bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse Impacts of Unethical Anthropogenic Activities upon the Teknaf Peninsula Ecologically Critical Area, Cox’s Bazar
Authors: Ahmad Saima
Published: September 2020

The coastal zone of Bangladesh is endowed with dynamic ‘Terrestrial’ and ‘Coastal and Marine ecosystem’. The zone confronts with declined environmental quality owing to unethical anthropogenic interventions. Few studies regarding ethical attitudes of local communities to conserve the coast were conducted earlier. Two objectives, such as (i) heavy metal concentration, and (ii) physio-chemical quality of sample soil and water were selected to reveal the environmental state of study area. Five heavy metals like- Cadmium, Copper, Iron, Lead, and Zinc; and four physio-chemical parameters such as, the pH, Electrical Conductivity, Temperature, and Turbidity of sample soil and water were measured. The average concentration of Pb in soil is 10 times higher than world average (0.03 mg/g), while Cd concentration in soil is two times more than world average (0.11 mg/L). The concentration of Fe at Inani beach water is 1.54 mg/g more than world average (3.4 mg/g). The physio-chemical parameters are within standard range. Unethical discharge of toxic effluents from shrimp hatcheries, and municipal garbage are main sources of pollution, which ensue into environmental degradations. Concentration of five heavy metals and Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) in sample mollusk shells exhibit biodiversity deterioration. The mollusk shells from Inani beach contains 0.04 mg/L Cd,0.08 mg/L Cu, 0.42 mg/L Fe, 0.38 mg/L Pb, and  0.07 mg/L Zn. The CaCO3 content in mollusk shells at Inani beach is 49.5%, which indicates the degradation of the mollusks, as shells normally are made with 95% - 97% Calcium Carbonate. Hence, the Department of Environment (DOE), Bangladesh (GoB) declared the area as an ‘Ecologically Critical Area’ (ECA). The concerned stakeholders, like- CPP volunteers and officials, Forest Division, Fisheries Research Institute, Bangladesh Water Development Board, Union Chairman and Journalists of Cox’s Bazar recommended insertion of moral values among local stakeholders through trainings, motivational lectures, demonstrations and dramas, as well as, incorporation of lessons about consequences of unethical activities upon geo-environment into text books. Though least practice has been found regarding moral values during survey, the present research advocates in developing ‘Knowledge pool’ about coastal environment, creating awareness, and developing moral ethics among the local, regional and national stakeholders.
Implementation of Nagoya Protocol and its Ethical Dilemma – the Case Study of Indonesia
Authors: Sukara Endang , Ragamustari Safendrri Komara , Sinaga Ernawati
Published: September 2020

Indonesia consists of more than 17,000 islands separated for hundreds of thousands of years making both the biodiversity and culture diverse. Strong connection between people and biodiversity form a vast array of traditional knowledges retaliated to the conservation and use of biological diversity. During the last 3 decades, tremendous advancement on science and technology has been able to uncover the intrinsic value of biodiversity. Many lead chemical compounds have been isolated and identified, and has opened up huge opportunities in developing new business based on biodiversity. International cooperation between Japan and Indonesia successfully isolated more than 1,000 species of actinomycetes from diverse ecosystems and more than 30% are new species. This group of microbe is important for future pharmaceutical industries. The consciousness on intrinsic value of biodiversity is, however, only being understood by countries having high science and technology capacity. The intrinsic value of biodiversity remains abstract to most of the people in the developing and less developed nations. The Convention on Biological Diversity (UN-CBD), Cartagena and Nagoya Protocol are legal documents to ensure conservation, sustainable use and sharing of the benefit from the utilization of biodiversity and its components. There is a high demand for the developed nations on access to biodiversity to uncover its benefit. The mechanism on access, fair and equitable sharing of the benefit from the utilization of biodiversity and its component are certainly full of ethical dilemma. For this, there is a great need for the developing country having rich biodiversity find the most appropriate way to manage biodiversity and traditional knowledge for their prosperity.  Trust between countries rich in biodiversity and countries having high science and technology capacity is a crucial factor. Greater transparency and the recognition on comprehensive rights of people providing biodiversity is a key element in maintaining trust. Ethical standards cannot depend solely on rules or guidelines.
Current Status of Faculty Development Events in Different Medical Institutions of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Wakil , Shipu Zinat Rehana , Hossain Syed Zakir , Afroza Syeda , Talukder Md Humayun Kabir
Published: September 2020

Objective: To assess the current status of faculty development events in different Medical institutions of Bangladesh among the medical teachers.

Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in four medical Institutions situated in Dhaka city and outside Dhaka. Total respondents were 120 teachers working in medical colleges and institute. Opinion of one hundred teachers working in preclinical, para clinical and clinical departments were collected by self administered semi structured questionnaire. Twenty (20) teachers were selected for in depth interview.

Results: Study revealed that thirty eight percent of medical teachers attended in Faculty Development (FD) activity within one year whereas sixty two percent did not participate in any FD activity. Among the attended teachers in FD activity 65.8% teacher attended by self initiative and 63.2% were by self funding. All of them mentioned that it was beneficial to them. Twenty percent of medical teachers told in in depth interview that they have no clear cut idea about faculty development activity. Among the respondents, majority (80%) in in-depth interview and 68% in questionnaires) of the teachers thought that the existing activity in their institution is effective to some extent and few respondents (20%) in in-depth and 3% in questionnaires) thought that it is very effective. They also highlighted the areas which should be emphasized for faculty development includes: assessment, professional development, teaching material development etc. Majority of teachers in both the groups in in-depth interview (80%) and in-structured questionnaires (99%) opined that a well organized faculty development program is a needed for medical teachers.

Conclusion and recommendation: Existing faculty development activities in different institutions are not very effective. A well-organized faculty development program is a need for medical teachers. A proper policy level guidelines for at periodic training for the teachers can improve faculty development of different institutions.

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.11(2) 2020: 14-20
Median muovailtavana
Authors: Silvennoinen Heikki
Published: September 2020

Mediasivistykseen on syytä sisällyttää luku- ja kirjoitustaitojen, kuluttajan ja tuottajan valmiuksien lisäksi halu olla ihmisiksi.
Influence of large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns on nutrient dynamics in the Mediterranean Sea in the extended winter season (October-March) 1961-1999
Authors: Reale M , Salon S , Somot S , Solidoro C , Giorgi F , Crise A , Cossarini G , Lazzari P , Sevault F
Published: September 2020

We investigated the effects of variations in the 4 primary mid-latitude large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns on nutrients potentially limiting phytoplankton growth in the Mediterranean Sea (nitrate and phosphate), with a focus on the key deep convective areas of the basin (Gulf of Lions, Southern Adriatic Sea, Southern Aegean Sea and Rhodes Gyre). Monthly indices of these 4 modes of variability, together with a high-resolution hindcast of the Mediterranean Sea physics and biogeochemistry covering the period 1961-1999, were used to determine the physical mechanisms explaining the influence of these patterns on nutrient distribution and variability. We found a decrease in the concentration of phosphate and nitrate for each unit of increase in the index values of the East Atlantic and East Atlantic/Western Russian variability modes in the area of the Gulf of Lions, while a signal of the opposite sign was associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation in the Aegean Sea and Rhodes Gyre. In both cases, the variability observed was related to a significant variation in the mixed layer depth driven by heat losses and wind stress over the areas. The East Atlantic pattern played a major role in driving the long-term dynamics of both phosphate and nitrate availability in the Gulf of Lions, with a particularly pronounced effect in December and January. For both the Aegean Sea and Rhodes Gyre, the most prominent correlations were found between the North Atlantic Oscillation and phosphate, with a highly consistent behavior in the 2 areas associated with common physical forcing and exchange of properties among them.
Non-Redfieldian C:N:P ratio in the inorganic and organic pools of the Bay of Bengal during the summer monsoon
Authors: Sahoo D , Saxena H , Tripathi N , Khan MA , Rahman A , Kumar S , Sudheer AK , Singh A
Published: September 2020

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) determine the strength of the ocean’s biological carbon (C) pump, and variation in the N:P ratio is key to phytoplankton growth. A fixed C:N:P ratio (106:16:1) in organic matter and deep-water nutrients was observed by Alfred C. Redfield. However, recent studies have challenged the concept of the Redfield Ratio, and its veracity remains to be examined in oceanic basins like the Bay of Bengal. For this purpose, we sampled the water in the Bay of Bengal for C, N, and P content in the organic and inorganic pools from the surface to 2000 m. Overall, the C:N:P ratio deviated greatly from the Redfield Ratio. The C:N:P ratio in particulate organic matter varied from 232:25:1 in the top layer (surface to the depth of the chlorophyll maximum) to 966:72:1 in the deep water (300-2000 m). In dissolved organic matter, the ratio varied from 357:30:1 in the top layer to 245:66:1 in the deep water. The N:P ratio in nutrients varied from 3 in the top layer to 12 in the deep water. The nutrient-depleted top layer (average NO3- + NO2- ~ 0.7 µmol l-1) with a low N:P ratio coupled with reported low primary production rates in the Bay suggested that the production was N limited. Concurrent N2 fixation rates were not sufficient to alter the observed C:N:P ratio. Eddies showed a mixed effect on the C:N:P ratio. Our C:N:P ratios in particulate organic matter are comparable to other tropical basins and supports the nutrient supply hypothesis for low latitude ecosystems.
Replacement of Municipal Political Elite as a Tool for Seizing Power and Consolidating an Authoritarian Regime in Slovakia 1938–1940
Authors: Pekár Martin
Published: September 2020

The main aim of this article is to present a comparative historical analysis of the mechanisms for the replacement of the political elites after the collapse of interwar Czechoslovakia and the declaration of the Slovak State under the infl uence of Nazi Germany in the years 1938–1940 at the level of municipal self-government with regard to the onset of an authoritarian regime. The subjects of the research are two towns, Prešov and Nitra, which provide an opportunity to look for similarities and diff erences in the changes implemented in two socio-economically and demographically similar towns with diff erent political climates. The research is based on primary and secondary historical sources confronted mainly with the theories of V. Pareto, R. Michels and J. J. Linz. Historical developments in Slovakia in the years 1938–1940 and the process of the replacement of municipal elites correlates with the framework formulated in the sociological theories of Pareto and Michels. The process of the replacement of municipal elites contributed also to the gaining of characteristic elements of the authoritarian regime in the sense of the defi nition of J. J. Linz established in Slovakia by the Hlinka Slovak People’s Party.
Performing the National? Scottish Cinema in the Time of Indyref
Authors: Munro Robert
Published: September 2020

This article examines Scottish cinema during the period 2012–17, assessing the ways in which the nation's constitutional debate, Scottish–English relations and discourses of national identity were engaged with thematically by films produced in this period. It argues that Scottish cinema in this period ‘performs the national’, in that a number of films flag their national status and engage with discourses of national identity at a distance, unburdened by any serious demand for national representativeness, as might be the case with a ‘national cinema’. From a corpus of texts in the period which offer the possibility of being read through discourses of the nation, two genre films, White Settlers and Sunshine on Leith, are analysed in detail for their differing narrative takes on Scottish–English relations in the contemporary moment. The article concludes by surmising that while film criticism in Scottish cinema has historically been overly determined by an ideologically driven pursuit of national representativeness, perhaps the welcome emphasis which has been placed in contemporary criticism on broadening the scope of Scottish cinema studies beyond the national has implied a false dichotomy between the two, whereas it is more likely that we can locate Scottish cinema somewhere in between.
The Invisible Institution? Reconstructing the History of BAFTA and the 1958 Merger of the British Film Academy with the Guild of Television Producers and Directors
Authors: Pett Emma , Warner Helen
Published: September 2020

As a cultural institution of national and global significance, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is notably absent from existing scholarship on the media industries. More importantly, BAFTA's role as an independent arts charity set up by the industry to support and develop new talent is often overlooked. Instead, references to BAFTA made by media and film scholars most frequently take the form of footnotes or digressions that detail particular awards or nominations. Drawing on a range of archival sources, including BAFTA's own records, we address this significant omission within existing scholarship on the British cultural and creative industries. In particular, we examine the period 1947–68, focusing on the 1958 merger of the British Film Academy with the Guild of Television Producers and Directors to form a new institution, known as the Society of Film and Television Arts (SFTA, later renamed BAFTA). This was achieved despite the well-documented tensions existing between the two industries throughout the period, which we identify and analyse within this historical context. We argue that a crucial factor driving the 1958 merger was the desire to develop quality training schemes across both industries. This, in turn, was partly enabled by an egalitarian turn in post-war British society towards the development of greater social equality and mobility. In reconstructing these events, we therefore interrogate and reassess the role played by this key national institution on the development of the creative and cultural industries, offering an expansion and revision of scholarship on media histories of post-war Britain.
The Influence of ‘Psychiatrist Friends’ on British Film Censorship in the 1960s
Authors: Snelson Tim , Macauley William R.
Published: September 2020

This article will demonstrate the significant influence that psychiatric consultants exerted on the policy of the British Board of Film Censors (BBFC) and, as a result, on cinematic representations of mental illness and psychiatric practices during what Arthur Marwick (2005) called the ‘long 1960s’. Drawing upon extensive research at the British Board of Film Classification archives, this article complicates dominant narratives of British censorship in highlighting how John Trevelyan, appointed as Secretary of the BBFC in 1958 and frequently depicted as a liberalising force, deferred to psychiatric expertise outside the BBFC in making decisions about film censorship and certification and, in some instances, scriptwriting and editing. This article will explain how a proliferation of American and, later, British films dealing with mental illness caused BBFC examiners to lose confidence in their ability to make censorship decisions in the mid-1960s. Initially, this loss of confidence prompted consultation with the influential British mental health organisation, the National Association for Mental Health (NAMH) and, subsequently, a small group of trusted medical professionals, referred to as ‘psychiatrist friends’, who decided on cuts and certification of films including The Caretakers (1963), The Collector (1965) and Repulsion (1965). As a result, the BBFC moved from a default position of prohibition to one of enabling ‘serious’ films that promoted mental health awareness and discussion of contemporary mental health issues. This article aims to offer new insights into the policies, processes and practices of the BBFC, to contextualise censorship within historical debates about mental health representation and to highlight the mutually productive interactions that took place between the fields of mental health and cinema.
Same Address, Different Doors: Post-Heritage Deconstruction of the Heritage Household inUpstairs Downstairsin the 1970s and 2010s
Authors: Abbiss Will Stanford
Published: September 2020

This article offers a ‘post-heritage’ reading of both iterations of Upstairs Downstairs: the London Weekend Television (LWT) series (1971–5) and its short-lived BBC revival (2010–12). Identifying elements of subversion and subjectivity allows scholarship on the LWT series to be reassessed, recognising occasions where it challenges rather than supports the social structures of the depicted Edwardian past. The BBC series also incorporates the post-heritage element of self-consciousness, acknowledging the parallel between its narrative and the production's attempts to recreate the success of its 1970s predecessor. The article's first section assesses the critical history of the LWT series, identifying areas that are open to further study or revised readings. The second section analyses the serialised war narrative of the fourth series of LWT's Upstairs, Downstairs, revealing its exploration of female identity across multiple episodes and challenging the notion that the series became more male and upstairs dominated as it progressed. The third section considers the BBC series' revised concept, identifying the shifts in its main characters' positions in society that allow the series' narrative to question the past it evokes. This will be briefly contrasted with the heritage stability of Downton Abbey (ITV, 2010–15). The final section considers the household of 165 Eaton Place's function as a studio space, which the BBC series self-consciously adopts in order to evoke the aesthetics of prior period dramas. The article concludes by suggesting that the barriers to recreating the past established in the BBC series' narrative also contributed to its failure to match the success of its earlier iteration.
Biogas Production from Corn Stover by Solid-State Anaerobic Co-digestion of Food Waste
Authors: Shitophyta Lukhi Mulia , Budiarti Gita Indah , Nugroho Yusuf Eko , Fajariyanto Dika
Published: September 2020

Biogas has become an alternative fuel to reduce the lack of fossil fuel. Biogas can be produced from organic wastes such as corn stover. Corn stover is a typical lignocellulosic biomass and contains a total solid (TS) content higher of 15%. Biogas production was conducted by solid-state anaerobic digestion with addition co-digestion of food waste. Co-digestion is useful to help the digestion of corn stover. The purposes of this study were to investigate the effect of the percentage of food waste, volatile solid (VS) reduction, and kinetic model on biogas production from corn stover. Results showed that food waste had a significant effect on biogas yield (p < 0.05). The highest biogas yield of 584.49 mL g-1 VS-1 and the highest VS reduction of 40% was obtained at food waste of 20%. The kinetic model of biogas production from corn stover and food waste followed the first-order kinetic model.
Pengaruh Waktu Terhadap Temperatur Aktivasi dari Kulit Pisang (Musa paradisiaca L.) dalam Pembuatan Katalis
Authors: Kurniati Yuni , Septiani Eka Lutfi , Prastuti Okky Putri , Purnomo Victor , Dewi Sri Sugmah  Nur , Mahmuddin Imam
Published: September 2020

Banana peels include agricultural waste that contains lignocellulosic components (holocellulose and lignin) and carbohydrate content which is quite high. Banana peel is quite potential to be used as a substrate in producing catalysts. Acid catalyst is one type of catalyst that plays an important role in chemical processes. Chemical activation is the process of breaking the carbon chains of organic compounds by using chemicals. In this way, the activation process is carried out using chemicals (activators) as activating agents. This study aims to study the effect of activation temperature temrhadao from the optimum mass ratio of carbon-KOH in the synthesis process of banana skin charcoal based catalysts so as to produce a catalyst with the most optimal characteristics, and calcination temperature as a physical chemical process in the synthesis of banana skin charcoal based catalysts. The method of making the catalyst is done by calcination to decompose the carbon source into carbon so that the composite is formed according to the temperature that has been varied. After forming carbon-KOH composite, then sulfonation is carried out using concentrated sulfuric acid according to the specified temperature. Activation with KOH at activation temperatures of 300°C, 350°C and 400°C. In this research, the activation process can run optimally at temperatures of 300 °C, 350 °C, and 400 °C which are characterized by the presence of white smoke that has not come out anymore because carbon has reacted with KOH.
Aplikasi Response Surface Methodology pada Optimasi Penambahan Blast Furnace Slag Terhadap Waktu Pengikatan dan Kuat Tekan Semen
Authors: Hardjono Hardjono , Lusiani Cucuk Evi , Wibowo Agung Ari , Iswara Mochammad Agung Indra
Published: September 2020

The production of clinker consumes high energy and causes high production cost of cement industry. It can be reduced by adding blast furnace slag as a mixture in cement production. The blast furnace slag - clinker mixture can produce cement with setting time and compressive strength according to SNI. The effect of the addition of blast furnace slag as a clinker mixture to the setting time and compressive strength of cement can be optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) using Central Composite Design (CCD). Optimization by using RSM aims to determine the optimum condition of the blast furnace slag – clinker mixture to the initial setting time, final setting time, and compressive strength. ANOVA test results and response surface analysis show that the addition of blast furnace slag into the cement mixture has a significant influence on the initial setting time, final setting time, and compressive strength. The addition of  5% blast furnace slag with  92.5% clinker in the mixture of clinker and gypsum is the optimum condition which gives a significant effect on the response variable.
Tonal-Noise Assessment of Quadrotor-Type UAV Using Source-Mode Expansions
Authors: Roger Michel , Moreau Stéphane
Published: September 2020

The present work deals with the modeling of the aerodynamic sound generated by the propellers of small-size drones, taking into account the effects of horizontal forward flight with negative pitch and of installation on supporting struts. Analytical aeroacoustic formulations are used, dedicated to the loading noise. The fluctuating lift forces on the blades are expanded as circular distributions of acoustic dipoles, the radiated field of which is calculated by using the free-space Green’s function. This provides descriptions of the sound field, valid in the entire space. The stationary mean-flow distortions responsible for the lift fluctuations and at the origin of the sound are estimated from existing numerical flow simulations and from ad hoc models. Installation and forward-flight effects are found to generate much more sound than the steady loading on the blades associated with thrust. Therefore, the models are believed reliable fast-running tools that could be used for preliminary low-noise design through repeated parametric calculations, or for noise-impact estimates corresponding to prescribed urban traffic.
Static Characteristics of a Tilting Five-Pad Journal Bearing with an Asymmetric Geometry
Authors: Dang Phuoc Vinh , Chatterton Steven , Pennacchi Paolo
Published: September 2020

In this paper, static characteristics of a tilting five-pad rocker-backed journal bearing with an asymmetric geometry, i.e., different clearance for each pad, are investigated. A thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic (TEHD) model considering the elasticity of the pad and pivot is used for the simulation. The pivot stiffness of each pad obtained by experiment is also introduced in the model. The experimental tests were carried out on a tilting pad journal bearing (TPJB) with a nominal diameter of 100 mm and a length-to-diameter (L/D) ratio of 0.7 with load-between-pad (LBP) and load-on-pad (LOP) arrangements. Several analyses, including numerical simulations and experimental measurements, are implemented in order to obtain the static behaviors of the tilting-pad bearing under variations of rotational speed, amplitude and direction of applied static load, such as clearance distribution profile, static eccentricity, temperature and pressure distribution. The results show that the effect of asymmetric geometry on the static characteristics is not negligible.
Simplification of the Model of Piezoelectric Actuator Control Based on Preliminary Measurements
Authors: Baraniuk Roman , Drossel Welf-Guntram
Published: September 2020

This article describes a mathematical model simplification, designed to automate the iterative process of non-circular drilling with a precise shape. This model has been optimized for systems that already have experimental data for processing and analysis. Additionally, using optimization steps, the model can be used for systems with insufficient experimental data with a self-learning opportunity. The high-end model can be used for drilling systems represented as a “black box” without knowing of any parameters of the system. The simplification and assumptions algorithm is based on controlling the input signal for non-circular drilling in the cylinders of internal combustion engines using a drilling machine controlled by 8 piezoelectric actuators. The total dynamics of this system is unknown and consists of the dynamics of electrical converters, piezo-kinematics, and mechanics. Simplification is carried out starting from the methods of diacoptics for a complex system with different process-flow rates, and ending with one or the sum of linear models valid for a given system of assumptions.
Silicon Alleviates Temperature Stresses in Poinsettia by Regulating Stomata, Photosynthesis, and Oxidative Damages
Authors: Hu Jiangtao , Li Yali , Jeong Byoung Ryong
Published: September 2020

The effects of silicon (Si) on temperature stresses were investigated in poinsettia. Well-rooted cuttings supplemented with and without Si were exposed to 40 °C, and plants treated with or without Si during cutting propagation and cultivation were subjected to 4 °C. The results showed that almost all the stomata of cuttings without Si supplementation were closed, while some of them were still open in cuttings supplemented with Si under a high temperature stress. However, Si was not able to alleviate stomatal closure of poinsettia under low temperature stress. The increased epicuticular wax might contribute to enhanced resistance of poinsettia to low temperature stresses. In addition, poinsettia maintained a higher photosynthetic rate and lower malonaldehyde and hydrogen sulfide concentrations when supplemented with Si under high and low temperature stresses, which might contribute to lower APX activities. Overall, temperature stresses had negative impacts on the physiological characteristics of poinsettia, while Si could alleviate some effects of temperature stresses.
Organic Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Production Has an Advantage over Conventional in Quantity as Well as in Quality
Authors: Bender Ingrid , Edesi Liina , Hiiesalu Inga , Ingver Anne , Kaart Tanel , Kaldmäe Hedi , Talve Tiina , Tamm Ilmar , Luik Anne
Published: September 2020

Organic production is one of the fastest growing food sectors globally. However, average yield in organic vegetable production is up to 33% lower than in conventional production. This difference could be due to higher fertilization rates in conventional, compared to organic, farming. We aimed to compare yield and quality characteristics of carrots produced under equal nitrogen fertilization rates over four years in organic and conventional conditions. We found a 14.5% higher marketable, and 10.0% lower discarded, yield in the organic compared to the average conventional treatments. In addition, carrots managed organically had 14.1% lower nitrate and 10.0% higher vitamin C content than carrots managed conventionally. There were no convincing effects of cultivation system on the nitrogen, total sugar, or dry matter content of carrots. Organically managed carrots were free of pesticide residues, while several residues were found in carrots managed conventionally. Our study reveals that organic management of carrots may exceed that of conventional methods in yield and several quality characteristics, while being free of pesticide residues. Organic fertilizer gave an advantage over mineral fertilizer, when equal rates of nitrogen were used in both production systems.
Overview of Kaolin Outcomes from Vine to Wine: Cerceal White Variety Case Study
Authors: Dinis Lia-Tânia , Bernardo Sara , Matos Carlos , Malheiro Aureliano , Flores Rui , Alves Sandra , Costa Carina , Rocha Sílvia , Correia Carlos , Luzio Ana , Moutinho-Pereira José
Published: September 2020

Kaolin protective effect was assessed in a white grapevine cultivar ‘Cerceal’ in ‘Alentejo’ Region (southeast Portugal) where plants face extreme conditions during the summer season. We addressed the hypothesis that kaolin effects lead to several changes in leaves, fruits, and wine characteristics on the primary and secondary metabolism. Results showed that kaolin reduces leaf temperature which provokes an improvement in physiological parameters such as net photosynthesis and water use efficiency. This protection interferes with berry color, leaving them more yellowish, and an increase in phenolic compounds were observed in all fruit tissues (skin, seed, and pulp). Additionally, both berry and wine characteristics were strongly affected, with an increase of tartaric and malic acid and consequently high total acidity, while the sugar concentration decreased 8.9% in berries provoking a low wine alcohol level. Results also showed that kaolin induces high potassium, magnesium, and iron, and low copper and aluminum concentrations. Moreover, the control wine showed higher content of esters related with hostile notes whereas wine from kaolin treated vines presented higher content of esters associated with fruity notes. Overall, the results strengthen the promising nature of kaolin application as a summer stress mitigation strategy protecting grapevine plants and improving fruit quality and creating more balanced wines.
SDHB and SDHA Immunohistochemistry in Canine Pheochromocytomas
Authors: Abed Firas M. , Brown Melissa A. , Al-Mahmood Omar A. , Dark Michael J.
Published: September 2020

Pheochromocytomas (PCs) are tumors arising from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal glands and are the most common tumors of the adrenal medulla in animals. In people, these are highly correlated to inherited gene mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) pathway; however, to date, little work has been done on the genetic basis of these tumors in animals. In humans, immunohistochemistry has proven valuable as a screening technique for SDH mutations. Human PCs that lack succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB) immunoreactivity have a high rate of mutation in the SDH family of genes, while human PCs lacking succinate dehydrogenase A (SDHA) immunoreactivity have mutations in the SDHA gene. To determine if these results are similar for dogs, we performed SDHA and SDHB immunohistochemistry on 35 canine formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) PCs. Interestingly, there was a loss of immunoreactivity for both SDHA and SDHB in four samples (11%), suggesting a mutation in SDHx including SDHA. An additional 25 (71%) lacked immunoreactivity for SDHB, while retaining SDHA immunoreactivity. These data suggest that 29 out of the 35 (82%) may have an SDH family mutation other than SDHA. Further work is needed to determine if canine SDH immunohistochemistry on PCs correlates to genetic mutations that are similar to human PCs.
Development of a Benchmarking Tool for Dairy Herd Management Using Routinely Collected Herd Records
Authors: Warner Daniel , Vasseur Elsa , Villettaz Robichaud Marianne , Adam Steve , Pellerin Doris , Lefebvre Daniel M. , Lacroix René
Published: September 2020

Continuous assessment of the herd status is important in order to monitor and adjust to changes in the welfare and health status but can be time consuming and expensive. In this study, herd status indicators from routinely collected dairy herd improvement (DHI) records were used to develop a remote herd assessment tool with the aim to help producers and advisors benchmark the herd status and identify herd management issues affecting welfare and health. Thirteen DHI indicators were selected from an initial set of 72 potential indicators collected on 4324 dairy herds in Eastern Canada. Data were normalized to percentile ranks and aggregated to a composite herd status index (HSI) with equal weights among indicators. Robustness analyses indicated little fluctuation for herds with a small HSI (low status) or large HSI (high status), suggesting that herds in need of support could be prioritized and effectively monitored over time, limiting the need for time-consuming farm visits. This tool allows evaluating herds relative to their peers through the composite index and highlighting specific areas with opportunities for improvements through the individual indicators. This procedure could be applied to similar multidimensional livestock farming issues, such as environmental and socio-economic studies.
E4 Transcription Factor 1 (E4F1) Regulates Sertoli Cell Proliferation and Fertility in Mice
Authors: Yan Rong-Ge , Yang Qi-Lin , Yang Qi-En
Published: September 2020

In the mammalian testes, Sertoli cells are the only somatic cells in the seminiferous tubules that provide structural, nutritional and regulatory support for developing spermatogenic cells. Sertoli cells only proliferate during the fetal and neonatal periods and enter a quiescent state after puberty. Functional evidences suggest that the size of Sertoli cell population determines sperm production and fertility. However, factors that direct Sertoli cell proliferation and maturation are not fully understood. Transcription factor E4F1 is a multifunctional protein that serves essential roles in cell fate decisions and because it interacts with pRB, a master regulator of Sertoli cell function, we hypothesized that E4F1 may have a functional role in Sertoli cells. E4f1 mRNA was present in murine testis and immunohistochemical staining confirmed that E4F1 was enriched in mature Sertoli cells. We generated a conditional knockout mouse model using Amh-cre and E4f1flox/flox lines to study E4F1 fucntion in Sertoli cells and the results showed that E4f1 deletion caused a significant reduction in testis size and fertility. Further analyses revealed that meiosis progression and spermiogenesis were normal, however, Sertoli cell proliferation was impaired and germ cell apoptosis was elevated in the testis of E4f1 conditional knockout mice. On the basis of these findings, we concluded that E4F1 was expressed in murine Sertoli cells and served important functions in regulating Sertoli cell proliferation and fertility.
Goat Milk Nutritional Quality Software-Automatized Individual Curve Model Fitting, Shape Parameters Calculation and Bayesian Flexibility Criteria Comparison
Authors: Pizarro Inostroza María Gabriela , Navas González Francisco Javier , Landi Vincenzo , León Jurado Jose Manuel , Delgado Bermejo Juan Vicente , Fernández Álvarez Javier , Martínez Martínez María del Amparo
Published: September 2020

SPSS syntax was described to evaluate the individual performance of 49 linear and non-linear models to fit the milk component evolution curve of 159 Murciano-Granadina does selected for genotyping analyses. Peak and persistence for protein, fat, dry matter, lactose, and somatic cell counts were evaluated using 3107 controls (3.91 ± 2.01 average lactations/goat). Best-fit (adjusted R2) values (0.548, 0.374, 0.429, and 0.624 for protein, fat, dry matter, and lactose content, respectively) were reached by the five-parameter logarithmic model of Ali and Schaeffer (ALISCH), and for the three-parameter model of parabolic yield-density (PARYLDENS) for somatic cell counts (0.481). Cross-validation was performed using the Minimum Mean-Square Error (MMSE). Model comparison was performed using Residual Sum of Squares (RSS), Mean-Squared Prediction Error (MSPE), adjusted R2 and its standard deviation (SD), Akaike (AIC), corrected Akaike (AICc), and Bayesian information criteria (BIC). The adjusted R2 SD across individuals was around 0.2 for all models. Thirty-nine models successfully fitted the individual lactation curve for all components. Parametric and computational complexity promote variability-capturing properties, while model flexibility does not significantly (p > 0.05) improve the predictive and explanatory potential. Conclusively, ALISCH and PARYLDENS can be used to study goat milk composition genetic variability as trustable evaluation models to face future challenges of the goat dairy industry.
Molecular Characterization and Comparative Genomics of IncQ-3 Plasmids Conferring Resistance to Various Antibiotics Isolated from a Wastewater Treatment Plant in Warsaw (Poland)
Authors: Piotrowska Marta , Dziewit Lukasz , Ostrowski Rafał , Chmielowska Cora , Popowska Magdalena
Published: September 2020

As small, mobilizable replicons with a broad host range, IncQ plasmids are widely distributed among clinical and environmental bacteria. They carry antibiotic resistance genes, and it has been shown that they confer resistance to β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, trimethoprim, sulphonamides, and tetracycline. The previously proposed classification system divides the plasmid group into four subgroups, i.e., IncQ-1, IncQ-2, IncQ-3, and IncQ-4. The last two subgroups have been poorly described so far. The aim of this study was to analyze five newly identified IncQ-3 plasmids isolated from a wastewater treatment plant in Poland and to compare them with all known plasmids belonging to the IncQ-3 subgroup whose sequences were retrieved from the NCBI database. The complete nucleotide sequences of the novel plasmids were annotated and bioinformatic analyses were performed, including identification of core genes and auxiliary genetic load. Furthermore, functional experiments testing plasmid mobility were carried out. Phylogenetic analysis based on three core genes (repA, mobA/repB, and mobC) revealed the presence of three main clusters of IncQ-3 replicons. Apart from having a highly conserved core, the analyzed IncQ-3 plasmids were vectors of antibiotic resistance genes, including (I) the qnrS2 gene that encodes fluoroquinolone resistance and (II) β-lactam, trimethoprim, and aminoglycoside resistance genes within integron cassettes.
Evaluation of Intravenous Fosfomycin Disodium Dosing Regimens in Critically Ill Patients for Treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales Infections Using Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Leelawattanachai Pannee , Wattanavijitkul Thitima , Paiboonvong Taniya , Plongla Rongpong , Chatsuwan Tanittha , Usayaporn Sang , Nosoongnoen Wichit , Montakantikul Preecha
Published: September 2020

There are limited intravenous fosfomycin disodium (IVFOS) dosing regimens to treat carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections. This study aimed to use Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) for evaluation of IVFOS dosing regimens in critically ill patients with CRE infections. The dosing regimens in critically ill patients with various creatinine clearance were evaluated with MCS using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) distributions of fosfomycin against CRE clinical isolates in Thailand and the 24 h area under the plasma drug concentration–time curve over the minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC0-24/MIC) of ≥21.5 to be a target for IVFOS. The achieved goal of the probability of target attainment (PTA) and a cumulative fraction of response (CFR) were ≥90%. A total of 129 non-duplicated CRE clinical isolates had MIC distributions from 0.38 to >1024 mg/L. IVFOS 8 g every 8 h, 1 h, or 4 h infusion, could achieve approximately 90% PTA of AUC0-24/MIC target to treat CRE infections with MICs ≤ 128 mg/L. According to PTA target, an IVFOS daily dose to treat carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli based on Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) breakpoints for urinary tract infections and one to treatment for CRE infections based on the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) breakpoints were 16 g/day and 8 g/day, respectively. All dosing regimens of IVFOS against CRE achieved CFR ≤ 70%. This study proposes the IVFOS dosing regimens based on CLSI and EUCAST breakpoints for the treatment of CRE infections. However, further clinical studies are needed to confirm the results of these findings.
Catalase T-Deficient Fission Yeast Meiocytes Show Resistance to Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Muhtadi Razan , Lorenz Alexander , Mpaulo Samantha J. , Siebenwirth Christian , Scherthan Harry
Published: September 2020

Environmental stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS), or ionizing radiation (IR) can induce adverse effects in organisms and their cells, including mutations and premature aging. DNA damage and its faulty repair can lead to cell death or promote cancer through the accumulation of mutations. Misrepair in germ cells is particularly dangerous as it may lead to alterations in developmental programs and genetic disease in the offspring. DNA damage pathways and radical defense mechanisms mediate resistance to genotoxic stresses. Here, we investigated, in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the role of the H2O2-detoxifying enzyme cytosolic catalase T (Ctt1) and the Fe2+/Mn2+ symporter Pcl1 in protecting meiotic chromosome dynamics and gamete formation from radicals generated by ROS and IR. We found that wild-type and pcl1-deficient cells respond similarly to X ray doses of up to 300 Gy, while ctt1∆ meiocytes showed a moderate sensitivity to IR but a hypersensitivity to hydrogen peroxide with cells dying at >0.4 mM H2O2. Meiocytes deficient for pcl1, on the other hand, showed a resistance to hydrogen peroxide similar to that of the wild type, surviving doses >40 mM. In all, it appears that in the absence of the main H2O2-detoxifying pathway S. pombe meiocytes are able to survive significant doses of IR-induced radicals.
THz Radiation Measurement with HTSC Josephson Junction Detector Matched to Planar Antenna
Authors: Holdengreber Eldad , Glezer Moshe Aviv , Schacham Shmuel E. , Mizrahi Moshe , Vigneswaran Dhasarathan , Färber Eliyahu
Published: September 2020

Superconducting Josephson junctions have major advantages as detectors of millimeter wave radiation. Frequency of the radiation can be easily derived from the Shapiro steps of the current-voltage characteristics. However, system performance is highly sensitive to impedance mismatch between the antenna and the junction; therefore, optimization is essential. We analyzed and implemented an improved antenna structure, in which the junction is displaced from the antenna center and placed between the ends of two matching strips. Based on theoretical analysis and advanced electromagnetic simulations, we optimized strip dimensions, which affect both the detection magnitude and the frequency of the reflection coefficient dip. Accordingly, two Au bow-tie antennas with different matching strip widths were fabricated. Superconducting Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide (YBCO) thin films were deposited exactly at the bicrystal substrate misorientation points, forming Josephson junctions at the ends of two matching strips. We found a very high correlation between the simulations and the response to Radio Frequency (RF) radiation in the range of 145–165 GHz. Experimental results agree extremely well with the design, showing best performance of both antennas around the frequency for which impedance matching was derived.
Image-Based Scratch Detection by Fuzzy Clustering and Morphological Features
Authors: Tan Zhiying , Ji Yan , Fei Zhongwen , Xu Xiaobin , Zhao Baolai
Published: September 2020

Detection of scratch defects on randomly textured surfaces remains challenging due to their unnoticeable visual features. In this paper, an algorithm for piezoelectric ceramic plate surface scratch defects based on the combination of fuzzy c-means clustering and morphological features is proposed. Foreground membership of each gray value is calculated firstly on a reference set of training images by fuzzy c-means clustering and the interpolation method, then an enhanced image is obtained by multiplying the foreground membership function and gray image. The location relationship between regions and the gradient direction of regions is extracted from the binary image of the enhanced image. Based on the morphological features, isolated non-scratched defects are filtered out and the intermittent scratches are merged. Experiments show that the algorithm can be used to detect scratch defects on the surface of a piezoelectric ceramics plate with randomly textured surfaces.
Analysis of Emergency Medical Vulnerability and Survival Rates Following Real-Time Traffic Information
Authors: Jeon Jeongbae , Kim Solhee , Kang Gu Hyun , Suh Kyo
Published: September 2020

Providing rapid access to emergency medical services (EMS) within the “golden time” for survival is important to improve the survival rate of emergency patients. This study analyzes the accessibility of EMS based on driving speed changes following real-time road traffic conditions by time to estimate vulnerable areas for EMS and survival rates of emergency patients. The key results of the network analysis based on real-time road speed and this evaluation of vulnerable areas by village level across South Korea reveal the different characteristics of urban and rural areas to access emergency medical facilities. In urban areas, road traffic congestion during rush hour delays the patients’ access time to EMS. In contrast, in rural areas, the long geographical distance to an emergency medical facility is a hurdle for receiving care from an EMS during the “golden time” because emergency medical facilities are mostly located in urban areas. The existing standard to assess vulnerable areas of EMS accessibility is based on the speed limit of roads, but the time may be underestimated because the speed limit alone does not reflect the real road conditions. The study results show that an effective way to increase the survival rate is receiving immediate first aid treatment, which means that the government should continuously train the public to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as well as install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in populated places, and train the public to use them. Reducing assess time to emergency medical centers in urban areas and providing additional manpower to help with first aid in rural areas are reasonable ways to improve the survival rate of emergency patients.