bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapeamento e avaliação das nascentes da área urbana do município de Não-Me-Toque/RS
Authors: Schuster Elisa , Schwantz Patricia Inês , Prestes Marta Martins Barbosa , Bohrer Robson Evaldo Gehlen , Lara Daniela Mueller de
Published: July 2022

A água é um recurso natural essencial para a sobrevivência e manutenção dos seres vivos. Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar um mapeamento e análise da qualidade ambiental das nascentes urbanas localizadas no município de Não-Me-Toque/RS, através de análises macroscópicas, microbiológicas e avaliação do nível de preservação. Foram mapeadas 17 nascentes e com a análise macroscópica observou-se que 41% (7) estão aterradas devido ao uso e ocupação do solo no município, 18% (3) foram caracterizadas em classe C (nível razoável de preservação) e 6% (1) em classe B (nível bom de preservação). Em relação as análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas, devido a impossibilidade de acesso a três nascentes (N1, N6 e N15) e aterramento de outras sete (N3, N4, N5, N9, N10, N16 e N17), foi possível realizar análises da água em apenas 6 nascentes (N13, N08, N12, N14, N16 e N17). Todas as nascentes analisadas apresentam níveis de oxigênio dissolvido aceitáveis, e, N12, N14 e N16 apresentam níveis de pH abaixo do estabelecido na Resolução do Conama nº 357/2005. As nascentes N8, N13, N14 e N16 apresentaram coliformes fecais, enquanto N13 e N17 apresentaram E. coli. Quanto ao nitrogênio, identificou-se a presença acima do permitido em N12 e N17.
Occurrence of chemical substances in water supply systems of Brazil: a nonparametric approach for statistical analysis of Sisagua data
Authors: Gomes Fernanda Bento Rosa , Assunção Taciane de Oliveira Gomes de , Nicolau Guilherme Bento , Cordeiro Pedro Fialho , Castro Samuel Rodrigues , Pereira Renata de Oliveira , Brandt Emanuel Manfred Freire
Published: July 2022

The objective of this work was to develop a methodology for statistical analysis of monitoring data of chemical compounds in drinking water supply systems in Brazil, using data from Sisagua (Drinking Water Quality Surveillance Information System). Initially, the inconsistencies in the database were identified and adjusted. Then, the descriptive statistics were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) method, evaluating its applicability in different censored data sets. The descriptive parameters were compared with the substitution method. The substitution method showed susceptibility to biased estimates, especially for groups of compounds containing high percentage of censored data and with high limits of quantification and detection, leading to higher descriptive parameters compared to KM method. This work reinforces the need to use appropriate methods for analyzing environmental data and evidences that the analysis of this type of data may be complex. The methods proposed here can help environmental scientists to deal with this issue, providing a systematic procedure to check and solve consistency problems, as well as presenting a nonparametric approach for computing descriptive statistics for environmental monitoring data.
Análise do crescimento de Gymnanthes klotzschiana müll.arg. em diferentes posições sociológicas e condições hídricas do solo
Authors: Watzlawick Luciano Farinha , Guilhermeti Paulo Gabriel Caleffi , Jadoski Sidnei Osmar , Mazon Joelmir Augustinho
Published: July 2022

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar e correlacionar dados climáticos e incremento de Gymnanthes klotzschiana em diferentes posições sociológicas e condições de saturação hídrica do solo. As amostras foram coletadas de 116 árvores em um fragmento de Floresta Ombrófila Mista Aluvial com a utilização do trado de Pressler (5 mm de diâmetro). O material da amostragem foi fixado em canaletas e polido com lixas de diferentes gramaturas. Os dados de incremento foram obtidos e correlacionados com variáveis climáticas e comparados com a utilização do delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial. Como fator 1 foram considerados os três níveis piezométricos (alto, médio e baixo) e o fator 2 as duas posições sociológicas (dossel e sub-bosque). Os resultados da análise indicaram que o incremento para G. klotzschiana variou de 1,20 mm.ano-1 no sub-bosque, em nível piezométrico baixo, para 1,99 mm.ano-1 no dossel, em nível piezométrico alto. Esses resultados foram correlacionados com dados de temperatura e precipitação e constatou–se correlação negativa do crescimento com o somatório da precipitação para as árvores localizadas em nível piezométrico alto; e os menores valores de incremento foram registrados para as árvores que estavam localizadas em posição sociológica de sub-bosque e em nível piezométrico alto.
Mangifera indica L.: Assessing the cytogenotoxicity of aqueous extract through micronucleus and comet assays
Authors: Rocha Ellen Borges , Souza Jônatas Sennas , Silva Mayara Christine , Pastura Danilo Giovanni Narciso , Alves Raphael Santiago , Santos Hataânderson Luiz Cabral , Borba Helcio Resende , Lima Viviane Moreira
Published: July 2022

Mangifera indica L., known as mango tree, is a species belonging to family Anacardiaceae, widely used in popular medicine whose leaves are used to treat several diseases. Although several studies did not detect the cytogenotoxic activity of M. indica leaf extract, other authors have observed these feature and highlighted the importance of further research about the toxic potential of M. indica leaf extract. The aim of the current research is to assess the cytogenotoxic potential of the aqueous extract of M. indica leaves through comet DNA assay and micronucleus test. It was possible observing significant increase in the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) in mice subjected to the treatment with the extract, in addition to significant increase in DNA damage index in comparison to the negative control group. The extract also presented cytotoxic effect caused by significant reduction in the polychromatic:normochromatic erythrocyte (PCE/NCE) ratio in comparison to the negative control group. The extract of M. indica leaves is cytogenotoxic under the conditions used in the current research; this outcome highlighted the importance of comparative studies applied to the several used processing methods, as well as to cultivation conditions, to certify the safety in the popular use of medicinal plants.
Algumas propriedades do conjunto dos Números de Liouville
Authors: Maciel Anderson Luiz , Fervenza Juan Manuel Silva
Published: July 2022

O presente trabalho consiste na apresentação dos primórdios da Teoria dos Números Transcendentes. Começaremos com uma pequena introdução a respeito das aproximações racionais e seus teoremas clássicos, como o de Hurwitz-Markov. A seguir, definiremos os números de Liouville e suas propriedades mais intrínsecas, culminando com a prova de sua transcendência. Também falaremos sobre a medida de irracionalidade, uma forma interessante de classificar o grau de irracionalidade de um número real, e, por último (e não menos importante), discutiremos os aspectos mais paradoxais dos números de Liouville como conjunto, que sob a ótica da topologia é o complementar de um conjunto magro, ou seja, é um conjunto "grande". Já sob a ótica da Análise, é um conjunto de medida nula, tanto na medida de Lebesgue quanto na de Hausdorff.
Análise da Educação Ambiental nas matrizes curriculares dos cursos de graduação das universidades públicas do estado do Rio Grande do Norte
Authors: Bezerra Letícia Gabriele da Silva , Rodrigues Júlia Rélene de Freitas
Published: July 2022

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a abordagem da Educação Ambiental – EA nas matrizes curriculares dos cursos de graduação das universidades públicas do estado do Rio Grande do Norte – RN, averiguando-se também como essa abordagem vem sendo inserida nas disciplinas, tendo em vista que no ensino superior são formados profissionais que atuam na sociedade, com pouco ou grande impacto no meio ambiente. Foi realizada pesquisa bibliográfica e documental nos sites da Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Semiárido e Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte para identificar os cursos de graduação e disciplinas que possuem abordagem em EA por meio da leitura das matrizes curriculares. A pesquisa realizada nos sites das três universidades públicas do estado do RN demonstrou a carência da abordagem em EA nas matrizes curriculares, sobretudo nos cursos de licenciatura e tecnólogos. Portanto, a inserção da EA nas matrizes curriculares reside, principalmente, na inter, multi e transdisciplinaridade dos professores de diferentes disciplinas.
Uma abordagem matemática para a previsão do adensamento das argilas saturadas
Authors: Biz Joabby da Costa , Andrade Maurício do Espirito Santo , Silva Elmagno Catarino Santos
Published: July 2022

As camadas argilosas saturadas submetidas a um carregamento vertical recuperar deformações verticais ao longo do tempo, isto é, adensamento. Essas deformações quando acentuadas provocam danos ocorrem, afetam ou estéticos nas edificações. Neste sentido, aqui um modelo matemático é proposto e desenvolvido para a previsão do adensamento das argilas saturadas levando-se em conta os conceitos básicos por Terzaghi e Frohlich (1936), Taylor (1942) e Barden (1965). A família matemática considera a existência de uma parcela viscosa da tensão efetiva vertical e incorporada no equação diferencial parcial modelada uma lei de viscosidade não linear como uma propriedade fundamental. A corrigido equação do adensamento é obtida em termos de dissipação do excesso de poropressão normalizada.Em vista da complexidade do modelo, a técnica numérica de diferenças divididas finitas é utilizada para obter a solução teórica considerando variações no tempo e no espaço. A solução numérica mostra que uma parcela viscosa da tensão efetiva vertical atua retardando o fenômeno do adensamento. Além disso, o ajuste dos valores teóricos aos experimentais mostra que a modelagem para o fator viscosidade igual a um é mais promissora do que as propostas por Terzaghi e Frohlich (1936) e Andrade (2014).
Necessidade de leitos hospitalares para Covid-19 estimada por modelo epidemiológico SEIR adaptado para o município de Pelotas
Authors: Santos Thiago Melo , Cata-Preta Bianca Oliveira , Echeverry Luisa Fernanda Arroyave , Fassa Anaclaudia Gastal , Nunes Bruno Pereira , Silva Inácio Crochemore Mohnsam da , Collares Tiago , Quadros Régis Sperotto , Gonçalves Glênio Aguiar , Gandra Tiago Borges Ribeiro , Buske Daniela
Published: July 2022

Um dos desafios causados pela pandemia da covid-19 foi o provimento de leitos hospitalares para enfrentamento da doença e para evitar sobrecarga do sistema de saúde. Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar a plataforma de projeção de leitos hospitalares desenhada para auxiliar a prefeitura do município de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, a definir o número máximo de leitos de UTI necessário no pico da epidemia no município. Empregou-se o modelo epidemiológico SEIR adaptado com processo estocástico para os parâmetros da dinâmica de transmissão. A plataforma foi construída dentro de uma Aplicação Shiny e permite ao usuário ajustar todos os parâmetros utilizados no modelo. No início de abril de 2020, estimou-se a necessidade de 100 leitos de UTI no pico da epidemia em Pelotas. Tanto os parâmetros do modelo quanto as previsões foram constantemente atualizadas conforme o avanço da epidemia e do conhecimento científico sobre a doença. A plataforma foi uma das ferramentas utilizadas pela Equipe Científica do Comitê Interno para Acompanhamento da Evolução da Pandemia pelo Coronavírus da UFPel para tomada de decisões e divulgação de notas técnicas à imprensa.
Hydrological modelling applied to flooding assessment in the urban coastal city in Brazil
Authors: Lourenço Marcos da Silva , Mafra Ariana Paula Pernambuco , Kalas Francine de Almeida , Rodrigues Pedro Paulo Gomes Watts , Ferreira Maria Inês Paes , Junior Jader Lugon
Published: July 2022

The urban region of many coastal municipalities is marked by the growing process of urbanization of its marine river plain and presents great challenges related to the drainage of rainwater. This study seeks to verify the influence of the flood wave, coming from the upper part of the Macaé River hydrographic basin, in the flooding of the urban area, using MOHID platform, Land module, for the hydrodynamic simulation. The municipality of Macaé, located in the north of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), has a dense network of tributary channels, built to drain more quickly the waters that accumulate in the floodplains during the rainy seasons. The current configuration of this system is insufficient to reconcile the current land use and runoff, and the floods impose several economic losses. Given this scenario, the Hydrographic Basin Committee of the region, through its Water Resources Plan, recommended studies on the theme, pointing out the need for a more detailed topographic description. The results of the model were compared with a rain that occurred in March 2018, which caused flooding in various points of the urban area. The methodology used can be applied in other municipalities with the same need.
Seed Rain in a Degraded Mining Area: The Role of Bird Perches and Pioneer Trees
Authors: Branco Allencar Jorge Kasper , Cordeiro Juliano , Stefanello Suzana , Zwiener Victor Pereira
Published: July 2022

Mining causes changes in natural areas, from the elimination of vegetation and the seed bank to physical changes in the soil and water dynamics. The recovery of such impacted areas depends on both the natural process of secondary succession and the use of techniques that assist the return of the flora. Aiming to evaluate the seed rain in an area of basaltic rock mining, 18 seed collectors of 0.5 m2 were installed placed under artificial perches, pioneer trees (natural perches) and control collectors. After 12 months, 8976 seeds of 33 plant species were quantified with an average density of 997 seeds m2 year-1 that differed statistically between the different perches. Artificial perches were more efficient in facilitating the seed rain, the most abundant of which were Cecropia pachystachya Trécul (n=3218), Andropogon bicornis L. (n=1417), Urochloa plantaginea (Link) R.D.Webster (n=1179), and Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (n=1138) were more abundant and represented 77.4% of total collected seeds and 12.1% of species richness. The installation of artificial perches should be encouraged in degraded areas, because they facilitate the visitation of birds and seed dispersal, contributing both to the arrival of seeds and to an increase in seed richness in the area.
Um estudo sobre o conceito do TBL aplicada a construção sustentável por meio da metodologia de revisão sistemática da literatura
Authors: Alves Nunes Monteiro Jeanni , Dalvo Pereira da Conceição Roberta
Published: July 2022

O início da preocupação com sustentabilidade na construção, por meio do conceito do Triple bottom line (TBL), surgiu na década de 90, cunhada por Elkington. Este movimento teve por finalidade proporcionar um equilíbrio entre as dimensões econômica, social e ambiental. Para consolidação do assunto, é importante identificar os conceitos relacionados à sustentabilidade que estão sendo utilizados no contexto na construção sustentável. O presente artigo realizou uma revisão sistêmica sobre o conceito de TBL aplicado à construção sustentável, no período de 2010 a 2021, nas seguintes bases de dados: Scielo, Scopus e Science direct. Foram encontrados, inicialmente 739 artigos, após filtragem 169 e após leitura dos resumos e retirada dos duplicados, restaram 33 artigos, que foram analisados, para dar suporte a revisão. Evidenciou-se o crescimento da pesquisa na área TBL para a sustentabilidade das construções nos últimos 10 anos e que foram incorporados novos conceitos, como o de economia circular, que poderão desdobrar em novos caminhos para dar suporte ao desenvolvimento sustentável. Muito dos artigos demonstraram a ausência de uma visão holística de avaliação.
Estimation of the time of concentration from morphometric and hydrological monitoring parameters in São Paulo state watersheds
Authors: Murillo-Bermúdez Luis Fernando , Martim André Luis Sotero Salustino , Abreu Ana Elisa Silva de , Fais Laura Maria Canno Ferreira , Dalfré Filho José Gilberto
Published: July 2022

Morphometric analyzes support an understanding of the physical characteristics of hydrographic basins and are commonly used to estimate hydrological variables. This work aims to compare the geomorphological characteristics and the time of concentration (Tc) in two watersheds: upper part of the Jundiaí river (139.3 km2) and Piraí river (209 km2) belonging to the Jundiaí river basin, state of São Paulo. To calculate the Tc, empirical equations and monitored hydrological data were applied. Applying the US Army Corps of Engineers, Ven te Chow, and Kirpich Tc formulas, the Piraí watershed had the highest Tc, with a mean value of 6.29 h with a maximum difference between the three formulas of approximately 27%. The mean Tc for the Jundiaí watershed was 5.18 h, with a 25% variation between the minimum and maximum calculated values. Applying the hydrological method to the data collected between 2018 and 2021 from the São Paulo State Flood Alert System (SAISP) fluviometric and pluviometric stations, the minimum and maximum calculated values were 6.83 h and 23.33 h, respectively, with mean of 14.4 h. We observed higher values for the Piraí watershed, which has a larger drainage area, with Tc varying from 17 h to 49 h and mean of 36.7 h. Note that the average Tc for the Piraí watershed was almost 2.5 times higher than that of the Jundiaí watershed, despite the almost equal values of slope and length of the thalweg, calculated from the empirical equations. These equations based on morphometric parameters underestimated the Tc compared with the values calculated from the hydrological method, presenting 82% and 64% of error, respectively, for the Piraí watershed and the upper part of the Jundiaí watershed.
Preliminary study on the characterization of in natura malt residue from a brewery for potential use as an adsorbent in removing Reactive red 120 from aqueous solution
Authors: Bortoli Bruna Farias , Bachmann Suyanne Angie Lunelli , Beltrame Thiago Favarini
Published: July 2022

Malt residue is the main by-product of the brewing process and representing around 85% of the by-products generated in this segment. Due to its abundance and considering the high development of the beer market in recent years in Brazil and worldwide, there is also great concern regarding environmental issues to its final disposal, making it necessary to develop alternatives that generate products of greater added value and that can reduce environmental impacts. Given the growing demand for alternative adsorbents, especially for agro-industrial residues, this study aimed to carry out a preliminary characterization of malt residue to assess its potential as in natura adsorbent, to add value to the residue as well and to contribute to the mitigation of impacts on the environment. The malt residue was dried, ground, and classified, and this material was given the name of fresh malt residue (RMIN). For the characterization of RMIN, pH stability test analysis, zero charge point (pHPCZ), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed. After characterization, preliminary adsorption tests were carried out to remove a textile dye, in this case, Reactive red 120. As a result of the characterization analyses, the malt has a relatively stable pH when in aqueous suspension and the value pHPCZ found, was close to neutral, thus demonstrating the potential for removal of acidic substances. The result of the thermogravimetric analysis shows mass losses in temperature ranges characteristic of the presence of lignocellulosic compounds that make up the malt, which is corroborated by the results of the FTIR analysis, since the spectra revealed the presence of functional groups, such as group hydroxyl, carbonyl group, alkanes, and alkenes, related to the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. These functional groups can interact with the groups of the Reactive red dye 120 molecule, helping to remove them from an aqueous solution. Through SEM analysis it was possible to observe morphological changes when comparing the adsorbent particles before and after the adsorption process. The potential as an in natura adsorbent was evaluated through preliminary tests of adsorption, followed by filtration, whose system showed 30% removal. However, studies to determine the optimal adsorption conditions, kinetic and isotherm studies, and thermodynamic studies are still necessary to better understand the phenomenon. Studies to determine the useful life of the RMIN, as well as studies in pilot units or continuous systems, are also still needed to enable its use on a larger scale.
Industrial reuse of petrochemical effluents: A case study of ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis
Authors: Santos Andréia Barros , Barreto Aline Silveira , Gonçalves Luciano Ribeiro , Pires Alessandra Nogueira , Giacobbo Alexandre , Rodrigues Marco Antônio Siqueira
Published: July 2022

The petrochemical industry uses high volumes of water in its production processes and generates effluents that have a great potential for reuse in production processes. The reuse of these effluents is, therefore, an alternative for the sustainable development of the sector. This study aimed at evaluating the application of ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO) in the treatment of petrochemical effluents for the production of industrial reuse water, reducing environmental impacts caused by the disposal of effluents in the soil. The experiments were carried out with effluents named waste stabilization pond 1 (WSP-1), waste stabilization pond 8 (WSP-8) and an inorganic effluent (INO), which was used as feedwater in the pilot unit with a treatment capacity of 1 m³.h–1. The parameters chosen for evaluation in the treated effluents were calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulfate, electrical conductivity (EC), total organic carbon, color, chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, total suspended solids and turbidity. Membrane permeate fluxes were determined to evaluate the performance of the pilot system. After treatment and characterization of each effluent, the results were compared to define the most suitable effluent to achieve the quality required for industrial reuse. The results showed that the proposed UF/RO treatment provided a stable flux for the WSP-8 effluent. Conversely, the other streams showed an accentuated decrease in flux, which indicates fouling processes of the UF and RO membranes. As for the efficiency of the treatment, the process removed compounds of interest such as COD above 90%, salts and EC above 92% for the three assessed effluents. Thus, considering all aspects evaluated in this study, WSP-8 was the most suitable to be used as feed in the pilot system with UF and RO. The permeate produced presented the necessary quality for reuse in the industries of the Southern Petrochemical Complex, presenting equivalent characteristics to those of clarified water. Thus, the reuse of treated petrochemical effluents may be an important alternative source of water resources in face of availability and scarcity restrictions in industries in southern Brazil.
A biodegradable and antimicrobial polymer coating for metal implants for the prevention of prosthetic joint infection
Authors: Luo Tiancheng , Wylie Matthew P , McCoy Colin P
Published: July 2022

The aim of this project is to produce antibiotic-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymer films by airbrush onto orthopaedic implants to address prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). It covered the development of an airbrush spray-coating technique, the selection and assessment of polymers and antibiotics, sample characterisation and antibacterial studies. The initial results are encouraging as the PLGA coatings exhibited a sustained drug release pattern and antibacterial ability against causative pathogens. Moreover, these PLGA coatings also possessed rapid degradation within 4 weeks which could provide favourable conditions for osseointegration. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assessment of final coatings will need to be conducted to ensure biocompatibility, as well as to determine the effect of each coating on osseointegration. Finally, the development of alternative coating techniques which are more cost-effective and suitable for large-scale production might be the direction of future research. 
Process- and product-related impurities in the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine
Authors: Krutzke Lea , Rösler Reinhild , Allmendinger Ellen , Engler Tatjana , Wiese Sebastian , Kochanek Stefan
Published: July 2022

ChAdOx1 nCov-19 and Ad26.COV2.S are approved vaccines inducing protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans by expressing the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. We analyzed protein content and protein composition of ChAdOx1 nCov-19 and Ad26.COV2.S by biochemical methods and by mass spectrometry. Four out of four tested lots of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 contained significantly higher than expected levels of host cell proteins (HCPs) and of free viral proteins. The most abundant contaminating HCPs belonged to the heat-shock protein and cytoskeletal protein families. The HCP content exceeded the 400 ng specification limit per vaccine dose, as set by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for this vaccine, by at least 25-fold and the manufacturer’s batch-release data in some of the lots by several hundred-fold. In contrast, three tested lots of the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine contained only very low amounts of HCPs. As shown for Ad26.COV2.S production of clinical grade adenovirus vaccines of high purity is feasible at an industrial scale. Correspondingly, purification procedures of the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine should be modified to remove protein impurities as good as possible. Our data also indicate that standard quality assays, as they are used in the manufacturing of proteins, have to be adapted for vectored vaccines.
Identifying Improvements in Teaching and Learning via Supervision Support: A Pragmatic Perspective
Authors: Mandefro Eshetu
Published: July 2022

This article scrutinizes the professional support provided to teachers by supervisors to improve the teaching-learning process within the dimensions of learning behaviours and learning assessment in Ethiopian primary schools. The study employs a mixed-methods research design. The questionnaires were responded to by 382 in-service postgraduate diploma primary school principals and supervisors in the Educational Leadership and Management Department at Hawassa University. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 12 senior principals and supervisors. The results illustrate critical gaps in the supervision support to teachers for the improvement of learning behaviours and learning assessment. The study suggests that support-oriented supervision could play a significant role in assisting and improving the teaching and learning process. Hence, regional and federal governments should work together with development partners to enhance the competency of supervisory staff to provide enabling support to teachers and thus improve the quality of the teaching and learning processes in Ethiopian schools.
Hide and seek shark teeth in Random Forests: machine learning applied to Scyliorhinus canicula populations
Authors: Berio Fidji , Bayle Yann , Baum Daniel , Goudemand Nicolas , Debiais-Thibaud Mélanie
Published: July 2022

Shark populations that are distributed alongside a latitudinal gradient often display body size differences at sexual maturity and vicariance patterns related to their number of tooth files. Previous works have demonstrated that Scyliorhinus canicula populations differ between the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea based on biological features and genetic analysis. In this study, we sample more than 3,000 teeth from 56 S. canicula specimens caught incidentally off Roscoff and Banyuls-sur-Mer. We investigate population differences based on tooth shape and form by using two approaches. Classification results show that the classical geometric morphometric framework is outperformed by an original Random Forests-based framework. Visually, both S. canicula populations share similar ontogenetic trends and timing of gynandric heterodonty emergence but the Atlantic population has bigger, blunter teeth, and less numerous accessory cusps than the Mediterranean population. According to the models, the populations are best differentiated based on their lateral tooth edges, which bear accessory cusps, and the tooth centroid sizes significantly improve classification performances. The differences observed are discussed in light of dietary and behavioural habits of the populations considered. The method proposed in this study could be further adapted to complement DNA analyses to identify shark species or populations based on tooth morphologies. This process would be of particular interest for fisheries management and identification of shark fossils.
Sea urchins: an update on their pharmacological properties
Authors: Moreno-García Dulce María , Salas-Rojas Monica , Fernández-Martínez Eduardo , López-Cuellar Ma del Rocío , Sosa-Gutierrez Carolina G. , Peláez-Acero Armando , Rivero-Perez Nallely , Zaragoza-Bastida Adrian , Ojeda-Ramírez Deyanira
Published: July 2022

Sea urchins are a group of benthic invertebrates characterized by having rigid globose bodies, covered in spines, and have an innate immune system that has allowed them to survive in the environment and defend against many pathogens that affect them. They are consumed for their unique flavor, but also for possessing a rich source of bioactive compounds which make them a source for a wide array of medicinal properties. Thus, these may be used to discover and develop new drugs such as anti-bacterials, anti-carcinogenics and anti-virals. Precisely for those reasons, this revision is centered on the known biological activities in various sea urchin species. Recently, the potential pharmacological benefits of nine sea urchin species [Diadema antillarum (Philippi 1845), Echinometra mathaei (de Blainville), Evechinus chloroticus (Valenciennes), Mesocentrotus nudus (Agassiz, 1863), Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816), Scaphechinus mirabilis (Agazzis, 1863), Stomopneustes variolaris (Lamarck, 1816), Tripneustes depressus (Agassiz, 1863), and Tripneustes ventricosus (Lamarck, 1816)] have been evaluated. Our work includes a comprehensive review of the anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, anti-lipidemic, gastro-protective and anti-cardiotoxic effects. Furthermore, we revised the compounds responsible of these pharmacological effects. This work was intended for a broad readership in the fields of pharmacology, drugs and devices, marine biology and aquaculture, fisheries and fish science. Our results suggest that organic extracts, as well as pure compounds obtained from several parts of sea urchin bodies are effective in vitro and in vivo pharmacological models. As such, these properties manifest the potential use of sea urchins to develop emergent active ingredients.
Comparative actualistic study hints at origins of alleged Miocene coprolites of Poland
Authors: Brachaniec Tomasz , Środek Dorota , Surmik Dawid , Niedźwiedzki Robert , Georgalis Georgios L. , Płachno Bartosz J. , Duda Piotr , Lukeneder Alexander , Gorzelak Przemysław , Salamon Mariusz A.
Published: July 2022

Excrement-shaped ferruginous masses have been recovered from the Miocene of Turów mine in south-western Poland. These siderite masses have been the subject of much controversy, having been interpreted either as being coprolites, cololithes or pseudofossils created by mechanical deformation of plastic sediment. Here we present the results of mineralogical, geochemical, petrographic and microtomographical analyses. Our data indicate that these masses consist of siderite and iron oxide rather than phosphate, and rarely contain recognizable food residues, which may suggest abiotic origins of these structures. On the other hand, evidence in support of a fecal origin include: (i) the presence of two distinct morphotypes differing in size and shape, (ii) the presence of rare hair-like structures or coalified inclusions and (iii) the presence of rare fine striations on the surface. Importantly, comparative actualistic study of recent vertebrate feces shows overall resemblance of the first morphotype (sausage-shaped with rare coalified debris) to excrements of testudinoid turtles (Testudinoidea), whose shell fragment was found in the investigated locality. The second morphotype (rounded to oval-shaped with hair-like structures), in turn, is similar to the feces of some snakes (Serpentes), the remains of which were noted in the Miocene of the neighborhood areas. Other potential producers (such as lizards and crocodiles) and even abiotic origins cannot be fully excluded but are less likely.
A complete season with attendance restrictions confirms the relevant contribution of spectators to home advantage and referee bias in association football
Authors: Sors Fabrizio , Grassi Michele , Agostini Tiziano , Murgia Mauro
Published: July 2022

Background

Due to the unfortunate pandemic situation, the phenomena of home advantage and referee bias in sports have recently received a particular research attention, especially in association football. In this regard, several studies were conducted on the last portion of the 2019–20 season: the majority of them suggests a reduction—but not the elimination—of the two phenomena, with some exceptions in which no reduction was found or, at the other extreme, the phenomena were not observed at all.

Methods

The continuation of the pandemic made it possible to replicate the previous studies considering the complete 2020–21 season, thus with the important added value of having a fully balanced home/away schedule—and a higher number of matches—in the various leagues. In particular, the sample of the present study consisted of 3,898 matches from the first and second divisions of the UEFA top five ranked countries, that is, England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France. For the home advantage, the following variables were examined: distribution of matches outcomes and home advantage for points (also for previous seasons from the 2014–15 one); ball possession; total shots; shots on goal; and corner kicks. Instead, for he referee bias, the following variables were examined: fouls; yellow cards; red cards; penalty kicks; and extra time. Chi-square tests were used to compare the distribution of matches outcomes, and t-tests to compare home vs. away data for the other variables in the 2020–21 season; Bayesian and equivalence analyses were also conducted.

Results

The main results are as follows: (a) the distribution of matches outcomes in the 2020–21 season was significantly different from that of the last five complete seasons with spectators (Chi-square = 37.42, df = 2, p < 0.001), with fewer home victories and more away victories; the resulting values of the home advantage for points were 54.95% for the 2020–21 season, and 59.36% for the previous seasons; (b) for the other home advantage variables, a statistically significant overall advantage for the home team emerged; nevertheless, the strength of the differences between home and away teams was generally small (0.09 < Cohen’s d < 0.17), and the corresponding means can be considered statistically equivalent for all variables but the total shots; (c) no statistically significant differences emerged between home and away teams for any of the referee bias variables.

Discussion

These findings demonstrate that the absence of spectators significantly reduced the home advantage compared to previous seasons with spectators. A slight home advantage persisted in the 2020–21 season, probably due to other factors, namely, learning and travel, according to the model by Courneya & Carron (1992). Conversely, the referee bias was not observed, suggesting that it mainly derives from the pressure normally exerted by spectators.
Ulcerative Colitis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Co-existence or Complication
Authors: Mishra Rashmi , Garg Sandeep , Gajendrakumar Monika , Jakhar Rajesh , Bharti Praveen
Published: July 2022

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic recurring inflammatory illness of the gut, whereas Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a sudden onset of muscular weakness produced by the immune system attacking the peripheral nerve system. Both UC and GBS can be caused by immune system dysfunction and can co-exist. There are just a few case reports in the literature of GBS occurring in UC patients. However, present case report is an unusual instance of UC that developed during GBS on Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment
Predictors of Inpatient Treatment Completion and Non Completion in Patients with Alcohol Dependence from a Tertiary Care Centre in Central India
Authors: Patel Nishant , Niranjan Vijay , Rastogi Pali , Pal Rashmi , Pal VS
Published: July 2022

Introduction: In India, millions of individuals are affected by alcohol dependence as evident by a recent national survey. Apart from the serious health consequences, the use of alcohol brings significant social and economic losses to individuals and society as well. The early treatment discontinuation for deaddiction of alcohol is a major challenge, therefore identification of predictors of treatment completion could be of use to reorganize treatment programs effectively. Aim: To study the predictors of inpatient treatment completion of subjects with alcohol dependence in the deaddiction ward of a tertiary care centre and to compare the socio-demographic and clinical variables among completers and non completers. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, MGM Medical College Indore, India. The purposive sample of 100 patients was recruited in a period of one year. Selected inpatients were assessed through semi-structured proforma consisting of sociodemographic variables, clinical variables, and clinical rating scales i.e., Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ), Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale (CIWA-Ar), and Readiness to Change Questionnaire (RCQ). CIWA and SADQ scores were compared with student’s t-test and RCQ categories were compared with Chi-square test. To identify the predictors of treatment completion, binary logistic regression analysis was used. Results: The mean age of participants was 36.5 years. All patients were male. The majority of the enrolled participants were urban 80 (80%) and 20 (20%) were rural. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify the predictors of treatment completion and non completion, so the treatment completers/ non completers were taken as dependent variables and other socio-demographic/clinical variables as independent variables. The analysis showed that the education (p=0.01), occupation (p=0.01), history of substance in family (p=0.037) and complicated withdrawal (p=0.024) were the significant predictors in the study. Conclusion: The current study concludes that the education, occupation, history of substance in family, initiation of substance in younger age and complicated withdrawal, were the significant predictors of treatment completion in context of alcohol dependence. It was found that the stated readiness to change and treatment completion did not display a significantly positive correlation.
Regulatory Role of DNA Methylation and Its Significance in Plants
Authors: Rehman Rao Saad , Ali Mujahid , Zafar Syed Ali , Bashir Hassan , Pasha Asad Nadeem , Javed Abdullah , Ashraf Naveed Ali , Shah Waqar Ali
Published: July 2022

DNA methylation is a well-known epigenetic modification that is essential for gene regulation and genome stability. Anomalies in plant development can result from aberrant DNA methylation patterns. DNA methylation is much more important in plants with more complicated genomes when it comes to growth and abiotic stress tolerance. Dynamic regulation via de novo methylation, maintenance of methylation, and active demethylation, which are catalysed by diverse enzymes that are targeted by different regulatory mechanisms, results in a unique DNA methylation state. We explain DNA methylation in plants, including methylating and demethylating enzymes and regulatory changes, as well as the coordination of methylation and demethylation activities by a mechanism known as the methylstat. We also explain the roles of DNA methylation in regulating transposon silencing, gene expression, and chromosome interactions, as well as the intervention of DNA methylation in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Adaptive Mitigation to Farmland Flooding as a Resilience Builder in Selected Communities in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ibama Brown , Tari Eyenghe , Nengi Dapa Idaminabo , Wocha Chikagbum
Published: July 2022

In recent times the consequences of flooding on farmlands have been majorly attributed to climate change which has contributed to the distortions in the social and economic activities in Rivers State, Nigeria. This study aims to identify adaptive mitigative measures to manage the social and economic impact of farmlands flooding in selected communities in Etche Local Government Area in Rivers State. The objectives include the identification of the significant causes of farmland flooding in the study area, determining the social and economic impacts of farmland flooding in the study area, and identify mitigation measures put in place to combat farmland flooding in the study area. The study adopted the Mixed Methods Research approach using a concurrent triangulation research design. The data sources include questionnaire administration (using a 5-scale Likert Scale), key informant in-depth interviews, personal observation, photographs, and published materials from institutions. A total of 146 questionnaires were administered across these selected communities, including Nihi, Isu and Umuechem. A purposive sampling technique was deployed, and a total of 96 questionnaires were retrieved and validated for analysis. Some of the leading causes of farmland flooding include the blockage of storm-water channels, overgrazing and bush burning, overpopulation due to increased development (structures), heavy rainfall and drainage failure. The study further revealed that the social and economic impacts on farmland, communities and inhabitants are depression, stress, anger, and social vices. Other effects include loss of farmland and produce, increase in goods and services, loss of livelihood system, loss of income and damage to properties. The anticipated mitigative measures by respondents are a collaboration of stakeholders (farmers, communities, and government agencies), warning signals, reconstruction of failed drainages, quick responses, and adequate relief materials. In addition, the study recommended proper education and enlightenment of the vulnerable population on how to avoid the negative consequences of flood disasters. vulnerable people should prepare for any eventuality, real-time data on flood vulnerability mapping of the study area to enable the government, government agencies like the (NIMET) and the vulnerable population to know the extent of flooding and duration of every flooding episode. Furthermore, effective Spatial planning of those vulnerable communities to reduce the negative consequences of flood disaster and afforestation should be encouraged to mitigate adverse impacts of the flood.
Efficacy Assessment of Brewery Wastewater Treatment Practice using Physico-chemical Characterization and Toxicity Markers in African Mud Catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822) and African Brackish Water Shrimp (Palaemonetes africanus Balss, 1916)
Authors: Oladimeji Olajumoke, M. , Ogbogu Sylvester, S. , Umeokeke Hilary, C. , Ogunfeitimi Olusola, O. , Amaeze Nnamdi, H.
Published: July 2022

Industrial activities and urbanization in developing countries have gradually led to the deterioration of the environment in recent years. Large quantities of wastewater effluent are inadequately treated or untreated before discharge into receiving waterbodies, resulting in environmental health concerns. Thus, this study investigated the efficacy of a brewery wastewater treatment system in Lagos by assessing the physicochemical characteristics, acute toxicity, and oxidative stress induction capabilities of the influent (untreated) and effluent (treated) on African mud catfish, Clarias, gariepinus and brackish water Shrimp, Palaemonetes africanus. The test organisms were acutely and sub-lethally exposed to predetermined concentrations of treated and untreated brewery wastewater. Results from the physicochemical assessment of the respective wastewater indicated that the treatment process was relatively effective in improving acidity levels (80.0% reduction), suspended solids (88.0% reduction), total nitrogen concentration (77.0% reduction), chemical oxygen demand (24.05% reduction), and biological oxygen demand (30.0% reduction), while nickel and cobalt concentrations reduced by 50%. Also, there was improvement of dissolved oxygen by about 250%. The 96 h LC50 value of the Catfishes and shrimps exposed to treated wastewater were 12.926 ml/L and 1.095 ml/L respectively compared to and 10.371 mg/L and 0.061 mg/L for the untreated wastewater, indicating an improvement factor of 1.23 and 17.95 for both species, correspondingly. Inhibition of the levels of activities of anti-oxidative enzymes (Reduced glutathione GSH, Superoxide dismutase SOD, and Catalase CAT) and increased lipid peroxidation damage (Malondialdehyde MDA) were recorded in all treatments for both test species, relative to the unexposed control groups. The enzymes however did not show significant trend with respect to the wastewater treatment status. Overall, it can be concluded that the wastewater treatment improved the effluent quality and such a process should be encouraged and enforced to ensure sustainable use of our water bodies.
Performance of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes their Growth and Yield under Irrigated Condition of Prayagraj
Authors: Prashanth S. , Umesha C. , Vikas S. P.
Published: July 2022

A field experiment was carried out during Rabi season, 2021 at Wheat Breeding experimental Field, Naini Agricultural institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design and nine genotypes were replicated fourfold. Study revealed that the genotype G2 i.e., NETS-102 recorded significantly higher plant height (112.02 cm), number of tillers/hill (7.7/hill), plant dry weight (31.41 g/hill), length of the spike (12.79 cm), number of grains per spike (63.41/spike), grain yield (4.26 t/ha) and Straw yield (6.04 t/ha). It was evident that the performance of genotype NETS-102 was proved to be viable and productive.