bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODEL PENGEMBANGAN PROFESIONALSIME GURU BAHASA INGGRIS BERBASIS EVALUASI PROGRAM MUSYAWARAH GURU MATA PELAJARAN
Authors: Sumardi Sumardi
Published: January 2020

This R & D-based study aims to (i) create a model of professional development of English Language Teacher (PDELT model), and (ii) identify the effectiveness of the model. The development procedure is based on the theory of Borg and Gall (1983), comprises 4 steps, namely (i) preliminary study, (ii) development of prototype, (iii) field test, and (iv) dissemination of results. Subjects were teachers of English Language as PDLET program participants, students involved, and 4 high school principals located in the district of Sragen, Central Java as represented public high school (SMAN) and Private High School. Results showed that the PDLET program should not rely on teacher training activities only, but should considered the non-training aspects, such as climate and working conditions in the school, group dynamics, and teacher's perception toward the program PDLET. Those aspects can create a conducive atmosphere that acts as a catalyst to improve the effectiveness of implementation model MGMP. The combination of training and educational activities simultaneously affect the change of teacher professionalism.

Penelitian R & D-base ini bertujuan untuk (i) menciptakan model pengembangan profesional guru Bahasa Inggris (PDELT model), dan (ii) mengidentifikasi efektivitas model. Prosedur pengembangan didasarkan pada teori Borg dan Gall (1983), terdiri dari 4 langkah, yaitu (i) studi pendahuluan, (ii) pengembangan prototipe, (iii) uji lapangan, dan (iv) diseminasi hasil. Subyek penelitian adalah guru Bahasa Inggris sebagai peserta program PDLET, siswa yang terlibat, dan 4 kepala sekolah tinggi yang terletak di distrik Sragen, Jawa Tengah yang diwakili sekolah menengah umum (SMAN) dan Sekolah Tinggi Swasta. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa program PDLET tidak harus bergantung pada kegiatan pelatihan guru saja, tetapi harus dianggap sebagai non-pelatihan aspek, seperti iklim dan kondisi kerja di sekolah, dinamika kelompok, dan persepsi guru terhadap PDLET program. Aspek-aspek dapat menciptakan suasana kondusif yang bertindak sebagai katalis untuk meningkatkan efektivitas pelaksanaan model MGMP. Kombinasi pelatihan dan kegiatan pendidikan secara simultan mempengaruhi perubahan profesionalisme guru.
PENGARUH TUTORIAL ONLINE TERHADAP NILAI AKHIR SEMESTER (KASUS MATAKULIAH MANAJEMEN STRATEGI DI UPBJJ-UT BATAM)
Authors: Malau Albert Gamot , Herman Herman
Published: January 2020

This article discusses the influence of initiations materials, discussion and assignments in online tutorial to the final scores of Strategic Management course at Batam UTs regional center. There were at least 23% of respondents who stated their disagreement on each statement in the instrument. However, initiation materials, discussion and assignments were significantly influenced the final score. The three independent variables were able to explain 72,8% of variance in courses final score.

Artikel ini membahas pengaruh inisiasi, diskusi dan tugas pada tutorial online terhadap nilai akhir semester pada matakuliah Manajemen Strategi di UPBJJ-UT Batam. Terdapat paling sedikit 23% responden menyatakan ketidak setujuan mereka sebagai jawaban terhadap pernyataan yang diberikan pada instrumen. Namun demikian, secara statistik, inisiasi, diskusi dan tugas mempengaruhi nilai akhir semester matakuliah secara signifikan. Ketiga variabel ini mampu menjelaskan varians pada nilai akhir semester sebesar 72,8%.
PERSEPSI MAHASISWA TERHADAP POLA INTERAKSI DALAM TUTORIAL ONLINE MATAKULIAH FISIKA STATISTIK
Authors: Herawati Herawati
Published: January 2020

The aims of this study are to analyze the patterns of student interaction in online tutorial and to reveal the students perception of the pattern during the tutorial online. The research method used survey method. The study was conducted at physics education department, FKIP-UT on statistical physics course in registration period 2012.2. The number of respondents is 12 respondents. The questionnaire uses a Likert scale. To analyze data used Pearson bivariate analysis and Cronbach alpha. The results showed that 1) the high pattern of students interaction in tutorial is student interaction with matter and student interaction with tutors; 2) online discussion can be able to provide feedback from other students and can also give students a change to argue.

 

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pola interaksi mahasiswa dalam tutorial online (Tuton) dan mengetahui persepsi mahasiswa terhadap pelaksanaan tutorial online. Metode penelitian menggunakan metode survey. Penelitian dilakukan di program studi pendidikan fisika FKIP-UT pada matakuliah fisika statistik masa registrasi 2012.2. Responden sebanyak 12 responden. Instrumen menggunakan skala Likert. Validitas dan reliabilitas butir instrumen dilakukan uji pearson bivariat dan analisis alfa cronbach. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa: 1) pola interaksi mahasiswa yang sering terjadi adalah pola interaksi mahasiswa dengan materi dan pola interaksi mahasiswa dengan tutor 2) diskusi online dapat menyediakan umpan balik dari mahasiswa lainnya dan memberikan kesempatan mahasiswa untuk berpendapat.
Local Convergence of an Efficient Multipoint Iterative Method in Banach Space
Authors: Sharma Janak Raj , Kumar Sunil , Argyros Ioannis K.
Published: January 2020

We discuss the local convergence of a derivative-free eighth order method in a Banach space setting. The present study provides the radius of convergence and bounds on errors under the hypothesis based on the first Fréchet-derivative only. The approaches of using Taylor expansions, containing higher order derivatives, do not provide such estimates since the derivatives may be nonexistent or costly to compute. By using only first derivative, the method can be applied to a wider class of functions and hence its applications are expanded. Numerical experiments show that the present results are applicable to the cases wherein previous results cannot be applied.
A Matheuristic for Joint Optimal Power and Scheduling Assignment in DVB-T2 Networks
Authors: D’Andreagiovanni Fabio , Lakhlef Hicham , Nardin Antonella
Published: January 2020

Because of the introduction and spread of the second generation of the Digital Video Broadcasting—Terrestrial standard (DVB-T2), already active television broadcasters and new broadcasters that have entered in the market will be required to (re)design their networks. This is generating a new interest for effective and efficient DVB optimization software tools. In this work, we propose a strengthened binary linear programming model for representing the optimal DVB design problem, including power and scheduling configuration, and propose a new matheuristic for its solution. The matheuristic combines a genetic algorithm, adopted to efficiently explore the solution space of power emissions of DVB stations, with relaxation-guided variable fixing and exact large neighborhood searches formulated as integer linear programming (ILP) problems solved exactly. Computational tests on realistic instances show that the new matheuristic performs much better than a state-of-the-art optimization solver, identifying solutions associated with much higher user coverage.
Development of the Minimum Equipment List: Current Practice and the Need for Standardisation
Authors: Obadimu Solomon O. , Karanikas Nektarios , Kourousis Kyriakos I.
Published: January 2020

As part of the airworthiness requirements, an aircraft cannot be dispatched with an inoperative equipment or system unless this is allowed by the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) under any applicable conditions. Commonly, the MEL mirrors the Master MEL (MMEL), which is developed by the manufacturer and approved by the regulator. However, the increasing complexity of aircraft systems and the diversity of operational requirements, environmental conditions, fleet configuration, etc. necessitates a tailored approach to developing the MEL. While it is the responsibility of every aircraft operator to ensure the airworthiness of their aircraft, regulators are also required to publish guidelines to help operators develop their MELs. Currently, there is no approved standard to develop a MEL, and this poses a challenge to both aviation regulators and aircraft operators. This paper reviews current MEL literature, standards and processes as well as MEL related accidents/incidents to offer an overview of the present state of the MEL development and use and reinstate the need for a systematic approach. Furthermore, this paper exposes the paucity of MEL related literature and the ambiguity in MEL regulations. In addition, it was found that inadequate training and guidance on the development and use of MEL as well as lack of prior experience in airworthiness topics can lead to mismanagement and misapplication of the MEL. Considering the challenges outlined above, this study proposes the combination of system engineering and socio-technical system approaches for the development of a MEL.
Pre- and Post-Harvest Practices of Urban Leafy Green Vegetable Farmers in Accra, Ghana and Their Association with Microbial Quality of Vegetables Produced
Authors: Quansah Joycelyn , Escalante Cesar , Kunadu Angela , Saalia Firibu , Chen Jinru
Published: January 2020

Vegetable farming is the most practiced urban agriculture in Ghana. A previous study of our laboratory revealed poor microbial quality of, and presence of Salmonella on, leafy green vegetables grown or sold in Accra, Ghana. The aims of this study were to determine agricultural practices of urban vegetable farmers and the association between agricultural practices and microbial safety of vegetables produced. A survey was conducted among 102 farmers from 12 farming areas who produced exotic and indigenous leafy greens in Accra, Ghana to identify their farming practices. It was observed that water from waste drains pumped into shallow wells was used for irrigation by 70% of the farmers. Incompletely composted manure was commonly used (99%) in farming. Vegetables were usually harvested using bare hands (96%) and knives (73%) and transported mainly in sacks (94%) to market centers under non-refrigerated conditions. Over 60% of the farmers disagreed that the use of polluted irrigation water can contaminate vegetables or make consumers sick. According to the seemingly unrelated regression model, farmers with no formal education and less food safety knowledge and had been planting on their current farmlands for several years were likely to produced vegetables with higher fecal coliform and Enterococcus sp. counts compared to other farmers. Vegetables cultivated by farmers who disagreed that the use of contaminated water can make consumers sick were associated with the production of vegetables with high fecal coliform and Enterococcus sp. counts. Education and improved agricultural and post-harvest handling practices should be encouraged among vegetable producers in the area to improve food safety.
The Evaluation of Wheat Cultivar Resistance and Yield Loss Thresholds in Response to Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus-PAV Infection
Authors: Chrpová Jana , Veškrna Ondřej , Palicová Jana , Kundu Jiban Kumar
Published: January 2020

The PAV strain of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) is one of the causal agents of yellow dwarf disease in cereals. The use of germplasm resistant to BYDV is generally regarded as the most effective means of controlling damage caused by this pathogen. In field trials, response to infection with a barley yellow dwarf virus of selected wheat cultivars registered in the Czech Republic was compared with that of control cultivars. Although a good level of resistance to BYDV-PAV was found in cultivar Athlon and yield loss was low, symptoms were more severe than on the moderately resistant control cultivar Sparta. Several other cultivars, such as Nordika, Julie, and Replik, also had slightly less than a 30% reduction in grain weight per spike, even though symptoms were more severe on Sparta or Athlon. Our results showed that, in the case of approximately 60% of wheat plants with BYDV-PAV symptoms, the yield reductions under optimal agronomic conditions reached approximately 17% for moderately resistant cultivars and 30% for moderately susceptible cultivars. The application of N fertilizer significantly reduced yield losses in BYDV-PAV-infected wheat cultivars, particularly in the moderately resistant cultivars. Even when infected with BYDV-PAV, the yield of moderately resistant cultivars, including those of spring wheat, was still acceptable. However, the re-cultivation costs of spring wheat in replacing damaged winter wheat lead to a total economic loss per hectare that is much greater than that for BYDV-infected wheat cultivars (moderately resistant and/or moderately susceptible ones). Furthermore, the economic loss is much lower when a moderately resistant cultivar is used. Hence, even with a high level of disease symptoms in winter wheat, the re-cultivation of spring wheat is not economically feasible.
Comparison of Biochemical, Anatomical, Morphological, and Physiological Responses to Salinity Stress in Wheat and Barley Genotypes Deferring in Salinity Tolerance
Authors: Zeeshan Muhammad , Lu Meiqin , Sehar Shafaque , Holford Paul , Wu Feibo
Published: January 2020

A greenhouse hydroponic experiment was performed using salt-tolerant (cv. Suntop) and -sensitive (Sunmate) wheat cultivars and a salt-tolerant barley cv. CM72 to evaluate how cultivar and species differ in response to salinity stress. Results showed that wheat cv. Suntop performed high tolerance to salinity, being similar tolerance to salinity with CM72, compared with cv. Sunmate. Similar to CM72, Suntop recorded less salinity induced increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and less reduction in plant height, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), chlorophyll content, and biomass than in sensitive wheat cv. Sunmate. Significant time-course and cultivar-dependent changes were observed in the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) in roots and leaves after salinity treatment. Higher activities were found in CM72 and Suntop compared to Sunmate. Furthermore, a clear modification was observed in leaf and root ultrastructure after NaCl treatment with more obvious changes in the sensitive wheat cv. Sunmate, rather than in CM72 and Suntop. Although differences were observed between CM72 and Suntop in the growth and biochemical traits assessed and modified by salt stress, the differences were negligible in comparison with the general response to the salt stress of sensitive wheat cv. Sunmate. In addition, salinity stress induced an increase in the Na+ and Na+/K+ ratio but a reduction in K+ concentrations, most prominently in Sunmate and followed by Suntop and CM72.
Flaming, Glyphosate, Hot Foam and Nonanoic Acid for Weed Control: A Comparison
Authors: Martelloni Luisa , Frasconi Christian , Sportelli Mino , Fontanelli Marco , Raffaelli Michele , Peruzzi Andrea
Published: January 2020

Synthetic herbicides are commonly used in weed management, however, 70 years of use has led to weed resistance and environmental concerns. These problems have led scientists to consider alternative methods of weed management in order to reduce the inputs and impacts of synthetic herbicides. The aim of this experiment was to test the level of weed control using four weeding methods: glyphosate applied at an ultra-low volume, the organic herbicide nonanoic acid, flaming, and hot foam. The results showed that weed control was effective only when flaming and hot foam were applied (99% and 100% weed control, respectively). Nonanoic acid at a dose of 11 kg a.i. ha−1 diluted in 400 L of water did not control developed plants of Cyperus esculentus (L.), Convolvulus arvensis (L.) and Poa annua (L.). Glyphosate at a dose of 1080 g a.i. ha−1 (pure product) only controlled P. annua (L.), but had no effect on C. esculentus (L.) and C. arvensis (L.). After the aboveground tissues of weeds had died, regrowth began earlier after flaming compared to hot foam. There was no regrowth of P. annua (L.) only after using hot foam and glyphosate. Hot foam was generally better at damaging the meristems of the weeds. In one of the two experiment sites, significantly more time was needed after the hot foam to recover 10% and 50% of the ground compared to flaming. The time needed to recover 90% of the ground was on average 26–27 days for flaming and hot foam, which is the time that is assumed to be required before repeating the application. A total of 29 days after the treatments, weeds were smaller after flaming, glyphosate and hot foam compared to nonanoic acid and the control, where they had more time to grow.
Floral Scent Evaluation of Three Cut Flowers Through Sensorial and Gas Chromatography Analysis
Authors: Aros Danilo , Garrido Nicole , Rivas Constanza , Medel Marcela , Müller Carsten , Rogers Hilary , Úbeda Cristina
Published: January 2020

The main function of floral scent is to attract and guide pollinators, but it is also an important character in the ornamental plant industry. Several studies have considered the chemical evaluation of floral scent during vase life, but only a few have considered sensorial analysis of this character, which is a very important quality trait for the marketing of ornamental plants. This study focused on assessing the floral scent of three fragrant cut flowers of high economic importance: Lilium, chrysanthemum, and freesia. Eighty individuals were included in a sensorial analysis where the attributes of floral scent liking and intensity were evaluated. The composition of the floral scent was analyzed through the collection of headspace followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The floral scents of oriental lily and freesia were perceived as more intense, compared to chrysanthemum. A total of 28 volatile compounds were detected and the monoterpenes β-pinene (40.7 ± 1.8 μg·L−1), β-cis-ocimene (5552 ± 990 μg·L−1), and linalool (11,800 ± 220 μg·L−1) were the major volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in chrysanthemum, lilium, and freesia, respectively. The results presented in this study confirm that the concentration and abundance of volatile compounds is not directly related to the human perception of floral scent.
Plant Biostimulant Effects of Baker’s Yeast Vinasse and Selenium on Tomatoes through Foliar Fertilization
Authors: Dima Stefan-Ovidiu , Neamțu Constantin , Desliu-Avram Malina , Ghiurea Marius , Capra Luiza , Radu Elena , Stoica Rusăndica , Faraon Victor-Alexandru , Zamfiropol-Cristea Valentin , Constantinescu-Aruxandei Diana , Oancea Florin
Published: January 2020

The application of selenium (Se) to tomatoes enhances accumulation of bioactive compounds. The physiological window of Se is very narrow, and Se overdose reduces the yield. Glycine betaine was shown to reduce Se’s negative effects on plants and to potentiate its beneficial effects. In this study, baker’s yeast vinasse (BYV), as an affordable source of glycine betaine, was tested for its interaction with Se in an optimized foliar fertilizer. The application dose was selected after a laboratory experiment, wherein assays on plant height, leaves surfaces, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll fluorescence were done. The Se and BYV supplemented foliar fertilizers were tested for their effects on accumulation of bioactives in drip-irrigated tomatoes cultivated in a greenhouse. Under laboratory conditions, assays demonstrated Se and BYV induced effects on tomatoes plants. Both the stomatal conductance and photosynthesis efficiency increased compared to a water treated control. The greenhouse experiment demonstrated that BYV and Se addition increases the number of tomato fruits in the “extra” marketable class and enhances the accumulation of ascorbic acid, carotenes, polyphenols, and flavonoids. The effects depend on the composition of the foliar fertilizer, the most significant effects being recorded for the foliar applied product with the highest BYV and nitrogen content.
Allelic Variation for Prolamins in Spanish Durum Wheat Landraces and Its Relationship with Quality Traits
Authors: Chacón Efraín A. , Vázquez Francisco J. , Giraldo Patricia , Carrillo José M. , Benavente Elena , Rodríguez-Quijano Marta
Published: January 2020

Wheat landraces are currently being explored mainly as a source of allelic variation related to crop resilience and low-input adaptation. Characterization of their high- and low-molecular weight glutenin subunits can aid breeders to select as donor local materials those ensuring good end-use properties in the derived elite cultivars. By using protein electrophoretic methods, we have determined the prolamin allelic profile of 116 Spanish durum wheat landraces. Their quality properties (as defined by grain protein content, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) sedimentation volume and mixograph behavior) have also been assessed. The study has identified six novel glutenin alleles plus some other rare alleles some of which have been associated with improved durum wheat quality. Most of the novel variation detected needs to be characterized in a wider sample of varieties to establish any eventual beneficial effect on functional quality. Further analysis of the quality properties associated to specific allele combinations of Glu-A3, Glu-B3, and Glu-A1 has disclosed some clues on the influence on quality of certain non-allelic interactions between these main prolamin-encoding loci. Some of the landraces, showing outstanding values for the gluten quality parameters analyzed, might be directly used by farmers interested in the cultivation of traditional varieties for specialized food markets.
Genetic Analysis of Milk Production Traits and Mid-Infrared Spectra in Chinese Holstein Population
Authors: Du Chao , Nan Liangkang , Yan Lei , Bu Qiuyue , Ren Xiaoli , Zhang Zhen , Sabek Ahmed , Zhang Shujun
Published: January 2020

Milk composition always serves as an indicator for the cow’s health status and body condition. Some non-genetic factors such as parity, days in milk (DIM), and calving season, which obviously affect milk performance, therefore, need to be considered in dairy farm management. However, only a few milk compositions are used in the current animal selection programs. The mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy can reflect the global composition of milk, but this information is currently underused. The objectives of this study were to detect the effect of some non-genetic factors on milk production traits as well as 1060 individual spectral points covering from 925.92 cm−1 to 5011.54 cm−1, estimate heritabilities of milk production traits and MIR spectral wavenumbers, and explore the genetic correlations between milk production traits and 1060 individual spectral points in a Chinese Holstein population. The mixed models procedure of SAS software was used to test the non-genetic factors. Single-trait animal models were used to estimate heritabilities and bivariate animal models were used to estimate genetic correlations using the package of ASReml in R software. The results showed that herd, parity, calving season, and lactation stage had significant effects on the percentages of protein and lactose, whereas herd and lactation stage had significant effects on fat percentage. Moreover, the herd showed a significant effect on all of the 1060 individual wavenumbers, whereas lactation stage, parity, and calving season had significant effect on most of the wavenumbers of the lactose-region (925 cm−1 to 1200 cm−1), protein-region (1240 cm−1 to 1600 cm−1), and fat-regions (1680 cm−1 to 1770 cm−1 and 2800 cm−1 to 3015 cm−1). The estimated heritabilities for protein percentage (PP), fat percentage (FP), and lactose percentage (LP) were 0.08, 0.05, and 0.09, respectively. Further, the milk spectrum was heritable but low for most individual points. Heritabilities of 1060 individual spectral points were 0.04 on average, ranging from 0 to 0.11. In particular, heritabilities for wavenumbers of spectral regions related to water absorption were very low and even null, and heritabilities for wavenumbers of specific MIR regions associated with fat-I, fat-II, protein, and lactose were 0.04, 0.06, 0.05, and 0.06 on average, respectively. The genetic correlations between PP and FP, PP and LP, FP, and LP were 0.78, −0.29, and −0.14, respectively. In addition, PP, FP, and LP shared the similar patterns of genetic correlations with the spectral wavenumbers. The genetic correlations between milk production traits and spectral regions related to important milk components varied from weak to very strong (0.01 to 0.94, and −0.01 to −0.96). The current study could be used as a management tool for dairy farms and also provides a further understanding of the genetic background of milk MIR spectra.
Characterization of Anaerobic Rumen Fungal Community Composition in Yak, Tibetan Sheep and Small Tail Han Sheep Grazing on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Guo Wei , Wang Weiwei , Bi Sisi , Long Ruijun , Ullah Farman , Shafiq Muhammad , Zhou Mi , Zhang Ying
Published: January 2020

The anaerobic rumen fungal community play a critical role in fibrous material degradation. However, there is a lack of data describing the composition of anaerobic rumen fungal community of full grazing ruminants in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. For this reason, we employed the next-generation sequencing technique to elucidate the rumen fungal structure composition and evaluate the effects of host species on fungal communities. Community comparisons (Bray–Curtis index) between yak and Tibetan sheep revealed that the rumen fungal community was affected by host species (p < 0.05). The alpha diversity indices in the yak were significantly higher than in the Tibetan sheep and Small Tail Han sheep. Neocallimastigomycota was predominant regardless of host species. Within this phylum, unidentified genus of Neocallimastigaceae was the most dominant in all samples, followed by Piromyces and Orpinomyces. Moreover, the shared and unique OTUs in the rumen were identified and most of them belonged to the Orpinomyces. Co-occurrence network analysis identified that each animal species had their own keystone species and most of them were non-dominant flora. Our data indicate that host breeds override living environment as the key factor that determines fungal community in the rumen of grazing ruminants in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
If Veganism Is Not a Choice: The Moral Psychology of Possibilities in Animal Ethics
Authors: Panizza Silvia
Published: January 2020

In their daily practices, many ethical vegans choose what to eat, wear, and buy among a range that is limited to the exclusion of animal products. Rather than considering and then rejecting the idea of using such products, doing so often does not occur to them as a possibility at all. In other cases, when confronted with the possibility of consuming animal products, vegans have claimed to reject it by saying that it would be impossible for them to do so. I refer to this phenomenon as ‘moral impossibility’. An analysis of moral impossibility in animal ethics shows that it arises when one’s conception of ‘what animals are’ shifts—say through encounter with other animals. It also arises when individuals learn more about animals and what happens to them in production facilities. This establishes a link between increased knowledge, understanding, and imaginative exploration on the one hand, and the exclusion of the possibility of using animals as resources on the other. Taking moral impossibility in veganism seriously has two important consequences: one is that the debate around veganism needs to shift from choice and decision, to a prior analysis of concepts and moral framing; the other is that moral psychology is no longer seen as empirical psychology plus ethical analysis, but the contents of psychological findings are understood as being influenced and framed by moral reflection.
Comparison of Dietary Kudzu Leaf Meal (Pueraria montana Var. lobata) and Alfalfa Meal Supplementation Effect on Broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus) Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Organ Parameters
Authors: Gulizia Joseph P. , Downs Kevin M.
Published: January 2020

This research study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of kudzu leaf meal (KLM) and alfalfa meal (AM) on broiler performance, carcass characteristics, and organ parameters. Kudzu leaf meal and AM were added at rates of 6% and 7.3%, respectively, to a complete broiler starter diet. Three treatments (control (complete broiler starter diet), KLM supplementation; and AM supplementation) with four replicates were fed to 217 male broilers over a 21 d battery cage grow out. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with battery cage representing the experimental unit. Birds on KLM and AM had a lower average body weight, lower cumulative feed consumption, and a higher adjusted feed conversion than control (p < 0.05). Additionally, there were observed treatment effects on whole breast weight (p = 0.0010), with control being higher than both treated diets. Minimal treatment effects were observed for organ parameters. Furthermore, there were no observed treatment differences for mortality (p > 0.05). Although broilers on KLM did not perform as well as those in the control group, these results are indicative that kudzu is safe to use in poultry production and has a high potential as a protein supplement in tropical regions with a low availability of commercial protein feedstuffs.
A Ten-Stage Protocol for Assessing the Welfare of Individual Non-Captive Wild Animals: Free-Roaming Horses (Equus Ferus Caballus) as an Example
Authors: Harvey Andrea M. , Beausoleil Ngaio J. , Ramp Daniel , Mellor David J.
Published: January 2020

Knowledge of the welfare status of wild animals is vital for informing debates about the ways in which we interact with wild animals and their habitats. Currently, there is no published information about how to scientifically assess the welfare of free-roaming wild animals during their normal day-to-day lives. Using free-roaming horses as an example, we describe a ten-stage protocol for systematically and scientifically assessing the welfare of individual non-captive wild animals. The protocol starts by emphasising the importance of readers having an understanding of animal welfare in a conservation context and also of the Five Domains Model for assessing welfare. It goes on to detail what species-specific information is required to assess welfare, how to identify measurable and observable indicators of animals’ physical states and how to identify which individuals are being assessed. Further, it addresses how to select appropriate methods for measuring/observing physical indicators of welfare, the scientific validation of these indicators and then the grading of animals’ welfare states, along with assigning a confidence score. Finally, grading future welfare risks and how these can guide management decisions is discussed. Applying this ten-stage protocol will enable biologists to scientifically assess the welfare of wild animals and should lead to significant advances in the field of wild animal welfare.
Could Dietary Black Soldier Fly Meal Inclusion Affect the Liver and Intestinal Histological Traits and the Oxidative Stress Biomarkers of Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) Juveniles?
Authors: Caimi Christian , Gasco Laura , Biasato Ilaria , Malfatto Vanda , Varello Katia , Prearo Marino , Pastorino Paolo , Bona Maria Cristina , Francese Danila Raffaella , Schiavone Achille , Elia Antonia Concetta , Dörr Ambrosius Josef Martin , Gai Francesco
Published: January 2020

The trial investigates if a highly defatted Hermetia illucens larva meal (H) at two dietary inclusion levels and a vegetable protein based diet (VEG) influences the normal gut and liver histology and the oxidative stress biomarkers in liver and kidney of Siberian sturgeon juveniles. Fish were fed four diets: one control diet (H0) containing 70% of fishmeal (FM), two diets including 18.5% (H185) and 37.5% (H375) of highly defatted H in substitution for 25% and 50% of FM, and one vegetable protein based diet (VEG). At the end of a growth trial, 12 fish per treatment were sacrificed by over-anaesthesia to collect 12 liver and 5 distal intestine samples for histological analyses, as well as 12 liver and kidney samples for biochemical analyses. The H and VEG diets did not significantly affect the histology of liver and distal intestine, but alterations of the oxidative stress biomarkers were detected at the highest inclusion level of H (37.5%). In order to avoid unfavorable effects on the fish health, an inclusion level up to 18.5% of H is recommended for Siberian sturgeon juveniles.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing for Corynebacterium Species Isolated from Clinical Samples in Romania
Authors: Dragomirescu Cristiana Cerasella , Lixandru Brandusa Elena , Coldea Ileana Luminita , Corneli Olguta Nicoleta , Pana Marina , Palade Andi Marian , Cristea Violeta Corina , Suciu Ioana , Suciu George , Manolescu Loredana Sabina Cornelia , Popa Loredana Gabriela , Popa Mircea Ioan
Published: January 2020

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most important public health issues. Besides classical multidrug resistance species associated with medical care involved in superficial or invasive infections, there are strains less commonly associated with hospital or outpatient setting’s infections. Non-diphtheria Corynebacterium spp. could produce infections in patients with or without immune-compromised status. The aim of our study was to determine the susceptibility to antimicrobial agents to Corynebacterium spp. from clinical samples collected from Romanian hospitalized individuals and outpatients. Twenty Corynebacterium strains were isolated and identified as Corynebacterium striatum (n = 7), Corynebacterium amycolatum (n = 7), C. urealyticum (n = 3), Corynebacterium afermentans (n = 2), and Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum (n = 1). All isolates have been tested for antibiotic susceptibility by standardized disc diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests. Seventeen isolates demonstrated multidrug resistance phenotypes. The molecular support responsible for high resistance to quinolones for ten of these strains was determined by the detection of point mutation in the gene sequence gyrA.
3-D Modeling of Gas–Solid Two-Phase Flow in a π-Shaped Centripetal Radial Flow Adsorber
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Yang Xiong , Li Ziyi , Liu Yingshu , Zhang Chuanzhao , Ma Xiaojun , Li Chunwang
Published: January 2020

Radial flow adsorber (RFA) is widely used in large-scale pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen production system because of high air separation. In this study, a 3-D modeling of gas–solid two-phase flow was established for the π-shaped centripetal RFA (CP-π RFA). The pressure difference, temperature changes, velocity profiles and oxygen distributions were comparatively studied using this model. Part of the results have been compared with the experiments results, which shows this model can give an accurately prediction. The results show that the pressure and velocity in the adsorber change greatly near the outer hole and central hole, but the overall pressure and velocity changes in the bed are stable. The oxygen product purity in the adsorbent filling area performed better on oxygen enrichment after eight cycles. The oxygen product flow rate will affect the oxygen production performance. The laws of the pressure, velocity, temperature and oxygen distributions can provide an important technical reference for CP-π RFA in the PSA for oxygen production.
Shape Optimization Design for a Centrifuge Structure with Multi Topological Configurations Based on the B-Spline FCM and GCMMA
Authors: Li Xinyao , He Liangli
Published: January 2020

The geotechnical centrifuge applied in various geotechnical engineering fields provides physical data for investigating mechanisms of deformation and failure and for validating analytical and numerical methods by simulating and studying the geotechnical problems. The basket, as one of the important components used to place the inspection model of centrifugal test, is designed to withstand complex loads. This paper presents an optimization design method for the basket based on the weighted B-Spline Finite Cell Method (FCM) and the globally-convergent method of moving asymptotes (GCMMA). In order to obtain a superior design solution, four topological configurations, i.e., original single web, porous dual web, open deep groove dual web, and connected closed dual web, are investigated and optimized. The mass is selected as the optimization objective, while key shape parameters and stress are regarded as design variables and the constraint, respectively. By optimization, the final masses of the four configurations are reduced greatly compared with the initial configurations, where the greatest weight loss, in case 4, is 10.6%. This indicates that the weighted B-Spline FCM and GCMMA can be well applied for shape optimization of structure in engineering design. In contrast to the final single web adopted in the traditional basket design in case 1, the final configuration in case 4, i.e., connected closed dual web, has the least mass. The final mass is reduced by 133.38 kg when the centrifuge strength requirement is met. Therefore, the final configuration in case 4, where the maximum von-Mises stress is 398.72MPa and mass is 781.82 kg, is superior to the three other configurations.
Edge-of-Field Technologies for Phosphorus Retention from Agricultural Drainage Discharge
Authors: Dantas Mendes Lipe Renato
Published: January 2020

Agriculture is often responsible for the eutrophication of surface waters due to the loss of phosphorus—a normally limiting nutrient in freshwater ecosystems. Tile-drained agricultural catchments tend to increase this problem by accelerating the transport of phosphorus through subsurface drains both in dissolved (reactive and organic phosphorus) and particulate (particle-bound phosphorus) forms. The reduction of excess phosphorus loads from agricultural catchments prior to reaching downstream surface waters is therefore necessary. Edge-of-field technologies have been investigated, developed and implemented in areas with excess phosphorus losses to receive and treat the drainage discharge, when measures at the farm-scale are not able to sufficiently reduce the loads. The implementation of these technologies shall base on the phosphorus dynamics of specific catchments (e.g., phosphorus load and dominant phosphorus form) in order to ensure that local retention goals are met. Widely accepted technologies include constructed wetlands, restored wetlands, vegetated buffer strips and filter materials. These have demonstrated a large variability in the retention of phosphorus, and results from the literature can help targeting specific catchment conditions with suitable technologies. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the currently used edge-of-field technologies for phosphorus retention in tile-drained catchments, with great focus on performance, application and limitations.
On the Control of Low-Frequency Audible Noise from Electrical Substations: A Case Study
Authors: Piana Edoardo Alessio , Roozen Nicolaas Bernardus
Published: January 2020

With the world facing the urgency of energy transition, the development of efficient and quiet electrical infrastructures is of topical importance in the construction of the environment of the future. The problem of noise from power distribution systems is often underestimated, although several works in the literature underline the effect of disturbance on the population, especially concerning the low frequency range. This paper overviews the issue of the low-frequency noise generated by electrical substations, from the experimental characterization of the source to the possible mitigation measures at the source, along the propagation path and at the receiver. Alongside the general presentation, a case study serves as a practical demonstration of the proposed methodological approach. It was found that in the investigated situation the main disturbance comes from the transformer at two low-frequency harmonics of twice the networking frequency. A traditional noise barrier is designed taking into account the strict size constraints imposed by technical compatibility with the electrical infrastructure, which limits its efficacy at low frequency. Noise masking with broadband signals can be a complementary solution to further reduce noise disturbance and contain it within prescribed limits. The evaluation of subjective response of the receivers to different mitigation solutions is made possible by the availability of the impulse response.
Integration of Dimension Reduction and Uncertainty Quantification in Designing Stretchable Strain Gauge Sensor
Authors: Hwang Sungkun , Gorguluarslan Recep M. , Choi Hae-Jin , Choi Seung-Kyum
Published: January 2020

Interests in strain gauge sensors employing stretchable patch antenna have escalated in the area of structural health monitoring, because the malleable sensor is sensitive to capturing strain variation in any shape of structure. However, owing to the narrow frequency bandwidth of the patch antenna, the operation quality of the strain sensor is not often assured under structural deformation, which creates unpredictable frequency shifts. Geometric properties of the stretchable antenna also severely regulate the performance of the sensor. Especially rugged substrate created by printing procedure and manual fabrication derives multivariate design variables. Such design variables intensify the computational burden and uncertainties that impede reliable analysis of the strain sensor. In this research, therefore, a framework is proposed not only to comprehensively capture the sensor’s geometric design variables, but also to effectively reduce the multivariate dimensions. The geometric uncertainties are characterized based on the measurements from real specimens and a Gaussian copula is used to represent them with the correlations. A dimension reduction process with a clear decision criterion by entropy-based correlation coefficient dwindles uncertainties that inhibit precise system reliability assessment. After handling the uncertainties, an artificial neural network-based surrogate model predicts the system responses, and a probabilistic neural network derives a precise estimation of the variability of complicated system behavior. To elicit better performance of the stretchable antenna-based strain sensor, a shape optimization process is then executed by developing an optimal design of the strain sensor, which can resolve the issue of the frequency shift in the narrow bandwidth. Compared with the conventional rigid antenna-based strain sensors, the proposed design brings flexible shape adjustment that enables the resonance frequency to be maintained in reliable frequency bandwidth and antenna performance to be maximized under deformation. Hence, the efficacy of the proposed design framework that employs uncertainty characterization, dimension reduction, and machine learning-based behavior prediction is epitomized by the stretchable antenna-based strain sensor.
A New Coordinate System for Constructing Spherical Grid Systems
Authors: Lei Kin , Qi Dongxu , Tian Xiaolin
Published: January 2020

In astronomy, physics, climate modeling, geoscience, planetary science, and many other disciplines, the mass of data often comes from spherical sampling. Therefore, establishing an efficient and distortion-free representation of spherical data is essential. This paper introduces a novel spherical (global) coordinate system that is free of singularity. Contrary to classical coordinates, such as Cartesian or spherical polar systems, the proposed coordinate system is naturally defined on the spherical surface. The basic idea of this coordinate system originated from the classical planar barycentric coordinates that describe the positions of points on a plane concerning the vertices of a given planar triangle; analogously, spherical area coordinates (SACs) describe the positions of points on a sphere concerning the vertices of a given spherical triangle. In particular, the global coordinate system is obtained by decomposing the globe into several identical triangular regions, constructing local coordinates for each region, and then combining them. Once the SACs have been established, the coordinate isolines form a new class of global grid systems. This kind of grid system has some useful properties: the grid cells exhaustively cover the globe without overlapping and have the same shape, and the grid system has a congruent hierarchical structure and simple relationship with traditional coordinates. These beneficial characteristics are suitable for organizing, representing, and analyzing spatial data.
The Influences of Stirring on the Recrystallization of Ammonium Perrhenate
Authors: Tang Junjie , Feng Li , Zhang Chunwei , Sun Yuan , Wang Long , Zhou Yizhou , Fang Dawei , Liu Yan
Published: January 2020

Ammonium perrhenate is widely used in alloy manufacturing, powder processing, the catalytic industry, and other fields. Recrystallization can improve the specific surface area of ammonium perrhenate, reduce its particle size, and improve its particle size distribution uniformity. Therefore, recrystallized ammonium perrhenate can obtain better application benefits in the above fields. Stirring is an important factor that affects the recrystallization of ammonium perrhenate, and this paper systematically analyzes the influence of the stirring paddle types and stirring intensities on ammonium perrhenate during the homogeneous recrystallization process, ultimately revealing the relationship between the growth rate of ammonium perrhenate and the stirring process. Particle image velocimetry physical simulation results showed that the flow field in the reactor was more evenly distributed when using the disc turbine impeller, and a relatively uniform velocity liquid flow area was formed in the whole reactor, while the low-velocity liquid flow area was smaller. Therefore, this information, combined with SEM test results, suggests that under the same recrystallization time and stirring intensity, the stirring effect of a disc turbine impeller is more suitable than a propelling propeller and an Intermig impeller for the recrystallization process of ammonium perrhenate. Moreover, the XRD patterns and SEM analysis showed that if the agglomeration in the systems was too strong or too weak, the growths of the (101) crystal plane and (112) crystal plane were restrained, which caused an attenuation in the growth rates along the crystallographic directions that were orthogonal to the crystal faces. Finally, the reduction experiments show that the recrystallization of ammonium perrhenate could improve the phase parameters of rhenium powders.
On the Statistical Significance of the Variability Minima of the Order Parameter of Seismicity by Means of Event Coincidence Analysis
Authors: Christopoulos Stavros-Richard G. , Skordas Efthimios S. , Sarlis Nicholas V.
Published: January 2020

Natural time analysis has led to the introduction of an order parameter for seismicity when considering earthquakes as critical phenomena. The study of the fluctuations of this order parameter has shown that its variability exhibits minima before strong earthquakes. In this paper, we evaluate the statistical significance of such minima by using the recent method of event coincidence analysis. Our study includes the variability minima identified before major earthquakes in Japan and Eastern Mediterranean as well as in global seismicity.