bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L' "effet terroir" : facteurs naturels et vin
Authors: Salomon Jean-Noël
Published: March 2019

Le problème de la qualité d'un vin, outre une appréciation purement personnelle, pose la question de ce qui revient aux facteurs naturels et de ce qui relève du savoir faire de l'homme, patiemment élaboré au cours de l'histoire. De la combinaison des deux, émane ce que d'aucuns nomment le "terroir", ce terme recouvrant bien des notions selon les interlocuteurs. Cependant beaucoup admettent, notamment en matière de viticulture, que le terroir est susceptible d'apporter une "typicité". Cette notion a été plus ou moins bien appréciée au cours du temps, mais a tendance à être assimilée à un gage d'authenticité. La part qui revient aux facteurs naturels dans cette "typicité" ou "qualité" est l'objet de notre analyse.
La dynamique des mangroves à travers leurs lisières : éléments de diagnostic
Authors: Lebigre Jean-Michel
Published: March 2019

La dynamique spatiale naturelle des mangroves s'inscrit au sein d'ensembles plus vastes, les marais maritimes, qui incluent généralement des tannes, zones sursalées ou acidifiées développées aux dépens de la mangrove. Cette dynamique s'exprime clairement dans le paysage végétal à travers des lisières. La physionomie de ces dernières varie considérablement en fonction de leur situation : face à la mer (front externe de mangrove), sur la rive des chenaux ou encore en limite des tannes et des formations marécageuses (front interne de mangrove). Dans chacune de ces situations, on peut opposer différentes familles de formes dont la mise en évidence repose principalement sur un examen de l'architecture des palétuviers. Ces formes, qui font l'objet d'une typologie, sont liées soit à la progradation des mangroves, soit à leur recul général ou partiel. Leur identification, en permettant de faire un diagnostic efficace quant à la dynamique des marais possède de nombreuses applications, notamment lorsqu'il s'agit d'entreprendre des opérations de restauration de la mangrove ou d'aménagement sur les littoraux concernés. Cette méthode, même si elle ne peut arriver à des conclusions irréfutables dans tous les cas, a l'avantage de permettre un diagnostic beaucoup plus simple et rapide que par l'analyse diachronique à partir de photographies aériennes.
Signification des dépôts karstiques et dangers d'interprétation (Exemple du Périgord, du Quercy et des Grands Causses)
Authors: Le Fillatre Virginie
Published: March 2019

This paper is aiming to explain the different processes which take place in the deposit of cave formations and sediments, and to show what interpretation problems may be met by karstologist. Some proposals are given there , but many questions are left unsatisfied.
La région d'Arudy : les relations glacio-karstiques, élément fondamental de l'organisation morphologique
Authors: Auly Teddy
Published: March 2019

The area of Arudy's basin , to the end of Ossau valley , corresponds to a contact area between relieves of piedmont's hills and the firsts limestone links of the Pyrenean range. This limestone base , which fined under a broken form in these hills, forms the main seating of this area. The morphology of Arudy's county is in majority a karstic region . However the glacial shape constitutes a basic point in the reliefs forms and their organisation. The glacial actions Quaternary had an alteration effect on the karstic inherited elements (probably during the tropical climate of Tertiary). The melting waters of Ossau glacier and the under-glacier flowing played a basic part in the formation of devised elements, generating glacial-karstic morphologies. These forms are witnesses of the landscapes' development and the result of erosion's processes that followed one after the other and continued to have an effect on the present relief The presence of morainic blocks in some underground networks proves that the Arudy's karst has an earlier origin to the Quaternary glaciations.
La "tempête du siècle" (27 et 28 décembre 1999) et notamment en Aquitaine
Authors: Salomon Jean-Noël
Published: March 2019

At the end of decerriber 1999, France has been traversed by two ravaging storms which have induced many damages. Those have surprised by their fullness. Easily flooded areas, forests and orchards, transports and communication networks have been particularly touched. The paper pretends to strikes the balance, necesarily incomplete, of these phenomena and to give consideration to the notion of natural risk and precaution principle. Some managment proposals are recommended.
La côte charentaise : une dynamique littorale exacerbée (Côte sud-ouest de l'île d'Oléron et côte d'Arvert)
Authors: Prat Marie-Claire
Published: March 2019

Sur une vingtaine de kilomètres, les côtes basses et sableuses du sud-ouest de l'île d'Oléron et de la presqu'île d'Arvert sont confrontées à une dynamique marine très active, responsable d'un recul du trait de côte sur l'essentiel du secteur et aggravé au sud d'Oléron. Un seul secteur d'accrétion existe au sud de la Pointe espagnole. La dynamique éolienne très forte a atteint un paroxysme lors de la grande tempête de décembre 1999. Les transformations paysagères sont considérables et peuvent remettre en question certains aspects de la gestion des milieux dunaires.
Problèmes et enjeux de l'environnement dans l'agglomération de Tucuman (Argentine)
Authors: Laymond Philippe
Published: March 2019

Agglomération du Nord Ouest de l'Argentine, le Grand Tucuman est situé à la base du piémont subtropical andin. Suite à une croissance démographique et spatiale mal maîtrisée, cette métropole connaît une dégradation de son environnement se traduisant par diverses formes de pollutions, auxquelles il faut ajouter des risques naturels accrus du fait de la pression anthropique plus forte. Cet article propose de voir quels sont les principaux blocages qui empêchent une amélioration. Ces obstacles, financiers, culturels, et organisationnels, soulèvent des questions sur la place de l'environnement dans la gestion d'une agglomération en pleine crise socio-économique.
Faut-il manger du saumon ?
Authors: Salomon Jean-Noël
Published: March 2019

L'essor actuel de l'aquaculture, et en particulier celle du saumon, peut paraître positif dans la mesure où cela a mis à la portée de toutes les bourses un poisson réputé cher. Cependant, derrière cette "démocratisation" du produit se cachent bien des aspects occultes que le grand public ignore. Cet article entend mettre en exergue quelques uns de ces derniers et montrer que la "géographie du saumon" reste à définir à partir de bases réellement cohérentes.
La méthode des plaquettes calcaires étagées un outil pour la quantification de l'érosion dans les systèmes karstiques. Application au réseau du Rupt-du-Puits (Meuse, France)
Authors: Jaillet Stéphane , Herbillon Claude
Published: March 2019

La quantification de l'érosion et le rôle des crues dans la dynamique de celle-ci ont été étudiés par une nouvelle méthode : celle des plaquettes calcaires étagées. Le système karstique du Rupt-du-Puits (Meuse, France), un bassin d'investigation qui se prête bien à ce type d'approche (bonne connaissance du fonctionnement hydrologique, facilité d'accès), a été le siège d'une expérience s'étalant sur deux années hydrologiques. Le positionnement de 50 plaquettes en 10 rangs étagés dans ce réseau souterrain a permis de montrer le rôle des crues dans l'intensité de la corrosion. Les crues moyennes, inférieures à 1 m de hauteur (850 l/s) expliquent à elles seules 73 % de la corrosion des plaquettes calcaires, pendant 96,5 % du temps hydrologique. Les crues supérieures à 1 m expliquent les 27 % restants de l'érosion et ceci pendant seulement 3,5 % du temps hydrologique. Le calcul de la dissolution spécifique réelle par mesure de l'exportation des carbonates (intégration des débits et des charges dissoutes) conduit aux même résultats et valide cette nouvelle méthode des plaquettes calcaires étagées.
Les tourbières de l'Europe de l'ouest
Authors: Sennès Vincent
Published: March 2019

Les tourbières sont des zones humides caractérisées comme leur nom l'indique, par la formation de tourbe, sédiment issu de l'accumulation de matière organique partiellement décomposée. Leur genèse requiert un bilan hydrique positif (plus de gains que de pertes en eau) et une faible activité des décomposeurs. Le climat est le principal acteur de cette formation même si localement, des situations géomorphologiques favorables à la rétention d'eau l'induisent également. Issues généralement de la combinaison de ces deux facteurs, les tourbières présentent une grande diversité, que la classification actuelle basée sur l'origine des apports en eau regroupe en différents types. Tous possèdent une dynamique qui, théoriquement, se conclut par l'arrêt de l'activité turfigène. Ces phases sont caractérisées par la végétation qui, une fois morte, forme la tourbe. Elle y laisse son empreinte par les pollens ce qui confère aux tourbières la propriété d'enregistrement de leur propre histoire. Enfin, la tourbe intervient dans les cycles biogéochimiques de l'eau et du carbone. Elle assure une partie de la régulation des hydrosystèmes voisins et représente un puits à carbone de grande importance.
Les Portes De Fer : un complexe hydroénergétique au sein de l'espace carpato-danubien (Roumanie)
Authors: Hoffmann Frédéric , Barat Sophia
Published: March 2019

Les Portes de Fer représentent un point central dans l'espace roumain. C'est un secteur de rencontre entre la montagne, les Carpates, et le fleuve, le Danube qui sert également de frontière avec l'ex-Yougoslavie. C'est aussi un complexe hydroénergétique de premier plan, constitué de 2 barrages hydro-électriques. Ils fournissent une part importante de l'électricité d' un pays en plein redéploiement économique et industriel.

Néanmoins, on peut se demander s'il existe un impact de ces deux barrages sur la dynamique fluviale danubienne. La diminution du transit sédimentaire semble en être la principale forme. Elle pourrait expliquer en partie le recul constaté de certains secteurs du delta du Danube situé en aval.
Un paléokarst aménagé : le Parc Naturel de Cabarceno (Monts Cantabriques -Espagne)
Authors: Salomon Jean-Noël
Published: March 2019

Le site de Cabarceno dans la Sierra de Villanueva-Gandara, près de Santander, est connu depuis l'Antiquité pour avoir été l'un des grands gîtes miniers (fer) de la péninsule ibérique. Il s'agit d'un gisement formé à proximité de la surface dans un paléokarst calcaro-dolomitique et qui a été exploité en quasi-totalité de telle sorte que de nos jours il n'en reste plus que des tourelles et des pinacles résiduels. La beauté du site avec des contrastes colorés (rouge, vert, bleu du ciel) a incité les autorités régionales à y développer un Parc Naturel animalier des plus originaux, fréquenté par des milliers de touristes. L'ensemble constitue l'un des meilleurs exemples européens d'un ancien site minier reconverti avec succès vers une nouvelle forme d'exploitation culturelle et paysagère du karst.
La pollution de l'eau d'un milieu humide sableux application au bassin versant de l'étang de Carcans Hourtin
Authors: Lavie Emilie
Published: March 2019

L'étang de Carcans Hourtin est un milieu humide particulièrement anthropisé, ce qui interroge sur la possible pollution du milieu par l'agriculture et les rejets domestiques en particulier. Par conséquent, suite à un examen étendu sur une année complète et sur tout le bassin versant de l'étang, cette étude a non seulement permis de montrer du doigt les différentes origines des pollutions, mais aussi de connaître le fonctionnement de l'hydrosystème superficiel de ce bassin versant. Elle met également en exergue les éventuelles conséquences d'une pollution chronique sur un milieu aussi fragilisé.
Les grands estuaires français : organisation, aménagement, environnement
Authors: Fournet Philippe
Published: March 2019

Parties terminales des vallées fluviales en forme d'entonnoir évasé vers l'embouchure, hydrosystèmes originaux animés par le va et vient des marées, espaces de sédimentation à l'origine de terres basses ripuaires et insulaires, les estuaires ont été perçus très tôt par les sociétés humaines comme des ouvertures sur les eaux côtières et lointaines susceptibles de dynamiser le commerce local et régional.

Malgré des échelles contrastées, les estuaires français de la Manche et de l'Atlantique ont généré, parfois dès le Moyen-Âge, le plus souvent à l'époque moderne, des activités maritimes variées, sources d'enrichissement pour des villes-ports en position de fond d'estuaire (Rouen, Nantes, Bordeaux...) qui se sont dotées d'un patrimoine architectural et urbanistique de grande qualité, aujourd'hui réhabilité et présentant un grand intérêt culturel et touristique.

A partir de la fin du XIXème siècle et tout au long du XXème siècle, dans un souci constant d'adaptation aux mutations techniques des navires de mer et des modes de conditionnement du fret, les autorités portuaires se sont ingéniées à aménager les estuaires (Seine, Loire, Gironde...) en approfondissant les chenaux de navigation, en endiguant et en poldérisant les marais bordiers pour y implanter des avant-ports équipés de terminaux spécialisés mais aussi de ZIP et de plates-formes logistiques en relation avec de vastes hinterlands. Tous ces travaux ont entraîné une artificialisation croissante de ces espaces au préjudice des écosystèmes et des activités traditionnelles, l'objectif étant d'accroître les performances et donc la productivité des établissements portuaires dans un contexte national et international de plus en plus concurrentiel. Néanmoins, depuis une bonne vingtaine d'années, sous la pression des associations de protecteurs de la nature et d'usagers, les autorités portuaires et les élus ont pris conscience de la valeur du capital écologique estuarien et intègrent désormais la dimension environnementale et paysagère dans les programmes d'extension industrialo-portuaire et de développement local.
Autopsie d'une catastrophe annoncée : Katrina et la Nouvelle-Orléans
Authors: Salomon Jean-Noël
Published: March 2019

Le cyclone Katrina qui a frappé la côte de Louisiane en août 2005 est la catastrophe la plus coûteuse de l'histoire. Bien que prévisible, ce désastre n'a pas été jugulé. Les raisons de cela sont analysées dans cet article à but pédagogique, ainsi que quelques conséquences de cette mauvaise gestion.
Astroblèmes terrestres et dérive des continents : Essai de cartographie chronologique
Authors: Auly Teddy , Pellegrin Jean-Christophe
Published: March 2019

La découverte et la caractérisation des astroblèmes terrestres ont récemment fait une avancée considérable grâce à l'imagerie satellitaire et au progrès technologique et informatique des appareils de détection et de mesure. En effet, les cratères les plus anciens ont été érodés et les reliefs résultant de ces impacts météoritiques n'existent plus : seuls quelques indices, variations gravimétriques ou géologiques, modification du réseau hydrographique etc., laissent encore supposer l'existence passée de la chute d'un objet extraterrestre. L'exemple de la collision multiple de la comète SHOEMAKER-LEVY 9 sur Jupiter, montre que les astéroïdes peuvent se fractionner et impacter une planète, produisant ainsi des alignements d'astroblèmes. L'objet de cette étude est de repérer ces alignements éventuels de cratères à la surface du globe. Mais ceux-ci étant d'âges divers, il faut d'abord tenter de reconstituer chaque paléogéographie des continents à l'âge considéré avant de reporter la position des astroblèmes. Cette méthode simple a néanmoins permis de suspecter quelques alignements intéressants pouvant s'avérer être des indicateurs de la dérive des continents.
Concrétions et morphologies en boules
Authors: Salomon Jean-Noël
Published: March 2019

Les morphologies en boule sont considérées comme des curiosités rares de la nature et, devant elles, la tendance à l'émerveillement est fréquente. Pourtant ces morphologies sont étonnamment courantes, issues de processus variés et affectant des roches et matériaux divers, et ce à différentes échelles. Par amusement, plus que par analyse poussée, nous avons tenté de regrouper quelques grands types et d'en expliquer succinctement les genèses. Une abondante illustration photographique et quelques figures accompagnent notre propos.
Qualité des eaux dans le Saint-Emilionnais.
Authors: Cattaneo Marion , Hoffmann Frédéric , Lavie Emilie
Published: March 2019

La région de Saint-Emilion (classée à l' UNESCO), mondialement connue pour son patrimoine médiéval et ses prestigieux vignobles, est une zone géographique caractérisée par une mise en valeur agricole très ancienne. Pendant des siècles, le milieu naturel a été transformé, arti-ficialisé par l'Homme afin d'organiser l'espace en vue de la production viticole. Avec plus de 80 % de la Surface Agrícoie Utilisée plantée en vigne, cette monoculture intensive présente aujourd'hui des traces de pollution, issues des traitements phytosanitaires (effluents viticoles) et des eaux de lavages produites lors de la vinification du raisin (effluents vinicoles). Le bilan environnemental dans le secteur de Saint-Emilion résulte de l'étude de la qualité des eaux, vecteur significatif des impacts de l'activité anthropique. Les résultats obtenus permettent de confronter une image fondée sur la qualité des productions, à celle d'un espace où le milieu naturel est en perte de ses potentialités originelles.
Bucovine : du thermalisme à la mise en tourisme et la préservation.
Authors: Hrisca Doru Cătălin
Published: March 2019

La Bucovine est l'une des régions touristiques les plus importantes de Roumanie. Elle bénéfice d'un vaste patrimoine historique. La diversité de ses paysages et de ses monuments, en particulier la beauté des peintures de ses monastères reconnus par l'UNESCO, fait partie de ses principaux atouts. Les acteurs locaux et nationaux considèrent donc le tourisme comme une voie potentielle de développement. L'analyse de ta mise en tourisme de cet espace sur plus de deux siècles souligne l'alternance de périodes de stagnation et de dynamisme. Le tourisme, aujourd'hui en plein essor, tend à placer les richesses du patrimoine au cœur de considérations diverses et variées aboutissant à des actions multiples.
Assessment of Genetic Biodiversity of Some Traits Using SSR Markers in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Fazaa Mahmoud , Bassuony Nessreen N. , Essa Walaa , Lightfoot David
Published: March 2019

A set of germplasm of ninety accessions of rice (Oryza sativa L.) were collected in Egypt to assess genetic biodiversity. Using SSR markers some specific quantitative trait loci associated with tolerance to abiotic stress, resistance to blast disease and enhance the grain yield were found. Phylogenic data was collected. Eight primers (RM 315, RM 318, RM 166, RM 302, RM 201, RM 234, RM 526 and RM 144) showed different polymorphism frequencies. The polymorphism was nearly 80 %. The size of detected fragments ranged from 105–325 bp. A total of 186 bands were scored from the amplification products with the ten SSR primers. Genetic diversity analyses were conducted on the basis of the scores with 176 unique bands. Phylogenic trees for the fifteen rice accessions from each group and subgroup were established according to the molecular data and based on ten SSRs. A marked genetic diversity was observed in the five groups and the origin genotypes from the five groups were (Sakha 101, IR 03N137, IR 83142-12, IR 87856-10-AJY-1-B, HHZ 12-Y4-DT1-Y2 and IR 1552), respectively which showed higher layers of diversity and hence can be used as donors for the effective conservation, utilization and providing favorable genes and valuable germplasm in rice breeding.
Primary Teachers’ Perceptions of CLIL Implementation in Spain
Authors: Campillo José María , Sánchez Raquel , Miralles Pedro
Published: March 2019

CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) has been one of the major innovations that has been implemented in Spain in the last decades and many questions have arisen in relation to its effectiveness. The aim of this article is to report primary teachers’ perceptions of the most relevant aspects of CLIL teaching of Science and Social Science in Primary Education in the Region of Murcia. Their perceptions of this integrated approach are crucial to meet their needs, coordinate their efforts and develop good practice. Results from this research emphasize an extensive application of CLIL methodological guidelines and the use of a wide range of tools when evaluating learners’ competences. Additionally, they have expressed their satisfaction with language assistants when motivating pupils and fostering their oral skills and intercultural awareness. However, CLIL teachers believe Public Administration should provide more resources, further training and enhanced coordination to improve the quality of education under this paradigm.
A Literary (Techno)science
Authors: Hollingshaus Wade
Published: March 2019

Beginning in the late 1970s, Finland’s Erkki Kurenniemi (1941-2017) actively labored to archive every possible aspect of his life. He took photos, made videos, and collected his tram tickets, receipts, body hairs, etc. Kurenniemi believed that within the next forty years, computer technoscience will have advanced sufficiently that it could be programmed to interpret the data of his archive and—on his 107th birthday, 10 July 2018—resurrect his consciousness. For Kurenniemi, this project was an experiment in the realms of neuroscience and artificial intelligence. However, it can also be seen as an experiment in aesthetics, or in what Jacques Rancière calls the “aesthetic regime” of art—an aesthetic-political historical framework imbued with the dynamics of democracy, where “everything speaks.” This article reframes Kurenniemi’s work within the aesthetic regime of art to draw attention to the “silent speech” and “aestheticunconscious” (Rancière) of the work and what is the literary nature of Kurenniemi’s experiments with (techno)science.
Three Phases of the Theatrical Public Sphere in Estonian Theatre
Authors: Linder Eva-Liisa
Published: March 2019

The concept of the public sphere by Jürgen Habermas has inspired humanities and theatre studies. Estonia, as a small post-totalitarian nation state, proves the concept especially relevant as its recent history reveals three different phases of the theatrical public sphere. 1) Theatre as a secret forum. In Soviet times, theatre served as a political and ideological tool, providing a place for keeping the national memory and consolidating society. 2) The active and technical use of the public sphere by newly awakened political theatre NO99 since 2005. 3) The agonistic theatrical public sphere. During the past decade, a whole wave of projects have discussed national identity with concurrent antagonisms: globalization vs nationalism, civic vs ethnic nationalism, the Estonian vs Russianspeaking community. Theatre has commented on two concepts of national identity, e-Estonia and Organic Estonia, innovative digitalization and cultural traditions. The discursive public sphere has led to increased civic awareness and structural changes in the developing democracy, supported integration, and anti-xenophobia in Estonia. At the same time, two main characteristics of the theatrical public sphere have been highlighted: spatiality and political relevance
Performance as Counter-memory:
Authors: Radzobe Zane
Published: March 2019

The article introduces the topic of Latvian documentary theatre of the second decade of the twenty-first century using Michael Foucault’s concept of counter-memory. The article analyses a series of performances by artists of the Latvian post-Soviet and post-memory generation dealing with history and memory discourses and highlights the main strategies of use of countermemory discourses in the creation of national, cultural, and individual identities; emphasizing memory as a construct and highlighting strategies of its creation and maintenance; emphasizing the oppressive nature of dominant-discourses; a disassociation with the past and memory, both cultural and individual.
Effect of Added Black Cumin Seed (Nigella sativa L) Oil on Oxidative Stability of Flaxseed Oil
Authors: Khormizi Ali Beik , Asadollahi Simin , Khorshidpoor Bizhan , Hosseini Elahesadat
Published: March 2019

Background: Lipid oxidation has adverse effect on food deterioration and human health. Oxidative reactions limit the shelf-life of fresh and processed foodstuffs which are of great concern in the vegetable oil and fat industry.

Aim: The antioxidant activity of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L) Oil (BCO) as a source of natural antioxidants was compared against a synthetic antioxidant (BHA). Its oxidative stability was evaluated in Flaxseed oil (as the most sensitive oil against oxidation) in concentrations of BHA (200ppm).

Study Design: Oils were analyzed for the composition of fatty acids, tocopherols and for some physicochemical properties [Peroxide (PV), P-Anisidine (AV),TOTOX values, Thiobarbituric acid, Iodine value, Oxidative stability (OS)and Refractive index]to assess the extent of oil deterioration during 30th days of storage.

Place and Duration of Study: Islamic Azad University of Varamin and Tehran University, Tehran, Iran, From March 2018 to April 2018.

Methodology: Optimal condition was investigated to protect edible oil like flaxseed oil from oxidative reaction. Black cumin seeds and flaxseeds were pressed separately by cold press. Then BCO was prepared at five concentration levels of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% (w/w) and added to Flaxseed oil. In terms of antioxidant activity, they were analyzed by Gas Chromatography and compared with sample containing 200 ppm of synthetic antioxidant (BHA) during 30thdays at ambient temperature (22-25° C).

Results and Conclusion: The results showed that different levels of BCO were able to slow down the lipid oxidation well, but the effect of sample contained 5% BCO was higher than other levels and has potential source of natural antioxidant for the application in food industry to prevent lipid oxidation.
Improving Students Performance Through Using Models in Teaching Solid Geometry in Junior Secondary Schools in Hong Local Government Area, Nigeria
Authors: Agah Marcel P.
Published: March 2019

The aim of this paper was to determine the influence of using models as instructional materials on student’s performance in mathematics in Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the effect of using models on students academic achievement in mathematics and to determine the influence of gender difference when taught with models. The research employed experimental study design on a targeted population of all Junior Secondary Students in Hong Local Government Area. A sample of 240 students both male and female participated in the study. Out of the four randomly selected schools, two were assigned experimental group and the remaining two, control group. Data were obtained through testing the groups at the end of the treatment and was analysed using the appropriate statistics at 0.05 level of significant. From the presentation and data analysed, findings revealed that teaching mathematics with models as instructional materials improved students performance. The result further, revealed gender difference in favour of boys than girls. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that, schools should provide best designed Models in support of the teacher’s improvisational ones, with simple and durable materials that will facilitate instruction.
Changes in Sperm Morphology and Characteristics of Experimentally-induced Hypertensive Wistar Rats Treated with Lagenaria breviflora Roberty or Xanthosoma sagittifolium Exell
Authors: Oridupa Olayinka A. , Aina Oluwasanmi O. , Lawal Temitope S. , Saba Adebowale B.
Published: March 2019

Aims: This study was designed to evaluate the male reproductive toxicity that may accompany treatment of hypertension in Wistar rats with methanol extracts of whole fruit of Lagenaria breviflora Roberty or corm of Xanthosoma sagittifolium Schott.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Animal House of the Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology between November, 2016 and January, 2017.

Methodology: Antihypertensive study was carried out in 40 adult male Wistar rats equally and randomly distributed into 8 groups. First group was normotensive rats administered with distilled water, while hypertension was induced in groups 2-7 intraperitoneal administration of DOCA-salt twice weekly and daily inclusion of 1% sodium chloride in drinking water. Group 2 was hypertensive but untreated rats. Two hypertensive groups were administered with Lisinopril (5 mg/70 kg) or Hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg/70 kg). Two hypertensive groups were assigned to each extract and these rats were administered with the extracts at doses of 100 or 200 mg/kg body weight. The rats were treated per os for 5 weeks and sacrificed at the end of this period. The testes were harvested and semen samples were obtained from the left cauda epididymis. Semen analysis were carried out to determine sperm morphology and characteristics.

Results: Result showed 1 primary and 7 secondary sperm abnormality types were observed with a non-significant (p>0.05) increase in total abnormal sperm cells. Live/dead ratio and sperm volume were unchanged but, sperm motility and count were significantly (p<0.05) reduced.

Conclusion: It was inferred from the study that hypertension in itself induced infertility and also treatment of the medical condition with the extracts of L. breviflora or X. sagittifolium did not reverse the infertility. Therefore, caution should be exercised when treating hypertension with these medicinal plants, particularly in male animals used for breeding.
Effect of Pine Needle Mulch and Irrigation Frequency on the Yield of Origanum syriacum under Open Field Condition
Authors: Kader El Hajj Abdel , Nakhle Marwa , Talj Vera , Taha Nour , Oleik Soha , Housein Maisaa , Rizk Helen
Published: March 2019

Due to the intensive harvest from natural habitat and increasing competition as a source of food, O. syriacum was introduced into cultivation and soon became one of the promising crops for many farmers in rural areas. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of pine needle mulch(PN) and irrigation frequency(IF) at 5, 10 and 15 days on the yield under open field conditions. The study was conducted at the Lebanese agricultural research institute (LARI) in Lebaa station (33°32.681′ North, 35°27.088′ East, 354 m a.s.l.), south Lebanon, province of Jizzin, under open field condition for two seasons during 2016. Treatments were organized in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results indicated a significant effect of mulch in both spring and fall seasons F (1, 172) = 59.34, p < .0001, η²=.24, F (1, 172) = 77.71, p < .0001, η²=.30 respectively. The two-way anova showed no significant effect of irrigation frequency on the average and total plant fresh weight (PFW) across two seasons F (2, 349) = .80, p= .4522, η²=.0038, F (2, 159) = 1.07, p= .3460, η²=.007 respectively. Very little variance of the plant fresh weight ,(0.2% – spring and 3.1 %- fall) was attributed to the interaction of mulch and irrigation frequency .In a comparison between percent weight contribution(PWC) of a different plant part, leaves formed the highest proportion (48.6%)  compared to the inflorescence and stem. The fresh weight of weeds(g/ m2 ) was significantly less in plots mulched with pine needles compared to the control (F(1,66)=24.43, p<.0001, η²=.75).

Applying pine needle mulch enhanced most of the yield parameters. Under calcareous clayey soil O. syriacum could be irrigated at10 or 15 days frequencies without remarkable decrease in the yield.
Soil Quality Assessment of Different Land Use in Kabba Southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria
Authors: Babalola T. S. , Yahqub M.
Published: March 2019

The study assessed the soil qualities of five land use types; Oil palm plantation, Nursery site, Forest (Teak), Citrus orchard and Arable Crop land in Kabba College of Agriculture using selected biological indicators which include, Organic Carbon (OC), Total Nitrogen (TN), Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC) and Microbial Biomass Nitrogen (MBN). An area of 40 m x 30 m that is representative of each land use was selected, sampled and analyzed following standard procedures for laboratory analysis. The highest values of OC (18.41 g/kg) and TN (7.95 g/kg) were obtained at the nursery site followed by Oil Palm (OC - 14.12 g/kg; TN - 6.56 g/kg), the lowest values were obtained at the Arable Crops site (OC - 10.53 g/kg; TN - 5.20 g/kg). The MBC values ranged from 307 – 498 mg/kg across the land use studied. The MBN values obtained in this study ranged between 16.93 - 34.41 mg/kg. The MBC/MBN ratios obtained in this study were relatively high and in the following order Forest land (26.5 mg/kg) > Oil Palm Plantation (21.3 mg/kg) > Citrus orchard (19.5 mg/kg) > Nursery site (15.9 mg/kg) > Arable Crops land (12.2 mg/kg) respectively indicating the predominance of fungi in these soils. It is recommended that sustainable practices that will encourage replenishment of C and N into the soil should be adopted in the study area.
Influence of Maize (Zea mays L.) Density on Morpho-Physiological and Yield Parameters in Bali, North West Region of Cameroon
Authors: Achiri Tange Denis , Ketu Teba Ivo , Njualem Dominic K.
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the morpho-physiological and yield response of maize (Zea mays L.) variety as influenced by different plant density in Bali Nyonga, North West Region of Cameroon. The fives treatments (intra-row spacing) were: Treatment 1 (T1 = 15 cm ≈ 95200 plants/ha), Treatment 2 (T2 = 20 cm ≈ 71400 plants/ha), Treatment 3 (T3 = 25 cm ≈ 57100 plants/ha), Treatment 4 (T4 = 30 cm ≈ 47600 plants/ha) and Treatment 5 (T5 = 35 cm ≈ 40100 plants/ha). The treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Commercial NPK (20:10:10) fertilizer was used twice in the course of the study. This experiment was done in Bali Nyonga, a village located in Bali sub- Division, North West Region of Cameroon. This research was conducted in 2014 from March to July. There were four blocks, each with a surface area of 38.2 m2. Each block was divided into five raised beds. Each bed measured 300 cm x 40 cm. The peak of each bed was separated from the adjacent bed by 70 cm. The blocks were separated by a gap of 1.5 m. Each bed contained a treatment (intra-row spacing). Maize seed were sown per the intra-row spacing on the 20th on March 2014 after two consecutive heavy rain falls. Two fertilizer applications were made in the experiment; on the day of sowing and four weeks after emergence. Data was collected on physiological, morphological and yield parameters. SPSS ver. 23 was used for all analysis. Results indicated that different intra-row spacing influenced morpho-physiological (plant emergence, plant height, stem diameter, senescence, lodging leaf area index, plant vigour), and yield (number and weight of cobs at harvest) parameters of maize. The highest plant emergence and plant height was recorded from treatment 1 (P = .05). There was an inverse proportion between plant density stem diameter, plant vigour and leaf area index (P = .05). The number of cobs increased with plant density. The highest mean number of cobs at harvest was 12.8 for treatment 1 (P = .05). The highest mean weight of cobs harvested was from treatment 3 and treatment 2 (P = .05). There was also a strong regression (R2 = 0.792, P < .043). From the findings of this experiment maize density significantly influenced agronomic and yield parameters of maize. Farmers are recommended to use treatment 3 and treatment 2 for optimal growth and yield.
Complications of Falciparum Malaria Infections among Ghanaian Children; from the Healthcare Personnel’s Perspective
Authors: Bahaah Bernard , Afranie Bright Oppong , Donkor Sampson , Tuekpe Diana Makafui
Published: March 2019

Background and Aim:  Malaria is known to be the most widespread tropical disease and a chief cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa. This study was conducted to determine some common complications of falciparum malaria in children, from the perspective of healthcare personnel in Kumasi, Ghana.

Materials and Methods: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was carried out at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana. The study population included health care professionals working at the children`s unit of the hospital. About 80 healthcare personnel were recruited to partake in the survey for eliciting views on malaria. Questionnaires were used to capture some symptoms and complications of malaria from the health workers’ point of view.

Results: More than half of the healthcare personnel were males (52.5%), and majority of the participants were medical officers. The study participants elaborated on some common malaria symptoms among children. Fever recorded the highest frequency, represented by 98.8%, followed by general malaise (97.4%), nausea and vomiting (93.8%), chills (78.8%) and headaches (72.5%). Prostration (45.0%), hyperpyrexia (38.75%) and hypoglycemia (13.75%) were the most frequently reported complications by the respondents. Majority of the participants reported cerebral malaria (30.0%), severe anemia (23.75%), acute respiratory distress (17.5%) and repeated generalized convulsions (16.25%) to be the most lethal feature of complicated malaria infection in children. The overwhelming majority of the respondents (90.0%) use the WHO 2014 standard (page2) as guide for determining complicated malaria.

Conclusion: Prostration with hyperpyrexia and hypoglycemia were the most common features of falciparum malaria from the perspective of healthcare personnel in Kumasi, Ghana.
Target the Bite: Knowledge on Lyme’s Disease
Authors: Kumar Anjali , Hernandez Jennings
Published: March 2019

Disease agent Borrelia burgdorferi has continued to incrementally spread Lyme disease throughout the United States and has become the concern of the general population’s health. Ixodes ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, that come in contact with any area of the human body, typically stay attached for a period of 36-48 hours in order for them to completely transfer the bacteria into the host. The symptoms manifested typically inhabit the nervous system, musculoskeletal system and the cardiovascular system. New methods in the diagnostic techniques have been in ongoing research including the SYBR Green I/PI assay which quantifies living bacteria after dosage completion along with molecular testing which uses PCR of synovial fluid, blood, tissue biopsy, and cerebrospinal fluid to detect for an imbalance in OspA and its respective chromosomal targets. Current diagnostic measures of ELISA and Western blot are not reliable due to individuals vaccinated with Lymerix testing positive regardless of infection because it is insensitive to early detection, creates false positives and cannot detect chronic Lyme after treatment
Influence of Post-Flowering Chemical Thinning on Development and Fruit Quality of 'Fuji Suprema' and 'Maxigala' Apple Trees
Authors: Gabardo Gentil Carneiro , Kretzchmar Aike Anneliese , Petri José Luiz , De Martin Mariuccia Schlichting , Sezerino André Amarildo , Blattmann Edson
Published: March 2019

Aims: Evaluate possible alterations in the development, anatomy and quality of fruits from 'Maxi Gala' and 'Fuji Suprema' apple plants treated with Metamitrom (MM) and Benzyladenine (BA) alone or in combination, applied at different stages of fruit development in the Midwestern region of the state of Santa Catarina.

Study Design: The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with five replicates. Place and duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in the municipality of Caçador-SC, Brazil, during the growing season of 2016/2017.

Methodology: Two products, BA (with hormonal action) and MM (photosynthesis inhibitor) were applied individually or in a tank mix in post-flowering periods (in fruits of 5-10 mm and 15-20 mm in equatorial diameter), which were compared with plants with no thinning and manual thinning of both cultivars. Treatments were as follows: Control (no thinning) MM, BA, MM + BA (in fruits of 5-10 mm in diameter); MM, BA, MM + BA, manual thinning (in fruits of 15-20 mm in diameter). The phenological stage of F2 (Full flowering (FF) was observed on September 28, 2016 for both cultivars. Evaluations of the anatomical characteristics of fruits at the time of harvest did not show any alteration in cell size (mean cell area - μm2) and cell density (number of cells per fruit section area); the mean fruit mass was higher in MM 350 mg L-1 (5-10 mm), MM 350 mg L-1 + BA 40 mg L-1 (5-10 mm), and MM 350 mg L-1 (15-20mm) treatments. In the 'Fuji Suprema' cultivar, except for control treatments, MM 350 mg L-1 (5-10mm) and BA 80 mg L-1 (5-10mm), a significant reduction in production was observed (kg plant-1 and fruit-1). While in 'MaxiGala', all the thinning treatments reduced yield per plant. The cultural thinning practice, fruit load management, adapting the number of fruits according to plant size is the most important factor that producers are able to influence. Thinning reduces fruit load in the plant, which allows remaining fruits the possibility of greater growth and size gain. The combination of MM + BA is efficient in the thinning of apple fruits, especially when applied at the beginning of fruit development (5-10 mm in diameter). The application of chemical thinners, such as MM and BA, may influence the early stages of fruit development.
Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Cinnamon, Clove, Thymes, Zataria Multiflora, Cumin and Caraway Essential Oils against Ochratoxigenic Aspergillus ochraceus
Authors: Moghadam Zohreh Abdi , Hosseini Hedayat , Hadian Zahra , Asgari Bita , Mirmoghtadaie Leila , Mohammadi Abdorreza , Shamloo Ehsan , Javadi Nasrin Haji Seyed
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Mycotoxin producing fungi are major contributors to food contamination and many epidemics in humans and animals. The adverse effects of the use of chemical preservatives have led to a special focus on the use of natural compounds, especially plant derivatives. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal properties of herbal essential oils of Cinnamon, Clove, Thymes, and Zataria multiflora, Cumin, and Caraway on the growth of Aspergillus ochraceus.

Materials and Methods: Briefly, the presence of mycotoxin producing gene was investigated using PCR. Furthermore, production of mycotoxin in a medium with high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (FLD) was evaluated. Ingredients of essential oils were determined using GC/MS. The amount of antifungal activity of essential oils was assessed by disc diffusion and well diffusion method. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by macrodilution method.

Results: Gene presence and mycotoxin production were confirmed by PCR and HPLC-FL. Among all studied essential oils, Cinnamon with MIC and MFC of 0.078 μl / ml exhibited the greatest effect on A. ochraceus growth as compared to other essential oils.

Conclusion: This study indicated that essential oils have an effective role on controlling A. ochraceus growth and have shown promising to be a good bioactive natural preservative in food industry.
Model for Mathematics Teachers Development
Authors: Atteh Evans , Andam Emmanuel Appoh
Published: March 2019

This paper identifies 3 – step model that can be adopted by every mathematics teacher and various training settings to effectively move teaching towards an active learning environment. This model which is built upon existing ideas proposed over the years in education and best practices concerning cognitive development and effective teaching and learning environment tends to equip teachers with very useful skills for classroom instructions. Ultimately, this model can aid teachers to move teaching and learning towards an active learning environment which is more effective and enjoyable for teachers and students for learning.
Reproductive & Biomarker Response of Male Albino Rats (Rattus norvegicus) to a Daily Dose of Soft Drink
Authors: Obemeata E. Oriakpono, , Iyabo S. Owolabi,
Published: March 2019

The effect of a daily consumption of soft drink was evaluated using 24 albino male rats divided into two groups viz:control and treatment. The experiment was carried out for four (4) weeks. The treatment (a brand of soft drink) was administered to the test group for three weeks while on the fourth week no treatment was given to the test group. The parameters analysed include; Sperm count, kidney function test, liver test, red blood cell, pack cell volume, haemoglobin, white blood cell, platelets, lymphocytes. The results showed that: The mean serum electrolyte for Na (mmol/l) was low for week 1, 2, 3 and 4 having 142, 140, 133.6 and 141.66 respectively when compared to the average control (147.3) with a significant difference (P<0.05) in week 1 and 4, K (mmol/l)  were all lower than the average control (5.4) across the week with no significant difference (P>0.05) but had the least mean value of 4.8 in week 2. Bicarbonate (mmol/l) was also significantly lower (P<0.05) in the treated group when compared to the average control (24.3) with the least mean value in week 4 (18.67) and Cl (mmol/l) had a mean of 93.0 in week 1, 94.67 in week 2, 108.66 in week 3 and 107.67 in week 4 with an average control of 99.33. AST (U/L) mean value was 20.67 in week 1 which increased to 31.67 in week 4 while ALT (U/L) mean value was 10 in week 1 which also increased to 13 in week 4. The mean serum protein (g/dL) reduced from 81.83 in week 1 to 73.24 in week 4. Mean PCV (%) reduced from 33.67 in week 1 to 32.7 in week 4, Hb (g/dL) increased from 11.2 in week 1 to 13.4 in week 4 with a significant difference (P<0.05) when comparing the test with the average control, WBC (X109) increased from a mean  5.26 in week 1 to 11.9 in week 4 with a significant difference (P<0.05), Platelet (X109) mean value was 315 on week 1 and 419 in week 4 with significant difference (P<0.05) in week 3 and 4 when compared with its control, RBC (X1012) increased from a mean of 4.23 in week 1 to 6.90 in week 4 with significant difference (P<0.05). Lymphocyte (X109) mean value for week 1 was 70 and 82.26 in week 4 with significant difference (P<0.05) across the week. While the mean sperm count (X106) reduced significantly (P<0.05) from 425 in week 1 to 400 in week 4 when compared to the average control (566). These findings demonstrate that regular consumption of soft drink had a detrimental effect on the sperm count, liver, kidney and on the haematological parameters.