bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Museum Experience and Digital Consumption
Authors: Mouihbi Khouloud , Bahri-Ammari Nedra , Coulibaly Daouda
Published: February 2022

This study explores the role of mobile augmented reality (MAR) technology in enhancing user experience (UX) in the context of cultural heritage. Data were collected via individual semi-structured interviews, according to a theoretical model of UX. The findings show that MAR can enhance UX in cultural heritage museums when the product's features and characteristics match users' needs. A contemporary challenge in the cultural heritage industry is to find creative ways to attract new visitors and enhance their museum experience. Therefore, this study was conducted to improve museum curators' understanding about the UX of MAR apps to satisfy their visitors' expectations.
Artificial Intelligence in the Delivery of Mobile Tourism Services
Authors: Türkmendağ Zafer
Published: February 2022

Tourists are more attached to mobile phones which oblige tourism businesses to give importance to the automated services in mobile phones for better services. This chapter discussed the artificial intelligence-integrated mobile technologies in tourism in terms of technological, marketing, and managerial perspectives. The integration of artificial intelligence-based open access application programming interfaces such as language translation, recommendation making, mapping, etc. to the mobile technologies created great changes in tourist behavior and business processes in tourism. Moreover, businesses can provide automated and contactless services by using mobile big data and analyze better the needs of the tourists, especially in the post-pandemic era. Finally, a framework has been proposed for artificial intelligence integration to mobile tourism services, and theoretical-managerial implications were developed.
Cyber Physical Systems Emergence With Reference to Manpower Development
Authors: Paul Prantosh Kumar
Published: February 2022

Cyber-physical systems, in short CPS, is a the term coined by Ellen Gill in the year 2006. It is a kind of embedded system. It is a kind of next generation computing systems that comprises the interacting digital, analog, physical components by integrated physics and logic. This CPS is associated and allied with other technologies and concepts such as big data analytics, cloud computing, internet of things (IoT). Furthermore, cyber-physical systems is making smart things by enabling smart grid, smart cities, and other intelligent and smart things, for example, cars, buildings, homes, manufacturing, hospitals, appliances. This chapter discusses the aspects of cyber-physical systems including its basics, features, functions, and emerging and possible roles. Moreover, this chapter also discusses the current trends on educational programs, training programs in the areas of cyber-physical systems internationally with potentiality in Indian context, and it depicts many opportunities in the contemporary scenario.
Reaching the Disadvantaged: Ensuring Access to Quality Early Childhood Care and Education in the Estate Sector of Sri Lanka
Authors: Udayanga Samitha
Published: February 2022

Children's health and learning during early childhood are the basis for their full participation in society. But not all children grow up the same to benefit equally from regulated early childhood care and education (ECCE) policies. Therefore, this study has explored context-specific barriers which disrupt the implementation of ECCE policies in selected estate communities of Sri Lanka. It also pro-vided a possible framework of solutions to facilitate the ECCE implementation in most impoverished communities. Drawing on a case study design integrated into grounded theory, this study indicates that the ECCE is not well implemented in some estate com-munities due to unfavourable sociocultural determinants. The absence of an enabling environment prevents children from access to ECCE services. Access to ECCE services can be ensured only when a localized and culture-responsive mechanism is adopted at community levels. Adopting the globally recognized ECCE policies at local levels should be facilitated by incorporating some social engineering principles such as advocacy, enabling, and reflecting to ensure that all children have access to ECCE services without interruption and discrimination.
Editorial Note
Authors: Priyanath H. M. S.
Published: February 2022

No abstract available
ThePlasmodium falciparuminfection status of two major anopheline vectors in three hyper-, meso-, and hypoendemic districts in Odisha, India
Authors: Pradhan Nitika , Mahapatra Rajani Kanta , Hazra Rupenangshu K.
Published: February 2022

In-depth understanding of malaria transmission dynamics in a region can be assessed by identifying the vector populations of infected mosquitoes,Anophelesspp. (Diptera: Culicidae), and by quantifying the infectiousness extent. In this study of malaria transmission dynamics relating to vector incrimination in three districts of Odisha, India – hyperendemic Kalahandi, mesoendemic Bargarh, and hypoendemic Cuttack – we examined how quality and quantity of plasmodial infection rates vary among mosquito species and their organs and among districts. The minimum infection rate ofPlasmodium falciparumsporozoite forAnopheles culicifacieswas highest in Kalahandi and nil in Cuttack. However, forA. annularis, the rate was highest in Cuttack, followed by Kalahandi and Bargarh. In Kalahandi, the gland-positive rate was higher forA. culicifacies, but in Cuttack, it was higher forA. annularis. To quantify plasmodium infection in salivary glands and guts of anopheline vectors, quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed. We observed higher parasite density in glands than in guts of vector mosquitoes in the three districts. The findings demonstrate that plasmodium-infected vectors preferentially bind sporozoites to salivary glands in the three study areas. The results improve understanding of infection status within malaria vectors and how parasite population density may affect transmissibility, which will, in turn, provide baseline evidence to develop intervention measures.
Development and Validation of an Enzyme Immunoassay for Detection and Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 Salivary IgA and IgG
Authors: Costantini Veronica P , Nguyen Kenny , Lyski Zoe , Novosad Shannon , Bardossy Ana C , Lyons Amanda K , Gable Paige , Kutty Preeta K , Lutgring Joseph D , Brunton Amanda , Thornburg Natalie J , Brown Allison C , McDonald L Clifford , Messer William , Vinjé Jan
Published: February 2022

Oral fluids offer a noninvasive sampling method for the detection of Abs. Quantification of IgA and IgG Abs in saliva allows studies of the mucosal and systemic immune response after natural infection or vaccination. We developed and validated an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to detect and quantify salivary IgA and IgG Abs against the prefusion-stabilized form of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein expressed in suspension-adapted HEK-293 cells. Normalization against total Ab isotype was performed to account for specimen differences, such as collection time and sample volume. Saliva samples collected from 187 SARS-CoV-2 confirmed cases enrolled in 2 cohorts and 373 prepandemic saliva samples were tested. The sensitivity of both EIAs was high (IgA, 95.5%; IgG, 89.7%) without compromising specificity (IgA, 99%; IgG, 97%). No cross-reactivity with endemic coronaviruses was observed. The limit of detection for SARS-CoV-2 salivary IgA and IgG assays were 1.98 ng/ml and 0.30 ng/ml, respectively. Salivary IgA and IgG Abs were detected earlier in patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms than in severe cases. However, severe cases showed higher salivary Ab titers than those with a mild infection. Salivary IgA titers quickly decreased after 6 wk in mild cases but remained detectable until at least week 10 in severe cases. Salivary IgG titers remained high for all patients, regardless of disease severity. In conclusion, EIAs for both IgA and IgG had high specificity and sensitivity for the confirmation of current or recent SARS-CoV-2 infections and evaluation of the IgA and IgG immune response.
Identification of Environmental Cleaning and Managerial Best Practices for Integration in Competitive Bidding Documents for Outsourcing of Housekeeping Services in Tertiary Care Hospitals in India
Authors: Mohammad Kausar , Lathwal Amit , Koushal Vipin , Sharma D. K.
Published: February 2022

Aim:

This study aimed at the identification of environmental cleaning and managerial best practices for integration in competitive bidding documents for outsourcing of housekeeping services in tertiary care hospitals in India.

Materials and Methods:

This study design was cross-sectional. The sample comprised of tender documents of eight government super-specialty hospitals/corporations and housekeeping contract agreements of five private ones. Convenience sampling was used-current tenders of most popular government hospitals available online and housekeeping agreements of consenting popular private hospitals were considered. Excel sheet was used for the analysis.

Results:

Hospitals outsourced housekeeping services on performance or human resource basis, use risk classification (23%) of hospital areas for determining intensity of cleaning, and outlined scope of services (50%). Fifteen percent tenders provide comprehensive lists of material. Scrubber requirements ranged from one per 25–250 beds. In 40% tenders, scope included handling of biomedical waste. Workforce included managerial cadres. There is a focus on occupational health and safety. Quality assurance is inbuilt in the contracts including bid evaluation criteria for selecting competent agencies and penal provisions such as in case of adverse report (INR 10,000) and unsatisfactory survey reporting (1% of monthly payment).

Conclusion:

Since successful outsourcing must focus on above-mentioned parameters, this study provides necessary guidance for health-care administrators for patient satisfaction, positive image, reducing hospital-acquired infections, and ensuring provision of quality care services.
Clinical Diversity and Outcome of Dengue Fever Outbreak-2019 Described in a Hospital of Dhaka
Authors: Hasnat Ferdousi , Mutanabbi Mahbub , Noman Farhana , Nurullah Mohammed , Anne Rifat T. , Morshed Jesmeen
Published: February 2022

Objectives:

This study aimed to discuss demographic profile, variation in clinical feature, laboratory analysis, clinical severity, and consequences of treatment in dengue fever.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective observational study. All patients included in the study were admitted with fever and diagnosed with dengue fever either by serological test or antigen test.

Results:

The majority (92.85%) of children came from urban areas. Male children were predominately (59.52%) affected. Common clinical features were fever (100%), vomiting (65.8%), abdominal pain (31.7%), rashes (41.6%), loose motion (34.1%), and bleeding manifestation (30.50%). Tourniquet test was positive in 34.12% of cases. Pleural effusion was present in 15.87% and ascites were present in 13.49% of cases. Peritonitis developed in 2.38% of patients. Approximately 7.93% of the patients had central nervous system involvement and 1.5% of cases came with active convulsion. Regarding investigations, leukopenia (42.85%), thrombocytopenia (69.84%), increased hematocrit (35.7%), and elevated serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) (42.06%) were present. Approximately 43.65% of children came with dengue fever, 30.95% of children came with dengue hemorrhagic fever and 25.39% of children came with DSS. In DSS 100% of patients came with hypotension and tachycardia and 78.12% of patients came with compensated shock. Leukopenia (55.55%) and raised hematocrit (60%), elevated SGPT (45.28%), and decreased albumin level (60%) were prominent in DSS. There was no case fatality.

Conclusion:

Dengue fever's severity and clinical variation increase day by day. As there is no vaccine against dengue in our country, we will try to improve our public awareness for prevention and continuous serological surveillance will be needed to achieve the goal.
Nephropathic Infantile Cystinosis in an 8-year-old Girl
Authors: Abdul Qader M , Asaduzzaman Patwary M , Chowdhury Taslima , Choudhury Nuzhat
Published: February 2022

Nephropathic infantile cystinosis is a rare congenital metabolic disorder with an autosomal recessive penetrance in the family, which causes the accumulation of cystine in the lysosomes of different organs of the body. The nephropathic infantile type presents in early infancy in the form of proximal renal tubular acidosis and carries a poor prognosis including renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy and blindness if left untreated. Here we report a case of nephropathic cystinosis in an 8-year-old girl who presented in her early infancy at 8 months of age and was diagnosed as distal renal tubular acidosis and started on alkali therapy. Her symptoms initially improved but she had delayed milestones of motor development, persistent polyuria, and weakness. At the presentation of 8 years, she was found to have features of rickets in both upper and lower limb and hypertensive. Her blood reports revealed a nonanion gap metabolic acidosis with hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia. She also had proteinuria and glycosuria but no hypercalciuria. Considering her clinical and biochemical features, she was sent for eye evaluation, which revealed the presence of cystine crystal in the conjunctiva, stroma of the cornea, and peripheral retina. Clinical diagnosis of cystinosis is often challenging as some cases may mimic features of distal renal tubular acidosis, so careful evaluation is necessary. Parents were counseled about the disease and genetic test and her treatment was continued with phosphate supplement along with alkali supplements. Though the genetic test is confirmatory for diagnosing nephropathic cystinosis, a complete initial evaluation including blood, urine analysis, and an ophthalmological evaluation can guide us toward early diagnosis and management.
Characterization of the Proportion of Clustered Tuberculosis Cases in Guatemala: Insights from a Molecular Epidemiology Study, 2010–2014
Authors: Castellanos María Eugenia , Lau-Bonilla Dalia , Moller Anneliese , Arathoon Eduardo , Samayoa Blanca , Quinn Frederick D. , Ebell Mark H. , Dobbin Kevin K. , Whalen Christopher C.
Published: February 2022

There is little information about the amount of recent tuberculosis transmission in low-income settings. Genetic clustering can help identify ongoing transmission events. A retrospective observational study was performed on Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and HIV-seronegative participants who submitted samples to a referral tuberculosis laboratory in Guatemala City, Guatemala from 2010 to 2014. Genotyping results were classified according to the international spoligotyping database, SITVIT2. Spoligotype patterns were categorized as clustered or nonclustered depending on their genotype. The proportion of clustering and the index of recent transmission index (RTIn-1) were estimated. In the RTIn-1 method, clustered cases represent recent transmission, whereas nonclustered cases represent reactivation of older tuberculosis infections. As a secondary aim, the potential risk factors associated with clustering in isolates from the subset of participants living with HIV were explored. From 2010 to 2014, a total of 479 study participants were confirmed as culture-positive tuberculosis cases. Among the 400 available isolates, 71 spoligotype patterns were identified. Overall, the most frequent spoligotyping families were Latin American-Mediterranean (LAM) (39%), followed by T (22%) and Haarlem (14%). Out of the 400 isolates, 365 were grouped in 36 clusters (range of cluster size: 2–92). Thus, the proportion of clustering was 91% and the RTIn-1 was 82%. Among PLHIV, pulmonary tuberculosis was associated with clustering (OR = 4.3, 95% CI 1.0–17.7). Our findings suggest high levels of ongoing transmission of M. tuberculosis in Guatemala as revealed by the high proportion of isolates falling into genomic clusters.
Transcriptomics Applied to the Study of Chagas Disease Vectors
Authors: Borsatto Kelly Cristine , Coronado Monika Aparecida , Galvão Cleber , Arni Raghuvir Krishnaswamy , Alevi Kaio Cesar Chaboli
Published: February 2022

Chagas disease is a neglected disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, and is transmitted mainly by the feces of contaminated triatomines. Knowledge of the biological, ecological, behavioral, genetic, taxonomic, and systematic aspects of these vectors can contribute to the planning of vector control programs, because all species are considered to be potential vectors of Chagas disease. Transcriptomic studies, in general, provided a new view of the physiology of triatomines (aiding in the knowledge of reproductive aspects of the hematophagy process and even the immune system and the sensory apparatus) and even contributed, as a new tool, to the taxonomy and systematics of these insects. Thus, we conducted a review of the transcriptomic studies on Chagas disease vectors.
Prescreening with a Rapid Diagnostic Test Followed by a Confirmatory Qualitative Nucleic Acid Test Can Simplify Hepatitis C Diagnosis
Authors: Wasitthankasem Rujipat , Posuwan Nawarat , Pimsing Napaporn , Phaengkha Wijittra , Ngamnimit Saranya , Vichaiwattana Preeyaporn , Thongpan Ilada , Tongsima Sissades , Vongpunsawad Sompong , Poovorawan Yong
Published: February 2022

Asymptomatic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection without treatment is associated with chronic liver diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma. A major obstacle to hepatitis C diagnosis leading to antiviral treatment in some developing countries is the complicated HCV testing required before treatment. To simplify an HCV test-to-treat strategy, which could lead to timely diagnosis and treatment at the point-of-care, we evaluated the performance of four anti-HCV rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) (Abon, Blue Cross, Healgen, and SD Bioline). They yielded comparable sensitivity (80–83%), specificity (99–100%), and accuracy (90–91.5%). When we field-tested Abon in 4,769 residents of an HCV-endemic province in Thailand, 306 seropositive individuals (6.4%) were identified. In comparison, laboratory test using an automated commercial chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (ARCHITECT anti-HCV assay, Abbott Diagnostics, Chicago, IL) identified slightly more seropositives (327/4,769 or 6.9%). Field implementation suggests that Abon was sensitive (88.7%), specific (99.6%), and accurate (98.9%). Furthermore, 82% (250/306) of Abon-positive samples had detectable HCV RNA as determined by nucleic acid test (cobas® 4800 HCV assay; Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany). The same 250 samples out of 327 reactive in Abbott immunoassay also had detectable HCV RNA (mean RNA level: log 6.28 IU/mL, range: log 3.06– 7.78 IU/mL). The use of RDT followed by qualitative nucleic acid test can cost-effectively identify the majority of HCV seropositive individuals with active infection, which will obviate the need for expensive viral load quantification tests when simplifying HCV diagnosis for the test-to-treat program at the point-of-care.
Morphological and biochemical characterization of strains of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola isolated from cowpea grown in three agroecological zones in Nigeria
Authors: Oguntade O. , Olufolaji D.B. , Oyetayo V.O. , Popoola A.R. , Kazeem S.A , Ayodele M.A.
Published: February 2022

Cowpea bacterial blight (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv vignicola) is a devastating disease of cowpea in Nigeria. Accurate identification is the first step for an effective management option. Thus, X. axonopodis pv. vignicola isolated from cowpea (Vigna unguinculata (L.) Walp) grown in different Agro-ecological zones in Nigeria were characterized using morphological characteristics, biochemical and antibiotic sensitivity tests. Pot experiments were conducted on two susceptible lines of cowpea (IT90k – 76) and (IT84s – 2246 – 4) in the screen house. In vivo infectivity studies were carried out to determine the effect of each of theX. axonopodis pv. vignicola isolate groups on the cowpea. All isolates from each of the agroecological zones were classified into Group 1 (light yellow) and Group 2 (brownish yellow) based on their morphological presentation on nutrient agar medium. Results from four of the biochemical test showed differences between the two morphologically different groups. Group 2 isolates showed a large zone of inhibition to a Lincomycin hydrochloride while isolates from Group 1 were not affected by the action of the same antibiotic. Blight symptom was only observed when the two types of isolates were combined and inoculated simultaneously. This study showed that there are two morpho-types of X. axonopodis pv. vignicola and their synergetic infectivity results in blight symptoms expression in cowpea.
Effect of African basil (Ocimum gratissimum) extracts against Water mould (Pythium aphanidermatum) in cowpea
Authors: Emeribe E.O.
Published: February 2022

The experiment was designed to investigate the effects of Ocimum gratissimum extracts in the control of Pythium aphanidermatum in cowpea. This was conducted in Crop Science and Biotechnology laboratory, Imo State University, Owerri between May to August 2018 using completely randomized design (C.R.D). There were 8 treatments replicated 4 times. Powder and Liquid extracts of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum were applied at different concentrations (0,5, 10, 15) g and (0, 5, 10, 15) mls respectively, inoculated on the media, Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) in petri dishes to check the incidence and spread of the disease. Extracts of Ocimum gratissimum were effective against Pythium aphanidermatum in all the parameters tested. On inoculation of PDA media, different forms of Pythium aphanidermatum (ring or circular and dotted) in all treatments were observed, except the control. Quantitative analyses and Infrared spectroscopy of Ocimum gratissimum leaf extracts revealed the presence of active phytochemicals (alkaloids 3.6, tannins 15.4, flavonoids, oxalate 5.8, saponins 3.1) ug/g and infrared compounds (alkenes (3201.2), alcohol (3344.5), carboxylic acid (2995.5), aldehyde (2719.5), and isocyanate (2804.4) absorbed at different wave lengths in cm-1 were identified.Different fungal growths were cleared using different levels of extracts, (15>10>5>0) mls thanpowder extracts respectively. The ability of the extracts to exert fungicidal effects was due to thepresence of active phytochemicals and infrared compounds present in the extracts.
Malaria vaccine: a new tool in the fight against malaria
Authors: Kenyi Edward Eremugo
Published: February 2022

No Abstract.
Possible acetaminophen poisoning complicated by puerperal sepsis
Authors: Kual Arop M. D.
Published: February 2022

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) toxicity is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is estimated that poisoning contributes to more than 1 million poisonings and up to half a million deaths each year, yet it is preventable and treatable. Acetaminophen toxicity is the second most common cause of liver transplantation worldwide. However, studies concerning poisoning in Botswana are scant, although it has been reported that poisoning contributes 6.7% of the total injuries and is ranked third next to falls and automobile accidents among external causes of mortality. This case report reviews the aetiology, evaluation, and treatment of acetaminophen overdose.
Salmonella is Present in Multiple Lymph Nodes of Market Hog Carcasses at Slaughter
Authors:   Dept. of Animal Sciences and Industry, Food Science Institute, Kansas State University, 1530 Mid-Campus Drive North, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA, Gragg Sara
Published: February 2022

The presence of Salmonella in lymphoid tissue of market hogs represents a potential risk for the safety of pork products, particularly ground pork. With increased Salmonella testing standards required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the horizon for the pork industry, it is important to improve understanding of Salmonella contamination within a variety of swine tissues, including lymph nodes. This study was designed to provide preliminary information about Salmonella prevalence in multiple lymph nodes within market hog carcasses at slaughter. From each carcass (n = 50), four lymph nodes were aseptically collected at slaughter: mesenteric, tracheobronchial, inguinal, and subiliac. A total of 197 lymph nodes were analyzed, with an overall Salmonella prevalence of 21.8% (n = 43). Salmonella was detected in the lymph nodes of 62% (n = 31) of carcasses, with 21.6% (n = 11) of carcasses harboring Salmonella in two or more lymph node types. Although not statistically significant (P = 0.1167), Salmonella prevalence did vary based upon lymph node type (mesenteric, 34%; inguinal, 18.4%; subiliac, 18.4%; tracheobronchial, 16.3%). This lymph node mapping study provides preliminary evidence that Salmonella can contaminate lymph nodes throughout swine and may serve as the foundation for larger lymph node mapping studies or intervention strategies at the abattoir.
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF SCRAPIE DISEASE IN LOCAL SHEEP POPULATION IN ALGERIA
Authors: Kalai Sidi Mohamed , Amara Yassine , Ameur Ameur Abdelkader , Gaouar Semir Bechir suheil
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study is to carry out a field survey for a better knowledge of the current state of our sheep population. in Algeria; especially Tlemcen region in relation to scrapie and and the factors favoring their appearance (Nedroma, Ghazaouet, Honain, Bab El Assa, Maghnia, El Gor, Sebdou, Sid Jilali and Laaricha) This survey is carried out according to phenotypic observations of the individuals to detect possible presence of Symptoms of scrapie. Down results obtained show that there are no signs of prion disease in the surveyed herds.
MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME SPECIES OF BATS IN WESTERN ALGERIA.
Authors: Kerboub Yamina , Benarbia Amina , Adamou Djarbaoui Mohamed , Gaouar Semir Bechir Suheil
Published: February 2022

Our research work is divided into two parts. The first is based on the identification of specimens captured in the study area and the second part consists in characterizing these animals morphometrically and applicat the bioinformatics tools for data processing obtained. During this original study, we contributed to the morphometric study (20 measurements) of two bat species from western Algeria (Rhinolophus ferrumquinum in the Wilaya of Tlemcen and Asellia tridensdans in the Wilaya of Bechar). The analysis of the diversity of the studied species was carried out starting from 20 parameters by the calculation of the index of Shannon and Weaver. The study was conducted on a sample of 50 individuals belonging to each species studied. The data collected is analyzed by a principal component (PCA) in order to know the different correlations that exist between the characters studied and a hierarchical ascending group classification by the HCA function. These statistical analyzes were carried out by the R version 2.15.2 software, Exel and the XLSTAT 2016 software. Our results showed that there is an average rate of genetic diversity in the species studied; the Shannon and Weaver index is between 0.43 for the species Rhinolophus ferrumquinum and 0.59 for the species Asellia tridens. We also observed a positive correlation between some traits studied which can be explained by the influence of the same group of genes on these characters. The HFA separated the two species into two major groups.
DATE PALM DISEASES AND PESTS (CASE OF BAYOUD DISEASE: VASCULAR FUSARIUM) FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM F. SP. ALBEDINIS IN THE WILAYA OF ADRAR
Authors: Hadjraoui Karima , Haida Wassila , Kerboub Yamina
Published: February 2022

The date palm occupies an important place in agriculture in the Saharan areas and contributes to the preservation of the fragile oasis ecosystem, threatened by desertification. Fusarium wilt of the date palm (phoenix dactylefra L.) known locally as "Bayoud" whose scientific name is Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis, poses a serious threat to the economy and society. As part of this work, we will try to better know the pathogen to better combat. The isolation of the fungus led us to obtain 05 isolates; their macroscopic characterization revealed two different morphotypes: the cottony morphotype and the ras mucous morphotype and their microscopic characterization the presence of hyaline and septate mycelium, with short monophialids on which microconidia are found, as well as the presence of macroconidia and chlamydospores.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE QUALITY CONTROL OF RAW MILK OF DIFFERENT BREEDS OF DAIRY COWS IN THE TLEMCEN REGION
Authors: Barka Mohammed , Benboutrif Samir , Gaouar Semir Bechir Suheil
Published: February 2022

Our work is geared towards analyzing the quality of the milk we consume daily. This study concerns the analysis of the physico-chemical and microbiological quality of raw milk from 3 different breeds of dairy cows: local, crossed and imported in the region of Tlemcen. The results obtained after physicochemical and microbiological analyzes of the raw milk of the three breeds prove that there are variations in their physico-chemical quality essentially the fat; the milk of the imported breed is the richest followed by the cross breed and lastly the local breed. For microbiological quality it has been found that raw milk of the imported breed contains a significant microbial load, it is above the national and international hygiene standards compared to the raw milk of the local cross breed which are the norm.
Genetic diversity and origin of Namchi cattle breed inferred by matrilineage analyses
Authors: Ngono Ema Patrick Jolly , Meutchieye Félix , Keambou Tiambo Christian , Manjeli Yacouba
Published: February 2022

In animal genetic studies, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis offers a way to detect changes in populations over time along with their maternal origin and migration routes. To determine these patterns in Namchi cattle breeds of Cameroon, analyses of 17 sequences of a 336 base pair fragment of the mtDNA D-loop region from two populations (Namchi Poli and Namchi Ngaoundere) were conducted in conjunction with previously published sequences from African, European, Japanese and Chinese subjects. As expected for an African taurine breed, all individuals in the study were found to be members of haplogroup T1. Due to the size of fragment analyzed, only one sub-haplogroup (T1c)could be detected, at a rate of 5.88%.This suggested that The Namchi cattle breed originated most probably from south west Asia and migrated to Cameroon through the Ismuth of Suez to Egypt and through Arabia to Somalia and Ethiopia. A relatively high nucleotide diversity (π) was found in Namchi Poli population (0.03421±0.00582) while in Namchi Ngaoundere a value of 0.00980±0.00185 was obtained, for a total nucleotide diversity of 0.01387±0.00234. The high genetic diversity observed in Namchi cattle breed reflects not only the presence of sub-haplogroups T1 but also an introgression from hybridization. This study provides new information regarding the sub haplogroups of the Namchi cattle, their origin and migration routes and their genetic diversity which seems to have been affected by gene flow with zebus like White Fulani or Red Fulani. To facilitate the preservation and the conservation of the Namchi cattle breed in Cameroon, it is therefore important to adopt effective breeding management practices.
Study of the phenotypic variation of some accessions of beans (vicia faba.l) in the wilaya of Tlemcen
Authors: Madjaoui Samia , Hedeili Asmaa , Taibi Warda , Gaouar Semir Bechir Suheil
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was the morphometric characterization of 8 bean accessions (vicia faba L) in different localities in the wilaya of Tlemcen, we studied 8 agromorphological characters, were the objects of a statistical study by the software R. Phenotypic diversity was determined by the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H ') at different levels. The estimated H showed high phenotypic variability for different traits with an average H of 0.63. The results of the Multiple Correspondence Analysis (PCA) and the Hierarchical Classification (CAH) showed a clear distinction between the accessions.
Using SSR markers from Prunus genus for wild cherry genotyping
Authors: Licea-Moreno Ricardo Julian , Quintana J , Contreras A , Gomez L
Published: February 2022

Prunus genus include fruit and wooden species. Because its economic importance, both phenotypic and genetic markers have been developed and used in genetic studies. Among them, for their versatility, degree of transferability and repeatability, some microsatellite sets have been developed for several species from this genus.Although they have been successfully used inside the Rosaceae family, their transferability to other species and/or provenances different for what they were designed, must be first assessed. Thus, the higher the number of markers assessed, the higher their applicability for performing genetic studies. Hence, the functionality of 20 microsatellite markers designed for P. persica (L.) Batsch and P. avium L. were tested for genotyping a wild cherry progeny for wood production. Scorable amplifications and reasonably high polymorphism were registered for 13 out of 20 SSR assessed, averaging 7.7 alleles/ locus. The observed heterozygosity ranges from 0.513 to 0.946; with allelic frequencies below 0.50, except for two loci. The individual discriminative power goes from 0.045 to 0.250; while the combined random probability of identity was as low as 1.8114x10-13, allowing to identify and to differentiate unambiguously individuals in the sample formed by 36 trees. According these results, this set has showed its potential for genotyping plus trees from wild cherry for wood production.
Phenotypic variability and typology of cavy (Cavia porcellus) production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Authors: Ayagirwe Rodrigue Basengere Balthazar , Meutchieye Felix , Mugumaarhahama Yannick , Mutwedu Valence , Baenyi Patrick , Manjeli Yacouba
Published: February 2022

Domestic cavies (Cavia porcellus L.) are one of the mini livestock used in Sub-Saharan Africa to improve foodand nutrition security, and also income generation. In DRC, these animals are part of ‘rehabilitation kits’ forhumanitarian organizations and because they are included in the agricultural portfolio of development agenciesthat seek to address the challenges of widespread hunger and malnutrition in destabilized eastern regions. Thisstudy was carried out to assess the phenotypic diversity of cavies reared in DRC as well as their typology andidentify the major parameters that could be used for breeding purposes. A total of 1,250 animals were characterizedbased on qualitative (coat color pattern, eyes color, satin of the coat and coat color variegation, the head shape andears orientation) and quantitative traits (animal weight, animal length, head length, body length, heart girth, andthe animal height). Main results indicated a body weight ranging from 300 to 1,203g at maturity and a total animallength from 20 to 38.5 cm. Three main coat colors patterns were identified (white, brown and black) from whichderived several combinations, the most common combination being white-brown-black (43.09%) or the brown-white (23.98%). Three clusters were identified from the typology results, and differed essentially by the animallength, body length, body weight and head length, coat color pattern, eyes color, coat color variegation, headprofile and the animal origin. These results indicate a first step in the decision making and orientation of the geneticimprovement in this promising species.
Genetic variation in physiological adaptation of local, exotic and crossbred ducks to heat stress in a tropical environment
Authors: Oguntunji ABEL , Oladejo ADETOLA , Ayoola OLUSEYI , Oluwatomini IFEOLUWA , Oriye OPEOLUWA , Egunjobi MOJISOLA
Published: February 2022

Biotic and abiotic environmental factors significantly contribute to the well-being and performance of farm animals.Thermal adaptation is central to livestock survival, performance and profitable enterprise most especially in hot tropicaland sub-tropical environments characterized with high environmental temperatures. Heat tolerance of 106 adultMuscovy (Cairina moschata) (20 males and 20 females), Mule (Anas sterilis) (14 males and 12 females) and Mallard(Anas platyrhynchos) (20 males and 20 females) ducks was investigated through physiological indices {respiratory rate(RR), panting rate (PR), skin temperature (ST) and rectal temperature (RT)} collected at two periods {morning (7.00 –8.30 hours) and afternoon (12.00 – 13.30 hours)}. Variance analysis revealed significant (P<0.05) effect of genotype,period, genotype-period and genotype-sex interactions on heat tolerant indices. The higher physiological indices ofMallard ducks as reflected in genotype, genotype-period interaction and genotype-sex interaction effects compared toMuscovy and Mule ducks indicated physiological stress and poor thermal tolerance. Syntheses of results in this studyindicated that Muscovy and Mule ducks were genetically superior in heat tolerance and have higher adaptive capacityto thrive better in sub-optimal hot environment.
Reproduction and Growth Performance of the Algerian Tazegzawt Sheep Breed
Authors: El Bouyahiaoui Rachid , Belkheir Boussad , Moulla Farid , Belkheir Ben Ahmed Nassima , Djaout Amel , Arbouche Fodil , Ghozlane Faissal
Published: February 2022

Three zootechnical criteria: fertility, prolificacy and fecundity were used to evaluate reproductive performance of 23 and 27 multiparous Tazegzawt ewes in experimental station INRAA of Bejaia during autumn mating in 2013 and 2014. A total of 52 lambs were subject to measure the average daily gain at different ages (0, 10, 30, 70, 90 and 180 days) in spring of 2013 and 2014. Some non-genetic factors (sex and type of birth of lambs) were used to study their influencing in dairy production. The results indicated that, the fertility rate was 84.22% and the prolificacy rate was higher than 150%. Fecundity rate seemed interesting in Tazegzawt breed (an average more than 126%). The mean bodyweight (W) at birth was 4.72±0.92kg; 7.22±1.27kg at 10 days, 12.17±2.18kgat 30 days, 21.63±3.02kg at 70 days and 25.80±3.69kg at 90 days of age, the Average Daily Gain (ADGs) estimates for weight at 10 days (ADGs0-10) was 247.48±72.45g/d and decreases with age to reach 208.64±86.20g/d in ADGs70-90. In addition, the highest positive significant correlation (r=0.92, p<0.01) was observed between W30 and ADGs0-30.The growth rate was not affected by sex. However; the influence of birth type on growth performances of lambs during the 30 days showed a superiority of singles over twins (p<0.05). It seems that Tazegzawt sheep is one of the most prolific local breed, it shows a good growth potential. This breed has very promising potentialities that can be exploited to improve mutton meat production in Algeria.
Nocturnal Behaviour of Three Zoo Elephants (Loxodonta Africana)
Authors: Bertelsen Sara Sofie , Sørensen Amalie Slot , Pagh Sussie , Pertoldi Cino , Jensen Trine Hammer
Published: February 2022

Few studies have investigated the behaviour of zoo elephants and how their personality is expressed when exposed to different stimuli e.g. a higher number of visitors. Observing the nocturnal behaviour is especially important, because it reveals information about the welfare of the elephants when they are not normally observed. The nocturnal behaviour of three female African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in Aalborg Zoo, Denmark, was studied to create activity budgets and to evaluate if 1) a period with a 4.8 times increase in visitors affected the nocturnal behaviour; and 2) the three elephants exhibited differences in personality. Behavioural data were collected for six nights between 20:00-06:00, and all-occurrence sampling was used to record all types of behaviour. The average of the three elephants showed that the most common behaviours observed during the night was feeding (43±6%) followed by lying (28±5%) and inactive behaviour (16±5%). The elephants laid down an average of 2.4-3.1 hours per night starting at 20:00, and they never laid down before 22:00. No clear pattern of behavioural changes of the elephants was found when there was an increased number of visitors in the zoo. When comparing the intervals of time, the individuals spent on a certain behaviour, and thereby comparing the individuals, several significant differences were found between the medians and interquartile range (IQR). Significant differences were also found in the slopes of the medians, IQR, skewness, and kurtosis for the distribution of the time intervals of the behaviours between the period with lower number of visitors and the period with a higher number of visitors. In an overall perspective, the results indicated that the elephants displayed distinct personalities.
Use of Ethograms to analyse Shoaling Behaviour of Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) in an Aquarium
Authors: Thomsen Helena , Jensen Trine Hammer , Ydesen Kristina , Madsen Niels
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to design an ethogram to investigate mackerel (Scomber scomburs) shoaling behaviour in an aquarium. We divided shoaling behaviour into four categories: area of the tank where the shoal was present (position); the morphological shape of the shoal (formation); shoaling movements (movement) and the average distance between the individuals in the shoal (density). The shoal was observed in a non-feeding trial and a feeding trial where the shoal was fed with food pellets additional to the normal feeding schedule. The study was conducted in an aquarium with 4.5 million liters of water at the North Sea Oceanarium, Hirtshals, Denmark. Our results indicate that different patterns in the shoaling behaviour could be identified using an ethogram. The plate, which is a closed epileptically shape, was the most observed formation, while the forward unit, which is the average forward motion of the shoal moving horizontally, was the most observed movement. Light intensity, pH, oxygen level, and temperature showed no variation between the trials and thus does not explain any behavioural differences. The shoal showed no clear long-term reaction to feeding, though the shoal showed a preference for the top area when fed more regularly. Further investigations in shoal behaviour could determine whether these categories in behaviour could monitor stress level in confined shoals.
General characteristics of goat milk cheese (Feta) in the region of Tlemcen, Algeria
Authors: Djebli Ikram , Ameur Ameur Abdelkader , Gaouar Semir Bechir Suheil
Published: February 2022

Goat milk, whose production is starting to develop in Algeria in recent years, has a number of advantages that even allow it to substitute cow's milk. It is a source of health benefits for humans; it contains more vitamins with a significant cheese yield than cow's milk. Our present study aims to study physicochemical, microbiological and for the first time trials of a fresh cheese (Feta) made from locally selected goat's milk in the region of Tlemcen and its 10 regions namely: Ouled Mimoun, Terny, Sebdou, Ain El houte, Remchi, Bensakrane, Maghnia, Sabra, Nedroma and Zenata. 27 goats from the local population were used for this study. The physicochemical quality (fat, density, conductivity, defatted dry extract, temperature, protein, mineral salts and lactose) of the milk sampled was measured using a LACTOSCAN Milk-Analyzer. Four flora (total germ, fecal coliform, Staphylococcus aureus and salmonella) were chosen to test the microbiological quality of the milk. The results obtained show that the good physicochemical quality of milk studied in all regions except the two regions of Nedroma and Maghnia showing a high fat content. A total absence of contaminations for the three types of fecal coliform flora, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella nevertheless for the total germs are found in all sampled regions. These results show that healthy goats hence the good practice of milking is applied during sampling. The manufacture of cheese type feta based on goat's milk was made in good conditions (raw material, hygiene, mechanical work ...) which led to a cheese of microbiological quality and nutritional and an interesting yield. The good breeding condition with a balanced diet gives a good quality of the milk and consequences of these results give an excellent forming thanks to the professional techniques of manufacturing a good feta cheese.
Phytochemical screening and evaluation of the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of ‎Atriplex halimus from two regions Algeria (El Oued and Tlemcen)
Authors: CHAOUCHE Tarik Mohammed , HADDOUCHI Farah , ABBOU Fayza , AISSAOUI Mohammed , BOUDJEMAI Ouhiba , GHELLAI Imane , SENHADJI Souad
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this work is to study the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of two plants of the same species « Atriplex halimus » from two different regions El Oued and Tlemcen. The plant leaves were subjected to a one-hour reflux extraction in methanol/acetone (70/30: v/v). Qualitative phytochemical examination of the leaf extract showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids of varying intensity. Coumarins, terpenoids and saponins are absent in both plants. Qualitative analysis of total polyphenols, flavonoids and condensed tannins of extracts shows that Atriplex halimus from the El Oued region has a high content of total polyphenols (10.25 ± 1.17 mg GAE/g DW) and tannins (9.23 ±1.09 mg EC/g DW) compared to Tlemcen. However, the high flavonoid content presented by Atriplex halimus from the Tlemcen region (3.09 ± 0.13 mg EC/g DW). The evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the extracts was carried out by three methods: total antioxidant capacity, trapping of the free radical DPPH and iron reducing power, the results obtained show that the extract of Atriplex halimus from Tlemcen reveals an interesting activity compared to that of El Oued with a CI50 = 193.47 ± 1.79µg/mL. Evaluation of antibacterial activity showing that El Oued extract has activity against Salmonella typhimirium ATCC 13311, Enterobacter cloacae ATCC 13047, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313 with a CMI value of 5 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL and 2.5 mg/mL respectively. However, Atriplex halimus from Tlemcen does not reveal any antibacterial activity against the strains tested.
Ethnobotanical characterization of halophytes with medicinal virtues, Case of the Macta wetland flora: North-West Algeria
Authors: Megharbi Ahmed , Kechairi Réda
Published: February 2022

Here is an ethnobotanical study on halophytic plants with medicinal virtues traditionally used by the populations surrounding the Macta wetland (north-western Algeria). An ethnobotanical survey was carried out and the data collected were statistically analyzed by using the R software and 150 questionnaire sheets. The results obtained allowed the identification of 53 plants including 32 halophytic species with medicinal virtues belonging to 28 genera and 17 botanical families. On the basis of the ethnobotanical survey, we identified 43.75% of the species that are used as anti-inflammatory, 28% to treat diuretic disorders, 21.87% to treat uro-genital disorders, 18.75% for their effects on the digestive system, and 15% of the plants which are used against diabetes. Multifactorial analysis reveals a good correspondence between the ethnobotanical aspect of plant species and their therapeutic uses. The results obtained indicate the appearance of five typical use profiles specific to medicinal virtues.