bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pensando trabalho como princípio educativo e a educação não formal como bases para uma educação omnilateral
Authors: Santos Daniela Verena Neves , Silva Nelson Vieira da
Published: October 2020

O presente artigo pretende revisitar as considerações acerca da educação não formal como base para a implementação de uma educação omnilateral no âmbito da Educação Profissional e Tecnológica. O trabalho como elemento constitutivo do ser está presente em todas as dimensões da vida humana. Desde a atividade prática, perpassando à capacidade intelectual de (re)construção de conhecimentos, até a definição das intencionalidades, dos fins idealizados e os resultados reais. Nesse sentido, estrutura o homem na sua integralidade, configurando-se como princípio que fundamenta o processo educativo – delineando o homem como ser que aprende a ser, através dos processos da consciência, e a produzir, em sua dimensão ontológica, para um determinado fim. A educação profissional e tecnológica, no contexto de implementação do ensino médio integrado, apreende o trabalho nessa perspectiva ontológica e assim pretende-se alcançar a formação humana integral. Sugere-se, no entanto, para compor a tríade, a absorção da modalidade de educação não formal também como fundamento e base para e implementação do ensino médio integrado, já que comungam dos mesmos princípios de formação para a cidadania, para construir agentes políticos e críticos da realidade social. Trata-se de revisão de literatura, resultado de pequisa qualitativa e exploratória, que constituiu-se numa etapa realizada no âmbito do Mestrado Profissional em Educação Profissional e Tecnológica – PROFEPT/IFAL, em curso.
Sosis ve Salam Üretimindeki Ön Proses İşlemlerinde Gıda Güvenliği Risklerinin Farklı Metotlarla Belirlenmesi
Authors: KARADAL Nilüfer , OVA Gülden
Published: October 2020

Et, yüksek protein içeriği ve esansiyel amino asitlerince zengin olması gibi özellikleri nedeniyle insanlar açısından temel bir gıda niteliği taşımaktadır. Ancak çabuk bozulabilen bir gıda olması sebebiyle ette muhafaza teknikleri gelişmiş ve gıda güvenliği tehlikelerinin belirlenmesine ihtiyaç duyulmuştur. Bu çalışmada, sosis ve salam üretimi yapılan bir et ürünleri işletmesinin hammadde kabul, depolama ve parçalama / kıyma aşamaları için gıda güvenliği risk değerlendirmesi oluşturulmuştur. Bu amaçla, kontrol listesi kullanılarak birincil risk analizi, olası hata türleri ve etki analizi, olay ağacı analizi, tehlike ve işletilebilme çalışması ve risk değerlendirme matrisi olmak üzere farklı risk değerlendirme metodolojilerinden yararlanılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda; kırmızı et kabul aşaması yabancı madde içermesi riski sebebiyle fiziksel tehlike açısından ön gereksinim programı; veteriner ilaçları, kurşun, kadmiyum vb. bulunması ihtimaliyle kimyasal tehlike ve mikrobiyal yükün fazla olması sebebiyle biyolojik tehlike açısından kritik kontrol noktası olarak belirlenmiştir. Depolama ve parçalama / kıyma aşamalarında ise fiziksel tehlike olarak; ortam, personel, haşere vb. kaynaklı yabacı madde taşıma riskine ön gereksinim programları ile önlem alınmıştır. Kimyasal tehlikede de kontrol önlemi ön gereksinim programı ile belirlenmiştir. Bu 2 aşamanın biyolojik tehlikeleri ise soğuk hava deposu ve ortamın sıcaklıklarının artması, nem oranlarının yükselmesi, fanlarının arıza yapması gibi nedenlerden mikrobiyal yükün artma riski operasyonel ön gereksinim programları ile kontrol altına alınmıştır. Sonuç olarak, farklı risk değerlendirme metodolojileri ile gıda güvenliği yönetim sistemlerinin entegre bir şekilde kullanılmasıyla tehlikeler sayısal verilerle ortaya konulmuştur. Et sektörünün çalışmada seçilme sebebi, 5996 Sayılı Veteriner Hizmetleri, Bitki Sağlığı, Gıda ve Yem Kanunuyönetmelik ve tebliğlerinde en çok revizyon geçiren sektör olmasıdır. Bu çalışmada uygulanan metodolojilerin farklı gıda proseslerinde de kullanılması önerilmektedir.
Plastik Esaslı Geri Dönüşüm Firmasında Gürültü İncelemesi
Authors: ATEŞ Ergun
Published: October 2020

Atık plastiklerin geri dönüşümü üzerine çalışan bir işletmede, atık malzemeler gerekli işlemler sonrası granül hale getirilerek, buna ilave edilen katkı maddeleriyle birlikte, farklı amaçlara uygun yeni plastik esaslı ürünler imal edilmektedir. İşletmede atık malzemenin tesise girişinden, ürün olarak çıkışına kadar beş ana hat belirlenmiştir. Bu hatlar tek tek çalışabildiği gibi, bazen de birkaçı birlikte aktif olabilmektedir. Bu durumda, işletmenin doğal çalışma rutinine bağlı kalınarak çalışan hatlarda gürültü ölçümleri yapılmıştır. Ölçülen gürültü değerlerinin, “gürültü ile ilgili risklerden korunmaya dair yönetmelikte” belirtilen en yüksek gürültü değerlerinin üzerinde olduğu belirlenmiştir. Çalışan sağlığı adına bu seviyeler “davranış biçiminde engel oluşma” seviyesinin de oldukça üzerindedir. İşletmenin yönetmeliklerde belirtilen kişisel koruyucu önlemler dışında, ana gürültü kaynaklarına özel lokal ses izolasyonları gibi uygulamaları da dikkate almasının gürültüyü azaltmak adına uygun olacağı söylenebilir. İlave olarak işletmede ana gürültü kaynağı olan üretim hatları yerleşimlerinin çok yakın ve sıkışık olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bu durum çok dar bir alanda gürültü kaynaklarının aynı anda çalışmasıyla, gürültü seviyelerini ve dolayısıyla olumsuz etkilerini de arttırmaktadır.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Trauma and Orthopaedic Service in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Elbardesy Hany
Published: October 2020

Background: The novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has been identified as the cause of a rapidly spreading respiratory illness that is thought to have originated from Wuhan, China in early December 2019. Since then, the free movement of people has decreased, which has thus reduced the number of trauma-related casualties. The Irish governments initiated strict social distancing measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in late March 2020. It remains challenging to quantify the impact this had on reducing the spread of the virus. The viral outbreak has led to significant changes in the lifestyle of Irish citizens. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the pandemic on activity, related to emergencies in trauma and orthopaedics departments.

Methods: Patients admitted to the Trauma and Orthopaedic Department at Cork University Hospital (CUH), Cork, Ireland and South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH), Cork, Ireland between the 1st of March and the 15th of April 2020 were documented and compared to the patient admissions from the same time period in 2019.

Results: The total numbers of lower limb trauma cases dropped by 20.44% from 137 (females: 87; males: 50) to 109 (females: 74; male: 35), (p=0.72). Of note, there was a 30.00% reduction in the number of male cases (from 50 to 35; p<0.05), in comparison to the 14.94% reduction observed in the female population (from 87 to 74; p<0.05). The total number of upper limb trauma cases increased by 0.14% from 90 (female: 44; men: 46) to 94 (female: 54; male: 40; p=0.14). The increase reported was only applicable to the female population; the number of male cases of upper limb trauma slightly decreased from 46 to 40 (p<0.005).

Conclusion: The COVID-19 crisis has led to a decrease in the total numbers of lower limb trauma surgeries but an increase in the number of upper limb fractures. The main reduction was amongst the male patients, while the number of female cases increased.
THE EFFECT OF ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR (OCB) ON THE INCREASING SPIRIT OF PARAMEDIC WORK OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN EAST OKU DISTRICT
Authors: Margahana Helisia , Saputra Wahid Eka , Harlofida Demsi , . Yansahrita
Published: October 2020

Morale of a person will be influenced by the level of job satisfaction they have. When an employee feels satisfied with the work being done, the employee will work optimally in completing his job, even doing some things that may be outside his job. The problem faced by community health center paramedics in East OKU district is how the Organization Citizenship Behavior plays an important role in the morale of public health center paramedics in East OKU district, while this research is to determine the important role of Organization Citizenship Behavior on the performance of Paramedics. Community health center in East OKU Regency. The hypothesis proposed is that there is a strong influence between Organization Citizenship Behavior on the performance of public health center paramedics in East OKU Regency.From the calculation results obtained r = 0.689. After being consulted with conservative standards to determine whether the relationship is close or not, it turns out that it lies in the distance between 0.600 - 0.799. It can be concluded that the influence of Organization Citizenship Behavior on improving the performance of community health center paramedics in East OKU Regency is having a strong influence. Then to answer the hypothesis test that was previously proposed to have a relationship or not, then tested with the hypothesis test and obtained t count = 2.69. While the value of t table at the 95% confidence level for (n - 2) = 1,860. Then it can be seen that the value of t count 2.74 is greater than the value of t table, namely = 1.860, thus means (Ha) can be accepted and (Ho) is rejected. This means that the hypothesis proposed is acceptable, namely the influence of the Organization Citizenship Behavior on increasing the morale of Puskesmas Paramedics in East OKU Regency is very strong
Technical and management considerations for implementation of VoIP in a Dual-Stack (IPv4/IPv6) compatible environment
Authors: CYRILLE MARCEL MALOBE LOTTIN , AMAECHI Austin
Published: October 2020

The Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) has been the main communication protocol through which this technology has been deployed. Today, with the evolvement of Broadband technologies and the tendency to make all communication devices oriented IP, coupled with the problems raised by the limitation of IPv4 to address new requirements in term of availability of IP addresses, security and Quality Of Service (QoS) management, IP next-generation (IPng) also called IPv6 is the new version that definitely addresses these problems in the most effective way. However, the transition from the older to the newer version needs to be done with special considerations. Transition technics such as dual-stack are developed to handle this immediate need. This paper presents a proposal of technical and management parameters that organizations can consider to ensure successful implementation of VoIP telephony service in their network architecture where IPv4 and IPv6 are used as main communication protocols.
Aesthetic Restoration using Direct Composite Resin
Authors: Myakal Anudeep S.
Published: October 2020

Anterior Crown fractures are common among schoolchildren. This will impact on their functional, aesthetic and psychological behaviour, as the aesthetic zone clinician must propose the exact and minimally invasive treatment plan. Achieving promising result in both aesthetic and strength is the greatest desire for the patient as well as for parents. This is the case of fractured permanent maxillary central incisors treated using Direct Composite Resin Restoration.

Key Words: Anterior Crown, Fracture, Aesthetic, Maxillary central incisors, composite restoration
The Use of an Exact Algorithm within a Tabu Search Maximum Clique Algorithm
Authors: Smith Derek H. , Montemanni Roberto , Perkins Stephanie
Published: October 2020

Let G=(V,E) be an undirected graph with vertex set V and edge set E. A clique C of G is a subset of the vertices of V with every pair of vertices of C adjacent. A maximum clique is a clique with the maximum number of vertices. A tabu search algorithm for the maximum clique problem that uses an exact algorithm on subproblems is presented. The exact algorithm uses a graph coloring upper bound for pruning, and the best such algorithm to use in this context is considered. The final tabu search algorithm successfully finds the optimal or best known solution for all standard benchmarks considered. It is compared with a state-of-the-art algorithm that does not use exact search. It is slower to find the known optimal solution for most instances but is faster for five instances and finds a larger clique for two instances.
LPV-Based Controller Design of a Floating Piston Pneumatic Actuator
Authors: Szabó Ádám , Bécsi Tamás , Aradi Szilárd , Gáspár Péter
Published: October 2020

The paper presents the modeling and control design of a floating piston pneumatic gearbox actuator using a grid-based Linear Parameter Varying approach. First, the nonlinear model of the pneumatic actuator is presented, then it is transformed into a 6th order Linear Parameter Varying representation with endogenous scheduling parameters. The model is simplified based on empirical considerations to solve the controller synthesis and allow fast controller tuning. The developed Linear Parameter Varying controller is tested in simulations. Moreover, using a balanced truncation-model order reduction method, the minimum order of the controller is determined, which can provide acceptable performance. The simplified controller is implemented in an embedded environment and validated against the real target. Then, the validation results are compared with a gain-scheduled PD controller and a Linear Quadratic Regulator. The results show that by taking the time-varying nature of the scheduling parameters into account, the Linear Parameter Varying controller surpasses the Linear Quadratic Regulator, which cannot handle the high-speed transients around Neutral. Furthermore, the PD controller performs slightly better in two of the four test cases, although the Linear Parameter Varying controller has a higher level of fault tolerance.
Impacts of Green Coffee Powder Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Blood Indices, Meat Quality and Gut Microbial Load in Broilers
Authors: Ashour Elwy A. , El-Hack Mohamed E. Abd , Shafi Manal E. , Alghamdi Wed Y. , Taha Ayman E. , Swelum Ayman A. , Tufarelli Vincenzo , Mulla Zohair S. , El-Ghareeb Waleed R. , El-Saadony Mohamed T.
Published: October 2020

This work investigated the effect of dietary green coffee powder (GCP) on the growth, body characteristics, antioxidant status, serum metabolites, and meat quality of 308 Ross broiler chickens. A total of 180 non-sexed seven-day old chicks were randomly distributed into three experimental groups. The untreated group received a basal diet (control), while the second and third groups were fed the original diet fortified with 1.25 and 2.5 g GCP/kg, respectively, for four weeks. Results revealed an improvement (p < 0.05) in live body weight in the group fed 2.5 g/kg GCP at five weeks of age compared to the other groups. Broiler Chicks fed the 1.25 g/kg GCP diet showed a more significant decrease in live body weight than the control group at five weeks of age. The GCP supplementation at level 2.5 g/kg GCP enhanced feed conversion ratio at 3–5 and 1–5 weeks of age. Dietary treatments did not affect (p > 0.05) carcass, dressing, and giblets percentages. Different levels of GCP significantly affected the liver, abdominal fat, intestinal length, and lymphoid organs percentages. The changes in serum blood traits and serum oxidative stress markers were not significant among the control and the treated groups. With the increment levels of GCP, results showed elevated values of meat pH, lightness (L*), and redness (a*), as well as a significant decrease in its yellowness (b*). Broilers fed 2.5 g/kg GCP diet showed a significant reduction in the total bacterial count, total yeasts and molds count, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and Salmonella spp., as well as increasing counts of lactic acid bacteria. The dietary GCP 2.5 g/kg diet supplementation could be used to decrease the pathogenic microorganisms’ populations in the broiler’s gut. The present experiment has shown that in unsexed broiler chickens, green coffee powder at level of 2.5 g/kg improved the live body weight and feed conversion ratio and decreased the pathogenic bacterial count in the gut.
Herbicide Spray Deposition in Wheat Stubble as Affected by Nozzle Type and Application Direction
Authors: Simão Luana M. , Easterly Amanda C. , Kruger Greg R. , Creech Cody F.
Published: October 2020

Tall wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stubble can enhance soil water conservation during the fallow-period by trapping snow and decreasing evaporation. However, standing wheat stubble can intercept herbicide spray droplets before they reach their intended targets. This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of three wheat stubble heights (>70 cm, 35 cm, and no-stubble), four nozzle types (XR, TTJ, AIXR, and TTI), and three application directions (angular (45°), perpendicular (90°), and parallel (0°) to the wheat row) on a spray deposition of glyphosate and a dicamba tank mixture. The ranking of droplet size from smallest to largest based on volume median diameter (VMD) was XR, TTJ, AIXR, and TTI. Wheat stubble greater than 70 cm decreased spray deposition 37%, while 35 cm stubble caused a 23% decrease. Sprayer application directions and nozzle type had significant interaction on spray deposition. Perpendicular application direction decreased spray deposition relative to the angular application direction for TTJ and TTI. Parallel application direction had lower spray deposition than angular application direction for TTJ and XR. Similarly, relatively-high-spray deposition (~75%) was provided by angular application direction regardless of the nozzle type. Applicators should consider traveling in an angular direction to the wheat rows for improved droplet deposition across spray nozzle types.
Management of Abiotic Stress in Horticultural Crops: Spotlight on Biostimulants
Authors: Andreotti Carlo
Published: October 2020

Horticultural crops are currently exposed to multiple abiotic stresses because of ongoing climate change. Abiotic stresses such as drought, extreme temperatures, salinity, and nutrient deficiencies are causing increasing losses in terms of yield and product quality. The horticultural sector is therefore searching for innovative and sustainable agronomic tools to enhance crop tolerance towards these unfavorable conditions. In a recent review published in Agronomy, “Biostimulants Application in Horticultural Crops under Abiotic Stress Conditions”, Bulgari and colleagues discussed the main pieces of evidence of the use of biostimulants to manage abiotic stresses in vegetable crops. The intent of this editorial was to focus the attention on aspects related to the stress development in plants (i.e., timing and occurrence of multiple stress factors), in combination with the application of biostimulants. The large number of factors potentially involved in the enhancement of crop tolerance toward stress calls for an intensification of research activities, especially when conducted in field conditions and with well-defined protocols. This must be seen as a mandatory task for a successful implementation of biostimulant products among the available agronomic tools for the management of abiotic stresses in horticultural crops.
Efficiency of Tris-Based Extender Steridyl for Semen Cryopreservation in Stallions
Authors: Nikitkina Elena , Musidray Artem , Krutikova Anna , Anipchenko Polina , Plemyashov Kirill , Shiryaev Gennadiy
Published: October 2020

The fertilizing ability of stallion sperm after freezing is lower than in other species. The search for the optimal extender, combination of extenders, and the freezing protocol is relevant. The aim of this study was to compare lactose-chelate-citrate-yolk (LCCY) extender, usually used in Russia, and Steridyl® (Minitube) for freezing sperm of stallions. Steridyl is a concentrated extender medium for freezing ruminant semen. It already contains sterilized egg yolk. Semen was collected from nine stallions, aged from 7 to 12 years old. The total and progressive motility of sperm frozen in Steridyl was significantly higher than in semen frozen in LCCY. The number of spermatozoa with normal morphology in samples frozen in LCCY was 60.4 ± 1.72%, and with Steridyl, 72.4 ± 2.10% (p < 0.01). Semen frozen in Steridyl showed good stimulation of respiration by 2.4-DNP, which indicates that oxidative phosphorylation was retained after freezing–thawing. No differences among the extenders were seen with the DNA integrity of spermatozoa. Six out of ten (60%) mares were pregnant after artificial insemination (AI) by LCCY frozen semen, and 9/12 (75%) by Steridyl frozen semen. No differences among extenders were seen in pregnancy rate. In conclusion, Steridyl was proven to be a good diluent for freezing stallion semen, even though it was developed for ruminants.
Isolation and Characterization of a Variant Psedorabies Virus HNXY and Construction of rHNXY-∆TK/∆gE
Authors: Wu Fengsun , Lv Yujin , Zhang Shijun , Liu Lingling , Wu Yuchen , Zhao Pandeng , Peng Zhifeng , Liu Shengli , Zhang Zhonghua , Li Wengang
Published: October 2020

The outbreak of pseudorabies in China, caused by more virulent pseudorabies virus (PRV) than the classical strains, has led to considerable economic losses. In this study, PRV strain HNXY was isolated from the Henan province of China in 2015 from the pig farm with severe reproductive failure in sows and a high mortality in piglets. The 50% tissue culture infectious doses (TCID50) of HNXY in Vero cells were examined to be 106.5/mL, and the neutralisation titer against Bartha-K61 was significantly higher than against HNXY when tested with the serum from Bartha-K61 vaccinated pigs. The 50% lethal doses (LD50) of HNXY to six-week-old BALB/c mice and two-month-old PRV-free pigs were both 102.3 TCID50. HNXY was classified as genotype II, and numerous amino acid variations were found in gB, gE, gC, gD, TK, and RR1 proteins, compared with PRV from other countries or those prevalent in China before 2012. The attenuated rHNXY-∆TK/∆gE was further constructed, which presented significantly smaller plaques than HNXY, as well as the similar growth kinetics. rHNXY-∆TK/∆gE was confirmed to be non-pathogenic to six-week-old BALB/c mice and zero-day-old piglets. This study isolated updated PRV promising to develop into a new vaccine candidate.
Welfare Assessment in Calves Fattened According to the “Outdoor Veal Calf” Concept and in Conventional Veal Fattening Operations in Switzerland
Authors: Moser Lara , Becker Jens , Schüpbach-Regula Gertraud , Kiener Sarah , Grieder Sereina , Keil Nina , Hillmann Edna , Steiner Adrian , Meylan Mireille
Published: October 2020

The “outdoor veal calf” system was developed to encounter the demand for a veal fattening system that allows for reducing antimicrobial use without impairing animal welfare. Management improvements including direct purchase, short transportation, vaccination, three-week quarantine in individual hutches, and open-air housing in small groups in a roofed, straw-bedded paddock with a group hutch were implemented in a prospective intervention study (1905 calves, 19 intervention and 19 control farms, over one year): antimicrobial use was five times lower in "outdoor veal" farms compared to control farms (p < 0.001), but it was crucial to ensure that antimicrobial treatment reduction was not associated with decreased animal welfare, i.e., that sick animals were not left untreated. Welfare was assessed monthly on the farms, and organs of 339 calves were examined after slaughter. Cough and nasal discharge were observed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) less often in intervention than in control farms, mortality (3.1% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.020) and lung lesion prevalence (26% vs. 46%, p < 0.001) were lower; no group difference was seen in abomasal lesion prevalence (65% vs. 72%). Thus, besides reduced antimicrobial use, calf health and welfare were improved in "outdoor veal calf" farms in comparison to traditional operations.
First Birth of Cheetah Cubs from In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer
Authors: Crosier Adrienne E. , Lamy Julie , Bapodra Priya , Rapp Suzi , Maly Morgan , Junge Randy , Haefele Holly , Ahistus Jason , Santiestevan Jenny , Comizzoli Pierre
Published: October 2020

Approximately 30% of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums cheetah population (~350 total animals) is unlikely to breed naturally due to advanced age, health, or behavioral issues. Aging cheetah females (≥9 y old) are unlikely to become pregnant via natural breeding if they are nulliparous. We previously demonstrated that oocytes recovered from aged females were of similar quality compared with those recovered from younger females (2–8 y old). We hypothesize that transfer of 4–8 cell embryos produced by in vitro fertilization with oocytes from old donors could result in pregnancy after transfer into younger recipients. Female cheetahs (n = 3 aging donors and n = 3 young recipients) received 300 IU equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) and 3000 IU Luteinizing Hormone (LH) while fecal metabolites of estrogens and progestogens were closely monitored. At 28 h post-LH injection, oocytes were aspirated laparoscopically from donors and inseminated in vitro with cryopreserved sperm. After 48 h of in vitro culture, resulting embryos (4–8 cells) were transferred into the oviducts of recipient females. Pregnancy was confirmed in one recipient via ultrasound 32 days after transfer and by radiograph 62 days after transfer. Two cubs were born naturally after 90 days of gestation, representing the first cheetah births resulting from transfer of embryos produced in vitro.
Carotenoids and Liposoluble Vitamins in the Plasma and Tissues of Light Lambs Given Different Maternal Feedings and Fattening Concentrates
Authors: Rufino-Moya Pablo José , Joy Margalida , Lobón Sandra , Bertolín Juan Ramón , Blanco Mireia
Published: October 2020

The carotenoids and liposoluble vitamins in the plasma and tissues of the lambs under different maternal feedings and fattening concentrates was studied. During lactation, 21 lambs were housed with their dams, that received a total mixed ration (intensive); 21 ewe–lamb pairs grazed on alfalfa; and 21 pairs grazed on sainfoin. After weaning, half of the lambs in each maternal feeding group received a commercial concentrate (control) and the other half a concentrate with quebracho (Schinopsis balansae), as a source of condensed tannins, until they were slaughtered (23 kg). The analyte concentrations in the plasma of lambs at weaning reflected the content in the feedstuffs. Grazing during suckling more than doubled the contents of lutein in the liver and retinol in the tissues compared to the intensive feeding. The content of α-tocopherol in the tissues was greatest in sainfoin lambs, intermediate in alfalfa lambs, and lowest in the intensive lambs. The quebracho concentrate decreased α-tocopherol (by 41–81%) and γ-tocopherol (by 65–89%) contents in the lamb tissues. The use of the analytes in the plasma at weaning correctly classified 100% of the lambs into the maternal feeding (intensive vs. grazing (alfalfa + sainfoin)) but has to be improved in the carcass and tissues separately.
Is Early Monitoring Better? Impact of Early Vancomycin Exposure on Treatment Outcomes and Nephrotoxicity in Patients with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections
Authors: Chattaweelarp Thanawat , Changpradub Dhitiwat , Punyawudho Baralee , Thunyaharn Sudaluck , Santimaleeworagun Wichai
Published: October 2020

Optimal early vancomycin target exposure remains controversial. To clarify the therapeutic exposure range, we investigated the association between vancomycin exposure and treatment outcomes or nephrotoxicity in patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. This retrospective study reviewed clinical data obtained from 131 patients with MRSA infections between January 2017 and September 2019. Clinical outcomes included treatment failure, 30-day mortality, microbiological failure, and acute kidney injury. We measured serum vancomycin levels after the first dose to 48 h and estimated vancomycin exposure using the Bayesian theorem. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antimicrobial agents was determined using the broth microdilution method. Classification and Regression Tree analyses identified day 1 and 2 exposure thresholds associated with an increased risk of failure and nephrotoxicity. Treatment failure (27.9% vs. 33.3%) and 30-day mortality (26.6% vs. 31.74%) were numerically but not significantly reduced in patients with the area under the curve (AUC)24–48h/MICBMD ≥ 698. Patients with AUCss/MICBMD ≥ 679 exhibited a significantly increased risk of acute kidney injury (27.9% vs. 10.9%, p = 0.041). These findings indicate that AUCss/MICBMD ratios > 600 may cause nephrotoxicity. AUC/MICBMD at days 1 and 2 do not appear to be significantly associated with particular clinical outcomes, but further studies are needed.
The Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Activity of Metal Complexes Incorporating 3,6,9-Trioxaundecanedioate and 1,10-Phenanthroline Ligands in Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Irish Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: O’Shaughnessy Megan , McCarron Pauraic , Viganor Livia , McCann Malachy , Devereux Michael , Howe Orla
Published: October 2020

Chronic infections of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are problematic in Ireland where inherited CF is prevalent. The bacteria’s capacity to form a biofilm in its pathogenesis is highly virulent and leads to decreased susceptibility to most antibiotic treatments. Herein, we present the activity profiles of the Cu(II), Mn(II) and Ag(I) tdda-phen chelate complexes {[Cu(3,6,9-tdda)(phen)2]·3H2O·EtOH}n (Cu-tdda-phen), {[Mn(3,6,9-tdda)(phen)2]·3H2O·EtOH}n (Mn-tdda-phen) and [Ag2(3,6,9-tdda)(phen)4]·EtOH (Ag-tdda-phen) (tddaH2 = 3,6,9-trioxaundecanedioic acid; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) towards clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa derived from Irish CF patients in comparison to two reference laboratory strains (ATCC 27853 and PAO1). The effects of the metal-tdda-phen complexes and gentamicin on planktonic growth, biofilm formation (pre-treatment) and mature biofilm (post-treatment) alone and in combination were investigated. The effects of the metal-tdda-phen complexes on the individual biofilm components; exopolysaccharide, extracellular DNA (eDNA), pyocyanin and pyoverdine are also presented. All three metal-tdda-phen complexes showed comparable and often superior activity to gentamicin in the CF strains, compared to their activities in the laboratory strains, with respect to both biofilm formation and established biofilms. Combination studies presented synergistic activity between all three complexes and gentamicin, particularly for the post-treatment of established mature biofilms, and was supported by the reduction of the individual biofilm components examined.
Diagnostic Value of Different Risk-Stratification Algorithms in Solid Breast Lesions
Authors: Eremici Ivana , Dumitru Catalin , Navolan Dan , Craina Marius , Ivan Viviana , Borcan Florin , Dehelean Cristina Adriana , Mozos Ioana , Stoian Dana
Published: October 2020

In the past few years, elastography has gained ground as a complementary method to ultrasonography in noninvasive breast cancer screening. Despite positive outcomes, there is a further need to refine the method, especially regarding BIRADS scores 3 and 4A, where the distinction between benignancy and malignancy is established. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the best risk-stratification system using both qualitative and semiquantitative elastographic methods for solid breast nodules. A total of 1405 solid nodules, described in 657 female patients, were examined in our endocrine unit between January 2018 and December 2019. The inclusion criterion for our retrospective study was the presence of any solid breast mass in women of all ages (mean, 40.85 ± SD 27.11), detected during ultrasound examination using a HITACHI PREIRUS machine (Hitachi Medical Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS)–US criteria were used in the assessment of each nodule by conventional US (gray-scale mode) and Doppler evaluation. The Ueno score and strain ratio were also measured for all the described lesions. We considered multiple algorithms for the risk reassessment of solid breast nodules: classical BIRADS–US, EFSUMB BIRADS, worst-case scenario BIRADS and BIRADS TM. There were 93 malignant nodules out of 1405. The diagnosis was based on histopathological results for all the malignant lesions. Benign lesions were diagnosed based on histopathological results, Tru-Cut biopsy, mammography and MRI. The Sensitivity (Se), Specificity (Sp), Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV) and Accuracy (Acc) were obtained for all the proposed risk-stratification reporting systems: conventional BIRADS-US (Se, 74.23%; Sp, 63.95%; PPV, 13.53%; NPV, 97.79%; Acc, 65%); EFSUMB BIRADS (Se, 71.23%; Sp, 81.55%; PPV, 22.68%; NPV, 97.99%; Acc, 81%); worst-case scenario BIRADS (Se, 84.23%; Sp, 58.23%; PPV, 13.29%; NPV, 98.84%; Acc, 60%); BIRADS TM (Se, 81.23%; Sp, 75.84%; PPV, 20.35%; NPV, 98.81%; Acc, 77%). We found that the most efficient risk-stratification reporting system was the proposed one, BIRADS TM, which considers both upgrading and downgrading the conventional BIRADS-US, followed by the worst-case scenario BIRADS and EFSUMB BIRADS.
The Derivation of Defect Priorities and Core Defects through Impact Relationship Analysis between Embedded Software Defects
Authors: Huh Sang Moo , Kim Woo-Je
Published: October 2020

As embedded software is closely related to hardware equipment, any defect in embedded software can lead to major accidents. Thus, all defects must be collected, classified, and tested based on their severity. In the pure software field, a method of deriving core defects already exists, enabling the collection and classification of all possible defects. However, in the embedded software field, studies that have collected and categorized relevant defects into an integrated perspective are scarce, and none of them have identified core defects. Therefore, the present study collected embedded software defects worldwide and identified 12 types of embedded software defect classifications through iterative consensus processes with embedded software experts. The impact relation map of the defects was drawn using the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method, which analyzes the influence relationship between elements. As a result of analyzing the impact relation map, the following core embedded software defects were derived: hardware interrupt, external interface, timing error, device error, and task management. All defects can be tested using this defect classification. Moreover, knowing the correct test order of all defects can eliminate critical defects and improve the reliability of embedded systems.
Optimizing Cropping Systems of Cultivated Pastures in the Mountain–Basin Systems in Northwest China
Authors: Fan Yao , Li Bo , Dai Xuhuan , Ma Lingxiao , Tai Xiaoli , Bi Xu , Yang Zihan , Zhang Xinshi
Published: October 2020

Cultivated pastures are effective supporting systems of natural grassland preservation and sustainable agriculture in arid regions of northwest China. The adaptive combination of forage species enhances the yields and ecological functions of cultivated pastures. Legume–grass intercropping is a valuable sowing regime because of the niche differentiation and resource acquisition. Understanding the effects of species interactions in legume–grass intercropping systems can provide scientific and practical guidance on cultivated pasture management. In this study, we conducted a field experiment to determine the advantages and effects of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) annual grass intercropping on cultivated pastures. We analyzed the data on population traits, community characteristics and dry matter in the growing period to evaluate the effects of variety and sowing patterns with the following treatments: three alfalfa varieties (Algonquin, Leafy king, WL354HQ) sown in monocultures and mixed with oat (Avena sativa L.) or sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf.) with two seeding ratios. Our results suggest that in mixtures, the plant traits of alfalfa were determined by their own characters at the earlier stage but were affected more by companion grass at the later stage. The annual forage grass companion impaired the growth of alfalfa during the growth period. In mixtures, sudangrass displayed a stronger inhibiting effect on alfalfa than oat. Alfalfa–grass intercropping was proved to be a feasible cropping practice in terms of yield, production stability and weed control, due to their complementary use of resources in comparison with alfalfa monocropping. Alfalfa–annual grass intercropping is a beneficial alternative strategy to obtain effective cultivated pastures in arid regions.
Modeling the Drying of Capillary-Porous Materials in a Thin Layer: Application to the Estimation of Moisture Content in Thin-Walled Building Blocks
Authors: Kolesnikov Gennadiy , Gavrilov Timmo
Published: October 2020

Drying, as a process of changing the moisture content and temperature of capillary-porous materials, is a necessary step in many technologies. When predicting moisture changes, it is necessary to find a balance between the complexity of a model and the accuracy of the simulation results. The purpose of this work was the development of a mathematical model for drying a capillary-porous material with direct consideration of its initial moisture content and drying temperature. Methods of mathematical modeling were used in the work. Using the developed model, an analysis of the features of the drying process of materials with high and low initial moisture content has been carried out. The analytical relationship for determining the time at which the extremum of the drying rate is reached has been substantiated. A model has been developed to directly take into account the influence of the initial material moisture content and drying temperature. The simulation results are consistent with the experiments on drying ceramic blocks for construction which are described in the literature. The obtained results can be taken into account in studies of the effect of drying modes on the energy consumption of a drying process.
On the Relationship between a Novel Prorocentrum sp. and Colonial Phaeocystis antarctica under Iron and Vitamin B12 Limitation: Ecological Implications for Antarctic Waters
Authors: Bolinesi Francesco , Saggiomo Maria , Aceto Serena , Cordone Angelina , Serino Emanuela , Valoroso Maria Carmen , Mangoni Olga
Published: October 2020

We collected live mixed natural samples from the northeastern Ross Sea during the austral summer of 2017 and isolated a novel Prorocentrum sp. (Dinophyceae) associated with mucilaginous Phaeocystis antarctica (Coccolithophyceae) colonies. The haptophyte P. antarctica is a key species of the phytoplankton community in the Ross Sea, where blooms are subjected to iron limitation and/or co-limitation with other micronutrients (e.g., vitamin B12) during the summer. We first performed preliminary genetic analyses to determine the specific identity of the novel Prorocentrum sp., which indicated that it represented a previously undescribed species. The formal description of this new species is in process. To further assess its relationship with P. antarctica, we obtained their monospecific and mixed cultures and evaluated their responses to different irradiance levels and iron and vitamin B12 limitation. Our results indicated differential susceptibility of the two species to iron limitation and differential photosynthetic plasticity under high irradiance. Iron limitation reduced colony formation in P. antarctica and decreased the chlorophyll-a content in Prorocentrum sp., whereas B12 limitation did not affect growth or photosynthetic efficiency in either species. In addition, P. antarctica could photosynthesize efficiently under different irradiance levels, due to its ability to modulate the light adsorption cross-section of PSII, whereas Prorocentrum sp. exhibited lower photosynthetic plasticity and an inability to modulate both the maximum photochemical efficiency and effective adsorption cross-section of PSII under high irradiance. The trophic interaction between Prorocentrum sp. and P. antarctica could present ecological implications for the food webs and biogeochemical cycles of the Antarctic ecosystem. Considering the predicted climate-driven shifts in global ocean surface light regimes and changes in iron or vitamin B12 transfer, which are most likely to impact changes in the phytoplankton community structure, our results present implications for carbon export to deeper waters, ecological functioning, and associated biogeochemical changes in the future.
Vibrationally and Spin-Orbit-Resolved Inner-Shell X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy of the NH+ Molecular Ion: Measurements and ab Initio Calculations
Authors: Carniato Stéphane , Bizau Jean-Marc , Cubaynes Denis , Kennedy Eugene T. , Guilbaud Ségolène , Sokell Emma , McLaughlin Brendan , Mosnier Jean-Paul
Published: October 2020

This article presents N2+ fragment yields following nitrogen K-shell photo-absorption in the NH+ molecular ion measured at the SOLEIL synchrotron radiation facility in the photon energy region 390–450 eV. The combination of the high sensitivity of the merged-beam, multi-analysis ion apparatus (MAIA) with the high spectral resolution of the PLEIADES beamline helped to resolve experimentally vibrational structures of highly excited [N1s−1H]*+ electronic states with closed or open-shell configurations. The assignment of the observed spectral features was achieved with the help of density functional theory (DFT) and post-Hartree Fock Multiconfiguration Self-Consistent-Field/Configuration Interaction (MCSCF/CI) ab-initio theoretical calculations of the N1s core-to-valence and core-to-Rydberg excitations, including vibrational dynamics. New resonances were identified compared to previous work, owing to detailed molecular modeling of the vibrational, spin-orbit coupling and metastable state effects on the spectra. The latter are evidenced by spectral contributions from the 4Σ− electronic state which lies 0.07 eV above the NH+2Π ground state.
Circulating Biomarkers of Accelerated Sarcopenia in Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Qaisar Rizwan , Karim Asima , Muhammad Tahir , Shah Islam
Published: October 2020

Skeletal muscle dysfunction is a critical finding in many respiratory diseases. However, a definitive biomarker to assess muscle decline in respiratory diseases is not known. We analyzed the association of plasma levels of glycoprotein Dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3), c-terminal agrin fragment-22 (CAF22) and microRNAs miR-21, miR-134a, miR-133 and miR-206 with hand-grip strength (HGS) and appendicular skeletal mass index (ASMI) in male, 54–73-year-old patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), asthma or pulmonary TB (n = 83–101/group). Patients with respiratory diseases showed a reduction in HGS and gait speed, while a reduction in ASMI was only found in patients with pulmonary TB. Among the sarcopenia indexes, HGS showed the strongest correlation with plasma CAF22, miR-21 and miR-206 levels while ASMI showed the strongest correlation with Dkk-3 and miR-133 in respiratory diseases. We found a modest-to-significant increase in the plasma markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and muscle damage, which had varying degrees of correlations with Dkk-3, CAF22 and selected micro RNAs (miRs) in respiratory diseases. Taken together, our data show that plasma levels of Dkk-3, CAF22 and selected miRs can be useful tools to assess accelerated sarcopenia phenotype in the elderly with respiratory diseases.
Direct Effects of D-Chiro-Inositol on Insulin Signaling and Glucagon Secretion of Pancreatic Alpha Cells
Authors: Filippello Agnese , Scamporrino Alessandra , Di Mauro Stefania , Malaguarnera Roberta , Di Pino Antonino , Scicali Roberto , Purrello Francesco , Piro Salvatore
Published: October 2020

The insulin resistance state of pancreatic α-cells seems to be related to glucagon hypersecretion in type 2 diabetes. Treatment that can improve the insulin sensitivity of α-cells could control glucagon levels in patients with diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive role of D-chiro-inositol (DCI), which has insulin receptor-sensitizer effects on insulin signaling pathways and glucagon secretion in pancreatic α-TC1 clone 6 cells. Cells were chronically treated with palmitate to induce insulin resistance in the presence/absence of DCI. DCI treatment improved the insulin signaling pathway and restored insulin-mediated glucagon suppression in α-TC1-6 cells exposed to palmitate. These results indicate that DCI treatment prevents the insulin resistance of α-TC1-6 cells chronically exposed to palmitate. Our data provide evidence that DCI could be useful to improve the insulin sensitivity of pancreatic α-cells in diabetes treatment.
A Fairy Chemical Suppresses Retinal Angiogenesis as a HIF Inhibitor
Authors: Lee Deokho , Miwa Yukihiro , Wu Jing , Shoda Chiho , Jeong Heonuk , Kawagishi Hirokazu , Tsubota Kazuo , Kurihara Toshihide
Published: October 2020

Neovascular retinal degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in advanced countries. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs have been used for neovascular retinal diseases; however, anti-VEGF drugs may cause the development of chorioretinal atrophy in chronic therapy as they affect the physiological amount of VEGF needed for retinal homeostasis. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a transcription factor inducing VEGF expression under hypoxic and other stress conditions. Previously, we demonstrated that HIF was involved with pathological retinal angiogenesis in murine models of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), and pharmacological HIF inhibition prevented retinal neovascularization by reducing an ectopic amount of VEGF. Along with this, we attempted to find novel effective HIF inhibitors. Compounds originally isolated from mushroom-forming fungi were screened for prospective HIF inhibitors utilizing cell lines of 3T3, ARPE-19 and 661W. A murine OIR model was used to examine the anti-angiogenic effects of the compounds. As a result, 2-azahypoxanthine (AHX) showed an inhibitory effect on HIF activation and suppressed Vegf mRNA upregulation under CoCl2-induced pseudo-hypoxic conditions. Oral administration of AHX significantly suppressed retinal neovascular tufts in the OIR model. These data suggest that AHX could be a promising anti-angiogenic agent in retinal neovascularization by inhibiting HIF activation.
Corilagin Represses Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Process Through Modulating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Cascade
Authors: Hwang Sun Tae , Yang Min Hee , Kumar Alan Prem , Sethi Gautam , Ahn Kwang Seok
Published: October 2020

Corilagin (CLG), a major component of several medicinal plants, can exhibit diverse pharmacological properties including those of anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective qualities. However, there are no prior studies on its potential impact on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. EMT can lead to dissemination of tumor cells into other organs and promote cancer progression. Hence, we aimed to investigate the effect of CLG on EMT and its mechanism(s) of action in tumor cells. We noted that CLG reduced the expression of various epithelial markers and up-regulated the expression of Occludin and E-cadherin in both basal and TGFβ-stimulated tumor cells. CLG treatment also abrogated cellular invasion and migration in colon and prostate carcinoma cells. In addition, CLG effectively attenuated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade in TGFβ-stimulated cells. Overall, our study suggests that CLG may function as and effective modulator of EMT and metastasis in neoplastic cells.