: Leão Anderson
Published: October 2024

Este artigo apresenta as experiências junto à companhia Giradança na condição de coreógrafo, artista e diretor. O estudo aborda as criações coreográficas realizadas com diferentes corpos com deficiência em diferentes níveis e graus, bem como a integração desses corpos com outros corpos sem deficiência física. O trabalho tem como objetivo refletir as criações coreográficas no contexto da dança contemporânea. Além disso, o trabalho aborda a complexidade das diferenças entre os corpos e as possibilidades de potencializar o corpo na cena de dança por meio das análises das criações, produções e projeção nacional e internacional da Companhia Giradança.
O que sustenta o Rio
Authors: Cristina da Silva Sousa Marcia , Rios Joelington
Published: October 2024

Fotos de Joelington Rios com entrevista de Marcia Sousa. 
Diagramação de Deyla Dayanne Rabelo Silva.*Joelington Rios é o autor da Foto que ilustra a capa deste número 6, da Ephemera.
A regulação do mercado teatral em Ouro Preto
Authors: Santos Carlos , Alves Pereira Josemeire
Published: October 2024

A criação de políticas públicas depende das intenções de um governo no afã de combater as desigualdades sociais e promover o crescimento econômico. Porém, as demandas dessas políticas surgem dos grupos sociais que serão diretamente beneficiados por elas. Este artigo consiste em compreender em que medida artistas de teatro ouro-pretanos são afetados pela ausência de políticas públicas, a fim de encontrar medidas para a regulação do setor.
Analysis of SK Hynix's HBM Competitiveness and Future Strategies
Authors:   Korean Academy for Leaders of Management, Lee Kiyong , Ryu Suji , Moon Dosun , Chung Jiyoon , Chung Yoon-a
Published: October 2024

HBMs with higher performance and efficiency than current memory chips are in focus when AI comes. Due to the rapid increase in AI accelerator demand, semiconductor companies' interest in HBM is rising. Thanks to its yield, technology, material supply chain, and Nvidia partnership, SK Hynix remains number one in this industry. SK Hynix, which has failed to reverse the memory semiconductor business, is now writing a new history. Samsung Electronics, the second-largest company, is about a year behind SK. As always, competitors are trying to increase R&D spending, production capacity, and market share. This study examines SK Hynix's plan to maintain its No. 1 position in a constantly changing industry environment and how Samsung Electronics and Micron are attempting to overtake it. By thoroughly examining each competitor and the market environment, this paper provides short-term and mid- to long-term plans to help SK Hynix strengthen its market leadership.
The ‘War’ between Manufacturers and Retailers and D2C strategy of AmorePacific
Authors:   Korean Academy for Leaders of Management, Kim Jiho , Park Yoonji , Lee Seonghyun , Hur Yerin
Published: October 2024

Retailers and manufacturers aim for price leadership to maximize profits. This aggressive pricing process resembles war. As retailers and manufacturers compete in the consumer products industry, manufacturers' positions are weakened, and AmorePacific faces similar challenges. The paper examines AmorePacific's crisis amid structural changes and the merits and drawbacks of the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) approach used to overcome it.
First, this paper examines the influence of the competition between manufacturers and retailers on the consumer products business and the rise of the D2C model as an alternative. It described AmorePacific's D2C model introduction and its definition and characteristics. There are advantages, such as reducing intermediate distribution fees, securing customer data, and delivering brand value through other companies' D2C cases. Still, risks and limitations exist, such as increased costs, supply chain management burden, and relatively low traffic. The strategic D2C model created from the literature study and case analysis will help AmorePacific and other consumer products companies adapt to market changes and implement D2C strategies.
This paper thoroughly examines the pros and cons of the D2C model and advises AmorePacific to make strategic decisions to overcome the crisis in a challenging business environment. It also advises spreading the D2C model to other industries and researching its complementary relationship with the traditional distribution strategy. The consumer products business struggles to determine who should win the 'war ' between manufacturers and retailers to maximize profits.
Data Set on Forecasting Gender Trends for Primary School Teachers in Somalia from Academic Years 2015/2016 - 2025/2026
Authors: Abubakar Said , Mohamoud Abdulkadir
Published: October 2024

This analysis examines forecasting gender trends for primary school teachers in Somalia from the academic years 2015/2016 to 2025/2026. For male teachers, the data reveals an increase from 5,587 in 2015/2016 to 10,812 in 2021/2022, with predictions suggesting further growth to approximately 14,673 by 2025/2026, despite some short-term fluctuations. In contrast, female teachers rose from 498 to 1,838 during the same period, followed by a slight decline to 1,774 in 2022/2023. Forecasts indicate a temporary decrease to about 1,567 in 2023/2024 but anticipate a significant rebound to nearly 2,924 by 2025/2026. The findings highlight a trend of increasing male representation and fluctuating female participation among primary school teachers in Somalia, underscoring the need for targeted policies to address these gender dynamics.
Determinants of Poor Academic Performance among Secondary School Students in Mogadishu Somalia
Authors: Dirie Abdirazaq Isse
Published: October 2024

The study examines the key factors contributing to the poor academic performance of secondary school students in Mogadishu, Somalia. The primary objectives of this research were: to investigate the relationship between limited access to quality education and academic performance; to examine the impact of economic challenges, such as poverty and inability to afford education expenses, on student performance; to explore the role of instability and cultural attitudes towards education; to determine the influence of curriculum quality; and to evaluate the impact of education policy and support. The study employed a quantitative, descriptive research design to achieve these objectives. The target population consisted of 135 head teachers and teachers from the Northern Zone of the Banadir region, which was selected as the most populated area in terms of schools. A sample of 82 respondents was utilized for the investigation.The findings indicate that the various factors examined in the study, including access to quality education, economic challenges, instability, cultural attitudes, curriculum quality, and education policy and support, all have a significant influence on the poor academic performance of secondary school students in Mogadishu. The influential nature of these factors highlights the need for a comprehensive plan to address the issue, which the researcher recommends should involve infrastructure improvements, teacher training, policy updates, awareness campaigns, psychosocial support, and the establishment of collaborative parent-teacher associations and school committees.
Characterizing Fatigue by Multiple Sclerosis Subtype and Determining Validity of a Fatigue Scale Specific to Persons With Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Feldpausch Jennie , Plummer Prudence , Abou-Rass Zade , Fritz Nora
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). Prior work suggests that the prevalence of fatigue is higher in progressive MS (PMS) than relapsing MS (RRMS). No patient-reported outcomes of fatigue have been validated specifically for individuals with PMS, despite evidence that they characterize fatigue differently than individuals with RRMS. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize fatigue in both the RRMS and PMS subtypes and determine the convergent validity of the Fatigue Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire (FSIQ) for individuals with PMS.

METHODS:

A nationwide survey yielded 806 (637 RRMS, 169 PMS) complete responses. The survey collected demographic information and self-reported disease severity, as well as measures of fatigue, health-related quality of life, and self-reported functioning.

RESULTS:

People with PMS reported significantly more severe fatigue than those with RRMS (P < .001). The FSIQ subdomains of physical, cognitive/emotional, and coping demonstrated moderate (r = 0.5-0.75) to excellent (r > 0.75) validity (P < .001) with other measures of fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS:

More severe fatigue in people with PMS as compared to those with RRMS underscores the importance of using validated tools to capture fatigue in persons with PMS. The FSIQ is a valid and freely available tool to capture the physical, mental, and emotional fatigue of individuals with PMS.
Evaluation of shaping ability, apical transportation and centering ratio of T-Endo Must, WaveOne Gold, and Trunatomy in resin blocks
Authors: Karaca Sakallı Aybüke , Ekici Mügem Aslı
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the shaping abilities of different nickel-titanium file systems.

Materials and Methods

Sixty-six j-shaped resin blocks were randomly divided into three groups (n = 22): Group T-Endo MUST (TE), Group WaveOne (W), Group TruNatomy (TR). After canal preparation, the amount of material removed from the canal, the centering ratio of the file systems, the direction and amount of canal transportation, and shaping errors were evaluated. Shaping time was calculated. Data of shaping time were analyzed with ANOVA and Tamhane test. Data on the shaping ability were analyzed with two- and three-way ROBUST ANOVA. The significance level was set at p = 0.05.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference between all groups for shaping time (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between groups for the total amount of material removed (p < 0.001). The directions of canal transportation were the inner surface of the curvature for W and TR and the outer for TE. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for the amount of transportation (p > 0.05). The centering ratio of TE and W was statistically higher than TruNatomy (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

TruNatomy removed the least material that supported the minimally invasive endodontic approach. All file systems caused similar transportation and did not change the original canal shape.
Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the Sunda stink-badger (Mydaus javanensis) from the island of Borneo
Authors: Subbiah Vijay Kumar , Gomez Chrishen Robert , Robben Dexter Miller , Subramaniam Ranjita , Hearn Andrew James
Published: October 2024

Background

The Mephitidae is a family of skunks and stink-badgers that includes 12 extant species in four genera, namely, Mydaus, Conepatus, Mephitis and Spilogale. Mydaus is the only genus within Mephitidae found outside the American continent, with its distribution limited to the islands of Borneo, Indonesia and Philippines. There are two extant species of Mydaus i.e., javanensis and marchei. Currently, complete mitogenomes are unavailable for either species. Here, we present the characterization of the first complete mitogenome for the Sunda stink-badger (Mydaus javanensis) from the island of Borneo.

Methods

Muscle tissue was obtained and the DNA was sequenced using a combination of Illumina Barcode Tagged Sequence (BTSeq) and Sanger sequencing techniques. The genome was annotated with MITOS and manually checked for accuracy. A circular map of the mitogenome was constructed with Proksee. Relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) and codon frequency were calculated using MEGA-X. The protein coding genes (PCGs) were aligned with reference sequences from GenBank and used for the construction of phylogenetic trees (maximum liklihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI)). Additionally, due to the lack of available complete genomes in public databases, we constructed another tree with the cyt b gene.

Results

The complete circular mitogenome was 16,391 base pairs in length. It comprises the typical 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, two ribosomal RNA genes, one control region (CR) and an L-strand replication origin (OL). The G+C content was 38.1% with a clear bias towards A and T nucleotides. Of the 13 PGCs, only ND6 was positioned in the reverse direction, along with five other tRNAs. Five PCGs had incomplete stop codons and rely on post-transcriptional polyadenylation (TAA) for termination. Based on the codon count, Leucine was the most common amino acid (589), followed by Threonine (332) and Isoleucine (325). The ML and BI phylogenetic trees, based on concatenated PCGs and the cyt b gene, respectively, correctly clustered the species with other members of the Mephitidae family but were unique enough to set it apart from Conepatus, Mephitis and Spilogale. The results confirm Mydaus as a member of the mephitids and the mitogenome will be useful for evolutionary analysis and conservation of the species.
UV-B irradiation promotes anthocyanin biosynthesis in the leaves of Lycium ruthenicum Murray
Authors: Chen Shengrong , Xu Yunzhang , Zhao Weimin , Shi Guomin , Wang Shuai , He Tao
Published: October 2024

Anthocyanins are the most valuable pigments in Lycium ruthenicum Murray (L. ruthenicum). Although ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation is a key environmental factor influencing anthocyanin biosynthesis in L. ruthenicum, the deep molecular mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we examined the changes in the total anthocyanin content and transcriptomic characteristics of L. ruthenicum leaves following UV-B irradiation treatment. The results showed a twofold increase in anthocyanin content in the leaves of L. ruthenicum after the treatment. The transcriptome analysis showed that the expression of 24 structural genes identified in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway was up-regulated. In particular, F3’H (Unigene0009145) and C4H (Unigene0046607) exhibit notable up-regulation, suggesting their potential roles in anthocyanin synthesis. Protein interaction network results revealed that MYB1 (Unigene0047706) had the highest connectivity, followed by bHLH (Unigene0014085). Additionally, UVR8 (Unigene0067978) and COP1 (Unigene0008780) were found to be highly involved in UV-B signal transduction. These findings provide new insights into the genetic and biochemical mechanisms that regulate anthocyanin production, and could guide agricultural practices to reduce environmental impacts and improve crop yield and quality.
Exploring the density and morphology of coconut structures at two locations: a time-based analysis using computer tomography
Authors: Lin Shenghuang , Sun Chengxu , Luo Li’an , Huang Mengxing , John Martin JeromeJeyakumar , Cao Hongxing , Hu Jinyue , Bai Zhiming , He Zhanping , Zhang Yu , Chen Jing
Published: October 2024

Background

The study aimed to observe the internal structure of coconuts from two locations (coastal and non-coastal) using computed tomography (CT).

Methods

Seventy-six mature coconuts were collected from Wenchang and Ding’an cities in Hainan Province. These coconuts were scanned four times using CT, with a two-week interval between each scan. CT data were post-processed to reconstruct two-dimensional slices and three-dimensional models. The density and morphological parameters of coconut structures were measured, and the differences in these characteristics between the two groups and the changes over time were analyzed.

Results

Time and location had interactive effects on CT values of embryos, solid endosperms and mesocarps, morphological information such as major axis of coconut, thickness of mesocarp, volume of coconut water and height of bud (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Planting location and observation time can affect the density and morphology of some coconut structures.
Mangrove afforestation as an ecological control of invasive Spartina alterniflora affects rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties and bacterial community in a subtropical tidal estuarine wetland
Authors: Wang Jinwang , Lin Xi , An Xia , Liu Shuangshuang , Wei Xin , Zhou Tianpei , Li Qianchen , Chen Qiuxia , Liu Xing
Published: October 2024

Background

The planting of mangroves is extensively used to control the invasive plant Spartina alterniflora in coastal wetlands. Different plant species release diverse sets of small organic compounds that affect rhizosphere conditions and support high levels of microbial activity. The root-associated microbial community is crucial for plant health and soil nutrient cycling, and for maintaining the stability of the wetland ecosystem.

Methods

High-throughput sequencing was used to assess the structure and function of the soil bacterial communities in mudflat soil and in the rhizosphere soils of S. alterniflora, mangroves, and native plants in the Oujiang estuarine wetland, China. A distance-based redundancy analysis (based on Bray–Curtis metrics) was used to identify key soil factors driving bacterial community structure.

Results

S. alterniflora invasion and subsequent mangrove afforestation led to the formation of distinct bacterial communities. The main soil factors driving the structure of bacterial communities were electrical conductivity (EC), available potassium (AK), available phosphorus (AP), and organic matter (OM). S. alterniflora obviously increased EC, OM, available nitrogen (AN), and NO3−-N contents, and consequently attracted copiotrophic Bacteroidates to conduct invasion in the coastal areas. Mangroves, especially Kandelia obovata, were suitable pioneer species for restoration and recruited beneficial Desulfobacterota and Bacilli to the rhizosphere. These conditions ultimately increased the contents of AP, available sulfur (AS), and AN in soil. The native plant species Carex scabrifolia and Suaeda glauca affected coastal saline soil primarily by decreasing the EC, rather than by increasing nutrient contents. The predicted functions of bacterial communities in rhizosphere soils were related to active catabolism, whereas those of the bacterial community in mudflat soil were related to synthesis and resistance to environmental factors.

Conclusions

Ecological restoration using K. obovata has effectively improved a degraded coastal wetland mainly through increasing phosphorus availability and promoting the succession of the microbial community.
Seroprevalence and Co-infections of Different Infectious Aetiologies in Blood Culture Negative Febrile Patients Seeking Healthcare at a University Hospital in Northern India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Jamwal Ashima , Gurjar Mohan , Sahu Chinmoy , Garg Atul , Tejan Nidhi , Patel Sangram Singh , Pathak Ashutosh , Khan Mohd Rashid
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The burden of acute febrile illness remains underestimated in many low- and middle-income countries. The rationale of this study revolves around the gaps in diagnostics for acute febrile illnesses in these regions. Aim: To highlight the seroprevalence and co-infections of different infectious aetiologies in blood culture negative febrile patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India from October 2021 to July 2022, involving 153 serum samples from patients presenting with fever for less than two weeks duration during outpatient and emergency visits. The blood culture negative samples were further tested for other aetiologies such as Leptospirosis, Dengue NS1 antigen, Dengue IgM antibody, Chikungunya, Scrub typhus IgM, and Widal, respectively. Convalescent sera were also tested for all positive Widal results. All statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software (IBM SPSS version 26.0, Armonk, N.Y.). Results: Out of the 153 patients enrolled, 120 patients were tested for a panel of serological tests. The majority 52 (43.3%) were aged between 21 and 40 years. Fifty-five patients (45.8%) exhibited positivity, among which Scrub typhus was the most common aetiology with 21 (17.5%) case, followed by Leptospirosis 19 (15.8%), Dengue 10 (8.3%), Chikungunya 3 (2.5%), and Enteric fever 2 (1.7%), with no cases of malaria reported. Overall, co-infections reported in present study included 7 (5.8%) cases, of which scrub typhus and Leptospirosis were the most prevalent in 5 (4.16%) cases. Two patients (1.6%) presented with a co-infection of dengue and chikungunya. Conclusion: The diverse aetiologies causing acute febrile illness necessitate a syndrome-based disease surveillance approach, accompanied by strong clinical acumen, for the betterment of patient outcomes.
Selection Strategy for Yield Improvement of Chickpea Genotypes (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Bharath Kushalam , Lavanya G. Roopa
Published: October 2024

An investigation was undertaken to assess the genetic variability parameters, correlation and path analysis in 25 chickpea genotypes for 12 quantitative traits during the Rabi season of 2022-23 in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. Analysis of variance indicated high significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits. Considerable variability existed in the genotypes for all the characters studied. The study found that CG23, CG159, and CG199 were the most superior genotypes for grain yield per plant among 25 chickpea genotypes.  High PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean were recorded for test weight and biological yield. Grain yield per plant showed positive significant association with number of pods, days to maturity, days to 50% pod initiation and number of primary branches. High and positive direct effect of grain yield per plant at both phenotypic and genotypic levels were depicted by harvest index. These characters may be taken into consideration for selection of quantitative characters for crop improvement.
Rh-Chamber: A Novel Chamber Design for Gas Sampling in the Coastal Sediment and Water Surface
Authors: Rahman  , Pasanea Krisye , Fendjalang Sophia N M
Published: October 2024

This research aims to develop and test Rh-Chamber, an innovative gas sampling tool designed for coastal environments. The coastal environment is a dynamic ecosystem that plays an important role in the global biogeochemical cycle, especially in the production and release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Until now, existing gas sampling methods have limitations, especially in maintaining representative field conditions and capturing temporal dynamics of gas release. The Rh-Chamber comes as a highly flexible solution, allowing sampling both on coastal sediments and on the water surface. The design consists of a gas incubator, a float and a ballast, which allows the appliance to function optimally in various current and sediment conditions. Gas sampling is done manually using syiringe, with varying time intervals. The results show that Rh-Chamber provides better accuracy in measuring gas flux in coastal ecosystems than conventional methods. These innovations also have the potential to be used in climate change research, especially to evaluate the contribution of coastal ecosystems to greenhouse gas emissions. Although there are some limitations, such as the need for additional manpower in its operation in deeper waters, the Rh-Chamber makes a significant contribution to coastal environmental research.
Production and Quality Evaluation of Yogurt and Watermelon Juice Blends
Authors: O. Joseph, Buraimoh , I. Akubor, Peter
Published: October 2024

The study investigated the effect of incorporation of watermelon juice in yogurt on the quality of the blends. Yogurt and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) juice were produced. The watermelon juice was used to substitute 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% of yogurt. The chemical composition, antioxidant activity, physicochemical, and sensory properties of the blends were determined using standard procedures. The pH of the yogurt and watermelon juice were 4.57 and 5.78, respectively and varied from 5.18 -6.04 for the blends. The moisture, protein, ash, fat and carbohydrate contents decreased with increase in the amount of watermelon juice in the blends. The vitamin C, calcium, zinc and magnesium contents increased while the phosphorus and potassium contents decreased with increased level of watermelon juice in the blends. The phenols and carotenoids contents increased while the flavonoids content decreased with increase in the level of watermelon juice in the blends. The antioxidant activity using DPPH assay varied with the samples where yogurt had higher radical scavenging activity than the watermelon juice. The radical scavenging activities and the ferric reducing antioxidant property (FRAP) values also increased with the level of watermelon juice in the blends. The FRAP values for yogurt and watermelon juice were 1.22 and 1.58mg/ml, respectively and increased to a range of 1.29 -3.70 mg/ml for the blends. The yogurt had higher scores than the watermelon juice for all the sensory attributes evaluated. The scores for the sensory attributes decreased with increase in the level of watermelon juice in the blends. However, the scores for the blend containing 10 % watermelon juice for all the attributes were not significantly different (p>0.05) from those of the yogurt. Therefore, it is concluded that watermelon juice could be used to substitute 10% yogurt without adversely affecting the qualities of the blends.
Correlation of Parathormone and Bone Disorders in Black Adult Hemodialysis Patients in the Public Sector in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Yayo Eric Sagou , Kouacou Kadio Morel , Yao-Yapo Carine Mireille , Koné-Dakouri Yékayo Bénédicte , Konan Jean Louis , Koffi Akissi Joelle , Yao Hubert , Angèle Ake-Edjeme , Hauhouot-Attoungbré Marie Laure , Gnionsahe Appolinaire , Monnet Dagui
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by several complications, including disorders of phosphocalcium metabolism characterized by secondary hyperparathyroidism. For this reason, major international recommendations call for at least annual parathyroid hormone (PTH) determinations in patients suffering from CKD, particularly in the terminal phase.
This study aims to explore parathyroid hormone status and bone disorders in adult hemodialysis patients in the public sector of Abidjan, West Africa.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 100 end-stage chronic renal failure patients treated by hemodialysis. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) was determined by ELFA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on the VIDAS® platform. PTH values were interpreted in relation to the range of 2 to 9 times the upper normal limit in healthy subjects, in line with current KDIGO recommendations, and compared with clinical bone complications.
Results: Median PTH level was 315.95 (123.37-725.22) pg/mL. 48% of patients had PTH levels above the recommended threshold. Of these, almost half had no bone complications.
Conclusion: The present study did not show a direct relationship between bone complications and the PTH thresholds recommended by KDIGO. This result allows us to envisage a possible inadequacy of the cut-off values for these black African dialysis patients, through subsequent studies.
Exploring Transgressive Segregation for Enhanced Yield in F2 Segregants of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Ravi Greeshma , B. Lovely , G. Seeja , Thara Susha S , C. Ninitha Nath , K.B. Amritha
Published: October 2024

The experiment involved F2 generation of three superior crosses of sesame: Thilak X Ayali 1, Thilathara X Ayali 2 and Thilak X Ayali 5, grown in a Compact Family Block Design. A total of 200 plants were grown with a spacing of 30 x 25 cm, and observations were recorded on yield related characters. Significant variation was found among most traits, except for capsule length, capsule width, number of seeds per capsule and the number of primary branches. The cross Thilathara X Ayali 2 exhibited a high frequency of transgressive segregants for multiple traits, particularly for seed yield per plant, making it highly promising for further breeding efforts. Plant height had the highest mean and range, showing considerable potential for selection. CV analysis revealed high variability for traits like the number of capsules per plant and seed yield per plant. In contrast, low variability and high stability was observed for traits like capsule length, number of seeds per capsule and days to maturity. Higher PCV and GCV were recorded for traits like days to first flowering, number of capsules per plant, and seed yield per plant, showing substantial genetic and environmental influences. Moderate PCV and GCV were found for plant height and days to maturity, while traits like capsule length, number of seeds per capsule, and capsule width had the lowest PCV and GCV, indicating limited genetic variation. Days to first flowering and days to maturity showed high heritability combined with high genetic advance, suggesting the preponderance of additive gene action and are ideal for simple selection. Traits like capsule length, capsule width, and number of seeds per capsule showed low heritability and genetic advance, making them less ideal for selection. The cross, Thilathara X Ayali 2 should be prioritized in future generations to recover desirable segregants, especially for economically important traits like seed yield.
Microbiological Quality of Raw Cow’s Milk Produced and Marketed System in the Town of Bongor, Chad
Authors: Élysée Gondimo Gabdibé , Doutoum Abdelsalam Adoum , Nazal Alhadj Markhous , Aristide Kemoral , Fadeunbo Kouyahbé , Tidjani Abdelsalam , Nicolas Njintang Yanou
Published: October 2024

Background: Raw cow's Milk, intended for human consumption, is the complete product of the total and uninterrupted Milking of a healthy, well-fed and not overworked dairy cow. However, this raw Milk, even when Milked under adequate hygienic conditions, contains micro-organisms and spoils at room temperature.
Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the sanitary quality of raw Milk produced and marketed in the town of Bongor in Chad.
Methodology: The study was carried out in Bongor, Province of Mayo-Kebbi-Est (Chad). It focused on 30 samples of raw Milk analyzed using the standard microbiology method for counting germs and expressing quality.
Results: Total dissatisfaction was determined in our samples for TAMF, Total Coliforms and Escherichia coli β-glucuronidase. The bacterial load of Staphylococcus aureus was abnormally high in 80% of cases, 40% of samples were contaminated with Yeasts and Molds, and 23.30% of RSAs were found to compromise quality. Salmonella spp, which were absent from our cultures, and Bacillus cereus, whose count did not exceed the permitted legal standard, were the only parameters that did not compromise the food quality of the product.
Conclusion: In view of these observations, consumers would be exposed to a real danger to their health if nothing is done to improve the microbiological quality of raw Milk.
Evaporation in action sensed by multiwavelength Doppler radars
Authors: Tridon Frédéric , Battaglia Alessandro , Watters Daniel
Published: August 2017

This work documents a rain case dominated by evaporation which occurred at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement site in Oklahoma on 15 September 2011. A recently developed algorithm, applied to radar Doppler spectra measured at Ka and W band, provides the vertical evolution of binned drop size distributions (DSDs) and of the vertical wind. Such retrieved quantities are used in connection with relative humidity (RH) profiles to derive evaporation rates and atmospheric cooling rates. In addition, in regions of stationarity and of light rain, when other microphysical processes are negligible, the presented case study suggests the possibility of retrieving RH profiles from the vertical evolution of the drop size distributions. The key is to characterize the gradient of the rain mass flux between successive levels. Such signal is particularly weak and can be enhanced thanks to a substantial averaging of the retrieved DSD over approximately 5 min and 250 m (eight range gates). The derived profile agrees with the retrieval from coincident Raman lidar observations within a 10% RH difference. These results suggest that other rain microphysical processes could be studied by combining the radar‐based DSD retrieval with ancillary RH observations.
Influence of a West Antarctic mantle plume on ice sheet basal conditions
Authors: Seroussi Helene , Ivins Erik R. , Wiens Douglas A. , Bondzio Johannes
Published: August 2017

The possibility that a deep mantle plume manifests Pliocene and Quaternary volcanism and potential elevated heat flux in West Antarctica has been studied for more than 30 years. Recent seismic images support the plume hypothesis as the cause of Marie Byrd Land (MBL) volcanism and geophysical structure. Mantle plumes may more than double the geothermal heat flux above nominal continental values. A dearth of in situ ice sheet basal data exists that samples the heat flux. Consequently, we examine a realistic distribution of heat flux associated with a possible late Cenozoic mantle plume in West Antarctica and explore its impact on thermal and melt conditions at the ice sheet base. We use a simple analytical mantle plume parameterization to produce geothermal heat flux at the base of the ice sheet. The three‐dimensional ice flow model includes an enthalpy framework and full‐Stokes stress balance. As both the putative plume location and extent are uncertain, we perform broadly scoped experiments to characterize the impact of the plume on geothermal heat flux and ice sheet basal conditions. The experiments show that mantle plumes have an important local impact on the ice sheet, with basal melting rates reaching several centimeters per year directly above the hotspot. In order to be consistent with observations of basal hydrology in MBL, the upper bound on the plume‐derived geothermal heat flux is 150 mW/m2. In contrast, the active lake system of the lower part of Whillans Ice Stream suggests a widespread anomalous mantle heat flux, linked to a rift source.
Spectral decomposition of regulatory thresholds for climate‐driven fluctuations in hydro‐ and wind power availability
Authors: Wörman A. , Bottacin‐Busolin A. , Zmijewski N. , Riml J.
Published: August 2017

Climate‐driven fluctuations in the runoff and potential energy of surface water are generally large in comparison to the capacity of hydropower regulation, particularly when hydropower is used to balance the electricity production from covarying renewable energy sources such as wind power. To define the bounds of reservoir storage capacity, we introduce a dedicated reservoir volume that aggregates the storage capacity of several reservoirs to handle runoff from specific watersheds. We show how the storage bounds can be related to a spectrum of the climate‐driven modes of variability in water availability and to the covariation between water and wind availability. A regional case study of the entire hydropower system in Sweden indicates that the longest regulation period possible to consider spans from a few days of individual subwatersheds up to several years, with an average limit of a couple of months. Watershed damping of the runoff substantially increases the longest considered regulation period and capacity. The high covariance found between the potential energy of the surface water and wind energy significantly reduces the longest considered regulation period when hydropower is used to balance the fluctuating wind power.
Validation of a 30 m resolution flood hazard model of the conterminous United States
Authors: Wing Oliver E. J. , Bates Paul D. , Sampson Christopher C. , Smith Andrew M. , Johnson Kris A. , Erickson Tyler A.
Published: August 2017

This paper reports the development of a ∼30 m resolution two‐dimensional hydrodynamic model of the conterminous U.S. using only publicly available data. The model employs a highly efficient numerical solution of the local inertial form of the shallow water equations which simulates fluvial flooding in catchments down to 50 km2 and pluvial flooding in all catchments. Importantly, we use the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Elevation Dataset to determine topography; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Levee Database to explicitly represent known flood defenses; and global regionalized flood frequency analysis to characterize return period flows and rainfalls. We validate these simulations against the complete catalogue of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) maps and detailed local hydraulic models developed by the USGS. Where the FEMA SFHAs are based on high‐quality local models, the continental‐scale model attains a hit rate of 86%. This correspondence improves in temperate areas and for basins above 400 km2. Against the higher quality USGS data, the average hit rate reaches 92% for the 1 in 100 year flood, and 90% for all flood return periods. Given typical hydraulic modeling uncertainties in the FEMA maps and USGS model outputs (e.g., errors in estimating return period flows), it is probable that the continental‐scale model can replicate both to within error. The results show that continental‐scale models may now offer sufficient rigor to inform some decision‐making needs with dramatically lower cost and greater coverage than approaches based on a patchwork of local studies.