bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in quail birds (Coturnix coturnix) in Baghdad City, Iraq
Authors: Lamy Suroor A. Q. , Kawan May H. 
Published: May 2022

Toxoplasmosis is a common zoonotic parasitic disease in humans and animals worldwide, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The study designed for detection the prevalence rate of Toxoplasmosis in quail birds (Coturnix coturnix) from different areas in Baghdad city, Iraq (Al- Ghazel souq, Al-Malhani, Al-Hurria, Al Shoula’a and quails farms in Abu-Ghraib Poultry Research Station) by indirect ELISA IgG test and determined the effects of some risk factors (sex, age, areas and months) on this rate during the period from the 1st January 2021, to 30th September 2021. One hundred and fifty sera of quails (75) hens and
(75) cocks were examined by indirect IgG Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The results clarified the total infection rate was 19.33% (29/150) in quails 24% (18/75) hens and 14.66% (11/75) cocks. The higher infection rate 24% (24/100) was recorded in the age group ≤ Maturity period (35 days) ≤ Year (1-2ys), while a lower infection rate 10% (5/50) was found in the age group < Maturity period (35 days). A higher infection rate 41.17% (7/17) was recorded in September, and lower infection rate 5.88% (1/17) was recorded in July.
General anxiety predictors among frontline warriors of COVID
Authors: Ramya A. , Nasrudeen A. , Azeem T. Mohamed , Fazil M. Moammed , Hasif S. Mohamed 
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 pandemic has increased the generalized anxiety among Healthcare workers, The cross sectional questionnaire based study aimed to determine the generalized anxiety disorders among the Healthcare workers working in secondary and tertiary care hospitals. GAD-7 scale and Perceived stress scale were used to assess anxiety. Non parametric statistics were applied to estimate the difference among the groups. A total of 270 Male 150 (55%) and Female 120 (44%) Healthcare workers responded to this survey. In Healthcare workers, the Doctors are revealed the more anxious and depression suffered than the other healthcare workers who participated in this study.
review on impact of pegylation on biopharmaceuticals
Authors: Gundecha Sachin , Shirolkar Satish , Deshkar Sanjivani , Chitlange Sohan , Shewale Sunil , Jagtap Rahul Arun 
Published: May 2022

Covalent conjugation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules to biopharmaceutical molecules is known to increase the pharmacological and medicinal characteristics of proteins and other big molecules and has been utilized effectively in 12 authorized medications. PEG reagents with straight and branched chains up to 40 kDa were utilized with a variety of PEG derivatives with varied linker chemistries. This article discusses the characteristics of PEG, the history and evolution of PEGylation chemistry, and examples of PEGylated pharmaceuticals with a proven track record. They prefer to employ bigger PEG polymers and complicated PEG structures, although they use extremely pure and well-characterized PEG reagents. The preclinical toxicity data for PEG in PEGylated biologics that have been authorized are summarised. Microscopically detected cell vacuolization in phagocytes, which is connected to the biological function of absorption and elimination of particles and macromolecules from blood and tissues. It's possible. Side effects in toxicity tests typically relate to the active moiety of the medicine, not the PEG moiety, according to experience with commercially available PEGylated pharmaceuticals.
Effect of hydrophilic polymer and binder on drug release of metformin HCl sustained release tablet
Authors: Kakad Sudarshan B. , Rachh Punit R. 
Published: May 2022

To develop an oral sustained release Metformin HCl tablet by wet granulation technique, using different grades of hydroxyl propyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in different concentration and by varying binder concentrations. Metformin HCl was received as gift sample while all other excipients of analytical grade were procured from the market. Formulation optimization was done by three ways to select optimum formula for preparing sustained release matrix tablet. Trail batches were prepared by altering the hydrophilic polymers as well as binder concentration and all the batches are evaluated for pre-compression and post-compression parameters. In first step, concentration of HPMC K4M is optimized by preparing three trial batches while in second step and third step concentration of HPMC K15M and HPMC K100M is optimized by next three-three batches respectively. Amount of HPMC is optimized to 240mg. The drug release of all the optimized HPMC batches were evaluated for in-vitro drug release study in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer solution in comparison with marketed formulation. Drug identification was performed by melting point determination, FTIR, UV and solubility determination. After pre-compression and post-compression evaluation we get the appropriate result in B3, B6 and B9 batches.
On Race, Value, and the Need to Reimagine Ethnomusicology for the Future
Authors: Harris Deonte L. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis article contributes to literature on value in ethnomusicology by shifting the discourse to issues of racism. Drawing from several years of fieldwork in London's carnival arts scene, I develop an approach called “value from below,” which illustrates how racial oppression often directly affects how members of BIPOC communities assign value, meaning, and significance to particular things, spaces, places, and actions. I then extend this approach to consider the impacts of systemic racism on BIPOC scholars in ethnomusicology, arguing that the growing call for the making of an antiracist and decolonized ethnomusicology is indicative of the continued struggle over value in the field and the larger world.
Post-Tarab: Music and Affective Politics in the US SWANA Diaspora
Authors: Figueroa Michael A. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn this article, I answer Anne K. Rasmussen's call for a “migration of ethnomusicology toward the ‘Diasporic Domestic’” (2019) through an ethnographic study of post-tarab, a postmigrant aesthetic practice among musicians and participants in the Southwest Asian and North African diaspora in the United States. In documenting how this emergent musical vernacular promotes a sense of “diasporic affect” among participants through intersubjective musical encounters, I propose a concentric model that accounts for post-tarab's metacognitive, liminal, and experiential dimensions. Ultimately, I argue that an attention to affective politics presents productive challenges to predominant ethnomusicological models of “culture.”
The formation and structure of a rare fog at Jodhpur
Authors: RAO D. VENKATESWARA , MUKHERJEE A. K. 
Published: May 2022

The meteorological conditions leading to the formation of a rare fog, which caused a spectacular lunar corona at Jodhpur in the ear]y hours of 18 January 1957, have been investigated. The observed reversal of the surface wind just prior to the development of fog is explained.
The variation in the angular diameter of the red annulus of the lunar corona at different times showed that the fog was homogeneous soon after formation with a droplet diameter of l8.2 um. It is shown from the changes of the chromatic structure of the corona that the drop size increased rapidly with the ageing of the fog but did not, however, exceed 50 u before its dissipation.
Du greier det ikke alene – Samskaping krever komplementære kompetanser
Authors: Bjørnerud Anne Merete , Krane Vibeke 
Published: May 2022

The project Co-creative Welfare Innovation explored what compe- tencies employees need and developed knowledge of co-creation processes along with vulnerable service recipients. Action research was used to gather data from four cases in three Norwegian mu- nicipalities. Data were analyzed by using thematic analysis. Find- ings indicate that employees working closely with recipients of welfare services need professional support to understand co-crea- tion and develop an own sense of professional confidence. There is a need for methodical competence, local experiential competence and target group competence. The study shows that proper prepa- rations before involving the recipients is essential, along with safe, supportive, collegial unities internally in the services. Co-creation seems to function as a change process bringing forth competence, provided there’s an organizational framework for it. A dedicated co-creation team of employees with complementary competencies seems essential to succeed.
Un recorrido por las Jornadas de la Tierra y las muestras ecoempresariales realizadas en la ETITC por el grupo GEA
Authors: Prieto Sáenz Ana Katerine , Cárdenas Rodríguez Rosa Yamile , Monroy González María Flor Stella , López Martínez Germán Arturo 
Published: May 2022

En este artículo se muestran las actividades que se han desarrollado en las diferentes Jornadas de la Tierra y las muestras ecoempresariales en la ETITC, bajo la coordinación del grupo de investigación GEA (Grupo Interdisciplinar de Estudios Ambientales) y del semillero SER (Semillero de Investigación en Energías Renovables). Las actividades realizadas han consistido en concientizar a la comunidad académica -tanto del Bachillerato Técnico Industrial como de las carreras de educación superior- acerca de la necesidad del cuidado del planeta. Para ello, se realizan dos tipos de actividades: una pedagógica y una muestra ecoempresarial. La actividad pedagógica consiste en la presentación de ponencias relacionadas con el cuidado del medio ambiente, orientadas por invitados tanto internos como externos a la institución y con exhibición de posters y prótotipos desarrollados por docentes y estudiantes, con temáticas anuales propuestas por los organizadores. Por otra parte, la muestra ecoempresarial consiste en la exhibición y venta de productos elaborados a partir de materiales reciclados, procesos ecológicos desarrollados por estudiantes emprendedores y empresas invitadas que exhiben propuestas empresariales ambientalmente exitosas. El recorrido de este artículo comprende desde el año 2008 hasta el año 2015.
Active Learning Approach is a Key Component of Effective Education
Authors: Kettler Karen , Guthrie Kinsey Taylor , Omelchenko Natalia 
Published: May 2022

New pedagogical approaches shifted education from unified instructions about basic facts and concepts to student-centered learning. A growing number of studies support the superiority of active learning approaches in the classroom over traditional instruction. During the active learning portion of a class, students may discuss and solve problems, or engage in various cooperative learning activities. Studies of student motivation can be an indicator of student achievement, as motivation plays an important role in the development of critical thinking skills and learning strategies. In the current study, we compare traditional and more innovative approaches to teach non-major biology classes that are offered in our institution (A- student-centered learning, no significant active learning component, B- student-centered learning, active learning component, C- traditional approach). In order to determine the effectiveness of different teaching strategies, we adapted a previously developed questionnaire concerning student motivation toward science learning (SMTSL) which examines 5 factors of motivation (self-efficacy, active learning, science learning value, achievement goal, and learning stimulation). A comparison of the 3 approaches indicates significant differences in self-efficacy (p < 0.0107) and active learning (p < 0.0107) between the significant active learning approach and traditional approach. The statistical analysis also demonstrated that observed differences could not be attributed to the academic standing of the students. In conclusion, the data indicate the importance of a significant active learning component for general education biology courses.
Investigation of environmental disturbances on habitat associated with Plethodon nettingi, Cheat Mountain Salamander.
Authors: Watson Mark Brian , Pauley Thomas K. 
Published: May 2022

Habitat fragmentation and disturbances due to anthropogenic activities are some of the most pressing problems in modern conservation biology. Fragmentation is often due to construction of barriers through habitats. Barriers include land development, roads, pipeline and powerline rights-of-way or through destructive energy resource collection such as timber harvest and mining. We investigated the effects of three fragmentation types on environmental conditions and abundance of plethodontid salamanders in temperate upland forest of West Virginia, USA. The study area targeted habitat supporting Plethodon nettingi, Cheat Mountain Salamander, to help determine potential impacts to this federally protected species. The study used five 50m transects of artificial coverboard arrays beginning at the edge of the disturbance and extending into the forest. Arrays were placed every 10m and salamanders and environmental data were collected at each coverboard array. The results of the study showed a positive linear relationship between distance from the habitat edge and abundance of salamander species. In addition, habitat disturbance influenced environmental conditions such as soil moisture and temperature and air temperature. This work was supported by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Preliminary investigation of soil bacterial communities from sites experiencing diverse human activity.
Authors: Robertson Laura , Class Microbial Ecology , Joyner Jessica 
Published: May 2022

Students in the Microbial Ecology class at Shepherd University investigated the bacterial communities present in soil samples collected from four sites across Shepherd University that experience different vegetation and distinct human activities: a wooded site, a perennial garden, an organic garden at the Campus Sustainability Site, and a grass lawn that experiences heavy student traffic. To identify bacterial species present in the soil samples, DNA was extracted from the soil and sent to Molecular Research Labs for 16S rRNA microbiome sequencing. The resulting sequences were then organized into operational taxonomic units for each site and biodiversity estimated for each site. Principal coordinate analysis revealed that the bacterial community in soil from the heavily trafficked lawn site was distinct from the bacterial communities found in soils collected from the other three sites. This initial research provides a basis for a longitudinal study investigating the effect of human activity on microbial communities in soil at Shepherd University. This course-based research project was supported by a West Virginia Space Grant Consortium College Course Development Grant, Authentic Research Experience in Microbiology (NSF-TUES #1323225), and the Shepherd University Biology Department.
What factors influence Quercus rubra growth performance along elevational and exposure gradients
Authors: Hoffman Sierra , Jalil Amaris , Lesser Mark 
Published: May 2022

How tree species perform across the breadth of their realized niche is essential for understanding their response to changing environmental conditions. This is especially relevant in topographically heterogeneous landscapes, where changes in elevation, exposure, slope and aspect all interact to determine how a particular species will perform at any location. We focused on growth performance in Quercus rubra (red oak) in Shenandoah National Park. We established 4 transects that spanned >700 meters of elevation change. Each transect encompassed an exposure gradient from a stream-side to a ridgetop location, and were positioned on opposing aspects. Along each transect we cored five mature red oak trees at six equally spaced points. Tree cores were prepared using standard dendroecological methods. Temperature and precipitation data from 1945 to 2016 were obtained from National Climatic Data Center for nine weather stations surrounding Shenandoah National Park. Elevational lapse rates were calculated for temperature data to adjust regional temperature to accurately represent coring locations. Ring width was modelled against climatic and topographic variables to determine which variables were important to red oak growth.Results showed spring and autumn precipitation and temperature from both current and previous year were associated with growth performance. Red oak growth was maximized at low elevations at near to intermediate distances from stream, however as elevation increased red oak performed better at greater distances from streams. As climate continues to warm, higher elevations may receive more precipitation due to evapotranspiration and red oak will be found further from streams at higher elevations.
Screening of Natural Product Library for the Discovery of Novel Leukemia Therapeutics
Authors: Hancher Kayla Michelle , Horzempa Joseph , Schmitt Deanna 
Published: May 2022

KAYLA HANCHER, DEANNA SCHMITT, and JOSEPH HORZEMPA. Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV 26074. Screening of a Natural Product Library for the Discovery of Novel Leukemia Therapeutics Leukemia is the leading cause of death in children. The discovery of effective cancer therapies is imperative to combat this deadly disease. The National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) has comprised a library of over 4,000 organic extracts derived from plants, fungi, marine, and algae species with potential anti-cancer properties. In partnership with NCNPR, we have developed a rapid and effective method for screening large quantities of these organic compounds for anti-cancer efficacy against THP-1 cells (a monocytic leukemia cell line). A microtiter-based AlamarBlue Assay was used to identify extracts that reduced the viability of the THP-1 cells. For this assay, THP-1 cells were treated with an extract from the NCNPR library and were incubated at 37˚C, 5% CO2 for 24 hours. Subsequently, resazurin was added and incubated for an additional 24 hours. Change to a red color was an indicator of viability. Cells treated with extracts that produced little to no color change were identified as leads. Lead extracts will be further evaluated for toxicity to non-cancer cells.
RHIANNON MACOM AND JOSEPH HORZEMPA, Dept of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV 26074. Anti-Bioterror Vaccine: Utilization of Francisella tularensis LVS to Generate a Plague/ Tularemia Vaccine
Authors: Macom Rhiannon Virginia , Horzempa Joseph 
Published: May 2022

Francisella tularensis and Yersinia pestis are bacteria that are classified as potential bioterrorism agents by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A vaccine that is capable of producing protective immunity against multiple bioterror agents would be especially desirable. Therefore, the goal of this research is to create a vaccine that will produce immunity to both F. tularensis and Y. pestis. We are generating a construct in which the coding region for Tul4 (an immunodominant protein of F. tularensis) is linked to OmpA (a protective antigen of Y. pestis) under the control of a robust F. tularensis promoter. This construct will be expressed in F. tularensis Live Vaccine Strain. Patients who have been immunized with this strain show robust immunological memory (over three decades post-vaccination). After confirming expression of the chimeric Tul4-OmpA protein, mice will be immunized with the recombinant LVS strain and then subsequently challenged with both F. tularensis and Y. pestis to determine the efficacy of the vaccine strain. This research could lead to the generation and utilization of a bivalent vaccine targeting two possible bioterror agents; the strategy for vaccine construction could potentially be applied toward protection against other pathogens.
Update on the West Virginia Herpetological Atlas
Authors: Pauley Thomas K. , Watson Mark Brian 
Published: May 2022

Herpetological studies in West Virginia began with Dr. A. M. Reese, a vertebrate zoologist at West Virginia University from 1907 to 1946. One of his students, Dr. N.B. Green, became the first curator of the state collection located at Marshall University. Other early herpetologists who contributed to our knowledge of herpetology in the state include Mr. M. Graham Netting, Mr. Neil D. Richmond, Professor Maurice Books, and Dr. Albert H. Wright. During the nearly 90 years of herpetological studies in West Virginia, numerous undergraduate and graduate students have contributed greatly to the state’s collection and our knowledge of amphibians and reptiles in the state. Presently, there are 49 species of amphibians and 41 species of reptiles known to occur in West Virginia. The atlas will contain information from approximately 70,000 records including those of the authors, Dr. N.B. Green, and others who search for and study amphibians and reptiles in the state. It will also include records from the state amphibian and reptile collection housed at Marshall University (nearly 15,000 specimens) and West Virginia specimens present in all major museums. In this presentation, we will discuss species with the least amount of data and areas of the state with the least number of records.
Spinal strength and range of motion in adults with scoliosis.
Authors: Bradley-Popovich Greg , Henson Kristy , Olachea Joshua David 
Published: May 2022

GREG BRADLEY-POPOVICH, School of Exercise Science & Athletic Training, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV, 26201, KRISTY HENSON, Department of Biology & Environmental Science, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV, 26201, and JOSHUA OLACHEA, School of Exercise Science & Athletic Training, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV, 26201. Spinal strength and range of motion in adults with scoliosis.Scoliosis often occurs during adolescence for unknown reasons. While little is known about how the curvature impacts spinal function in youth, even less is understood about the lasting ramifications once these patients become adults. The purpose of this study is to describe functional characteristics of adults who developed scoliosis in their youth. Twenty-eight consecutive patients (mean age 42.6 (sd = 16.5); 82.1% female) with scoliosis were referred to and evaluated in an out-patient orthopedic physical therapy clinic specializing in spine care. We measured trunk strength and range of motion (ROM), while documenting other identifying characteristics such as age, gender, curve severity, pain, and curve stability. Truncal strength and ROM in the sagittal and transverse planes were measured on MedX spinal dynamometers. Data reveal 70.4% of patients reported spinal pain at intake, and 76.2% demonstrated a clinically significant strength imbalance in torso rotation. Relative to norms, torsional weakness in at least one direction occurred in 90.9% of patients, and 45.8% of patients exhibited trunk rotation ROM restriction in at least one direction. Adults with scoliosis present with variable amounts of truncal strength and ROM imbalance and deficits, the identification of which may be used to guide exercise prescription.