bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DInSAR products and applications for the RADARSAT Constellation Mission
Authors: Samsonov S V , Feng W , Short N
Published: October 2017

The Canadian RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) is scheduled for launch in the second half of 2018, to support primarily maritime surveillance (sea ice, surface wind, oil pollution and ship monitoring), disaster management (mitigation, warning, response and
recovery), and ecosystem monitoring (agriculture, wetlands, forestry and coastal change). The RCM consists of three C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, equally spaced in a common orbit, providing rapid revisit capability. The RCM offers a selection of beam modes that vary in terms of
spatial resolution, coverage, polarization and noise floor. The constellation orbit and beam mode options are sufficient to provide daily imaging opportunities of Canadian territories and Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) acquisitions with four days' revisit time. This
new source of SAR data will strengthen operational applications that require a continuous stream of data.
In Canada and around the world, DInSAR is regularly used for detection and monitoring of ground deformation (e.g. uplift, subsidence and horizontal motion). At Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), DInSAR derived information supports diverse activities such as detecting terrain instability in permafrost
regions, monitoring glacier and ice cap dynamics, monitoring landslide risk sites, and tracking surface deformation related to bitumen extraction. In partnership with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation (CCMEO) at NRCan is developing an automated
system for generating standard and advanced deformation products by means of DInSAR from data acquired by RADARSAT-2 and RCM satellites. This processing system consists of software and hardware components and is capable of providing non-expert users with on-demand change detection and deformation
products computed from the SAR data. This system will allow scientists and resource managers to efficiently and effectively extract ground displacement information from the thousands of RCM acquisitions collected annually during its mission life.
A discussion about the version of the Bible available to Muhammad
Authors: Stoker Hendrik G. , Derengowski Paul
Published: October 2017

It is a mandate that all Muslims believe in all previous revelations given by God along with the Qur’an (Surah 2:4). Relative to discussions with Christians, Muslims are required to believe the Bible. Some Muslim apologists today contend that the Bible has been ‘corrupted’ or tainted through the infusion of faulty doctrines and the exclusion of valuable texts that support Islamic ideas by dubious scribes and malicious copyists. According to them there is no way of knowing what was in the ‘original text’ of the Bible.This article offers both a response to the Muslim apologist arguments regarding biblical integrity and trustworthiness as well as explains that what Muhammad knew as the Bible through the Syriac Peshitta is essentially the same in biblical content as what most reputable Bible versions contain today. Through the efforts of labour intensive manuscript discovery and exhaustive textual criticism, both Christians and Muslims can know with precision what the early writers of both the Old and New Testament wrote as ‘inspired’ Scripture. In order for the Muslim to be consistent in following the mandate to believe all the books previously given by God as well as the Qur’an, he must believe the Syriac Peshitta, or a Bible version that is a comparable translation, in order for the Muslim mandate to make sense. Such a concession, however, places the Muslim in an extremely difficult position that needs to be discussed between Christians and Muslims if they both wish and desire to be thought of as worshiping the one true God.
Gluten-free diet among school-age children in Olmsted County, Minnesota
Authors: Almallouhi Eyad , Absah Imad
Published: October 2017

Objective: To assess the prevalence of gluten-free diet (GFD) among school-age children in Olmsted County, Minnesota, and compare it with the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) in the same age group. Methods: We performed a population-based study in Olmsted County using a survey to collect information from the six school districts in the county for the academic year 2014–2015. The survey contained questions to (1) assess the prevalence of GFD among school-age children in the public schools of Olmsted County; (2) assess the prevalence of CD among school-age children in Olmsted County; and (3) determine the indications for GFD in these children. We used the infrastructure of the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) to calculate the prevalence of CD in children aged 4–18 years in December 2014. Results: Using the REP data, we identified sixty patients with CD in the county aged 4–18 years; the prevalence of CD among school students in 2014 was 193.6/100,000. The prevalence of GFD in Olmsted County children, however, was higher, at 265/100,000 according to the survey from the school districts. The prevalence of GFD was highest in Rochester, the largest city. GFD was more common among children in secondary schools. Conclusion: According to our study, there are more children on GFD than the actual cases of CD in Olmsted County during the study period. This finding could be related to an increased number of children without CD who are following GFD for other indications.
ARTS, the atmospheric radiative transfer simulator – version 2.2,
the planetary toolbox edition
Authors: Buehler Stefan A. , Mendrok Jana , Eriksson Patrick , Perrin Agnès , Larsson Richard , Lemke Oliver
Published: October 2017

Abstract. This article describes the latest stable release (version 2.2) of the Atmospheric Radiative Transfer Simulator (ARTS), a public domain software for radiative transfer simulations in the thermal spectral range (microwave to infrared). The main feature of this release is a planetary toolbox, that allows simulations for the planets Venus, Mars, and Jupiter, in addition to Earth. This required considerable model adaptations, most notably in the area of gaseous absorption calculations. Several other new features are also described, notably radio link budgets, back-scattering radar simulations, and the treatment of Faraday rotation and Zeeman splitting.
Snow cover dynamics in Andean watersheds of Chile (32.0–39.5° S) during the years 2000–2016
Authors: Stehr Alejandra , Aguayo Mauricio
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Andean watersheds present important snowfall accumulation mainly during the winter, which melts during the spring and part of the summer. The effect of snowmelt on the water balance can be critical to sustain agriculture activities, hydropower generation, urban water supplies and wildlife. In Chile, 25 % of the territory between the region of Valparaiso and Araucanía comprises areas where snow precipitation occurs. As in many other difficult-to-access regions of the world, there is a lack of hydrological data of the Chilean Andes related to discharge, snow courses, and snow depths, which complicates the analysis of important hydrological processes (e.g. water availability). Remote sensing provides a promising opportunity to enhance the assessment and monitoring of the spatial and temporal variability of snow characteristics, such as the snow cover area (SCA) and snow cover dynamic (SCD). With regards to the foregoing questions, the objective of the study is to evaluate the spatiotemporal dynamics of the SCA at five watersheds (Aconcagua, Rapel, Maule, Biobío and Toltén) located in the Chilean Andes, between latitude 32.0 and 39.5° S, and to analyse its relationship with the precipitation regime/pattern and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. Those watersheds were chosen because of their importance in terms of their number of inhabitants, and economic activities depending on water resources. The SCA area was obtained from MOD10A2 for the period 2000–2016, and the SCD was analysed through a number of statistical tests to explore observed trends. In order to verify the SCA for trend analysis, a validation of the MOD10A2 product was done, consisting of the comparison of snow presence predicted by MODIS with ground observations. Results indicate that there is an overall agreement of 81 to 98 % between SCA determined from ground observations and MOD10A2, showing that the MODIS snow product can be taken as a feasible remote sensing tool for SCA estimation in southern–central Chile. Regarding SCD, no significant reduction in SCA for the period 2000–2016 was detected, with the exception of the Aconcagua and Rapel watersheds. In addition to that, an important decline in SCA in the five watersheds for the period of 2012 and 2016 was also evident, which is coincidental with the rainfall deficit for the same years. Findings were compared against ENSO episodes that occurred during 2010–2016, detecting that Niña years are coincident with maximum SCA during winter in all watersheds.
A systematic examination of the relationships between CDOM and DOC in inland waters in China
Authors: Song Kaishan , Zhao Ying , Wen Zhidan , Fang Chong , Shang Yingxin
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) plays a vital role in the biogeochemical cycle in aquatic ecosystems. The relationship between CDOM and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) has been investigated, and this significant relationship lays the foundation for the estimation of DOC using remotely sensed imagery data. The current study examined samples from freshwater lakes, saline lakes, rivers and streams, urban water bodies, and ice-covered lakes in China for tracking the variation of the relationships between DOC and CDOM. The regression model slopes for DOC vs. aCDOM (275) ranged from extremely low 0.33 (highly saline lakes) to 1.03 (urban waters) and 3.01 (river waters). The low values were observed in saline lake waters and waters from semi-arid or arid regions, where strong photobleaching is expected due to less cloud cover, longer water residence time, and daylight hours. In contrast, high values were found in waters developed in wetlands or forest in Northeast China, where more organic matter was transported from catchment to waters. The study also demonstrated that closer relationships between CDOM and DOC were revealed when aCDOM (275) were sorted by the ratio of aCDOM(250)∕aCDOM (365), which is a measure for the CDOM absorption with respect to its composition, and the determination of coefficient of the regression models ranged from 0.79 to 0.98 for different groups of waters. Our results indicate the relationships between CDOM and DOC are variable for different inland waters; thus, models for DOC estimation through linking with CDOM absorption need to be tailored according to water types.
Transplantation in the nonhuman primate MPTP model of Parkinson's disease: update and perspectives
Authors: Wianny Florence , Vezoli Julien
Published: October 2017

Abstract. In order to calibrate stem cell exploitation for cellular therapy in neurodegenerative diseases, fundamental and preclinical research in NHP (nonhuman primate) models is crucial. Indeed, it is consensually recognized that it is not possible to directly extrapolate results obtained in rodent models to human patients. A large diversity of neurological pathologies should benefit from cellular therapy based on neural differentiation of stem cells. In the context of this special issue of Primate Biology on NHP stem cells, we describe past and recent advances on cell replacement in the NHP model of Parkinson's disease (PD). From the different grafting procedures to the various cell types transplanted, we review here diverse approaches for cell-replacement therapy and their related therapeutic potential on behavior and function in the NHP model of PD.
Using machine learning for real-time estimates of snow water equivalent in the watersheds of Afghanistan
Authors: Bair Edward H. , Abreu Calfa Andre , Rittger Karl , Dozier Jeff
Published: October 2017

Abstract. In many mountains, snowmelt provides most of the runoff. In Afghanistan, few ground-based measurements of the snow resource exist. Operational estimates use imagery from optical and passive microwave sensors, but with their limitations. An accurate approach reconstructs spatially distributed snow water equivalent (SWE) by calculating snowmelt backward from a remotely sensed date of disappearance, but reconstructed SWE estimates are available only retrospectively; they do not provide a forecast. To estimate SWE early in the snowmelt season, we consider physiographic and remotely-sensed information as predictors and reconstructed SWE as the target. The period of analysis matches the AMSR-E radiometer's lifetime from 2003 to 2011, for the months of April through June. The spatial resolution of the predictions is 3.125 km, to match the resolution of a microwave brightness temperature product. Two machine learning techniques – bagged regression trees and feed-forward neural networks – produced similar mean results, with 0–14 % bias and 46–48 mm RMSE on average. Daily SWE climatology and fractional snow-covered area are the most important predictors. We conclude that the methods can accurately estimate SWE during the snow season in remote mountains.
Urban Coding in Logan. Teaching urban design with the support of local government
Authors: Guaralda Mirko
Published: October 2017

Since 2015 Logan City Council (LCC), a major urban area south of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia, has hosted students from the Bachelor of Design (Architectural Studies) at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) for an intensive two-day urban design charrette. The charrette is delivered as coursework and assessment for an architecture unit on urban morphology and urban dynamics; the format of this learning experience allows students to directly interact with Council personnel and to gain an in-depth understanding of the urban issues they are asked to solve. Over the years, LCC has offered engaging and challenging briefs to the students.
In 2015 the theme was the densification of Wembley Road, the main commercial spine of Logan Central currently characterized by the fragmented forms of big boxes and large carparks. In 2016 students were challenged with the design of a new masterplan for Logan Central Civic and Community Precinct s with the aim of creating a new civic and urban centre. In 2017 the focus was Springwood and the brief sought the creation of a new CBD alongside the M1, the main motorway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast and southern states. In each instance, LCC has provided both the facilities where the workshop was hosted, and engaged several stakeholders to speak to the students. This mix of perspectives presented diverse issues and questions from the local area.
Urban visions for the architectural project of public space
Authors: Martí Casanovas Miquel , Roca Estanislau
Published: October 2017

Public spaces should be places that support an intense civic life. They have been so throughout history, even if in each culture and historical period they have taken very different shapes and followed different design principles. Nevertheless, during the XX century, the Modern Movement faced some difficulties in dealing with public spaces. Too many times the zoning approach opposed the complexity, mix of uses and intensity required by lively public spaces, where social encounters and knowledge exchanges are made possible. In the XXI century, public spaces regained a major role in city projects and urban strategies all over the world. Their appearance was enriched by new forms. Besides the traditional squares, parks and promenades of compact cities, new metropolitan open spaces and collective places related to transport network nodes emerged. This paper focuses on the urban design of such contemporary collective places. Based on an overview of the historical evolution of public spaces, we identify some design principles (from the overlap of scales to acupuncture strategies, through to the complexity of relations between urban architectures) necessary to ensure that metropolitan nodes emerge as places full of urbanity rather than as deserted non places.
Urban mobility and public space. A challenge for the sustainable liveable city of the future
Authors: Ravazzoli Elisa , Torricelli Gian Paolo
Published: October 2017

Public space and mobility are two challenging topics in many contemporary cities. These topics give rise to important questions such as how does the element of public space affect the sustainability of urban mobility in contemporary cities? And how does facilitating mobility contribute to the livability of the public realm? The purpose of this paper is to attempt to answer these questions. On one hand, the paper explores the relationship between public space and urban mobility in the contemporary city, specifically by addressing the extent to which urban mobility can create better public spaces and even assist in producing a more sustainable model of mobility. Although ignored for a long time in the discourse on urban planning, the relationship between public space and urban mobility has the potential to create livable cities. Indeed, the use of public space by walking and cycling contributes to economic, environmental and social sustainability. Hence, together with economic, ecological and social indicators, public space and urban mobility also constitute relevant city components, when measuring a city’s sustainability performance. On the other hand, this paper seeks to suggest a set of measures related to public space and soft mobility that can be integrated into an already existing set of indicators commonly used to measure urban sustainability. In this regard, the paper contributes to the debate surrounding the need to invest more in public spaces and at the same time suggests to planners and policy makers that it is necessary to develop international measures for the evaluation of urban mobility and the sustainability of public space.
Peri-urban agriculture and cultural heritage. The public potential of the in-between areas
Authors: Spada Marco , Bigiotti Stefano
Published: October 2017

In this paper we examine the effects of urban farming in a worldwide system of dismissed areas affected by the phenomena of large-scale industrial dismissing and shrinking cities. We study the features of urban decay and subsequent spill overs of land and soil use in private and public conduct in agri-urbanism. The connection between the city and its farmland could represent an opportunity to improve the welfare of the whole area near the city, made possible by establishing a close relationship between the development of sustainable agriculture and the city. This renewed interest in agricultural production not only depends on urban and - or economic interest, but on a new conception of city that can improve the use of agricultural gardening to overcompensate for the empty spaces between industrial and rural areas, as well as those peri-urban spaces which are included between buildings and sub-urban voids.
Architecture of the landform and settlements identities. Cycle-routes as new linear public spaces
Authors: Occelli Chiara , Palma Riccardo
Published: October 2017

One of the contemporary problems of dwelling concerns a threat to the interrelationship between settlements and geomorphology. We think that one of the most important peculiarities of public space is the power to represent these relations by means of architecture. Good quality architecture in public spaces would allow inhabitants to be a part of the places and territories in which they live. In the context of these problems, cycle-routes could play an important role, as a new kind of linear public space. They could become “geographical architecture” (Occelli & Palma, 2008).
A public space project on grammar, poetics and management
Authors: Corsini Daniela
Published: October 2017

This article is a result of my PhD research activities. The main goal of the research was to understand the key factors of success and failure in public space design and management.
Accordingly, the first part of the article investigates what a public space is and what makes it successful. The term "success" is ambiguous since it refers to multiple different views on public space. A less uncertain area is that of the design quality of public spaces: many authors have treated this subject more or less explicitly, including aspects such as accessibility, the perception of space and its use. The second part of the article presents the methodology used for the study of public spaces, explaining why Zaragoza has been chosen as a case study and describes the stages of research. The third part of the article presents the case of the public spaces of the city of Zaragoza, Spain. This case study is used in order to find correspondences and discrepancies with the conclusions previously made in the literature and eventually to identify other qualities of public space design. The analysis aims to identify which factors are essentially insignificant for the success of the project (such as the available budget or the design process), and which elements, by contrast, strongly affect the attendance and the appreciation of public spaces by the population. In particular, three elements were singled out that have the potential to become the drivers of the project: "grammar" (distributive features of spaces and buildings, microclimate, etc.), poetics (identity, recognisability of the space, etc.) and management (functions performed within the area and at its borders). The fourth part of the article examines these three elements (grammar, poetics, management) and the way they may be present within different projects. In some cases, the project succeeds in creating an optimal balance between all three elements, in other cases one element prevails over the other two; sometimes there is only one element, but it is so powerful that it compensates for the others (e.g. the entertainment activities on-site can animate even an ordinary space exposed to the elements).
In conclusion, some reflections are offered regarding grammar, poetry and management, and their interrelationship.
Contemporary landscape urbanism principles as innovative methodologies: the design of an armature of public spaces for the revitalisation of a shrinking city
Authors: Cermasi Olimpia
Published: October 2017

This paper explores the potentials of a series of Landscape Urbanism strategies for the revitalisation of a 'shrinking city', through the construction of an armature of public spaces and the reactivation of collective activities and social encounters. Looking through a series of theoretical approaches and case studies, mostly associated with Landscape Urbanism theory, this paper looks for typical interventions in the design of public spaces in a pattern of decreased socioeconomic activities. In addition, the paper provides an original contribution in the form of a review of a Studio research project developed during a Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design at Columbia University, New York, in 2008. In more detail, the first part of the paper introduces the theme of shrinking cities with a series of theoretical approaches and a toolkit of possible interventions. The theoretical approaches derive from a new consideration of the contemporary city in the light of its spatial morphology. This is described through an excursus of previous studies and contributions to the analysis of the urban form and to the change of state that many cities are experiencing together with the decaying of their economic activities. A few case studies, beginning with the project by Oswald Mathias Ungers on the city of Berlin, further explore the role of open, 'left over spaces' in providing opportunities for a networked system of public spaces in contemporary urban conditions. The last part of the paper introduces a series of strategies that respond to similar situations on Governors Island, in New York, and the small town of Cohoes, in the State of New York. In particular, in the case of Cohoes, the proposal looks for opportunities in the existing downtown area- and articulates a series of strategies focused on the reprogramming and conversion of the existing 'left-over' open spaces- to turn them into 'public spaces'. These mechanisms aim to trigger several micro processes within the project, in order to follow through on the shrinking pattern in a positive, ecologic way. The last part of the paper offers a critique of the theories and case studies analysed, using these case studies as a way to test the theories already reviewed. Moreover, the conclusions introduce some definitions of networks from the theory of Space Syntax. In this way, the paper offers itself as a theoretical tool for the approach to shrinking cities and their evolutionary patterns through the design of an armature of public spaces.
European Creativity and Urban Regeneration
Authors: Oliveira Ana , Paulino Fernando
Published: October 2017

Since the end of the 1980s, in the light of research conducted by Charles Landry that theorized and formalized the concept of the Creative City, Creativity, along with other economic activities, has been considered as something that marks the life of cities.
Under its sign, a large part of post-industrial societies found the necessary momentum for urban and economic revitalisation, responding to the stagnation resulting from the collapse of industrial society (Albuquerque, 2006). Through the production of art and the strengthening of its cultural fabric, through the support of artists and infrastructures, Creative Industries grew and developed. Cities like Manchester, London and Liverpool saw their economy grow, the latter becoming a major cultural hub in the UK, incorporating music, performing arts, museums and art galleries, as well as an active and attractive nightlife.
Through a literature review focused on the key concepts and studies relating to the economic potential of Creativity, we seek to understand Creativity’s state, its impact and economic impulse and the importance of cultural policies, with the ultimate objective of understanding Creative and Cultural Industries as a secure source of sustainability for the future.
PROMOTING INTERFACIAL COMPATIBILITY OF SILICA-REINFORCED NATURAL RUBBER TIRE COMPOUNDS BY ALIPHATIC AMINE
Authors: Hayichelaeh C. , Reuvekamp L. A. E. M. , Dierkes W. K. , Blume A. , Noordermeer J. W. M. , Sahakaro K.
Published: October 2017

Octadecylamine (OCT) as an alternative for diphenyl guanidine (DPG) in silica-reinforced NR tire compounds with bis-(triethoxysilyl-propyl)tetrasulfide (TESPT) as silane coupling agent was investigated with focus on the improvement of compatibility between the silica surface and rubber molecules, by taking the amine-free rubber compound as a reference. The quantity of OCT and DPG was varied in a range of 2.4–9.5 mmol per 100 parts of rubber by weight (i.e., 0.5–2.5 phr). Bound rubber contents, changes in heat capacity (ΔCp), and immobilized polymer layer (χim) data prove an enhanced interfacial compatibility as the amines are absorbed on the polar silica surface and catalyze the silanization reaction. Comparing the two different amine types, the rubber compounds with OCT show higher interfacial compatibility than the ones with DPG, because of an additional shielding effect promoted by the long alkyl chain that leads to more hydrophobicity. Thus, the rubber compounds with OCT show higher physically bound rubber contents and consequently higher total bound rubber, a higher immobilized polymer layer, as well as a lower Payne effect. However, the compounds with OCT show a higher flocculation rate constant because the physical interactions between amine and silanol groups decrease under thermal treatment. The compounds with OCT show a lower cure torque difference that indicates a lower crosslink density, but because of the good interfacial interaction combining both chemical and physical interactions, the vulcanized rubber with OCT at optimum loading shows better mechanical properties and tan δ at 60 °C when compared with the DPG counterpart. At high (excessive) loading of amines, the compounds with DPG clearly have higher crosslink density and thus higher modulus as well as tensile strength compared with the use of OCT.
EFFECTS OF SILANE COUPLING AGENTS ON STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF SILICA-FILLED SILICONE RUBBER/STYRENE BUTADIENE RUBBER COMPOSITES
Authors: Ren Hong-Yuan , Sun Zheng , Zhang Li-Qun , Wu You-Ping , Huang Qiang , Wang You-Zhi
Published: October 2017

Two silane coupling agents, bis-(γ-triethoxysilylpropyl)-tetrasulfide (Si69) and vinyltriethoxysilane (A151), were selected to investigate their effects on structure and properties of silica-filled methyl vinyl silicone rubber (VMQ)/emulsion styrene butadiene rubber (ESBR) composites. The filler–rubber interactions were investigated via bound rubber content and solid-state 1H low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and the mass ratio of VMQ and ESBR in the rubber–filler gel was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results revealed that VMQ showed a better compatibility with silica than ESBR. Compared with the A151 composite, the composite with Si69 showed the higher content of ESBR in rubber–filler gel, which resulted in the higher bound rubber content and the weaker Payne effect, and it also exhibited higher tensile strength, higher tear strength, better wear resistance, and lower hardness. However, the presence of Si69 reduced the crosslink efficiency of ESBR and completely inhibited the crosslinking of VMQ, which caused the composite to show higher tan δ value at 60 °C than the A151 composite.
Growth models for morphological traits of sunn hemp
Authors: Bem Cláudia Marques de , Cargnelutti Filho Alberto , Facco Giovani , Schabarum Denison Esequiel , Silveira Daniela Lixinski , Simões Fernanda Martins , Uliana Daniela Barbieri
Published: October 2017

The objective of the present study was to fit Gompertz and Logistic nonlinear to descriptions of morphological traits of sunn hemp. Two uniformity trials were conducted and the crops received identical treatment in all experimental area. Sunn hemp seeds were sown in rows 0.5 m apart with a plant density of 20 plants per row meter in a usable area of 52 m × 50 m. The following morphological traits were evaluated: plant height (PH), number of leaves (NL), stem diameter (SD), and root length (RL). These traits were assessed daily during two sowing periods—seeds were sown on October 22, 2014 (first period) and December 3, 2014 (second period). Four plants were randomly collected daily, beginning 7 days after first period and 13 days after for second period, totaling 94 and 76 evaluation days, respectively. For Gompertz models the equation was used y=a*e^((?-e?^((b-c*xi))and Logistic models the equation was used yi= a/(1+e^((-b-c*xi)). The inflection points of the Gompertz and Logistic models were calculated and the goodness of fit was quantified using the adjusted coefficient of determination, Akaike information criterion, standard deviation of residuals, mean absolute deviation, mean absolute percentage error, and mean prediction error. Differences were observed between the Gompertz and Logistic models and between the experimental periods in the parameter estimate for all morphological traits measured. Satisfactory growth curve fittings were achieved for plant height, number of leaves, and stem diameter in both models using the evaluation criteria: coefficient of determination (R²), Akaike information criterion (AIC), standard deviation of residuals (SDR), mean absolute deviation (MAD), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and mean prediction error (MPE).
Drying of macaw palm fruits and its influence on oil quality
Authors: Silva Gutierres Nelson , Evaristo Anderson Barbosa , Grossi José Antonio Saraiva , Campos Larissa Sousa , Carvalho Marcela Silva , Pimentel Leonardo Duarte
Published: October 2017

After harvest, macaw palm fruits show high deterioration rates when improperly preserved. A possible cause is the high fruit water content favoring enzymatic and microbiological degradation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of drying on the mesocarp oil quality during storage and to set the drying curve of macaw palm fruits. For that, two experiments were carried out. In the first, the drying curve of macaw palm fruits was determined at 60 °C, and mathematical models were defined for the process. Drying was performed with freshly harvested fruits (S0) and with fruits stored for 20 days after harvest (S20). Fruits were stored for 20 days after harvested and then went through drying. The fruits were dried in a prototype dryer at 60 °C. After drying, the fruits were stored for different periods (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 days) and evaluated for oil physicochemical parameters. When compared to S0, drying of macaw palm fruits in the S20 treatment showed a lower drying time until equilibrium moisture was reached. In general, all the mathematical models tested were adequate to describe the drying process. Fruits dried at 60 °C controlled mesocarp oil acidification for up to 90 days in storage. On the other hand, drying impaired the mesocarp oil oxidative stability. We may conclude that the drying process is efficient to maintain acidity during the storage of macaw palm fruits.
Clinical evaluation and reproductive indices of dairy cows naturally infected with Trypanosoma vivax
Authors: Batista Jael Soares , Freitas Carlos Iberê Alves , Silva Jardel Bezerra da , Cavalcante Tania Vasconcelos , Paiva Kaliane Alessandra Rodrigues de , Lopes Francisco Canindé , Lira Rodrigo
Published: October 2017

The present study was aimed to assess the clinical changes and reproductive indices of dairy cows naturally infected with Trypanosoma vivax in a herd located in the Central Sertão of Ceará, Brazil. For the study, 40 animals were selected from a herd consisting of 210 dairy cows, and subdivided into two groups: group I, consisting of 20 cows naturally infected with T. vivax, and group II, consisting of 20 uninfected cows. Data on the parameters of reproductive efficiency were evaluated using a farm database (Propad Profissional GP®), in which the individual reproductive characteristics of the animals were stored. Data collected both before and after the outbreak were compared. The cows from group I showed a sudden drop in milk production, mucosal pallor, depression, anorexia, and a significant increase in rectal temperature and decreased hematocrit during the parasitemia outbreak. These clinical signs of the disease disappeared over time. However, T. vivax was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in animals with a negative parasitological test one year after the occurrence. Comparison of the reproductive index data for cows from groups I and II before and after the outbreak showed significant differences in first postpartum estrus, service period, and intervals between deliveries. In addition, repetition of estrus and abortion were significantly associated with T. vivax infection. Analysis of the reproductive indices of cows in groups I and II suggests that T. vivax infection decreased the reproductive efficiency of the study cows.
Sensitivity and specificity of indirect ELISA for the detection of antibody titers against BVDV from beef cattle raised in Pará State
Authors: Viana Rinaldo Batista , Kzam Aline do Socorro Lima , Monteiro Bruno Moura , Campello Cláudio Cabral , Sousa Eliomar De Moura , Souza Damazio Campos de , Okuda Liria Hiromi , Pituco Edviges Maristela , Ribeiro Filho José Dantas
Published: October 2017

The aims of this study were to establish the prevalence of anti-bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) antibodies (Ab) in beef cattle raised in Pará state, to compare the prevalence of seropositive animals to BVDV using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (iELISA) and the virus neutralization (VN) test, and finally, to determine the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the iELISA for the detection of anti-BVDV Ab using VN as a gold standard. A total of 400 serum blood samples from Nelore cows aged at least 24 months from five farms in the Pará state from two mesoregions (Metropolitan Region of Belem and Northeast of Pará) were analyzed. All animals were vaccinated against brucellosis and foot-and-mouth disease. The examination of anti-BVDV Ab with VN was performed in the Laboratory of Bovine Viruses of the Biological Institute of Sao Paulo as described in the Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals. For VN, bovine kidney epithelial cells from the Madin Darby Bovine Kidney (MDBK) strain were used. The determinations of anti-BVDV Ab were performed with the iELISA test at the Laboratory of Immunology and Microbiology of the Federal Rural University of Amazonia according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The results were classified as follows: (a) correct positive diagnosis, (b) incorrect positive diagnosis, (c) correct negative diagnosis, and (d) incorrect negative diagnosis, according to the results obtained from VN. From the values obtained from VN and iELISA, Se [(a ÷ a + d) × 100], Sp [(c ÷ c + b) × 100], positive predictive value [(a ÷ a + B) × 100], and negative predictive value [(c ÷ c + d) × 100] were calculated for iELISA. The frequencies (%) of seropositive animals were determined and compared both between the different tests (iELISA and VN) and between the different farms (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5). The statistical analysis was performed with a significance level of 5%. The prevalence of seropositive animals was found to be different (P < 0.0001) using VN (39.25% [157/400]) and iELISA (54.50% [218/400]). It was observed that the Se and Sp of the iELISA assay were 98.72% and 74.07%, respectively. Of the total, 25.93% (63/243) of the samples were considered false-positive and 1.27% false-negative (2/157). It was concluded that the BVDV infection is present in beef cattle herds of the state of Para. Based on the speed of execution, ease of handling, and high Se of the iELISA, it is suggested that this assay can be used as a screening test for the detection of anti-BVDV Ab with the aim of eliminating infected animals from large herds of beef cattle.
Epidemiological analysis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Lúcio Érica Chaves , Pimentel Juliana De Lima , Clemente Saruanna Millena Dos Santos , Sá Luenda Menezes Novaes , Oliveira Júnior Mário Baltazar , Albuquerque Pedro Paulo Feitosa , Mota Rinaldo Aparecido , Pinheiro Junior José Wilton
Published: October 2017

The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in sheep from the Agreste and Sertão regions of Pernambuco in Brazil and to analyze the risk factors associated with T. gondii infection. A total of 250 sheep from 14 sheep farms across the state of Pernambuco were used as samples. Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) was used for the detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies, adopting a cut-off dilution of 1:64. In order to determine risk factors, farm owners were subjected to a questionnaire form enquiring about the aspects of operational hygiene and sanitary systems. Thirty-four of the 250 samples (13.60%, 95% CI= 9.61% - 18.48%) in the study were determined to be positive, and 10 out of 14 (71.42%) of the sheep farms showed at least one seropositive animal. Titers for the 34 positive samples presented 8 samples at 64 (23.53%), 3 at 128 (8.82%), 3 at 256 (8.82%), 13 at 512 (38.23%), and 7 at 1024 (20.60%). After regression logistics, only the supply of silage (p= 0.009; OR=2.79, CI 95%= 1.29 - 6.0) was confirmed as a risk factor. The study was able to conclude that infection with T. gondii was prevalent in the sampled sheep farms in the state of Pernambuco, and that it was imperative to adopt preventive measures in order to effectively curb the identified risk factors.
Effect of dietary supplementation with omega-3 and -6 on fresh and frozen/thawed sperm quality of dogs
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Carolina , Ruiz Camila Montanari , Nardo Carla Daniela Dan De , Mothé Gabriele Barros , Rossi Fabiano Martinez , Sousa Daniel Bartoli de , Atique Netto Halim , Souza Fabiana Ferreira de
Published: October 2017

For years, fatty acids have been recommended as a dietary supplement to improve canine hair. For animal reproduction, supplementation with omegas has been used to increase the reproductive efficiency and conception rate, but few studies have been conducted in dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of daily dietary supplementation with omega-3 and -6 on the quality of fresh and frozen/thawed semen in canines. Semen was collected from seven dogs and evaluated for sperm motility, vigor, concentration, and morphology. The 17-week study included 119 ejaculates and was divided according to oral supplementation with omega-3 and -6: M1 (1st-5th week) or pre-supplementation; M2 (6th-9th week) and M3 (10th-13th week) or during supplementation; and M4 (14th-17th week) or post-supplementation. After analysis, the semen was frozen and then revaluated both immediately and 30 minutes (at 37° C) after thawing. Supplementation with omegas increased sperm motility, vigor, and concentration; however, supplementation had no influence on semen freezability. In addition, there was no improvement in sperm motility after supplementation when the thawed cells were maintained at 37° C for 30 minutes. We concluded that dietary supplementation with omega-3 and -6 for 4 to 8 weeks can improve the quality of fresh semen, although it has no effect on the freezability of canine semen.
The impact of bacterial contamination of the ejaculate and extender on the quality of swine semen doses
Authors: Goldberg Ana Maria Groehs , Cardoso Marisa , Bernardi Mari Lourdes , Wentz Ivo , Bortolozzo Fernando Pandolfo
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to verify the influence of the degree of bacterial contamination of boar ejaculate and semen extender on the quality of semen doses. The experiment was conducted in four boar studs, from which raw semen and two semen doses from each ejaculate were collected to evaluate the number of colony-forming units (CFU), pH, sperm morphology and motility. Extender samples were also evaluated for CFU. Ejaculates that had higher levels of contamination ( > 220 CFU mL-1) resulted in semen doses with a greater degree of bacterial contamination but with no reduction in motility or alteration in pH. When the semen doses were classified according to the degree of contamination of the extender, a decrease in motility was observed after 108 and 168 h of storage (P < 0.05) in the group whose extender had ? 14,000 CFU mL-1 versus the group whose extender had ? 330 CFU mL-1. The pH remained stable during 168 h of storage in semen doses with extender that had lower contamination levels, but decreased from 7.2 to 6.0 between 24 and 168 h of storage (P < 0.05) in the group with extender that had higher levels of contamination. A higher number of abnormal acrosomes (P < 0.05) were observed after 168 h of storage in the semen doses whose extender was highly contaminated. The production of semen doses with low bacterial contamination and high sperm cell viability will only be possible with a strict hygienic control in semen processing, primarily with respect to the extender, combined with minimal contamination during collection.
Phytochemical analysis and acaricidal activity of Aloe arborescens Mill. extracts against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus
Authors: Matos Aldair Calistro de , Ribeiro Claudia Mello , Scarminio Ieda Spacinio , Afonso Sabrina , Vidotto Odilon
Published: October 2017

The indiscriminate use of chemical acaricides has allowed Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus to develop resistance to several active principles. However, botanical extracts have been tested as an alternative method to control those ticks. This experiment studied the chemical fingerprint and acaricidal effect of fresh and dry Aloe arborescens Mill. extracts on R. (B.) microplus. The acaricidal activity of extracts was assessed using in vitro assays with engorged females, and phytochemical characterization was performed by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that fresh and dry A. arborescens extracts prepared with the solvents pure ethanol, ethanol-dichloromethane binary mixture, and ethanol-dichloromethane-acetone ternary mixture, contained water-soluble tannins and had a strong effect on the reproductive parameters of R. (B.) microplus demonstrated by a marked decreased in the number of eggs laid and in the larvae hatching rate (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001). In conclusion, A. arborescens Mill. has components with acaricidal activity against R. (B.) microplus, and phytotherapy with extracts of this plant may be used as an alternative method of R. (B.) microplus control.
Intercropping of sunflower with Brachiaria brizantha cultivars during two sowing seasons in the interim harvest
Authors: Cruvinel Welma Santos , Costa Kátia Aparecida De Pinho , Silva Alessandro Guerra da , Severiano Eduardo Da Costa , Ribeiro Matheus Gonçalves
Published: October 2017

Intercropping of annual crops with tropical forages is an effective cultivation method to maximize grain production and pasture formation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of sunflower and the productive and nutritional characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cultivars grown with intercropping during two different sowing seasons in the interim harvest of the Center-West region of Brazil. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Rio Verde, Goiás (GO), using a randomized block design with a 3x2+4 factorial scheme and three replicates per treatment. The following factors were tested: three Brachiaria brizantha cultivars (Marandu palisadegrass, Piata palisadegrass and Xaraes palisadegrass) grown with intercropping in the inter-row with the sunflower cultivar Charrua in two different sowing seasons (February and March); four additional treatments of sunflower; and the three tested Brachiaria brizantha cultivars grown in monoculture. Intercropping of sunflower with the Xaraes palisadegrass cultivar negatively affected the agronomic characteristics of sunflower, and intercropping with Marandu palisadegrass and Piata palisadegrass cultivars is recommended. Preference should be given to the Xaraes palisadegrass cultivar for forage production and to the Piata palisadegrass cultivar for the production of forage with higher nutritional value. Sowing in March led to the best sunflower agronomic characteristics, without affecting the productive and nutritional characteristics of the forages. Intercropping of sunflower with Brachiaria brizantha cultivars is therefore a promising cultivation method for the production of achenes and forage during the inter-harvest in the Center-West region of Brazil.