bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La puissance par l’image
Authors: Lequesne Christian
Published: September 2021

Aucun État, démocratie ou régime autoritaire ne peut construire sa puissance sans chercher à se rendre attractif aux yeux du reste du monde. Pratique ancienne, qui ne se confond ni avec le soft power ni avec la propagande, la diplomatie publique joue ce rôle. Désormais très active sur les réseaux sociaux, elle a pour particularité de s’exercer non pas auprès des autorités, mais des opinions publiques nationales et internationales.
Approche sociolinguistique de l'écrit informel en milieu scolaire au Mozambique: voix dissonantes, voix éruptives en classe
Authors: Cumbe César
Published: September 2021

Dans les établissements scolaires mozambicains, figurent des inscriptions plurilingues saillantes que les élèves écrivent spontanément sur les murs, portes, fenêtres... L’appropriation de l’écrit par les élèves est telle qu’ils font de la salle de cours un lieu d’expression décomplexée. Que nous dit sur les élèves, les enseignants, les scènes de la vie quotidienne, les rapports interpersonnels, le paysage linguistique du pays, l’écrit informel à l’école au Mozambique ?
Paroles de jeunes dans un Salon Urbain de Proximité
Authors: Tilly Jean-Joseph Karine
Published: September 2021

L’association Sangs Mêlés met en action, dans ses projets, des artistes dans différents lieux de la ville, sous différentes formes. Ainsi, ces artistes danseurs, plasticiens, vidéastes, poètes ou musiciens, stimulés par l’univers riche de la rue, proposent des expressions sensibles et la traduction poétique de nos milieux de vie pour favoriser le vivre ensemble. À travers l’art en rue, on peut comprendre comment la ville fonctionne de l’intérieur.
Construire un indice de désaffiliation inter-régional.
Authors: Lenfant Alain
Published: September 2021

Ce travail préliminaire à la construction d’un indice de désaffiliation inter- régional est la poursuite d’une réflexion entamée à l’IUT Carrières sociales de Bobigny et poursuivie à l’Université de Constantine portant sur la construction d’un indice de désaffiliation en Europe de l’ouest.
Pour une lecture krisique de l'acte éducatif
Authors: Pesce Sébastien
Published: September 2021

Ce n’est pas l’étymologie qui fait le sens, c’est l’usage… Idée associée souvent à l’œuvre de Wittgenstein et dans laquelle ont puisé les courants pragmatiques, philosophiques avant lui, linguistiques plus tard. C’est l’usage qui fait le sens, et il ne semble pas toujours pertinent de traquer le sens d’un phénomène dans l’origine des termes qui l’organisent. Et pourtant, dans le cas de la « crise », échapper à l’étymologie est difficile. Lorsqu’il s’agit d’éducation, et de la place qu’y prend la « crise », il est étonnant de voir à quel point l’étymologie du terme peut nous aider à penser le phénomène. Il n’est pas impossible que dans ce cas particulier, l’étymologie ait laissé des traces dans les usages !... étymologie que l’on proposera ici d’explorer. Nombre d’auteurs ont rappelé la double origine du terme : la source latine, la crisis , qui est la maladie, ou sa phase la plus grave ; la source grecque, la krisis , certains voyant la seconde (la crise des grecs est le jugement du médecin, sa décision, sa « critique » ou son interprétation des symptômes) comme réponse à la première. La crisis est la maladie, problème, et la krisis le remède, la solution. Or en matière d’éducation, avoir à l’esprit cette double origine offre d’emblée une grille de lecture particulièrement heuristique : on s’aperçoit vite que nous sommes restés davantage sensibles au sens latin plus qu’au sens grec, et que nous faisons spontanément une lecture crisique des situations éducatives… lecture crisique à laquelle je propose, après bien d’autres d’ailleurs, de substituer une lecture krisique .
Crise de l'autorité à l'école : une idée répandue à interroger
Authors: Robbes Bruno
Published: September 2021

Considérant la crise comme un moment crucial venant bouleverser les normes ou les valeurs d’un groupe, l’article se propose d’interroger l’idée de crise de l’autorité à l’école en explorant les discours tenus sur l’institution et sur l’autorité enseignante. Les questions relatives aux conceptions de l’autorité associées à l’idée de crise qui s’en dégagent conduisent à penser que la crise de l’autorité à l’école est d’abord une crise de l’autorité autoritariste, qui la confronte à un déficit d’exercice d’autorité éducative.
Asymptotic formulas for generalized gcd-sum and lcm-sum functions over $ r $-regular integers $ (\bmod\ n^{r}) $
Authors: Bu Zhengjin ,   School of Mathematics, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, Xu Zhefeng
Published: September 2021

In this paper we perform a further investigation for $ r $-gcd-sum function over $ r $-regular integers $ (\bmod\ n^{r}) $, and we derive two kinds of asymptotic formulas by making use of Dirichlet product, Euler product and some techniques. Moreover, we also establish estimates for the generalized $ r $-lcm-sum function over $ r $-regular integers $ (\bmod\ n) $.
Chemical and physical properties of fats produced by chemical interesterification of tallow with vegetable oils
Authors: Aktas A.B. , Ozen B.
Published: September 2021

This study aims at manufacturing structured lipids by chemical interesterification (CI) of beef tallow with corn, canola and safflower oils individually at various tallow blend ratios (60, 70, 80%) and catalyst concentrations (0.75, 0.875, 1%). Several physical and chemical properties of interesterified products were determined and data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical techniques. Interesterified lipids were more spreadable and showed plastic behavior due to their lower consistency and solid fat contents. Decreases in melting points to a temperature range of 26.5-45.5 °C regardless of oil type were observed. Interesterified fats displayed mostly β’ and β’+β crystal forms. The CI of tallow did not result in the formation of significant amounts of trans-fatty acids. Samples interesterified with corn oil had lower free fatty acid contents (1.87-3.9%) and higher oxidation induction times (3.82-12.25h) than other lipids. Therefore, fats containing corn oil-tallow could be used in the baking industry due to their potentially good aeration properties and smooth texture.
A survey on experimental elicitation of creativity in economics
Authors: Attanasi Giuseppe , Chessa Michela , Gil-Gallen Sara , Llerena Patrick
Published: September 2021

The interplay between individual creative ability and the way to enhance it is an issue with tremendous potential for economic analysis. In this survey, we delve into the issue by focusing on the methodological advantages of economic experiments. We provide a review of the literature in experimental economics on creativity, identifying seven main objects of study. Namely, the impact on creativity of: (1) low vs. high monetary incentives, (2) the interplay of monetary incentives and creativity tasks, (3) within-group competition, (4) within-group cooperation, (5) cultural factors, (6) non-monetary social incentives, and (7) strategic behavior. We also classify the studies in our review according to key features of standard experimental procedures in economics, such as the type of creative task, the way it is assessed, and the specific subject pool. This multidimensional comparison allows us to conclude that the current lack of robust findings on the determinants of creativity in economics might be due to the absence of comparable experimental studies under the same experimental conditions. Our review also highlights the crucial role of previous research on creativity in the psychological literature in shaping procedures of elicitation of creativity in experimental economics.JEL classification: C91, C92, D91, O31.
Academic Experiences of “Zoom-Fatigue” as a Virtual Streaming Phenomenon During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Amponsah Samual , van Wyk Micheal M. , Kolugu Michael Kojo
Published: September 2021

This phenomenological exploratory multiple-case study design was conducted at an open distance e-learning university and a traditional contact residential university and it was found that the participants viewed video conferencing under the COVID-19 lockdown period as an exhausting experience. A second major finding revealed that the participants were empowered with digital literacy skills to use video conferencing effectively. The current findings add to a growing body of literature on video conferencing with a focus on Zoom fatigue. Further research might explore the lived zoom experiences of administrators, students and a larger group of faculties over a longer period. The study findings must be considered when planning and implementing video conferencing for academics and students in open distance e-learning contexts. This study showed that video conferencing is one tool in the emergence of a digital zoom revolution that has radically changed the workspace. The evidence from this study suggests that zoom fatigue is a reality check for work-related health management.
Diagnosing Service Success and Failure Incidents in the Consumer-to-Business Sharing Economy
Authors: Huang Shiu-Li , Lee Ya-Jung
Published: September 2021

This study uses the critical incident technique to collect and analyze incidents of service failure and success involving a logistics sharing service in which the service providers are individuals. The authors also explore the key factors that affect customer satisfaction, along with the official and ideal recovery strategies. Data is based on interviews with 35 business users in Taiwan in 2017. A card sorting exercise is employed to classify the collected incidents and strategies into categories. The results show that the determinants of success and failure in logistics sharing services include drivers, platform operation, the matching system, and communication. Compensation is the most effective recovery strategy, whereas doing nothing is the least effective. Suggestions based on our results can help managers of the sharing economy to avoid or recover from failures and attain success.
Muscle pigmentation of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed on crude palm oil incorporated fish feed
Authors: Wickramanayake D. S. A. D. S. , Kalutharage Nishantha K. , Cumaranatunga P. R. T.
Published: September 2021

The effects of diets containing crude palm oil on muscle pigmentation and deposition of carotenoids in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was studied. A total of 135 advanced fingerlings with an average body weight and standard length of 9.11±4.78 g and 8.1±0.8 cm, respectively were stocked in tanks for 8 weeks and fed with formulated diets containing crude palm oil (CPO) as the oil component. Weight, standard length, and carotenoid levels in fish were measured biweekly. Muscles of fish fed with the control diet and CPO incorporated diets had carotenoid levels of 0.14±0.03 µg/g and 0.28±0.01 µg/g, respectively. Skin of the fish had carotenoid levels of 3.24±0.02 µg/g in the control and 6.06±0.03 µg/g in the treatment. According to the results 3% CPO incorporated diet had a significant effect on enhancing flesh colour in tilapia. The sensory evaluation indicated that the flesh of CPO fed tilapia fillets were more attractive than the fillets of fish fed control diet. CPO oil is recommended as a natural food colourant for improving flesh quality of Nile tilapia fillets.
Pneumatisation Patterns of the Frontal Sinus in Adult Nigerians
Authors: Ominde Beryl Shitandi , Igbigbi Patrick S.
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

The varying pneumatisation patterns of the frontal sinus (FS) can be utilised in the forensic identification of human remains. This study aimed at determining the pneumatisation patterns of the FS of adult Nigerians.

Materials and Methods:

This descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study was carried out at the radiology department of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria following ethical approval. Brain computed tomography images of 336 patients (199 males and 137 females) aged ≥20 years were utilised. Images with facial and sinonasal pathologies were excluded from this study. The FS was evaluated and classified as either absent, bilateral or triple. The existence of complete or partial septa was noted, and the roof was categorised as either smooth or scalloped. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23. The frequencies of each variant were presented in percentages. A Chi-square test was used to evaluate gender differences. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Bilateral FS was seen in 244 (72.6%) patients. This was followed by triple FS (48, 14.3%) and aplasia (44, 13.1%). The prevalence of partial septa was 197 (58.6%), with a significantly higher prevalence in males (149, 74.9%) than in females (48, 35.0%) (P = 0.017). The scalloped roof of the FS was more frequent (226, 67.3%) than the smooth FS roof (110, 32.7%), although both showed statistically significant gender differences (P = 0.021, 0.028).

Conclusion:

The scalloped roof and partial septa of the FS showed sexual dimorphism. Hence, their accuracy in sex prediction may be explored in our population.
Comparative Evaluation of Three Different Ultrasonic Liquid on Microorganisms in Dental Aerosols
Authors: Mehta Rupal , Kathad Sejal , Girdhar Gaurav , Bhakkad Sushmita , Patel Chandni , Joshi Surabhi , Kumar Santosh , Irfan Mohammed
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Transmission of diseases has become very common in modern dentistry. This happens mainly due to aerosol production by handpieces and ultrasonic scalers. Aerosol and splatter are terms typically used in dentistry in relation to the microbiological risk of nosocomial transmission. Hence, in order to prevent this, we can use certain chemical agents in the water supply line to prevent the spread of diseases. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of chlorhexidine (CHX) and povidone-iodine (PVI) on the microorganisms in dental aerosols in comparison with distilled water.

Materials and Methods:

A total of thirty patients were included in this study. They were randomly assigned into three groups of 10 each. Group 1 (Control group): ultrasonic scaling with distilled water, Group 2 (test group): ultrasonic scaling with 2% povidone-iodine, and Group 3 (test group): ultrasonic scaling with 0.12% CHX. Three blood agar plates were kept at a distance of 0.4 m away on either side of the patient and 2 m behind the patient's mouth during ultrasonic scaling. On the patient, ultrasonic scaling is executed for 20 min with a universal tip. Blood agar plates were used to collect the gravitometric settling of dental aerosols, followed by a colony-counting procedure with the help of a microbiologist.

Results:

The results demonstrated no significant number of colony-forming unit (CFU) were detected at baseline. It is found that Group 3 (CHX gluconate) showed effective CFU reduction (29.2 ± 1.47 CFU) compared to distilled water (126.5 ± 24.02CFU) and povidone-iodine (70.1 ± 2.13 CFU). More CFU was found on blood agar plates which were kept on the right side in all the groups. The results obtained were statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

CHX is more effective in reducing dental aerosols compared to povidone-iodine, and distilled water in this povidone-iodine is also better than distilled water.
COVID-19, Health Care and Self-Medication Issues in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Sefah Israel Abebrese , Essah Darius Obeng , Haque Mainul , Opanga Sylvia A , Kumar Santosh , Chikowe Ibrahim , Kibuule Dan , Rampamba Enos M , Kalungia Aubrey C , Thi Phuong Thuy Nguyen , Saleem Zikria , Markovic-Pekovic Vanda , Kurdi Amanj , Godman Brian
Published: September 2021

Introduction and Objectives:

There have been concerns with the level of misinformation regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its treatment, drug shortages, as well as increased use and prices of anti-malarials, antibiotics and hygiene products during the recent pandemic. Community pharmacists can play a significant role in disease prevention and treatment in the fight against COVID-19 including providing hygiene information and medicine availability across Africa and generally. Consequently, there is a need to review the role of community pharmacists in preventing unintended consequences during any pandemic as well as the impact of COVID-19 on the demand, availability and prices of suggested medicines for its management.

Materials and Methods:

Multiple approaches involving a qualitative review of the management of COVID-19 across countries coupled with a pilot study in Ghana among six purposely selected community pharmacists during the early stages of the pandemic assessing patterns of demand, availability and prices of medicines suggested for the management of COVID-19. Alongside this, pharmacists' future role enhancing appropriate medicine use in Ghana and wider combined with the help of senior level co-authors.

Results:

The majority (five out of six) of pharmacists in Ghana reported increased demand for hydroxychloroquine, antibiotics and vitamins as immune boosters resulting in shortages with price increases particularly for anti-malarials.

Conclusion:

The global lockdown had impacted on the supply and prices of medicines in Ghana similar to other countries. Community pharmacists can play a key role with encouraging safe medicine use, reducing self-purchasing of medicines and planning workflows during future pandemics including vaccinations. They can also help address potential misinformation and its consequences as well as the unintended consequences of pandemics including better management of non-communicable diseases.
Clinical characteristics, outcomes, & mortality in pregnant women with COVID-19 in Maharashtra, India
Authors: Gajbhiye Rahul K. , Mahajan Niraj N. , Waghmare Rakesh B. , Zala Sarika , Chaaithanya Itta Krishna , Kuppusamy Periyasamy , Bhurke Aishwarya V. , Pious Merlin , Surve Suchitra , Modi Deepak N. , Mahale Smita D.
Published: September 2021

Background & objectives:

The PregCovid registry was established to document the clinical presentations, pregnancy outcomes and mortality of pregnant and post-partum women with COVID-19.

Methods:

The PregCovid registry prospectively collects information in near-real time on pregnant and post-partum women with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 from 19 medical colleges across the State of Maharashtra, India. Data of 4203 pregnant women collected during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-January 2021) was analyzed.

Results:

There were 3213 live births, 77 miscarriages and 834 undelivered pregnancies. The proportion of pregnancy/foetal loss including stillbirths was six per cent. Five hundred and thirty-four women (13%) were symptomatic, of which 382 (72%) had mild, 112 (21%) had moderate, and 40 (7.5%) had severe disease. The most common complication was preterm delivery (528, 16.3%) and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (328, 10.1%). A total of 158 (3.8%) pregnant and post-partum women required intensive care, of which 152 (96%) were due to COVID-19 related complications. The overall case fatality rate (CFR) in pregnant and post-partum women with COVID-19 was 0.8 per cent (34/4203). Higher CFR was observed in Pune (9/853, 1.1%), Marathwada (4/351, 1.1%) regions as compared to Vidarbha (9/1155, 0.8%), Mumbai Metropolitan (11/1684, 0.7%), and Khandesh (1/160, 0.6%) regions. Comorbidities of anaemia, tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus were associated with maternal deaths.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The study demonstrates the adverse outcomes including severe COVID-19 disease, pregnancy loss and maternal death in women with COVID-19 in Maharashtra, India.
Metal ions release in children with stainless steel crowns and banded space maintainers
Authors: Aboshanady Nora M.M. , El-Hosary Amina M. , El Horany Hemat E.
Published: September 2021

Aims

This work aimed to assess the salivary and urinary levels of nickel and chromium ions in children with stainless steel crowns and band and loop space maintainers.

Settings and design

The study was conducted as a clinical trial. The clinical part was carried out at Pediatric Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University and the laboratory work was carried out at Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University.

Patients and methods

Sixty children of both sexes aged between 5 and 8 years old were included in the study. The selected children were divided into two groups; group 1 included 30 children received stainless steel crowns and group 2 included 30 children received band and loop space maintainers. Salivary and urinary samples were collected from the participating children at the beginning of the study and then after 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months of receiving the appliances. The samples were prepared and analyzed for measuring nickel and chromium ions release using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.

Statistical analysis used

All test statistics were performed using the SPSS software statistical package and the significance was set at P value less than or equal to 0.001.

Results

Salivary metal ions release reached its peak on the first week then diminished with time and urinary release increased on the first week, nearly remained stable till the first month then it decreased with time. Ions levels were higher in urine than in saliva with statistically significant differences. The release is slightly higher in group 2 but without statistically significant differences between both groups.

Conclusions

The maximum levels of released ions were significantly below their average dietary intake levels and did not reach their upper tolerable intake levels.
A Brief Review of a New Antibiotic: Meropenem-vaborbactam
Authors: Gibson Benjamin
Published: September 2021

Meropenem-vaborbactam is a newly approved antibiotic for complex urinary tract infections and to treat carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections. Its advantage over meropenem is the betalactamase inhibitor which slows bacterial resistance. This medication has been studied in
numerous countries and has relatively few side effects. There were slightly higher incidences of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), elevations, infusion site phlebitis, but less anemia, vaginal infections, and discontinuation when compared with pipercacilin-tazobactam.

The combination drug's relevance for the geriatrician is that older adults are at higher risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Some drugs that had previously been prescribed are now less useful for treating UTIs. This leaves clinicians with drugs that have more side effects.

This new drug has two significant drug interactions. Meropenem competes with probenecid in the kidney's tubular secretion. This increases the concentration of meropenem. Meropenem lessens valproic acid blood levels, putting patients at risk for seizures. It is not known to impact cytochrome
p450 enzymes. It comes as a dry powder and should be diluted in 250 mL of normal saline and given over a three-hour infusion.
 Vaborbactam is not known to have drug interactions. Vaborbactam does not affect the cytochrome p450 enzymes. This antibiotic has been studied in patients
as old as 92 years. Renal dose adjustment allows the medication to be administered safely at all stages of kidney disease. If a patient is on dialysis, it is to be given after dialysis. No dose adjustment is needed based on the Child-Pugh score (i.e., for hepatic function). Based on local
resistance, it may be beneficial to add this medication to one's formulary.
Nitrofurantoin Use in Frail, Community-Dwelling, Older Adults with Renal Impairment
Authors: Chung Carlene , Nicole  , Jessica  , Bouwmeester Carla
Published: September 2021

Nitrofurantoin is recommended as a first-line antibiotic for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, it is contraindicated in patients with a creatinine clearance (Clcr) less than 60 mL/min. In 2015, the American Geriatrics Society updated the Beers criteria to recommend
nitrofurantoin for short-term use in patients with a Clcr greater than or equal to 30 mL/min. It is unknown if nitrofurantoin can be safely and effectively used in a frail patient population with a high incidence of UTIs and frequent use of antibiotics. It is important to have treatment options
other than fluoroquinolones and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim for patients with recurrent UTIs and frequent antibiotic use to sustain optimal antimicrobial stewardship practices. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of nitrofurantoin for UTIs in medically complex patients with renal
impairment living in a community setting, and it highlights the potential role for pharmacists to encourage antimicrobial stewardship.
GRUPOS FUNCIONAIS FITOPLANCTÔNICOS EVIDENCIAM DIFERENÇAS AMBIENTAIS EM UMA PLANÍCIE DE INUNDAÇÃO TEMPERADA
Authors:   Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Zanon Felipe Morais , Iatskiu Patrícia , Lemke Michael Joseph ,   Universidade de Illinois, Velho Luiz Felipe Machado , Rodrigues Luzia Cleide
Published: September 2021

Floodplain environments have high biodiversity and provide many ecosystem services maintained by the flood pulses. The phytoplankton is essential to the functioning of these ecosystems, acting upon primary productivity and biogeochemical cycles. We evaluated phytoplankton in a river-lake flood system (Illinois River floodplain-USA) during a hydrological cycle and compared the taxonomic (species) and functional (morphologic-based functional groups – MBFG) approaches. As expected, greater species richness was registered in the river and higher biovolume in the lake, as well as the predominance of different MBFGs in each environment. Furthermore, seasonality drove richness and biovolume temporal variation due to the higher water levels during spring. The MBFG IV (i. e. without specialized traits), V (phytoflagellates) and VI (diatoms) were more important for richness and biovolume in both environments. We reinforce the fundamental role of the hydrodynamics characteristics, with higher phytoplankton biovolume values in the lake. Using MBFG resulted in a better explanation to the phytoplankton-environment relationship. Constant water column mixture and high turbidity selected species with traits (e.g. small size, presence of silica) specifically adapted to these conditions.
PELLETS AND PREY REMAINS AS INDICATORS OF THE DIET OF TWO SYMPATRIC SKUAS (AVES: STERCORARIIDAE) ON KING GEORGE ISLAND, ANTARCTICA
Authors:   Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Reis Ana Olívia de Almeida , Costa Erli Schneider ,   Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Torres João Paulo Machado , Alves Maria Alice Santos ,   Universidade Estadual do Rio Grande do Sul
Published: September 2021

South Polar skua (Stercorarius maccormicki) and Brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus lonnbergi) have opportunistic feeding habits and are the dominant predators in terrestrial Polar regions. These skuas exploit a wide range of food items, including marine organisms, other birds, and even garbage. In the present study, we compare the diets of these two skua species during the breeding season, using pellets and prey remains collected within their territories. The samples were collected at six sites in Admiralty Bay, on King George Island, Antarctica. We identified eight different items, which we classified as “penguin”, “flying bird”, “skua”, “fish”, “gastropod”, “krill”, “egg” and “marine debris”. In the first breeding season (2008/2009), penguins and flying birds were the food resources more abundant for both skua species, and their diet composition was similar. In the second breeding season (2010/2011) South Polar skua exploited more fish and flying birds than Brown skua; the latter exploited more eggs and penguins. Our findings corroborate those of previous studies, demonstrating that in sympatry South Polar skua exploit more fish than Brown skua. The diet of South Polar skua also varied between breeding seasons, reflecting the opportunistic foraging behavior of these skuas. As in other studies, we recorded that skua is a food resource for both skua species, but it was more common in the diet of South Polar skua. Marine debris was recorded only in the samples of Brown skua. Birds are important food items for both skuas, although significant differences were found in the diets of these sympatric species, with shifts in the composition of the diet probably reflecting fluctuations in the abundance of prey populations, which are known to be common at Admiralty Bay, although more data will be needed to confirm this link.
CO-OCORRÊNCIA DE ESPÉCIES DE PEIXES NAS ÁREAS RASAS DA FOZ DO RIO SÃO FRANCISCO SE/AL
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Paraná, Bot Neto Renato Luiz , Schwarz Júnior Roberto , Spach Henry Louis ,   Universidade Federal de Sergipe
Published: September 2021

CO-OCURRENCE OF FISH SPECIES IN THE SHALLOW AREAS OF SÃO FRANCISCO RIVER MOUTH. The "rules of community assemblage" indicate that competitive interactions would be the main influencing factor in the structuring of biological communities, which generates a non-random pattern of co-occurrence caused by competitive exclusion. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the co-occurrence patterns in the shallow environments of the mouth of the São Francisco River. Ichthyofauna data from the area were obtained through manual trawling carried out monthly on its banks between May 2017 and April 2018. The data were tabulated in presence/absence matrices and the analyzes were performed through comparisons with null models (random) in a computational environment R, with the EcoSimR package, and through 5000 randomizations. To quantify the co-occurrence patterns, the C-score metric was used, which calculates the species segregation pattern. The results obtained from the simulations showed that the general pattern found did not differ significantly from what was expected at random, indicating that competitive interactions were not the greatest influencing force in the structuring of ichthyofauna in the studied area.
NEW RECORD OF THE SPIDER CRAB Mithrax tortugae RATHBUN, 1920 IN THE NORTHEAST OF BRAZIL, FIRST RECORD ON THE COAST OF RIO GRANDE DO NORTE
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Rocha Matheus Arthur , Moraes Sávio Arcanjo ,   Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Alencar Carlos Eduardo ,   Universidade Regional do Cariri, Freire Fúlvio Aurélio
Published: September 2021

The Northeast region of Brazil has gaps in the distribution of several species of crustaceans. In the last decade, the increase in the sampling effort and the elaboration of species lists have minimized this problem. In some cases, studies suggest that these “gaps” in the distribution of some organisms may be a natural part of a discontinuity in their geographical limits. During the lobster fishing expeditions on coral reefs in the north coast of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), for the first time, the spider crab Mithrax tortugae was captured in RN. After capture, some specimens were sent to the UFRN aquatic fauna laboratory for identification and biometrics. After confirmation of identification, they were deposited in the UFRN invertebrate collection. Thus, the present work aims to update the distribution area of the species, and to fill an existing gap for the Northeast region, bringing the first record of Mithrax tortugae on the coast of Rio Grande do Norte.
Josephson Effect in MgB2/Pd/Nb Trilayer Josephson Junctions
Authors: Malisa Anayesu B
Published: September 2021

This paper reports fabrication techniques and results of MgB2/Pd/Nb trilayer Josephson junctions. The MgB2 bottom electrode was co-evaporated by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) technique from both magnesium and boron sources at a low substrate temperature ~ 300 °C, while the interlayer and the top niobium electrode (Pd/Nb bilayer) were deposited ex-situ using RF sputtering. The junctions exhibited  and  Josephson effect as well as a modulation of the critical current in a magnetic field applied in a direction normal to the junction plane. Fractional and integer Shapiro steps were observed at voltages corresponding to the frequency of the applied microwave radiation field. The  products of the junctions compare well with the previously reported values. The results suggest that it should be possible to fabricate all-MgB2 and MgB2 as one of the electrodes Superconductor/Normal/Superconductor (SNS), Superconductor/Insulator/Superconductor (SIS) or even Superconductor/Ferromagnet/Superconductor (SFS) tunnel junctions with interesting characteristics and for various applications.

Keywords: MgB2; all-MgB2; Josephson Tunnel junctions; trilayer devices; Niobium
Mineral Liberation: A Case Study for Buzwagi Gold Mine
Authors: Wikedzi Alphonce , Leißner Thomas
Published: September 2021

Buzwagi Gold Mine (BGM) process plant was designed such that, after secondary grinding, gold and copper are recovered by flotation. However, the flotation circuit had been inefficient, and as a result, cyanidation of flotation tailings is currently conducted to improve gold recovery. The inefficient flotation is suspected to be due to mineralogical variations of ores treated. Hence, mineral liberation characteristics of three ore blends treated by BGM were investigated by automated Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) whereby five fractions (i.e.  -1 +0.5 mm, -0.5 +0.25 mm, -0.25 +0.125 mm, -0.125 +0.063 mm and -0.063 mm) were used. It was found that pyrite-pyrrhotite is the major valuable phase and the host of gold. Furthermore, pyrite-pyrrhotite was liberated at relatively coarse size (i.e. approx. 200-400 µm). Additionally, quartz, feldspar, muscovite and biotite-chlorite were the main gangue phases. Pyrite-pyrrhotite grain size distribution was coarser than most gangue minerals in the ore blends, indicating that most of the milling energy was lost in grinding of gangue phases. Since gold host phase (pyrite-pyrrhotite) was liberated at coarser sizes, it was concluded that the efficiency of gravity circuit could not be affected. However, the flotation process will still require finer feed (i.e. ≤ 125 µm) for its efficiency.

Keywords: Mineral liberation; Gold ore blends; Flotation Performance; Pyrite-pyrrhotite; Automated Mineralogy
Serological Analyses of Human Brucellosis in Ngara and Kibondo Districts, Tanzania
Authors: Katandukila Jestina V , Chuhila Yeremia J , Chibwana Fred D
Published: September 2021

Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease transmitted by Brucella species, is transmitted to humans from infected animals through handling dairy products like milk, blood, and semen. Although some human communities in Tanzania live close to livestock, the status of human brucellosis in Ngara and Kibondo Districts in Kagera and Kigoma regions, respectively, is poorly understood. As such, the present study aimed to investigate the status of human brucellosis in north-western Tanzania, particularly Ngara and Kibondo Districts, where the risk of contracting zoonotic diseases, including brucellosis, is high due to the abundance of livestock. Among the screened sera (n = 450), the prevalence was 13.11% with an incidence rate of 6.22% in 581,378 population size intimating that the risk is alarming. Brucellosis patients admitted in dispensaries and other lower health facilities ranged from 6% to 26%, while those admitted in hospitals ranged from 4% to 14%  indicating that communities prefer primary health facilities to hospitals when they show symptoms of brucellosis. The present study has also revealed that communities engaged in slaughtering, milking, skinning and helpers during births of livestock are at high risk of acquiring Brucella spp. because the odds ratios’ of these activities range between 1.583 and 8.400. Therefore, awareness and education should be enhanced by veterinary officers and associated stakeholders. A comprehensive study of brucellosis using molecular techniques to reveal species-specific in north-western Tanzania is highly recommended.

Keywords: brucellosis; prevalence; incidence; risk factors; serum
Effects of Climate Changes on Water Resources: A Case of Mindu Dam in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
Authors: Melchioly Simon R
Published: September 2021

This paper presents the findings of the research conducted in Morogoro Municipality, central Tanzania. The main objective of the research was to assess the climate change impacts on water resources, taking the Mindu Dam as the case study. The study methodology involved collection, processing and analysis of both primary and secondary data. Data collection involved acquisition of Dam water level data, climate data, and Landsat 8 satellite imagery. Research findings showed that the maximum air temperature increased at a rate of 0.045% on a span of 30 years, while rainfall has been decreasing with time. Also there has been a decreasing trend of water level in the Mindu Dam such that the coefficient of determination (R2) appeared to be very small (0.95%). The area also has witnessed an increasing trend in wind speed (R2 = 63.4%) for the period 2014 to 2019. The results showed coefficient of determination (R2) for water production/supply of only 1.58%, while for water demand the coefficient of determination was R2 = 77.13%. Findings on the changes in surface area covered by the Mindu Dam reservoir due to climate change impacts showed that for the period of 19 years, the Mindu Dam reservoir surface area decreased by 0.57%.

Keywords: Climate change; water resources; Mindu Dam; land use change
Spatial Modelling for Cholera Incidence Rates in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
Authors: Ngereza Caroline , Katapa Rosalia S. , Mniachi Ali R.
Published: September 2021

Spatial modelling was conducted to examine community factors associated with cholera incidence rates in Morogoro Municipality. The study employed both secondary (cholera cases) and primary (geographic coordinates of community risk factors) data. Spatial lag model was applied in examining association between the variables. All wards of Morogoro Municipality were considered in the study to capture their variations because cholera cases have a tendency to be clustered. Results indicated that market density, distance to the market and distance to the dumpster are significant factors associated with cholera incidence rates in the wards (p < 0.05). Geographically weighted Poisson model was used to show the variations of those factors between the wards in Municipality. A statistically significant positive association of cholera incidence rates; and market density was only found in Mazimbu ward (p < 0.05) and distance from the community to the dumpster was found in Kihonda, Kingolwira, Bigwa, Kichangani, Kilakala and Boma wards (p < 0.001) and some wards at the centre of the municipality which are Mji Mkuu and Kingo (p < 0.05). A statistically significant negative association of cholera incidence rates and distance from the centre of the community to the market was found in Kihonda, Kingolwira and Kichangani (p < 0.001) and Bigwa wards (p < 0.05). Therefore, measures taken to control and prevent cholera disease should base on the variations of the risk factors found in the Municipal wards.

Keywords:    Cholera incidence rate; Spatial lag regression model; Community risk factor; Geographically weighted Poisson model
Analysis and Performance Evaluation of Entropic Thresholding Image Processing Techniques for Electrical Capacitance Tomography Measurement System
Authors: Nombo Josiah , Mwambela Alfred , Kisngiri Michael
Published: September 2021

To improve image quality generated from the electrical capacitance tomography measurement system, the use of entropic thresholding techniques is investigated in this article. Based on the analysis of the principle of Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) image reconstruction and entropic thresholding, various algorithms have been proposed for easy extraction of quantitative information from tomograms generated from the ECT system. Experiments indicate that proposed algorithms can provide high-quality images at no or minimum computational cost. It is easier to implement and integrate with classical algorithms such as Linear Back Projection, Singular value decomposition, Tikhonov regularization, and Landweber. Entropic thresholding techniques present a feasible and effective way toward the industrial utilization of ECT measurement systems.

Keywords: Electrical Capacitance Tomography; Inverse Problem; Image Reconstruction; Entropic Thresholding
Nathanael Jacob Gerlach i Christian Gabriel Fischer w Północnych Niderlandach: zapomniane źródło do dziejów medycyny i przyrodoznawstwa w Zjednoczonych Prowincjach późnych lat 20. XVIII w. – część II
Authors: Pękacka-Falkowska Katarzyna
Published: September 2021

The second part of the paper presents those excerpts from the second volume of N.J. Gerlach and Ch.G. Fischer Itinerarium, which describe people, places and events related to the teaching of medicine and natural history in Amsterdam, Haarlem and Utrecht.
Etnobotânica de plantas medicinais na comunidade quilombola de Porto Alegre, Cametá, Pará, Brasil
Authors: Gonçalves Durão Hilton Lucas , Costa Kelli Garboza da , Medeiros Monique
Published: September 2021

A região amazônica apresenta a maior reserva de produtos naturais com propriedades curativas do planeta. Este artigo tem por objetivo fazer um levantamento etnobotânico de plantas medicinais utilizadas pela comunidade quilombola de Porto Alegre, município de Cametá, Pará. O levantamento foi realizado entre fevereiro e maio de 2019, por meio de observação participante e entrevistas com 20 moradores. Para identificação botânica, as plantas foram coletadas e identificadas por meio de bibliografia especializada. Foram listadas 83 etnoespécies, sendo que 74 foram identificadas e pertencem a 39 famílias botânicas. As famílias mais comuns foram Lamiaceae (11 espécies), Fabaceae (7 espécies) e Rutaceae (5 espécies). As espécies mais citadas foram Kalanchoe pinnata, Dalbergia sp., Portulaca pilosa e Stryphnodendron adstringens. O chá é a forma mais comum de preparo, com destaque para o uso das folhas de 57 espécies. As doenças associadas ao aparelho digestivo e respiratório são as mais combatidas com o uso de plantas medicinais na comunidade. Estes resultados apontam que o uso de plantas medicinais possui grande valor sociocultural para a comunidade, sendo as mulheres e os idosos os principais detentores desses valiosos saberes.
Differences in leaf litter usage as food sources, refuge, and foraging substrates by invertebrates in forest and grasslands in the eastern Amazon
Authors: Colares Lucas Ferreira
Published: September 2021

Forest conversion into grassland changes the environment, microhabitat, and food availability. Leaf litter microhabitats change from complex leaf variety piles to nutrient-poor grass heaps. In this context, this work aimed to investigate how the invertebrate compositions in the forest and grassland leaf litters differ in litter usage. To achieve this goal, litterbag traps were placed in four secondary forest samples and four grassland samples from the eastern Amazon. After litter exposure, the species were morphotyped and classified according to leaf litter usage as food, refuge, or foraging substrates. Disturbancesensible groups characterized the secondary forest, while disturbance-tolerant species characterized the grasslands. The proportion of individuals using litter as food in grasslands is almost twice that in the secondary forest, while the percentage of individuals using leaf litter as refuge is eighteen times higher in the forest than in the grasslands. It seems that predators forage in the leaf litter of the forest just as much as in grasslands. The greater proportion of invertebrates using litter as a refuge in the forest relates to the limiting space in the habitat. In turn, food availability is scarce in grasslands, so there is urgency in using litter as a food source in this case.
Geodiversidade da Folha Nossa Senhora da Penha, município de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil
Authors: Pereira Luciano Schaefer , Farias Thiago Da Silva
Published: September 2021

Este artigo apresenta a geodiversidade presente na Folha Nossa Senhora da Penha (SB.25-Y-C-III-1-SE), escala 1: 25.000, no município de João Pessoa, Paraíba, de modo a inserir locais de interesse em rotas geoturísticas costeiras. Para tanto, um mapeamento desta geodiversidade e de seu geopatrimônio foi executado através do inventário de locais com relevantes valores. É pertinente, assim, interconectar o patrimônio costeiro ao turismo da área, de modo a incrementar o interesse dos turistas, agora sob o viés da litosfera e da hidrosfera. Geomorfologicamente, o relevo apresenta-se fragmentado em três unidades morfoesculturais: planícies costeiras, planícies aluviais e baixos planaltos, além das vertentes que articulam os baixos planaltos às planícies. Enquanto percurso metodológico, foi necessário um estudo detalhado da literatura quanto às informações geocientíficas e históricas da área e um minucioso trabalho de campo. Foram inventariados e avaliados qualitativamente sete sítios: Foz Primitiva do Rio Jaguaribe, Falésia Inativa Urbana, Terraços Marinhos Holocênicos Urbanos, Falésia do Cabo Branco, Paleodunas do Altiplano, Arenitos Ferruginosos do Jacarapé e Barra do Gramame. A área mapeada possui potencial para o geoturismo, com conexão à história geológica da Bacia da Paraíba, a última a se separar da África durante a fragmentação do Gondwana, apresentando valiosas feições geológicas, geomorfológicas e hidrológicas.
Environmental filters and biotic interactions drive species richness and composition in ecotone forests of the northern Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Silva Williamar Rodrigues , Pequeno Pedro Aurélio Costa Lima , Farias Hugo Leonardo Sousa , Melo Valdinar Ferreira , Villacorta Carlos Darwin Angulo , Carvalho Lidiany Camila Silva , Perdiz Ricardo Oliveira , Citó Arthur Camurça , Barbosa Reinaldo Imbrozio
Published: September 2021

The structure of tree communities in tropical forests depends on environmental filters and biotic interactions such as competition and facilitation. Many ecotone forests in Northern Amazonia are intriguingly populated by tree assemblages characterized by distinct abundances of a single species, Peltogyne gracilipes (Leguminosae). It is unclear whether this pattern solely reflects environmental filters or also antagonistic interactions among species with similar habitat requirements. The aim of this study was to determine the response of species richness and composition to environmental filters, and analyze the role of P. gracilipes in structuring tree communities in ecotone forest areas of the Northern Brazilian Amazonia. We sampled 129 permanent plots along a hydro-edaphic gradient. All arboreal individuals with stem diameter ≥10 cm were measured and identified. Multiple regressions were performed to test the effects of environmental filters, and abundance of P. gracilipes on the tree species richness and composition. Species richness and composition responded to the same filters which, in turn, affected species composition directly and indirectly, through the abundance of P. gracilipes. Our results indicate that both abiotic filters and biotic interactions shape the studied tree communities. P. gracilipes can be considered an indicator species of hydro-edaphic conditions, but also is itself a driver of tree community structure.