bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of cassava and yam peel meals on carcass traits and economics of production of finishing broilers.
Authors: Okechukwu S.O. , Jiwuba Peter-Damian Chukwunomso 
Published: June 2020

A four week study was conducted using 180 four weeks-old Abor acre broilers to determine the carcass traits and economics of production of finishing broilers fed cassava and yam peel meals as partial replacement for maize. They were randomly assigned to three treatment groups of 60 birds each. Each treatment group was replicated three times with twenty birds constituting a replicate. The three treatment groups were fed the three experimental diets in a completely randomized design (CRD) for 28 days. Feed and water were provided ad libitum for the period. Proximate composition results revealed that cassava and yam peel meals are rich in energy and minerals. Birds on diets T1 and T3 had similar (p > 0.05) final live and de-feathered weights, which were higher (p<0.05) than those on diet T2. Birds on diet T2 and T3 had the lower (p < 0.05) carcass weight than the birds on diet T1. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the cut parts and organ weights, but there were significant differences in the dressing percentage of the birds across the treatments. Revenue generated per bird was influenced (p < 0.05) with T3 birds having better income. It was concluded that sun-dried yam peel meal can replace 20 percent maize in the finishing broiler diet without adverse effects on performance and at reduced cost of productionKeywords: poultry, agro waste, unconventional feedstuffs, production traits, roots and tubers
Comparative sensory evaluation of Agidi made from hungry rice (Acha) (Digitaria exilis) and corn (Zea mays).
Authors: Chisom Agomoh-Adeoye Queen , Chika David Humble , Ezenwa Happiness Chidinma 
Published: June 2020

This work evaluated the Comparative sensory properties of agidi made from hungry rice (acha/ Digitaria exilis) and maize (zea mays)”. The production of hungry rice and maize were made up of the following recipe: 1200g hungry rice, 300g of chewable cow bone, 14 medium fresh tomatoe balls, 6 medium balls of onions, pepper to taste, curry powder, 4 cubes of maggi (seasoning), 200g of crayfish, and 240ml of vegetable of oil and plantain leaves. Data was collected through sensory evaluation, as well as descriptive statistics for data analysis. Based on the research carried out on hungry rice agidi, the responses on the appearance, taste, texture, and generally acceptability of AG 1 are as follows 33.33%, 38.89%, 30.56% and 16.67% where AG 2 are; 16.67%, 16.67%, 19.44% and 13.89% respectively. Despite higher percentages to AG 1 produced from corn, AG 2 which is produced from hungry rice should be taken as main and staple food because of its nutritional benefits. From the results, the AG2 agidi was not poorly scored. Hence, more emphasis should be made on both meals as it is well known that in this part of the country and world, we have limited food options.
Socioeconomic Determinants of Farmers’ Participation in Off-Farm Income Employment in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Authors: Ucha Samuel , Smiles Ume , Nnaji Justin 
Published: June 2020

The socio-economic determinants of farmers’ participation in off-farm income employment in Ezza south local government area of Ebonyi state, Nigeria were studied. The specific objectives of the study were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, identify the off-farm income employments participated by the farmers, ascertain the determinants of farmers’ participation in off-farm income employments and identify the limiting factors to the farmers’ participation in off-farm income employments in the study area. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was used to select respondents for the study. One hundred and twenty farmers (120) were randomly selected for the study. Data collected were analyzed using percentage responses and frequency distribution, logistic regression and 4-point Likert scale. The findings revealed that the farmers that participated in off-farm income activities were aged, educated, well experienced, large farm size, females, married and large household size. The result further revealed that high proportion of the respondents engaged in civil service, trading, motor cycle riders, auto mechanics and tricycle riders. The determinants factors to the farmers’ participants in off farm employments were household size, education level, farming experience, farm size and membership of cooperative societies. Factors limiting farmers’ participation in off-farm activities were high level of Illiteracy, poor access to credit facility, old age, inadequate power supply, poor extension services and ill health of farmers identified. There is need to enhance farmers’ access to extension services, educational program, encouraged farmers to join or form cooperatives.
Comparative Evaluation of Swine Production With Other Domestic Livestock in Mbaitolu Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria.
Authors: Alionye, E.B. , Ahaotu Emmanuel , Ihenacho R. O. , Chukwu, A O 
Published: June 2020

The researcher has undertaken this study on comparative evaluation of swine production with other domestic livestock in Mbaitolu Local Government Council of Imo State, Nigeria to proffer some solution to the problems hindering the rearing of swine in the study areas (Mbieri, Ogwa, Orodo, Ogbaku, Eziama –Obiato, Umunoha, Ifakala, Ubomiri and Afara). The researcher used descriptive survey design to carry out the study. The population for the study was 10,450 respondents drawn from nine towns of Mbaitolu Local Government Council. 600 respondents were proportionally and randomly selected as sample size for the study. General objective was formulated from which five specific objectives were formulated. Among these – is to compare swine prolificacy over the prolificacy of other domestic livestock. Five research questions were formulated to guide this study, among these is – what importance has the prolificacy of swine over other domestic livestocks like goats, sheep, horse and cattle? Five null hypotheses were formulated for the study among these is – there is no significant relationship between the prolificacy of swine over the prolificacy of other domestic livestock in Imo State. Pilot study was conducted at Umuagwo community using 20 respondents that reared domestic livestocks. This area was not part of the study location. Questionnaires were used as a medium for data collection. One sample T-test was used to test five null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance and all the null hypotheses were rejected meaning that there were significant differences between pig productions over the production of other domestic livestock. The analysis yielded the following results: swine production was accepted to be more prolific than other domestic livestocks like goats, sheep, horse and cattle. It was also agreed that swine were more adapted to wide varieties of feeds which made them to grow more quickly than other domestic livestocks. It was concluded that swine production was more economically important than the rearing of other domestic livestock. It was recommended that National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) in Imo State should enlighten the respondents on the economic importance of swine production over the rearing of other domestic livestock. Piglets should be made available to farmers who wish to embark on swine production at affordable price by Anambra – Imo River Basin Development Authority (AMRBDA).Keywords: Swine Production, Domestic Livestock, Mbaitolu Local Government Council.
Characterization and Comparison of Alkali Extracted Starches from Selected Cereals and Tubers
Authors: Wijesinghe H. D. K. C. , Gunathilake K. D. P. P. 
Published: June 2020

Aims: Starch is used in the food industry to impart functional properties and to modify food texture and consistency. In this study starches isolated from six sources using an alkali extraction method were evaluated for physicochemical properties.
Study Design: Complete randomized design.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Livestock, Fisheries, & Nutrition, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila (NWP), Sri Lanka between April 2017 and August 2017.
Methodology: Starches were isolated from white rice, foxtail millet, proso millet, cassava, sweet potato and all-purpose wheat flour. Proximate composition, mineral content, physical properties and microscopic characteristics were determined and they were compared.
Results: The level of starch extracted was within the range of 27.5-64.1% on a dry basis. Extracted starched contains about 99% carbohydrate in DW and less than 1% non-carbohydrate fraction (protein, fat, fiber and ash and minerals). The amylose content followed the order: proso millet > wheat > foxtail millet > rice > sweet potato > cassava. There was considerable variation in swelling factor, solubility, gelatinization temperature among all starches. Both swelling power and solubility had a positive relationship with temperature and the swelling power (at 90°C) followed the order: corn > cassava > foxtail millet > wheat > proso millet > rice > sweet potato. The gelatinization temperature of starches ranged from 62°C to 76°C.
Conclusion: The study would be helpful to better understand the chemical, physical and microscopic characteristics of these starches and the application of novel starches obtain from non-conventional sources which are foxtail millet, proso millet and sweet potato as a thickening agent and a substitute to other common starches in food.
Evolution of COVID-19 Infection in Mexico until March 23, 2020: A Descriptive Ecological Study
Authors: Padilla-Raygoza Nicolas , Sandoval-Salazar Cuauhtemoc , Díaz-Martinez Daniel Alberto , Navarro-Olivos Efrain , Gallardo-Luna Maria de Jesus , Magos-Vazquez Francisco J , Leon-Verdin Ma Guadalupe 
Published: June 2020

Aims: COVID-19 has been a big public health challenge around the world in the past several months. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemic and report the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mexico until March 23, 2020.
Study Design: Ecological descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: Registries of confirmed cases for COVID-19 in Mexican population during February and until 23 March 2020, from National System of Epidemiological Surveillance/ General Direction of Epidemiology/ Secretary of Health, Mexico.
Methodology: Based on the database of confirmed cases of COVID-19 by Secretary of Health in Mexico, we collected data on age, gender, and source of infection (travel to USA, European or Asian countries. As of March 23, 2020, 405 cases have been identified in Mexico. It was included 405 registries.
Results: The first confirmed case in Mexico has been identified on February 20, 2020 and the incidence has been rising from the end of February and throughout March. The early confirmed cases were imported cases resulting from travel to USA, Italy, Germany, Spain, France and Singapore. No one travelled to China. No cases of community transmission have been reported.
Conclusion: The frequency of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mexico are concerning and the health authorities in Mexico are waiting for the peak of the epidemiological curve to occur in April.
Scaffold‐Mediated Static Transduction of T Cells for CAR‐T Cell Therapy
Authors: Agarwalla Pritha , Ogunnaike Edikan A. , Ahn Sarah , Ligler Frances S. , Dotti Gianpietro , Brudno Yevgeny 
Published: June 2020

AbstractChimeric antigen receptor T (CAR‐T) cell therapy has produced impressive clinical responses in patients with B‐cell malignancies. Critical to the success of CAR‐T cell therapies is the achievement of robust gene transfer into T cells mediated by viral vectors such as gamma‐retroviral vectors. However, current methodologies of retroviral gene transfer rely on spinoculation and the use of retronectin, which may limit the implementation of cost‐effective CAR‐T cell therapies. Herein, a low‐cost, tunable, macroporous, alginate scaffold that transduces T cells with retroviral vectors under static condition is described. CAR‐T cells produced by macroporous scaffold‐mediated viral transduction exhibit >60% CAR expression, retain effector phenotype, expand to clinically relevant cell numbers, and eradicate CD19+ lymphoma in vivo. Efficient transduction is dependent on scaffold macroporosity. Taken together, the data show that macroporous alginate scaffolds serve as an attractive alternative to current transduction protocols and have high potential for clinical translation to genetically modify T cells for adoptive cellular therapy.
Field‐specific yield response to variable seeding depth of corn in the Midwest
Authors: Coronel Eric Gabriel , Alesso Carlos Agustín , Bollero German Alberto , Armstrong Kevin Lee , Martin Nicolás Federico 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSufficient soil moisture is crucial for corn (Zea mays L.) germination and emergence. As within‐field soil moisture varies, it is often expected that corn seeding depth should vary accordingly. As seedbeds get drier, deeper planting increases the chances of higher soil moisture and faster emergence. The goal was to evaluate the corn yield response to shallow and deep seeding depths compared with the standard seeding depth while making use of management zones delineated using relative elevation data as surrogate of spatial patterns of soil moisture. We hypothesize that crop yield responds positively to shallow seeding depth in zones with low relative elevation values, wet zones, whereas the opposite would be expected in drier zones in a range of locations across the U.S. Midwest. Landscape position (LSP) values (i.e., relative elevation values) were computed from LIDAR data and used to approximate the spatial soil moisture distribution by splitting variability into dry, transitional, and wet LSP zones. Field‐long strips were planted in 17 commercial fields in 2014 and 2015 at shallow, standard, and deep seeding depths. The LSP zones were a significant predictor of the yield response to shallow or deep seeding depth only in 5 and 2 out of 17 field‐years, respectively. Significant overall responses of yield to shallow or deep seeding depth were found in 6 and 8 out of 17 field‐years, respectively. The yield response to variable seeding depth of corn showed high field‐specificity and was likely attenuated by favorable conditions for corn planting and during the growing seasons.
When is sitting height a better measure of adult body size than total height, and why? The contrasting examples of body mass, waist circumference, and lung volume
Authors: Burton Richard Francis , Burton Francis Lindley 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectivesWe aimed to establish which of sitting height (SH) and total height (Ht) is most appropriately used in the scaling of adult body mass (BM), waist circumference (WC), and forced vital capacity (FVC), considering likely explanations and proposing a suitable index for each.MethodsData were from the US Third National Health and Nutrition Survey for white and black American women and men aged 20 to 50 years. Statistical analysis involved mainly correlation coefficients, the multiple regression of BM, WC, or FVC on SH and leg length (LL), and fitting of allometric regression equations relating each of BM, WC, and FVC to SH or Ht.ResultsBM and WC correlated more strongly with SH than with Ht, and FVC correlated more strongly with Ht. Associations with LL were negative for WC, negative or nonsignificant for BM, and positive for FVC. Using round‐number exponents for Ht and SH, the allometric relationships indicated that appropriate indices are BM/SH3, WC/SH, and FVC/Ht2.ConclusionsContrary to usual practice, BM and WC are better scaled in relation to SH than to Ht. FVC is slightly better scaled in relation to Ht, as is conventional. Interpretations involve the small influence of LL on BM and the influence both of gluteo‐femoral fatness on measured SH and of childhood health and nutrition on adult LL, WC, and FVC. It is evident that SH should be measured more often for research purposes.
Improvement in ventriculomegaly following cervicomedullary decompressive surgery in children with achondroplasia and foramen magnum stenosis
Authors: Kashanian Alon , Chan Julie , Mukherjee Debraj , Pressman Barry D. , Krakow Deborah , Danielpour Moise 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe role of cervicomedullary decompression (CMD) in the care of hydrocephalic achondroplastic children who present with simultaneous foramen magnum stenosis is not well understood. We sought to determine the percentage of symptomatic achondroplastic children with foramen magnum stenosis who had stabilization or improvement in ventriculomegaly following CMD. The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of pediatric patients at Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center with achondroplasia and signs of progressive ventriculomegaly who underwent CMD for symptomatic foramen magnum stenosis between the years 2000 and 2018. Clinical outcomes included changes in fontanelle characteristics, head circumference (HC) percentile, and incidence of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting. Radiographic outcomes measured included changes in Evans ratio. We excluded individuals who were shunted before CMD from our study. Sixteen children presented with symptomatic foramen magnum stenosis and full anterior fontanelle or jump in the HC percentiles. Two children underwent placement of a VP shunt before decompressive surgery and were excluded from further analysis. Of the remaining 14 children who underwent CMD, 13 (93%) showed softening or flattening of their fontanelles post‐operatively. Ten of these 14 children had both pre‐ and post‐operative HC percentile records available, with 8 showing increasing HC percentiles before surgery. Seven of those eight children (88%) showed a deceleration or stabilization of HC growth velocity following decompression of the foramen magnum. Among 10 children with available pre‐ and post‐operative brain imaging, ventricular size improved in 5 (50%), stabilized in 2 (20%), and slightly increased in 3 (30%) children after decompression. Two children (14%) required a shunt despite decompression of the foramen magnum. A significant proportion of children with concomitant signs of raised intracranial pressure or findings of progressive ventriculomegaly and foramen magnum stenosis may have improvement or stabilization of these findings following CMD. CMD may decrease the need for VP shunting and its associated complications in the select group of hydrocephalic children with achondroplasia presenting with symptomatic foramen magnum stenosis.
Successful treatment of left subclavian artery penetration due to ingestion of a safety pin by an elderly person
Authors: Shibata Tomotaka , Tsukamoto Nao , Fukuda Haruka , Nabeta Yusuke , Kurosawa Keiko , Matsunari Osamu , Takenaka Ryuichi , Kanezaki Shozo , Ishii Keisuke , Sakamoto Teruo 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundIngestion cases are increasing in elderly persons. Herein, we report a rare case of ingestion of a safety pin by an elderly person.Case presentationThe patient was an 87‐year‐old bedridden woman who had fever with left pleural effusion. Chest X‐ray revealed a foreign body, confirmed to be a safety pin, in the cervical esophagus. A contrast multidetector row computed tomography scan revealed that the opened safety pin penetrated the left subclavian artery, leading to the diagnosis of an esophageal foreign body penetrating the left subclavian artery. The safety pin was removed, and the subclavian artery aneurysm caused by the penetration was embolized by interventional radiology. After treatment, she was returned to the nursing home on postoperative day 8.ConclusionPenetration by ingestion of a safety pin is rare; in this case, safe treatment was possible due to a team of certified specialist physicians and surgeons.
Polyolefin‐Based Janus Separator for Rechargeable Sodium Batteries
Authors: Zhou Dong , Tang Xiao , Guo Xin , Li Peng , Shanmukaraj Devaraj , Liu Hao , Gao Xiaochun , Wang Yizhou , Rojo Teofilo , Armand Michel , Wang Guoxiu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractRechargeable sodium batteries are a promising technology for low‐cost energy storage. However, the undesirable drawbacks originating from the use of glass fiber membrane separators have long been overlooked. A versatile grafting–filtering strategy was developed to controllably tune commercial polyolefin separators for sodium batteries. The as‐developed Janus separators contain a single–ion‐conducting polymer‐grafted side and a functional low‐dimensional material coated side. When employed in room‐temperature sodium–sulfur batteries, the poly(1‐[3‐(methacryloyloxy)propylsulfonyl]‐1‐(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide sodium)‐grafted side effectively enhances the electrolyte wettability, and inhibits polysulfide diffusion and sodium dendrite growth. Moreover, a titanium‐deficient nitrogen‐containing MXene‐coated side electrocatalytically improved the polysulfide conversion kinetics. The as‐developed batteries demonstrate high capacity and extended cycling life with lean electrolyte loading.
Exploring overlooked components of remote South‐east Pacific oceanic islands: Larval and macrobenthic assemblages in reef habitats with distinct underwater soundscapes
Authors: Carrasco Sergio A. , Bravo Macarena , Avilés Elba , Ruíz Paula , Yori Alfio , Hinojosa Iván A. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Identifying the diverse assemblage of species inhabiting rocky and coral reef habitats in isolated oceanic environments, and the important sound cues emitted from the reef, are crucial components to understand how species locate suitable habitats for the completion of their life‐cycle and, thus, the functioning of these vulnerable ecosystems.
Recent field information suggests that the majority of reef biodiversity comprises small cryptic invertebrates; however, knowledge on these small components is extremely scarce.
The present study used light attraction methods to explore the diversity of larval, post‐larval and macrobenthic cryptic fauna, and hydrophones to characterize the natural soundscape of rocky and coral reef habitats at the Robinson Crusoe island (Juan Fernandez Archipelago; 33°38′S, 78°50′W), and Rapa Nui (Easter Island; 27°7′S, 109°21′W), respectively.
Pelagic collections found important site‐specific patterns and identified two main species assemblages: early‐life stages (e.g. eggs, larval and juvenile stages of crustaceans, molluscs, and fishes) and emerging macrobenthos (e.g. demersal zooplankton such as peracarid crustaceans, ostracods, copepods, and polychaetes), with the latter contributing between 73 and 98% to the total catches.
The soundscape records showed marked differences among sites and seasons at Robinson Crusoe island, with variable differences found between day and night. However, at Rapa Nui, there were no differences between sites, but the ambient sound was higher at night possibly due to higher snapping shrimp activity.
This information highlights the importance of considering small‐scale (site‐to‐site) patterns when evaluating overlooked components of diversity (i.e. biological or acoustic) in oceanic habitats, and provides the basis for understanding the importance of natural noise in the settlement of most reef‐associated species, crucial features for the conservation of these remote and vulnerable ecosystems.