bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Top-of-the-atmosphere shortwave flux estimation from satellite observations:
an empirical neural network approach applied with data from the A-train
constellation
Authors: Gupta Pawan , Joiner Joanna , Vasilkov Alexander , Bhartia Pawan K.
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Estimates of top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) radiative flux are essential for the understanding of Earth's energy budget and climate system. Clouds, aerosols, water vapor, and ozone (O3) are among the most important atmospheric agents impacting the Earth's shortwave (SW) radiation budget. There are several sensors in orbit that provide independent information related to these parameters. Having coincident information from these sensors is important for understanding their potential contributions. The A-train constellation of satellites provides a unique opportunity to analyze data from several of these sensors. In this paper, retrievals of cloud/aerosol parameters and total column ozone (TCO) from the Aura Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) have been collocated with the Aqua Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) estimates of total reflected TOA outgoing SW flux (SWF). We use these data to develop a variety of neural networks that estimate TOA SWF globally over ocean and land using only OMI data and other ancillary information as inputs and CERES TOA SWF as the output for training purposes. OMI-estimated TOA SWF from the trained neural networks reproduces independent CERES data with high fidelity. The global mean daily TOA SWF calculated from OMI is consistently within ±1 % of CERES throughout the year 2007. Application of our neural network method to other sensors that provide similar retrieved parameters, both past and future, can produce similar estimates TOA SWF. For example, the well-calibrated Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) series could provide estimates of TOA SWF dating back to late 1978.
Accomplishments of the MUSICA project to provide accurate, long-term, global and high-resolution observations
of tropospheric {H2O,δD} pairs – a review
Authors: Schneider Matthias , Wiegele Andreas , Barthlott Sabine , González Yenny , Christner Emanuel , Dyroff Christoph , García Omaira E. , Hase Frank , Blumenstock Thomas , Sepúlveda Eliezer , Mengistu Tsidu Gizaw , Takele Kenea Samuel , Rodríguez Sergio , Andrey Javier
Published: July 2016

Abstract. In the lower/middle troposphere, {H2O,δD} pairs are good proxies for moisture pathways; however, their observation, in particular when using remote sensing techniques, is challenging. The project MUSICA (MUlti-platform remote Sensing of Isotopologues for investigating the Cycle of Atmospheric water) addresses this challenge by integrating the remote sensing with in situ measurement techniques. The aim is to retrieve calibrated tropospheric {H2O,δD} pairs from the middle infrared spectra measured from ground by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectrometers of the NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change) and the thermal nadir spectra measured by IASI (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer) aboard the MetOp satellites. In this paper, we present the final MUSICA products, and discuss the characteristics and potential of the NDACC/FTIR and MetOp/IASI {H2O,δD} data pairs. First, we briefly resume the particularities of an {H2O,δD} pair retrieval. Second, we show that the remote sensing data of the final product version are absolutely calibrated with respect to H2O and δD in situ profile references measured in the subtropics, between 0 and 7 km. Third, we reveal that the {H2O,δD} pair distributions obtained from the different remote sensors are consistent and allow distinct lower/middle tropospheric moisture pathways to be identified in agreement with multi-year in situ references. Fourth, we document the possibilities of the NDACC/FTIR instruments for climatological studies (due to long-term monitoring) and of the MetOp/IASI sensors for observing diurnal signals on a quasi-global scale and with high horizontal resolution. Fifth, we discuss the risk of misinterpreting {H2O,δD} pair distributions due to incomplete processing of the remote sensing products.
Technical note: Assessing gas equilibration systems for continuous pCO2 measurements in inland waters
Authors: Yoon Tae Kyung , Jin Hyojin , Oh Neung-Hwan , Park Ji-Hyung
Published: July 2016

Abstract. High-frequency continuous measurements of the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) are crucial for constraining the spatiotemporal dynamics of CO2 emissions from inland water systems. However, direct measurements of pCO2 are scarce, and no systematic comparisons have been conducted on the suitability of the widely used measurement systems for continuous underway or long-term deployment in various field conditions. We compared spray- and marble-type equilibrators and a membrane-enclosed CO2 sensor to assess their suitability for continuous long-term or underway pCO2 measurements in an urbanized river system in Korea. Both equilibrators had a shorter response time compared with the membrane-enclosed sensor, and could capture large spatial variations of pCO2 during a transect study along a highly urbanized river reach. The membrane-enclosed sensor based on passive equilibration provided comparable underway measurements along the river sections where pCO2 varied within the sensor detection range. When deployed in a eutrophic river site, the membrane-enclosed sensor was able to detect large diel variations in pCO2. However, biofouling on the membrane could reduce the accuracy of the measurement during long deployments exceeding several days. The overall results suggest that the fast response of the equilibrator systems facilitates capturing large spatial variations in pCO2 during short underway measurements. However, the attendant technical challenges of these systems, such as clogging and desiccant maintenance, have to be addressed carefully to enable their long-term deployment. The membrane-enclosed sensor would be suitable as an alternative tool for long-term continuous measurements if membrane biofouling could be overcome by appropriate antifouling measures such as copper mesh coverings.
Photochemical mineralisation in a boreal brown water lake: considerable
temporal variability and minor contribution to carbon dioxide production
Authors: Groeneveld Marloes , Tranvik Lars , Natchimuthu Sivakiruthika , Koehler Birgit
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Sunlight induces photochemical mineralisation of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) to dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in inland waters, resulting in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to the atmosphere. Photochemical rate modelling is used to determine sunlight-induced CO2 emissions on large spatial and temporal scales. A sensitive model parameter is the wavelength-specific photochemical CDOM reactivity, the apparent quantum yield (AQY). However, the temporal variability of AQY spectra within inland waters remains poorly constrained. Here, we studied a boreal brown water lake in Sweden. We measured AQY spectra for photochemical DIC production monthly between June and November 2014 and parameterised a photochemical rate model. The total AQY between 280 and 600 nm increased about 3-fold during the open-water period, likely due to a high rainfall event with consecutive mixing in autumn that increased availability of highly photoreactive CDOM. However, the variability in AQY spectra over time was much smaller than previously reported variability in AQY spectra between lakes. Yet, using either the AQY spectrum from the least or from the most photoreactive water sample resulted in a 5-fold difference in simulated annual DIC photoproduction (2012–2014), with 2.0 ± 0.1 and 10.3 ± 0.7 g C m−2 yr−1, respectively. This corresponded to 1 and 8 % of the mean CO2 emissions measured from this lake. We conclude that (1) it may be recommendable to conduct repeated AQY measurements throughout the season for more accurate simulation of annual photochemical DIC production in lakes and (2), in agreement with previous studies, direct CDOM photomineralisation makes only a minor contribution to mean CO2 emissions from Swedish brown water lakes.
Holocene biome changes in Asia – an analysis of different transient Earth system model simulations
Authors: Dallmeyer Anne , Claussen Martin , Ni Jian , Cao Xianyong , Wang Yongbo , Fischer Nils , Pfeiffer Madlene , Jin Liya , Khon Vyacheslav , Wagner Sebastian , Haberkorn Kerstin , Herzschuh Ulrike
Published: July 2016

Abstract. The large variety of atmospheric circulation systems affecting the East Asian climate is reflected by the complex Asian vegetation distribution. Particularly in the transition zones of these circulation systems, vegetation is supposed to be very sensitive to climate change. Since proxy records are scarce, hitherto a mechanistic understanding of the past spatio-temporal climate-vegetation relationship is lacking. To assess the Holocene vegetation change and to obtain an ensemble of potential mid-Holocene biome distributions for Eastern Asia, we forced the diagnostic biome model BIOME4 with climate anomalies of different transient Holocene climate simulations performed in coupled atmosphere-ocean(-vegetation) models. The simulated biome changes are compared with pollen-based biome records for different key regions. In all simulations, substantial biome shifts during the Holocene are confined to the high-northern latitudes and the Monsoon-Westerlies transition zone, but the temporal evolution and amplitude of change strongly depends on the climate forcing. Large parts of the southern tundra are replaced by taiga during the mid-Holocene due to a warmer growing season and the boreal treeline in northern Asia is shifted northward by approx. 4° in the ensemble mean, ranging from 1.5° to 6° in the individual simulations, respectively. This simulated treeline shift is in agreement with pollen-based reconstructions from northern Siberia. The desert fraction in the transition zone is reduced by 21 % during the mid-Holocene compared to pre-industrial due to enhanced precipitation. The desert- steppe margin is shifted westward by 5° (1°–9° in the individual simulations). The forest biomes are expanded north-westward by 2° ranging from 0°–4° in the single simulations. These results corroborate pollen-based reconstructions indicating an extended forest area in north Central China during the mid-Holocene. According to the model, the forest-to-non-forest and steppe-to-desert changes in the climate transition zones are spatially not uniform and not linear during the Holocene.
Observation-based gridded runoff estimates for Europe (E-RUN
version 1.1)
Authors: Gudmundsson Lukas , Seneviratne Sonia I.
Published: July 2016

Abstract. River runoff is an essential climate variable as it is directly linked to the terrestrial water balance and controls a wide range of climatological and ecological processes. Despite its scientific and societal importance, there are to date no pan-European observation-based runoff estimates available. Here we employ a recently developed methodology to estimate monthly runoff rates on regular spatial grid in Europe. For this we first assemble an unprecedented collection of river flow observations, combining information from three distinct databases. Observed monthly runoff rates are subsequently tested for homogeneity and then related to gridded atmospheric variables (E-OBS version 12) using machine learning. The resulting statistical model is then used to estimate monthly runoff rates (December 1950–December 2015) on a 0.5°  ×  0.5° grid. The performance of the newly derived runoff estimates is assessed in terms of cross validation. The paper closes with example applications, illustrating the potential of the new runoff estimates for climatological assessments and drought monitoring. The newly derived data are made publicly available at doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.861371.
Seiche excitation in a highly stratified fjord of southern Chile: the Reloncaví fjord
Authors: Castillo Manuel I. , Pizarro Oscar , Ramirez Nadin , Caceres Mario
Published: July 2016

Abstract. We describe a seiche process in a Chilean fjord, based on current, temperature and sealevel data obtained from the Reloncavi fjord (41.6° S, 72.5° W) in southern Chile. We combined four months of ADCP data with sealevel, temperature and wind time series to analyze the dynamics of low-frequency (periods > 1 day) internal oscillations in the fjord. Additionally, seasonal CTD data from 19 along-fjord stations were used to characterize the seasonality of the density field. The density profiles were used to estimate the internal long-wave phase speed (c) using two approximations: (1) a simple reduced gravity model (RGM) and (2) a continuously stratified model (CSM). No major seasonal changes in c were observed using either approximation (e.g., the CSM yielded 0.73 < c < 0.87 m s−1 for mode 1). The natural internal periods (TN) were estimated using Merians’s formula for a simple fjord-like basin and the above phase speeds. Estimated values of TN varied between 2.9 and 3.5 days and were highly consistent with spectral peaks observed in the along-fjord currents and temperature time series. We conclude that these oscillations were forced by the wind stress, despite the moderate wind energy. Wind conditions at the end of winter gave us an excellent opportunity to explore the damping process. The observed damping time (Td) was relatively long (Td = 9.1 days).
Sonar Gas Flux Estimation by Bubble Insonification: Application to Methane Bubble Fluxes from the East Siberian Arctic Shelf Seabed
Authors: Leifer Ira , Chernykh Denis , Shakhova Natalia , Semiletov Igor
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Sonar surveys provide an effective mechanism for mapping seabed methane flux emissions, with Arctic submerged permafrost seepage having great potential to significantly affect climate. We created in situ engineered bubble plumes from 40-m depth with fluxes spanning 0.019 to 1.1 L/s to derive the in situ calibration curve, Q(σ). Non-linear curves relating volume flux, Q, to sonar return, s, for a multibeam echosounder (MBES) and a single beam echosounder (SBES) for a range of depths demonstrated significant bubble-bubble acoustic interactions – precluding the use of a theoretical calibration function, Q(σ), wherein bubble σ(r) scales with the radius, r, size distribution. Bubble plume sonar occurrence, Ψ(σ), with respect to Q found Ψ(σ) for weak σ well described by a power law that likely correlated with small bubble dispersion and strongly depth dependent. Ψ(σ) for strong s largely was depth-independent, consistent with bubble plume behavior where large bubbles in a plume remain in a focused core. As a result, Ψ(σ) was bimodal for all but the weakest plumes. Ψ(σ) was applied to sonar observations of natural arctic Laptev Sea, seepage including accounting for volumetric change with a numerical bubble plume. Based on MBES data, values of total mass flux, Qm, the mass flux, were 5.56, 42.73, and 4.88 mmol/s with good to reasonable agreement between the SBES and MBES data (4–37 %) for total Qm. Seepage occurrence, Ψ(Q) was bimodal, with weak Ψ(Q) in each seep area well described by a power law, suggesting primarily minor bubble plumes. Seepage mapped spatial patterns suggested subsurface geologic control attributing methane fluxes to the current state of subsea permafrost.
Archives, Education, and Access: Learning at Interference Archive
Authors: Gordon Bonnie , Hanna Lani , Hoyer Jen , Ordaz Vero
Published: July 2016

Archives are a tool for education and the access policy of an archive affects what kind of education takes place in its space. In this paper, we describe how Interference Archive (IA), a community archive in Brooklyn, New York, provides access through an open stacks policy and experiential learning, which allows for unique educational opportunities. These methods of providing access are intended to subvert representational power, allowing visitors, donors, and volunteers to take part in deciding how histories are told, how materials are accessed, and how the collection is re-used as a resource for learning about contemporary and historical social movements.
Orality and the Archive: Teaching the Partition of India through Oral Histories
Authors: Jayagopalan Gaana
Published: July 2016

This article is a reflection on how select oral histories and witness accounts about the partition of India and Pakistan, especially those by Urvashi Butalia and Veena Das were used in a graduate seminar in Bengaluru. The article explores the strength of oral archives as repositories of radical enquiry that may be used in classrooms to understand the complex nature of history, historiography, and interrogate the State’s archival processes. The article explores how students began to see the potency in oral archives as a space that embodies the victimhood of partition victims as opposed to an effacement of the sufferers in most state archives of the event. It observes how the memorialisation of Partition is different in the State’s construction of partition: to the victims who recount their stories, it is the ‘everyday’ that becomes predominant as opposed to State archives that seek to represent the differences between the two nations as paramount in its processes of memorialisation. The note concludes by emphasising the need to put such oral histories to use in classroom, especially to understand the nature of suffering. Through a reading of such stories, it is proposed, an affective literacy is enabled in students’ modes of enquiry about trauma, memory and suffering. Keywords: Partition of India, affective literacy, archives, oral histories, witness narratives.
Changing the Subject: Archives, Technology, and Radical Counter-Narratives of Peace
Authors: Foster J. Ashley , Horowitz Sarah M. , Allen Laurie
Published: July 2016

This article argues that performing the recovery of pacifist art and actions through archival research of the modernist era encourages students to engage in radical ethical inquiry.  Based on four sections of a writing class at Haverford College, this article walks the reader through the construction of a student digital humanities and special collections exhibition, Testimonies in Art & Action: Igniting Pacifism in the Face of Total War, which ran from October 6 to December 11, 2015 in Haverford College’s Magill Library.  The exhibition placed archival materials in conversation with the major modernist pacifist documentary projects of Langston Hughes’s Spanish Civil War poetry and dispatches, Muriel Rukeyser’s “Mediterranean,” Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, and Virginia Woolf’s Three Guineas.  This undertaking was driven by the questions, “How does one respond ethically to total war?” and “How can archival and special collections research do the works of peace?” Built around the work of these classes and materials from Haverford’s Quaker & Special Collections, Testimonies in Art & Action allowed students to deeply interrogate a variety of pacifisms and become producers of a critical discourse that challenges the status quo position that violence is perpetually necessary and the most important aspect of world history.
The role of color sorting machine in reducing food safety risks
Authors: Kecskes-Nagy Eleonora , Korzenszky Péter , Sembery Péter
Published: July 2016

It is the very difficult problem how we can decrease food safety risks in the product, which was polluted in process of cropping. According to professional literature almost the prevention is considered as an exclusive method to keep below safe level the content of DON toxin. The source of food safety in food chain is that the primary products suit the food safety requirements. It is a very difficult or sometimes it is not possible to correct food safety risk factors - which got into the products during cultivation - in the course of processing. Such factor is fusariotoxin in fodder and bread wheat. DON toxin is the most frequent toxin in cereals. The objective of the searching was to investigate, if it is possible to decrease DON toxin content of durum wheat and to minimize the food safety risk by application milling technology with good production practice and technological conditions. The samples were taken in the first phase of milling technology just before and after color sorting. According to measuring results Sortex Z+ optical sorting decreased DON toxin content of wheat. This mean that the food safety risks can be reduced by Sortex Z+ optical sorting machine. Our experiments proved if there is color sorting in the cleaning process preceding the milling of wheat then a part of the grain of wheat infected by Fusarium sp. can be selected. This improves the food safety parameters of given lot of wheat and decrease the toxin content. The flour made from contaminated grains of wheat can be a serious food safety risk. We would like to support scientifically the technical development of milling technology with our experimental data.
Histological analysis of femoral bones in rabbits administered by amygdalin
Authors: Kováčová Veronika , Omelka Radoslav , Šarocká Anna , Šranko Patrik , Adamkovičová Mária , Toman Róbert , Halenár Marek , Kolesárová Adriana , Martiniaková Monika
Published: July 2016

Cyanogenic glycosides are present in several economically important plant foods. Amygdalin, one of the most common cyanoglucoside, can be found abundantly in the seeds of apples, bitter almonds, apricots, peaches, various beans, cereals, cassava and sorghum. Amygdalin has been used for the treatment of cancer, it shows killing effects on cancer cells by release of cyanide. However, its effect on bone structure has not been investigated to date. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine a possible effect of amygdalin application on femoral bone microstructure in adult rabbits. Four month old rabbits were randomly divided into two groups of three animals each. Rabbits from E group received amygdalin intramuscularly at a dose 0.6 mg.kg-1 body weight (bw) (group E, n = 3) one time per day during 28 days. The second group of rabbits without amygdalin supplementation served as a control (group C, n = 3). After 28 days, histological structure of femoral bones in both groups of rabbits was analysed and compared. Rabbits from E group displayed different microstructure in middle part of the compact bone and near endosteal bone surface. For endosteal border, an absence of the primary vascular longitudinal bone tissue was typical. This part of the bone was formed by irregular Haversian and/or by dense Haversian bone tissues. In the middle part of substantia compacta, primary vascular longitudinal bone tissue was observed. Cortical bone thickness did not change between rabbits from E and C groups. However, rabbits from E group had a significantly lower values of primary osteons' vascular canals and secondary osteons as compared to the C group. On the other hand, all measured parameters of Haversian canals did not differ between rabbits from both groups. Our results demonstrate that intramuscular application of amygdalin at the dose used in our study affects femoral bone microstructure in rabbits.
Tests for evaluating the physiological quality of pitaya seeds
Authors: Ortiz Thiago Alberto , Moritz Aline , Takahashi Lúcia Sadayo Assari , Urbano Mariana Ragassi
Published: July 2016

Germination test is used to assess the physiological quality of seeds; however, since it is carried out under ideal conditions, this test has not been shown sufficient for this purpose. Instead, it is possible to use vigor tests, although the lack of standardized methodologies has reduced their applicability and reproducibility. Thus, this study aimed to develop methodologies for conducting tests of germination, accelerated aging, and electrical conductivity for the evaluation of the physiological quality of pitaya seeds. For this purpose, seeds from ripe Hylocereus undatus fruits were used. A completely randomized experimental design was used with four replications. The physiological quality of the seeds was assessed using germination, accelerated aging, and electrical conductivity tests, and the speed of germination index (SGI) and mean germination time (MGT) were determined for both the germination test and accelerated aging test. For the statistical analysis, we performed regression model adjustments and calculated the Pearson correlation coefficient (p < 0.05). The germination test for H. undatus seeds can be performed at 25 °C, with the aim of reaching the highest SGI and lowest MGT values. The accelerated aging test can be conducted at 43 °C for 48 h, because combining these factors favors the expression of seed vigor, allowing seeds to achieve the maximum SGI and minimum MGT, while reducing the time of the assay. The electrical conductivity test can be performed using 25 seeds at a temperature of 30 °C and a water volume of 10 mL, since under these conditions there is less interference from external factors on the leachate content of the solution.
Performance of carrot genotypes at two Jequitinhonha Valley sites
Authors: Pereira Gustavo Antônio Mendes , Oliveira Maxwel Coura , Oliveira Altino Júnior Mendes , Fernandes José Sebastião Cunha , Andrade Júnior Valter Carvalho de , Silva Daniel Valadão , Ferreira Evander Alves
Published: July 2016

The successful commercial use of carrot depends on the choice of cultivars that are well-adapted to soil and climate conditions at the cultivation site and on good consumer acceptance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of carrot cultivars grown in autumn-winter in two towns with different climatic characteristics, in the High Jequitinhonha Valley, MG, Brazil. The experiments were conducted on the Rio Manso farm, in the town of Couto de Magalhães de Minas and on Campus JK at UFVJM, in the town of Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Six carrot cultivars (Brasília, Nantes, Kuronan, Esplanada, Planalto and Tornado) were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The following morpho-agronomic characteristics were evaluated 100 days after sowing: shoot height, root length, root dry matter, total dry matter, harvest index, commercial yield and total yield root. The most suitable cultivars in Diamantina were Planalto, Tornado and Kuronan, and the cultivatar Planalto was the best suited to Couto de Magalhães de Minas. The agronomic performance of the cultivars was higher in Couto de Magalhães de Minas for the majority of the study variables, resulting in a higher total yield and commercial root yield. The climatic and soil conditions of Diamantina induced flowering in most cultivars, causing a loss to the commercial yield in autumn-winter cultivation.
Acaricidal activity of Annonaceae fractions against Tetranychus tumidus and Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and the metabolite profile of Duguetia lanceolata (Annonaceae) using GC-MS
Authors: Alves Dejane Santos , Morejón Reinaldo Chico , Machado Alan Rodrigues Teixeira , Carvalho Geraldo Andrade , Pina Oriela , Oliveira Denilson Ferreira
Published: July 2016

Species of the Tetranychus genus feed on plant tissues, which reduces the rate of photosynthesis and can lead to the death of plant tissues. As a result, considerable production losses are caused by these arthropods. Thus, in order to aid in the development of new products for the control of Tetranychus tumidus Banks and Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), the initial objective of this study was to select Annonaceae derived fractions that were soluble in dichloromethane and have acaricidal activity. Then, an exploratory analysis of the metabolite profile of the most successful fraction was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Among the dichloromethane soluble fractions derived from Annona cacans Warm., Annona coriacea Mart., Annona neolaurifolia H. Rainer, Annona sylvatica A.St.-Hil., Duguetia lanceolata A.St.-Hil., Guatteria australis A.St.-Hil., Xylopia brasiliensis Spreng., Xylopia emarginata Mart. and Xylopia sericea A.St.-Hil., only the fraction from D. lanceolata stem bark reduced the survival of T. tumidus females. However, ovicidal activity was not detected when D. lanceolata stem bark was evaluated against T. tumidus eggs. Further, we studied the effect of dichloromethane soluble fractions from D. lanceolata leaves, berry fruits and stem bark on T. urticae, and the stem bark was found to be the most active fraction against T. urticae. The metabolite profile analysis of D. lanceolata stem bark by GC-MS, suggested that the main constituents were 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene and trans-asarone.
Combining abilities and inbreeding depression in commercial maize hybrids
Authors: Senhorinho Henrique José Camargo , Pinto Ronald José Barth , Scapim Carlos Alberto , Milani Klayton Flávio , Nihei Thiago Hideyo
Published: July 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the combining ability and inbreeding depression of commercial maize hybrids for agricultural traits. Twenty-two commercial maize hybrids, 96 F1 crosses from a partial diallel scheme, 22 S1 populations and 4 controls were evaluated in a 12x12 simples square lattice experimental setup, totaling 144 treatments, in the municipality of Sabáudia (PR), Brazil, for harvests from 2011/2012 and 2012/2013. Three traits were evaluated: grain yield, plant height and ear height. The Griffing method (1956) was applied for the evaluation of the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA). The 30B39, 30K64 and 30B30 hybrids showed increased yield, 30F53 and P1630 showed reduced plant height and AG9040 and AG7010 showed reduced ear height. These hybrids can be recommended for the extraction of inbred lines and formation of composites followed by intrapopulation selection. The combinations 30B39 x AG8088, 30B39 x AG9045 and P1630 x AG8021 showed desirable SCA effects for grain yield, plant height and ear height and are recommended for use in reciprocal recurrent selection programs. High magnitudes of inbreeding depression were verified for yield and lower values for inbreeding depression for plant and ear heights. Thus, strategies are recommended for interpopulation breeding accompanied by inbred lines extraction.
Sample size for morphological traits of pigeonpea
Authors: Facco Giovani , Cargnelutti Filho Alberto , Lúcio Alessandro Dal’Col , Santos Gustavo Oliveira dos , Stefanello Réges Bellé , Alves Bruna Mendonça , Burin Cláudia , Neu Ismael Mario Márcio , Kleinpaul Jéssica Andiara
Published: July 2016

The objectives of this study were to determine the sample size (i.e., number of plants) required to accurately estimate the average of morphological traits of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) and to check for variability in sample size between evaluation periods and seasons. Two uniformity trials (i.e., experiments without treatment) were conducted for two growing seasons. In the first season (2011/2012), the seeds were sown by broadcast seeding, and in the second season (2012/2013), the seeds were sown in rows spaced 0.50 m apart. The ground area in each experiment was 1,848 m2, and 360 plants were marked in the central area, in a 2 m × 2 m grid. Three morphological traits (e.g., number of nodes, plant height and stem diameter) were evaluated 13 times during the first season and 22 times in the second season. Measurements for all three morphological traits were normally distributed and confirmed through the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Randomness was confirmed using the Run Test, and the descriptive statistics were calculated. For each trait, the sample size (n) was calculated for the semiamplitudes of the confidence interval (i.e., estimation error) equal to 2, 4, 6, ..., 20% of the estimated mean with a confidence coefficient (1-?) of 95%. Subsequently, n was fixed at 360 plants, and the estimation error of the estimated percentage of the average for each trait was calculated. Variability of the sample size for the pigeonpea culture was observed between the morphological traits evaluated, among the evaluation periods and between seasons. Therefore, to assess with an accuracy of 6% of the estimated average, at least 136 plants must be evaluated throughout the pigeonpea crop cycle to determine the sample size for the traits (e.g., number of nodes, plant height and stem diameter) in the different evaluation periods and between seasons. 
Clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemistry characterization of toxoplasmosis in dogs with distemper in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil
Authors: Frade Maria Talita Soares , Maia Lisanka Ângelo , Andrade Rachel Livingstone Felizola Soares , Alves Rodrigo Cruz , Yamasaki Elise Miyuki , Mota Rinaldo Aparecido , Dantas Antônio Flávio Medeiros
Published: July 2016

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemistry characteristics of five cases of toxoplasmosis, an infection often associated with distemper in dogs. From January 2000 to December 2012, a retrospective study was performed analyzed dogs with distemper in the semiarid region of Paraíba. We evaluated this sample to focus on individuals who presented with concomitant structures in protozoa characteristics, and performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests using polyclonal anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody. In all cases, the clinical signs were similar including digestive changes, as well as respiratory, neurological, and ocular lesions, suggesting an infection of canine distemper virus. The diagnosis of distemper was confirmed on histopathological analysis depending on the presence of intranuclear and intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies in different tissues. Histopathological examination also revealed the characteristic presence of parasitic cysts T. gondii in the brain in four cases, and in the lung in one case. The brain cysts were associated with multifocal areas of malacia and lung there was alveolar septa thickening due to infiltration of macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells, with moderate proliferation of type II pneumocytes and coalescing multifocal areas of necrosis. These cysts are characterized by round and strongly basophilic structures, measuring approximately 5 to 70 ?m, delimited by thin wall, stained by hematoxylin and eosin, and immunomarked as brown by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the chromogen DAB. The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis associated with infection by canine distemper virus in the five case studied was based on microscopic findings and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Toxoplasmosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of dogs with severe progressive systemic signs, especially when respiratory and neurological involvement is suspected.
Occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in wild animals living in the Cascavel city park, Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Snak Alessandra , Garcia Felipe Gustavo , Delgado Luis Eduardo da Silveira , Osaki Silvia Cristina
Published: July 2016

Digestive and respiratory tracts parasite’s protozoan, Cryptosporidium spp. now-a-days is a major zoonotic agent, it causes self-limiting diarrhea, remaining in the body passively until the moment immune system decreases, leading to an increase in its multiplication in the mucosa and appearance of clinical signs. As there are few studies on cryptosporidiosis in wild free-living and captive animals, especially in Brazil, this study aimed to identify the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in feces of captive animals in Cascavel, PR Municipal Zoo. Between 2011 and 2012 there have been four collections of bird feces and five mammalian feces totaling 65 and 118 samples respectively. Samples were sent to the laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Federal University of Parana. The feces were diluted, centrifuged and the pellets were used to make blades which were stained by the Ziehl-Neelsen modified method and observed under a microscope with 1000X magnification. Then the blades containing the oocysts were observed under a capture microscope, where they were measured. Mammals showed 49.15% and birds 44.61% of positivity. Oocysts’ sizes ranged from 3,54?m to 5,81?m with an average of 4,32?m for birds and 3,11?m to 5,60?m averaging 4,63?m to mammals. As of yet, there isn’t effective treatment against this parasite and considering that it’s a zoonotic disease, preventive measures should be taken to prevent transmission to humans.
Associations between reproductive and carcass traits in Nellore
Authors: Paula Edson Junior Heitor de , Martins Elias Nunes , Oliveira Carlos Antônio Lopes de , Magnabosco Cláudio De Ulhoa , Sainz Roberto Daniel , Geron Luiz Juliano Valério , Souza Neto Eurico Lucas de , Porto Emília De Paiva , Miguel Giulianna Zilocchi
Published: July 2016

The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters and (co)variance of Nellore animals and to characterize the associations between these characteristics for the following carcass traits: weight (W), longissimus muscle area (LMA), rump fat thickness (RF) and fat thickness between the 12th and 13th ribs obtained by ultrasound (BF); also, the following reproductive traits: age at first calving (AFC), first calving interval (FCI), scrotal circumference at 450 and 550 days of age (SC450 and SC550). The genetic parameters were estimated by a single-trait and two traits animal model using Bayesian inference. The model used for all of the features included the genetic random effect and age as covariate assuming a quadratic effect. Additionally, sex, month and year of birth and management of creation and environmental effects identified were included for the carcass traits. For AFC, FCI and SC450 and SC550, we considered only the month and year of birth. The heritability estimates for all of the traits were higher in the two traits analysis, except for AFC and FCI, which showed 0.75 and 0.29, respectively, similar values in the single trait analysis. The two traits analyses resulted in heritability estimates for a posteriori for the features W, LMA, BF, RF, SC450 and SC550 of 0.49, 0.66, 0.74, 0.68 0.66 and 0.74, respectively, suggesting the possibility of genetic gains during a short period of time. The genetic correlations between AFC and carcass traits measured by ultrasound were close to zero. A similar trend was found for AFC, SC450 and SC550 days, indicating that the selection for these traits does not promote changes in AFC. High genetic correlations (0.92, 0.93 and 0.94) were observed between the characteristics LMA and W, BF and RF, and SC450 and SC550, respectively.
Effects of phytase on pig diets digestibilities, bone mineral deposition, performance and manure production
Authors: Faria Henrique Gonsales de , Thomaz Maria Cristina , Ruiz Urbano Dos Santos , Robles-Huaynate Rizal Alcides , Watanabe Pedro Henrique , Melo Gabriel Maurício Peruca de , Silva Susana Zaneti da
Published: July 2016

Two trials were conducted to evaluate phytase addition to diets with corn, rice and soybean meals for swine. In the first trial, the digestibilities of gross energy and crude protein and the availabilities of calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) of diets with or without phytase were evaluated in growing barrows (BW 20.42 ± 2.45 kg), using the total feces and feed collection methods. In the second trial, the parameters evaluated were pig performance, mineral contents in the 3rd and 4th metacarpals, feces production and composition of growing and finishing gilts fed one of the following diets: Positive control (PC), formulated to achieve nutrient and energy requirements of growing and finishing gilts; Negative control (NC), diet PC meeting 84% and 65% of Ca and P levels, respectively; Negative control + phytase (PHY), diet NC + 0.01% phytase (500 FTU/kg). Phytase addition improved P and Ca availabilities in 14.34% and 4.08%, respectively, compared with the diet with no phytase, in trial one. In trial two, the deposition of zinc in the metacarpals was improved by the enzyme and Ca, P and copper fecal excretions of the animals from the PC diet were greater than that observed for the PHY animals. Phytase addition improved the use of phytic phosphorous and calcium by the pigs and is recommended as a way to reduce the potential environmental impact of swine production.

 
Effect of nutrition on the body temperature and relative organ weights of broilers
Authors: Martins Julyana Machado da Silva , Fernandes Evandro De Abreu , Bueno João Paulo Rodrigues , Carvalho Carolina Magalhães Caires , Litz Fernanda Heloisa , Masculi André Lucas Silva , Fagundes Naiara Simarro , Silva Marina Cruvinel Assunção , Silveira Márcia Marques , Moraes Cíntia Amaral
Published: July 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different nutritional plans on the body temperature and organ biometrics in male and female broilers, of two ages. Here, 1,700 birds were used (850 males and 850 females) in a completely randomized design composed of five treatments (- 3%, - 1.5%, reference, + 1.5% and + 3%), with 10 repetitions, totaling 50 experimental units; the reference treatment based on nutritional and energy levels indicated in previous studies was calculated from this. At 35 and 42 d, the temperatures of the wing, head, shin, back, and cloaca in males and females were measured separately, and the average surface and body temperature were calculated. At 42 d, relative weights of the gizzard, liver, heart, and small intestine were calculated. The temperatures of the wings, back, and cloaca, and consequently the average surface temperature and body temperatures, were not affected by nutritional plans. Effects of increasing the nutritional and energy levels were observed on liver weights, the gizzard, and the small intestine. We conclude that the nutritional plans did not affect body temperature. Males had higher body temperatures than females. Body temperature increased with increase in age, and the increase in the nutritional plans increased liver weight and reduced the gizzard weights.
Thermoregulatory responses and blood parameters of locally adapted ewes under natural weather conditions of Brazilian semiarid region
Authors: Costa Wirton Peixoto , Façanha Débora Andréa Evangelista , Leite Jacinara Hody Gurgel Morais , Silva Regina Cely Benício da , Souza Carlos Henrique de , Chaves Dowglish Ferreira , Vasconcelos Angela Maria de , Soto-Blanco Benito , Vale André Menezes do , Pimenta-Filho Edgard Cavalcanti
Published: July 2016

The effect of the natural weather conditions on respiratory rate, rectal temperature and hematologic parameters such as glucose, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, total protein, albumin, globulin, red blood cells, microhematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels was evaluated in red (RMN) and white (WMN) coat colored Morada Nova ewes, of different class of body condition score (CBCS), during the dry (from july to december) and wet (from january to june) seasons, which exhibited different (P<0.05) air temperature, relative humidity and radiant thermal load averages. Tukey’s test was used and the difference considered was to P<0.05. Significant greater averages of respiratory rate were observed in the dry period compared to the rainy period (42.26±8.96 and 36.89±8.20 breaths min-1, respectively), mainly in the RMN (45.54±8.23 breaths min-1) compared with the WMN (39.27±8.57 breaths min-1). No differences were observed in rectal temperature measurements between the dry and the wet periods (38.59±0.58 and 38.60±0.56 oC, respectively), but the WMN had higher values than the RMN (38.77±0.54 and 38.40±0.54 oC, respectively). The glucose and total cholesterol were higher in the wet season, with no variation due to breed variety and CBCS. The triacylglycerol did not change between breed varieties and seasons. The albumin was similar between varieties and in different seasons, being different in CBCS. Total protein and globulin serum were higher during the wet season, but total protein was higher and globulin was lower in better CBCS. T3 and T4 levels were higher in the rainy season (0.25±0.07 and 6.74±11.37 ?g dL-1, for T3 and T4, respectively) than in the dry season (0.18±0.08 and 6.31±1.64 ?g dL-1, for T3 and T4, respectively). The red blood cells showed no difference, but microhematocrit was higher in WMN and in the better CBCS and mean corpuscular volume was higher in the dry season. The concentration of T3 was lower in the RMN than in the WMN (0.19±0.07 and 0.24±0.08 ?g dL-1, respectively), while T4 did not differ between them (6.53±1.51 and 6.52±1.46 ?g dL-1, respectively). The Morada Nova sheep showed positive physiological responses to the heat stress, notably an increase of respiratory rate and a reduction of T3 and T4 levels. All another hematologic parameters analyzed were within the normal range for all sheep, indicating a good ability to cope with the climatic changes of the Brazilian semiarid region. Both varieties were heat tolerant, but the red variety required major adjustments to maintain homeothermy.
Reaction norms in weights at 365 days old in nellore bulls in northern Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Jorge Luís , Assis Alliny Souza de , Lopes Fernando Brito , Murphy Thomas Wayne , Silva Marcelo Corrêa da , Garcia José Américo Soares , Marques Ednira Gleida
Published: July 2016

Genotype by environment interaction (GxE) studies are of particular interest in Brazil because of the regional diversity of environmental effects and the wide variety of management systems. The present study evaluates GxE effects on 365 d weight (365W) of Nellore cattle raised on pasture in northern Brazil. The analysis utilized random regression techniques to model the reaction norm. Fixed effects consisted of sex, contemporary group, and the covariate of age of cow at calving. The environmental gradient, defined by the concatenation of a bull and the state in which the calf was born, was modeled by second order Legendre polynomials. Direct additive genetic and residual effects were fit as random. Results showed differences in the magnitude of expression of genotype in proportion to decreasing favorability of the environment. As the environment became more unfavorable, the correlation of breeding value to different environments decreased. The correlations between the intercept and the level slope for 365W feature were of moderate magnitude, predominantly indicating the reclassification of sires in different environments. Reaction standard model was coherent from a technical and biological view point and enabled the perception of GxE in the genetic evaluation of Nellore cattle in the states of Maranhão, Pará and Tocantins.

 
Person and Personality in Cyber Space: A Legal Analysis of Virtual Identity
Authors: Vesali Naseh Morteza
Published: July 2016

The day by day expansion of the Internet in all of human’s life put him or her between two worlds: real and virtual. The lifestyle of individuals has changed drastically in the challenge of these two worlds. Domination of virtual environments in all aspects of human personality, especially on the Identity, is clearly observable. The emergence of a virtual identity in cyberspace; beside the real identity of people is one of the challenges of the virtual environment of the Internet. The rise of some novel challenges about the question of identity in cyberspace may need appearing law on the issue of virtual identity. Freedom of identity, anonymity, irresponsibility, authenticity and identification in cyberspace are some of the legal issues, considered as challenges of virtual identity. Rule of cyberspace and protect the rights of cyber society, citizens (Netizens) are on the shoulder of law which makes constructing a legal framework as an irresistible matter of the future of the virtual society. For this, a correct understanding of the virtual environment and its related legal issues is needed. Virtual identity as a new topic may need a new legal approach and analysis.