bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aðskilnaður ríkis og kirkju. Síðari grein
Authors: Hugason Hjalti
Published: August 2020

This is the second article of two where the author analyses the discourse about the separation between church and state in Iceland in the period 1915–1995. In this article he deals with the arguments given against separation. In the first one he dealt with the opposite views.
In the discussion it was common to state that separation would reduce the potential of the National church of Iceland to fulfill its traditional role among the nation at least on the countryside. It was also considered that, when separated, the National church would be far worse positioned to fulfill its multifaceted social role in the community.
Still, some participants argued for separation of “principle reasons”. As an example, it was pointed out that Christianity was one of the main defenses of Western culture against the threat posed by Communism during the Cold War. It was also pointed out that in Iceland the Church had been one of the main sources of spiritual culture among the nation. Furthermore, it was pointed out that the separation of state and church would trigger a religious chaos when fanatical sectarian groups funded by foreign movements would advance in Iceland. Finally, it was stated that some connections would always be needed between church and state wherever and they must be organized by law according to the history, tradition and experience of each country.
„Vér nálægjumst guði“. Um sögnina nálægjast með þágufallsandlagi
Authors: Jónsdóttir Margrét
Published: August 2020

This article deals with the verb nálægjast ‘approach’. Normally, it takes an accusative object. However, some examples of a dative object can be found. In most of the cases the meaning refers to some kind of divine power. On the other hand, there are examples, especially the younger ones, which do not show any kind of semantic hindrance. The verb is hardly used any longer. Instead, its synonym nálgast is used.
One of the oldest examples of nálægjast taking dative object is from the New Testament (1540), Hebrews 7:19. The dative case with nálægjast appears in the Guðbrand’s Bible (1584) too and, surprisingly, in the edition from 1813. Furthermore, the verb nálægjast is used in all editions until 1813 (included), also in the 1908 edition. In the edition from 1866, the verb nálgast first appears; it is also used in the edition from 1912 and 1981. In all instances, nálgast is taking an accusative object. On the other hand, the verb nálægja (+ acc/dat) appears in the 1841 and 1859 editions. In the latest edition from 2007, the verb doesn’t appear in the verse in question and the syntax is different.

The dative case with nálægjast is discussed further in order to find a reasonable explanation. In that case, it is worth mentioning that the verb fjarlægjast ‘grow more distant’, an antonym to nálægjast, and nálgast, a synonym to nálægjast, in many instances shows the same behaviour.
Ritdómur: Reports from a Scholar’s Life: Select Papers on the Hebrew Bible
Authors: Jónsson Gunnlaugur A.
Published: August 2020

Reports from a Scholar’s Life: Select Papers on the Hebrew Bible, eftir Tryggve N.D. Mettinger, ritstj. Andrew Knapp, Winona Lake, Indiana: Eisenbrauns, 2015, 349 bls.
Role of National Reference Laboratory: Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: M Shamsuzzaman Abul Khair
Published: August 2020

Abstract not available

Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases 2020;7(1):1-2
Incidence and Pattern of Clinical Dengue Cases among Travelers and NonTravelers in a District of Bangladesh
Authors: Kader Syed Abdul , Rob Sonia Afrin
Published: August 2020

Background: Expansion of Dengue fever caused by a mosquito borne arbovirus to new countries and, from urban to rural settings constitutes an important health problem in the world including Bangladesh.

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate spread of clinical Dengue to previously non-endemic Barisal district and get an idea of how recent this spread is by comparing proportions of non-travelers and travelers to an endemic area among the admitted patients.

Methodology: The incidence of dengue infection in Barisal division with and without travel history to known endemic area was investigated in the current cross sectional study from a conveniently selected sample of patients admitted to the medicine department of Sher-e-Bangla medical College Hospital form Barisal district from July 15, through August, to September 15, 2019. Clinical and laboratory data were collected by attending doctors and checked by investigators. The primary diagnostic tool was NS1 antigen detected by SD Bioline Dengue NS1 Ag Test Kit. Data entry and analysis was done by SPSS version 24.0 software.

Result: A total number of sample size was 212 admitted patents of whom 138(65.1%) were male, 74 (34.9 %) were female,116 (54.7%) of patients traveled to a known endemic zone, 96 (45.3%) did not; 206 (97.2%) were NS1 positive, 4 (1.9%) were IgM positive, 2 (0.9%) were IgM positive and IgG positive; Of travelling 116 patients, 92(79.3%) were male, 24(20.7%) were female, of travelling 96 patients 46(47.9%) were male, 50(52.1%) were female. p-value was <0.001.

Conclusion: The study concluded that Dengue is becoming endemic in previously non-endemic zones like greater Barisal, though travelers still holds the major share of disease burden. Male preponderance in traveling to endemic zone was statistically significant.

Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases 2020;7(1):3-7
Clinico-Pathological Profiles and Outcomes of Acute Viral Encephalitis in Children
Authors: Anwar Sarjina , Begum Nazma , Khatoon Soofia , Rashid Rafia
Published: August 2020

Background: Encephalitis is an acute inflammatory process that affects brain tissue and is almost always accompanied by inflammation of the adjacent meninges. The disease is most commonly caused by viral infection.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the clinical and cerebrospinal fluid profile of childhood encephalitis and to document Herpes simplex antibody status in cerebrospinal fluid.

Methodology: This descriptive analytical study was conducted in Department of Paediatrics of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital and Dhaka Medical College Hospital from May 2011 to October 2011. A total of 30 children of encephalitis were included in this study. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) routine and Herpes Simplex virus (HSV) antibody in CSF were done to all patient.

Result: Fever and convulsion was found in 29(96.7%) and 28(93.3%) cases respectively in studied patients. Altered level of consciousness was present in 29(96.7%) cases. Fever, convulsion and altered level of consciousness was statistically significant (p<0.05). Glasgow coma scale (GCS) between 4 to 8 was found in 27 (90%) cases. Signs of meningeal irritation and cranial nerve palsies was found in 9 (30%) and 4 (13.3%) cases respectively. Exaggerated deep reflex was found in 23 (76.6%) cases whereas diminished deep reflex was found in 7 (23.3 %) cases. In cytological study of CSF, lymphocyte was found in 28 (93.3%) patients. Raised protein was found in 16(53.3%) and normal in 14 (46.7%) cases. Among the 30 studied cases 9(30%) cases were IgG positive for HSV, 21 (70.0%) were IgG negative and none were IgM positive.

Conclusion: Fever, convulsion, altered sensorium and low GCS were common clinical profile in children. Normal colour, increase lymphocyte count, normal sugar level were significant findings in CSF study.

Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases 2020;7(1):8-11
Penentuan Kadar Sianida Daun Singkong Dengan Variasi Umur Daun Dan Waktu Pemetikan
Authors: Kurnia Nova , Marwatoen Fatmi
Published: August 2020

Telah dilakukan penelitian untuk mengetahui kadar sianida yang terkandung dalam daun singkong. Daun singkong yang dijadikan sampel yaitu daun muda dan daun tua yang masing-masing dipetik pada pagi hari maupun sore hari. Penentuan kadar sianida dilakukan dengan metode titrasi pembentukan kompleks sianida. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kadar sianida pada daun singkong muda dan tua yang dipetik pada pagi hari yaitu 3,46% dan 3,67%. Sementara kadar sianida pada daun singkong tua yang dipetik sore hari yaitu 2,81% dan 2,91%.
Pengembangan Karakter Siswa Dan Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Melalui Pembelajaran Cooperative Integrated Reading And Composition (CIRC) Yang Terintegrasi Dalam Pembelajaran Kimia
Authors: Anggraeni Rizka , Khaeruman Khaeruman , Raehanah Raehanah
Published: August 2020

This study aims to determine character of student after learning CIRC and effect of CIRC learning to creative thinking skills on atomic structure and the periodic system of unsure matter. This research used an experimental method, the type of quasi experiment with Pretest-posttest control group design. Sample consists of 2 class of experiment class (CIRC learning) and control class (a lecture and question and answer) were selected by Cluster Sampling. Data retrieval research using observation sheet for character development and for creative thinking skills using the form of description test. Data on the observation of student character shows the character of students do not get better after learning CIRC compared with a lecture and question and answer on atomic structure of matter and the periodic system of unsure, as looking the average value of the experiment class is 76,97 lower than the control class is 79,12. Data analysis for hypothesis using u-test with SPSS 15.0 for Windows. Based on data analysis get significant value (0,166) > significant a (0,05). It can be concluded that there is no effect CIRC learning to creative thinking skills on atomic structure of matter and the periodic system of unsure.
Pengaruh Model Case Based Learning (CBL) Terhadap Keterampilan Generik Sains dan Pemahaman Konsep Siswa Kelas X Pada Materi Minyak Bumi
Authors: Dewi Citra Ayu , Hamid Abdul
Published: August 2020

Hasil belajar kimia yang sangat rendah disebabkan karena karakteristik materi pembelajaran kimia terutama materi minyak bumi yang bersifat abstrak sehingga siswa beranggapan materi pembelajaran sulit untuk dipahami. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh model Case Based Learning terhadap keterampilaan generik sains dan pemahaman konsep siswa kelas X pada materi minyak bumi. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian eksperimen, jenis quasi eksperimen dengan desain penelitian ”Posttest-Only control design”. Sampel terdiri dari 2 kelas, yaitu kelas eksperimen dengan model Case Based Learning dan kelas kontrol dengan metode konvensional. Data keterampilan generik sains diperoleh menggunakan lembar observasi keterampilan generik sains, sedangkan data pemahaman konsep siswa menggunakan tes pilihan ganda beralasan. Teknik analisis data yaitu analisis deskriptif untuk keterampilan generik sains dan analisis statistik  untuk pemahaman konsep siswa. Hasil analisis deskriptif lembar observasi keterampilan generik sains siswa diperoleh nilai rata-rata pada kelas eksperimen sebesar  85,171 dan kelas kontrol sebesar 57,51. Nilai rata-rata pemahaman konsep siswa kelas eksperimen sebesar 76,40 dan kelas kontrol sebesar 57,09. Hasil analisis uji Mann-Whitney dengan SPSS 16.0 for Windows diperoleh nilai  sig. lebih kecil dari 0,05 (0,000<0,05). Dengan demikian, dapat disimpulkan bahwa model Case Based Learning berpengaruh terhadap keterampilan generik sains dan pemahaman konsep siswa kelas X pada materi minyak bumi.
Inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling suppresses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma through the Snail/GSK-3/beta-catenin pathway
Authors: Lee Seulki , Choi Eun Ji , Cho Eun Ju , Lee Yun Bin , Lee Jeong-Hoon , Yu Su Jong , Yoon Jung-Hwan , Kim Yoon Jun
Published: August 2020

Background/Aims: Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have a poor prognosis due to the lack of effective systemic therapies. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a pivotal event in tumor progression, during which cancer cells acquire invasive properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, including LY294002 and idelalisib, on the EMT features of HCC cells in vitro.Methods: Human HCC cell lines, including Huh-BAT and HepG2, were used in this study. Cell proliferation was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, and cell cycle distributions were evaluated using a flow cytometer by propidium iodide staining. Immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunoblotting were performed to detect EMT-associated changes.Results: PI3K inhibitors suppressed the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells and deregulated the expression of EMT markers, as indicated by increased expression of E-cadherin, an epithelial marker, and decreased expression of N-cadherin, a mesenchymal marker, and Snail, a transcription factor implicated in EMT regulation. Furthermore, LY294002 and idelalisib inhibited the phosphorylation of GSK-3β and induced the nuclear translocation of GSK-3β, which corresponded to the downregulation of Snail and β-catenin expressions in Huh-BAT and HepG2 cells.Conclusions: The inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling decreases Snail expression by enhancing the nuclear translocation of GSK-3β, which suppresses EMT in HCC cells, suggesting the potential clinical application of PI3K inhibitors for HCC treatment.
Konstrusi Hoax Melalui Fitur Media Sosial Dalam Persfektif Cyberculture Hoax Constructions through Social Media Features in a Cyberculture
Authors: Khairani Aulian
Published: August 2020

Fenomena kemunculan hoax di media sosial memang bukanlah hal baru, tetapi penyebarannya yang semakin meluas menjadi persoalan serius bukan hanya pada kasus hukumnya tetapi melihat bagaimana hoax menjadi masalah sosial karena perilaku pengguna media sosial yang telah melegitimasi perilaku manipulatif melalui akun media sosial. Penyebaran informasi bohong bahkan sengaja dilakukan menggunakan fitur-fitur di media sosial untuk tujuan dan kepentingan tertentu sehingga aktifitas menipu dalam ruang public digital kini telah menjadi tren atau budaya baru dikalangan pengguna sosial media. Fokus tulisan ini adalah untuk melihat “bagaimana konstruksi hoax melalui fitur media sosial dalam perspektif cyberculture” yang kemudia dijelaskan secara lebih dalam melalui sub bab bahasan antara lain: konsturksi hoax melalu fitur unggahan foto, konstruksi hoax menggunakan fitur tautan lokasi, konstruksi hoax pada fitur laman bio dan konstruksi hoax melalui fitur status,caption, dan tweet.
ANALISIS MAKNA PEREMPUAN MASKULIN PADA FILM DISNEY BRAVE DAN MOANA
Authors: Salsabil Luna Safitri
Published: August 2020

Perempuan dalam konstruksi sosial selalu digambarkan feminim, seperti pada film Disney. Namun film Disney saat ini di awal tahun 2010an, muncul pergeseran citra perempuan pada film animasi Disney khususnya film Brave dan Moana. Perempuan yang pada dahulu film Disney mencitrakan diposisi subordinasi, dependen, dan pasif kini berubah menjadi sosok yang mandiri, mampu memimpin, aktif dan tidak membutuhkan laki-laki. penelitian ini bertujuan melihat bagaimana media memaknai perempuan maskulin. Teori yang digunakan teori gender yang membahas bagaimana konstruksi dan memetakan gender. Penelitian ini bersifat kualitatif dengan semiotika Chris Mertz dalam mengintrepretasi data. Paradigma dalam penelitian ini adalah konstruktivis sehingga dapat menjelaskan bagaimana makna dibentuk. Hasil penelitian ini mengkonstruksikan perempuan menjadi tokoh utama dalam film brave (merida) dan moana (moana) yang mengarah pada karateristik maskulin. Seperti kuat, rasional, berani, mandiri, petarung, bernegosiasi. Saran dari penelitian ini diharapkan penelitian ini dapat menjelaskan media memaknai perempuan dan referensi mengenai studi gender
A Firm-Centered Analysis of Corruption and Reform: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Kenny Paul , Warburton Eve
Published: August 2020

This paper theorizes that informational asymmetries between firm insiders and outsiders generate both supply and demand pressures which result in sectoral variation in levels of corruption. Because both firms and state agents risk prosecution if they cannot disguise their illicit transactions, it is the potential to either under-report revenue or to over-report costs—or in other words, to generate hidden profits—, which should be positively related to bribery and extortion. Industries characterized by concentrated, bespoke, and uncertain costs and revenues are most amenable to the generation of hidden profits. We test our theory against data from a primary survey of 672 firm managers and business owners in Indonesia. We find that being in the construction and extractive sectors makes firms substantially more likely to report being asked for bribes by state officials and to report paying such bribes. Original qualitative evidence elaborates on the proposed mechanisms.
Pneumatically Actuated Thin Glass Microlens for On-Chip Multi-Magnification Observations
Authors: Aishan Yusufu , Yalikun Yaxiaer , Tanaka Yo
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a self-contained micro-optical system that is magnification-controlled by adjusting the positions of the microlens in the device via pneumatic air pressure. Unlike conventional dynamic microlenses made from a liquid or polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) that change their shapes via external actuation, this system combines a fixed-curvature glass microlens, an inflatable PDMS layer, and the external pneumatic air pressure supply as an actuator. This device showed several advantages, including stable inflation, firm structure, and light weight; it achieved a larger displacement using the glass microlens structure than has been reported before. This fixed-curvature microlens was made from 120 µm-thick flat thin glass slides, and the system magnification was manipulated by the deflection of a 100 µm-thick PDMS layer to alter the distance from the microlens to the microfluidic channel. The system magnification power was proportional to the air pressure applied to the device, and with a 2.5 mbar air pressure supply, a 2.2X magnification was achieved. This optical system is ideal for combining with high resolving power microscopy for various short working distance observation tasks, and it is especially beneficial for various chip-based analyses.
Hydrolyzed Yeast Supplementation in Calf Starter Promotes Innate Immune Responses in Holstein Calves under Weaning Stress Condition
Authors: Kim Eun Tae , Lee Hyo Gun , Kim Dong Hyeon , Son Jun Kyu , Kim Byeong-Woo , Joo Sang Seok , Park Da Som , Park Yei Ju , Lee Se Young , Kim Myung Hoo
Published: August 2020

Weaned calves are susceptible to infectious diseases because of the stress and malnutrition that occurs during weaning. Therefore, the dairy industry requires effective feed additives to ameliorate stress responses and promote immunity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of hydrolyzed yeast (HY) supplementation on the growth performance, immune and stress parameters, and health status of calves after weaning. Eighteen Holstein calves were randomly assigned to two groups, either receiving a control calf starter or 0.2% HY calf starter from one week of age. All calves were weaned at six weeks of age as a stress challenge. The HY-fed calves had a significantly-higher body weight gain during the post-weaning period (kg/week) compared to the control. Cortisol levels at three days post-weaning (DPW) were significantly lower in the HY group than the control group. Calves fed HY had significantly-higher serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β at one DPW. The HY-fed calves also had higher concentrations of the acute-phase proteins, haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, and transferrin at one DPW. In addition, the diarrhea severity in HY-fed calves was milder after weaning compared to the control group. Our results indicate that HY supplementation reduces stress responses and may promote innate immunity in newly-weaned calves.
Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis in Slaughtered Cattle in Sicily, Southern Italy
Authors: Abbate Jessica M. , Arfuso Francesca , Iaria Carmelo , Arestia Giuseppe , Lanteri Giovanni
Published: August 2020

Post-mortem inspection in slaughterhouses plays a key role in the epidemiological surveillance of infectious diseases, including bTB. This study assessed the prevalence of bTB in cattle in Sicily during two different three-year periods (2010–2012; 2017–2019), using data from meat inspections and histopathological methods. Out of 100,196 cattle, 5221 (5.21%) were diagnosed with tuberculous lesions. Higher prevalence of bTB was recorded during the triennium 2010–2012 (6.74%; n = 3692) compared to the triennium 2017–2019 (3.36%; n = 1529), with a decreasing trend in annual occurrence throughout the study period and a heterogenous proportion of infected cattle among the Sicilian provinces (p < 0.01). Lower rates of infection were recorded in animals aged <12 months and >84 months (p < 0.0001). Pearson’s chi square analysis revealed a higher localization of lesions in the thoracic cavity (p < 0.0001). Gathered findings show that even though bTB occurrence in cattle was greatly reduced over the years, the disease still remains widespread in Sicily, also posing severe implications for public health.
Epidemiological and Histopathological Investigation of Sarcoptic Mange in Camels in Egypt
Authors: Ahmed Marwa A. , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb , Gareh Ahmed , Abdelbaset Abdelbaset Eweda , El-Gohary Fatma A. , Elhawary Nagwa M. , Dyab Ahmed K. , Elbaz Elzahara , Abushahba Mostafa F. N.
Published: August 2020

Mange has been considered one of the most common parasitic infestations among camels. It adversely impacts animal productivity and poses a risk to human health. Given the scarcity of available data about mange in camels, the current study focused on the prevalence of camel mange and its associated risk factors in Aswan Governorate, Egypt. Towards this end, a general visual inspection was conducted on camels (N = 210) in different markets and slaughterhouses in Aswan Governorate. Skin scrapings from suspect infected camels were also examined microscopically. Importantly, these findings were further checked and confirmed by histopathology on samples from suspected cases collected post-slaughter in abattoirs. The possible risk-associated factors, which include the camel’s age, sex and sampling season, were recorded and statistically analyzed. Interestingly, the data showed that a total of 100 camels (47.6%) were found exclusively infested by sarcoptic mange. Furthermore, the predominant histopathological changes included burrowing tunnel of mites in the skin, hyperkeratosis and acanthosisconsis of the epidermis, while the dermis showed hemorrhage, mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration around the blood vessels and perifolliculitis. These major histopathological findings are consistent with sarcoptic mange. Furthermore, the statistical analysis of the possible associated risk factors, camel’s age (p = 0.006), gender (p = 0.032) and sampling season (p = 0.004), were all found to be significantly affected and related to the disease. In this regard, camels ≥2 years old were found at higher risk of infection (odds ratio (OR) = 2.75; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.345 to 5.604) versus younger animals (OR = 0.36; 95 CI, 0.1784 to 0.743). Females had higher odds of exposure (OR = 2.02; 95% CI, 1.096 to 3.708) compared to males (OR = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.269 to 0.912). Moreover, the exposure to infection was reported higher in winter (OR = 2.30; 95% CI, 1.297 to 4.098) than in summer (OR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.244 to 0.771). Collectively, our data provide novel epidemiological and histopathological support for sarcoptic mange being widespread among camels in the studied area. Sarcoptic mange is extremely contagious and zoonotic. Therefore, our baseline investigation indicates an urgent need for additional multicenter-studies to investigate the occurrence of this disease in camels and humans combined with the appropriate control measures of camel importation for combating this disease.
Changes in Salivary Analytes of Horses Due to Circadian Rhythm and Season: A Pilot Study
Authors: Contreras-Aguilar María D. , Lamy Elsa , Escribano Damián , Cerón Jose J. , Tecles Fernando , Quiles Alberto J. , Hevia María L.
Published: August 2020

This study aims to evaluate the circadian and circannual variations in a panel of analytes in horse saliva that have been previously described as biomarkers related to stress and disease, in order to interpret them correctly when they are measured in this species. This panel of analytes integrated cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), lipase (Lip), total esterase (TEA), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), adenosine deaminase (ADA), γ-glutamyl transferase (gGT), creatine kinase (CK), urea, total bilirubin, total protein (TP), and phosphorus. These analytes were measured in saliva obtained from a population of five clinically healthy mares from 06:30 to 20:30, every 2 h over two consecutive days in two different photoperiod seasons, winter and spring. The temperature and relative humidity did not change between the two consecutive days sampled in each sampled season, and no thermal discomfort was observed. Changes throughout the course of the day were observed for cortisol, sAA, TEA, BChE, ADA, and CK. However, a circadian pattern was only observed for cortisol, TEA, BChE, ADA, and CK. Moreover, the values obtained for sAA, Lip, and BChE were significantly different between seasons, with different daily rhythms for cortisol, TEA, BChE, and ADA depending on the season. In conclusion, this pilot study indicates that the time of the day and the season influence salivary analytes in horses, showing a rhythmic pattern for cortisol, TEA, BChE, ADA, and CK. These factors should thus be taken into consideration for the interpretation of analytes in horse saliva.
Resilience of Lambs to Limited Water Availability without Compromising Their Production Performance
Authors: Adeniji Yusuf A. , Sanni Musafau O. , Abdoun Khalid A. , Samara Emad M. , Al-Badwi Mohamed A. , Bahadi Majdi A. , Alhidary Ibrahim A. , Al-Haidary Ahmed A.
Published: August 2020

Water scarcity is a common phenomenon in arid and semi-arid regions, which could have tremendous effects on livestock production. This study aimed to determine the level of water restriction that lambs fed on a pelleted diet can tolerate without compromising their production performance. A total of 24 male Najdi lambs were housed individually and randomly allocated into three equal groups, namely ad libitum water intake, 33% water-intake restriction, and 67% water-intake restriction. Dry-matter intake, feed conversion ratio, and average daily gain were decreased (p < 0.05) with the increasing level of water restriction. Water restriction had also reduced (p < 0.05) nutrient digestibility. The water-conserving ability of the water-restricted lambs was manifested by the production of concentrated and lower (p < 0.05) quantities of urine and feces. Meanwhile, serum osmolality and concentrations of albumin, total protein, urea-N, glucose, and non-esterified fatty acids were increased (p < 0.05) with the increasing levels of water restriction. It is surprising that lambs subjected to 67% water restriction retained more (p < 0.05) nitrogen relative to intake and had better (p < 0.05) efficiency of nitrogen utilization. It was strongly evident that lambs could tolerate water-intake restriction of up to 33% without compromising their production performance.
Novel Antimicrobial Peptide from Temporin L in The Treatment of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Malassezia pachydermatis in Polymicrobial Inter-Kingdom Infection
Authors: Bellavita Rosa , Vollaro Adriana , Catania Maria Rosaria , Merlino Francesco , De Martino Luisa , Nocera Francesca Paola , DellaGreca Marina , Lembo Francesca , Grieco Paolo , Buommino Elisabetta
Published: August 2020

Interkingdom polymicrobial diseases are caused by different microorganisms that colonize the same niche, as in the case of yeast-bacteria coinfections. The latter are difficult to treat due the absence of any common therapeutic target for their elimination, both in animals and humans. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Malassezia pachydermatis belong to distinct kingdoms. They can colonize the same skin district or apparatus being the causative agents of fastidious pet animals’ pathologies. Here we analysed the antimicrobial properties of a panel of 11 peptides, derived from temporin L, against Malassezia pachydermatis. Only peptide 8 showed the best mycocidal activity at 6.25 μM. Prolonged application of peptide 8 did not cause M. pachydermatis drug-resistance. Peptide 8 was also able to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, regardless of methicillin resistance, at 1.56 μM for methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius (MSSP) and 6.25 μM for methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP). Of interest, peptide 8 increased the susceptibility of MRSP to oxacillin. Oxacillin MIC value reduction was of about eight times when used in combination with peptide 8. Finally, the compound affected the vitality of bacteria embedded in S. pseudintermedius biofilm. In conclusion, peptide 8 might represent a valid therapeutic alternative in the treatment of interkingdom polymicrobial infections, also in the presence of methicillin-resistant bacteria.
Tropical Cyclone Landfall Frequency and Large-Scale Environmental Impacts along Karstic Coastal Regions (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico)
Authors: Rivera-Monroy Victor H. , Farfán Luis M. , Brito-Castillo Luis , Cortés-Ramos Jorge , González-Rodríguez Eduardo , D’Sa Eurico J. , Euan-Avila Jorge I.
Published: August 2020

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are natural systems that develop over ocean basins and are key components of the atmospheric activity during the warm season. However, there are still knowledge gaps about the combined positive and negative TC impacts on the structure and function of coastal socio-ecosystems. Using remote sensing tools, we analyzed the frequency, trajectory, and intensity of 1894 TCs from 1851–2019 to identify vulnerable “hotspots” across the Yucatan Peninsula (YP), Mexico. A total of 151 events hit the YP, with 96% of landings on the eastern coast. We focused on three major hurricanes (Emily and Wilma, 2005; Dean, 2007) and one tropical storm (Stan, 2005) to determine the impacts on cumulative precipitation, vegetation change, and coastal phytoplankton (Chl-a) distribution across the YP. Despite a short inland incursion, Wilma’s environmental damage was coupled to strong winds (157–241 km/h), slow motion (4–9 km/h), and heavy precipitation (up to 770 mm). Because of an extensive footprint, Wilma caused more vegetation damage (29%) than Dean (20%), Emily (7%), and Stan (2%). All TCs caused a Chl-a increase associated to submarine discharge and upwelling off the peninsula coastlines. Disaster risk along the coast underscores negative economic impacts and positive ecological benefits at the regional scale.
New Flame Retardant Systems Based on Expanded Graphite for Rigid Polyurethane Foams
Authors: Strąkowska Anna , Członka Sylwia , Konca Piotr , Strzelec Krzysztof
Published: August 2020

The effect of the addition of new flame retardant systems on the properties of rigid polyurethane (RPUF) foams, in particular, reduction in flammability, was investigated. The modification included the introduction of a flame retardant system containing five parts by weight of expanded graphite (EG) (based on the total weight of polyol), one part by weight of pyrogenic silica (SiO2) and an ionic liquid (IL): 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([emim] [BF4]), in an amount of 3:1 with respect to the weight of added silica. The kinetics of the synthesis of modified foams—including the growth rate and the maximum temperature—were determined and the physicochemical properties, such as the determination of apparent density and structure by optical microscopy, mechanical properties such as impact strength, compressive strength and, three-point bending test were determined. An important aspect was also to examine the thermal properties such as thermal stability or flammability. It has been shown that for rigid polyurethane foams, the addition of expanded graphite in the presence of silica and ionic liquid has a great influence on the general use properties. All composites were characterized by reduced flammability as well as better mechanical properties, which may contribute to a wider use of rigid polyurethane foams as construction materials.
Learning to Rank Sports Teams on a Graph
Authors: Shi Jian , Tian Xin-Yu
Published: August 2020

To improve the prediction ability of ranking models in sports, a generalized PageRank model is introduced. In the model, a game graph is constructed from the perspective of Bayesian correction with game results. In the graph, nodes represent teams, and a link function is used to synthesize the information of each game to calculate the weight on the graph’s edge. The parameters of the model are estimated by minimizing the loss function, which measures the gap between the predicted rank obtained by the model and the actual rank. The application to the National Basketball Association (NBA) data shows that the proposed model can achieve better prediction performance than the existing ranking models.
Air Pressure, Gas Exposure and Electron Beam Irradiation of 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Di Bartolomeo Antonio , Pelella Aniello , Grillo Alessandro , Urban Francesca , Giubileo Filippo
Published: August 2020

In this study, we investigate the electrical transport properties of back-gated field-effect transistors in which the channel is realized with two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide nanosheets, namely palladium diselenide (PdSe2) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). The effects of the environment (pressure, gas type, electron beam irradiation) on the electrical properties are the subject of an intense experimental study that evidences how PdSe2-based devices can be reversibly tuned from a predominantly n-type conduction (under high vacuum) to a p-type conduction (at atmospheric pressure) by simply modifying the pressure. Similarly, we report that, in MoS2-based devices, the transport properties are affected by pressure and gas type. In particular, the observed hysteresis in the transfer characteristics is explained in terms of gas absorption on the MoS2 surface due to the presence of a large number of defects. Moreover, we demonstrate the monotonic (increasing) dependence of the width of the hysteresis on decreasing the gas adsorption energy. We also report the effects of electron beam irradiation on the transport properties of two-dimensional field-effect transistors, showing that low fluences of the order of few e-/nm2 are sufficient to cause appreciable modifications to the transport characteristics. Finally, we profit from our experimental setup, realized inside a scanning electron microscope and equipped with piezo-driven nanoprobes, to perform a field emission characterization of PdSe2 and MoS2 nanosheets at cathode–anode separation distances as small as 200 nm.
Understanding Time-Evolving Citation Dynamics across Fields of Sciences
Authors: Kim Minkyoung
Published: August 2020

Scholarly publications draw collective attention beyond disciplines, leading to highly skewed citation distributions in sciences. Uncovering the mechanisms of such disparate popularity is very challenging, since a wide spectrum of research fields are not only interacting and influencing one another but also time-evolving. Accordingly, this study aims to understand citation dynamics across STEM fields in terms of latent affinity and novelty decay, which is based upon Bayesian inference and learning of the Affinity Poisson Process model (APP) with bibliography data from the Web of Science database. The approaches shown in the study can shed light on predicting and interpreting popularity dynamics in diverse application domains, by considering the effect of time-varying subgroup interactions on diffusion processes.
Force Reduction in a Short-Stroke Vibration Tubular Generator for Vehicle Energy Harvesting Application
Authors: Duong Minh-Trung , Perriard Yves , Chun Yon-Do
Published: August 2020

This paper examines methods to reduce the detent force and electromagnetic force in a short-stroke vibration tubular generator used to harvest energy from a vehicle suspension system but still achieve the design targets of power and power density. A well-known skewing permanent magnet approach and a novel approach named the unbalanced model (or moving teeth arrangement) were considered. A multi-objective optimization-based response surface method was also investigated. The results from 2D and 3D finite element analyses (FEA) revealed that when the permanent magnet array in the proposed machine was skewed by 45°, the detent force decreased by 13.1%. When parts of the slot were shifted by the same angle (45°), the unbalanced model could even reduce detent force by 32.7%. However, output power and power density also decreased accordingly. Among these approaches, multi-objective optimization, which can find the trade-off between various physical responses, seemed to be the best solution. A prototype based on an optimal design was fabricated, tested and its behavior was in excellent agreement with the FEA.
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Microbial Diversity and Community Structure in a Contaminated Mangrove Wetland
Authors: Ma Jiaojiao , Zhou Ting , Xu Chunyu , Shen Dawen , Xu Songjun , Lin Chuxia
Published: August 2020

Field and laboratory investigations were conducted to characterize bacterial diversity and community structure in a badly contaminated mangrove wetland adjacent to the metropolitan area of a megacity in subtropical China. Next-generation sequencing technique was used for sequencing the V4–V5 region of the 16s rRNA gene on the Illumina system. Collectively, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Planctomycetes, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the predominant phyla identified in the investigated soils. A significant spatial variation in bacterial diversity and community structure was observed for the investigated mangrove soils. Heavy metal pollution played a key role in reducing the bacterial diversity. The spatial variation in soil-borne heavy metals shaped the spatial variation in bacterial diversity and community structure in the study area. Other environmental factors such as total carbon and total nitrogen in the soils that are affected by seasonal change in temperature could also influence the bacterial abundance, diversity and community structure though the temporal variation was relatively weaker, as compared to spatial variation. The bacterial diversity index was lower in the investigated site than in the comparable reference site with less contaminated status. The community structure in mangrove soils at the current study site was, to a remarkable extent, different from those in the tropical mangrove wetlands around the world.
High Performance of an Adaptive Sliding Mode Controller under Varying Loads for Lifting-Type Autonomous Grounded Robot
Authors: Huynh Van Ngoc Son , Ngo Ha Quang Thinh , Nguyen Thanh Phuong , Nguyen Hung
Published: August 2020

To work in shared space with humans, autonomous systems must carry unknown loads in predefined missions. With the conventional control scheme, the grounded robot would suffer unstable motion and imprecise tracking performance. To overcome these challenges, in this paper, a novel controller using an adaptive sliding mode for autonomous grounded robots (AGR) is proposed. This control strategy takes into consideration uncertain characteristics, varying loads, and external disturbances. To analyze the tracking performance precisely, the overall error of motion system is decoupled into two subsystems where the second-order system is related to the angular tracking error and the third-order system is associated with the linear one. Initially, the dynamics model of the grounded robot is established containing different elements of nonlinear forces in order to address the technical problems. Then, the system state equation of the autonomous system is mentioned to indicate the theoretical characteristics. Based on the proposed controller, the stability of the system is validated by the Lyapunov theorem. From the results of numerical tests, three practical situations consisting of separately linear and circular trajectories with varying loads and an S-curve trajectory of a working map are suggested. The tracking performance validates that the proposed control scheme is, in various scenarios, robust, effective, and feasible. From these superior outcomes, it can be determined obviously the property of our works in accommodating the variations of cargo from applications in distribution centers, material transportation, or handling equipment.
Investigating the Impact of High-Resolution Land–Sea Masks on Hurricane Forecasts in HWRF
Authors: Ma Zaizhong , Liu Bin , Mehra Avichal , Abdolali Ali , van der Westhuysen Andre , Moghimi Saeed , Vinogradov Sergey , Zhang Zhan , Zhu Lin , Wu Keqin , Shrestha Roshan , Kumar Anil , Tallapragada Vijay , Kurkowski Nicole
Published: August 2020

Realistic wind information is critical for accurate forecasts of landfalling hurricanes. In order to provide more realistic near-surface wind forecasts of hurricanes over coastal regions, high-resolution land–sea masks are considered. As a leading hurricane modeling system, the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Hurricane Weather Research Forecast (HWRF) system has been widely used in both operational and research environments for studying hurricanes in different basins. In this study, high-resolution land–sea mask datasets are introduced to the nested domain of HWRF, for the first time, as an attempt to improve hurricane wind forecasts. Four destructive North Atlantic hurricanes (Harvey and Irma in 2017; and Florence and Michael in 2018), which brought historic wind damage and storm surge along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States and Northeastern Gulf Coast, were selected to demonstrate the methodology of extending the capability to HWRF, due to the introduction of the high-resolution land–sea masks into the nested domains for the first time. A preliminary assessment of the numerical experiments with HWRF shows that the introduction of high-resolution land–sea masks into the nested domains produce significantly more accurate definitions of coastlines, land-use, and soil types. Furthermore, the high-resolution land–sea mask not only improves the quality of simulated wind information along the coast, but also improves the hurricane track, intensity, and storm-size predictions.
501 Years of Spring Precipitation History for the Semi-Arid Northern Iran Derived from Tree-Ring δ18O Data
Authors: Foroozan Zeynab , Grießinger Jussi , Pourtahmasi Kambiz , Bräuning Achim
Published: August 2020

In semi-arid regions of the world, knowledge about the long-term hydroclimate variability is essential to analyze and evaluate the impact of current climate change on ecosystems. We present the first tree-ring δ18O based hydroclimatic reconstruction for northern semi-arid Iran spanning the period 1515–2015. A highly significant correlation between tree-ring δ18O variations of juniper trees and spring (April–June) precipitation reveals a major influence of spring water availability during the early growing season. The driest period of the past 501 years occurred in the 16th century while the 18th century was the wettest, during which the overall highest frequency of wet year events occurred. A gradual decline in spring precipitation is evident from the beginning of the 19th century, pointing to even drier climate conditions. The analysis of dry/wet events indicates that the frequency of years with relatively dry spring increased over the last three centuries, while the number of wet events decreased. Our findings are in accordance with historical Persian disaster records (e.g., the severe droughts of 1870–1872, 1917–1919; severe flooding of 1867, the 1930s, and 1950). Correlation analyses between the reconstruction and different atmospheric circulation indices revealed no significant influence of large-scale drivers on spring precipitation in northern Iran.
Application of Positive Matrix Factorization Receptor Model for Source Identification of PM10 in the City of Sofia, Bulgaria
Authors: Hristova Elena , Veleva Blagorodka , Georgieva Emilia , Branzov Hristomir
Published: August 2020

The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) receptor model is used for identification of source contributions to PM10 sampled during the period January 2019–January 2020 in Sofia. More than 200 filters were analyzed by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and Ion chromatography for chemical elements and soluble ions. Seasonal patterns of PM10 mass and elements’ concentration are observed with minimum in the summer months and maximum in the cold period. The results from source apportionment (SAP) study showed that the resuspension factor is the main contributor to the total PM10 mass (25%), followed by Biomass burning (BB) (23%), Mixed SO42− (19%), Sec (16%), Traffic (TR) (9%), Industry (IND) (4%), Nitrate rich (4%), and Fuel oil burning (FUEL) (0.4%) in Sofia. There are some similarities in relative contribution of the main factors compared to the years 2012–2013. The differences are in identification of the new factor described as mixed sulphate as well as the decrease of the FUEL factor. The results of comparing SAP with EPA PMF 5.0 and chemical transport models (CTM), given by Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, are presented and discussed for the first time for Bulgaria.
Submicron and Ultrafine Particles in Downtown Rome: How the Different Euro Engines Have Influenced Their Behavior for Two Decades
Authors: Settimo Gaetano , Soggiu Maria Eleonora , Inglessis Marco , Manigrasso Maurizio , Avino Pasquale
Published: August 2020

Today, submicron particles are recognized as the new target in environmental sciences and human health issues as well. Their level in urban air is strongly affected by anthropogenic sources, i.e., domestic heating and autovehicular traffic, but the availability of large datasets represents a limit in the knowledge both of the behavior and of the relative levels. This paper would like to highlight the role of these two anthropogenic sources in a big city such as Rome in the particle formation/removal processes in the range 18–750 nm using a Scanning Mobility Particle Analyser (SMPS). The investigation starts from data collected in the previous decade (2010) and analyzes the role played by different Euro (0–6) engines on the particle levels as well as the responsibility of different biomass burning in this issue. Furthermore, a chemometric approach (Cluster Analysis, CA, and Principal Component Analysis, PCA) has allowed the identification of three different clusters, strongly dependent on the accumulation and nucleation modes of the Ultrafine Particles. On the other hand, the PCA demonstrated a scatter distribution in December larger than that in October, justified by the different sources present in these periods.
Environmental Odour: Emission, Dispersion, and the Assessment of Annoyance
Authors: Piringer Martin , Schauberger Günther
Published: August 2020

Environmental odour is a major concern of residents in the vicinity of odour sources. This Special Issue of Atmosphere was open for the entire chain where odour can be an issue[...]