bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predominance of Central Asian strain (ST 26) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from Balochistan by spoligotyping
Authors: Shafee Muhammad , Abbas Ferhat , Tanveer Zunera , Whitelaw Andrew , Tow Lemese Ah , Ashraf Muhammad , Ahmad Irshad , Patching Simon G , Jabbar Abdul , Akbar Ali , Mustafa Mohammad Zahid 
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a chronic debilitating infectious disease causing a severe challenge to public health, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to examine genetic diversity in Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains circulating in the Balochistan region of Pakistan.
Methodology: One hundred isolates collected from patients visiting the Fatima Jinnah TB Hospital in Quetta were subjected to genotype analysis by spoligotyping.
Results: Three main genotypes were identified: Central Asian Strain 1 (CAS1) (n = 89), East African Indian (EAI) strain (n = 7) and Latin American Mediterranean (LAM) strain (n = 3). The CAS1 clade (ST 26) had high genetic diversity represented by seven different spoligopatterns, of which one had major predominace (n = 75).
Conclusions: This is the first insight into the genotype of M. tuberculosis strains in the Balochistan region that might serve as a base line study for control of tuberculosis in the community.
Physicians’ knowledge, attitudes and practices towards Zika virus infection in Jordan
Authors: Abu-rish Eman Y , Elayeh Eman R , Browning Michael J 
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Zika virus (ZIKAV) disease is a public health problem of international concern. Recent evidence has documented imported ZIKAV cases into the Middle East and the existence of ZIKAV-transmitting mosquitoes in Jordan. However, limited data exist on the role of physicians in public awareness in this regard. This study aimed to assess ZIKAV knowledge, attitudes and counseling practices (KAP) of general physicians and gynecologists in Amman, Jordan.
Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, a structured paper-based questionnaire was completed by 119 participants during 2016-2017.
Results: Only 4.2% of the physicians correctly addressed ZIKAV-complication questions. A misconception of considering direct contact between individuals and breastfeeding as modes of ZIKAV transmission was observed. Only one participant correctly recognized that isolation of infected or exposed persons is not recommended. Having at least five years of experience in medical practice was the only factor that was significantly associated with a high knowledge score (P-value=0.011). Although prevention measures are the sole method to control ZIKAV spread, only 50% of participants believed in the efficacy of such measures. Despite a quarter of participants perceiving ZIKAV as a threat to their patients, none of them have counseled a patient in this regard before. The presence of an evidence of ZIKAV in Jordan and health authorities' recommendations were the most important predictors for adoption of counseling practice.
Conclusions: General physicians and gynecologists in Jordan had several gaps in knowledge of key aspects of ZIKAV disease, and there is a need for specific training programs of physicians and gynecologists.
Bumblebees (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in Bulgaria
Authors: Stoykova Bilyana 
Published: September 2019

Bumblebees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Bombus) are important pollinators . Thirty-five bumblebee species belonging to 11 subgenera occur in Bulgaria according to 42 scientific papers.
In the current study the reported species names were updated according to the current taxonomy of the group (Williams 2019) The data about their localities in Bulgaria were systematized by geographical regions in order to summarize and facilitate the use of this information for future research. Most of the records of bumblebee species refer to the mountains Rhodopes, Rila, Western and Central Stara Planina, Vitosha and Slavyanka.
Additionally, 22 species were identified based on 553 specimens (103 queens, 180 males and 270 workers) from the Zoological collection of Sofia University (BFUS). The richest in species were the subgenera Thoracobombus Dalla Torre, Psithyrus Lepeletier and Pyrobombus Dalla Torre. New distribution records were shown for the Western and Eastern Stara Planina Mts, Sofia plain, Lozen Mt., Northern and Southern Black Sea coast. However, geographical regions such as Plana Mt., Ruy Mt., Verila Mt., Kraishte, Vlachina Mt., Ograzhden Mt., the Sub-Balkan Basins and the Mesta River valley have not been studied and are without any available data on bumblebees.
A prosódia de perguntas e asserções: um estudo situado de espanhol no Brasil
Authors: Cerqueira Sabrina Lima de Souza , Moraes João Antonio , Rilliard Albert 
Published: September 2019

Neste trabalho, descreve-se a entoação (F0 e duração) de perguntas totais e parciais e de suas asserções correspondentes em enunciados lidos em espanhol por quatro informantes: duas brasileiras, falantes de espanhol como L2, e duas espanholas, falantes de espanhol como L1. Para a descrição e análise dos dados, partimos de trabalhos realizados para o português brasileiro (MORAES, 1998; CUNHA, 2000; MORAES, 2006, 2008; BARBOSA, 2012; FROTA, 2013) e para o espanhol (NAVARRO TOMÁS, 1944; SOSA, 1999; CANTERO, 2002; HIDALGO NAVARRO, 2006; ESTEBAS VILAPLANA, PRIETO, 2009; FERREIRA DE SÁ, 2013; SILVA, 2016). Os resultados mostram que o padrão mais frequente para enunciados do tipo pergunta total apresenta movimento ascendente na região prenuclear e na região nuclear. Nas perguntas parciais o movimento melódico predominante é descendente. As asserções se caracterizam por contorno prenuclear ascendente com pico geralmente na sílaba tônica ou postônica prenuclear, queda da F0 ao longo do enunciado e acento nuclear num nível médio ou baixo seguido de F0final baixa. No que diz respeito ao parâmetro duração, em enunciados do tipo pergunta total e pergunta parcial, as 4 informantes apresentam padrão semelhante: encurtam as sílabas da região prenuclear e a pretônica nuclear e alongam a tônica e a postônica nucleares. Nos enunciados assertivos, observa-se que as informantes brasileiras encurtam as pretônicas e postônicas prenucleares e alongam as tônicas. As informantes espanholas, por sua vez, alongam pretônicas e tônicas prenucleares e encurtam as postônicas. Na região nuclear as 4 informantes apresentam padrão similar, com alongamento das tônicas e postônicas.
Nondestructive Evaluation of Inoculation Effects of AMF and Bradyrhizobium japonicum on Soybean under Drought Stress From Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Kong Weiping , Bi Yinli , Huang Wenjiang , Tang Lingli , Li Chuanrong , Ma Lingling 
Published: September 2019

Precise estimation of leaf chlorophyll content (LCC) and leaf water content (LWC) of soybean, using remote sensing technology, provides a new avenue for the nondestructive evaluation of inoculation effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Bradyrhizobium japonicum (BJ) on soybean growth condition. In this study, a series of pot experiments were conducted in the greenhouse, soybean inoculated with Glomus intraradices (G.i, one of AMF species), G.i and BJ, and non-inoculation were planted under drought stress (DS) and normal irrigation (NI) conditions. Leaf spectra and LCC and LWC were measured on the 28th and 56th days after inoculation. Two new simple ratio (SR) indices, derived from the first derivative spectral reflectance at λ1 nm (Dλ1) and the raw spectral reflectance at λ2 nm (Rλ2), were developed to estimate LCC and LWC. The results indicate that under DS, plants inoculated with G.i had higher LCC and LWC than the non-inoculated plants, followed by the counterparts co-inoculated with G.i and BJ. Linear estimation models, established by the D650/Rred edge and D1680/R680, achieved great improved accuracy for quantifying LCC and LWC of soybean under inoculation and drought stress treatments, with determination of coefficient of 0.63 and 0.76, respectively.
Geotecnologia aplicada ao desflorestamento aponta 92% de desflorestamento ilegal em projeto de assentamento cedro no município de tartarugalzinho no estado do Amapá
Authors: Costa José Douglas Monteiro da 
Published: September 2019

No Estado do Amapá a agricultura familiar nos projetos de assentamentos é responsável por grande parte do desflorestamento, esta atividade é desenvolvida através de roças, que possui um sistema de revezamento de terras, caracterizando o chamado desmatamento silencioso, que são difíceis de serem detectados por imagens de satélites, variando em uma área de no máximo 3 hectares. Sem a distinção do desmatamento legal do ilegal, não é possível direcionar ações e politicas públicas aplicadas diretamente às atividades ilegais. O objetivo principal desta pesquisa foi analisar o impacto do desflorestamento ilegal no desflorestamento total do Projeto de Assentamento - PA Cedro no município de Tartarugalzinho no Estado do Amapá, através de ferramentas de geotecnologia no período de 2009 a 2014. Para a análise espacial foi utilizado o Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG), o software utilizado foi o ArcGIS, através de comparação das áreas desmatadas e espacialização das autorizações de desmatamento emitidas para cada lote do assentamento. Os resultados mostraram que no período de 2009 a 2014 o desmatamento ilegal chegou a 92,89%, sendo que o biênio 2011/2012 demonstrou uma taxa de desmatamento não autorizado de 97,76%. Ficou evidente que a geotecnologia é uma ferramenta muito útil devido à sua funcionalidade, demonstrando a possibilidade e necessidade da aplicação de geoprocessamento para a análise do desmatamento legal, com a espacialização das autorizações de desmatamento no projeto de assentamento.
Refleksi Diri Melewati Peristiwa Retaknya Keluarga dalam Penulisan Naratif: Studi Analisis Isi
Authors: Savitri Setiawati Intan , Takwin Bagus , Ariyanto Amarina Ashar , Noviyanti Naimah 
Published: September 2019

Saat individu berusaha mengatasi dampak emosional menghadapi keluarga retak, individu mencoba untuk melakukan refleksi atas peristiwa tersebut meski kadang sulit karena individu larut pada emosi negatif (ruminasi). Namun, individu juga mampu melihat pengalamannya secara adaptif dari perspektif pengamat dengan merespon tekanan dengan berjarak, sehingga mampu memaknai atau mendapatkan solusi dari tekanan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggambarkan proses refleksi diri adaptif ketika merespon peristiwa retaknya keluarga dengan cara menulis narasi dengan kata ganti personal satu (perspektif pelaku) dan menulis narasi dengan kata ganti personal nama-diri (perspektif pengamat). Riset Kross dkk. (2014) menyatakan bahwa kata ganti personal nama-diri merupakan metode untuk refleksi diri yang dianggap lebih adaptif dibandingkan dengan menggunakan kata ganti personal satu (perspektif diri pelaku) yang menyebabkan efek larut pada emosi negatif. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode analisis isi. Subjek penelitian berjumlah tujuh orang (5 wanita dan 2 pria). Data diperoleh dari teks tulisan subjek yang mengikuti eksperimen menulis naratif selama empat hari berturut-turut. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa instruksi menulis dengan bahasa yang berjarak menggunakan perspektif pengamat, jika dibandingkan dengan instruksi menulis dengan menggunakan perspektif pelaku, pada level tertentu dapat membantu proses refleksi diri adaptif dengan mekanisme yang berbeda.
Security durability assessment through fuzzy analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Agrawal Alka , Zarour Mohammad , Alenezi Mamdouh , Kumar Rajeev , Khan Raees Ahmad 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundSecurity is an integral aspect of the development of quality software. Furthermore, security durability is even more imperative and in persistent demand due to high investment in recent years. To achieve the desired target of efficacious and viable durability of security services, there needs to be nodal focus on durability along with security. Unfortunately, the highly secure design of software becomes worthless because the durability of security services is not as it should be.MethodsSecurity durability attributes have their own impact while integrating security with durability and assessment of security durability plays a crucial role during software development. Within this context, this paper estimates the security durability of the two alternatives versions of a locally developed software called version 1 and version 2. To assess the security durability, authors are using the hybrid fuzzy analytic hierarchy process decision analysis approach.ResultsThe impact of the security durability on other attributes has been evaluated quantitatively. The result obtained contains the assessment of security durability. The study posits conclusions which are based on this result and are useful for practitioners to assess and improve the security life span of software services.
Standardization and validation of a panel of cross-species microsatellites to individually identify the Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus)
Authors: Modi Shrushti , Habib Bilal , Ghaskadbi Pallavi , Nigam Parag , Mondol Samrat 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundThe Asiatic wild dog or dhole (Cuon alpinus) is a highly elusive, monophyletic, forest dwelling, social canid distributed across south and Southeast Asia. Severe pressures from habitat loss, prey depletion, disease, human persecution and interspecific competition resulted in global population decline in dholes. Despite a declining population trend, detailed information on population size, ecology, demography and genetics is lacking. Generating reliable information at landscape level for dholes is challenging due to their secretive behaviour and monomorphic physical features. Recent advances in non-invasive DNA-based tools can be used to monitor populations and individuals across large landscapes. In this paper, we describe standardization and validation of faecal DNA-based methods for individual identification of dholes. We tested this method on 249 field-collected dhole faeces from five protected areas of the central Indian landscape in the state of Maharashtra, India.ResultsWe tested a total of 18 cross-species markers and developed a panel of 12 markers for unambiguous individual identification of dholes. This marker panel identified 101 unique individuals from faecal samples collected across our pilot field study area. These loci showed varied level of amplification success (57–88%), polymorphism (3–9 alleles), heterozygosity (0.23–0.63) and produced a cumulative misidentification rate or PID(unbiased)and PID(sibs)value of 4.7 × 10−10and 1.5 × 10−4, respectively, indicating a high statistical power in individual discrimination from poor quality samples.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that the selected panel of 12 microsatellite loci can conclusively identify dholes from poor quality, non-invasive biological samples and help in exploring various population parameters. This genetic approach would be useful in dhole population estimation across its range and will help in assessing population trends and other genetic parameters for this elusive, social carnivore.
Evaluation of the Ecological Impact of Human Settlement on Trees in Oban and Okwangwo Forests of Cross River National Park, Nigeria
Authors: Onen Onen Ibiang , Agoura Celestin Uzoma , Iheukwumere Charles Chidozie , Olasan Joseph Olalekan , Aboh Andrew Ashieta 
Published: September 2019

The ecological impacts of human settlement on trees in Oban and Okwangwo Forests of Cross River National Park located in Nigeria was carried out in the park with the view of providing information on the activities of the support zones and enclave communities in both (Oban and Okwangwo) divisions of the park. Surveillance tours were carried out in company of the park rangers in the park and enclave communities. Each division was divided into two (2) zones each (core and peripheral) for ease of coverage. Plots were randomly selected in each study site at regular number of paces (fixed interval) to avoid coincidence.
Data collections and observations were carried out for a period of four (4) months in both divisions. Random Sampling method was used for the study. Eight (8) plots of size 50 each were marked out using wooden pegs with red ribbon tied across the pegs in the core zones in both divisions (Oban and okwangwo). Same was applicable to the peripheral zones in both divisions giving a total number of 32 plots. The total number of trees per plot was determined by direct stem count and trees with 30 cm girth and above was considered for the count. The total number of trees counted in the core zones was (Oban 141 and Okwangwo 162) and the peripheral zones (Oban 120 and Okwangwo 127). Descriptive statistics was applied on the data to determine the mean, standard deviation and range. The T-test for tree counted in Oban (Table 3) reveals that Tcal(1.161)≤Ttab(2.365) and the difference had a mean of 3.875, TCal ≤ Ttab at 5% level of significance. The T-test for tree counts in Okwangwo (Table 6) shows that Tcal(3.040)≥Ttab(2.365), TCal ≥ Ttab at 5% level of significance. F-statistics (Table 8) revealed a significance level in their differences, Ftab (p=0.05) df (7,7) = 3.79, FCal = 5.384.
This calls for fast action on the resettlement of the enclave communities and provision of alternative sources of income for the support zones and enclave communities. Strategies should be adopted and improved upon if biodiversity is to be conserved. These strategies are embedded in increasing staff strength, well equipped and dedicated rangers as well as the absence of surrounding enclave communities.
Power-law Behavior of the Alternative Splicing of Exons in Human Transcriptome
Authors: Grinev Vasily V. , Nazarov Petr V. , Klimov Eugene A. 
Published: September 2019

Aims: To establish the common rules of exon combinatorics during RNA splicing.
Study Design: Inferring a plausible statistical model of exon combinatorics from the annotated models of human genes during RNA splicing.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Genetics (Belarusian State University), Proteome and Genome Research Unit (Luxembourg Institute of Health), Department of Genetics (Lomonosov Moscow State University) and Moscow Center of Experimental Embryology and Reproductive Biotechnologies, between January 2017 and July 2019.
Methodology: We used human mRNA and EST sequences from GenBank (1093522 unique records in total) and linear models of the human genes from Ensembl (58051 genes), AceView (72384 genes), ECgene (57172 genes), NCBI RefSeq (54262 genes), UCSC Genome Browser (58037 genes) and VEGA (54950 genes) to calculate a combinatorial index of human exons. We inferred the most plausible statistical model describing the distribution of combinatorial index of human exons using Clauset’s mathematical formalism. Predictors of the combinatorial index values and functional outcomes of the predefined behavior of exons during splicing were also determined.
Results: Power-law is the most plausible statistical model describing the combinatorics of exons during RNA splicing. The combinatorial index of human exons is defined by more than 90% by the 138 features that have different importance. The most important of these features are the abundance of exon in transcripts, the strength of splice sites, the rank of exon in transcripts and the type of exon. Analysis of the marginal effects shows that different values of the same feature have unequal influence on the combinatorial index of human exons. Power-law behavior of exons during RNA splicing pre-determines structural diversity of transcripts, low sensitivity of splicing process to random perturbations and its high vulnerability to manipulation with highly combinative exons.
Conclusion: Exons widely involved in alternative splicing are a part of the common power-law phenomenon in human cells. The power-law behavior of exons during RNA splicing gives the unique characteristics to human genes.
Molecular Detection of Methicillin Resistance Genes from Clinical Sources and Hospital Environments
Authors: Adekunle O. C. , Oyakeye T. O. , Adesiji Y. O. 
Published: September 2019

Infections associated with Staphylococcus aureus have high mortality rate and lead to economic loss with a long stay in the hospital. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is one of the major nosocomial pathogens which are acquired in the health care facilities. The objective of the study was to investigate the presence of MRSA in clinical sources and hospital environments. Samples were collected, cultured and identified. Also, the antibiotic susceptibility profile was done. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of identification gene nuc- and the resistant gene, mecA were conducted. Sixty-three isolates were positive for S. aureus out of 370 clinical samples (urine, wound, nasal swabs and pus) and 37 positives out of 262 samples from hospital environments. Majority of the isolates were sensitive to cefoxitin, novobiocin and majority were resistant to ceftazidine, cloxacillin and augmentin. Seventy-one to ninety- five percent and 51-72% exhibited multi-drug resistance among clinical samples and hospital environments respectively. Both samples were positive for nuc and mec A genes. The detection of MRSA in hospital environments may pose a great danger to patients especially those of compromised status.
Working With PhD Students to Build Their Transferability and Researcher Skills in the FEASST@8 and SuCCEED@8 Projects
Authors: Devecchi Cristina 
Published: September 2019

AbstractProviding doctoral students with the employability skills they needs is a developing area rich with a variety of training opportunities. This contribution argues that including students as co‐researchers through a process of “learning by doing” enables them to learn and implement new skills in a safe but risk‐taking environment.
Magnetic Nanoparticle Chains in Gelatin Ferrogels: Bioinspiration from Magnetotactic Bacteria
Authors: Sturm Sebastian , Siglreitmeier Maria , Wolf Daniel , Vogel Karin , Gratz Micha , Faivre Damien , Lubk Axel , Büchner Bernd , Sturm (née Rosseeva) Elena V. , Cölfen Helmut 
Published: September 2019

AbstractInspired by chains of ferrimagnetic nanocrystals (NCs) in magnetotactic bacteria (MTB), the synthesis and detailed characterization of ferrimagnetic magnetite NC chain‐like assemblies is reported. An easy green synthesis route in a thermoreversible gelatin hydrogel matrix is used. The structure of these magnetite chains prepared with and without gelatin is characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy, including electron tomography (ET). These structures indeed bear resemblance to the magnetite assemblies found in MTB, known for their mechanical flexibility and outstanding magnetic properties and known to crystallographically align their magnetite NCs along the strongest <111> magnetization easy axis. Using electron holography (EH) and angular dependent magnetic measurements, the magnetic interaction between the NCs and the generation of a magnetically anisotropic material can be shown. The electro‐ and magnetostatic modeling demonstrates that in order to precisely determine the magnetization (by means of EH) inside chain‐like NCs assemblies, their exact shape, arrangement and stray‐fields have to be considered (ideally obtained using ET).