bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and Speciation of Marine Materials Using Synchrotron Probes: Guidelines for New Users
Authors:   Bangor University, Jones Rose , Nicholas Sarah , Northrup Paul , Bostick Benjamin , Hoffman Colleen , Hu Wen , Lam Phoebe , Leri Alessandra , Toner Brandy , Twining Benjamin
Published: May 2022

Synchrotron instruments are useful for marine studies because they make nondestructive measurements of chemical composition and speciation on small sample volumes and at low concentrations. Synchrotron beamtime is available without cost using a peer-reviewed proposal system. New users do not have to be synchrotron radiation experts to design a good experiment, but some guidance is needed to design and propose appropriate experiments. Here we present some of that guidance to encourage and increase access to synchrotron facilities for marine science. We provide advice and examples from experts on how to access these instruments, choose the optimal sample preparation, and avoid common pitfalls. We then present some examples of successful marine studies that use these techniques.
Workers’ Education from the Cloud: Maximising Latest Technologies for Human Resource Development in Africa
Authors: O. Kester Kehinde , O. Ojedeji Solomon
Published: May 2022

As the world is getting increasingly globalised as occasioned by rapid advancements in technology, so is the need for continuous skills enhancement on the part of the working population. What it takes to cope with the demands of the ever dynamic workplace in today’s tech-driven world has kept changing. Therefore, a worker who refuses to up-skill in line with the changing demands of the workplace will soon become obsolete. This has an implication for workers’ training and re-training towards skills enhancement which has some elements of digital skills acquisition. Meanwhile, cloud-based technology is increasingly being used in the education sector, and it is also considered to hold much promise for workers’ education. Cloud computing systems provide a variety of opportunities for content delivery, as well as providing limitless access to information over the internet. This chapter, therefore, explores the workability of workers’ education through the use of cloud computing systems, particularly in Africa in the face of her obvious challenges relating to a high level of poverty, epileptic power supply and poor internet connectivity, among others.
Genetic Conservation and Importance of Ginger in Ethiopia
Authors: Hailemichael Girma , Zakir Mohammedsani , Addisu Melaku
Published: May 2022

Ethiopia has conducive agro-ecology and is capable to produce various spices, including ginger. Spices research in Ethiopia with various limitations did a lot on ginger technology development and achieved significant results. Acquiring significant number of ginger accessions from domestic and foreign source, variety development, pre and postharvest management practices including protection parts are available. Ethiopians have high spices consumption culture and significant volume of ginger used locally and this can be considered as one of the opportunities. In addition to this, there is significant export of ginger and generating 22.6 million USD in 2008. Though there is such potential for production and export earnings, still there are lots of challenges that keep the performance of the commodity very low. The local grouping of the ginger materials, and the selection and release of two ginger cultivars from Jimma Agricultural Research center/Tepi Agricultural Research Sub Center, confirmed that the country has a high diversity of germplasm. This chapter reviews the ginger germplasm enhancement, conservation, variety development, status of ginger breeding, diversity of ginger, ginger tissue culture, ginger biotechnology.
Fatores de risco e elementos primitivos no desenvolvimento de síndromes hipertensivas no pré-natal: revisão integrativa
Authors: Cruz Neto João , Santos Paula Suene Pereira dos , Oliveira Joseph Dimas de , Cruz Rachel de Sá Barreto Luna Callou , Oliveira Dayanne Rakelly de
Published: May 2022

Objetivo: identificar os fatores de risco e elementos primitivos associados às síndromes hipertensivas nas gestantes no pré-natal. Método: revisão integrativa nas bases: MEDLINE, SCOPUS, WoS, CINAHL, BDENF e LILACS no período de setembro a outubro de 2020. Para a extração dos dados utilizou-se a ferramenta Poronto. Resultados: incluíram-se 47 estudos, nos quais foram identificados 30 conceitos primitivos inter-relacionados que alertam para as necessidades das gestantes. As investigações permitiram identificar idade de 18 a 50 anos, raça negra, vulnerabilidade socioeconômica, baixa escolaridade e o baixo peso ao nascer como fatores de risco sensíveis de identificação na atenção primária. Conclusão: a literatura apresenta fatores pertinentes quanto ao desenvolvimento da síndrome hipertensiva permitindo clarificar os elementos primitivos e fatores de risco. Além do mais, subsidia o cuidado e aponta para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas que desenvolvam instrumentos voltados ao público estudado.
A trajetória do Pronaf: análise das operações de crédito nos municípios brasileiros entre 2013 e 2020
Authors: Fossá Juliano Luiz , Matte Alessandra , Mattei Lauro Francisco
Published: May 2022

O objetivo deste trabalho consistiu em analisar a distribuição das operações do PRONAF nos municípios brasileiros entre os anos de 2013 e 2020. Os indicadores quantitativos utilizados tiveram como fontes o IBGE e o Banco Central do Brasil e dizem respeito ao montante do crédito disponibilizado pelo programa por município, sendo que tais informações foram deflacionadas pelo INPC para o ano de 2020. Quanto aos valores financeiros, os resultados apontam que os dez maiores municípios contratantes se localizam na região Sul e no estado de Rondônia. Já os dez municípios com maior número operações contratuais se situam, em sua maioria, nos estados da região Nordeste e no estado de Minas Gerais. Quanto ao perfil da produção agropecuária, notou-se que os municípios maiores contratantes detêm importante presença da atividade pecuária avícola e a produção agrícola de milho e soja. Já nos dez municípios com maior número de contratos a produção agropecuária apresenta-se com maior grau de diversificação. Conclui-se que o perfil de acesso ao PRONAF conduziu para uma trajetória de fortalecimento do segmento da agricultura familiar naqueles municípios que majoritariamente dedicam-se à produção de commodities agropecuárias.
A Qur anic Apocalypse
Authors: Cuypers Michel
Published: May 2022

The present volume closes a trilogy devoted to the exegesis of the Qurʾān analyzed according to the principles of Semitic rhetoric, a method of textual analysis developed in the field of biblical studies. It studies the shortest sūrahs of the Qur'ān, which are traditionally dated to the beginnings of the preaching of Muḥammad in Mecca. The reference to the initial vision of Muḥammad in Sūrah 81, the point of departure for his career as Prophet, provides the starting point of the study of this group of sūrahs. The analysis shows that the redactors who assembled the textual fragments of the Qur'ān into a book were guided by precise intentions. In the end, it is these intentions that the rhetorical analysis of the text enables us to discover and better understand.
Trabalho e migração internacional: um estudo sobre a proteção jurídica do trabalhador migrante haitiano sob a perspectiva dos direitos humanos
Authors: Oliveira Marco Aurélio Machado de , Moreno Bibiana de Sousa
Published: May 2022

O presente artigo visa abordar a relação existente entre os movimentos migratórios e o mundo do trabalho. Possui como objetivo central analisar a proteção jurídica do trabalhador imigrante em âmbito nacional e internacional, partindo da perspectiva dos direitos humanos fundamentais. Analisa a Convenção Internacional da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) para a Proteção dos Direitos dos Trabalhadores Migrantes e de suas Famílias, bem como a mudança de paradigma introduzida pela Lei de Migração (Lei nº 13.445/17). Além disso, investiga o exercício do direito de acesso à Justiça do Trabalho pelos imigrantes como instrumento para efetivação de direitos e como o Judiciário trabalhista tem respondido às demandas propostas por essa população. Metodologicamente, a revisão bibliográfica e a análise documental de processos judiciais tiveram um papel preponderante. Verificou-se que além de violações a direitos básicos, os imigrantes haitianos são corriqueiramente vítimas de discriminação racial no ambiente laboral, caracterizando uma forte relação entre xenofobia e racismo, o que demanda o desenvolvimento de ações mais efetivas no combate às práticas discriminatórias.
Notas iniciais de pesquisa: mapeando a presença de mulheres como titulares de acervos em instituições de memória em Santa Catarina
Authors: Schütz Karla Simone Willemann , Waschinewski Susane da Costa
Published: May 2022

Tomando como ponto de partida a Lei nº 18.226 de 2021, que inclui a História das Mulheres do Campo e da Cidade no currículo escolar da educação básica em Santa Catarina, o presente artigo discorre sobre os momentos iniciais de pesquisa que tem como objetivo mapear a presença de mulheres como titulares de arquivos abrigados em diferentes instituições de memória em Santa Catarina. O arcabouço teórico-metodológico da pesquisa está apoiado em debates que relacionam memória e história, arquivo, arquivos pessoais, escrita da história e história das mulheres. Com base na divisão regional do estado, a pesquisa iniciou com contatos por meio virtual com essas instituições e posterior organização dos dados em planilhas. Levando em conta as poucas respostas recebidas, percebeu-se, além de uma dificuldade de entendimento acerca do que seria exatamente o objeto da pesquisa, que a presença das mulheres como protagonistas ainda é bastante tímida nesses espaços institucionais.
Funiculí, Funiculà? A isca cultural da italianidade e o processo de gentrificação urbana no centro de Nova Veneza-SC
Authors: Alano Natalia D’Agostin , Alano Natassia D’Agostin
Published: May 2022

O artigo inaugura uma investigação sobre um possível processo de gentrificação urbana em município de baixa densidade populacional e com histórico de imigração italiana: a cidade de Nova Veneza | Santa Catarina. O estudo teve por objetivo compreender efeitos iniciais das reiteradas reformas arquitetônicas na Praça Humberto Bortoluzzi – conduzidas pelas investidas do poder público local – nos usos estabelecidos daquele espaço e na transformação urbana do seu entorno, e a estreita relação com o discurso da italianidade. Para dar conta da discussão, partimos da seguinte questão: de que modo as reiteradas reformas da Praça Humberto Bortoluzzi impactam no seu uso e na reconfiguração do seu entorno? Tratou-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, cujos instrumentos de geração de dados empregados foram observação participante, entrevistas semiestruturadas e conversas informais. A organização textual se apresenta enquanto narrativa, de modo a auxiliar a forma textual, o processo analítico, a descrição espacial e eventuais subjetividades. No campo teórico, as referências utilizadas são de autores provenientes da Antropologia Urbana e do Planejamento Urbano.
Always Open, Seven-Eleven: Education Targeting Healthier Food Choices in a High Convenience Store Density Area in Taipei
Authors: Dai Chia-Liang , Chen Ching-Ying , Wang Ziying , Chang Cheng-Liang
Published: May 2022

To enhance children's health, the promotion of nutrition literacy in school is vital as it helps prevent the development of health conditions and diseases and maintain healthy lifestyles. Taiwan features the top highest ratio of convenience stores per population density. Convenience stores, an increasingly popular dining place, were linked to the development of eating behavior and body weight issues in children. An eight-week classroom-based nutrition intervention, employing the Traffic Light Diet as a framework, targeting children's perception of and intention to visit the convenience store was implemented. The study conducted a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest research design with a comparison group. A total of 49 students participated in the study, with 25 in the intervention and 24 in the comparison group. Data were collected by utilizing surveys, interviews, and observations. The study's findings demonstrated the positive trajectory of the impact of this intervention on increasing food-and-nutrition-related knowledge and improving healthier diet choices at convenience stores among children. One main theme was identified in coding interviews: parent involvement in meal preparation may reduce convenience store use and increase consumption of vegetables among children. Assessing the influence of parental support for healthy dietary choices, eating nutritious foods at home, and involving the family in meal preparation is an area for future research.
Clinical and Radiographic Dependences of Functional Status, Indices of the Hip Joint, and Femur Migration in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Yatsuliak Mykhailo B. , Nemesh Mykhailo M. , Martsyniak Stepan M. , Melnyk Mykhailo V. , Kabatsii Miroslaw S. , Filipchuk Viktor V.
Published: May 2022

Relevance: Significant incidence of hip pathology in different groups of children with cerebral palsy and factors that may affect its formation are relevant objects of the study.

The Goal of the Study: To establish the features of the hip joint’s formation, examining the clinical and radiographic dependences of the functional status and indices of the hip joint in patients with cerebral palsy.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a clinical and radiographic examination of the hip joints using our own methods and standard anterior-posterior radiography, and statistical analysis of hip parameters and factors that may have influenced their formation. The total number of patients was 47 persons (86 joints).

Results: Correlation relationships have been established between hip parameters and factors that may affect them: Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), gait function, level of lesion, developmental dysplasia of the hip, and adductor myotomy in medical history.

Conclusions: The Reimers’ index showed greater reliability compared to the Wiberg angle. Positioning the patient's body using our own method can be used to screen the hip joints in cerebral palsy based upon the Reimers index while obtaining the true parameters of the femoral neck-shaft angle and torsion of the femur.
Life cycle costing manual for the Federal Energy Management Program
Authors: Kneifel Joshua , Webb David
Published: May 2022

Handbook 135 is a guide to understanding the life cycle cost (LCC) methodology and criteria established by the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) for the economic evaluation of high-performance facility projects, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and renewable energy projects in all federal facilities. It expands on the life cycle cost methods and criteria contained in the FEMP rules published in 10 CFR 436, Subpart A, which applies to all federal agencies. The purpose of this handbook is to facilitate the implementation of the FEMP rules by explaining the LCC method, defining the measures of economic performance used, describing the assumptions and procedures to follow in performing evaluations, giving examples, and noting NIST computer software available for computation and reporting purposes. An annual supplement to Handbook 135, Energy Price Indices and Discount Factors for LCC Analysis, NISTIR 85-3273, is also published by NIST to provide the current discount rate, discount factors, and energy escalation factors used for conducting an LCC analysis in accordance with the FEMP rules. This annual supplement is required when using Handbook 135 and is used in updating NIST LCC-related software. The 2020 edition of Handbook 135 superseded the 1995 version and included extensive revisions and reorganization around the key steps in an LCC analysis. Although the underlying LCC methodology has not changed, the content of the handbook has been updated to include the most relevant information. Given the technological developments since its 1995 release, the manual worksheets previously provided for completing LCC analysis have been removed. The examples have been updated and expanded to provide explicit use cases for projects with a broader scope than energy efficiency and water conservation to include all considerations of high-performance facilities, including sustainability and resilience. Additionally, the handbook provides additional information resources (e.g., data sources, requirements, codes and standards, and guidance by project goal). This 2022 edition of Handbook 135 supersedes the 2020 edition and includes minimal changes focused on addressing language in new executive orders and their implications on federal cost-effectiveness analysis. The handbook will be updated on an ad hoc basis dependent on future changes in federal statutes and regulations, agency goals and guidance, LCCA support resource development, and available funding.
Seasonal and diel influences on bottlenose dolphin acoustic detection determined by whistles in a coastal lagoon in the southwestern Gulf of California
Authors: Gauger Marco F. W. , Romero-Vivas Eduardo , Peck Myron A. , Balart Eduardo F. , Caraveo-Patiño Javier
Published: May 2022

Marine mammals in subtropical coastal habitats are sentinels of the health of the ecosystem and offer important ecosystem services. They rely on prey that pursues feeding opportunities, while both avoid unfavorable conditions. In many cases, these predator-prey dynamics fluctuate seasonally and are regulated by lunar, tidal, and/or diel cycles (hour). However, these rhythmical patterns may vary under different seasonal conditions. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Ensenada de La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico, were detected acoustically over the course of an annual cycle on 21 separate occasions, covering 640 h from June 2017 to May 2019. The presence of bottlenose dolphins was examined using Generalized Additive Models (GAM) including variables that are related directly to their habitat (direct variables: hour, distance, depth) and to their prey (indirect variables: SST, moon phase and tides). Seasonal differences in the presence of bottlenose dolphins were influenced more by indirect variables (explained deviance: 34.8% vs. 37.7%). Hourly acoustic detections occurred less frequently when SST exceeded 27.4 °C (Aug–End of Nov.) and more frequently at moderate temperatures (22.7 °C to 26.3 °C) in May through July. Moreover, bottlenose dolphins were detected more frequently during waning and new moon phases, at the onset of flood and ebb tides, and during day (04:00 to 20:00). The seasonal differences in acoustic detections rates were highlighted by the global GAM and hierarchical clustering. The strong seasonal pattern indicated possible interactions with rhythmic pattern of bottlenose dolphins. Four candidate variables (SST, moon, tide, and hour) were tested for plausible interaction terms additional to their individual consideration, out of which only hour changed significantly between seasons. The patterns of presence likely increase feeding opportunities or may favor other behaviors such as socializing, resting, or nursing. These might prove responsible for the distinct occurrence and hourly patterns of bottlenose dolphins.
Embryonic development of the moon jellyfishAurelia aurita(Cnidaria, Scyphozoa): another variant on the theme of invagination
Authors: Kraus Yulia , Osadchenko Boris , Kosevich Igor
Published: May 2022

Background

Aurelia aurita(Scyphozoa, Cnidaria) is an emblematic species of the jellyfish. Currently, it is an emerging model of Evo-Devo for studying evolution and molecular regulation of metazoans’ complex life cycle, early development, and cell differentiation. ForAurelia, the genome was sequenced, the molecular cascades involved in the life cycle transitions were characterized, and embryogenesis was studied on the level of gross morphology. As a reliable representative of the class Scyphozoa,Aureliacan be used for comparative analysis of embryonic development within Cnidaria and between Cnidaria and Bilateria. One of the intriguing questions that can be posed is whether the invagination occurring during gastrulation of different cnidarians relies on the same cellular mechanisms. To answer this question, a detailed study of the cellular mechanisms underlying the early development ofAureliais required.

Methods

We studied the embryogenesis ofA. auritausing the modern methods of light microscopy, immunocytochemistry, confocal laser microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy.

Results

In this article, we report a comprehensive study of the early development ofA. auritafrom the White Sea population. We described in detail the embryonic development ofA. auritafrom early cleavage up to the planula larva. We focused mainly on the cell morphogenetic movements underlying gastrulation. The dynamics of cell shape changes and cell behavior during invagination of the archenteron (future endoderm) were characterized. That allowed comparing the gastrulation by invagination in two cnidarian species—scyphozoanA. auritaand anthozoanNematostella vectensis. We described the successive stages of blastopore closure and found that segregation of the germ layers inA. auritais linked to the ’healing’ of the blastopore lip. We followed the developmental origin of the planula body parts and characterized the planula cells’ ultrastructure. We also found that the planula endoderm consists of three morphologically distinct compartments along the oral-aboral axis.

Conclusions

Epithelial invagination is a fundamental morphogenetic movement that is believed as highly conserved across metazoans. Our data on the cell shaping and behaviours driving invagination inA. auritacontribute to understanding of morphologically similar morphogenesis in different animals. By comparative analysis, we clearly show that invagination may differ at the cellular level between cnidarian species belonging to different classes (Anthozoa and Scyphozoa). The number of cells involved in invagination, the dynamics of the shape of the archenteron cells, the stage of epithelial-mesenchymal transition that these cells can reach, and the fate of blastopore lip cells may vary greatly between species. These results help to gain insight into the evolution of morphogenesis within the Cnidaria and within Metazoa in general.
Bayesian estimation for the mean of delta-gamma distributions with application to rainfall data in Thailand
Authors: Kaewprasert Theerapong , Niwitpong Sa-Aat , Niwitpong Suparat
Published: May 2022

Precipitation and flood forecasting are difficult due to rainfall variability. The mean of a delta-gamma distribution can be used to analyze rainfall data for predicting future rainfall, thereby reducing the risks of future disasters due to excessive or too little rainfall. In this study, we construct credible and highest posterior density (HPD) intervals for the mean and the difference between the means of delta-gamma distributions by using Bayesian methods based on Jeffrey’s rule and uniform priors along with a confidence interval based on fiducial quantities. The results of a simulation study indicate that the Bayesian HPD interval based on Jeffrey’s rule prior performed well in terms of coverage probability and provided the shortest expected length. Rainfall data from Chiang Mai province, Thailand, are also used to illustrate the efficacies of the proposed methods.
Inter-set rest configuration effect on acute physiological and performance-related responses to a resistance training session in terrestrial vs simulated hypoxia
Authors: Benavente Cristina , Feriche Belén , Olcina Guillermo , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Camacho-Cardenosa Alba , Almeida Filipa , Martínez-Guardado Ismael , Timon Rafael , Padial Paulino
Published: May 2022

Background

Metabolic stress is considered a key factor in the activation of hypertrophy mechanisms which seems to be potentiated under hypoxic conditions.This study aimed to analyze the combined effect of the type of acute hypoxia (terrestrial vs simulated) and of the inter-set rest configuration (60 vs 120 s) during a hypertrophic resistance training (RT) session on physiological, perceptual and muscle performance markers.

Methods

Sixteen active men were randomized into two groups based on the type of hypoxia (hypobaric hypoxia, HH: 2,320 m asl; vs normobaric hypoxia, NH: FiO2 of 15.9%). Each participant completed in a randomly counterbalanced order the same RT session in four separated occasions: two under normoxia and two under the corresponding hypoxia condition at each prescribed inter-set rest period. Volume-load (load × set × repetition) was calculated for each training session. Muscle oxygenation (SmO2) of the vastus lateralis was quantified during the back squat exercise. Heart rate (HR) was monitored during training and over the ensuing 30-min post-exercise period. Maximal blood lactate concentration (maxLac) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined after the exercise and at the end of the recovery period.

Results

Volume-load achieved was similar in all environmental conditions and inter-set rest period length did not appreciably affect it. Shorter inter-set rest periods displayed moderate increases in maxLac, HR and RPE responses in all conditions. Compared to HH, NH showed a moderate reduction in the inter-set rest-HR (ES > 0.80), maxLac (ES > 1.01) and SmO2 (ES > 0.79) at both rest intervals.

Conclusions

Results suggest that the reduction in inter-set rest intervals from 120 s to 60 s provide a more potent perceptual, cardiovascular and metabolic stimulus in all environmental conditions, which could maximize hypertrophic adaptations in longer periods of training. The abrupt exposure to a reduced FiO2 at NH seems to reduce the inter-set recovery capacity during a traditional hypertrophy RT session, at least during a single acute exposition. These results cannot be extrapolated to longer training periods.
Multiple Bone Fractures in a Neonate with Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A Case Report
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Chamoli Prerna
Published: May 2022

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is characterised by increased bone fractures. It is clinically and genetically a heterozygous disease of connective tissues. OI type 3 is the most severe, non lethal form which is caused by the mutation of caused by mutation of procollagen type1 A1 or A2(COL1A1 or COL1A2) genes. A one-day-old male baby with respiratory distress and multiple limb deformities was presented to the paediatric emergency department. The head appeared unduly large in comparison to the body and the anterior, posterior and lateral fontanelle were wide open. Sclera did not appear blue. Both upper limbs appeared short and stubby with diffuse swelling in the left arm. Both lower limbs appeared curved and were held in a frog-like position. Infantogram showed multiple calvarial fractures in the skull, multiple rib fractures, fracture of left humerus, bilateral ulna, left femur and there were multiple areas with callus formation suggestive of intrauterine fractures. There was no history of trauma during birth. Clinical diagnosis of OI was made and the neonate was managed medically. Genetic analysis could not be done owing to financial constraints. In conclusion, a high index of suspicion and careful clinical and radiological evaluation can identify very rare hereditary abnormalities like OI.
Newborn Screening using Dried Blood Spot for Seven Metabolic Disorders- A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern India
Authors: Kadirvel Karthikeyan , Sugumaran Vinod Babu , Ramachandran Sumathi Sri , Palanisamy Soundararajan
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Newborn Screening (NBS) is an important public health measure in many developed countries. In developing countries like India, the benefits of NBS have been acknowledged and that screening is slowly gaining attention. Aim: To estimate the proportion for seven conditions screened in a tertiary care hospital in Southern India namely Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH), Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, Biotinidase Deficiency (BD), Galactosemia, Phenylketonuria (PKU) and Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Materials and Methods: The present descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Southern India during a three year period between January 2018 to December 2020. A retrospective analysis of the results of NBS by dried blood spots was done. There were 3152 live births during this period out of which 1649 babies were screened (52% coverage). Heel prick samples after 48 hour of life and prior to discharge were analysed by quantitative assessment. Neonates having positive screening results were recalled by telephonic call for confirmatory tests. Results: The CH, BD and G6PD deficiency were the most common disorders with a proportion of 1:824, 1:1649 and 1:1649, respectively. Galactosemia, CF and PKU were not found in study population. Conclusion: These results need to be corroborated with larger studies from the same geographical area.
Effect of Thermal Processing Conditions on the Physicochemical and Moisture-Sorption Characteristics of Two Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) Varieties
Authors: Ikegwu Theophilus M. , Obiora Chika U. , Mba Joy C. , Odo Eunice N. , Anene Nkemakonam M.
Published: May 2022

Two cocoyam varieties (Colocasia esculenta) known as taro grown in Cross-River State and Bendel were subjected to different processing conditions (boiling and drying) and the effect of boiling temperature, boiling time and drying temperatures were investigated. They were processed into flour using standard methods, packaged in low-density polyethylene bags and kept in the laboratory for analysis. The results obtained showed that crude fat, crude protein, ash, moisture, crude fibre and carbohydrate contents ranged from 0.42-0.92%, 6.03-9.01%, 2.13-3.90%, 5.20-12.07%, 0.43-0.77% and 73.32-81.73%, respectively. The anti-nutrients contents of the samples showed that oxalate ranged from 0.01-0.99 mg/g, alkaloids (0.12-0.73 mg/g), flavonoids (0.00-0.83 mg/g), phytate (0.01-1.90 mg/g), saponin (0.00-0.83 mg/g) and tannin (0.00-0.01 mg/g). The investigation revealed that there were significant (p<0.05) variations in the functional properties of the cocoyam samples with the water absorption capacity ranging from (1.56-3.01 mg/g), bulk density(0.58-0.82 mg/g), swelling index (1.54-2.91 mg/g), Oil absorption capacity (1.32-1.67 mg/g), while porosity ranged from 0.30-0.76 mg/g. There were also significant (p<0.05) variations in the thermal diffusivity of the samples with the samples of Cross River Cocoyam having higher thermal diffusivity compared to sample of Bendel Cocoyam. The higher thermal diffusivity observed in the cross river cocoyam could be due to the lower moisture content of the samples. The result of the pasting properties showed that the peak viscosity, peak time, final viscosity, breakdown and set back viscosities ranged from 10.88-15.81 N/m2, 7.87-20.87 mins, 8.00-9.97 N/m2, 15.10-17.90 N/m2, 6.0-7.5 N/m2 and 2.3-3.8 N/m2. The research discovered that sample with less pasting temperatures and high peak viscosity had better thickening effect as seen in sample of Cross River Cocoyam. The moisture sorption isotherms had sigmoid-shaped profiles for all of the three temperatures. The hysteresis effect at the three temperatures was distinctly expressed. The increasing temperatures resulted in less hysteresis effect on taro flour which meant the adsorption and desorption curves were closer.
Assess the Knowledge & Identify the Existing Practise of ANM Regarding Assessment of Growth & Development of under 5 Years Children & its Contributing Factor
Authors: Dutta Soma
Published: May 2022

The investigator conducted a descriptive study to assess the knowledge, existing practices of assessment of growth and development of under five children and its contributing factors in selected sub-centres of district Hooghly in West Bengal. The conceptual framework was based on “Fishbone” diagram of Kaoru Ishikawa. Sixty Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANMs) as samples by non- probability convenient sampling technique were used to collect data. A valid and reliable structured knowledge questionnaire, structured observation checklist were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The result revealed that the ANM scored 65.93% knowledge score and 82.22% practice score respectively. The contributing factors like unavailability of equipments (65%), lack of man power (25%), lack of interest, lack of in-service programme (85%) expressed by ANM emerged from the study. The study has implications in different fields of nursing practice, nursing administration, nursing research. On the basis of the findings some recommendations were made for future studies.
Screening of Rice Hybrids for Cold Tolerance at Seedling and Vegetative Stage under Low Temperatures
Authors: Kanya V. Kalyani Sree , Madhukar P. , Srikanth T. , Goud T. Yella
Published: May 2022

Low temperature is one of the most important abiotic constrains in rice cultivation. Rice plant growth and development are affected by cold stress from germination to reproductive stages. Development of 48 hybrids involving twelve restorer lines and four CMS lines by using line x tester mating design. Evaluation of 69 rice genotypes including checks based on leaf score (SES, IRRI, 2013), root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, and SPAD analysis at seedling stage as well as leaf score, number of tillers, seedling growth and establishment at vegetative stage. Results indicated that the hybrids IR72081 A x JGL 11118, IR72081 A x JGL 21071, IR80559A × JGL 29662, IR80559A × KNM 110, IR80559A × SN 470, IR58025A × JGL 29662 identified as cold tolerant genotypes. This study aimed to identify cold tolerant genotypes under low temperatures at seedling and vegetative stage. Screening for cold tolerance during early growth stages potentially be an effective way of assessing cold tolerance in breeding programmes.
Determination of Genetic Variability and Diversity in Bread Wheat for Yield and Yield Contributing Traits
Authors: Chaudhary Himanshu , Jaiswal J. P. , Kumar Amit , Joshi Sivendra
Published: May 2022

A study was conducted to estimate genetic variability and genetic divergence for 8 traits in 52 diverse genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under normal sowing condition. For all of the features studied, the analysis of variance revealed extremely significant differences in mean square owing to genotypes. Grain yield per plot and tillers per meter have high genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for grain yield/plot and tillers/meter and plant height. Genetic divergence was assessed by Mahalanobis D2 statistic, which grouped 52 genotypes into seven clusters. Maximum genetic divergence was observed between cluster V and VI followed by that between VI and VII (D=34.61). Cluster IV had desirable rating for spike length, spikelets/spike, thousand grain weight and yield/plot. Cluster VII had desirable rating for tillers/meter and had highest contribution towards total genetic divergence.
Effect of Service Quality Dimensions on Customers’ Satisfaction: The Case of Selected Commercial Banks in Hawassa, Ethiopia
Authors: Wabara Wanno Wallole , Kitaw Tsehay Tilahun
Published: May 2022

Service quality is playing an important role to deliver service for customer satisfaction. The aim of this study was to analyze effect of service quality on customers’ satisfaction in the Case of selected Commercial Banks in Hawassa, Ethiopia. This Research was conducted by using a cross-sectional research design to gather a quantitative data. By applying multi-stage random sampling technique, a sample size of 393 customers from three sample branches namely Hawassa branch, Tabor branch, and Atotate branch were selected and data were collected using interview schedule. Ordinal logit regression models were employed to identify the effect of service quality dimensions on customer satisfaction. Out of the five hypothesized explanatory variables, three variables namely reliability, tangibility and assurance were found to have significant effect in customers satisfaction. Therefore, the findings of this imply that service quality has a positive relationship with customer satisfaction.
Studies on the Efficacy of Various Antimycotic Drugs on Emerging and Reemerging, Superficial, Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Mycotic Infections
Authors: Ezenwa C. M. , Obum-Nnadi C. N. , Amaechi Dennis , Unegbu V. N. , Nwokorie K. S.
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The efficacy of five systemic and topical antifungal medications, Voriconazole, clotrimazol, beclometasone, Itraconazole, and Fluconazole, on dermatomycosis, which affects the superficial layers of the skin, nails, foot, and hair, was tested with 180 patients.

Methods: Included were specimen collection, processing, microscopy, and culture, as well as antifungal susceptibility testing using the E-test method. The Candida species were confirmed and their susceptibility to Voriconazole and Fluconazole was tested using the automated Vitek 2.

Results: The final strain identification indicated 41 dermatophytes (69.49%), 11 non-dermatophytic molds (NDM) (18.64%), and 7 yeasts (11.87%). (candida). Candida was the most prevalent nondermatophyte species found. Trichophyton rubrum was the most prevalent species isolated in Tinea corporis, T. cruris, T. capitis, and T. faciei. When tested with the E strips, all dermatophyte strains showed the greatest vulnerability to beclometasone and clotrimazole (MIC range of 0.04–0.64), but homogeneous resistance to Fluconazole (i.e. MIC 32 g/ml).

Conclusion: Variation in species distribution was shown to be statistically significant (p = 0.001) in terms of clinical presentation.
Mutations in RPS19 may affect ribosome function and biogenesis in Diamond Blackfan anemia
Authors: Hiregange Disha‐Gajanan , Rivalta Andre , Yonath Ada , Zimmerman Ella , Bashan Anat , Yonath Hagith
Published: May 2022

Ribosomes, the cellular organelles translating the genetic code to proteins, are assemblies of RNA chains and many proteins (RPs) arranged in precise fine‐tuned interwoven structures. Mutated ribosomal genes cause ribosomopathies, including Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA, a rare heterogeneous red‐cell aplasia connected to ribosome malfunction) or failed biogenesis. Combined bioinformatical, structural, and predictive analyses of potential consequences of possibly expressed mutations in eS19, the protein product of the highly mutated RPS19, suggest that mutations in its exposed surface could alter its positioning during assembly and consequently prevent biogenesis, implying a natural selective strategy to avoid malfunctions in ribosome assembly. A search for RPS19 pseudogenes indicated > 90% sequence identity with the wild‐type, hinting at its expression in cases of absent or truncated gene products.
Acinetobacter
Authors: Nemec Alexandr
Published: May 2022

A.ci.ne.to.bac'ter. Gr. masc. adj.akinetosunable to move; N.L. masc. adj.bacter, a rod; N.L. masc. n.Acinetobacter, a non‐motile rod.

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Pseudomonadales / Moraxellaceae / Acinetobacter

Rods 0.9–1.6 × 1.5–2.5 μm, becoming spherical in the stationary phase of growth. Colonies are generally nonpigmented and are mucoid when the cells are encapsulated. Cells commonly occur in pairs. Do not form spores. Gram‐stain‐negative. Flagella are absent, and swimming motility does not occur, but cells display twitching motility associated with fimbriae. Strictly aerobic. Oxidase‐negative. Catalase‐positive. Mesophilic. Most strains do not reduce nitrate to nitrite in conventional assays. Grow well on complex media. Most strains grow in defined media containing a single carbon and energy source (most commonly acetate), using ammonium or nitrate salts or one of several common amino acids, as a source of nitrogen. The genome consists of a single circular chromosome sized 2.6−4.7 Mb and a strain‐dependent set of plasmid replicons. Widespread in nature, inhabiting diverse soil and water ecosystems and being associated with plants and animals. Some species reside on the human skin and mucosa. Several species can cause nosocomial infections; strains involved are often resistant to multiple antibiotics and can give rise to epidemics. In 2021, the genus included 73 species with correct names.

DNA G + C content (mol%): 34.9−49.6 (median: 40.2).

Type species:Acinetobacter calcoaceticusBaumann et al. 1968bAL(basonym:Micrococcus calcoaceticusBeijerinck 1911) emend. Bouvet and Grimont 1986.
Richelia
Authors: Foster Rachel A. , Villareal Tracy A. , Lundin Daniel , Waterbury John B. , Webb Eric A. , Zehr Jonathan P.
Published: May 2022

Ri.che'li.a. N.L. fem. n.Richelia, named for the Danish admiral Andreas du Plessis de Richelieu (1852–1932).

Cyanobacteria / Cyanobacteria / Cyanobacteriales / Nostocaceae / Richelia

Filamentous heterocyst‐forming, Gram‐stain‐negative, aerobic, phototrophic, N2‐fixing, and occurring either as free‐living or most often associated with several marine diatom genera (Rhizosolenia,Hemiaulus, andChaetoceros). Filaments (trichomes) contain variable numbers of sheathless vegetative cells and one terminal heterocyst. Filaments lack akinetes and have limited motility via gliding. Gas vesicles are absent. Cyanophycin granules can be present in vegetative cells and heterocysts. Glycogen appears as large deposits, and thylakoids are dispersed randomly. Reproduce by normal cell division and asynchronous with one host diatomRhizosolenia. DNA G + C content (mol%) from draft genomes varies 33–39%; genome size varies 3.42–6.04 Mb. Reduces atmospheric N2with nitrogenase. Known habitats are warm (24–27.5°C), marine, and oligotrophic seas with intermediate (32 PSU) to fully marine (36 PSU) salinities. Biogeochemically relevant as N2fixers and drivers of carbon export. Have been reported in all major ocean basins (Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian) and smaller seas (Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea).

DNA G + C content (mol%): 33–39 (genome sequence).

Type species:Richelia intracellularisSchmidt in Ostenfeld and Schmidt 1901.
Gulbenkiania
Authors: Manaia Célia M. , Vaz‐Moreira Ivone , Nunes Olga C.
Published: May 2022

Gulbenkiania
(Gul.ben.ki.a'ni.a. N.L. fem. n.
Gulbenkiania
in honor of Calouste Gulbenkian (1869–1955), a protector of the arts and sciences in Portugal and founder of the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian).

Proteobacteria / Betaproteobacteria / Neisseriales / Chromobacteriaceae / Gulbenkiania

Rods
, non‐spore‐forming, and Gram‐staining‐negative. Motile by a single polar flagellum.
Aerobic
or facultatively aerobic chemoorganotrophic respiratory metabolism.
Mesophilic
, growing between 15 and 45°C. Shows positive reaction in the catalase and cytochrome
c
oxidase tests. Sole carbon sources include amino acids and organic acids. Sugars are not assimilated nor fermented. Anaerobic growth in the presence of nitrate is a variable trait. The DNA G + C content is 63 mol%. The major fatty acids are C
16:1
ω7
c
, C
16:0
, and C
18:1
ω7
c
. Phylogenetically, belongs to the family
Chromobacteriaceae
. The type species is
Gulbenkiania mobilis
, and the genus also includes
Gulbenkiania indica
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 63–63.6 (HPLC), 63.6 (whole‐genome analysis).

Type species
:
Gulbenkiania mobilis
Vaz‐Moreira et al. 2007
VP
.
Predicting gamma evaluation results of patient‐specific head and neck volumetric‐modulated arc therapy quality assurance based on multileaf collimator patterns and fluence map features: A feasibility study
Authors: Thongsawad Sangutid , Srisatit Somyot , Fuangrod Todsaporn
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to develop a predictive model for patient‐specific VMAT QA results using multileaf collimator (MLC) effect and texture analysis. The MLC speed, acceleration and texture analysis features were extracted from 106 VMAT plans as predictors. Gamma passing rate (GPR) was collected as a response class with gamma criteria of 2%/2 mm and 3%/2 mm. The model was trained using two machine learning methods: AdaBoost classification and bagged regression trees model. GPR was classified into the “PASS” and “FAIL” for the classification model using the institutional warning level. The accuracy of the model was assessed using sensitivity and specificity. In addition, the accuracy of the regression model was determined using the difference between predicted and measured GPR. For the AdaBoost classification model, the sensitivity/specificity was 94.12%/100% and 63.63%/53.13% at gamma criteria of 2%/2 mm and 3%/2 mm, respectively. For the bagged regression trees model, the sensitivity/specificity was 94.12%/91.89% and 61.18%/68.75% at gamma criteria of 2%/2 mm and 3%/2 mm, respectively. The root mean square error (RMSE) of difference between predicted and measured GPR was found at 2.44 and 1.22 for gamma criteria of 2%/2 mm and 3%/2 mm, respectively. The promising result was found at tighter gamma criteria 2%/2 mm with 94.12% sensitivity (both bagged regression trees and AdaBoost classification model) and 100% specificity (AdaBoost classification model).
Alterations in metabolic biomarkers and their potential role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Li Jin‐Yue , Cui Li‐Ying , Sun Xiao‐Han , Shen Dong‐chao , Yang Xun‐Zhe , Liu Qing , Liu Ming‐Sheng
Published: May 2022

Background

Metabolic dysfunction has been suggested to be involved in the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study aimed to investigate the potential role of metabolic biomarkers in the progression of ALS and understand the possible metabolic mechanisms.

Methods

Fifty‐two patients with ALS and 24 normal controls were included, and blood samples were collected for analysis of metabolic biomarkers. Basal anthropometric measures, including body composition and clinical features, were measured in ALS patients. The disease progression rate was calculated using the revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS‐R) during the 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

ALS patients had higher levels of adipokines (adiponectin, adipsin, resistin, and visfatin) and other metabolic biomarkers [C‐peptide, glucagon, glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1), gastric inhibitory peptide, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1] than controls. Leptin levels in serum were positively correlated with body mass index, body fat, and visceral fat index (VFI). Adiponectin was positively correlated with the VFI and showed a positive correlation with the ALSFRS‐R and a negative correlation with baseline disease progression. Patients with lower body fat, VFI, and fat in limbs showed faster disease progression during follow‐ups. Lower leptin and adiponectin levels were correlated with faster disease progression. After adjusting for confounders, lower adiponectin levels and higher visfatin levels were independently correlated with faster disease progression.

Interpretation

The current study found altered levels of metabolic biomarkers in ALS patients, which may play a role in ALS pathogenesis. Adiponectin and visfatin represent potential biomarkers for prediction of disease progression in ALS.