bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O exercício físico protege o equilíbrio dinâmico e coordenação motora de ratos tratados com vincristina
Authors: Sagrillo Luiza Minato , De Zorzi Viviane Nogueira , Royes Luiz Fernando Freire , Fighera Michele Rechia , Bonadiman Beatriz da Silva Rosa , Cattani Maria Fernanda Manica Rizzi , Silveira Aron Ferreira da
Published: October 2020

O exercício físico tem se mostrado um importante modulador do sistema antioxidante e neuroprotetor em diversas doenças e tratamentos que afetam o sistema nervoso central. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do exercício físico no equilíbrio, coordenação motora, atividade locomotora exploratória e no balanço oxidativo e imunológico de ratos tratados com vincristina. Para isso, 40 ratos adultos foram randomizados em dois grandes grupos: grupo exercício (6 semanas de natação, 1h/dia, 5 dias/semana, com sobrecarga de 5% do peso corporal) e grupo sedentário. Após o protocolo de treinamento, os ratos foram tratados com uma dose semanal de 0,5 mg/kg de sulfato de vincristina (2 semanas) ou com a mesma dosagem de NaCl a 0,9%. Os testes comportamentais foram realizados 1 e 7 dias após cada dose de vincristina. No dia 15 foram realizadas as análises bioquímicas do cerebelo. O exercício físico foi capaz de proteger contra a perda de equilíbrio e coordenação motora e teve efeito per se na atividade locomotora exploratória. Neutralizou o estresse oxidativo e reduziu o dano imunológico e de DNA causados pela Vincristina até 15 dias após o término do protocolo de treinamento. Em conclusão, observou-se que o treinamento físico prévio protege do dano motor induzido pela vincristina.
Teste de degrau de seis minutos no sobrepeso e obesidade: validação, confiabilidade e equação de predição
Authors: Pereira Thulio Nilson do Nascimento , De Lima Anna Myrna Jaguaribe , Do Monte Jessica do Carmo Anjos , Araújo Leandro Augusto da Silva , De Vasconcelos Cinthia Rodrigues , Soares Aní­sio Francisco
Published: October 2020

Objetivo: Avaliar a validação do constructo e a reprodutibilidade intra-avaliador do teste de degrau de 6 minutos (TD6M) e desenvolver uma equação de predição para o desempenho no teste de degrau em indivíduos com sobrepeso e obesidade. Métodos: Foram analisados 35 indivíduos, divididos em dois grupos: obesidade/sobrepeso e grupo controle. O TD6M e o teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6M) foram feitos em dias distintos. Para avaliar a força muscular de membros inferiores foi utilizado o dinamômetro isocinético. Resultados: Uma correlação positiva moderada entre os desempenhos no TD6M e no TC6M foi encontrada no grupo obesidade/sobrepeso (r = 0,501; p = 0,01). A reprodutibilidade no grupo obesidade/sobrepeso foi excelente tanto para o desempenho quanto para as variáveis cardiovasculares (coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) > 0,8; p < 0,000), com exceção da PAD imediatamente após, que apresentou reprodutibilidade muito boa (CCI = 0,79; p < 0,000). No grupo obesidade/sobrepeso foi desenvolvida a seguinte equação de predição: número de subidas no degrau = 85,847 + 0,482 x (pico de torque de extensão do joelho). Conclusão: O TD6M é válido, reprodutível e uma alternativa viável para avaliar a capacidade funcional de exercício em jovens obesos e com sobrepeso. Os resultados mostraram que a força muscular dos membros inferiores é capaz de prever o desempenho no TD6M.
¿Prohibido? ¡El placer sexual, tu derecho!
Authors:   Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann, Tacna, Perú, Sologuren-García Gema
Published: October 2020

Aunque parezca mentira, aún se sufre en el Perú para investigar y publicar temas controvertidos que quiebren mitos y rompan esquemas tradicionales y obsoletos, concernientes a la sexualidad y al sexo, hoy edulcorados con el término “género”. El título del libro lleva un interrogante que necesita una respuesta. Sí, aún está prohibido hablar y escribir sobre esta materia y, sin duda, son los “memes” biológicos e ideológicos —en especial religiosos— implantados, en el cerebro desde la infancia, los que contaminan la inteligencia; bloqueando el análisis racional, sereno y científico sobre la vida sexual. Los temas descritos en este libro servirán para “prender una chispa y no maldecir la oscuridad”. En diferentes capítulos se analizan “Placer y género”, “Conciencia corporal y zonas erógenas”, “Bioquímica del placer”, “Alternativas para obtener placer”, “Fantasías sexuales”, “Cibersexo”, “Juguetes sexuales”, entre otros del importante contenido de este volumen. Una muy interesante investigación complementa la obra, material original y valioso, por escasear en el ambiente académico, en especial universitario. La población investigada de 1083 tiene una muestra de 275 estudiantes provenientes de 30 Escuelas Académico Profesionales de la Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann de la ciudad de Tacna.
Salud Materna y Perinatal en el Perú: Dando sentido a la evidencia
Authors:   Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann, Tacna, Perú, Ticona-Rendón Manuel , Huanco-Apaza Diana ,   Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann, Tacna, Perú
Published: October 2020

El presente libro constituye una valiosa recopilación de artículos en diversas publicaciones peruanas y del extranjero, realizada por el distinguido profesor Dr. Manuel Ticona Rendón y sus colaboradores de la Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann de Tacna, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos y otras universidades peruanas. Los artículos que forman parte de este libro, pese a haber sido publicado en diferentes momentos, mantienen un orden lógico que le dan una organicidad y transforman la obra en un libro sólido y valioso sobre el estado de la salud de la madre, el feto y el recién nacido. Los títulos de los catorce capítulos de este libro son: Medicina fetal, Medio ambiente, Madre adolescente, Madre con edad mayor de 35 años, Nutrición materna, Crecimiento Fetal, Prematuridad, Restricción del crecimiento Fetal, Macrosomía fetal; Embarazo, parto y alumbramiento, Morbilidad neonatal, Mortalidad perinatal, Anomalías congénitas, y Sucedió en el Perú y Latinoamérica.
Kepemimpinan Hindu Dalam Cerita Tantri Nandhaka Harana
Authors: Saitya Ida Bagus Subrahmaniam , Subawa I Made Pasek
Published: October 2020

Tantri Nandhaka Harana adalah nama sebuah buku cerita yang di dalamnya terdapat cerita-cerita mengenai kehidupan binatang dan manusia dalam bentuk pupuh dan kidung. Cerita Tantri Nandhaka Harana adalah mengandung kiasan-kiasan yang indah dan bermanfaat bagi hidup dan kehidupan. Cerita Tantri Nandhaka Harana mengandung ajaran kepemimpinan agama Hindu yang dapat memberikan gambaran kepada pemimpin Hindu untuk menjadi pemimpin yang berkarakter. Seorang pemimpin di dalam cerita Tantri Nandhaka Harana harus berpedoman atas dharma, karena dengan dharma maka seorang pemimpin dapat mencapai moksa. Pemimpin hendaknya memiliki etika yang baik, menerapkan prinsip tri kaya parisudha, yaitu berpikir yang baik (manacika parisudha), berkata yang baik (wacika parisudha), dan berbuat yang baik (kayika parisudha).

Kata Kunci: kepemimpinan Hindu, cerita Tantri Nandhaka Harana
Esensi Perayaan Siwaratri: Konsep dan Implementasinya dalam Konstruksi Pengetahuan Keagamaan Menuju Pencerahan
Authors: Subawa I Made Pasek
Published: October 2020

Perayaan Siwaratri dapat dinayatakan sebagai sebuah konstruksi sosial-religi, hal ini mengingat adanya unsur eksternalisasi dalam wujud sebuah konsep Siwaratri, objektivasi (pelembagaan proses ritual dan disiplin diri untuk memuja Tuhan dalam manisfestasinya sebagai pemralina), dan internalisasi yakni penyerapan nilai dan norma dalam Perayaan Siwaratri sebagai fondasi dalam mewujudkan konsolidasi harapan, keyakinan, kebangkitan sikap mental menuju pencerahan dan liberasi.

Proses konstruksi dilakukan dengan menyusun kembali informasi tentang Siwaratri baik yang berupa pengetahuan, keyakinan, kepercayaan, nilai-nilai  dan sikap, tradisi-tradisi, serta pola-pola tindakan tertentu yang diperoleh dalam praktek keagamaan ini menjadi satu struktur informasi yang powerful, dalam arti bermakna, berbasis nilai-nilai, terintegrasi dan selalu aktif memandang untuk selalu dapat direfleksikan kembali. Pengetahuan dan keyakinan mengenai Siwaratri bukanlah realitas objektif yang ada di luar diri manusia, melainkan rekonstruksi aktif dalam pikiran manusia ketika berinteraksi dalam  kehidupan beragama  dan sekaligus keyakinan itu dapat membangun kembali pengetahuan, nilai-nilai, dan tindakan tertentu yang berguna bagi subjek (umat Hindu) terutama dalam membangun kesalehan personal, struktural, dan sosial.
Tindak Pidana Korupsi Perspektif Filsafat Iman Kristen
Authors: Citranu Citranu
Published: October 2020

Korupsi merupakan perbuatan yang dilarang oleh hukum manusia dan hukum Tuhan. Hakikat dari pada korupsi yakni perbuatan yang bertentangan dengan kebenaran Firman Allah, nilai-nilai yang terkandung dalam tindak pidana korupsi adalah dosa atau perbuatan jahat. Metodelogi tindak pidana korupsi melalui penyesatan, kebohongan, penipuan dan perbuatan jahat lainnya. Korupsi menurut filsafat iman Kristen bertujuan membawa manusia ke arah kehancuran dan kebinasaan, korupsi bertentangan dengan firman dan hukum Allah. Penanggulangan dan pemberantasan tindak pidana korupsi hanya bisa dilakukan dengan cara memperkuat iman Kristen yakni menerapkan hukum kasih dalam kehidupan manusia.
A Spatial Econometric Analysis on the Determinants of Regional Housing Demand
Authors: İĞDELİ Arif
Published: October 2020

The aim of this research is to examine the determinants of regional housing demand in the NUTS-II regions of Turkey during the 2010-2017 period. It was decided to use the spatial econometric methods in the research analysis, since the presence of spatial effect which is arising from neighbourhood relationship between regions. The weight matrix was created within the framework of queen neighbourhood. According to the analysis findings, the income elasticity of regional housing demand varies between 0.790-1.400. In addition, it has been determined in the analysis findings that the price elasticity of regional housing demand is between 0.014-0.019. The fact that the price elasticity of regional housing demand is in a positive value range close to zero indicates that households perceive the house as an investment good as well as consumption good. The positive effect of regional industrialization level, regional population growth, and regional enterprise numbers on the regional housing demand is another finding obtained as a result of the research. As a result of the research, it is recommended that policy makers make policies to transfer their investment to industrial sectors that will create added value instead of the housing sector.
Gender Impact on Electrophysiological Activity of the Brain
Authors: LANGROVÁ J. , KREMLÁČEK J. , KUBA M. , KUBOVÁ Z. , SZANYI J.
Published: October 2020

Gender is presumed to be one of the factors causing interindividual variability in the brain’s electrophysiological parameters. Our aim was to characterize the role of gender in visual evoked potentials (VEPs), event-related potentials (ERPs), visual mismatch negativity (vMMN) and the spectral characteristics of the EEG. We examined 42 healthy volunteers (21 women and 21 men, aged 20-29 years). We measured VEPs in response to pattern-reversal and motion-onset stimulation, ERPs in an oddball paradigm and vMMN in response to a combination of motion directions presented in the visual periphery. P100 peak latency for 40’ reversal VEPs was significantly shorter in women than in men as determined using a non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In addition, women showed higher relative EEG spectral power in the alpha band (p=0.023) and lower power in the theta band (p=0.004). Our results in this small but homogeneous group of subjects confirm previously reported gender influences on pattern-reversal VEPs and the EEG frequency spectrum. Gender should be taken into consideration in establishing norms on these measures. We found no statistically significant differences between women and men for any of the other stimuli presented.
REDUCED MODEL OF PLASMA DISCHARGE CONTROL IN TOKAMAK WITH IRON CORE
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, ANDREEV VALERY , POPOV ALEXANDER
Published: October 2020

A reduced model has been developed to describe the time evolution of a discharge in an iron core tokamak, taking into account the nonlinear behavior of the ferromagnetic during the discharge. The calculation of the discharge scenario and program regime in the tokamak is formulated as an inverse problem - the optimal control problem. The methods for solving the problem are compared and the analysis of the correctness and stability of the control problem is carried out. A model of “quasi-optimal” control is proposed, which allows one to take into account real power sources. The discharge scenarios are calculated for the T-15 tokamak with an iron core.
A STUDY OF CARBON NANOTUBES ENERGETICS USING ORBITAL FREE METHOD IN THE FRAME-WORK OF THE DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY
Authors:   Institute of Applied Mathematics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Khabarovsk, Russian Federation, ZAVODINSKY VICTOR , GORKUSHA OLGA
Published: October 2020

Dependence of the binding energy of carbon atoms in nanotubes on the tube diameter is studied. The full-electron orbital free modeling method, developed by us in the framework of the density functional theory, was used for calculation of the binding energy. Nanotubes of limited lengths with the armchair ends were investigated. The tube diameter D, was varied from 0,68 nm up to 1,50 nm; numbers of included atoms were changed from 80 up to 320. Three sets of tubes were studied: the tube length was 0,87 nm in the first set, 1,36 nm in second set, and 1,86 nm in the third set. For the first set the energy minimum (-7.50 eV) was found at Dmin = 1,22 nm, for the second set (-7.62 eV) at Dmin = 1.00 nm, and for the third set (-8.01 eV) at Dmin = 1.06 eV.
https://urvak.ru/articles/compu-8014-vypusk-3-analiz-obshchego-uravneniya-po/
Authors:   Institute of Materials Science, SPA “Physics-Sun”, Academy of Science of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, RAKHIMOV RUSTAM , JALILOV MMATMATISA , MAKHSUDOV ASATULLA ,   Fergana branch of the Tashkent University of Information Technologies named after Muhammad Al-Khorazmiy, Fergana, Republic of Uzbekistan
Published: October 2020

In article occurrence of earthquakes and mountain blows and their communication by volcanic processes occurring in a kernel is analyzed. Mathematical modeling is resulted, uniting occurring processes in a kernel, occurrence Р-longitudinal shock waves and the S-intensity before earthquakes. In the given work it is considered, how by means of mathematical modeling it is possible to create model of occurring events and to untangle communication of seismic signatures of pushes arising from seismic processes. Such method of modeling will allow to create the three dimensional image of earth crust and to show in interaction of tectonic plates as the forces creating and pushing the formed break change in due course. For this purpose it is necessary to enter the seismic given districts that the model corresponded to supervision of how the plate is deformed to and during time, and after earthquake. It will help to draw conclusions on what forces operate on plate border - plates and as it is deformed, handing over the fluctuation information outside and as in things in common one plate dives into a hot viscous cloak of the Earth. In it to a floor the fused layer firm breeds exude and behave in the unexpected image, therefore the understanding of general dynamics of a status of a kernel can help to define communication between pressure along a break before earthquake. The problem of influence of mobile loadings on layers arises from a kernel of the earth a striking power of boiling magma, a surface top a piecewise homogeneous two-layer plate-plate the running wave along a x axis with constant speed V0 normal loading extends. The blows which are starting with a kernel of the Earth from an event volcanism, creating running waves in earth crust it is described by the total formula (17). The mathematical concept of interpretation can be applied to concept of occurring events of a kernel of definition of striking power P-waves, intensity S-waves and places at forecasting of natural accidents for the Earth.
MANAGEMENT MODELS OF DATA COLLECTION PROCESSES IN IOT NETWORKS WITH THE DYNAMIC STRUCTURE
Authors:   ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, MYO THAW AUNG , SADDAM AHMED ABBAS ,   Saint- Petersburg Electrotechnical University (LETI), St. Petersburg, Russian Federation,   St. Petersburg Institute of Informatics and Automation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, ZHUKOVA NATALIA , CHERNOKULSKY VLADIMIR
Published: October 2020

The collection of data from the network with dynamic structure is a complex process that must be performed with considering of security, energy efficiency and latency requirements. To determine the optimal data collection models that meet the stated requirements, the authors analyzed models and methods of data collection in dynamic networks, as well as management processes of data collection. The study allows to determine the most effective technologies for data collection in dynamic networks, which include Fog technologies and clustering technologies. Based on the analysis, the authors have developed the model for data collection managment, which allows to construct and rebuild the structures of data collection models in accordance with the requirements and conditions of data collection. The developed approaches and principles were successfully implemented in practice: a system of data collection was tested for the crane complexes, which is designed to work at production sites. In general, the study allows to identify methods and tools that effectively solve the problems of data collection in the networks with dynamic structure, and to demonstrate the solution of these problems in practice.
PEMBELAJARAN ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION MELALUI MOBILE ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING (MALL): POTENSI DAN HAMBATAN
Authors: Hidayati Poppy Sofia , Rosyid Abdul
Published: October 2020

TOWARD MALL IN LEARNING ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: POTENTIALS AND PITFALLS In this era of technology, the use of mobile phone, which is wireless, personal, networking, and ubiquitous have influenced every aspect of human life. Using mobile technology in language learning would give opportunity to learn outside the conventional class and decrease English learning problems in EFL setting. By using mobile phone, the learners could access information and develop it across space, be connected to the others and explore their ability more. This study aimed at investigating the use of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) in learning English Pronunciation. This study was qualitative approach which employed case study as the method. The study involved 30 students English Education Study Program. The data are gathered from observation, questionnaire, and Focused Group Discussion (FGD). The result shows that the use of MALL has benefited the students in enhance their ability in English Pronunciation through ELSA Speak application. The pitfalls mostly lay in the problems of signal and network in the learning process. Thus, MALL should be integrated in learning English process since it is perceived to be useful to enhance students’ performance in learning English.
Tillage System and Crop Sequence Affect Soil Disease Suppressiveness and Carbon Status in Boreal Climate
Authors: Palojärvi Ansa , Kellock Miriam , Parikka Päivi , Jauhiainen Lauri , Alakukku Laura
Published: October 2020

The soil-borne plant pathogens cause serious yield losses and are difficult to control. In suppressive soils, disease incidence remains low regardless of the presence of the pathogen, the host plant, and favorable environmental conditions. The potential to improve natural soil disease suppressiveness through agricultural management practices would enable sustainable and resilient crop production systems. Our aim was to study the impact of autumn tillage methods and crop sequence on the soil carbon status, fungistasis and yield in boreal climate. The disease suppression was improved by the long-term reduced and no tillage management practices with and without crop rotation. Compared to the conventional plowing, the non-inversion tillage systems were shown to change the vertical distribution of soil carbon fractions and the amount of microbial biomass by concentrating them on the soil surface. Crop sequence and the choice of tillage method had a combined effect on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. The improved general disease suppression had a positive correlation with the labile carbon status and microbial biomass. From the most common Fusarium species, the predominantly saprophytic F. avenaceum was more abundant under non-inversion practice, whereas the opposite was true for the pathogenic ones. Our findings furthermore demonstrated the correlation of the soil fungistasis laboratory assay results and the prevalence of the pathogenic test fungus Fusarium culmorum on the crop cereals in the field. Our results indicate that optimized management strategies have potential to improve microbial related soil fungistasis in boreal climate.
RETRACTED: Long Noncoding RNA LOC400043 (LINC02381) Inhibits Gastric Cancer Progression Through Regulating Wnt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jafarzadeh Meisam , Soltani Bahram M.
Published: October 2020

Gastric cancer is one of the common causes of cancer mortality worldwide, with a low survival rate for the affected people. Recent studies have revealed the key role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development and progression of many cancers, including gastric cancer. Looking for the potential molecular regulators of gastric cancer incidence and progression, LINC02381 was identified as a downregulated lncRNA in gastric cancer tissues by analysis of available microarray and RNA-seq data and RT-qPCR confirmed this differential expression. MiR-21, miR-590, and miR-27a miRNAs were predicted to be sponged by LINC02381, and dual luciferase assay verified LINC02381 as a competitive endogenous RNA (CeRNA), which binds to them. Furthermore, we found that increased expression of LINC02381 attenuates Wnt pathway activity. Also, functional analysis indicates that LINC02381 arrests cell cycle, increases apoptosis and caspase activity, and reduces cell survival and proliferation rate of the human gastric cancer cell lines AGS and MKN45. Moreover, EMT analysis showed that LINC02381 is involved in gastric cancer progression and inhibits metastasis. Overall, this work for the first time introduces LINC02381 as a CeRNA involved in gastric cancer and provides novel insight into the molecular pathogenesis of gastric cancer.
New Gene Markers Involved in Molecular Processes of Tissue Repair, Response to Wounding and Regeneration Are Differently Expressed in Fibroblasts from Porcine Oral Mucosa during Long-Term Primary Culture
Authors: Bryja Artur , Sujka-Kordowska Patrycja , Konwerska Aneta , Ciesiółka Sylwia , Wieczorkiewicz Maria , Bukowska Dorota , Antosik Paweł , Bryl Rut , Skowroński Mariusz T. , Jaśkowski Jędrzej M. , Mozdziak Paul , Angelova Volponi Ana , Shibli Jamil A. , Kempisty Bartosz , Dyszkiewicz-Konwińska Marta
Published: October 2020

The mechanisms of wound healing and vascularization are crucial steps of the complex morphological process of tissue reconstruction. In addition to epithelial cells, fibroblasts play an important role in this process. They are characterized by dynamic proliferation and they form the stroma for epithelial cells. In this study, we have used primary cultures of oral fibroblasts, obtained from porcine buccal mucosa. Cells were maintained long-term in in vitro conditions, in order to investigate the expression profile of the molecular markers involved in wound healing and vascularization. Based on the Affymetrix assays, we have observed three ontological groups of markers as wound healing group, response to wounding group and vascularization group, represented by different genes characterized by their expression profile during long-term primary in vitro culture (IVC) of porcine oral fibroblasts. Following the analysis of gene expression in three previously identified groups of genes, we have identified that transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1), ITGB3, PDPN, and ETS1 are involved in all three processes, suggesting that these genes could be recognized as markers of repair specific for oral fibroblasts within the porcine mucosal tissue.
Effects of Dietary Lysine Levels on Production Performance and Milk Composition of High-Producing Sows during Lactation
Authors: Liu Bo , Zhou Yuanfei , Xia Xiong , Wang Chao , Wei Hongkui , Peng Jian
Published: October 2020

Modern genotype sows require enhanced nutrition because of their larger body size and higher reproductive performance than 20 years ago. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary Lys on the lactating of primiparous sows and the second lactating period to minimize sow body weight (BW) loss and maximize the survival rate of piglets and litter gain. A total of 160 primiparous Yorkshire sows were randomly allotted to one of four experimental lactation diets. Formulated to contain 0.84%, 0.94%, 1.04%, and 1.14% standardized ileal digestibility (SID) Lys and balanced in Met, Thr, Trp, and Val. No dietary effects were found on sow body weight (BW) and backfat thickness (BF) change and feed intake during lactation. However, the Lys intake (p = 0.04) of lactation increased linearly with increasing dietary Lys levels. In addition, 1.14% Lys for primiparous sow and 0.94% Lys for second parity sow during lactation increased the survival rate (p = 0.04), weight (p = 0.04), and ADG of piglets at d 21 (p = 0.03). The dietary Lys level did not affect colostrum compositions. However, the dry matter (p = 0.04) and protein (p = 0.03) in milk increased linearly with the increase in dietary Lys levels, whereas moisture decreased linearly (p = 0.05). The level of plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) also increased at d 21 of weaning (p = 0.04). These results indicate that high-yielding lactating sows required 1.14% SID Lys during parity 1, and 0.94% SID Lys during parity 2 to maximize the survival rate of piglets and litter gain, respectively. Moreover, the effects of dietary amino acid (AA) on the production performance of weaning pigs could be mediated through milk composition change.
Strategies to Meet Nutritional Requirements and Reduce Boar Taint in Meat from Entire Male Pigs and Immunocastrates
Authors: Bee Giuseppe , Quiniou Nathalie , Maribo Hanne , Zamaratskaia Galia , Lawlor Peadar G.
Published: October 2020

This paper reviews the current knowledge on the nutritional requirements of entire male and immunocastrated pigs to obtain an efficient growth, low boar taint level, and good carcass and meat quality. We present the reasons for offering entire males ad libitum access to the diets in order to optimize their protein deposition potential. Boar taint is one of the major issues in the production of entire males; therefore, the impact of various skatole- and indole-reducing feed ingredients is discussed regarding their efficiency and the possible mechanism affecting skatole and indole production in the hindgut. Entire males have lean carcasses, so their intramuscular fat content can be lower than that of surgical castrates or females and the adipose tissue can be highly unsaturated. The possible nutritional strategies to counteract these effects are summarized. We conclude that immunocastrates can be fed similarly to entire males until the second vaccination. However, due to the metabolic changes occurring shortly after the second vaccination, the requirements for essential amino acids are markedly lower in immunocastrates than in entire males.
A New High-Throughput Screening Method to Detect Antimicrobial Volatiles from Metagenomic Clone Libraries
Authors: Stocker Franz , Obermeier Melanie M. , Resch Katharina , Berg Gabriele , Müller Bogotá Christina A.
Published: October 2020

The ever-growing spread of resistance in medicine and agriculture highlights the need to identify new antimicrobials. Microbial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are one of the most promising groups of chemicals to meet this need. These rarely exploited molecules exhibit antimicrobial activity and their high vapour pressure makes them ideal for application in surface sterilisation, and in particular, in biofumigation. Therefore, we adapted the previously developed Two Clamp VOCs Assay (TCVA) to a new high-throughput screening for the detection of novel antifungal VOCs from metagenomic clone libraries. As a proof of concept, we tested the new high-throughput TCVA (htTCVA) by sourcing a moss metagenomic library against Fusarium culmorum. This led to the identification of five clones that inhibited the growth of mycelium and spores in vitro by up to 8% and 30% and subsequently, to the identification of VOCs that are potentially, and in part responsible for the clones’ antifungal activity. For these VOCs, the in vitro effect of the pure compounds was as high as 100%. These results demonstrate the robustness and feasibility of the htTCVA, which provides access to completely new and unexplored biosynthetic pathways and their secondary metabolites.
Muscle Antioxidant Activity and Meat Quality Are Altered by Supplementation of Astaxanthin in Broilers Exposed to High Temperature
Authors: Hosseindoust Abdolreza , Oh Seung Min , Ko Han Seo , Jeon Se Min , Ha Sang Hoon , Jang Aera , Son Ji Seon , Kim Gur Yoo , Kang Hwan Ku , Kim Jin Soo
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the effect of dietary astaxanthin (AST) on the meat quality, antioxidant status, and immune response of chickens exposed to heat stress. Four hundred and eighty male broilers were assigned to four treatments including AST0, AST20, AST40, and AST80 with 0, 20, 40, and 80 ppm astaxanthin supplementation levels, respectively. There was a linear decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA) in leg muscle. Catalase and superoxide dismutase levels in the plasma were linearly increased. There was a linear increase in the level of total antioxidant capacity in the leg muscle. The 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate reducing activity of leg muscle was significantly increased in the AST80 treatment. The AST40 treatment showed an increase in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity of leg muscles. Breast meat redness and yellowness were linearly increased. The astaxanthin-supplemented treatments exhibited lower drip loss and MDA concentration of leg muscle compared with the AST0 treatment at days 3 and 9 of storage. Supplementation of 40 or 80 mg/kg astaxanthin significantly decreased heat shock protein (HSP)27, HSP70, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-6 expression in the livers. The feather corticosterone was significantly lower in the astaxanthin-supplemented treatments than in the AST0 treatment. In conclusion, astaxanthin decreased the hyperthermic stress level and improved meat quality, and antioxidant status of chickens exposed to heat stress.
Flavonoids as a Natural Enhancer of Neuroplasticity—An Overview of the Mechanism of Neurorestorative Action
Authors: Cichon Natalia , Saluk-Bijak Joanna , Gorniak Leslaw , Przyslo Lukasz , Bijak Michal
Published: October 2020

Neuroplasticity is a complex physiological process occurring in the brain for its entire life. However, it is of particular importance in the case of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Neurological recovery largely depends on the ability to reestablish the structural and functional organization of neurovascular networks, which must be pharmacologically supported. For this reason, new forms of therapy are constantly being sought. Including adjuvant therapies in standard treatment may support the enhancement of repair processes and restore impaired brain functions. The common hallmark of nerve tissue damage is increased by oxidative stress and inflammation. Thus, the studies on flavonoids with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as a potential application in neuro intervention have been carried out for a long time. However, recent results have revealed another important property of these compounds in CNS therapy. Flavonoids possess neuroprotective activity, and promote synaptogenesis and neurogenesis, by, among other means, inhibiting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. This paper presents an overview of the latest knowledge on the impact of flavonoids on the plasticity processes of the brain, taking into account the molecular basis of their activity.
Synergic Crosstalk between Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Genomic Alterations in BCR–ABL-Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasm
Authors: Allegra Alessandro , Pioggia Giovanni , Tonacci Alessandro , Casciaro Marco , Musolino Caterina , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: October 2020

Philadelphia-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) have recently been revealed to be related to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. It has been proposed that MPNs represent a human inflammation model for tumor advancement, in which long-lasting inflammation serves as the driving element from early tumor stage (over polycythemia vera) to the later myelofibrotic cancer stage. It has been theorized that the starting event for acquired stem cell alteration may occur after a chronic inflammation stimulus with consequent myelopoietic drive, producing a genetic stem cell insult. When this occurs, the clone itself constantly produces inflammatory components in the bone marrow; these elements further cause clonal expansion. In BCR–ABL1-negative MPNs, the driver mutations include JAK 2, MPL, and CALR. Transcriptomic studies of hematopoietic stem cells from subjects with driver mutations have demonstrated the upregulation of inflammation-related genes capable of provoking the development of an inflammatory state. The possibility of acting on the inflammatory state as a therapeutic approach in MPNs appears promising, in which an intervention operating on the pathways that control the synthesis of cytokines and oxidative stress could be effective in reducing the possibility of leukemic progression and onset of complications.
A ROS-Based Open Tool for Intelligent Robotics Education
Authors: Cañas José M. , Perdices Eduardo , García-Pérez Lía , Fernández-Conde Jesús
Published: October 2020

This paper presents an open-access platform for practical learning of intelligent robotics in engineering degrees: Robotics-Academy. It comprises a collection of exercises including recent service robot applications in real life, with different robots such as autonomous cars, drones or vacuum cleaners. It uses Robot Operating System (ROS) middleware, the de facto standard in robot programming, the 3D Gazebo simulator and the Python programming language. For each exercise, a software template has been developed, performing all the auxiliary tasks such as the graphical interface, connection to the sensors and actuators, timing of the code, etc. This also hosts the student’s code. Using this template, the student just focuses on the robot intelligence (for instance, perception and control algorithms) without wasting time on auxiliary details which have little educational value. The templates are coded as ROS nodes or as Jupyter Notebooks ready to use in the web browser. Reference solutions for illustrative purposes and automatic assessment tools for gamification have also been developed. An introductory course to intelligent robotics has been elaborated and its contents are available and ready to use at Robotics-Academy, including reactive behaviors, path planning, local/global navigation, and self-localization algorithms. Robotics-Academy provides a valuable complement to master classes in blended learning, massive online open courses (MOOCs) and online video courses, devoted to addressing theoretical content. This open educational tool connects that theory with practical robot applications and is suitable to be used in distance education. Robotics-Academy has been successfully used in several subjects on undergraduate and master’s degree engineering courses, in addition to a pre-university pilot course.
Characterization of Evolution Stages, Groundwater and Soil Features of the Mud Forest Landscape at Qian-an (China)
Authors: Rui XiangJian , Nie Lei , Xu Yan , Du Chao , Kong FanSheng , Zhang Tao , He YuanYuan , Wang YuZheng
Published: October 2020

The research on geological landscape has received more and more attention worldwide. The National Geological Park of Qian-an mud forest, located in Qian-an Country, Songyuan City (Jilin Province, China) is a rare natural geological landscape formed by erosion. Mud forest landscape has undergone long-term geological processes, and it is still in continuous evolution due to subsurface erosion. In the process of the mud forest landscape formation and evolution, distinct stages have been recognized. The subsurface erosion factors of the mud forest area were identified by groundwater and soil samples characterization, and the mechanism of the formation of the mud forest is studied. Results show that the occurrence of subsurface erosion is controlled by four factors: (1) The head difference of terrace increases due to geological structure, (2) The dry and cold paleoclimate increases the accumulation of soluble salts. Concentrated precipitation in the short term also promotes subsurface erosion. (3) The high content of sodium ions in groundwater promotes the dispersion of soil, and (4) Loess-like soil is characterized by high porosity, low plasticity, and dispersibility.
Efficient Delivery Services Sharing with Time Windows
Authors: Wang Wanyuan , Tao Hansi , Jiang Yichuan
Published: October 2020

Delivery service sharing (DSS) has made an important contribution in the optimization of daily order delivery applications. Existing DSS algorithms introduce two major limitations. First, due to computational reasons, most DSS algorithms focus on the fixed pickup/drop-off time scenario, which is inconvenient for real-world scenarios where customers can choose the pickup/drop-off time flexibly. On the other hand, to address the intractable DSS with the flexible time windows (DSS-Fle), local search-based heuristics are widely employed; however, they have no theoretical results on the advantage of order sharing. Against this background, this paper designs a novel algorithm for DSS-Fle, which is efficient on both time complexity and system throughput. Inspired by the efficiency of shareability network on the delivery service routing (DSR) variant where orders cannot be shared and have the fixed time window, we first consider the variant of DSR with flexible time windows (DSR-Fle). For DSR-Fle, the order’s flexible time windows are split into multiple virtual fixed time windows, one of which is chosen by the shareability network as the order’s service time. On the other hand, inspired by efficiency of local search heuristics, we further consider the variant of DSS with fixed time window (DSS-Fix). For DSS-Fix, the beneficial sharing orders are searched and inserted to the shareability network. Finally, combining the spitting mechanism proposed in DSR-Fle and the inserting mechanism proposed in DSS-Fix together, an efficient algorithm is proposed for DSS-Fle. Simulation results show that the proposed DSS-Fle variant algorithm can scale to city-scale scenarios with thousands of regions, orders and couriers, and has the significant advantage on improving system throughput.
Numerical Study on the Power Efficiency and Flow Characteristics of a New Type of Wind Energy Collection Device
Authors: Ding Li , Guo Tongqing
Published: October 2020

The increased velocity (Invelox) wind turbine system is a novel wind energy collection device. This system can collect and accelerate the air flow through a funnel and a Venturi tube. However, the efficiency of this system is relatively low under some wind directions. To improve the aerodynamic performance of Invelox, a straight-through layout with a windshield was proposed. The flow field of the improved design was studied by applying Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and was compared with that in the original configuration. Numerical results show that when the Invelox exit is facing the incoming wind, the ratio of the average velocity inside the Venturi tube to the incoming wind speed, i.e., the speed ratio, will drop sharply, and even the airflow will push back. The improved layout can eliminate the sensitivity of incoming wind direction to aerodynamic characteristics. The windshield can effectively reduce the interference of incoming air to the outlet air, making the speed ratio increase by about 42%. Different wind profiles in the atmospheric boundary layer are used in the boundary of the flow domain as the incoming flow wind. With the increase in the wind profile index, the speed ratio of the Invelox system will gradually decrease.
Effects of Replacing Corn with Hydroponically Sprouted Barley on the Growth Performance and Blood Metabolite Status of Holstein Dairy Heifers
Authors: Kim Tae-Il , Lim Dong-Hyun , Lee Hyun-Jeong , Park Seong-Min , Kim Yoon-Jeong , Choi Hee-Chul , Park Jong-Ho , Kim Sam-Churl , Ki Kwang-Seok , Mayakrishnan Vijayakumar
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to determine the effects of replacing corn with hydroponically sprouted barley (HSB) in Holstein heifer feed on growth performance and blood metabolites. For this purpose, the barley was prepared with hydroponic sprouting under optimized conditions, and its chemical composition was analyzed on a dry matter (DM) basis. A total of 30 Holstein heifers that were 7 months old with an average body weight of 212.60 ± 55.00 kg were used in a completely randomized design comprising 10 repetitions and three groups over a period of 11 months. Dietary treatments included control (CON), basal diet (corn meal-based diets), and trail diets, in which 10% and 30% HSB gradually replaced corn meal. The growth performance and biochemical indices were analyzed every month. Results showed that the HSB diet increased chemical compositions compared with the control diets on a DM basis. In addition, diets with up to 30% HSB did not show any negative effects on the growth performance (body weight, height at withers, and height at rump) or selected blood metabolites of heifers compared with the CON diet. In conclusion, the use of HSB instead of corn meal did not lead to any adverse effects on growth performance or biochemical indices; therefore, HSB can be used as an alternative dietary source for raising Holstein heifers.
Electroencephalography (EEG) Technology Applications and Available Devices
Authors: Soufineyestani Mahsa , Dowling Dale , Khan Arshia
Published: October 2020

The electroencephalography (EEG) sensor has become a prominent sensor in the study of brain activity. Its applications extend from research studies to medical applications. This review paper explores various types of EEG sensors and their applications. This paper is for an audience that comprises engineers, scientists and clinicians who are interested in learning more about the EEG sensors, the various types, their applications and which EEG sensor would suit a specific task. The paper also lists the details of each of the sensors currently available in the market, their technical specs, battery life, and where they have been used and what their limitations are.
Hydrogen Recovery from Waste Gas Streams to Feed (High-Temperature PEM) Fuel Cells: Environmental Performance under a Life-Cycle Thinking Approach
Authors: Abejón Ricardo , Fernández-Ríos Ana , Domínguez-Ramos Antonio , Laso Jara , Ruiz-Salmón Israel , Yáñez María , Ortiz Alfredo , Gorri Daniel , Donzel Nicolas , Jones Deborah , Irabien Angel , Ortiz Inmaculada , Aldaco Rubén , Margallo María
Published: October 2020

Fossil fuels are being progressively substituted by a cleaner and more environmentally friendly form of energy, where hydrogen fuel cells stand out. However, the implementation of a competitive hydrogen economy still presents several challenges related to economic costs, required infrastructures, and environmental performance. In this context, the objective of this work is to determine the environmental performance of the recovery of hydrogen from industrial waste gas streams to feed high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells for stationary applications. The life-cycle assessment (LCA) analyzed alternative scenarios with different process configurations, considering as functional unit 1 kg of hydrogen produced, 1 kWh of energy obtained, and 1 kg of inlet flow. The results make the recovery of hydrogen from waste streams environmentally preferable over alternative processes like methane reforming or coal gasification. The production of the fuel cell device resulted in high contributions in the abiotic depletion potential and acidification potential, mainly due to the presence of platinum metal in the anode and cathode. The design and operation conditions that defined a more favorable scenario are the availability of a pressurized waste gas stream, the use of photovoltaic electricity, and the implementation of an energy recovery system for the residual methane stream.
Special Issue “Climate Change, Carbon Capture, Storage and CO2 Mineralisation Technologies”
Authors: Koukouzas Nikolaos , Tyrologou Pavlos , Koutsovitis Petros
Published: October 2020

This Special Issue presents sixteen scientific papers that explore the application of carbon capture and storage technologies, mitigating the effects of climate change [...]
Lauric Acid versus Palmitic Acid: Effects on Adipose Tissue Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obesity
Authors: Saraswathi Viswanathan , Kumar Narendra , Gopal Thiyagarajan , Bhatt Saumya , Ai Weilun , Ma Carmen , Talmon Geoffrey A. , Desouza Cyrus
Published: October 2020

Coconut oil, rich in medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCSFA), in particular, lauric acid (LA), is known to exert beneficial metabolic effects. Although LA is the most abundant saturated fatty acid in coconut oil, the specific role of LA in altering obesity-related metabolic disorders remains unknown. Here, we examined the effects of supplementing a high fat (HF) diet with purified LA on obesity-associated metabolic derangements in comparison with palmitic acid (PA), a long-chain saturated fatty acid. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a control chow diet (CD) or an HF diet supplemented with 3% LA (HF + LA) or PA (HF + PA) for 12 wk. Markers of adipose tissue (AT) inflammation, systemic insulin resistance (IR), and hepatic steatosis, were assessed. The body weight and total fat mass were significantly higher in both HF + LA and HF + PA diet-fed groups compared to CD controls. However, the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in HF + LA-fed mice compared to both CD as well as HF + PA-fed mice. Interestingly, markers of AT inflammation were promoted to a lesser extent in HF + LA-fed mice compared to HF + PA-fed mice. Thus, immunohistochemical analysis of VAT showed an increase in MCP-1 and IL-6 staining in HF + PA-fed mice but not in HF + LA-fed mice compared to CD controls. Further, the mRNA levels of macrophage and inflammatory markers were significantly higher in HF + PA-fed mice (p < 0.001) whereas these markers were increased to a lesser extent in HF + LA-fed group. Of note, the insulin tolerance test revealed that IR was significantly increased only in HF + PA-fed mice but not in HF + LA-fed group compared to CD controls. While liver triglycerides were increased significantly in both HF + PA and HF + LA-fed mice, liver weight and plasma markers of liver injury such as alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were increased significantly only in HF + PA-fed mice but not in HF + LA-fed mice. Taken together, our data suggest that although both LA and PA increased AT inflammation, systemic IR, and liver injury, the extent of metabolic derangements caused by LA was less compared to PA in the setting of high fat feeding.