bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respiratory Distress Complicating Laryngeal Sarcoidosis
Authors: Benhoummad O. , Benlenda O. , EL Fakiri M. , Nassik H.
Published: May 2021

Laryngeal involvement in sarcoidosis is rare but can be potentially dangerous. A Severe obstruction of the laryngeal tract may appear, sometimes requiring a tracheostomy. Systemic corticosteroid therapy is the treatment of choice for most patients. We report the case of a 25-year-old patient with isolated laryngeal sarcoidosis for 12 years. She was admitted for respiratory distress. The nasofibroscopy revealed diffuse supraglottic edema, the medical care consisted of an intense surveillance and a corticosteroid therapy. Isolated laryngeal sarcoidosis is a condition that requires multidisciplinary consultation. It presents a challenge in terms of diagnosis, in terms of appropriate management of the respiratory tracts and in terms of treatment.
Pembentukan PPID Nagari Sebagai Implementasi Undang-Undang Keterbukaan Informasi Publik
Authors: Helmi Rahmadhona Fitri , Permana Iip , Yuliarti Yuliarti
Published: June 2021

Optimalisasi keterbukaan informasi publik di lembaga pemerintah dilakukan dengan pengimplementasian Undang-Undang nomor 14 tahun 2008 tentang Keterbukaan Informasi Publik (KIP) harus terealisasi hingga ke tingkat desa, di Provinsi Sumatera Barat istilah desa dikenal dengan nagari. Implementasi UU KIP ini bertujuan untuk menjamin hak masyarakat dalam mengetahui apa yang dilakukan oleh pemerintah. Bentuk konkrit dari penerapan UU KIP di tingkat nagari adalah pembentukan PPID nagari, sebagai badan eksekutif yang berada dilevel paling bawah. Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini dilakukan di dua nagari yang ada di Kabupaten Tanah Datar, Sumatera Barat, yaitu Nagari Tabek dan Nagari Sawah Tangah. Kedua nagari ini memiliki permasalahan relatif hampir sama, 1) perangkat nagari belum memahami dengan baik implementasi dari UU KIP tahun 2008, 2) belum terbentuknya PPID Nagari sebagai bagian perangkat nagari yang bertugas mengelola informasi nagari, 3) tidak terkelolanya website nagari oleh perangkat nagari, terlihat dari design/ tampilan website nagari pada tampilan default. Adapun, metode pendekatan yang digunakan adalah metode Focus Group Discussion (FGD), sosialisasi, presentasi dan pelatihan. Kegiatan ini melibatkan perangkat nagari, BPRN, KAN, dan tokoh adat. Hasil yang diperoleh dari kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini, 1) aparatur nagari sudah memahami amanat dari UU nomor 14 tahun 2008 tentang keterbukaan informasi publik, bahwa masyarakat nagari berhak tahu tentang segala sesuatu terkait dengan nagarinya, 2) terbentuknya PPID nagari, 3) meningkatnya kemampuan perangkat nagari dalam mengelola website nagari.
Performance Analysis of Water Heating System by Using Double Glazed Flat Plate Solar Water Heater
Authors: Putra Andika , K Arwizet , Fernanda Yolli , Sari Delima Yanti
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, the use of solar energy is incredibly important to be increased since solar energy is renewable energy and also does not cause pollution. To harness solar energy, a solar collector device is needed to convert solar energy into heat energy. This study aimed to analyze the heat transfer in the flat plate solar collector which is used as a source of thermal energy in the water heating process for bathing. A double-glazed solar collector was used to absorb solar thermal energy and then transferred it to a water pipe. The pipe material used copper which has a very high conductivity value with an outer diameter of 15.7 mm. The plate collector used aluminium plates because they have high thermal conductivity. The dimensions of the collector frame were 150 cm long, 80 cm wide and 80 cm high. The collector frame was made of wood and covered with an insulator from coconut fibre with a thickness of 8 cm, with a tilt angle of 15˚. Based on the experimental process, the collector temperature was taken by using a thermocouple in order to heat the water which the inlet temperature in a bucket was 28˚C and the outlet water temperature during the experiment was 40˚C.
The Effect of Tilt Angle of Axial Fan Blades on Air Flow Distribution in the Cabinet Dryer: Simulation Study Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Saputra Agus Dian , Pratoto Adjar , Gusriwandi Gusriwandi , Suprianto Joko
Published: June 2021

The application of tray dryer is widely used for various commodity dryers due to its simple construction. However, one of the drawbacks of tray dryer is the uneven airflow distribution in the drying chamber which results in the drying rate in the tray position being unequal. As a result, the degree of dryness of the product also varies. This study investigated the effect of fan blade angle on airflow distribution in the dryer cabin through numerical simulations. The axial fan diameter was 350 mm with a thickness of 20 mm. The variations of axial fan blades used were 10o, 20o, 30o and 45o. The number of blades used was 4, and the allowable airflow limit was 2 m x 1 m x 1 m, with an axial fan rotation of 500rpm. Based on the simulation results, the 45o fan angle had good air distribution results compared to the 10o, 20o, and 30o fan angles. Likewise, the distribution of air produced by the fan was evenly distributed, because the greater the angle of the fan used for the dryer, the better the results would be obtained.
DESIGNING INTERACTIVE MEDIA ON TEACHING MATERIALS USING ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC MEASURING INSTRUMENTS BASED ON ADOBE FLASH CS6 AUDIO AND VIDEO ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AT SMK N 1 SUMBAR
Authors: Rianti Elfa , Jaya Putra
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of designing teaching materials using adobe flash CS6-based electrical and electronic measuring instruments and the increase in student learning outcomes in basic electricity and electronics (DLE) subjects in the audio and video engineering department at SMK N 1 West Sumatra. The method used in this study uses the waterfall model. The waterfall model consists of 1) Define, 2) Design, 3) Development, 4) Testing. The research was conducted at SMK N 1 West Sumatra. Data collection techniques are validation from material experts, media experts, practicality tests for teachers and students, then to find out student learning outcomes, test tests are conducted for students. The results of the validation of the material get a mean score of 4.8 with a very feasible category, the results of the validation of media experts get a mean score of 4.83 with a very feasible category, the results of the practicality test of the teacher get a score of 4.7 with the very practical category and 94% presentation, the results of the practicality test students get a mean score of 4.04 with the practical category and 80.8% presentation, and the learning outcomes of X TAV students get a mean score of 75.6 with a presentation of 83.7% and the category is very good. The data obtained shows that the design of teaching materials using electric and electronic measuring instruments based on Adobe Flash CS6 is valid, practical and there is an increase in student learning outcomes.
DESIGN AND BUILD A PHOTO STUDIO MARKETPLACE IN THE CITY OF PADANG USING THE CODEIGNITER FRAMEWORK
Authors: Novaliendry Dony , Putri Nazifa Dwi
Published: June 2021

Marketplace is an activity forum that carries out buying and selling transactions in electronic form and the transaction process is very easy and fast. However, there is still little use of technology in marketing and searching for photo studio services, perhaps only limited to using social media such as Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook. For now it is not easy to find photo studio services with good quality and affordable prices, because there are still few systems that provide detailed information about many photo studios. In addition, from the perspective of service actors, it is still difficult to market their services because they are obstructed by the information media. This marketplace design aims to find out how to promote, order and pay at the photo studio marketplace in Padang City. The design of this marketplace is built on a web basis using the CodeIgniter framework. This application was developed using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) model / method. As a result, it can provide fast service for customers because ordering and payments can be made online.
Critical Thinking Analysis of 13-14 Years Old Students on Lens Refraction Material
Authors: Tanti Tanti , Darmaji Darmaji , Astalini Astalini , Kurniawan Dwi Agus , Kartina Lia
Published: May 2021

This research aims to analyze HOTS-based science learning in terms of students' critical thinking skills. This research was conducted at SMPN 22 Jambi City using a mixed research method with explanatory design analysis. Two instruments were made in this research: the description test questions as an instrument for quantitative approach and interviews for qualitative approach. The research subjects consisted of 58 of 13-14 years old students selected using quota sampling. The tested topic was the lens refraction which consisted of 10 questions. Five indicators were tested; namely, the ability to provide basic explanation, basic support, interference, advanced clarification, and strategy and tactics. After analyzing students' answers, the average score for providing basic explanation was 3.31, building basic supports was 3.59, inferencing was 3.26, providing advanced explanation was 3.88, and utilizing strategies and tactics was 3.41. Students’ HOTS was high with the average scores in the 40-60 interval. Therefore, students’ critical thinking skills were sufficient, which affected students’ HOTS in science learning.
Home-Made Simple Experiment to Measure Sound Intensity using Smartphones
Authors: Nuryantini Ade Yeti , Zakwandi Rizki , Ariayuda Muhamad Ari
Published: May 2021

The researchers present a simple experimental activity to measure the sound intensity level using an Android-based smartphone to prove the inverse square law and analyze the dependence of the sound intensity to the sound source frequency. The type of this study was quantitative research by conducting level of intensity experiment using a pair of smartphones with one smartphone functioning as the sound source using a tone generator free application (app) and the other smartphone functioning as the detector installed with Physics Toolbox sound meter application to measure the arriving sound intensity level. The smartphone functioning as the sound source was placed at a certain place labeled as the origin point (0.0), while the other smartphone as the detector was placed at various distances on the x-axis. In this study, the frequencies of the tone generator used were 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz. Then, the sound intensity level versus distance was analyzed to determine the compatibility between the experimental results using a smartphone and the prevailing theory, namely the inverse square model. The sound intensity level detected by the smartphone from 2,000 Hz resulted in the graph with smaller slope after passing 0.3 meters. The results follow the theorem of which the sound intensity level at the detector depends on the distance between the source and the detector based on the inverse square law. When the frequency of a source was changed (500 Hz, 1000 Hz and 2000), the sound intensity also changed. Higher frequency leads to a larger sound intensity. The experiment can thus be used to assist  high school students and physics undergraduates in understanding the inverse square law of sound or to study environmental noise with a simple and low-cost experiment.
Moderating Relationships: Non-Designer Instructor’s Teaching Presence and Distance Learners’ Cognitive Presence
Authors: Silva Laura , Shuttlesworth Mary , Ice Phil
Published: June 2021

Distance learning enrollments in higher education continue to grow, and academic leaders increasingly use non-designer instructors (NDIs) to meet demand. NDIs have little control over some aspects of teaching presence, including course design through instructional media resources included in a predesigned master course. This study used the Community of Inquiry (COI) survey to investigate (a) do distance learners’ perceptions of their NDIs’ teaching presence predict their cognitive presence; and (b) does distance learners’ use of instructional media resources moderate the relationship between their perceptions of NDIs’ teaching presence and learners’ cognitive presence. Multiple regression results indicated that perceptions of NDIs’ teaching presence predicted learners’ perceptions of cognitive presence, but learners’ use of instructional media failed to moderate that predictive relationship. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SOUTH SUMATRA COFFEE (Coffea arabica L.) EXTRACT CREAM IN BURN WOUND RECOVERY OF MALE WHITE MICE (Mus musculus)
Authors: Romadhon Muhammad , Prasetyo Dani
Published: June 2021

The effectiveness of South Sumatra coffee extract cream in burn wound recovery of white male mice had been analyzed. This research aims to ensure which one between immature and mature coffee bean that was better to recover burn wounds of male white mice after 14-day testing. The prepared concentrations for both coffee beans were 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%. We then figured out that ethanol contained by young and old coffee beans had a recovery effect on burn wounds of male white mice (Mus musculus). Findings indicate that 0.3% of mature coffee beans were more effective in recovering burn wounds of male white mice (Mus musculus), in which the wound recovery percentage was close to that in the positive control (burnazin).
Primary care management of the heart failure patient requiring an implanted cardioverter defibrillator.
Authors:   , Murphy Moore Valerie
Published: June 2021

Heart failure is a chronic, progressive disease that remains on the rise partially due to improvements in preventing cardiac related mortality from other causes. Implanted cardioverter defibrillators are indicated for patients that are at high risk for sudden cardiac death from ventricular arrhythmias (primary prevention), or for those who have survived a cardiac death (secondary prevention). Guidelines suggest simple and easy to follow directions for providers to determine which patients would be eligible to be considered for a device. However, despite national guidelines, research supporting cost effectiveness, and a repeatedly demonstrated reduction in mortality with device therapy, referral and utilization of ICDs remain low, with most of the non-referral and underutilization rates identified within the primary care provider group. In addition, for those patients who do receive ICDs, advanced care planning with consideration of deactivation of the device at end-of-life is rarely completed, leaving many patients at risk of undignified and painful shocks delivered within the last hours to days of life. This integrative review seeks to explore: Primary care management of the heart failure patient requiring an implanted cardioverter defibrillator. A comprehensive search of the literature was undertaken and 15 articles were selected for inclusion This review establishes that ICDs are effective and relatively low-risk devices that have significant mortality benefits, and patients with HF should be screened routinely for eligibility for the device in order to help prevent SCD. Furthermore, patients who receive an ICD should complete an informed advance care directive which includes directions for management of the ICD at end-of-life. ICD management, while often deferred to specialists, requires a collaborative approach and consistent evaluation from the patient’s primary care provider, as it has the potential to influence all aspects of patient’s quality of life, as well as quality of end-of-life care. Recommendations for practice, education, further research, and policy have been made to support the role of primary care providers, such as Nurse Practitioners, in the management of HF patients requiring an ICD.
Covid-19 dan Kekerasan Terhadap Perempuan Sebagai Pandemi Bayangan (The Shadow Pandemic)
Authors: Bainus Arry , Rachman Junita Budi
Published: May 2021

Sampai saat ini, setiap orang di seluruh dunia masih berbicara tentang pandemi Covid-19 dan kesulitan ekonomi global. Apa yang tidak atau jarang didiskusikan banyak orang adalah pandemi jahat lainnya yang membayangi yaitu: peningkatan kekerasan terhadap perempuan (KTP) atau violence against women (VAW). Di tengah kombinasi dari sistem kesehatan yang kewalahan, karantina wilayah yang diberlakukan secara ketat, ketakutan akan virus dan efek vaksinasi, dan ketidakpastian ekonomi, di saat itu pula KTP telah menemukan peluang kotor untuk berkembang bersamaan dengan meluasnya pandemi Covid-19. Perserikatan Bangsa-Bangsa (PBB) menyebut fenomena KTP pada masa pendemi ini sebagai “the shadow pandemic” (pandemi bayangan) (United Nations, 2020). Upaya penghapusan KTP sebagai pandemi bayangan oleh PBB bersama dengan negara-negara anggota di seluruh dunia menemui masa krisisnya selama pandemi Covid-19 masih mendominasi dunia.
Hyundai Investment On Electric Vehicles In Indonesia
Authors: Ismail Achmad
Published: May 2021

The electric vehicle trend globally made mobile automakers preparing another strategy. Nonetheless for Hyundai as South Korean biggest automaker with their success in the domestic market attracting Hyundai to expand their business. On the other side, Indonesia as the biggest economy in ASEAN demands continuous growth of its economy and expecting economy drive from foreign direct investment (FDI) and seeing the global trend despite lack of electric vehicle facilities and technology. This article analyzes why Hyundai decided to make a direct investment in Indonesia regarding the electric vehicle. This article tried to break down the premises through the push-pull factor in order to give an argument about Hyundai reasons in Indonesia.
Cikkismertetés: Az ausztrál multiszektorális egészségügyi rendszerben feltárt egészségfejlesztést befolyásoló tényezők ok-okozati kölcsönhatásának diagramábrázolása [Article review: The loop diagram of causal interaction of factors that influence health promotion in the Australian multisectoral health system]
Authors: Devosa Iván
Published: June 2021

A szerzők megállapítják, hogy jóllehet az egészség-fejlesztés témakörében születő empirikus tanulmányok a komplex rendszerszemlélet alkalmazását igénylik, ennek ellenére nagyon kevés példa van erre. Jelen tanulmány célja, hogy komplex rendszermegközelítést alkalmazzon a legfontosabb tényezők vizsgálatára, melyek befolyásolták az egészségfejlesztés politikáját és gyakorlatát az ausztrál multiszektorális egészségügyi rendszerben.
Primary culture of chondrocytes after collagenase IA or II treatment of articular cartilage from elderly patients undergoing arthroplasty
Authors: Xiong Liuliu , Cui Meng , Zhou Ziye , Wu Minchen , Wang Quanming , Song Haiyan , Ding Lei
Published: May 2021

Background

Joint replacement surgery provides articular cartilage samples for chondrocyte isolation. To our knowledge, the effect of the collagenase type on releasing of chondrocytes from the extracellular matrix of cartilage is not reported.

Objectives

To determine whether cartilage digested with collagenase IA yielded more chondrocytes than that digested with collagenase II and determine whether chondrocytes isolated with collagenase IA could be cultured in vitro.

Methods

Cartilage slices collected from 18 elderly patients who received joint replacement surgery (16 hips, 2 knees) were digested sequentially with 0.4% pronase E and 0.02% collagenase IA, or with 0.15% collagenase II alone, or sequentially with 0.4% pronase E and 0.02% collagenase II. We compared cell yield from each method. Cell viability by the most effective method was calculated and plotted. The morphology of cultured monolayer chondrocytes was recorded with a light microscope.

Results

Sequential digestion with pronase E and collagenase IA yielded 2566 ± 873 chondrocytes per mg wet cartilage, which was more effective than the other isolation methods (P = 0.018). The average chondrocyte viability could reach 84% ± 8% (n = 11). Light microscopic images showed typical chondrocyte morphology in monolayer cultures.

Conclusion

Sequential digestion of human articular cartilage with pronase E and collagenase IA was more effective than collagenase II alone or collagenase II combined with pronase E for releasing chondrocytes from extracellular matrix of cartilage. Chondrocytes isolated with this method could be maintained in monolayer cultures for at least 2 passages with unaltered morphology.
Peguero–Lo Presti criteria modified by body surface area for the electrocardiographic diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy in Thai patients
Authors: Luangphiphat Wongsakorn , Phaisitkriengkrai Atthaphon , Methavigul Ratikorn , Methavigul Komsing
Published: May 2021

Background

Several electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria are used to diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH); however, they have low sensitivity.

Objective

To assess the sensitivity of LVH diagnosis using Peguero–Lo Presti criteria modified by body surface area (BSA).

Methods

This study used retrospective data from 9,438 patients who attended the Central Chest Institute of Thailand from January 2017 to December 2017 with available echocardiography, and who were categorized into those with and without LVH to determine diagnostic accuracy. We randomly selected 317 patients after excluding others based on various conditions. The left ventricular mass of the 317 patients was estimated using echocardiography. Peguero–Lo Presti criteria were modified by dividing original criteria by BSA. The accuracy of the modified criteria was compared with that of the original Peguero–Lo Presti, Sokolow–Lyon, and Cornell voltage criteria. A McNemar test was used to determine the agreement of all ECG criteria examined with LV mass index. The area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to assess the performance of the criteria.

Results

LVH was diagnosed in 164 of the 317 patients using echocardiography. The sensitivity of modified Peguero–Lo Presti criteria was 50.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 42.7% to 58.5%), and specificity was 88.2% (95% CI 82.0% to 92.9%), with an AUC of 0.67 (95% CI 0.61–0.73).

Conclusions

Peguero–Lo Presti criteria modified by dividing them by BSA can improve sensitivity with acceptable specificity for the diagnosis of LVH compared with other ECG criteria examined, at least in selected Thai patients. The modified Peguero–Lo Presti criteria have accuracy similar to that for the original criteria.
Association of SNPs in AKIRIN2, TTN, EDG1 and MYBPC1 Genes with Growth and Carcass Traits in Qinchuan Cattle
Authors: Cheng Zixuan , Sheng Cong , Li Yaxing , Wang Shenyuan , Wu Kaifeng , Liu Jianfeng , Sasaki Seiki , Yamada Takahisa , Ya Su , Zhou Huanmin , Zan Linsen , Tong Bin
Published: May 2021

Growth and carcass traits are the main breeding objectives in beef cattle. The aim of this study was to confirm genetic effects of the c.*188G>A SNP of AKIRIN2, the g.231054C>T SNP of TTN, the g.1471620G>T SNP of EDG1 and the g.70014208A>G SNP of MYBPC1 on growth and carcass traits in Chinese Qinchuan (QC) cattle, as well as to compare the frequencies of the well-characterized alleles of these SNPs among six Chinese cattle populations, three Japanese cattle populations, two European cattle populations and one Korean cattle population. In this study, a total of 665 cattle samples were genotyped using MassARRAY and PCR-RFLP. Association analysis explored effects of four SNPs on growth and carcass traits including body length, wither height, hip height, hip width, rump length, chest depth, chest circumference, back fat thickness, ultrasound longissimus muscle area and ultrasound longissimus muscle depth in QC (P<0.05 to P<0.001). The well-characterized A (c.*188G>A), T (g.231054C>T) and T (g.1471620G>T) alleles in Japanese Black cattle were significantly higher than Chinese cattle breeds; on the contrary, the G allele (g.70014208A>G) was markedly higher in Chinese cattle breeds than other cattle breeds. These results suggest that the four SNPs might be useful as a molecular marker for growth-related traits in Chinese QC cattle.
Protective Effects of Non-Encapsulated and Microencapsulated Lactobacillus Delbrueckii Subsp. Bulgaricus in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) Exposed to Lead (Pb) Via Diet
Authors: Mohammadian Takavar , Ghanei-Motlagh Reza , Jalali Misagh , Nasirpour Mahdieh , Mohtashamipour Hamzeh , Osroush Elham , Nejad Abdolhossein Jangaran
Published: May 2021

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary non-encapsulated and microencapsulated Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus on growth performance, intestinal enzymatic activities, antioxidant capacity and hepato-biochemical parameters of rainbow trout before or after exposure to lead via diet. Fingerling fish (16 ± 4 g) were divided into four groups: negative control (NC), positive control (PC), probiotic (PR) and encapsulated probiotic (EN-PR). During the pre-exposure period (days 0–45), fish in the NC and PC groups received the basal diet, whereas fish in the PR and EN-PR groups were fed with basal diet containing 108 CFU g−1 feed of non-encapsulated and microencapsulated probiotic, respectively. During the exposure period (days 46–66), the fish in the probiotic and PC groups were co-treated with 500 μg g−1 feed of lead nitrate. Blood, liver and gut samples were taken at days 0, 45, 52, 59 and 66. The results revealed that growth performance and intestinal enzymatic activities were significantly (P<0.05) improved in the probiotic groups compared to the NC group (day 45). Dietary exposure to lead resulted in the highest levels of liver aspartate aminotransferase (AST), liver alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and serum malondialdehyde (MDA), and the lowest activities of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the PC group (day 66). The levels of liver ALP were significantly (P<0.05) lower in the probiotic groups compared to the NC and PC groups prior to and after exposure to dietary lead. Serum levels of total protein, albumin, SOD, CAT and glutathione (GSH) were significantly increased in fish fed with both non-encapsulated and microencapsulated probiotics (P<0.05). However, microencapsulated probiotic showed the greatest potential for alleviation of the disturbed activities of intestinal and hepatic enzymes, and improvement of serum biochemical and antioxidant parameters. Our findings suggest that L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, particularly in the microencapsulated form, can be used as a potential probiotic to protect rainbow trout from dietborne lead toxicity.
The Effect of Silybum Marianum Seed, Thymus Vulgaris, and Rosmarinus Officinalis Powders in Alleviating the Risks of Aflatoxin B1 in Young Broiler Chicks
Authors: Raei Hamid , Najafi Ramin , Torshizi Mohammad Amir Karimi , Froushani Seyyed Meysam Abtahi , Joogh Fatemeh Azari Ghaleh
Published: May 2021

This investigation was aimed to evaluate the effects of Silybum marianum seed, Thymus vulgaris, and Rosmarinus officinalis powders and their combination in alleviating the risks of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in young broiler chicks. One-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens were allocated to 6 experimental groups from d 1 to 21. The experimental dietary groups included: Negative control (NC) received the basal diet, Positive control (PC) containing 2 mg AFB1/kg diet; Positive control + 10 g/kg diet of Silybum marianum seed (SMS); Positive control + 10 g/kg diet of Thymus vulgaris (TV); Positive control + 5 g/kg diet of Rosmarinus officinalis (RO); Positive control + 10 g/kg diet of SMS + 10 g/kg diet of TV + 5 g/kg diet of RO as a blend of herbs (BH). There was no difference between feed intake and body weight gain among the experimental groups (P>0.05). In contrast, the feed conversion rate (FCR) in NC and SMS groups was lower than in other groups (P<0.05). Calcium levels and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) were lower in serum samples, but the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were higher in PC chickens (P<0.05). Increase in the thigh muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) in chickens fed AFB1 was significantly reduced in the NC, SMS, and BH chickens (P<0.05). Chickens of NC and SMS groups showed the highest response to respiratory burst of heterophil (NBT assay) and lymphocyte proliferation assays (MTT assay) (P<0.05). In conclusion, the addition of studied herbs, especially SMS, to the AFB1 contaminated diet could have a protective effect against aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens.
Influence of Replacement Levels of Orange Waste Silage on Intake, Nutrient Digestion, Ruminal Fermentation and Milk Yield in Barki Goats
Authors: El-Zaiat Hani M. , El-Wakeel El-Saeed A. , Saber Adel M. , Khattab Ahmed R. , Sallam Sobhy M.
Published: May 2021

Exploring new alternative sources of feedstuffs can contribute to animal production sustainability in some Mediterranean regions in order to overcome the rising food demand. The influence of dietary replacement of wheat straw (WS) with orange waste silage (OWS) on nutrient intakes, apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation and blood biochemical constituents and milk production of dairy goats were evaluated. Forty pregnant goats (46.30±1.6 kg BW) were housed in individual pens in a completely randomized design and fed (ad libitum) a TMR for 75 days period. Goats were assigned to four experimental diets with the forage amounts consisting of either WS as a control diet (1000 g WS/kg DM in the TMR), a 50:50 mixture of both WS and OWS (500 g WS and 500 g OWS/kg DM in the TMR), an orange waste silage (1000 g OWS/kg DM in the TMR) or corn silage as a positive control (1000 g CS/kg DM in the TMR). The DMI increased linearly (P<0.01), while fiber fractions intake decreased linearly (P<0.01) with increasing of OWS in the diet. Ruminal pH was increased quadratically (P<0.01), whereas NH3-N concentration and total protozoa abundance decreased quadratically (P<0.01) with increasing OWS in the diet. Ruminal acetate content was increased linearly (P = 0.012) by diet; whereas linear effects were observed on propionate and butyrate proportions (P<0.01) as OWS amount increased. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), non-esterified free fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) levels decreased linearly (P<0.01) with ascending amounts of OWS. Serum glucose, BUN, NEFA and BHBA levels were lower (P<0.01) for goats fed the OWS diet than those fed the CS diet. Milk yield and milk nitrogen efficiency were linearly increased (P<0.01), whereas quadratic effects (P = 0.049) were observed on milk urea nitrogen content with increasing dietary OWS. In conclusion, the replacement of WS with OWS enhanced rumen fermentation and milk yield of late pregnant and early lactation Barki goats.
The First Insights on Trans-Galactooligosaccharide Effects on Fatty Acids Profile and Microstructure of Muscle in Common Carp
Authors: Ziółkowska Ewa , Bogucka Joanna , Rawski Mateusz , Mazurkiewicz Jan , Maiorano Giuseppe , Stanek Magdalena
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of prebiotic GOS on muscle histomorphometry and the total lipid, total cholesterol content and fatty acids profile in the meat of common carp. The 60-day-long experiment was performed on one-year-old fish. Three diets were used in the experiment: control diet 1 (C) with no microbiota affecting feed additives, diet 2 (B1) with 1% of GOS, and diet 3 (B2) with 2% of GOS. At the end of the trial, 16 individuals from each treatment group were used for the analyses. Fish meat from the B1 group had significantly higher lipid content compared to B2, but neither B1 nor B2 groups were different from the control group. The percentages of SFA, MUFA, PUFA, indexes n-3/n-6, PUFA /SFA, AI and TI, and total cholesterol content were not affected, in contrast to C14:0, C16:1 n-7, C18:0, C18:2 n-6, C20:4 n-6, and total n-6 FA. GOS significantly increased the percentage of normal fibres, while the lower amount of fibre atrophy and splitting was observed. The results confirm that diet supplemented with 2% GOS may be recommended as feed additive in carp nutrition due to positive effects on some fatty acids profiles and muscle microstructure.
Behaviour, Hygiene, and Lameness of Dairy Cows in a Compost Barn During Cold Seasons in a Subtropical Climate
Authors: Pilatti Jaqueline A. , Vieira Frederico Márcio C. , Santos Lucélia Fátima dos , Vismara Edgar S. , Herbut Piotr
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to assess the thermal environment, behaviour, hygiene, and lameness in dairy cows with different numbers of lactations housed in a compost-bedded pack barn system in a humid subtropical climate during autumn and winter. Between April and July 2016, behavioural and microclimatic environment assessments were conducted in a compost barn system, and hygiene and lameness assessments were performed. Crossbred cows in lactation (n = 10) were divided into two groups according to the number of lactations: primiparous and multiparous. Air temperature, relative humidity, and air ventilation speed were measured at 09:00, 12:00, and 15:00. The cows’ hygiene and lameness were evaluated using subjective scores ranging from 1 to 4 and 1 to 5, respectively. The daytime behaviour assessment was performed as sampling 0/1, using the focal method. Primiparous cows showed a greater probability of walking (P<0.05) than multiparous cows between 09:20 and 11:20, and at 15:20, and increased the water intake at 14:00. Regarding the eating behaviour and the effect of time of day within each group (P<0.05), the cows ate more in the morning’s early hours. The cows’ hygiene scores were 1 or 2, and most cows presented scores of 1 or 2 for lameness. Our research has shown that microclimatic variables may influence the walking behaviour and water intake of primiparous cows during the hottest periods of the day, even during cold weather, in a humid subtropical climate. The dairy cows showed low hygiene and lameness scores, which indicates that the compost bar positively influenced cleanliness and locomotion comfort.
Effect pf Fermented Rapeseed Meal as a Feed Component on the Redox and Immune System of Pregnant Sows and their Offspring
Authors: Czech Anna , Stępniowska Anna , Kiesz Martyna
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of dried fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) in diets for sows on blood redox and immunological parameters, taking into account the physiological period (pregnancy or lactation) and age (primiparous vs multiparous sows). The experiment also aimed to determine how FRSM administered to pregnant sows, affects the antioxidant and immune systems of piglets. The animals were divided into 4 groups of 15 animals each. Control groups of primiparous (CG) and multiparous sows (CS) received a standard diet for pregnant or lactating sows. Experimental groups of primiparous (EG) and multiparous sows (ES) received feed with a 4% share of FRSM in place of soybean meal up to day 100 of gestation, 9% share of FRSM from day 100 of gestation to day 7 of lactation, and then again 4% share of FRSM until the end of lactation. In the blood plasma of pregnant sows fed diet with FRSM addition, higher FRAP value and vitamin C, uric acid (UA), immunoglobulin IgG content, lymphocytes (LYM) count and a lower content of malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxides (LOH), immunoglobulin IgM was noted than in the blood plasma of control sows. Both primiparous and multiparous lactation sows whose feed included FRSM had higher catalase (CAT) activity, higher FRAP, vitamin C, immunoglobulin IgG and IL-6 content, and lower UA content than the control sows. Piglets born to sows fed diet with FRSM addition had significantly higher FRAP values, vitamin C, IgG, and IL-6 content and white blood cells (WBC) count and lower MDA and UA content in the blood plasma than piglets born to sows from control group. Multiparous sows compared to primiparous sows had higher CAT activity, and higher vitamin C, LOH, creatinine (CREAT), and IgM content. Elevated FRAP, and CREAT levels and reduced MDA content were also observed in the plasma of the multiparous sows compared to primiparous sows during lactation. Multiparous lactation sows compared to primiparous sows had lower WBC count, and IgG and IgM content. Piglets born to multiparous sows had higher FRAP values, LOH content and IgA content while lower MDA content compared to piglets born to primiparous sows. The inclusion of dried fermented rapeseed meal in feed for sows significantly stimulates antioxidant processes in primiparous and multiparous sows and in their piglets. The inclusion of dried fermented rapeseed meal in the diet of sows stimulates antioxidant processes in primiparous and multiparous sows and in their piglets. This is responsible for stimulation of the immune system (increased LYM counts and IgG titres in the blood plasma). The improved antioxidant status in the plasma suggests that dried fermented rapeseed meal stimulated the immune system of pregnant and lactating sows and their newborn offspring.
Effect of Breed and Diet on Carcass Parameters and Meat Quality of Spent Hens
Authors: Vargas-Ramella Márcio , Pateiro Mirian , Rois Diego , Arias Anisia , Justo José Ramón , López-Pedrouso María , Lorenzo José M. , Franco Daniel
Published: May 2021

Two spent hen breeds (Mos and Isa Brown) fed with three different diets [commercial feeding (CF); corn, pea, and triticale (CPT); and corn and wheat (CW)] were studied to assess their laying performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality parameters (breast and drumstick). A total of 48 hens reared in a traditional free-range system were used. Birds were slaughtered at 72 weeks of age after the moulting in an accredited abattoir, and measurements (for each bird) of carcass and meat started at 24 h post-mortem. The results demonstrated a breed and diet effect (P<0.05) on laying performance, carcass, and meat quality. The Mos breed showed lower laying performance, higher live weight (P<0.001), carcass weight (P<0.001), dressing percentage (P<0.001), and carcass fat (P<0.001) than Isa Brown. The breed also affected physicochemical parameters of drumstick and breast (P<0.05). Concerning the diet effect, spent hens fed with commercial feeding showed heavier live weight (P<0.01) and carcass weight (P<0.01). Diet significantly affected most of meat quality parameters, CPT being the formulation that most affected (P<0.05) drumstick composition, while in the breast was CF (P<0.001). Significant (P≤0.005) effects on breast colour, cooking loss and hardness were observed in animals fed with alternative diets to CF. Regarding nutritional quality, no breed or diet effect (P<0.05) was observed in MUFA s, PUFA s and n-6 contents of meat. Overall, both breeds showed a high protein and low-fat content in the breast, showing these hens as an opportunity for the development of meat products as well as an economic purpose for spent hens that reach the end of their productive lives.
Effects of Sex Steroid Receptor Agonists and Antagonists on the Expression of the FOXL2 Transcription Factor and its Target Genes AMH and CYP19A1 in the Neonatal Porcine Ovary
Authors: Witek Patrycja , Marek Natalia , Grzesiak Małgorzata , Słomczyńska Maria , Knapczyk-Stwora Katarzyna
Published: May 2021

Recently, we have demonstrated that neonatal exposure to androgen and estrogen agonists or antagonists influenced the number of ovarian follicles in piglets. Since the FOXL2 transcription factor is required for proper ovarian follicle formation and activation, the objective of the study was to examine effects of exposure of the neonatal porcine ovary to testosterone propionate (TP; an androgen), flutamide (FLU; an antiandrogen), 4-tert-octylphenol (OP; compound with estrogenic activity), ICI 182,780 (ICI; an antiestrogen), and methoxychlor (MXC; compound with estrogenic, antiestrogenic and antiandrogenic properties) on FOXL2 expression and expression of its target genes, AMH and CYP19A1. Piglets were injected subcutaneously with TP, FLU, OP, ICI, MXC, or corn oil (control) between postnatal days 1 and 10 (n = 4/each group). Ovaries were excised from the 11-day-old piglets and the expression of FOXL2, AMH and CYP19A1 was examined using immunohistochemistry and/or real-time PCR and Western blot. FOXL2 was localized in stroma cells surrounding egg nests and in granulosa cells. TP, OP and MXC increased both FOXL2 and AMH mRNAs, while FLU and ICI decreased CYP19A1 mRNA. The increased FOXL2 protein abundance was found in all examined groups. In addition, TP, OP, ICI and MXC increased AMH protein abundance, while TP, FLU and OP decreased CYP19A1 protein abundance. In conclusion, neonatal exposure to sex steroid receptor agonists and antagonists increased FOXL2 expression at mRNA and/or protein levels and affected FOXL2 target genes in the ovaries of 11-day-old piglets. Therefore, it seems that impaired ovarian folliculogenesis induced by altered steroid milieu during the neonatal development period in pigs may, at least in part, involve FOXL2.
Immune Response and Bone Marker Enzyme Activities of Broiler Birds Fed Graded Level Taurine-Supplemented-Diets
Authors: Modupe Ogunbode S. , Adijat Bello R. , Salau A. Kayode
Published: May 2021

Taurine, a derived amino acid has been proven to play an important biological roles in enhancing bone strength and immune activities of broiler birds. This research investigated the effect of the different concentrations of graded level dietary taurine supplement on immune response of birds against Newcastle Disease Virus (NCDV) and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV), as well as on enzymatic markers of bone metabolism and effect on mineral composition. A total of 300 unsexed day-old arbor acre broiler birds were used for this research. The birds were randomly distributed using a completely randomized design into five dietary treatment of six replicates with 10 birds per replicate. Treatment one (T1) served as the control group with 0% taurine supplement. Treatments 2, 3, 4, and 5 contained dietary taurine supplements at 0.002, 0.004, 0.006, and 0.008%. Antibody titre against NCDV and IBDV were determined according to standard procedures. The study lasted 42 days. Birds on 0.002% taurine had the highest antibody titre (128.38) against NCDV, while birds on the 0.006% taurine-supplemented-diet also portrayed a distinct (p<0.05) titre value (1029) against IBDV. Serum alkaline phosphatase and bone specific alkaline phosphatase (132.74 and 150.66) at the 42nd day were highest (p<0.05) for birds on 0.004 and 0.002% dietary taurine supplement respectively. The activity of serum tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (44.94) was notably highest (p<0.05) for birds on 0.008% taurine. Bone mineral contents showed that birds fed with 0.002% taurinesupplemented- diet had the highest percentage (p<0.05) of phosphorous (9.50), calcium (32.18) and phosphate (21.77) composition. Conclusively, inclusion of taurine as dietary supplement has proven useful not only in enhancing the birds’ immunity against NCDV an IBDV, but also in boosting bone mineral composition of meat type poultry birds.
Economic analysis of rice production by small-holder women farmers in Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Kolawole Adewuyi Adekunle , Michael Amurtiya
Published: May 2021

This study is focused on analysing the economics of rice production by the small-holder female rice-farmers in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described female rice-farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, analysed their technical and allocative efficiencies, and also assessed their economic efficiency in the area. Primary data were collected from 180 randomly selected female rice-farmers in Adamawa State using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier function were used analysing the data collected. Findings of the study revealed that the technical in-efficiency of the farmers is influenced by farming experience, education, and access to credit facilities. Also, the allocative in-efficiency of female farmers was influenced by education, household size, and access to credits. The result showed that education and access to credit facilities were common factors affecting the technical and allocative efficiency of female rice farmers in the area. The mean economic efficiency of the female farmers was 0.6. Therefore, the study recommends that the government and other actors in the agricultural sector should facilitate women’s access to credit facilities and other agricultural information relevant to rice production.
Business and Economics Students’ Self-Reports on Academic Reading in English as L2: A Factor Analysis
Authors: Sladoljev-Agejev Tamara , Kolić-Vehovec Svjetlana , Jazbec Anamarija
Published: May 2021

Adequate reading behaviour is vital for text comprehension across fields. In today’s professional environment, a well-developed reading skill is also expected in English as a second language (EL2), which happens already in college, although transition to college-level reading may be difficult even in the first language. It is therefore useful to analyse students’ use of reading strategies to facilitate their academic progress. This study investigates the reading behaviour of junior students of business/economics when reading academic texts in EL2. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis (N=134) of a 45-item questionnaire about students’ awareness of reading strategies and their reading confidence (i.e. self-perceived competence in text retelling). The majority of the items were based on self-reports found in the literature (Kolić-Vehovec, Bajšanski, 2001; Mokhtari, Reichard, 2002; Taraban, Kerr, Rynearson, 2004) and several items were added to the questionnaire (e.g. questions related to note taking). Five factors were interpretable: four factors related to Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies (Repeated Reading, Monitoring/Regulation, Note Taking and Elaboration) and the fifth factor covering self-perceived competence in text retelling (Reading Confidence). Internal consistency of the factors indicated by standardized Cronbach’s alphas were 0.83 (Repeated Reading), 0.80 (Monitoring and Regulation), 0.77 (Note Taking), 0.63 (Elaboration) and 0.75 (Reading Confidence). Three strategies positively correlated with each other (Repeated Reading, Monitoring/Regulation and Elaboration), while negative correlation was found between Note Taking and Reading Confidence. The results provide valuable information on the patterns in student reading as a baseline for further analysis of L2 text comprehension in college.
Auction theory and a note on game mechanisms
Authors: Josheski Dushko , Karamazova Elena
Published: May 2021

This paper will review important topics on the subject of auction theory and mechanism design, these include: efficiency first and foremost, also revenue comparison between different types of auctions and the issue of incentive compatibility, individual rationality with the general idea and proof that bilateral trade is inefficient. Mechanism design theory tells us that if buyers and sellers both have private information full efficiency is impossible, however Vickrey auction (single unit auction) will be efficient i.e. will put the goods in the hands of the buyers that value them most. However, the conclusion from this paper is that because of overvaluation of bidders the main result is inefficient, i.e. bids are too high. When weak and strong bidders are compared the main conclusion is that strong bidders’ expected payoff is higher in second price auction (SPA), while weak bidder prefers first price auction (FPA) bid.