bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE EXPLORATION OF THE SELF WITHIN THE FAMILY CONTEXT IN KARL OVE KNAUSGÅRD’S “MY STRUGGLE”
Authors: POPA Ștefana
Published: October 2020

The exploration of the self within the family context in Karl Ove Knausgård’s My Struggle. The aim of this paper is to explore the self as it can be found in the novel My Struggle by adopting a psychological criticism method. The central conflict in the six-volume novel is based on the tumultuous relationship between the main character Karl Ove and his father. By using theories from psychology and applying them to the text, new dimensions and aspects of the narrative come into light. Instead of focusing solely on the conflict between father and son, this research shows how the main character is constructed in the context of a family. Concepts taken from Abraham Maslow, Karen Horney and family systems therapy work together and reveal the journey of the self and the great influence the family has on it.
REZUMAT. Explorarea construcției sinelui în contextul familiei în romanul Lupta Mea de Karl Ove Knausgård. Scopul acestei lucrări este de a explora sinele întâlnit în romanul Lupta Mea folosind metodele criticii psihologice. Conflictul central al romanului în șase volume este conturat în jurul relației tumultoase dintre personajul principal, Karl Ove și tatăl său. Prin folosirea anumitor teorii din psihologie și aplicarea lor pe textul operei studiate, noi dimensiuni și aspecte ale narațiunii ies la iveală. Lucrarea de față nu se concentrează în mod exclusiv pe analiza relației dintre tată și fiu, ci arată cum personajul principal este constituit în contextul unei familii. Conceptele preluate de la Abraham Maslow, Karen Horney și family systems therapy funcționează împreună și dezvăluie evoluția sinelui pe parcursul romanului precum și impactul major pe care familia îl are asupra sa.
Cuvinte cheie: Karl Ove Knausgård, Lupta Mea, critică psihologică, FST, psihologie umanistă, sine, autoficțiune.
NORWEGIAN LITERATURE IN ROMANIAN TRANSLATION: 1990-06.2020
Authors: GOLBAN Paul-Daniel
Published: October 2020

Norwegian Literature in Romanian Translation: 1990-06.2020. The present paper offers an insight into the Norwegian literature translated into the Romanian language that was published after the fall of the communist regime and until the first half of 2020. The main problems that were studied include the number of Norwegian authors that were translated, the Romanian translators, the contact languages and the books published with grants from NORLA (Norwegian Literature Abroad), the preferred genres, the Romanian publishing houses, the cities where the books appeared and an overview of the books per year. Attention was also given to BBU alumni that translated directly from the Norwegian.
REZUMAT. Literatura norvegiană tradusă în limba română: 1990-06.2020. Prezenta lucrare oferă o privire de ansamblu asupra literaturii norvegiene tradusă în limba română de după căderea comunismului și până în prima jumătate a anului 2020. Principalele probleme studiate includ numărul de scriitori norvegieni traduși, traducătorii români, limbile de contact și fondurile de la NORLA (Norwegian Literature Abroad), genurile preferate de către public, editurile românești, numărul de cărți traduse per orașe și statistica per an. O atenție considerabilă a fost acordată și absolvenților UBB care au tradus direct din norvegiană.
Cuvinte cheie: literatură norvegiană, studii scandinave, traducere, literatura văzută de departe, studii cantitative, NORLA (Norwegian Literature Abroad), Universitatea Babeș-Bolyai
ARAB NATIONAL IDENTITY THROUGH LANGUAGE IN “DHAKIRAT AL-JASAD” AND “THE MAP OF LOVE”
Authors: KHIREDDINE Amel
Published: October 2020

Arab National Identity through Language in Dhakirat al-Jasad and The Map of Love. In their novels, the Algerian Ahlam Mosteghanemi and the Egyptian Ahdaf Soueif adopt specific linguistic approaches that render their imaginary of Arab national identities. Drawing upon the theories of Benedict Anderson and Homi Bhabha’s Hybridity, this paper argues that through their unique employment of language, Mosteghanemi and Soueif project two different visions of Arab national identity. In using Arabic to write her fiction, Mosteghanemi enacts a rupture with francophonie in order to sustain the purity of Arabic as a strong emblem of Arab national unity and identity. Conversely, by creating a hybridised language, Soueif seems to showcase that the creation of a new language might lead to the creation of new heterogeneous national identities.
ABSTRACT. Identitatea națională arabă prin limbă în Dhakirat al-Jasad și Harta iubirii. În romanele lor, algerianul Ahlam Mosteghanemi și egipteanul Ahdaf Soueif adoptă abordări lingvistice specifice care redau imaginarul identităților naționale arabe. Bazându-se pe teoriile despre hibriditatea lui Homi Bhabha și Benedict Anderson, această lucrare susține că prin angajarea lor unică în limbă, Mosteghanemi și Soueif proiectează două viziuni diferite ale identității naționale arabe. Folosind araba pentru a-și scrie ficțiunea, Mosteghanemi adoptă o ruptură cu francofonia pentru a susține puritatea arabei ca o emblemă puternică a unității și identității naționale arabe. În schimb, prin crearea unui limbaj hibridizat, Soueif pare să arate că crearea unui nou limbaj ar putea duce la crearea de noi identități naționale eterogene.
Cuvinte cheie: identitate națională arabă, identități pure omogene, identități hibride eterogene, abordări lingvistice, scrieri contemporane ale femeilor arabe, Ahlam Mosteghanemi, Ahdaf Soueif, Homi Bhabha.
THE STRANGE AND FAMILIAR ETERNITY. THE EXPERIENCE OF GOD IN CONTEMPORARY HUNGARIAN LYRICAL WORKS
Authors: SZILVESZTER László Szilárd
Published: October 2020

The Strange and Familiar Eternity. The Experience of God in Contemporary Hungarian Lyrical Works. While in the second part of the 20th century Hungarian literary criticism, the topic of sacrality in lyrical poetry was quite emphatically present in many scientific studies (e.g. in György Rónay’s, László Rónay’s, György Rába’s, and Éva Cs. Gyimesi’s works), this area has been unfairly neglected for the past few decades. We might say that, apart from a few lucky exceptions, among the contemporary lyrical analyses, one can hardly find a study that focuses mainly on the various motifs of Christianity, the aesthetic-poetic characteristics of transcendental experience, and the forms of expression of faith and doubt. The essay examines transcendental experiences in contemporary Hungarian poetry, and seeks to identify that attitude of the modern author, which can be described as a dialog-based approach to the Christian tradition. In this paper, we propose to present those aesthetic-poetic initiatives in István Bella’s, István Ágh’s, and Imre Oravecz’s lyrical works, in which the relations between man and sacrality are reevaluated, as well as the role of poetry and the entire modern culture.
REZUMAT. Eternitatea familiară și străină. Experiența sacralității în poezia maghiară contemporană. În timp ce în a doua parte a secolului 20 aspectul sacralității, relațiile dintre om și Dumnezeu au fost reprezentate destul de intens în analiza și critica literară maghiară (de ex. György Rónay, László Rónay, György Rába, Éva Cs. Gyimesi), în ultimele două decenii, aceste subiecte au fost în mod nedrept ignorate. Am putea afirma că – în afară de câteva excepții – cercetările literare contemporane au neglijat studierea experienței transcendentale, apariția valorilor creștinismului, caracteristicile estetico-poetice ale credinței și îndoielii, deși în lirica contemporană aceste valori sunt prezente cel puțin în aceeași măsură ca și în creațiile literare de dinaintea celui de-al Doilea Război Mondial. Studiul propune o analiză asupra prezenței sacralității în poezia maghiară contemporană, bazându-se pe o scurtă prezentare a liricii lui István Bella, István Ágh, Imre Oravecz.
Cuvinte-cheie: lirica maghiară, literatura contemporană, transcendență, credință și dubiu, creștinism
Policy Brief: Education during COVID-19 and beyond
Authors: De Giusti Armando
Published: October 2020

Este reporte, recientemente publicado, analiza el impacto disruptivo en los sistemas de Educación de 190 países durante la pandemia de COVD-19. Más de 1600 millones de alumnos en el mundo están alcanzados el mismo, en particular el 99% de los alumnos de países con ingresos bajos/medios.
Surgical Therapy of Esophagus Reflux Disease
Authors: Smolar M , Dedinska I , Bobulova A , Hosala M , Adamik M , Grajciar M , Janik J , Laca L.
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Fundoplication is the most frequently used action in the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). There are several types of fundoplication. The objective of our study was to identify complications after surgical treatment of GERD.

Material and Methods: We determined several parameters of the monitored and we recorded complications related to surgery: occurrence of surgical, early and late post-surgical complications.

Results: 52 patients (24 men and 28 women) with an average age of 53.3 years were included. The most frequently chosen type of fundoplication was Nissen-Rossetti. The most frequently occurring subjective post-surgery difficulties were temporal dysphagia (11.5%), sensation of nausea and vomiting after eating (3.8 %), pain in the surgical wound, and dyspnoea occurring in all patients after thoracotomy. Early post-surgery complication developed in 6 patients (11.5 %)

Conclusion: Occurrence of complications in the group monitored by us was up to 11.5 % and perioperative mortality was 0 %. Hiatal hernia is frequently found in patients with GERD and it is considered to be one of the major causes for the development of this disease.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Arising within a Trichoepithelioma: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Bartos V.
Published: October 2020

Background: Trichoepithelioma (TE) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of skin represent distinct tumor entities but they have a close histogenetic and phenotypic relationship.

Objective: A unique case of a BCC arising within a TE is described with an emphasis on the analysis of different and for each tumor type typical immunophenotype.

Material and Methods: A 71-year-old man presented with a subcutaneous solid tumor in the lumbar region. The resected tumor specimen was studied by immunohistochemistry.

Results: Histology revealed a coexistence of classic TE and nodular BCC. Both tumors were strongly positive for BerEP4 and negative for EMA. Neoplastic epithelium of the BCC showed a diffuse staining for Bcl-2, while the TE expressed Bcl-2 almost exclusively in the peripheral cells of tumor islands. In the BCC, neoplastic nodules exhibited a focal staining for CD10, while the peritumorous stroma did not. In contrast, the TE showed a focal immunoreactivity for CD10 in the stromal cells around the neoplastic islands which were completely negative. The TE contained intratumorous CK20-labeled Merkel cells but they were not detected in the BCC. A stromal immunore-activity for CD34 was found in both tumors. Proliferative activity (Ki-67) was slightly higher in the BCC than in the TE.

Conclusion: Although a concomitant presence of TE and BCC in the same skin lesion is a unique finding, it may be sometimes encountered in a biopsy practice. Pathologists should provide a careful histologic examination of the whole TE lesion with precise section sampling to unveil such possible association.
Innovations in Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Derived Nanomaterials
Authors: Kausar A.
Published: October 2020

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) has been considered as an important commercial synthetic thermoplastic polymer. PVA is a low cost, reasonably processable, optically transmitting, heat stable, and mechanically robust plastic. PVA-based nanomaterials usually comprise of the nanocomposites (PVA/graphene, PVA/carbon nanotube, PVA/nanodiamond, PVA/metal nanoparticle) and nanofibers. The structural, optical, mechanical, and electrical properties of the PVA-based nanomaterials have been enhanced with nanofiller addition or nanostructuring. This review offers fundamentals and advanced aspects of poly(vinyl alcohol) and the derived nanomaterials. It highlights recent advances in PVA nanocomposites and nanofibers for potential applications. The PVA-based nanomaterials have been successfully employed in fuel cells, sensors, batteries, membranes, electronics, and drug delivery relevances. The challenges and opportunities to strengthen the research fields of PVA-based nanomaterials have also been presented.
Effect of Rare-Earth Co-Doping on the Microstructural and Magnetic Properties of BaFe12O19
Authors: Güler P. , Ertuğ B. , Işıkcı N. İpek , Kara A.
Published: October 2020

Ba0.85(La,Y)0.15Fe12O19
hexaferrite magnets were produced using the powder metallurgy method. The phase analysis of the ferrite magnets was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. A single hexaferrite phase was present in both samples as revealed by XRD patterns. The microstructural evolution in the hexaferrite samples was examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The grain morphology altered with the sintering temperature. Room temperature ferrimagnetic hysteresis curves were obtained by Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The crystallite size and the lattice parameters (a,c) were also calculated after sintering at 1150ºC and 1250ºC. Saturation magnetizations, Ms were determined to be 48.60 emu/g and 52.95 emu/g for the samples sintered at 1150ºC and 1250ºC, respectively whereas the remanent magnetizations, Mr were 29.26 emu/g and 31.17 emu/g. The coercivity, Hc decreased from 3.95 kOe to the value of 2.44 kOe with the sintering temperature due to the increase of the crystallite size. The squareness ratios (Mr/Ms) of the ferrimagnetic samples were different because the uniaxial anisotropies altered after sintering at 1150ºC and 1250ºC. The maximum energy product, (BH)max dropped from 35.81 kJ/m3 to 27.38 kJ/m3 when the sintering temperature increased. This result can be attributed to a combination of higher magnetization and the lower coercivity.
How improvements in monitoring and safety practices lowered airborne formaldehyde concentrations at an Italian university hospital: a summary of 20 years of experience
Authors: Dugheri Stefano , Massi Daniela , Mucci Nicola , Berti Nicola , Cappelli Giovanni , Arcangeli Giulio
Published: October 2020

The last two decades have been crucial for the assessment of airborne formaldehyde (FA) exposure in healthcare environments due to changes in limits and reference values, definition of carcinogenicity, and new monitoring methods. The aim of this study was to analyse twenty years (1999–2019) of experience in automatic, continuous airborne FA monitoring in the Pathology Laboratory and operating rooms at the Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy. These 20 years saw gradual improvements in FA monitoring of exposed employees considered at maximum risk, including improvements in analytical methods of detection and sampling strategies, which came with changes in procedures and workflow operations. In 2019, after the adoption of safe practices, including a closed-circuit system using pre-loaded containers and a vacuum sealing, 94 % of the total measurements (FA concentrations) were lower than 16 μg/m3, and only 6 % ranged from 21 to 75 μg/m3. In the studied work units, the ratio between area and personal readings ranged from 0.9 to 1.0, both for long and short-term sampling. Personal sampling was simplified with a new workstation, which integrated different monitoring systems into an innovative ergonomic armchair equipped with personal sampling devices. Area monitoring was also improved with a real-time, continuous photoacoustic instrument. Over these 20 years, FA exposure significantly dropped, which coincided with optimised histology workflow and implementation of safety practices. For high-throughput screening and cost savings we propose an innovative ergonomic armchair station which allows remote continuous monitoring.
Juniper and immortelle essential oils synergistically inhibit adhesion of nontuberculous mycobacteria to Acanthamoeba castellanii
Authors: Peruč Dolores , Tićac Brigita , Broznić Dalibor , Gobin Ivana
Published: October 2020

Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic protozoon, widespread in the aquatic environment, where it can be in endosymbiosis with over 30 pathogenic bacteria, including nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Protozoa play a crucial role in mycobacterial pathogenesis and serve as a reservoir of infection. Since the first step in bacteria making contact with amoebae is adhesion, we were interested in investigating whether essential oils (EOs) can affect it. To that end we investigated the effects of juniper (Juniperus communis) and immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) EOs against Mycobacterium avium, M. intracellulare, and M. gordonae in tap water and against their adhesion to Acanthamoeba castellanii by combining them in synergistic EO concentrations. M. avium and M. intracellulare adhered to A. castellanii to a greater extent than M. gordonae. The adhesion of all NTMs was prevented by the subinhibitory concentrations of EOs. When comparing the effect of synergistic combinations of EOs and the effect of a single concentration from a combination, a higher percentage of adhesion inhibition in all synergistic combinations observed, except against M. gordonae. Neither oil was cytotoxic to A. castellanii. Our findings suggest that the EOs or their components weaken the contact of environmental NTMs and free-living amoebae and indirectly diminish their pathogenic potential, which could be of value in developing strategies for maintenance of water supply systems.
Toxicological aspects of increased use of surface and hand disinfectants in Croatia during the COVID-19 pandemic: a preliminary report
Authors: Babić Željka , Turk Rajka , Macan Jelena
Published: October 2020

All COVID-19 prevention strategies include regular use of surface disinfectants and hand sanitisers. As these measures took hold in Croatia, the Croatian Poison Control Centre started receiving phone calls from the general public and healthcare workers, which prompted us to investigate whether the risk of suspected/symptomatic poisonings with disinfectants and sanitisers really increased. To that end we compared their frequency and characteristics in the first half of 2019 and 2020. Cases of exposures to disinfectants doubled in the first half of 2020 (41 vs 21 cases in 2019), and exposure to sanitisers increased about nine times (46 vs 5 cases in 2019). In 2020, the most common ingredients of disinfectants and sanitisers involved in poisoning incidents were hypochlorite/glutaraldehyde, and ethanol/isopropyl alcohol, respectively. Exposures to disinfectants were recorded mostly in adults (56 %) as accidental (78 %) through ingestion or inhalation (86 %). Fortunately, most callers were asymptomatic (people called for advice because they were concerned), but nearly half reported mild gastrointestinal or respiratory irritation, and in one case severe symptoms were reported (gastrointestinal corrosive injury). Reports of exposure to hand sanitisers highlighted preschool children as the most vulnerable group. Accidental exposure through ingestion dominated, but, again, only mild symptoms (gastrointestinal or eye irritation) developed in one third of the cases. These preliminary findings, however limited, confirm that increased availability and use of disinfectants and sanitisers significantly increased the risk of poisoning, particularly in preschool children through accidental ingestion of hand sanitisers. We therefore believe that epidemiological recommendations for COVID-19 prevention should include warnings informing the general public of the risks of poisoning with surface and hand disinfectants in particular.
Fasting plasma glucose, lipid ratios, and atherogenic coefficient are the risk factors for hypertension in chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis: A report from the Regional High Speciality Hospital of Peninsular Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Datta Banik Sudip , Hernández Cardoza Ricardo , Méndez González Rosa María , Gutiérrez Solis Ana Ligia
Published: October 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with the development of cardivascular disease (CVD). CKD is one of the major public health problems in Mexico. Derived parameters of lipid profile, namely atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), atherogenic coefficient (AC), and Castelli risk index (CRI I and CRI II) are useful for predicting hypertension among CKD patients on hemodialysis that are not widely reported from Mexico. Objective of the present study was to find interrelationships among blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and derived parameters of lipid profile (AIP, AC, CRI-I, and CRI-II) among adult CKD patients on hemodialysis in a hospital in Yucatan, Mexico. Methods: An observational study was performed using the medical records (2016 and 2017) of 47 CKD patients on hemodialysis in the Regional High Speciality Hospital of Yucatan Peninsula (HRAEPY in Spanish acronym). Multiple linear regression models were developed to evaluate the use of FPG level and derived parameters of lipid profile (AC, CRI-I, and CRI-II) as risk factors predicting mean arterial pressure (MAP). Results showed remarkable prevalence of excess weight (55% overweight, 15% obesity) and hypertension (64%) in the sample. Correlation coeffcients and multiple linear regression models showed significant rise of blood pressure in association with elevated FPG level and derived lipid profile parameters. The results confirm the use of FPG, AC, CRI-I and CRI-II as the indicators for an early diagnosis of hypertension and related CVDs among CKD patients on hemodialysis.
Body composition and lung function in adults with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: John Aleksandra , Goździk-Spychalska Joanna , Durda-Masny Magdalena , Czaiński Wojciech , Gębala Marta , Wlizło Jolanta , Batura-Gabryel Halina , Szwed Anita
Published: October 2020

The study aimed to assess: (1) differences in nutritional status and lung function between CF patients and the control group; (2) differences in body composition and lung function between groups of patients with CF designated by type of mutation; (3) the relationship between lung function and body composition in CF patients.

We studied 37 CF patients aged 19 to 51 years, and 41 healthy non-CF volunteers. Nutritional status was evaluated based on the BMI and the bioelectrical impedance analysis. The lung function was described by FEV1%. CF patients were classified according to the CFTR genotype based on five classes of mutations.

BMI were lower in CF patients compared to reference group (women: Z = 3.76, p <0.001, men: Z = 3.06, p = 0.002). CF patients had a lower mean content of particular body components, as well as FEV1% values. BMI differed significantly depending on the type of mutation in females (H = 10.33, p = 0.006) and males (H = 8.26, p = 0.016). The lowest values of BMI were observed in the group of patients with severe types of mutations. Also, variables describing body composition were statistically significantly lower in patients with a severe type of mutations. The CFTR gene mutation type statistically significantly differentiated FEV1% (H = 23.22, p <0.000). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that the likelihood of dropping FEV1% below the norm was twice as high in undernourished females and males.

To assess the nutritional status of CF patients, more informative methods describing the proportions of body components are required.
Effects of Caponization on Growth Performance and Meat Physicochemical Properties of Crossbred Chickens
Authors: Calik Jolanta , Świątkiewicz Sylwester , Obrzut Joanna , Połtowicz Katarzyna , Krawczyk Józefa
Published: October 2020

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of caponizing on body weight and physicochemical properties of meat of the capons – hybrids obtained from the crossing of hens of the Yellowleg Partridge (Ż-33) breed with meat roosters. The study covered 80 hybrid roosters, which were randomly assigned to two groups of 40 animals each (8 boxes of 10 birds in each group). Group I (control) consisted of uncastrated roosters while group II included birds, which were castrated at 8 weeks of age under local anaesthesia by a vet. Birds were fed ad libitum with the same standard diets and kept on litter under optimal environmental conditions with a stocking density of 7 animals/ m2. At the end of fattening, i.e. in the 20th week of life, 8 birds with a body weight close to the group average were selected from each group for slaughter. After slaughter, the effectiveness of the procedure was checked (lack of testicles), then the slaughter performance of birds, physicochemical parameters of the pectoral and leg muscles were determined, and sensory evaluation was performed. The procedure of castration of hybrid roosters had a positive effect on body weight, feed conversion ratio and carcass traits. The pectoral and leg muscles of the capons were characterized by better water absorption, tenderness and sensory evaluation compared to roosters. Among the assessed groups of birds there was also a variation in the colouring of whole carcasses and muscles, which were lighter (L*), more yellow (b*) and less red (a*) in caponized birds. In addition, the castration procedure had a positive effect on the total protein content in both the pectoral and leg muscles, which in turn, with a higher raw fat content, were distinguished by a favourable ratio of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Based on the results, it can be concluded that the hybrids obtained from the crossbreeding of the Yellowleg Partridge (Ż-33) and Ross 308 meat roosters are good choice for capon production. They can complement poultry meat production with a niche product for consumers looking for products of exceptional quality.
Study on growth enhancement and the protective effects of dietary prebiotic inulin on immunity responses of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry infected with Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Ghafarifarsani Hamed , Rashidian Ghasem , Bagheri Tahereh , Hoseinifar Seyed Hossein , Van Doan Hien
Published: October 2020

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary inulin on growth performance, body composition, serum, biochemical, and mucus immune factors; as well as innate immune responses of rainbow trout fry challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Four diets were prepared using a commercially available fish feed as a basal diet and different levels of prebiotic inulin incorporation; 0 (control), 1, 2, and 3%; referred to as C, T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The findings of the 60-day feeding trial showed that inulin inclusion affected final weight, food conversion rate (FCR), and specific growth rate (SGR) compared to that of the control group (P < 0.05), in which the lowest FCR was observed in T3. Body composition analysis revealed that inulin significantly increased protein content and decreased lipid levels, especially in the T1 and T2 groups. The lowest ash level was noticed in T2 (P < 0.05). Blood total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, and glucose were not affected by inulin supplementation (P > 0.05). Analysis of humoral immune responses showed that the inulin supplements significantly increased lysozyme and complement activities (P < 0.05), as well as higher red blood cell count (RBC) and hemoglobin (Hb) in fish, fed 2% inulin, while no significant differences were observed among other treatments (P > 0.05). The mucosal parameters; including lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase (excluding ACH50); protease activities; and total immunoglobulin (IgM) improved significantly (P < 0.05), particularly in the T2 group. The T2 group also demonstrated the highest survival rate among all groups. The present findings indicate that dietary administration of inulin promotes growth and biochemical parameters, as well as serum immunity and mucosal immune responses of rainbow trout, in which a 2% inclusion produced the best results.
Singular effects of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 or Saccharomyces cerevisiae type 1 on the growth, gut morphology, immunity, and stress resistance of red sea bream (Pagrus major)
Authors: Zaineldin Amr I. , Hegazi Sayed , Koshio Shunsuke , Ishikawa Manabu , Dawood Mahmoud A.O. , Dossou Serge , Yukun Zhang , Mzengereza Kumbukani
Published: October 2020

The beneficial effects of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae type 1 were tested in red sea bream (Pagrus major) feeds. A basal diet (control) and two other diets were prepared by supplementation with B. subtilis C-3102 (PB) or S. cerevisiae type 1 (PY). After 60 days, both probiotic-supplemented groups exhibited significant enhancement in growth performance, the protein efficiency ratio (PER), and digestive enzyme secretion (protease and amylase) compared to the control group (P<0.05). The anterior, middle, and posterior parts of the intestines exhibited significantly increased values of intestinal fold height (hF), enterocyte height (hE), and microvillus height (hMV) in fish fed PB- or PY-supplemented diets (P<0.05). Serum peroxidase, anti-protease, and bactericidal activities were enhanced significantly in both probiotic-treated groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). Serum and mucus lysozyme activities improved significantly in the PB group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Catalase activity was also significantly decreased in both probiotic groups, with relatively lower activity observed in the PY group (P<0.05). Both probiotic groups showed considerably increased tolerance to freshwater exposure (P<0.05). In conclusion, B. subtilis C-3102 and S. cerevisiae type 1 can be used as functional probiotics to enhance the growth performance, digestion capacity, gut morphology, immune response, and stress resistance of the red sea bream with relatively higher efficiency by B. subtilis C-3102.
Insect Fat in Animal Nutrition – A Review
Authors: Benzertiha Abdelbasset , Kierończyk Bartosz , Rawski Mateusz , Mikołajczak Zuzanna , Urbański Arkadiusz , Nogowski Leszek , Józefiak Damian
Published: October 2020

The aim of this review is to discuss the usage of insect fats as an energy source in animal nutrition. Insects are a rich carrier of proteins, fat, and minerals. They are successfully introduced in animal diets (poultry, swine, rabbits, fish, and pets) as a source of many nutrients, including energy and essential fatty acids (FAs). The insects’ fat content and quality are highly affected by the type of substrate provided to the insects during the rearing period. The majority of the studies have shown that insect fats may be used as promising substitutes for conventional energy resources in animal nutrition without adverse effects on growth performance and feed utilization. They can positively affect meat quality by increasing the level of long-chain polyunsaturated FAs but may also positively influence animals by regulating the gut microbiota and stimulating the immune system. In conclusion, insect fat supplementation showed promising results in terms of their application in animal nutrition. However, compared to insect protein application, very few studies have been performed on insect fats. Therefore, because of the fat quality and content of insects, there is a need to extend experimentation regarding their implementation in animals’ diets as a replacement for conventional dietary energy resources.
Effects of chestnut tannins supplementation of prepartum moderate yielding dairy cows on metabolic health, antioxidant and colostrum indices
Authors: Prodanović Radiša , Nedić Sreten , Simeunović Predrag , Borozan Sunčica , Nedić Svetlana , Bojkovski Jovan , Kirovski Danijela , Vujanac Ivan
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with chestnut tannins (CNT) on metabolic and antioxidant status of prepartum cows along with their colostrum quality. Pregnant multiparous Holstein cows were paired according to parity and body condition score, and assigned either to a diet supplemented with 20 g/d of commercially available product containing chestnut tannins (CNT, n=20) or to an unsupplemented control diet (CON, n=20) for the last 25±2 d of pregnancy. Serum metabolite, insulin and antioxidant capacity indices were measured in blood samples taken at d 25 and d 5 before expected parturition. Chemical composition and IgG concentration were determined in colostrum samples collected from the first milking postpartum. The addition of CNT led to lower BUN (P=0.02) and consequently higher serum glucose (P=0.02) and insulin (P<0.01) concentrations which were associated with lower circulating NEFA (P<0.01) and BHBA (P<0.01) in CNT group than those of CON. The serum paraoxonase 1 (PON 1) activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) were higher at -5 d in CNT than in CON (P<0.01, P=0.03; respectively). Close-up CNT improved lactose percentage and IgG concentration (P=0.03, P=0.04; respectively) and tended to improve percentage of protein and SNF (Solid Not Fat) in primary colostrum (P=0.06, respectively), without affecting colostrum fat and total solid (P=0.98, P=0.43; respectively). Supplementation of CNT in the diet during close-up period did not have adverse effects on metabolic profiles prepartum. Instead, this feeding regimen was more beneficial to antioxidant capacity and colostrum quality than feeding the control diet.
Interspecific hybrids of animals - in nature, breeding and science – a review
Authors: Gabryś Julia , Kij Barbara , Kochan Joanna , Bugno-Poniewierska Monika
Published: October 2020

Interspecific hybrids called hybrids are individuals obtained by crossing two different species. Hybrids are found both in nature among wild animals but also have become attractive in animal husbandry due to the high production features of the F1 generation. Interspecific hybrids are observed in nature most often as a result of crossing closely related species, which is a great danger to the purity of the population of starting species. Interspecies hybrids are also created by man for production purposes. Due to disturbances in gametogenesis processes, they have become a valuable research model. In the article, we describe interspecific hybrids occurring in nature and related problems, interspecific hybrids created for production purposes in animal husbandry, but also research using hybrids as a research model. In the article we also highlight the issues of fertility of individuals obtained from such matings.
Effect of curcumin dietary supplementation on growth performance, physiology, carcass characteristics and meat quality in lambs
Authors: Marcon Hiam , Souza Carine F. , Baldissera Matheus D. , Alba Davi F. , Favaretto Jorge A. , Santos Daiane S. , Borges Luiza , Kessler Julcemar D. , Vedovatto Marcelo , Bianchi Anderson E. , Da Silva Aleksandro S.
Published: October 2020

This study evaluated the effects of curcumin dietary supplementation on growth, physiology, carcass characteristics and meat quality in lambs. Thirty-two male Lacaune lambs (15.6 ± 0.63 kg, 60 ± 2.8 days of age) were randomly allocated in 16 pens (four treatments of four replicates with two lambs each) for 30 days. The animals were assigned to the following treatments: T0, T100, T200 and T300, representing 0, 100, 200 and 300 mg of curcumin/kg of concentrate, respectively. Curcumin dietary supplementation increased (P = 0.02) weight gain; on regression analysis, 315.1 mg curcumin/kg of concentrate was the dosage that provided the greatest weight gain. T200 and T300 lambs had lower (P = 0.04) erythrocytes numbers; T100 and T300 lambs had lower (P = 0.01) leukocyte numbers and T300 lambs had lower (P = 0.04) lymphocyte numbers, compared to T0 lambs. Globulin levels were significantly greater in the T200 group (P = 0.04) only on day 15 but not day 30; levels of total protein were significantly higher (P = 0.01) only in T200 and T300 group on day 15 and only in T200 group on d 30. Gamma-glutamyltransferase concentrations tended to be lower (P = 0.08) in T100, T200 and T300 group on d 15, and only in the T100 group on d 30. Curcumin dietary supplementation increased (P = 0.01) the serum activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduced (P = 0.01) levels of reactive oxygen species. In meat samples, T200 and T300 had greater total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.03) and lower (P = 0.01) lipoperoxidation rates. In carcasses, T300 lambs had greater (P ≤ 0.02) cooling weight losses and yields than did T0 lambs. Curcumin dietary supplementation also reduced (P ≤ 0.03) redness and yellowness. T200 and T300 lambs had fewer (P = 0.01) cooking losses and T200 lambs had greater (P = 0.03) water holding capacity than did T0 lambs. These findings suggest that curcumin dietary supplementation improves growth and antioxidant responses, as well as influencing meat quality in lambs.
Cerebral Malaria and Toxoplasmosis: Could their Concomitant Presentation Worsen Psychotic Condition?
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed A. , Atilola Olayinka , Mohammed Aminu , Awosanya Emmanuel J. , Odetokun Ismail A. , Muhammad Aliyu , Chukwudi Chinwe U. , Ukwaja Kingsley N. , Oyeyemi Oyetunde T.
Published: October 2020

Malaria and toxoplasmosis are two important parasitic diseases with significant public health concerns in the Sub-Saharan African countries. Some aspects of pathogenesis of the two parasitic diseases involve the central nervous system manifesting neuropsychiatric disorders. Studies have implicated the single infection byPlasmodiumspp. andToxoplasma gondiiin development of psychosis. Although concomitant infection of the two parasites suggests an aggravated psychotic condition, there is currently no reported study. This article reviewed some studies which implicated malaria and toxoplasmosis in psychosis. It further explored the likely role of concurrent infection by the parasites on psychosis, the dynamics of their pathology and possible effects of certain psychosis-associated cytokines and other biomolecules on the central nervous system. We recommend evidence-based research efforts in this field for the effective management of these two parasitic diseases to abate the public health burden of psychosis.
Coping strategies among female farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria during recent economic recession: What factors matter?
Authors: Mkpado Mmaduabuchukwu , Omowole Opeyemi Ebenezer
Published: October 2020

Economic recession often exacerbates the effects of poverty on agrarian communities in Nigeria. This paper examined the effects of economic recession on female farmers and coping strategies they employed. It explored the effects of the crisis on their income, farm size, livelihood and welfare aspects such as feeding, schooling of their children and health care. The study was conducted in Ondo State, Nigeria. Primary data were used. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to administer 100 copies of the questionnaires on females in rural agrarian households in the study area. The obtained data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Likert scale analysis. The findings showed that the economic recession resulted in poor health care, inadequate feeding, poor income and school dropouts. Major factors that helped the women to cope were land ownership security/access to land, introduction of new crops, marital status and educational status. These factors are crucial as their Chi-square values and Likelihood Ratios were significant at one percent probability level (P < 0.01). The research concludes that educated females as well as married women and women possessing secured land tenure coped better in times of economic crisis. The paper thus recommends increased investments by governments in the agricultural sector to help curtail the inflation in food prices and increasing women access to land and education.
Numerical Simulation of Solar Radiation and Conjugate Heat Transfer through Cabin Seat Textile
Authors: Zhang Yijie , Jia Juhong
Published: October 2020

The solar radiation and the conjugate heat transfer through the cabin seat fabric were investigated numerically with a focus on a comparative analysis of various fabric solar reflectance or reflectivity (SR) and inlet cooling air velocity. For this purpose, 3D compressible Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations with the low Reynolds number turbulence model were utilized to simulate the airflow in the cabin. The discrete ordinate radiation model was adopted to describe the solar radiation. The conjugate heat transfer between the airflow and the fabric seats was included. The airflow temperature, radiative heat flux, and radiative heat transfer through the fabrics in a fixed cross section were studied. The results demonstrate that the increase in fabric SR leads to the increase in energy reflected to the atmosphere, which will bring about a lower temperature on the seat fabric. The decrease in emissivity and the energy absorbed results in the lower heat transfer and heat radiation and leads to the improvement of the cabin thermal environment. The high-temperature gradient near the seat causes the forced air circulation and is beneficial for the improvement of the thermal comfort. However, the cooling effect is not so obvious near the cabin seats when the inflow speed is increased.
Antibacterial Fibers Containing Nanosilica with Immobilized Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Smiechowicz Emilia , Niekraszewicz Barbara , Strzelinska Marta , Zielecka Maria
Published: October 2020

The main aim of the presented research was to obtain antibacterial fibers containing nanosilica with immobilized silver nanoparticles. The nanomodifier in an amount of 250 ppm, 500 ppm, 1,000 ppm, and 2,000 ppm were introduced into the cellulose fiber matrix during the cellulose dissolution process. In order to assess the influence of the nanomodifier's amount in the fiber on the antibacterial activity of modified fiber, a quantitative test of the antibacterial activity of the fibers was performed. The basic parameters of modified fibers, such as the mechanical and hygroscopic, were estimated. The size and shape of the nanomodifier in the selected fibers, as well as microanalysis of the polymer matrix, were examined. The investigations were conducted by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS). The obtained results allowed the selection of optimal fibers with strong antibacterial properties that can be potentially used for personal protection or medical purposes.
CRUDyLeaf: A DSL for Generating Spring Boot REST APIs from Entity CRUD Operations
Authors: Gómez Omar S. , Rosero Raúl H. , Cortés-Verdín Karen
Published: October 2020

Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs) are programming languages designed specifically to express solutions to problems in a particular domain. It is said they foster productivity and quality. In this work we describe CRUDyLeaf, a DSL focused on the generation of Spring Boot REST APIs from entity CRUD operations. Spring Boot is an open source Java-based framework used to implement the REST architecture style. It has gained popularity among developers mainly because it allows to build stand-alone and production ready software applications (avoiding the use of an application server). Through seven proposed stages (domain immersion, golden application implementation, syntax definition, meta model generation, code generator implementation, deployment, and refinement) we describe the development of this DSL. We also exemplify and evaluate the proposed DSL. Our findings suggest a yield automation rate of 32.1 LOC (Lines Of Code) for each LOC written in this DSL, among other observed benefits.
Agile Elastic Desktop Corporate Architecture for Big Data
Authors: Kisimov Valentin , Kabakchieva Dorina , Naydenov Aleksandar , Stefanova Kamelia
Published: October 2020

New challenges in the dynamically changing business environment require companies to experience digital transformation and more effective use of Big Data generated in their expanding online business activities. A possible solution for solving real business problems concerning Big Data resources is proposed in this paper. The defined Agile Elastic Desktop Corporate Architecture for Big Data is based on virtualizing the unused desktop resources and organizing them in order to serve the needs of Big Data processing, thus saving resources needed for additional infrastructure in an organization. The specific corporate business needs are analyzed within the developed R&D environment and, based on that, the unused desktop resources are customized and configured into required Big Data tools. The R&D environment of the proposed Agile Elastic Desktop Corporate Architecture for Big Data could be implemented on the available unused resources of hundreds desktops.
Activity Recognition on Subject Independent Using Machine Learning
Authors: Kee Y. J. , Shah Zainudin M. N. , Idris M. I. , Ramlee R. H. , Kamarudin M. R.
Published: October 2020

Recent Activity Daily Living (ADL) not only tackles simple activities, but also caters to a wide range of complex activities. Although the same activity has been carried out under the same environmental conditions, the acceleration signal obtained from each subject considerably differs. This happens due to the pattern of action generated for each subject is diverse based on several aspects such as subject age, gender, emotion and personality. This project therefore compares the accuracy of various machine learning models for ADL classification. On top of that, this research work also scrutinizes the effectiveness of various feature selection methods to identify the most relevant attribute for ADL classification. As a result, Random Forest was able to achieve the highest accuracy of 83.3% on subject independent matter in ADL classification. Meanwhile, CFS Subset Evaluator is considered to be a good feature selector as it successfully selected the 8 most relevant features compared with Correlation and Information Gain Evaluator.
Multiscale Transform and Shrinkage Thresholding Techniques for Medical Image Denoising – Performance Evaluation
Authors: Nisha S. Shajun , Raja S. P.
Published: October 2020

Due to sparsity and multiresolution properties, Mutiscale transforms are gaining popularity in the field of medical image denoising. This paper empirically evaluates different Mutiscale transform approaches such as Wavelet, Bandelet, Ridgelet, Contourlet, and Curvelet for image denoising. The image to be denoised first undergoes decomposition and then the thresholding is applied to its coefficients. This paper also deals with basic shrinkage thresholding techniques such Visushrink, Sureshrink, Neighshrink, Bayeshrink, Normalshrink and Neighsureshrink to determine the best one for image denoising. Experimental results on several test images were taken on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), X-RAY and Computed Tomography (CT). Qualitative performance metrics like Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), Weighted Signal to Noise Ratio (WSNR), Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), and Correlation Coefficient (CC) were computed. The results shows that Contourlet based Medical image denoising methods are achieving significant improvement in association with Neighsureshrink thresholding technique.
PS-PC: An Effective Method to Improve VoIP Technology Bandwidth Utilization over ITTP Protocol
Authors: Abualhaj Mosleh M. , Al-Khatib Sumaya N. , Shambour Qusai Y.
Published: October 2020

Voice over IP (VoIP) wastes a valuable amount of bandwidth because of its large packet header size compared to its small packet payload. The main objective of this paper is to reduce the amount of this wasted bandwidth, by proposing a new packets coalescence method, called Payload Shrinking and Packets Coalesce (PS-PC). The proposed PS-PC method reduces the amount of the wasted bandwidth by i) coalesces a group of VoIP packets in one header instead of a separate header to each packet and ii) shrinks the VoIP packet payload to a smaller one based on a certain algorithm. The proposed PS-PC method is deployed at the sender side VoIP gateway that represents an exit point to a myriad number of simultaneous VoIP calls. The performance evaluation showed better bandwidth usage when deploying the proposed PS-PC method with ITTP protocol in comparison to the traditional ITTP protocol without the PS-PC method.