bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of the type of foam pad used in the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB) on the accuracy in identifying older adults with fall history
Authors: Boonsinsukh Rumpa , Khumnonchai Bodin , Saengsirisuwan Vitoon , Chaikeeree Nithinun 
Published: July 2020

Background: The type of foam pad used in the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB) influences the accuracy with which elderly fallers are identified. Two types of foam are commonly used in practice: Airex and Neurocom foam. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy with which elderly fallers can be identified when the Airex foam and Neurocom foam are used in the mCTSIB. Methods: One hundred eighty-four elderly participants with a mean age of 69 years were classified into faller and nonfaller groups based on their 12-month fall history. Balance stability was measured under four conditions of the mCTSIB for 120 s each: standing on a floor or a foam pad with their eyes open or eyes closed. The time needed to maintain stability was measured by a stopwatch, and postural sway characteristics were measured using an acceleration-based system. Comparisons between groups were performed by two-way mixed ANOVA. The accuracy of differentiating elderly fallers from nonfallers with different foam types was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. The time to maintain stability under four conditions of the mCTSIB (composite score) and under two conditions on the foam (foam score) were used for the ROC analysis. Results: The results showed that the nonfallers required more time to maintain stability and had a smaller sway area than the fallers ([Formula: see text]). The foam led to a larger difference between groups, suggesting the use of foam in examining the risk of falls. The Airex and the Neurocom foam pads led to a large area under the curve (0.93 to 0.95) in identifying elderly fallers and nonfallers when the composite and foam scores were used. A cutoff score of 447/480 s for the composite score and 223/240 s for the foam score yielded a posttest accuracy of 88% to 89%, with a sensitivity of 0.80–0.92 and specificity of 0.88–0.95. Conclusion: In conclusion, Airex and Neurocom foam can be used interchangeably with guidance in the mCTSIB, as they led to the accurate identification of elderly fallers among older persons who could walk and live independently in the community.
Living with Leopard Panthera pardus fusca (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae): livestock depredation and community perception in Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, southern Western Ghats
Authors: Bawa Mothilal Krishnakumar  , Rajarathinavelu Nagarajan  , Kanagaraj Muthamizh selvan  
Published: July 2020

Livestock depredation by large carnivores and retaliatory killings have become worldwide conservation issues. Leopard depredation of livestock across their range undermines public support for their conservation, resulting in contentious coexistence between the leopard and humans. Lack of knowledge on the patterns of livestock depredation often hinders the formulation of effective conservation management policies. We conducted a questionnaire survey on 656 respondents to assess the extent of livestock depredation and their attitudes towards leopards. Leopard kills included goats (49%) as the main prey, followed by the domestic dog (28%), hen (12%), sheep (5%), cow (4%), and cat (2%). Our results show that depredation varied significantly across seasons (KW = 30.33, df = 2, P < 0.05); 47% of domestic animals were killed during monsoon, followed by 33% in winter, and 20% in summer. Leopards killed 49.96% of goats as they grazed, 50% of sheep when tethered at the house, 67% of cows while in the corral, and 59% of dogs while they roamed freely around the house. Though local people experienced significant levels of livestock losses, about 68% expressed positive attitudes towards leopard conservation. Positive attitudes were revealed by their awareness about conservation and by moral consciousness towards killing of animals, which is forbidden in their religion. In the present study site, fodder cultivation and stall feeding would reduce the grazing-related attack. Similarly, simple changes in the husbandry practices such as closed fence type instead of stockade, effectively reduce enclosure-related depredation.
Ichthyofaunal diversity of Manjeera Reservoir, Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary, Telangana, India
Authors: Kante Krishna Prasad , Younus Mohammed , Srinivasulu Chelmala 
Published: July 2020

The ichthyofaunal diversity of Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary in Telangana State was studied between October 2015 and November 2016. A total of 57 species of fish belonging to 42 genera, within 20 families and 11 orders were recorded. The present communication provides an updated ichthyofaunal checklist of Manjeera Reservoir and discusses the threats to fish in Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary.
Eleven new records of lichens to the state of Kerala, India
Authors: Zachariah Sonia Anna , Nayaka Sanjeeva , Joseph Siljo , Gupta Pooja , Varghese Scaria Kadookunnel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract:The present paper deals with new records of lichen species from the state of Kerala, India. The study was conducted as part of the exploration of lichen mycota from the croplands and forests of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. Field study and collection of specimens were conducted during the period 2017-2019. Specimens were identified using standard procedures, keys and literature followed by preservation and deposition in the recognized herbaria of the country (LWG and RHK). Eleven species of lichens, Cladonia praetermissa A.W. Archer, Collema japonicum (Müll. Arg.) Hue, Heterodermia hypochraea (Vain.) Swinscow & Krog, Leptogium coralloideum (Meyen & Flot.) Vain., Pannaria emodii P.M. Jørg., Phyllopsora chlorophaea (Müll. Arg.) Zahlbr., Phyllopsora parvifolia var. subgranulosa (Tuck.) Müll. Arg., Physcia dilatata Nyl., Physcia dubia (Hoffm.) Lettau, Physcia sorediosa (Vain.) Lynge, and Pseudocyphellaria clathrata (De Not.) Malme are being reported for the first time from Kerala. These are enumerated along with their present distribution. This study further enriches the lichen diversity of the state.
The worrisome conservation status of ecosystems within the distribution range of the Spectacled Bear Tremarctos ornatus (Mammalia: Carnivora: Ursidae) in Ecuador
Authors: Guerrero-Casado José , Zambrano Ramón H. 
Published: July 2020

The distribution range of Spectacled Bear in Ecuador has been strongly fragmented owing to human activities, thus studying the conservation status of the remaining patches in which this species inhabits is essential to ensure its conservation. We performed a descriptive analysis of the conservation status of the ecosystems that form part of the Spectacled Bear distribution range in Ecuador, using values of five indicators (fragmentation, connectivity, threat, vulnerability and fragility) provided by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment. Moreover, we compared the conservation status between scrubland & pastures and evergreen forest ecosystem according to the five indicators. Overall, the Spectacled Bear distribution in Ecuador is covered by a greater surface area of ecosystems classified with a medium level of fragmentation (58.8%), low connectivity (45.1%), high fragility (45.6%), high (38.2%) and medium threat (39.2%), as well as high (33.7%) and medium (33.1 %) vulnerability. Scrubland and pastures ecosystems had worse conservation status than evergreen forests, with 98% of their surface classified as having low or very low connectivity, 77.3% as high fragility and 77.4% as high threat. These results showed the worrisome conservation status of the ecosystems shaping the distribution range of Spectacled Bear in Ecuador, particularly the scrubland and pastures, and therefore, a wider national strategy (inside and outside the limits of the bear distribution range) should be applied to ensure the preservation of these ecosystems.
Impact of vehicular traffic on birds in Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Siva T. , P. Neelanarayanan  
Published: July 2020

Roads have numerous direct and indirect ecological impacts on wildlife. Roads constitute an extensive and integral part of our environment. Collisions with vehicles kill a large number of birds every year. The present study was carried out from January 2016 to December 2016. The data was collected from Nehru Memorial College to Pavithram Lake of Thuraiyur to Namakkal road of Musiri Taluk, Tiruchchirappalli District. During this study, we recorded a total of 64 birds belonging to 12 species killed due to vehicular traffic. A maximum of 11 birds were killed in the months of January and October, and a minimum of two bird kills were observed in the months of September and December. Of the 64 birds, the roadside mortality was observed to the tune of 25%, 20.3%, 14%, 12.5%, 10.9%, 4.6%, and 4.6% for Southern Coucal Centropus parroti, Common Myna Acridotheres tristis, House Crow Corvus splendens, Spotted Owlet Athene brama, Indian Jungle Crow Corvus culminatus, Yellow-billed Babbler Turdoides affinis, and Large Grey Babbler Turdoides malcolmi. Other birds such as Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus, Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis, Shikra Accipiter badius, White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus, and White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus accounted for 1.5% mortality. Suggestive measures to prevent wildlife loss due to vehicular traffic are presented in this communication.
A checklist of macrofungi (mushroom) diversity and distribution in the forests of Tripura, India
Authors: Debnath Sanjit , Upadhyay Ramesh Chandra , Saha Rahul , Majumdar Koushik , Das Panna , Saha Ajay Krishna 
Published: July 2020

Abstract: The tropical region, which has the highest macrofungi diversity, has not been fully exploited instead of this is an important component of the global diversity. However, no work has been carried out to assess such diversity in Tripura. Since tropical forests are diverse in plant composition and structure, hence the objective of this study was to explore the mushroom species richness in Tripura, Northeast India with the aim of producing a checklist along with their present geographical distributions, key identification characters and valid photographs. Field surveys and collection of mushrooms were carried out in Tripura covering different sites during 2015–2018. Data on macrofungal diversity, distribution patterns and taxonomic identification were analyzed. A total of 217 wild mushrooms were documented from eight districts of Tripura, northeastern India. Out of 217 samples, 202 samples were identified up to the genus level, 125 samples were identified up to the species level. A total of 76 genera belonging to 60 families and 25 orders were classified in this ecological study. The majority of macrofungi belong to the family Polyporaceae (30 nos), and order Agaricales (103 specimens). The wild macrofungi were collected from 56 sites of eight districts of this state and the maximum macrofungi diversity was recorded from Sepahijala District. Present findings also observed that the maximum wild fungi of this state grow on different plant parts. This is the preliminary study on documentation of wild macrofungi from eight districts of Tripura, northeastern India and it will be used as a reference database of wild mushrooms of this state, which will also help in future research work in different fields.
First records of the black widow spider Latrodectus elegans Thorell, 1898 (Araneae: Theridiidae) from Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Binu , Dörr Tobias 
Published: July 2020

Latrodectus spp. are globally widespread, however, the occurrence of members of this genus in Nepal has been unconfirmed, with no recent observations reported in the literature. Here, we present evidence for the occurrence of Latrodectus elegans Thorell, 1898 in west-central Nepal.
Some rare damselflies and dragonflies (Odonata: Zygoptera and Anisoptera) in Ukraine: new records, notes on distribution, and habitat preferences
Authors: Martynov Alexander V. 
Published: July 2020

New records of 11 rare species of damselflies and dragonflies (Calopteryx virgo, Lestes macrostigma, Nehalennia speciosa, Coenagrion scitulum, Ophiogomphus cecilia, Lindenia tetraphylla, Cordulegaster boltonii, Somatochlora arctica, Leucorrhinia albifrons, Leucorrhinia caudalis, and Selysiothemis nigra) within Ukraine are given. Habitats and distribution of species within the country are briefly discussed. Breeding sites of C. boltonii within Ukraine is found for the first time and confirmed with larval material. Somatochlora arctica is recommended for inclusion in the next edition of the Red Data Book of Ukraine.
Herminium longilobatum (Orchidaceae), a new record for Bhutan
Authors: Dechen Ugyen , Wangchuk Tandin , Norbu Lam 
Published: July 2020

Herminium longilobatum S.N. Hedge & A.N. Rao is reported here as new record to Bhutan. With the documentation of this species, the total number of species belonging to this genus in Bhutan adds up to 20. Short description, phenology, ecology and colour images are provided for the same.
Length-weight relationships of two conservation-concern mahseers (Teleostei: Cyprinidae: Tor) of the river Cauvery, Karnataka, India
Authors: Pinder Adrian C. , Raghavan Rajeev , Bower Shannon D. , Britton J. Robert 
Published: July 2020

Length-weight (LW) relationships are presented for two conservation-concern species of mahseer (Tor spp.) from southern India’s river Cauvery. Constructed from angler catch data, these are the first available LW relationships for the Critically Endangered Tor remadevii and the non-native and locally invasive Tor khudree. For T. remadevii, the value of b, the allometric parameter, was 2.94 (95% CI: 2.75–3.14) and was not significantly different from 3.0, indicating isometric growth (t = 0.61, P = 0.54). For T. khudree, b was greater at 3.18 (95% CI: 3.01–3.38), but with this also not significantly different from 3.0 (t = 1.91, P = 0.06). Outputs are discussed with reference to species conservation and recreational catch-and-release fisheries.
Tracing heavy metals in urban ecosystems through the study of bat guano - a preliminary study from Kerala, India
Authors: Johnson Jithin , Vincent Moncey 
Published: July 2020

Abstract: Bat guano serves as a potential bio-indicator tool for accessing the heavy metals contamination level in bats. Such a non-invasive tool also permits an assessment of the plausible risks of heavy metal pollution among wildlife, humans, and the ecosystem. The study provides the first assessment of metals such as mercury, chromium, copper, manganese, and nickel in bat guano from the Indian state of Kerala, thus providing us valuable information on the quality of the environment.
The Early Judeo-Persian Manuscripts in the British Library and in the National Library of Russia
Authors: Haim Ofir 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This article concerns a textual corpus of nine manuscripts written in Early Judeo-Persian. These manuscripts, which are preserved in the British Library and in the National Library of Russia, contain various exegetical works copied by the same group of scribes during the eleventh-twelfth centuries. This article attempts to demonstrate that these manuscripts were also composed in the same possibly-Karaite intellectual milieu, and not merely copied by the same scribes, using two criteria: similar exegetical explanations of the same biblical passages and the employment of Karaite-Hebrew terminology. Furthermore, the examination of these criteria reveals yet another common feature—the manuscripts’ affinity to the works of the tenth-century Karaite scholar Yefet ben ʿEli, which suggests either reliance on Karaite exegetical works written in Judeo-Arabic or a shared background.
Judeo-Spanish Manuscripts in the Firkovitch Collections
Authors: Markova Alla 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This paper presents several rather unexpected manuscripts that have been discovered in the Firkovitch collections. These collections, which are preserved in the National Library of Russia, are best known for Hebrew, Karaite, Samaritan, and Judeo-Arabic manuscripts, and have attracted the interest of specialists in Middle-Eastern languages and cultures. It is generally not known that they also contain manuscripts written in a western language. In the course of my research on the collections, however, I have come across approximately twenty manuscripts in Judeo-Spanish.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of YTH domain-containing RNA-binding protein family in common wheat
Authors: Sun Jing , Bie Xiao Min , Wang Ning , Zhang Xian Sheng , Gao Xin-Qi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most widespread RNA modification that plays roles in the regulation of genes and genome stability. YT521-B homology (YTH) domain-containing RNA-binding proteins are important RNA binding proteins that affect the fate of m6A-containing RNA by binding m6A. Little is known about the YTH genes in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), one of the most important crops for humans.

Results
A total of 39 TaYTH genes were identified in common wheat, which are comprised of 13 homologous triads, and could be mapped in 18 out of the 21 chromosomes. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that the TaYTHs could be divided into two groups: YTHDF (TaDF) and YTHDC (TaDC). The TaYTHs in the same group share similar motif distributions and domain organizations, which indicates functional similarity between the closely related TaYTHs. The TaDF proteins share only one domain, which is the YTH domain. In contrast, the TaDCs possess three C3H1-type zinc finger repeats at their N-termini in addition to their central YTH domain. In TaDFs, the predicated aromatic cage pocket that binds the methylysine residue of m6A is composed of tryptophan, tryptophan, and tryptophan (WWW). In contrast, the aromatic cage pocket in the TaDCs is composed of tryptophan, tryptophan, and tyrosine (WWY). In addition to the general aspartic acid or asparagine residue used to form a hydrogen bond with N1 of m6A, histidine might be utilized in some TaDFb proteins. An analysis of the expression using both online RNA-Seq data and quantitative real-time PCR verification revealed that the TaDFa and TaDFb genes are highly expressed in various tissues/organs compared with that of TaDFcs and TaDCs. In addition, the expression of the TaYTH genes is changed in response to various abiotic stresses.

Conclusions
In this study, we identified 39 TaYTH genes from common wheat. The phylogenetic structure, chromosome distribution, and patterns of expression of these genes and their protein structures were analyzed. Our results provide a foundation for the functional analysis of TaYTHs in the future.
Carbon stock, sequestration and soil properties among fields in smallholder farms in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Laekemariam Fanuel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Soil organic carbon (SOC) is key indicator of soil quality and health. It has substantial benefits to the ecosystem. Information on the magnitude of carbon pools under field scale of subsistence farms is scanty. This study aimed to assess carbon stock, sequestration and soil properties among different fields in smallholder farms of southern Ethiopia. Five field types within a farm were investigated viz. coffee (Coffea arabica L.), enset (Ensete ventricosum), root and tuber crop field (RTC), crop field used for growing cereals and pulses, and fallow land. For each field, eight representative fields as a replication were selected. Surface soil samples were collected, and analyzed to determine soil physico-chemical properties. In addition, C stock, C-sequestration, and CO2 emission were also evaluated.

Results
The result regarding soil properties revealed significant differences in almost all of investigated parameters. The minimum and maximum values being recorded were: bulk density (BD) (1.05, 1.29 gm cm−3), pH (6.1, 7.0), SOC (1.1, 2.48%), TN (0.09–0.19%), available P (1.1, 70.9 mg/kg), total exchangeable bases (9.5, 20.5 Cmolc/kg), K/Mg (0.37,1.02), B (0.4, 1.2 mg/kg) Cu (0.32, 0.91 mg/kg), Zn (5, 20.5 mg/kg), Fe (105.5, 133.8 mg/kg) and CEC (18.6, 27.5 mg/kg). Fields in the backyard (enset and coffee) showed lowest BD and maximum values of soil chemical properties. On contrary, highest BD and lowest values of chemical parameters were observed in crop and fallow fields. The result further indicated that the field that stocked and sequestered more carbon, and emitted less CO2 was coffee > enset > RTC > crop field > fallow land. C-stock and sequestration (t/ha) magnitude was being: coffee (81.4, 298.5), enset (75.5, 277.0), RTC (68.8, 252.6), crop field (57.5, 211.0) and fallow (43.3, 159). Using coffee field as least CO2 emitter and as the base value for comparison, the percentage increment in CO2 emission out of the sequestered carbon was 7.2% (enset), 15.4% (RTC), 29.3% (crop field) and 46.7% (fallow).Soil deterioration index (%) relative to coffee field for OC, N, P, and K in their order was as follows: enset [− 2.8, 0, 254.5, 23.1], RTC [− 17.7, − 31.6, − 59.5, − 34.6], crop field [− 35, − 47.4,− 79, − 46] and fallow [− 55.7, − 52.6, − 94.5, and − 76.9].

Conclusion
Different fields within smallholder farms exhibited significant variation in amount of carbon sequestered, CO2 emission, soil degradation and soil properties. Thus, climate smart soil management practices that would enhance carbon pool and simultaneously increasing soil quality are suggested e.g., integrated nutrient management.
Health is a political choice: why conduct healthcare research? Value, importance and outcomes to policy makers
Authors: Qoronfleh M. Walid 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis paper offers the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) viewpoint with Qatar as a case for lasting transformation of health systems. The Qatar case study illustrates the importance of research in the development of health policy. It provides description of a series of projects that have been undertaken in relevant national areas such as autism, dementia, genomics, palliative care and patient safety. The paper discourse draws attention to investment requirement in health research systems to respond to country national health priorities and to strengthen public health policies for improving health and social outcomes by narrowing the gap between research and politics. In short, the discussion highlights the following: i) health is a human right marching towards universal health care, with research underpinning every advance in health care and quality medical services; ii) evidence-based research is emerging as a critical tool to aid policy- and decision-makers; iii) investment necessity in healthcare research/systems to enable responding to a country’s national health priorities and to strengthen public health policies; and iv) need for multi-sectoral involvement of stakeholders to bridge the gap between research and politics. Finally, atypical stakeholders’ engagement and bond to politics is a prerequisite to achieve healthcare objectives and policy success so as to reap the benefits of public health results.