bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal Parasitosis in the Population of the City of N’Djamena [Chad]: Causes of Their Persistence
Authors: Alio Hamit Mahamat , Ndifor Fombotioh , Kemba Samafou , Adam Issa Ramat , Jacques Nack , Felix Bilong Bilong Charles 
Published: October 2020

In tropical areas gastrointestinal parasitosis are constantly changing in frequency and the large number of asymptomatic carriers continue to be a public health problem. This study was carried out during the last trimester of 2019 in the city of N’Djamena (Chad). This work was designed to take a stock of the overall level of carriage of parasitic infections of the population of the city. Our study sample was made up of 366 individuals whose age varied from 1 to 77 years. Each subject included in this study benefited from parasitological stool analysis using three methods. The method of direct observation in physiological water, the method of concentration in formalin-ether and that of Kato Katz. The results obtained showed that 222 subjects were carriers of at least one species of parasite, or either a global infection rate of 60.66%. Ten species of gastrointestinal parasites were identified of which three species of protozoa: Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (34.70 %), Giardia intestinalis (3.55%), Entamoeba coli (0.55%) and seven species of helminths: Hymenolepis nana (18.85%), Ascaris lumbricoides (9.29%), Taenia saginata (8.20%), Hymenolepis diminuta (2.19%), Schiotosoma mansoni (0.27%), Heterophyes hetrophyses (0.55%) and Enterobius vermicularis (0.27%). In N’Djamena the parasitism of those investigated was mainly (45.63%) monospecific and poly-specific (bi-and tri-specific) in 15.03% of the causes while 39.34% of persons examined were free from all forms of protozoa and helminths. The epidemiology of pathogenic forms was linked to a lack of hygiene especially ignorance of the risk of faecal peril. It is therefore important to strengthen the health education of the population in this city in particular and throughout the country in general.
“Cruel Optimism” and Subjectivity in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Authors: Knapp Anna 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Many of the songs in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend are framed as perceptions of the events and conversations surrounding the protagonist Rebecca Bunch. Due to her fragmented sense of self and mental health issues, the songs are often fantastical misrepresentations. As Jessie Fillerup has written, the songs allow the audience to share in Rebecca’s subject position and enable the show to create an empathetic portrayal of mental illness. This article incorporates this insight but expands the idea of intersubjectivity to explore the show’s other goals, such as deconstructing the musical and romantic comedy genres. Using Laurent Berlant’s Cruel Optimism (2011), I demonstrate that many of Rebecca’s problems can be attributed not only to her childhood traumas or mental illness but to a misappropriation of musical theater ideals, which have become cruel.
Negotiating Conflict in an Ethno-Religious Community: The Leadership of Rev. Aleksander Fijałkowski
Authors: Pula James S. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Immigrants to the United States between 1880 and 1920 who were ethnically Polish were overwhelmingly Roman Catholic in their religious beliefs. Early Polish American communities almost always developed around a church, and the clergy became early community leaders. Because of this focus on religion, and the history of their homeland being partitioned by other nations, Poles were particularly sensitive to attempts by the Roman Catholic hierarchy to “denationalize” them. This is usually portrayed through the dichotomy of clergy who remained loyal to the Roman Catholic hierarchy and those who led opposition movements, which sometimes ended in schism. However, there were also many local parish clergy who attempted to steer a course between these opposites, remaining loyal to the church while at the same time attempting to minimize differences and disputes within their parishes. One example of a priest who successfully negotiated this delicate balancing act was Rev. Aleksander Fijałkowski. This article examines how his management skills led to a long and productive pastorate.
Genetic variations and dog breed identification using inter-simple sequence repeat markers coupled with high resolution melting analysis
Authors: Kriangwanich Wannapimol , Nganvongpanit Korakot , Buddhachat Kittisak , Siengdee Puntita , Chomdej Siriwadee , Ponsuksili Siriluck , Thitaram Chatchote 
Published: October 2020

The identification of differing physical characteristics of dogs is an uncomplicated and straightforward way to categorize dog breeds. However, many dog owners and veterinarians still struggle to distinguish between pure breed and mixed variations in certain breeds of dogs. Presently, the absence of the tools and methods needed to confirm a pure breed dog is a significant problem since the only method available to validate pure or mongrel breeds is the official pedigree system. Inter-simple sequence repeat markers have been successfully used to assess genetic variations and differentiations. Notably, inter-simple sequence repeat markers coupled with high resolution melting analysis were effectively used for the breed identification of 43 breeds of dogs (total 463 dogs). The 10 primers chosen for analysis resulted in a range of 31–78.6% of breed discrimination when using one primer, while a combination of two primers was able to successfully discriminate between all of the 43 dog breeds (100%). Shannon’s index information (I = 2.586 ± 0.034) and expected heterozygosity (He = 0.908 ± 0.003) indicated a high level of genetic diversity among breeds. The fixation index (Fst) revealed a value of 10.4%, demonstrating that there was a high level of genetic subdivision between populations. This study showed that inter-simple sequence repeat marker analysis was effective in demonstrating high genetic diversity among varying breeds of dogs, while a combination of Inter-simple sequence repeat marker analysis and high resolution melting analysis could provide an optional technique for researchers to effectively identify breeds through genetic variations.
On the Determinants of Economic Openness in Nigeria
Authors: Aronu Charles Okechukwu , Arhovwon Lucky Oghenechovwe , Emunefe John Obatarhe , Ekwueme Godspower Onyekachukwu , Otty Nkechi Udochukwu 
Published: October 2020

Aims: Economic openness has been identified as a tool that provides countries with an avenue to explore advances on technology, creation of exchanges through the reallocation of resources especially from less efficient to efficient producer, and economic growth. This study examined the short-run and long-run impact of economic determinants such as foreign direct investment, unemployment rate and percentage of the urban population on economic openness in Nigeria.
Place and Duration of Study: The study employed a secondary source of data collection obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Statistical Bulletin and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Annual Publication. The data comprises of variables such as economic openness which is proxy by trade openness, foreign direct investment, unemployment rate and percentage of the urban population from 2006 - 2019.
Methodology: The impacts of the economic determinants considered in this study were examined using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) co-integration technique and the error correction parameterization of the ARDL model. The R-3.6.3 programming package was used to perform the analysis.
Results: The outcome of the study revealed that the appropriate ARDL model for estimating economic openness was the ARDL (1,1,1,1) selected based on the Schwarz Bayesian Criterion. Also, the error correction model identified the sizable speed of adjustment by 30.0% of disequilibrium correction yearly for reaching the long-run equilibrium steady-state position. It was found that the lag of the Unemployment Rate (UNER) and the percentage of the urban population have a significant short-term effect on economic openness. Also, the distribution of economic openness was found to be stable over the observed period. Also, it was found that the relationship amongst the variables was independent except for the relationship between the percentage of the Urban Population (PUP) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) which was found to be is unidirectional.
Conclusion: The outcome of this study suggested the urgent need for policymakers to implement policies such as the "ease of doing business" of the federal government of Nigeria which is anticipated to make foreign direct investment more attractive and in turn is expected to boost economic growth and thereby impact positively on urbanization in Nigeria.
Manufacture and Evaluation of Paneer Using Lemon Rinds as a Value Added Ingredient
Authors: Yashvantha R. , Pinto Suneeta , Patel Dasharath , Paul Preeti 
Published: October 2020

The present investigation was planned and conducted to evaluate the efficacy of two debittering agents viz. zinc sulphate and β-cyclodextrin in reducing bitterness of lemon rinds and to optimize the level of addition of debittered lemon rinds in lemon flavoured paneer (LFP). Optimization of the manufacturing parameters was done by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with central composite rotatable design. Based on the results obtained in this study it was concluded that the optimum parameters for debittering of lemon rinds was by treating lemon rinds in a solution of 50 mg zinc sulphate/100 ml water and 200 mg β-cyclodextrin/100 ml of water for 12 h at 7±1°C. The optimum level of addition of debittered lemon rind shreds in paneer milk was found to be 8.0 g/kg of milk. Both the debittering agents when used individually did not have any effect on bitterness but when used in combination resulted in significant improvement in flavour scores and total score of LFP. Yield of control paneer prepared from standardized milk (4.5% fat/ 8.5% MSNF) and LFP was 17 and 18%, respectively. Vitamin-C, fiber and zinc content of LFP was 7 mg/100 g, 0.6% and 11.36 mg/ kg of paneer, respectively. One serving of LFP is expected to provide 11% RDA of important trace element zinc.
Comparative Evaluation of the Larvicidal Properties of Methanol Extracts and Fractions of Ocimum gratissimum L. and Ocimum basilicum L. Leaves (Lamiaceae) on the Fourth Instar Larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus L. and Control of Filariasis
Authors: Umoh Romanus A. , Johnny Imoh I. , Udoh Anwanabasi E. , Elijah Akwaowoh A. , Umoh Omodot T. , Essiet Lovina E. 
Published: October 2020

Background: Botanical insecticides may serve as suitable alternatives to synthetic insecticides because they contain bioactive chemicals. They are relatively safe, biodegradable and readily available in many areas of the world.
Objective: The aim of this study is to comparatively evaluate the larvicidal properties of methanol extracts and fractions of Ocimum gratissimum and Ocimum basilicum leaves on fourth instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus, the vector of filariasis.
Methods: The plants were identified, collected, air-dried and pulverized. The powdered leaves were macerated in 100% redistilled methanol for 72 hours, filtered and concentrated to thick extracts. After the preliminary work was done as activity-guided process, the crude extracts were partitioned into different solvents and again concentrated to thick fractions. The percentage yields were calculated and recorded. The larvae were collected from a location at Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Toxicity was evaluated by exposing fourth instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus to a concentration range of 0.0625 to 1.000mg/mL of the methanol crude extracts and fractions. The larval mortalities were recorded after 24 hours of exposure and LC50 values were determined using the non-linear regression analysis of a statistical package graph pad prism®.
Results: The results of percentage mortalities of methanol crude extracts ranged from 2.5±0.50 to 67.50±1.05% for O. gratissimum and 2.5±0.50 to 100±0.00% for O. basilicum with their LC50 of 0.79mg/mL and 0.18mg/mL respectively. The solvent partitioned fractions also showed that the percentage mortalities of n-hexane and chloroform of O. gratissimum ranged from 5±1.00% to 100±0.00% and 17.5±1.5% to 97.5±0.5% with their LC50 of 0.29mg/mL and 0.32 mg/mL respectively, while those of O. basilicum ranged from 0.25±0.5% to 100±0.00% for n-hexane and 7.5±0.5% to 92.5±1.5% for chloroform fractions with their LC50 of 0.42mg/mL and 0.39 mg/mL compared to that of Nicotine (positive control) with LC50 of 0.01mg/mL with a percentage mortality range of 10±1.00 to 100±0.00%.
Conclusion: O. basilicum leaf methanol crude extract was more than four times active than that of O. gratissimum, but n-hexane and chloroform solvent partitioned fractions of O. gratissimum were more active than those of O. basilicum considering their percentage mortalities and LC50. Hence, both methanol crude extracts of O. basilicum and n-hexane fraction of O. gratissimum have greater potentials as larvicides which can also be used in the control of C. quinquefasciatus larvae.
New Hybrid Light Harvesting Antenna Based on Silicon Nanowires and Metal Dendrimers
Authors: Leonardi Antonio Alessio , Nastasi Francesco , Morganti Dario , Lo Faro Maria Josè , Picca Rosaria Anna , Cioffi Nicola , Franzò Giorgia , Serroni Scolastica , Priolo Francesco , Puntoriero Fausto , Campagna Sebastiano , Irrera Alessia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe realization of low‐cost silicon (Si) light harvesting antennas, made with industrially compatible technology and implementable in current devices, represents a goal with a tremendous impact for several commercial applications. For the first time, the use of Si nanowires (NWs) as energy donor in a light harvesting antenna is demonstrated. Through a detailed study of the optical properties, an energy transfer process from the NWs to the dyes is reported here. In this paper, the realization of this novel hybrid material based on the luminescence of ultra‐thin Si NWs and dyes demonstrates the potential of these systems for the transfer of light, opening the route to several strategic applications from photonics to photovoltaics, sensors, and bio‐imaging.
A simple high‐throughput protocol for the extraction and quantification of inorganic phosphate in rice leaves
Authors: Pinit Sompop , Chadchawan Supachitra , Chaiwanon Juthamas 
Published: October 2020

PremisePhosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient that is often limited in agricultural systems. Determining inorganic phosphate (Pi) contents of plant tissues is crucial for evaluating plant P status. Here, we present a simple, high‐throughput colorimetric microplate technique to measure Pi contents in rice (Oryza sativa) leaf tissues, based on the molybdenum blue reaction.Methods and ResultsWe used a hole puncher to sample small equal areas of leaf tissue for Pi extraction. We removed the leaf grinding and weighing steps, which are time‐consuming and normally required to release Pi from the tissues and to measure the biomass for data normalization, respectively. We showed that the punching method yielded comparable results to the conventional grinding method for two rice cultivars grown under various levels of P supply.ConclusionsCompared with existing techniques, this protocol is more suited to an initial screening, enabling one researcher to determine the Pi contents of thousands of rice leaf samples within a few hours.
The Sima de los Huesos Middle Pleistocene hominin site (Burgos, Spain). Estimation of the number of individuals
Authors: Bermúdez de Castro José María , Martínez Ignacio , Gracia‐Téllez Ana , Martinón‐Torres María , Arsuaga Juan Luis 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAfter 34 years of research and findings in the Middle Pleistocene site of the Sima de los Huesos (SH) of the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain), we present an update of the estimation of the number of individuals (ENI) identified in the SH hominin assemblage. The last ENI, published in 2004, was 28. Although the number of specimens recovered has almost doubled since then and more complete information is now available, this new analysis suggests that the ENI is 29. Some individuals are still represented by only one or a few teeth and the upper and lower jaws of various individuals have not been completed. We suggest that the amateur cavers, who accessed the SH site for years looking for bear fossils, destroyed a significant number of hominin fossils. Despite this, we have a good picture of the group of hominins represented in the SH assemblage. Because complete corpses were accumulated in SH and it is a closed cavity, it is expected that a significant number of hominin fossils remains to be discovered. According to the previous estimates, the representation of females is greater than that of males. However, the observed sex ratio is not significantly different from the 1:1 ratio. With the exception of the possible presence of a child individual, most of the remaining 28 individuals are teenagers or young adults (24/28 = 0.857). The ages of death of SH hominins appear to conform to a catastrophic profile.
Vocalization by extant nonavian reptiles: A synthetic overview of phonation and the vocal apparatus
Authors: Russell Anthony P. , Bauer Aaron M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAmong amniote vertebrates, nonavian reptiles (chelonians, crocodilians, and lepidosaurs) are regarded as using vocal signals rarely (compared to birds and mammals). In all three reptilian clades, however, certain taxa emit distress calls and advertisement calls using modifications of regions of the upper respiratory tract. There is no central tendency in either acoustic mechanisms or the structure of the vocal apparatus, and many taxa that vocalize emit only relatively simple sounds. Available evidence indicates multiple origins of true vocal abilities within these lineages. Reptiles thus provide opportunities for studying the early evolutionary stages of vocalization. The early literature on the diversity of form of the laryngotracheal apparatus of reptiles boded well for the study of form‐function relationships, but this potential was not extensively explored. Emphasis shifted away from anatomy, however, and centered instead on acoustic analysis of the sounds that are produced. New investigative techniques have provided novel ways of studying the form‐function aspects of the structures involved in phonation and have brought anatomical investigation to the forefront again. In this review we summarize what is known about hearing in reptiles in order to contextualize the vocal signals they generate and the sound‐producing mechanisms responsible for them. The diversity of form of the sound producing apparatus and the increasing evidence that reptiles are more dependent upon vocalization as a communication medium than previously thought indicates that they have a significant role to play in the understanding of the evolution of vocalization in amniotes.
Skull diversity and evolution in miniaturized amphibians, genus Brachycephalus (Anura: Brachycephalidae)
Authors: dos Reis Sérgio F. , Clemente‐Carvalho Rute B. G. , dos Santos Caio M. S. F. F. , Lopes Ricardo T. , Von Zuben Fernando J. , Laborda Prianda R. , Perez S. Ivan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMiniaturized amphibians of the genus Brachycephalus are phenotypically diverse. The species of Brachycephalus have bufoniform or leptodactyliform Baupläne and any of three skeletal states: nonhyperossified, hyperossified without dorsal shield, and hyperossified with dorsal shield. We integrate high‐resolution microcomputed tomography, geometric morphometrics, and an estimate of molecular phylogenetic relationships to investigate skull diversity in shape and size‐shape space in selected species of Brachycephalus. Skull diversity amongst species of Brachycephalus can be partitioned into shape and size‐shape space according to the four conditions of skeletal states‐Baupläne, namely, nonhyperossified leptodactyliform, nonhyperossified bufoniform, hyperossified bufoniform without dorsal shield, and hyperossified bufoniform with dorsal shield. Skull diversity in shape and size‐shape space in nonhyperossified leptodactyliform species of Brachycephalus is markedly larger, when compared to skull diversity in species of the three other conditions of skeletal states‐Baupläne. Variation in skull shape scales with size across Brachycephalus and, therefore, can be explained by allometry. Skull diversity, Baupläne, and skeletal states covary to a large extent with monophyletic lineages of Brachycephalus, as revealed by a mitochondrial DNA species tree. Nonhyperossified bufoniform species and hyperossified bufoniform species with or without dorsal shield are monophyletic lineages, as inferred from a mitochondrial DNA species tree. Nonhyperossified leptodactyliform species of Brachycephalus do not share, however, a most recent common ancestor. The nonhyperossified leptodactyliform species of Brachycephalus, due to their marked skull diversity and lack of monophyly, emerge as evolutionarily complex. Therefore, further sampling of the nonhyperossified leptodactyliform condition of skeletal states‐Baupläne will be necessary to further understand the evolutionary history of Brachycephalus.
Environmental mechanisms of orofacial clefts
Authors: Garland Michael A. , Reynolds Kurt , Zhou Chengji J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOrofacial clefts (OFCs) are among the most common birth defects and impart a significant burden on afflicted individuals and their families. It is increasingly understood that many nonsyndromic OFCs are a consequence of extrinsic factors, genetic susceptibilities, and interactions of the two. Therefore, understanding the environmental mechanisms of OFCs is important in the prevention of future cases. This review examines the molecular mechanisms associated with environmental factors that either protect against or increase the risk of OFCs. We focus on essential metabolic pathways, environmental signaling mechanisms, detoxification pathways, behavioral risk factors, and biological hazards that may disrupt orofacial development.
A 2019 global update on folic acid‐preventable spina bifida and anencephaly
Authors: Kancherla Vijaya , Wagh Kaustubh , Pachón Helena , Oakley Godfrey P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundMandatory folic acid fortification of staples is a proven intervention to prevent spina bifida and anencephaly, two life‐threatening and disabling neural tube defects. We estimated the global proportion of folic acid‐preventable spina bifida and anencephaly (FAP SBA) prevented through mandatory folic acid fortification of wheat and/or maize flour in 2019.MethodsUsing data from the Global Fortification Data Exchange, we identified countries with mandatory fortification policies that required at least 1.0 ppm folic acid be added to wheat and/or maize flour and had information on percentage of industrially milled flour that is fortified. We built FAP SBA prevention models assuming mandatory folic acid fortification at 200 μg/day of folic acid fully protects against FAP SBA and would lower the prevalence neural tube defects to 0.5 per 1,000 live births.ResultsIn 2019, 56 countries met our criteria for mandatory folic acid fortification of wheat (n = 56 countries) and/or maize (n = 15 countries) flour and with complete data for our modeling. Overall, our prevention model estimated that 65,380 FAP SBA cases were prevented in 2019 through folic acid fortification of wheat and/or maize flour. We estimated the current global prevention proportion of all preventable FAP SBA cases worldwide to be at 23% of total possible prevention.ConclusionGlobal prevention efforts for FAP SBA are slow and have stalled. Mandatory fortification should be urgently implemented in all countries to prevent epidemics of FAP SBA, and to achieve health‐related Sustainable Development Goals for year 2030 by reducing child mortality due to preventable FAP SBA.