bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Field Performance Evaluation of Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) to the Application of Different Organic Wastes under Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Adeosun S. A. , Togun A. O. 
Published: October 2020

Aims: To assess the field establishment of two tea cultivars under Cocoa Pod Husk (CPH) and Poultry Manure (PM).
Study Design: Randomized complete block design arranged in Split-plots (cultivars as main plots and organic amendments as sub-plots) with four replications.
Place and Duration of Study: Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria stations in Ibadan and Owena, Southwest Nigeria between May 2016 and November 2017 (Rainy and dry seasons of 2016; Rainy season of 2017).
Methodology: Milled CPH and cured PM were applied each at the rates of 150 and 300 kg Nha-1 to established C143 and C318 tea cultivars on the field; unfertilized tea cultivars served as control. Data on number of leaves, number of branches, leaf area, plant height and stem diameter were collected on monthly basis; while dry matter was assessed at 15 months after transplanting. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and correlation at α.05.
Results: The C143 performed better than C318 and 150 kg Nha-1 of CPH and PM enhanced the vegetative growth and dry matter of tea better than 300 kg Nha-1 in Ibadan and Owena. Cultivar 143 was significantly (P=0.05) better than cultivar 318 in number of leaves, number of branches and stem diameter in Ibadan; and in number of leaves and leaf area in Owena. CPH at 150 kg Nha-1 increased number of leaves, number of branches, leaf area, plant height and total dry matter by 135.11, 88.19, 346.12, 65.33 and 428.11% at Ibadan; and by 349.09, 245.41, 376.89, 80.89 and 231.49% at Owena, compared to control. On the interaction, tea cultivar 143 that received 150 kg Nha-1 CPH produced significantly (P=0.05) higher number of leaves, leaf area and total dry matter at Ibadan and Owena. Leaf area was positively correlated with number of leaves (r=0.87) in Ibadan and stem diameter (r=0.80) in Owena.
Conclusion: CPH at 150 kg Nha-1 enhanced the growth and dry matter content of C143 tea established on the field in Ibadan and Owena, and is therefore recommended for tea cultivation in Southwest of Nigeria.
Preparation and Characterization of Dog Erythrocytic Membrane Antigen
Authors: Kalaiselvi G. , Tirumurugaan K. G. , Raj G. Dinakar , Vijayarani K. , Baranidharan R. , Nandhini K. N. Usha 
Published: October 2020

Dog erythrocytic membrane antigen plays a major role for determining blood group. Structural and molecular characterization of erythrocytic membrane antigen improves the production of blood typing antisera, to study the auto antibody production in canine autoimmune haemolyticanemia. The proteins in the lipid domain arranged from the inside of the erythrocyte to the outside. The integral membrane proteins include membrane protein 3 visible in coomassie Brilliant blue-stained polyacrylamide gels. The erythrocyte cytoskeleton consists of spectrin, ankyrin, actin, and protein 4.1 form a filamentous network under the lipid bilayer of erythroctic membrane. The cytoskeletal proteins interact with integral proteins and lipids of the bilayer forms network for maintaining membrane integrity. The external clustering of membrane protein 3 creates a recognition site for auto antibodies. The auto antibodies from the erythrocytes of dogs with acute immune haemolytic anemia have similar electrophoretic mobility to the human erythrocyte Rh related proteins and glycoproteins and able to immunoprecipitate membrane proteins that on SDS-PAGE and western blotting. The DEA 1 blood group system consists of antigens 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 which are most significant in terms of transfusion reactions and alloantibodies produced against DEA 3, 5 and 7 are not much clinical significance. Blood samples collected from registered donor dogs and RBC membrane were isolated by hypotonic freeze thaw method. The ghost membrane and cytoplasmic marker were identified in western blot.
Performance and Stability Analyses of TCP Queue Based Computer Network
Authors: Aririguzo Marvis Ijeaku , Mbachu C. B. 
Published: October 2020

This research work centers on the performance and stability analysis of the TCP queue based network system. The TCP is a vital organ in every wireless network and due to the increasing reliance on the wireless network by most human activities, it has suffered from different forms of disturbances most especially traffic congestion which eventually results to data loss or total collapse of the network. Many works were reviewed on the TCP model and the methods proposed to improve the performance of the TCP networks. However, from the review, the TCP queue model was not examined based on its performance and reliability, to ascertain the real behavior of the system without the control measures. The step function time domain plot and bode frequency domain plot analyses measures were employed in this work. From the simulation results, the TCP queue with time delay model recorded a 0% overshoot and settling time of 1.96e+03 seconds. With the high settling time the system performance will be very poor as a result of very slow response and it cannot support the recent high data traffic. Therefore, the system will not be able to solve the problem of congestion due to its slow response. The system also recorded a negative gain margin of -71.9dB, hence; the system is unstable and not reliable.
COVID-19: The Effect of Lockdown on Children’s Remote Learning Experience – Parents’ Perspective
Authors: Briggs Datonye Christopher 
Published: October 2020

Aims: This online survey was done to explore parents’ perspectives on education of their children affected by the stay-at-home measures still ongoing in the country.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study design.
Place and Duration of Study: Sample: All six Geopolitical Zones in Nigeria, from May 9 to June 8, 2020 among parents residing in Nigeria.
Methodology: A non-probability sampling technique was used in the recruitment of participants. The study questionnaire on a Google Doc Form was administered through WhatsApp instant messaging. Chi-square was used to test for differences, and statistical significance was set at p-value less than 0.05.
Results: The 260 respondents who participated in the survey, had a median age of 38 years (IQR=9); including 40.4% (105) males, and 64.2% (167) with tertiary education, 77.7% (202) possess a computer device, 93.2% (234) have internet services and 55.0% (143) spend between N5,000 – N9,999 (13.1 – 26.2 USD) per month for internet services. Only 35.4% (92) had their children participate in the ongoing radio/TV learning sessions, 46.1% (120) educate their children with their computer devices at home, however, 40.0% (104) preferred an online based method of homeschooling. Overall, 70.0% (182) were dissatisfied with the level of homeschooling their children received. Respondents with higher education and income level were significantly more likely to possess a computer device, have internet access at home and prefer online classes when compared to low-income earning parents with secondary education and below.
Conclusion: There is a considerable lack of ongoing learning activities among children in Nigerian homes during the COVID-19 lockdown. Strategic context-specific blended learning approaches (including the provision of infrastructure for remote teaching and learning) are needed to mitigate the negative effect of school closures on the education of children.
Affordable Housing in the Wake of Global Pandemics: A Reality or a Mirage the Kenyan Perspective?
Authors: Kiganda Evans Ovamba , Shavulimo Paul Mbiti 
Published: October 2020

Aim: This was an investigative study on affordable housing in the wake of global pandemics: A reality or a mirage the Kenyan perspective? 22 % of Kenyans stay in towns and the inhabitants in these cities continue to grow at the rate of 4.2 % annually. This growth rate has outstripped the supply of housing units built. For instance, Nairobi needs a minimum of 120,000 new houses per annually to satisfy the demand but a paltry 35,000 units are constructed annually. The excess demand is likely to continue pushing the housing prices beyond the reach of many Kenyans. Studies conducted in Kenya on housing prices focused on non-macroeconomic determinants and more importantly none of the studies globally envisaged how global pandemics can influence housing prices. Therefore, the influence of global pandemics like Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) and macroeconomic factors on housing prices in Kenya remains unknown.
Study Design: Correlational research design.
Methodology: The study employed unrestricted Vector Autoregressive analysis involving quarterly time series from quarter 1 of 2014 to quarter 1 of 2020 with a dummy variable measuring the influence of COVID-19.
Results: Results indicated that the total money supply had a positive influence on inflation that was highly influenced by extended broad money.
Conclusion: From the results, it was concluded that some macroeconomic factors, time trends and global pandemics like COVID-19 influence housing prices in Kenya. Professional, administrative and support services, time trend, transport and storage, information and communication, real estate and housing prices at lag 1 increased housing prices in Kenya by 0.41%, 0.41%, 0.94%, 0.37% and 0.59% respectively given unrestricted VAR coefficients and t-statistics of 0.41(4.184), 1.27 (9.862), 0.19 (2.740), 0.94 (10.178) and 0.59 (6.055) for the variables. Housing prices at lag 1 and 4, COVID-19, other services and tax on products reduced housing prices in Kenya by 0.26%, 0.99%, 3.29%, 1.01% and 0.05% respectively given unrestricted VAR coefficients and t-statistics of -0.26(-2.366), -0.99 (-8.770), -3.29 (-4.550), -1.01 (-6.568) and -0.05 (-2.807) for the variables respectively. Economic growth, financial and insurance activities and previous housing prices at lag 5 had no influence on housing prices in Kenya.
Commissioning and clinical implementation of the first commercial independent Monte Carlo 3D dose calculation to replace CyberKnife M6™ patient‐specific QA measurements
Authors: Milder Maaike T. W. , Alber Markus , Söhn Matthias , Hoogeman Mischa S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposeTo report on the commissioning and clinical validation of the first commercially available independent Monte Carlo (MC) three‐dimensional (3D) dose calculation for CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery system® (Accuray, Sunnyvale, CA).MethodsThe independent dose calculation (IDC) by SciMoCa® (Scientific RT, Munich, Germany) was validated based on water measurements of output factors and dose profiles (unshielded diode, field‐size dependent corrections). A set of 84 patient‐specific quality assurance (QA) measurements for multi‐leaf collimator (MLC) plans, using an Octavius two‐dimensional SRS1000 array (PTW, Freiburg, Germany), was compared to results of respective calculations. Statistical process control (SPC) was used to detect plans outside action levels.ResultsOf all output factors for the three collimator systems of the CyberKnife, 99% agreed within 2% and 81% within 1%, with a maximum deviation of 3.2% for a 5‐mm fixed cone. The profiles were compared using a one‐dimensional gamma evaluation with 2% dose difference and 0.5 mm distance‐to‐agreement (Γ(2,0.5)). The off‐centre ratios showed an average pass rate >99% (92–100%). The agreement of the depth dose profiles depended on field size, with lowest pass rates for the smallest MLC field sizes. The average depth dose pass rate was 88% (35–99%). The IDCs showed a Γ(2,1) pass rate of 98%. Statistical process control detected six plans outside tolerance levels in the measurements, all of which could be attributed the measurement setup. Independent dose calculations showed problems in five plans, all due to differences in the algorithm between TPS and IDC. Based on these results changes were made in the class solution for treatment plans.ConclusionThe first commercially available MC 3D dose IDC was successfully commissioned and validated for the CyberKnife and replaced all routine patient‐specific QA measurements in our clinic.
The variable influence of confession inconsistencies: How factual errors (but not contradictions) reduce belief in suspect guilt
Authors: Holt Glenys A. , Palmer Matthew A. 
Published: October 2020

SummaryWrongful conviction statistics suggest that jurors pay little heed to the quality of confession evidence when making verdict decisions. However, recent research indicates that confession inconsistencies may sometimes reduce perception of suspect guilt. Drawing on theoretical frameworks of attribution theory, correspondence bias, and the story model of juror decision‐making, we investigated how judgments about likely guilt are affected by different types of inconsistencies: self‐contradictions (Experiment 1) and factual errors (Experiment 2). Crucially, judgments of likely guilt of the suspect were reduced by factual errors in confession evidence, but not by contradictions. Mediation analyses suggest that this effect of factual errors on judgments of guilt is underpinned by the extent to which mock‐jurors generated a plausible, alternative explanation for why the suspect confessed. These results indicate that not all confession inconsistencies are treated equally; factual errors might cause suspicion about the veracity of the confession, but contradictions do not.
International Consensus Statement: Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea
Authors: Georgalas Christos , Oostra Amanda , Ahmed Shahzada , Castelnuovo Paolo , Dallan Iacopo , van Furth Wouter , Harvey Richard J. , Herman Philippe , Kombogiorgas Dimitrios , Locatelli Davide , Meco Cem , Palmer Jim N. , Piltcher Otavio , Sama Anshul M. , Saleh Hesham , Sindwani Raj , Van Zele Thibaut , Woodworth Bradford A. 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe association between spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak/rhinorrhea and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) has been increasingly recognized over the last years. However, considerable variability of opinion regarding the assessment, investigations, and management of patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea remains.MethodsA consensus group was formed from experts from Europe, Asia, Australia, South and North America. Following literature review and open discussions with members of the panel, a set of 61 statements was produced. A modified Delphi method was used to refine expert opinion with 3 rounds of questionnaires and a consensus group meeting in Santo‐Rhino meeting in September 2019.ResultsFifty statements (82% of total) on spontaneous CSF leak and IIH reached consensus. In 38 of 50 statements, the median response was 7 (strongly agree) and in the 12 remaining statements the median response was 6 (agree). Eleven statements were excluded because they did not reach consensus and one new statement was added during SantoRhino meeting. The final statements refer to patient history and clinical examination ("History taking should include presence of headache, tinnitus and visual defects"), investigations (role of Thin Slice Computed Tomography and CISS/FLAIR sequences in Magnetic Resonance Imaging), principles of management (watchful waiting or measures to reduce ICP are supplementary but cannot subsitute surgical closure), surgical technique, intraoperative, early postoperative and long term management.ConclusionWe present fifty consensus statements on the diagnosis, investigation, and management of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea based on the currently available evidence and expert opinion. Although by no means comprehensive and final, we believe they can contribute to the standardization of clinical practice. Early diagnosis, prompt surgical closure of the defect, assesment for and treatment of potentially co‐existing idiopathic intracranial hypertension in a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach are essential in order to successfully manage spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea, reduce associated morbidity and prevent recurrence.
Size‐dependent dendritic maladaptations of hypoglossal motor neurons in SOD1G93A mice
Authors: Fogarty Matthew J. , Mu Erica W. H. , Lavidis Nickolas A. , Noakes Peter G. , Bellingham Mark C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe total motor neuron (MN) somato‐dendritic surface area is correlated with motor unit type. MNs with smaller surface areas innervate slow (S) and fast fatigue‐resistant (FR) motor units, while MNs with larger surface areas innervate fast fatigue‐intermediate (FInt) and fast fatigable (FF) motor units. Differences in MN surface area (equivalent to membrane capacitance) underpin the intrinsic excitability of MNs and are consistent with the orderly recruitment of motor units (S > FR > FInt > FF) via the Size Principle. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), large MNs controlling FInt and FF motor units exhibit earlier denervation and death, compared to smaller and more resilient MNs of type S and FR motor units that are spared until late in ALS. Abnormal dendritic morphologies in MNs precede neuronal death in human ALS and in rodent models. We employed Golgi‐Cox methods to investigate somal size‐dependent changes in the dendritic morphology of hypoglossal MNs in wildtype and SOD1G93A mice (a model of ALS), at postnatal (P) day ~30 (pre‐symptomatic), ~P60 (onset), and ~P120 (mid‐disease) stages. In wildtype hypoglossal MNs, increased MN somal size correlated with increased dendritic length and spines in a linear fashion. By contrast, in SOD1G93A mice, significant deviations from this linear correlation were restricted to the larger vulnerable MNs at pre‐symptomatic (maladaptive) and mid‐disease (degenerative) stages. These findings are consistent with excitability changes observed in ALS patients and in rodent models. Our results suggest that intrinsic or synaptic increases in MN excitability are likely to contribute to ALS pathogenesis, not compensate for it.
Ecomorphological variation in artiodactyl calcanei using 3D geometric morphometrics
Authors: Dunn Rachel H. , Avery Jori E. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractArtiodactyl postcrania are commonly used as paleoecological indicators but these studies are usually limited to artiodactyls within a single family. Here, we use 3D geometric morphometrics to analyze the morphology of calcanei from five artiodactyl families (Antilocapridae, Bovidae, Cervidae, Giraffidae, and Tragulidae) and identify common ecological trends among these families using principal component analysis. Our results indicate that antilocaprid and some bovid calcanei show convergent evolution of cursorial morphology and that other bovids have independently evolved less cursorial morphology that is more similar to cervids. This study shows that parallel ecomorphological trends can be identified in multiple families of artiodactyls, as well as within artiodactyl groups. This further suggests that the calcaneus may be a good indicator of ecology and function in fossil groups that are taxonomically ambiguous or not closely related to living taxa.
Appendicular skeletal morphology of North AmericanMartesreflect independent modes of evolution in conjunction with Pleistocene glacial cycles
Authors: Lynch Leigha M. , Felice Ryan , O'Brien Haley D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPleistocene glacial cycles are thought to have driven ecological niche shifts, including novel niche formation. North American pine martens,Martes americanaandM. caurina, are exemplar taxa thought to have diverged molecularly and morphologically during Pleistocene glaciation. Previous research found correlations betweenMarteslimb morphology with biome and climate, suggesting that appendicular evolution may have occurred via adaptation to selective pressures imposed by novel and shifting habitats. Such variation can also be achieved through non‐adaptive means such as genetic drift. Here, we evaluate whether regional genetic differences reflect limb morphology differences among populations ofM. americanaandM. caurinaby analyzing evolutionary tempo and mode of six limb elements. Our comparative phylogenetic models indicate that genetic structure predicts limb shape better than size. Marten limb size has low phylogenetic signal, and the best supported model of evolution is punctuational (kappa), with morphological and genetic divergence occurring simultaneously. Disparity through time analysis suggests that the tempo of limb evolution inMartestracks Pleistocene glacial cycles, such that limb size may be responding to shifting climates rather than population genetic structure. Contrarily, we find that limb shape is strongly tied to genetic relationships, with high phylogenetic signal and a lambda mode of evolution. Overall, this pattern of limb size and shape variation may be the result of geographic isolation during Pleistocene glacial advance, while declines in disparity suggest hybridization during interglacial periods. Future inclusion of extinct populations ofMartes, which were more morphologically and ecologically diverse, may further clarifyMartesphenotypic evolution.
Ultrastructure of eggshell and embryological development ofSalvator merianae(Squamata: Teiidae)
Authors: Arrieta María Belén , Olea Gabriela Beatriz , Rodríguez Florencia Evelyn , Lombardo Daniel Marcelo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study was to characterize the external morphology ofSalvator merianeembryos in different stages of embryonic development and establish a relationship with the ultrastructure of the shell from oviductal transit to hatching. A total of 120 embryos were analyzed to describe their external morphology, and 78 eggs were used for the analysis of the shell. For embryonic development, the series was established according to the total length of the body. We established 40 embryonic stages from the primitive streak. In the early stages, the external morphological features are the C‐shaped body, the maxillary, and mandibular fusion processes with the frontal process and the fusion of the forelimb with the digital plate. In the middle stages, the eyelid appears, and there are claws on the toes, cornification of fingers, and the onset of pigmentation. The last stage of embryonic development is characterized by the beginning of the formation of the scales, appear the toenails, and finalize the entire pigmentation. Regarding the relationship that exists with the ultrastructure of the egg during development, it was possible to observe a marked change in the composition of the shell and well‐marked compaction during embryonic development, which may be related to the transport of calcium during embryonic ossification. Our results allowed us to show the complete sequence of embryonic development, determining the laying stage for this species. It was possible to establish a relationship with the ultrastructure of the eggshell from the oviductal transit to the moment of hatching.