bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Soluble Sugars, Sugar Profile, Starch and Proline in Developing Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Inflorescences
Authors: Bandupriya H.D.D.
Published: April 2020

Changes in soluble sugars, sugars profile, starch and proline levels in inflorescence rachillae from individual coconut palms were investigated during inflorescence development with the aim of determining a possible correlation between these characters and morphogenic potential of inflorescence tissues. Rachillae for analysis were collected from unopened inflorescences of -1 to -13 stages (considering the youngest open inflorescence as 0 stage) in decreasing order of maturity (–1 stage is the most mature stage whereas –13 is the most immature stage). Important differences among the maturity stages were observed for total sugars. In very tender inflorescences (-13 and -12), the total sugar content was very low whereas a gradual increase was observed from -11 to -7 stages, with  -7 stage having the highest level. The total sugar content in more mature inflorescences was relatively low, with the exception of -2 stage, which had a high total sugar content. In regard to sugar profiles, sucrose, fructose and glucose were the main soluble sugars present in coconut inflorescence and sucrose was the most abundant sugar in -5 to -9 maturity stages. Total soluble sugars and sucrose in maturity stages from -5 to -9 showed a very similar variation and significantly higher levels of sucrose were observed in -6 to -8 stages. The proline content in the mature stages, -1 to –3, was significantly lower than in the other stages with no significant variation in the stages –4 to –11. The pattern of variation in starch content was similar to that of proline which decreased with increasing maturity of inflorescence. In view of the results obtained, the higher accumulation of sucrose and total sugars in -6, -7 and -8 stages may have some significance in morphogenesis, especially as an energy source. The 10 cm length inflorescence that responds better for callusing falls within this range. Thus total sugar and sucrose content may be possible biochemical markers for assessing the morphogenic potential of inflorescence explants.
Use of Arabinogalactan Proteins in Coconut (Cocos Nucifera L.) Tissue Culture: An Alternative Approach for Improved Tissue Response
Authors: S C Fernando
Published: April 2020

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are extra-cellular proteins involved in plant growth and development. The effects of these proteins on in vitro response of different species are well documented. This study assessed for the first time the role of AGPs on tissue culture of coconut, a highly recalcitrant species in vitro. Coconut (Sri Lanka Tall) plumules were cultured in medium containing 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyaceticacid (2,4-D) for callogenesis. Calli were multiplied by subculturing onto freshly prepared callusing medium. Somatic embryos were induced by transferring of calli to medium with 2/3 concentration of initial 2,4-D and matured by subsequent transferring to medium without any hormones. Embryos were converted in the presence of gibberelic acid. Arabic gum (1-50 mgL-1) was used as the main source of AGP. Alternatively, different AGP sources like Larch wood gum, carrot seeds and defatted coconut kernel were also assessed. Arabic gum in callusing medium resulted in early callogenesis from 20-40% plumules compared to 10% in the control. However, it did not have a significant effect on final callusing efficiency. Its presence in somatic embryogenesis medium showed a significantly higher mass of embryogenic structures per an embryogenic clump (33.3-50.5mg) when compared to the control (26.9mg).The best result was obtained at 10mgL-1 Arabic gum. All AGP sources except Larch wood gum had positive effects on somatic embryogenesis. Among them, defatted coconut kernel (25-50mgL-1) showed the best results giving 70% cultures with embryogenic structures compared to 37% in control. However, so far, the positive effect of AGP did not reflect in plant regeneration efficiency.
Bioinformatic Prediction of SNP Markers in WRKY Sequences of Palms
Authors: Arunachalam, V
Published: April 2020

WRKY transcription factors are unique to plants and performs many imperative functions mainly disease resistance. In the present study we have analyzed the WRKY transcription factor gene sequences to assess the variation at single nucleotide level. We have retrieved 525 sequences of WRKY genes of palms of 334 Kb size. The sequences were purified by employing EST trimmer and were clustered into 31 contigs using CAP3. Single nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) and insertion/deletions (indels) were detected in contigs using the AUTOSNP software. Alternatively candidate SNP containing contigs were aligned by Clustal X to locate the SNPs. Results from these two methods were compared and false SNPs were eliminated. Finally, about 568 SNPs were found including 250 transitions, 120 transversions and 198 indels. The SNPs were seen at a frequency of 2.84/100bp in the WRKY sequences of palms. Primers were designed flanking to SNP/ indel sites with potential as markers in palms. We could obtain two novel WRKY-SNP markers (WRKY 7 and WRKY 12) which are not reported before in palms.
Effect of Application Frequency of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Hirsutellathompsonii (Fisher) on Damage Levels of Coconut Mite Aceriaguerreronis (Keifer)
Authors: L.C.P. Fernando
Published: April 2020

The effect of application interval of H. thompsonii (Fisher) on damage caused by the coconut mite, Aceriaguerreronis (Keifer) (Acari: Eriophyidae) in two coconut plantations in Sri Lanka was evaluated. In each plantation, coconut palms infested by coconut mite were treated with H. thompsonii isolate IMI 391722 at 2- and 3-monthly intervals and the fruits with H. thompsonii-infected coconut mite cadavers and percentage of harvested fruits in different damage categories were assessed. Infected coconut mite cadavers were found on up to 60% of the fruits treated with the fungus in both plantations at treatment frequencies. The effect of the treatments was site-specific. The treatments reduced the percentage of damaged-small size harvested fruits to half that of the untreated control in both plantations irrespective of the frequency of treatment. At one plantation, the percentages of undamaged fruits and fruits with discontinued damage were nearly doubled to that of untreated fruits.
Coir Pith as Growth Medium for Azotobacter Vinelandii and Azospirillum Brasilense
Authors: Abesh Reghuvaran  , Anita Das Ravindranath
Published: April 2020

Coir pith is a lignocellulosic biomass which is recalcitrant under ordinary conditions. Nitrogen fixation is commonly carried out in the soil and these soils acts as the medium for plant growth. This paper attempts to utilize coir pith as a substrate for two important nitrogen fixing organisms viz. Azotobacter vinelandii and Azospirillum brasilense. Coir pith was used as a source of carbon and energy by the bacteria and the ammonia produced during the process of nitrogen fixation was studied, the amount of ammonia produce indicates the fixation process by the bacteria. The present work succeeded in establishing the use of these two organisms to degrade the coir pith effectively and the resultant biodegraded material could be used as organic manure for plants.
Coconut Leaf Vermiwash as a Component of Organic Farming for Sustaining Soil Health and Fertility
Authors: Murali Gopal
Published: April 2020

Vermiwash, produced from actively vermicomposting substrates of coconut leaf + cowdung by the action of Eudrilus sp., has an alkaline pH, contains major and minor nutrients, growth hormones, humic acid and plant beneficial bacteria. Application of appropriately diluted coconut leaf vermiwash has shown to increase germination and seedling vigour index of cow pea and paddy seeds in laboratory bioassays. Field trials with cowpea, maize and bhendi (okra) in CPCRI farm showed its capacity to increase biomass and yield of the crops accompanied by enhanced soil microbial activities. Application of the vermiwash in red sandy loam soil produced an increase of 36% of fresh biomass weight, nodule numbers and 43% nodule fresh weight in cowpea at 1:10 dilution compared to control. In maize, increase in cob yield by 5-10%, fresh cob weight increase of 29-64% and in bhendi 22 to 33% increase in yield were recorded when vermiwash was applied at 1:5 dilution.  To validate these results, field trials were taken up in farmers’ plots at Majal and Edneer area in Kasaragod. Bitter gourd and cowpea crops were taken up at Majal while amaranthus, cowpea and green chillies at Edneer. The soil type was sandy loam at Majal and lateritic at Edneer. Vermiwash produced at CPCRI was used as treatment along with farmers’ practice as control. The mode of application of vermiwash, dilution rates and intervals of application were carried out by the farmers as per recommendations. Observations on yield of the crops in vermiwash applied plots were recorded by the farmers. A yield of 75 kg cowpea and 200 kg bitter gourd at Majal; 55 kg amaranthus, 155 kg cowpea and 10kg dried chilli at Edneer plot were recorded from vermiwash applied plots.

  In both the places, observations indicated that application of vermiwash resulted in yield of crops on par or slightly lower than the plots that received regular fertilizer inputs as per farmers’ practice. However, in vermiwash treated plots, the farmers listed many other important points viz. healthy plant and root hair growth, lesser pest and disease damage, larger leaf size and deep leaf colour, longer ability of plants to stay without wilting in field as well as longer time of remaining fresh in case of amaranthus after harvesting, etc. The soil analysis also revealed that application of vermiwash in both types of soils increased the bacterial, fungal, actinomycetes, free-living nitrogen fixing, phosphate solubilzing and fluorescent pseudomonad population, and dehydrogenase, urease and phosphatase enzyme activities when compared to fertilizer treated plots. This clearly established the fact that vermiwash enhanced the soil fertility status for production of quality yield of agronomic and horticulture crops.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Engineered Coconut Trunk Veneer (ECTV) for Interior Products
Authors: Izran K.
Published: April 2020

A study was undertaken to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of engineered coconut (Cocos nucifera) veneer (ECTV). The coconut trunks (40 – 50 years old) were obtained from Hutan Melintang, Perak and were peeled into veneers at Bestgrade Sdn. Bhd. The veneers were obtained from two different parts of coconut trunks viz inner and outer which were used to fabricate 5-ply engineered coconut veneers. The ECTVs were fabricated at FRIM’s Bio-Composite Laboratory. They were manufactured with urea formaldehyde (UF) resin and with three combinations namely 100% inner, 100% outer and alternate outer & inner veneers (mix). The densities for the engineered veneers made of 100% outer, 100% inner, and mixed layers were 944.1 kg/m3, 858.15 kg/m3 and 891.11 kg/m3, respectively. Results showed that the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) of the ECTV made from 100% outer veneers had the highest mean MOR value (88.69 MPa), followed by those made from the mixed veneers (74.35 MPa) and 100% inner (58.44 MPa), respectively.  On the other hand, the Modulus Of Elasticity (MOE) values were 10.12 Mpa for outer, 8,210 Mpa for inner and 10,075 Mpa for mixed. Overall, the testing results showed that the ECTV met the standard requirements.
Monitoring Emergence Pattern of Coconut Black-Headed Caterpillar Opisinaarenosella Walker (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) Using Sex Pheromone Traps
Authors: Bhanu, K.R.M.
Published: April 2020

The pheromone mass trapping programme for coconut black-headed caterpillar (BHC), Opisinaarenosella Walker under development at the south eastern dry zone of Karnataka calls for a proper monitoring system. Experiments conducted at Bidadi, Nelamangala, Nittur and Thyamagondlu near Bangalore, peninsular India to establish the emergence pattern of BHC indicated that nearly six emergence peaks of moths were recorded in 18 months. The duration of emergence and non-emergence periods of moths was approximately 41 days (SD= ±3.93) and 48 days (SD= ±4.35) respectively. The maximum number of days of moth and non-moth emergence was recorded during March, April and May. The studies on emergence pattern throughout the generation indicated that the moth emergence followed a normal curve. The moth emergence pattern of BHC in four coconut gardens at Nelamangala, Thyamagondlu, Nittur and Bidadi indicated the occurrence of spatially segregated moth emergence. The present studies provided thoughtful information on flight pattern of BHC in each generation and also throughout the year. Such basic results are helpful in designing pheromone based pest control strategies.
Quality Evaluation of Deep Frozen Scraped Coconut
Authors: Samarakone H.S.M.D.S.M
Published: April 2020

Fresh scraped coconut is highly susceptible to rancidity and microbial spoilage. Consumer acceptability of frozen scraped coconut in terms of chemical, microbiological and sensorial quality for three months of storage period was aimed in this study. Scraped coconut was taken and steam blanched for 5, 10 and 15 minutes using steamer. Half of blanched coconut was mixed with Vitamin E at 500 ppm. Then it was packed in LLDPE/PET/Al pouches (200 g/pouch) and sealed and stored under frozen condition at -18°C using a domestic freezer for 3 months. Control treatment was carried out by keeping the untreated grated coconut at frozen condition. Total plate count (TPC), free fatty acid (FFA) and peroxide values (PV) were measured in two week intervals for 3 months. Sensory properties of frozen coconut samples were tested in monthly intervals. Results revealed that significantly low FFA values in all the treated samples compared to control. The concentrations were below the detectable levels of rancidity (1% as lauric acid). There was no peroxide value detected throughout the study period in both the control and treated samples. It was evident that an inverse relationship occurred between TPC values and blanching time.  No differences were seen in sensory attributes in all frozen coconut and were within acceptable range. Application of steam blanching for 15 minutes with/without addition of vitamin E on fresh scraped coconut has the best advantages to extend the shelf life for minimum of three months to preserve the organoleptic properties at domestic frozen conditions.
Formulation of Zinc Rich Coconut Nutribar Designed for Athletes
Authors: Anusha Priyadarsini. K  , Dr. Lalitha Ramaswamy
Published: April 2020

The main dietary goal for athletes is to obtain competent nutrition to improve health, fitness and sports performance. Athletes require nutritious convenient foods like nutribars to provide instant energy and other nutrients. Zinc supplementation has been shown to increase anabolic hormone status to meet catabolic activity in athletes which is profound during training. In the current study nutribar was formulated using zinc rich food sources namely dehydrated coconut meat, cashewnuts, pumpkin seeds and cocoa. Two variations of the nutribar were prepared variation I using dark chocolate and variation II with milk chocolate. The samples were subjected to organoleptic evaluation using a 9 point Hedonic scale by semi trained panel members. The nutribars were also analyzed for selected nutrients using standardized procedures. The mean score obtained for over all acceptability was 8.0±0.632, 8.7±0.458 and 8.5±0.5 by the control, variations I and II respectively. Variations I and II had obtained a mean score of more than 8.0 for flavour and taste, while the control sample had obtained lesser scores. The zinc content of variations I and II was 7.38 mg & 5.2 mg being greater than the control.
Ecofriendly Organosolv Process for Pulping of Tender Coconut Fibre
Authors: Jincy P.J.  , Anita Das Ravindranath2  , U.S. Sarma
Published: April 2020

The huge biomass generated by vendors of tender coconut is the broken husks refuse dumped along roads and highways in Kerala. These dumps become breeding grounds for diseased causing germs and carrier mosquitoes causing threat to human life. In order to avoid pollution and find use of the rejected biomass of tender husks, a study was carried out on pulping of tender coconut husk fibre which could be used for papermaking. The optimum pulping condition, the quality of the pulp and its yield was evaluated using different variables like time and temperature. It was observed that the organosolv process could efficiently remove lignin from the tender coconut fibre yielding maximum cellulose. During the traditional pulping processes such as Kraft pulping to isolate the cellulose fibers for the production of paper, the hemicellulose and lignin fractions are degraded, limiting their valorization possibilities. Organosolv pulping has been advocated as the environmentally benign version of the kraft process. Unlike other pretreatment methods, organic solvents can easily be recycled and reused. The lignin dissolved by organosolv pulping is easily recovered by dilution and is unsulphonated and relatively unmodified.  Products like handmade paper, egg cartons, handicraft items, garden articles like paper pots could be made from the organasolv pulp of tender coconut husk fibre.
Identification of Training Needs of the Coconut Growers in Sri Lanka
Authors: Chaminda S. Herath
Published: April 2020

The coconut farming sector in Sri Lanka has been facing many problems which eventually led to a decrease in production and profitability in coconut farming. The main reason for the decrease in production has been the non adoption of scientific technologies primarily due to the lack of technical knowledge of coconut growers on scientific cultivation practices. Hence, a study was undertaken to assess the technical knowledge and the level of adoption of management practices with a view to identify and prioritize the training needs of coconut growers’. Training needs of the growers were assessed using the Borich Needs Assessment Model. The identified training needs were filtered by quadrant analysis. The discrepancy score of grower’s and the coconut development officers’ of the three districts were used as the dimensions of the quadrant analysis. The training needs were identified under four categories namely, planting practices, fertilizer application practices, agronomy practices and pest management practices. The study revealed that the most knowledgeable aspect was the planting practices and the least knowledgeable was the pest management practices, as evidenced by higher level of adoption of planting practices and the least adoption of pest management practices. It was concluded from the study that the most desirable training need was on the pest management practices followed by fertilizer application practices in the coconut triangle of Sri Lanka.
Coconut Cryopreservation: Present Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Iroshini Welewanni  , Dharshani Bandupriya
Published: April 2020

Coconut is one of the most important small holder crops worldwide. Conservation of coconut as seeds or field gene banks is not effective due to a range of limitations. Cryopreservation, which is the conservation of living propagules at very low temperature (-196ºC), is the only method available currently for the long-term conservation of germplasm for problem plant species such as recalcitrant and vegetatively propagated plant species. This review summarizes different cryopreservation techniques that have been published from 1984 until the present in relation to different coconut material; it includes a brief discussion about short and medium-term cryopreservation before describing long-term preservation. It discusses factors affecting the process and success of cryopreservation, such as selection of plant material, pre-culture of tissues, osmoprotection, dehydration, cryo-storage, thawing and post-culturing of tissues, and finally to plants. The review also describes histological and ultra-structural studies on and the use of molecular markers to assess genetic stability after cryopreservation. Limitations and future directions related to coconut cryopreservation are discussed. Additional experiments are identified that will need to be undertaken to improve our understanding of the different cryopreservation methods.
Coir-Krishimithra: An Apposite Medium for Cultivation of Vegetable/ Medicinal/ Ornamental Plants
Authors: Radhakrishnan S  , Anita Das Ravindranath  , Abesh Reghuvaran  , Geena MG
Published: April 2020

Coir pith is a by-product of the coir fibre processing industry. Accumulation of coir pith leads to an environmental concern and its management is a major problem with all coir industrialists. Therefore biodegradation of coir pith is an essential requirement to control pollution. Coir pith is a potential wealth and can be converted into valuable organic manure by microbial degradation. A method of composting of coir pith with urea has been developed by Coir Board which uses a fungus viz., Pithplus (Pleurotus sajor caju). Application of urea releases higher concentration of ammonia in the soil making it more acidic and retards soil natural fertility. Hence an alternative cost effective nitrogen supplement needs to be developed as a substitute to urea for composting of coir pith. Coir pith can be converted to effective organic manure with the use of fungus (Pleurotus sajor caju) along with the addition of nitrogen supplements like Azolla, Neem cake and Fish waste in 1:1:1 proportion. The present study aims at the formulation of bioorganic manure from coir pith avoiding urea in the composting. Overall assessment on the physico chemical properties of the biodegraded coir pith leads to the conclusion that a combination of Azolla, Neem cake and Fish waste in 1:1:1 proportion was found to be efficient in lignin degradation and contribute to novel changes in coir pith. A study was conducted to evaluate the competence of biocompost thus produced for the cultivation of Amaranthus and Groundnut. Studies confirmed that Coir-KrishiMithra can be used as an effective growing media and hence, the use of Coir-KrishiMithra, a 100% organic manure can be entertained in homes, nurseries and fields for the cultivation of plants mainly vegetables; thereby promoting the eco-friendly organic cultivation and minimize the environmental pollution caused by chemical fertilizers.
Response Surface Optimization for Extraction of Phenolics from Coconut Testa (Pairings)
Authors: K.D.P.P. Gunathilake
Published: April 2020

Response surface methodology in conjunction with central composite design (CCD) was performed in the present study to optimize the extraction parameters for assessing maximum yield of total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity from coconut pairings. Solvent concentration (30-100%), extraction temperature (30-60°C) and extraction time (30-90 min) were used as the independent variables.  The optimum conditions for extraction of total phenolics and antioxidant capacity from coconut pairings were found to be at ethanol concentration, 47.75% (v/v); extraction temperature, 49.84°C; and extraction time, 68.66 minutes. Under these optimal conditions, the model predicted a maximum response of 18.97 mg GAE/ g DW total phenolics and 38.09 mg AAE/g DW total antioxidant capacity of coconut pairing extracts  and they were in close agreement with predicted values, thus indicating the suitability of the models developed and the success of RSM in optimizing the extraction conditions.
UOE pipe strains measurement during manufacturing process using digital image correlation
Authors: Delistoian Dmitri , Chircor Mihael , Chris Timur
Published: April 2020

UOE pipe manufacturing processes influence directly on pipeline resilience and operation capacity. At present, most spread pipe manufacturing method is UOE. This kind of manufacturing process is based on cold forming principle. To avoid appearance of unwanted effects, the need to know the level of strains resulted after every technological step appeared. For this case a manufacturing process by using special designed equipment is simulated.
The experimental simulation presented in this paper is performed for L 415MB (X60) steel plate with 7.9 mm thickness and a width of 1250 mm. As a result a DN 400 (16 inch) pipe is obtained. Manufacturing process is monitored by Digital 3D Image Correlation System Q-400 and the principle of operation is based on Digital Image Correlation.
Analysis of new risks in maritime transport
Authors: Popa Liliana-Viorica
Published: April 2020

This paper analyzes both the safety of ships at sea and the formal assessment of their safety. The current practices and the latest advances in the marine and offshore industry are, above all, discussed. The relationship between standard ship safety cases, and the formal assessment of ship safety, is described. The risk factor study in the formal assessment of maritime safety is analyzed.
A risk management approach for the Romanian offshore activities for the exploration of hydrocarbons
Authors: Anton Catalin , Anton Iulia-Alina
Published: April 2020

The present study will use a risk-based approach to the exploration and production of hydrocarbons using a similar approach used in studies conducted for the European Commission. In this respect, sub-stages and processes were identified for each stage of economic activity. The approach to offshore operations was based on the assessment of 8 environmental aspects. So we used a risk assessment system, taking into account the consequences and probabilities of the occurrence of the risks. The evaluation was conducted using data collected from the offshore oil industry.
The Curious Case of PHL 293B: A Long-lived Transient in a Metal-poor Blue Compact Dwarf Galaxy
Authors: Burke Colin J. , Baldassare Vivienne F. , Liu Xin , Foley Ryan J. , Shen Yue , Palmese Antonella , Guo Hengxiao , Herner Kenneth , Abbott Tim M. C. , Aguena Michel , Allam Sahar , Avila Santiago , Bertin Emmanuel , Brooks David , Carnero Rosell Aurelio , Carrasco Kind Matias , Carretero Jorge , da Costa Luiz N. , De Vicente Juan , Desai Shantanu , Doel Peter , Eifler Tim F. , Everett Spencer , Frieman Josh , García-Bellido Juan , Gaztanaga Enrique , Gruen Daniel , Gruendl Robert A. , Gschwend Julia , Gutierrez Gaston , Hollowood Devon L. , Honscheid Klaus , James David J. , Krause Elisabeth , Kuehn Kyler , Maia Marcio A. G. , Menanteau Felipe , Miquel Ramon , Paz-Chinchón Francisco , Plazas Andrés A. , Sanchez Eusebio , Santiago Basilio , Scarpine Vic , Serrano Santiago , Sevilla-Noarbe Ignacio , Smith Mathew , Soares-Santos Marcelle , Suchyta Eric , Swanson Molly E. C. , Tarle Gregory , Tucker Douglas L. , Varga Tamas Norbert , Walker Alistair R. ,   (DES Collaboration)
Published: April 2020

We report on small-amplitude optical variability and recent dissipation of the unusually persistent broad emission lines in the blue compact dwarf galaxy PHL 293B. The galaxy’s unusual spectral features (P Cygni-like profiles with ∼800 km s−1 blueshifted absorption lines) have resulted in conflicting interpretations of the nature of this source in the literature. However, analysis of new Gemini spectroscopy reveals the broad emission has begun to fade after being persistent for over a decade prior. Precise difference imaging light curves constructed with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the Dark Energy Survey reveal small-amplitude optical variability of ∼0.1 mag in the g band offset by 100 ± 21 pc from the brightest pixel of the host. The light curve is well-described by an active galactic nuclei (AGN)-like damped random walk process. However, we conclude that the origin of the optical variability and spectral features of PHL 293B is due to a long-lived stellar transient, likely a Type IIn supernova or nonterminal outburst, mimicking long-term AGN-like variability. This work highlights the challenges of discriminating between scenarios in such extreme environments, relevant to searches for AGNs in dwarf galaxies. This is the second long-lived transient discovered in a blue compact dwarf, after SDSS1133. Our result implies such long-lived stellar transients may be more common in metal-deficient galaxies. Systematic searches for low-level variability in dwarf galaxies will be possible with the upcoming Legacy Survey of Space and Time at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.
Unified Astronomy Thesaurus: Usage Stats and Release Cycle
Authors: Frey Katie , Bukovi Kris
Published: April 2020

The Unified Astronomy Thesaurus (UAT) is an open and community-supported thesaurus that was formally adopted by the American Astronomical Society on 2019 June 3. This article examines the usage of UAT concepts across AAS journals since its adoption and summarizes information about the variety of concepts used, the most commonly used concepts, and frequent concept co-occurrences. Finally, it provides an update on the documentation governing the release cycle for future versions of the UAT.
Assessment of Ceruloplasmin, Hemopexin, and Haptoglobin in Asthmatic Children
Authors: Abd Al-Aziz Amany M. , Shaaban Hala , Talaat Ahmed , Awad Mona A. M. , Ali Radwa , A. Shahin Walaa
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND: Ceruloplasmin (Cp), haptoglobin, and hemopexin play a role in iron homeostasis and may function to modulate the systemic inflammatory response and be involved in tissue repair. We hypothesized that these proteins could be biological markers for bronchial asthma that reflect the involvement of iron oxidative stress in asthma pathogenesis.
AIM: Evaluation of serum levels of proteins involved in iron homeostasis (Cp, hemopexin, and haptoglobin) in asthmatic children and their correlation to pulmonary functions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty moderate to severe persistent asthmatic children aged 6–13 years were included (30 during attacks and 30 in-between attacks). Thirty healthy matched controls were also recruited. All children were subjected to history taking, clinical evaluation and assessment of complete blood picture, serum levels of Cp, haptoglobin, hemopexin, and total IgE. Pulmonary function tests were assessed for all patients.
RESULTS: Serum Cp and haptoglobin were significantly elevated in asthmatic children between attacks (448.04 ± 386.79), (993.33 ± 554.56) compared to controls (168.42 ± 13.46), (473.33 ± 350.3), (p = 0.0002, p < 0.0001) and to asthmatics during exacerbations (288.8 ± 219.6), (620 ± 467.86), (p = 0.014, p = 0.006). Serum hemopexin was significantly higher in asthmatics between attacks (509.33 ± 341.51) compared to controls (296.67 ± 158.38) (p < 0.003) but no significant difference compared to acute exacerbations (477.33 ± 396.6). No significant correlations were found between any of the assessed protein levels and pulmonary functions. Hemoglobin concentration was significantly higher among stable asthmatics compared to acute exacerbation and control groups.
CONCLUSION: Cp, haptoglobin, and hemopexin can be used as a panel of non-invasive biomarkers that reflect the involvement of iron oxidative stress in asthma pathogenesis.
L’action clandestine et l’ascension de la CIA sous l’administration Eisenhower
Authors: Ramos Raphaël
Published: April 2020

Le recours accru à l’action clandestine par l’administration Eisenhower a permis à la CIA de devenir un acteur majeur de l’appareil d’État. Si cette activité, qui recouvre l’ensemble des opérations secrètes visant à exercer une influence à l’étranger, avait été institutionnalisée par le président Truman, la CIA était restée en marge en raison de la piètre qualité de ses analyses et de la prudence de l’administration démocrate. L’expertise d’Eisenhower et d’Allen Dulles a facilité le développement de ces opérations qui, en outre, s’accordaient avec les objectifs présidentiels de poursuivre le containment tout en réduisant les dépenses militaires. Les succès rencontrés en Iran et au Guatemala ont entraîné une sanctuarisation de ce mode opératoire et, ainsi, transformé la stature de la CIA.
La valeur sociale du chiffre
Authors: Ogien Albert
Published: April 2020

Cet article envisage la quantification de l’action publique sous un angle singulier. Il ne s’intéresse en effet ni à l’ usage social du chiffre (ou aux intérêts particuliers de ceux qui s’en servent), ni à la construction sociale du chiffre (ou aux ficelles de la fabrication de la statistique publique), ni à la validité scientifique du chiffre (ou à la réalité des faits qu’il est censé décrire), mais à la valeur sociale du chiffre . Ses analyses s’articulent donc autour d’une question : comment une information quantifiée au sujet d’un problème politique est-elle catégorisée et dotée d’importance par ceux qui l’utilisent, indépendamment de ce qu’elle révèle à propos du fait dont elle fournit une description objective ? Pour répondre à cette question, l’article commence par identifier l’ordre de catégorisation qu’impose le « système du chiffre gestionnaire » ; puis, à partir de données empiriques extraites d’une enquête sur la mise en place de la Lolf et son application au domaine de l’enseignement supérieur, il rend compte de la reconfiguration de l’action de l’État qu’induit le passage d’une quantification descriptive à une quantification prédictive. L’article met ainsi en évidence le genre de propriétés sociales qui est conféré au chiffre lorsque l’action publique est soumise à un impératif de performance, et suggère que ces propriétés s’opposent à celles qui lui sont attribuées dans l’ordre de catégorisation de la démocratie.
Emploi flexible et protection sociale. Les retraites des artistes intermittents du spectacle
Authors: Cardon Vincent
Published: April 2020

Les artistes intermittents sont salariés. La flexibilité de leur emploi est aménagée par un régime dérogatoire d’indemnisation du chômage, le régime dit des intermittents du spectacle. Cet article explore les conséquences à long terme d’une telle flexibilité contractuelle sécurisée par l’assurance chômage. La dégradation des retraites illustre les effets inattendus de l’imbrication croissante des revenus directs du travail et des revenus indemnitaires, lorsqu’ils sont utilisés comme des revenus de complément et non de remplacement. L’usage de l’assurance chômage par les artistes configure une relation fortement désajustée entre travail et emploi qui les pénalise à long terme. Afin de compenser la perte de revenus associée à l’entrée dans la retraite, et parce qu’il est structurellement difficile de penser la sortie d’un métier de vocation, certains d’entre eux continuent à travailler jusqu’à un âge élevé. Mais les inégalités de réussite professionnelle ne s’arrêtent pas au seuil de l’assurance vieillesse. Le cas des artistes permet donc d’explorer les conditions de possibilité du vieillissement actif et de montrer que, dans un système de protection sociale, l’installation durable dans l’emploi flexible individualise les destins économiques et accroît les inégalités à long terme.
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Following Intravitreal Bevacizumab With Laser Versus Laser Photocoagulation Alone for Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Ahmed Kamran , Ali Anam S. , Delwadia Neil , Greven Margaret A.
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To assess neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with treatment-warranted retinopathy of prematurity (TW-ROP) treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) plus diode laser photocoagulation (DLP) compared to DLP alone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A retrospective review was performed of infants who underwent treatment for TW-ROP with IVB+DLP or DLP alone from 2010 to 2017. Baseline characteristics and coexisting medical comorbidities were recorded. The presence of neurodevelopmental delay (NDD) at 2-year follow-up and composite Bayley-III scores were recorded.

RESULTS:

Sixty-six infants were included in the study; 18 received IVB+DLP, and 48 received DLP alone. Average Bayley-III scores for cognition, language, and motor, as well as rates of documental NDD, did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSION:

This study does not demonstrate an increased risk of NDD in infants with TW-ROP treated with IVB+DLP compared with DLP alone.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2020;51:220–224.]
Conventional Microscope-Integrated Intraoperative OCT Versus Digitally Enabled Intraoperative OCT in Vitreoretinal Surgery in the DISCOVER Study
Authors: Figueiredo Natalia , Talcott Katherine E. , Srivastava Sunil K. , Hu Ming , Rachitskaya Aleksandra , Sharma Sumit , Singh Rishi P. , Yuan Alex , Reese Jamie L. , Ehlers Justis P.
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To compare conventional microscope-integrated intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) and digitally enabled microscope-integrated iOCT in vitreoretinal surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

In this post-hoc analysis of the DISCOVER prospective iOCT study, two surgical groups were compared: (1) conventional iOCT and (2) digitally enabled iOCT. Surgeon questionnaires were collected immediately following surgery.

RESULTS:

A total of 187 subjects were included in the study: 91 in the conventional iOCT group and 96 in the digitally enabled iOCT group. There were no differences in surgeon-perceived iOCT utility between the two groups. There was significantly higher surgical field-based visualization of the iOCT datastream in the digitally enabled iOCT group (67.7% vs. 3.3%;
P
< .0001). Reported significant back discomfort (1.0% vs. 18.7%;
P
< .0001) and headaches (5.2% vs. 20.9%;
P
< .002) were lower in the digitally enabled iOCT group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Feasibility and utility of iOCT were similar in both groups. Digitally enabled iOCT datastream enabled increased attention on the surgical field during OCT review.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2020;51:S37–S43.]
R2DS: A novel hierarchical framework for driver fatigue detection in mountain freeway
Authors: You Feng ,   School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China, Gong Yunbo , Li Xiaolong , Wang Haiwei ,   School of transportation and economic management, Guangdong Communication Polytechnic, Guangzhou 510650, China
Published: April 2020

Fatigue driving is one of the main factors which affect the safety of drivers and passengers in mountain freeway. To improve the driving safety, the application of fatigue driving detection system is a crucial measure. Accuracy, speed and robustness are key performances of fatigue detection system. However, most researches pay attention to one of them, instead of taking care of them all. It has limitation in practical application. This paper proposes a novel three-layered framework, named Real-time and Robust Detection System. Specifically, the framework includes three modules, called facial feature extraction, eyes regions extraction and fatigue detection. In the facial feature extraction module, the paper designs a deep cascaded convolutional neural network to detect the face and locate eye key points. Then, a face tracking sub-module is constructed to increase the speed of the algorithm, and a face validation submodule is applied to improve the stability of detection. Furthermore, to ensure the orderly operation of each sub-module, we designed a recognition loop based on the finite state machine. It can extract facial feature of the driver. In the second module, eyes regions of the driver were captured according to the geometric feature of face and eyes. In the fatigue detection module, the ellipse fitting method is applied to obtain the shape of driver's pupils. According to the relationship between the long and short axes of the ellipse, eyes state (opening or closed) can be decided. Lastly, the PERCLOS, which is defined by calculating the number of closed eyes in a period, is used to determine whether fatigue driving or not. The experimental results show that the comprehensive accuracy of fatigue detection is 95.87%. The average algorithm rate is 32.29 ms/f in an image of 640×480 pixels. The research results can serve the design of a new generation of driver fatigue detection system to mountain freeway.
Cuentos tradicionales recopilados en la comarca toledana de la Jara
Authors: Madroñal Durán Abraham
Published: April 2020

«Cuentos tradicionales recopilados en la comarca de la Jara» es una nueva recogida de esta importante manifestación folklórica que es el cuento de tradición oral. Recopilación que apenas cuenta con antecedentes en la provincia de Toledo. Se publican aquí ocho cuentecillos de marcado carácter fantástico, grabados en la localidad de Belvís de la Jara. Merced a las oportunas notas los cuentos son clasificados según los Índices generalmente aceptados y encuadrados dentro de la tradición folklórica española y americana.
Joan Amades i Gelats (23, VII, 1890 - 17, 1, 1959)
Authors: Calvo Calvo Luis
Published: April 2020

No disponible
Iconographie indienne et l’histoire (iie siècle av. J.‑C.‑ xiie siècle) (L’)
Authors: Parlier‑Renault Édith 
Published: April 2020

Quoique les représentations visuelles de l’Inde
ancienne n’aient fait que très peu de place aux figures ou aux faits
historiques, une bonne partie d’entre elles s’y réfèrent de façon
métaphorique. Cependant l’iconographie nous apporte surtout un
témoignage irremplaçable sur l’histoire religieuse, sur l’apparition
et l’évolution des croyances et des figures mythiques, parfois
empreintes d’une dimension politique.
Marae polynésiens (Les)
Authors: Molle Guillaume , Maric Tamara
Published: April 2020

Les marae polynésiens sont d’anciens sites
cérémoniels dont l’architecture a très tôt attiré l’attention des
Occidentaux puis des archéologues. Malgré une origine commune, ces
monuments présentent une grande variabilité entre les archipels du
triangle polynésien qui témoignent de trajectoires historiques
diverses. Outre leur fonction rituelle, les marae étaient aussi des lieux où s’ancrait
l’identité du groupe (familial, social) et de la chefferie dans son
ensemble. La majorité des monuments fut détruite au moment de
l’implantation missionnaire et de l’administration coloniale, mais
certains ont fait l’objet, au cours des dernières décennies, de
restauration et de réappropriation, démontrant ainsi que le marae continue d’être un
symbole identitaire fort pour les communautés polynésiennes.
ARTICULAÇÕES ENTRE A ATUAÇÃO DO PROGRAMA BOLSA FAMÍLIA E O TRABALHO DE SEUS BENEFICIÁRIOS
Authors: Vasconcelos Marllon Emanoel Souza Medeiros de , Moreira Esteves Bernardi Mônica , Coutinho Paschoal Dourado Débora
Published: April 2020

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a articulação da atuação do Programa Bolsa Família (PBF) com aspectos relacionados ao trabalho. Para tal, realizou-se uma pesquisa in loco em Caruaru-PE. No referencial teórico é apresentada uma caracterização do PBF e uma análise de alguns dos principais estudos sobre o PBF. Foi realizada uma pesquisa de caráter qualitativo, tendo como principais fontes de dados entrevistas não-estruturadas, observação não participante e análise documental. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio da análise de conteúdo.  Os resultados indicaram a importância dos Centros de Referência de Assistência Social (CRAS) na atuação do PBF, pois estes representam uma porta de acesso à uma perspectiva mais ampla da Assistência Social. A pesquisa também sugere que a articulação entre o PBF e os programas complementares tem sido insuficiente, destacando a necessidade de melhores articulações, bem como da ampliação e criação de novos espaços de inclusão.
The Effect of Silica Fused Addition as Filler on Zircon Based Refractory Coating
Authors: Dwinanda Davino Aditya , Dhaneswara Donanta , Shandiana Bionolla
Published: April 2020

Refractory coating is widely used in metal casting process to protect the mold from direct contact with molten metal. This coating also could improve the surface quality of casting product. Zircon is common materials that used as filler, but the materials cost is quite high. Therefore, alternative material is needed to make partial substitution of the filler. Silica Fused can be considered as filler because it has good refractoriness. This study aims to determine silica fused is reliable as an alternative to substitute zircon filler. The samples were made with 16%, 18%, and 20% silica fused addition and different treatment which were heated and non-heated drying. Particle size and distributions of the filler were analyzed using Particle Size Analysis. Viscosity measurement has been done to coating slurry to analyze the rheological characteristics of the slurry. The surface morphology of dried coating was taken using Scanning Electron Microscope. XRD test also has been done to analyse the compound. The quality of coating was determined from the thermal stability of the coating that was analyzed using Simultaneous Thermal Analysis. The result shows that silica fused is reliable as an alternative material for filler partial substitution.
IL-1R Regulates Disease Tolerance and Cachexia in Toxoplasma gondii Infection
Authors: Melchor Stephanie J. , Saunders Claire M. , Sanders Imani , Hatter Jessica A. , Byrnes Kari A. , Coutermarsh-Ott Sheryl , Ewald Sarah E.
Published: April 2020

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that establishes life-long infection in a wide range of hosts, including humans and rodents. To establish a chronic infection, pathogens often exploit the trade-off between resistance mechanisms, which promote inflammation and kill microbes, and tolerance mechanisms, which mitigate inflammatory stress. Signaling through the type I IL-1R has recently been shown to control disease tolerance pathways in endotoxemia and Salmonella infection. However, the role of the IL-1 axis in T. gondii infection is unclear. In this study we show that IL-1R−/− mice can control T. gondii burden throughout infection. Compared with wild-type mice, IL-1R−/− mice have more severe liver and adipose tissue pathology during acute infection, consistent with a role in acute disease tolerance. Surprisingly, IL-1R−/− mice had better long-term survival than wild-type mice during chronic infection. This was due to the ability of IL-1R−/− mice to recover from cachexia, an immune-metabolic disease of muscle wasting that impairs fitness of wild-type mice. Together, our data indicate a role for IL-1R as a regulator of host homeostasis and point to cachexia as a cost of long-term reliance on IL-1–mediated tolerance mechanisms.