bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Of Trichogramma Evanescens Westwood Egg Parasitoid Against Angoumois Grain Moth, Sitotroga Cereallela. (Olivier)
Authors: Akter T Al
Published: March 2020

The performance of Trichogrammaevanescens Westwood egg parasitoid againstAngoumois grain moth, Sitotrogacereallela. (Olivier) was investigated during theperiod from January 2011 to May 2011. The results showed that the highest per cent ofadult parasitoid emergence (98.94%) from parasitized eggs of S. cerealella was by T.evanescens. The duration of adult parasitoid emergence varied from 7-8 days. Thelongevity of T. evanescens adult that emerged from parasitized eggs varied from 3-4days. In consideration of rate of parasitization by using different number of parasitoids,the highest (98.00%) parasite eggs were recorded from 50 pairs of parasitoids whichwas statistically identical (94.25%) with 35 pairs and followed (93.25%, 92.75% and92.25%) by 25, 20 and 15, pairs respectively. The rate of parasitism increased withincreased number of parasitoids. A positive correlation exists between per centparasitism and adult parasitoid emergence from parasitized eggs. It reveals that the T.evanescens has potential in the biological control of Angoumois grain moth, of S.cerealella.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 41(1): 95-103, June 2015
Loss Of Aquatic Fauna During Collection Of Penaeus Monodon Post Larvae In Tidal Water Of Mongla River, Bagerhat
Authors: Islam MS , Rahman MM , Ahmed KKU , Hossain Md Motaher , Barman PP , Islam MJ
Published: March 2020

The study was carried out in Mongla tidal river of Bagerhat district from May 2012 toApril 2013 to ascertain the abundance of black tiger shrimp (Penaeusmonodon) postlarvae (PL) and to quantify the damage of different aquatic fauna during collection ofP. monodon PL. It was found that around 1650 larvae of other shrimp species, 1562 finfishes and 6787 other macrozooplankton were cruelly damaged at the time of collectionjust for single PL of P. monodon. During the survey period about 0.18 million mandays/ year were calculated to be engaged in shrimp PL collection and on average 6.5million of P. monodon PL were collected annually from the studied area. It was alsoascertained from the present study that about 29,988 million of other shrimp species,fin fishes and macrozooplankton were destroyed annually by the shrimp seed collectionactivities in Monglariver. The results of the study reveals that present seed collectionpractice caused severe damage of other valuable aquatic fauna, which directly affectthe biodiversity of neritic and offshore fauna, natural productivity of tidal waters andecological balance of coastal and marine environment.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 41(1): 105-113, June 2015
Angiospermic Plant Diversity Of Sandwip Island, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Sajib Noor Hassan , Uddin SB , Pasha Mostafa Kamal
Published: March 2020

A survey of angiospermic plant diversity of Sandwip Island, Bangladesh has conducted from July 2008 to June 2012. This study recorded 457 species under 317 genera of 104 families including cultivated and planted. On the basis of habit distribution herbs are represented by 232, shrubs 71, trees 113 and climbers by 41 species. For each species scientific name, local name, family and habit character have been presented. Plant species of the area are at risk because of drought, salinity, anthropogenic activities and continuous bank erosion in the sea and shifting of land.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 41(2): 133-153, December 2015
Gravel Deposits Of Dauki-Piyain River Bed And Surrounding Flood Plains: A Case Study
Authors: Sarker Md Nuruddin
Published: March 2020

The Dauki-Piyain river is the major source of gravels in Jaflong area which is located on the alluvial plain south of the Khasi-Jainta Hills. Jaflong gravels comprise quartzite, granite, gneiss, amphibolite, basalt, sandstone and conglomerate. The gravels are mostly fresh and hard and can be used as good construction materials. The deposition of gravels is controlled by the frequency and intensity of water-flow in the Dauki-Piyain river forming the Jaflong quarry. The Dauki river is constantly changing its course. Controlling the river course and keeping its tract clear from debris will make the replenishment of the gravel deposit steady. The main economic activities of the local people are mostly dependent on the gravel and sand extraction business from Jaflong quarry. It is found that about 30,00,000 cubic meters of gravel from 200 hectares areas are extracted per year from the Dauki-Piyain river of Jaflong. The average revenue collected by the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh from this location stands at approximately 30.00 million taka per year.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 41(2): 225-232, December 2015
Seasonal Dynamics Of Aquatic Plants And Physicochemical Factors In An Urban Pond Of Jatrabari, Dhaka
Authors: Akter Masuma , Nahar Khurshid , Gani Md  Ataul , Fasane Md Almujaddade Al
Published: March 2020

Samad Nagar pond situated in Jatrabari, Dhaka showed mean air temperature 20 - 30 °C and water temperature 19 - 28°C. Secchi depth (Zs) varied from 28.67 - 44.5 cm and pH 6.6 - 8.8. The mean DO and alkalinity ranged 5.34 - 10.00 mg/1 and 0.58 - 1.08 meq/1, respectively. Free C02, SRP and SRS ranged 1.31 - 4.21 mg/1, 158.39 - 635.70 pg/1 and 13.32 - 28.65 mg/I, respectively. During the study period, seasonal mean values of transparency was higher in monsoon and lower in winter. pH, alkalinity remained higher in winter but lower in monsoon. From aquatic plant communities of the pond, phytoplankton represented by 33 species of which 54.55% belonged to Chlorophyceae (54.55%) followed by Bacillariophyceae (13.64%), Cyanophyceae (13.64%), Euglenophyceae (13.64%) and Dinophyceae (4.55%). The population density of phytoplankton community ranged 6.16 - 25.96><1 06 ind/1. Benthic diatom density varied from 2.64- 11 .00 x 1 06 ind/1. Benthic diatom population was the highest (I lxlO6 ind/1) in late October and lowest in early September (2.64 xio6 ind/1). Chi a and phaeophytin concentration varied 5.10 - 228.51 pg/1 and 2.05 - 1513.36 pg/1, respectively. Aquatic macrophyte communities were represented by 23 species where Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms. , Ipomoea aquatica Forsk, Ipomoea fistulosa Mart., Telanthera philoxeroides Moq., Rumex maritimus L., Eclipta prostata (L.) L. and Salvinia natans L. were observed all over the study period.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 41(2): 253-262, December 2015
Screening out of wheat varieties against arsenic contaminated soil and irrigation water
Authors: Noor S , Shil NC , Mahmud S , Hossain MB , Hasan AA
Published: March 2020

Field trials on wheat were conducted at severely arsenic contaminated areas of Jessore (Chowgacha and Sharsha), Faridpur (Poranpur) and also at low contaminated Shatkhira (Benerpota) during 2010-2011 and 2011-12. The major objective of the study was to screening out of arsenic tolerant wheat varieties. Five varieties of wheat viz. Shatabdi, Bijoy, Prodip, BARI Gom-25 and BARI Gom-26 were tested. Total arsenic contents in the soils were 36.4, 32.8, 28.5 and 6.8 mg kg-1 for Sharsha, Chowgacha, Poranpur and Benerpota, respectively. Irrigation waters contained 0.346, 0.272, 0.238 and 0.140 mg L-1 arsenic for Sharsha, Chowgacha, Poranpur and Benerpota, respectively. No significant variations in yield and yield components among the tested wheat varieties was observed despite of arsenic contaminations in the irrigation water and soil. The variety, Prodip contains 0.043 and 0.028 mg kg-1 arsenic in straw and grain, respectively, which was lower than the other tested varieties. But arsenic contents in all of the tested wheat varieties were found much lower than that of the permissible limit (1 mg kg-1). The transfer coefficient (TC) of arsenic from soil to above ground parts (straw + grain) of wheat varied slightly among the tested varieties where Prodip showed the lowest TC (0.0015-0.0018). However, BARI Gom-24 (Prodip) performed better in terms of arsenic content, uptake, biomass, yield and transfer coefficient and thus can be regarded as arsenic tolerant to a considerable extent.J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 42(1): 1-11, June 2016
Comparison Of Growth Performance Through Different Levels Of Supplementary Feed In Fish Polyculture System
Authors: Sultana Nazia , Jewel Md Abu Sayed , Mondol Md Rashedul Kabir
Published: March 2020

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the growth performance of carp polyculture system supplemented with different levels of supplementary feed. To undertake this investigation, two earthen ponds were stocked with 25% Labeo rohita, 25% Catla catla, 20% Labeo calbasu, 20% Ctenopharyngodon idella and 10% Hypopthalmichthys molitrix with a total stocking density of 10000/ha. The net fish production was found to be 2,166 and 3,874 kg/ha/yr in pond-01 and pond-02, respectively. The total cost of fish farming of pond-01 and pond-02 were 64,268 BDT and 88,568 BDT per ha. The total return of pond-01and pond-02 were BDT 1,04,280 BDT and 1,69,250 BDT per ha. Net benefit from pond-01 and pond-02 was 40,312 BDT and 80,682 BDT respectively. Net profit margin of pond-01 and pond-02 was 62.73% and 91.10%. And finally the benefit cost ratios (CBR) were found to be 0.62:1 and 0.91:1 in pond-01 and pond-02, respectively.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 42(2): 229-234, December 2016
KADIN DİNDARLIĞININ SOSYOLOJİSİ – BİR GİRİŞ DENEMESİ
Authors: OKUMUŞ Ejder
Published: March 2020

Sosyolojik açıdan ideal dindarlık tiplerinden biri olarak kadın dindarlığı, top-lumsal planda etkili ve dikkat çekici bir olgudur. Türkiye gibi ülkelerde kadının aile hayatında bilhassa çocuklar üzerinde sahip olduğu büyük etkiye bakılırsa, kadın dindarlığının sosyolojisinin geniş ve derin boyutlarının varlığı daha iyi fark edilir. Nitekim bu çalışmanın amacı, kadın dindarlığında öne çıkan sosy-olojik boyutları bir giriş mesabesinde anlamak ve anlamlandırmaktır. Çalışmada problem, dolaylı ve dolaysız gözlem teknikleriyle yazılı belgelerden hareketle anlamacı bir yaklaşımla ele alınmaktadır. Teknik bir terim olarak kadının dinî yaşantısı anlamında kadın dindarlığı, öncelikle kadının sosyal statüsüyle yakın-dan ilgilidir. Toplumun kadına verdiği veya atfettiği toplumsal pozisyonun du-rumu, kadın dindarlığının şekillenmesinde etkilidir. Ayrıca örneğin Türkiye’de modernleşme doğrultusundaki değişim, belki de en büyük etkisini, kadın ile kadın dindarlığında göstermiştir. Türk toplumunda değişimle birlikte kadın dindarlığının yeniden biçimlenmesinde en önemli faktörler arasında eğitim ve bilgi de sayılabilir. Bu ve benzeri hususlar, kadın dindarlığının önemli sosyolojik boyutlarından olup her biri araştırılmalıdır. Kadın dindarlığının mühim sosy-olojik boyutları içinde kadının kentteki dindarlığı, değişimle etkileşimi çerçevesinde ortaya koyduğu dindarlık, erkeklerle etkileşimi temelindeki din-darlığı, toplumsal hizmetlerde ve din hizmetlerinde kadının durumu, kadının ailevî, kültürel, ekonomik, eğitimsel, hukukî ve siyasal düzlemlerde varlık göstermesi gibi noktalar zikre değerdir ve bunların her biri daha ileri çalışmalar-la incelenmelidir.
Kahramanmaraş'ın Kurtuluşunda Etkin Olan Paradigmanın Kur’ani Referansları
Authors: KARAOĞLAN Arslan
Published: March 2020

Anadolu Coğrafyasının, yaşamlarını sürdürebilmeleri ve uluslararası platformda söz sahibi olmaları için defalarca sömürgeci güçlere ve yapılara karşı özgürlük ve hürriyet savaşımına girdikleri olmuştur. Verilen bu mücadeleyi bütün dünyaya örnek olacak şekilde yüce milletimiz ortaya koymuş en büyük gücünü de inanç değerlerinden ve tarihi geleneğinden almıştır. Bu mücadeleyi veren kentlerden biri de Kahramanmaraştır. Maraş Millî Mücadelede destan yazarak Kurtuluş savaşımıza yön veren şehirlerin başında gelmektedir. Milli mücadelede etkin olan paradigmanın dini mefkuresi ve Kur’ânî referansları üzerinde maalesef günümüzde hassasiyetle durulmamakta ve yok edilmeye çalışılmaktadır.
Dinî düşüncenin ve Kur’ânî referansların milli mücadeleye kattığı canlılık ve verdiği katkı, ‘cihat’, ‘gaza’ (fetih), ‘şehitlik’, ‘gazilik’, ‘semboller’, ‘vatan sevgisi’, ‘Cuma namazının özgür bir ortamda kılınabileceği’, ‘askerlik ve namusun kutsallığı inançları’, ‘hayatın merkezinde camilerin işlevselliği’, ‘mücadelenin verildiği ortamda yaşayan ulemanın dik ve ilkeli duruşları’ kanalıyla olmuştur. Makalede sıralanan bazı ögeler Kur’ân perspektifinden ele alınmış, millî mücadelede ve vatan savunmasında büyük bir katkı sağladığına vurgu yapılmıştır.
Maraş Savunması Taşınmaz Kültürel Mirası
Authors: ÖZBEY Veysel
Published: March 2020

Taşınmaz kültürel mirasın tarihsel değer boyutu da vardır. Önemli tarihsel olayların yaşandığı mekânlar ayakta kaldığı sürece, yaşanan olayları hatırlatır. Bu bağlamda ulusal kimliğin de vazgeçilmez birer parçasıdır. Çalışmada Millî Kurtuluş Mücadelesi’nin ilk zaferi olan Maraş Savunması’na sessizce tanıklık eden, ayakta kalmayı başarmış taşınmaz kültürel miras ele alınmıştır. Savunmaya giden süreç içerisinde yaşanan önemli olaylar tarihsel olarak aktarılmıştır. Olayların yaşandığı mimarî ürünlerin günümüze kadar olan süreçte durumu incelenmiş ve yapıların günümüzdeki durumları hakkında tespitler yapılmıştır. Taşınmaz kültürel mirasın önemli bir bölümünün günümüze özgün olarak ulaşamadığı tespit edilmiştir. Son yıllarda artan miras bilinci ile birlikte yapılardaki yenileme çalışmalarının sayısal ve niteliksel olarak arttığı gözlenmiştir. Yakın dönemde yapıların çevresi ile birlikte ele alındığı fakat bazı yapıların modern kentleşmeden olumsuz etkilendiği ve çözümün daha karmaşık olduğu görülmüştür.
Yerli ve Yabancı Basında Maraş’ın Millî Mücadelesi
Authors: KALAYCI İsa
Published: March 2020

Maraş halkının işgalci Fransızlara karşı giriştikleri savaştan başarıyla çıkmaları, Türkiye’deki milli mücadelecilerin moralini yükselttiği gibi itilaf devletleri arasında da çatlaklar oluşturmuştur. Bu bakımdan itilaf devletlerinin işgal ettikleri Türk toprakları içerisinde ilk kurtarılan coğrafya olması bakımından Maraş’ın mücadelesi bir cesaret ve kahramanlık timsalidir.Bu çalışma, 1919-1920 yıllarında Maraş halkının Fransızlara karşı vermiş olduğu mücadelenin yerli ve yabancı basındaki yansımalarının örneklerini konu edinmiştir. Bu vesileyle Maraş’ın Milli Mücadele’deki yeri ve öneminin Türk ve Batı kamuoyunda uyandırdığı etkiler mukayeseli bir şekilde verilmiştir. Böylece hem Türkiye’deki yararlı-zararlı basın hem de Batı kamuoyunda yer alan haberler üzerinden tarihi hadiselerin analizinin yapılması amaçlanmıştır.Konunun araştırılmasında; Türkiye’de çıkarılan dönemin basınından “Amal-i Milliye”, “İrade-i Milliye”, “Hâkimiyet-i Milliye”, “Türk Dünyası”, “Sebilürreşad”, “Sırat-ı Müstakim” ve “Açıksöz” gibi Milli Mücadele taraftarı gazetelerin/dergilerin yanı sıra; “Ferda” gibi işgalci sempatizanı yayımlardan da istifade edilmiştir. Buna ilaveten, Türkler aleyhine haber yayımlayan Fransa, Amerika ve Avustralya basınından yararlanılmıştır. Böylece Maraş hadiselerinin dönem içerisinde yarattığı etkiler üzerinde durulmuştur. Konuyla ilgili olarak; Türk basınında büyük bir övünç kaynağı şeklinde haberlerin yapıldığı, yabancı basında ise meselenin Türk-Ermeni veya Müslüman-Hristiyan hesaplaşması şeklinde sunulduğu sonucuna varılmıştır.
Progressive or simple? A corpus-based study of aspect in World Englishes
Authors: Hundt Marianne , Rautionaho Paula , Strobl Carolin
Published: March 2020

Previous corpus-based research on the progressive (be +v- ing) investigated it from a diachronic point of view or from the angle of World Englishes (WEs). However, factors such as its propensity to occur with animate subjects or its preference for dynamic verbs have not been studied in relation to the choice between progressive and simple aspect. As the progressive has been extended to stative verbs, we argue that a variationist study of the construction in WEs needs to take simple vps into account systematically, too, and investigate whether there is interaction between predictor variables underlying the progressive:simple choice. We use a probabilistic grammar approach to study progressives in newspaper writing across a broad range of WEs. We apply a tree and forest analysis to gauge the relative strength of the predictor variables variety, animacy, tense/modality, verb type and voice. Our results show that the core grammar for the progressive:simple choice is shared across all Englishes. The extension of progressives to stative verbs, in particular, does not result in statistically detectable effects. We argue that they nevertheless serve to give a very ‘local’ flavour to contact varieties as they are salient against the backdrop of the core grammar.
Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Self-care Behavior pada Klien dengan Hipertensi di Komunitas
Authors: Romadhon Wimar Anugrah , Aridamayanti Bernadetta Germia , Syanif Anggi Hanafiah , Sari Gevi Melliya
Published: March 2020

Background: self-care behavior is an important thing that needs to be considered by clients with hypertension which consists of several components, namely the use of drugs, low-salt diet, physical activity, smoking, weight management and alcohol consumption. Purpose: to show the factors that influence self-care behavior in clients with hypertension. Method: the database used to identify suitable articles obtained from Scopus, ProQuest and Google Scholar, limited to the last 5 years of publication from 2014 to 2019, English, and fulltext articles. The literature review used the keyword "Self-care behavior, Hypertension". In searching articles used "AND". Only 12 articles met the inclusion criteria. This review was from 12 of these articles. Results: self-care behavior in hypertensive clients were influenced by several factors, namely family support, self-efficacy, knowledge, and spirituality. Conclusion: factors related to self-care behavior and pathways can help health care providers develop and design evidence-based interventions for clients with hypertension. Recommendation: Community nurses understand the factors that influence self-care behavior in hypertensive clients in the community so they are able to provide appropriate nursing care.

Keywords: factors of self-care behavior; hypertension; community

ABSTRAK

Latar belakang: self-care behavior merupakan hal penting yang perlu diperhatikan oleh klien dengan hipertensi yang terdiri dari beberapa komponen yaitu penggunaan obat-obatan, diet rendah garam, aktifitas fisik, merokok, manajemen berat badan dan konsumsi alkohol. Tujuan: untuk melihat adanya faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi self-care behavior pada klien dengan hipertensi. Metode: database digunakan untuk mengidentifikasi artikel yang sesuai diperoleh dari Scopus, ProQuest dan Google Scholar terbatas untuk publikasi 5 tahun terakhir dari 2014 hingga 2019, bahasa inggris, dan fulltex article. Tinjauan literatur menggunakan kata kunci “factors of self-care behavior, Hypertension”. Dalam pencarian artikel menggunakan "AND". Hanya 12 artikel yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi. Ulasan ini berasal dari 12 artikel tersebut. Hasil: self-care behavior pada klien hipertensi dipengaruhi oleh beberapa faktor yaitu dukungan keluarga, self-efficacy, faktor personal, dan spiritualitas. Simpulan: faktor-faktor yang terkait dengan self-care behavior dan jalurnya dapat membantu penyedia layanan kesehatan mengembangkan dan mendesain intervensi bebasis bukti pada klien dengan hipertensi. Saran: Perawat komunitas memahami faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi self-care behavior pada klien hipertensi di komunitas sehingga mampu memberikan asuhan keperawatan yang tepat.

Kata kunci: factors of self-care behavior; hypertension; community
Sustainable Economic Development of Farms in Central and Eastern European Countries Driven by Pro-investment Mechanisms of the Common Agricultural Policy
Authors: Czubak Wawrzyniec , Piotr Pawłowski Krzysztof
Published: March 2020

Improvements in sustainability at the farm level are the basic driver of agricultural sustainability at the macro level. This is a challenge that can only be met by farms which efficiently process inputs into products. The increase in the efficiency of European farms is largely conditioned by measures taken under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), especially its second pillar. The purpose of this study was to determine the net effect of pro-investment instruments available under the second pillar of the CAP in selected Central and Eastern European countries. Unpublished Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) microdata provided by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) were used as the source material. The study presented in this paper is unique in that the research tasks are based on unpublished microdata of selected Central and Eastern European farms. The study relied on the Propensity Score Matching approach; the net effect of pro-investment mechanisms was analyzed using productivity and profitability indicators calculated for farms which have been keeping FADN records for a continuous period of no less than 6 years. As shown by the study, structural funds available under the CAP clearly provided an investment incentive for farms. The conclusion from the assessment of changes in the availability of productive inputs is that the beneficiaries reported a greater increase in fixed asset value and in farm area in all countries except for the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The comparative analysis of countries covered by this study failed to clearly confirm that labor is substituted with capital to a significant extent. Every country covered by this study experienced a noticeable negative net effect on both the productivity and profitability of capital. When considering all the countries, the beneficiary group has no clear advantage over the control group in terms of changes in land and labor productivity and profitability (a statistically significant positive effect was recorded for land productivity and profitability in Slovenia). As regards labor, a statistically significant positive net effect (a difference in growth rate between the beneficiary group and the control group) was recorded in Slovenia, but also in Poland, where beneficiary farms reported a greater increment in labor profitability and reduced the negative difference in labor productivity.
Analysis of the Effectiveness of Shielded Band Spraying in Weed Control in Field Crops
Authors: Osuch Andrzej , Przygodziński Przemysław , Rybacki Piotr , Osuch Ewa , Kowalik Ireneusz , Piechnik Leszek , Przygodziński Arkadiusz , Herkowiak Marcin
Published: March 2020

An important factor along with the availability of food is its quality. It depends, among other things, on the type of plant protection products used and the method of their application. This manuscript presents research on the possibility of using a shielded band sprayer in field onion cultivation. The shielded band spraying technology presented in this article is the subject of a patent application (application number P.428494-The prototype of the machine was produced in Poland in cooperation with the University of Life Sciences in Poznań). The research consisted in comparing the quantity and quality of the obtained crop, based on various methods of reducing the weed population. The research results indicate that the proposed shielded band spraying technology may affect the food quality (the active substance is not sprayed on onion plants) and profitability of farms (less use of plant protection products).
Rifaximin Alleviates Endotoxemia with Decreased Serum Levels of Soluble CD163 and Mannose Receptor and Partial Modification of Gut Microbiota in Cirrhotic Patients
Authors: Kaji Kosuke , Saikawa Soichiro , Takaya Hiroaki , Fujinaga Yukihisa , Furukawa Masanori , Kitagawa Koh , Ozutsumi Takahiro , Kaya Daisuke , Tsuji Yuki , Sawada Yasuhiko , Kawaratani Hideto , Moriya Kei , Namisaki Tadashi , Akahane Takemi , Mitoro Akira , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: March 2020

Rifaximin is a poorly absorbable antibiotic against hepatic encephalopathy (HE). This observational study aimed to elucidate the effect of rifaximin on intestinal permeability and gut microbiota in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Thirty patients with decompensated cirrhosis were assessed by ammonia level, neuropsychological testing, endotoxin activity (EA), and serum proinflammatory cytokines at baseline and after four weeks of rifaximin treatment (1200 mg/day). Intestinal permeability was indicated by serum soluble CD163 (sCD163), mannose receptor (sMR), and zonulin levels. To evaluate the gut microbiome, 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was applied. Rifaximin ameliorated hyperammonemia and cognitive dysfunction, although it did not change the serum proinflammatory cytokine levels. It decreased EA levels as well as serum levels of sCD163 and sMR, but not zonulin, and both decreases in sCD163 and sMR showed positive correlations with EA decrease (ΔsCD163: Correlation coefficient (R) = 0.680, p = 0.023; ΔsMR: R = 0.613, p = 0.014, vs. ΔEA). Gut microbial analysis revealed that the richness and complexity of species were unchanged while the abundance of the Streptococcus genus was reduced after treatment with rifaximin. Collectively, rifaximin alleviated HE and endotoxemia with improved intestinal hyperpermeability in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, and this effect is partially involved in a gut microbial change.
Bacteriology and Antimicrobial Resistance in Vanuatu: January 2017 to December 2019
Authors: Foxlee Nicola D. , Townell Nicola , Tosul Mary Ann L. , McIver Lachlan , Lau Colleen L.
Published: March 2020

The World Health Organization has identified surveillance as a key objective in the containment of antimicrobial resistance. Local antimicrobial resistance surveillance data are used to generate antibiograms to monitor resistance patterns and inform clinicians in the selection of the appropriate empiric treatment when culture results are pending, or if laboratory diagnosis is unavailable. However, producing robust bacteriology data is challenging for Pacific Island Countries and Territories with limited microbiology laboratory capacity. The aim of this study is to describe pathogen occurrence and antibiotic resistance in specimens cultured at the main referral hospital in Vanuatu. We reviewed specimen culture results for the period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from printed and electronic registers and described and analysed. A total of 5816 specimens were cultured, of which 21% were culture positive. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant pathogen overall (41%), and 3% of the isolates were the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most frequently isolated gram-negative pathogens, of which 14% and 26% were extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing, respectively. Our results suggest there is a need for other Pacific Island Countries and Territories to conduct similar studies. There are gaps in knowledge about antimicrobial resistance in Pacific Island Countries and Territories. Antibiograms based on reliable data will define and inform local and national actions for containing antimicrobial resistance. There is also a need to establish a regional surveillance network to strengthen national efforts and to link surveillance data for collaborative action against antimicrobial resistance.
Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Traits in Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) and Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase/AmpC-producing (ESBL/AmpC) Enterobacteriaceae from Humans and Pets
Authors: Iseppi Ramona , Di Cerbo Alessandro , Messi Patrizia , Sabia Carla
Published: March 2020

Background: We investigated the virulence factors, genes, antibiotic resistance patterns, and genotypes (VRE and ESBL/AmpC) production in Enterococci and Enterobacteriaceae strains isolated from fecal samples of humans, dogs, and cats. Methods: A total of 100 fecal samples from 50 humans, 25 dogs, and 25 cats were used in the study. MICs of nine antimicrobials were determined using the broth microdilution method. Polymerase chain reaction was used for the detection of genes responsible for antibiotic resistance (VRE and ESBL/AmpC) and virulence genes both in Enterococcus species, such as cytolysin (cylA, cylB, cylM), aggregation substance (agg), gelatinase (gelE), enterococcal surface protein (esp), cell wall adhesins (efaAfs and efaAfm), and in Enterobacteriaceae, such as cytolysin (hemolysin) and gelatinase production (afa, cdt, cnf1, hlyA, iutA, papC, sfa). Results: Enterococcus faecium was the most prevalent species in humans and cats, whereas Enterococcus faecalis was the species isolated in the remaining samples. A total of 200 Enterobacteriaceae strains were also detected, mainly from humans, and Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated species in all types of samples. In the Enterococcus spp, the highest percentages of resistance for ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, erythromycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, teicoplanin, and vancomycin were detected in cat isolates (41.6%, 52.8%, 38.9%, 23.6%, 62.5%, 20.8%, and 23.6% respectively), and in E. coli, a higher rate of resistance to cefotaxime and ceftazidime emerged in cat and dog samples, if compared with humans (75.4% and 66.0%, 80.0% and 71.4%, and 32.0% and 27.2%, respectively). Regarding the total number of enterococci, 5% and 3.4% of the strains were vancomycin and teicoplanin resistant, and the vancomycin resistance (van A) gene has been detected in all samples by PCR amplification. All the Enterobacteriaceae strains were confirmed as ESBL producers by PCR and sequencing, and the most frequent ESBL genes in E. coli strains from humans and pet samples were blaCTX-M-1 and blaCTX-M-15. Conclusions: Our results provide evidence that one or more virulence factors were present in both genera, underlining again the ability of pet strains to act as pathogens.
Metabolic Flux Analysis of Catechin Biosynthesis Pathways Using Nanosensor
Authors: Kausar Habiba , Ambrin Ghazala , Okla Mohammad K. , Soufan Walid , Al-Ghamdi Abdullah A. , Ahmad Altaf
Published: March 2020

(+)-Catechin is an important antioxidant of green tea (Camelia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze). Catechin is known for its positive role in anticancerous activity, extracellular matrix degradation, cell death regulation, diabetes, and other related disorders. As a result of enormous interest in and great demand for catechin, its biosynthesis using metabolic engineering has become the subject of concentrated research with the aim of enhancing (+)-catechin production. Metabolic flux is an essential concept in the practice of metabolic engineering as it helps in the identification of the regulatory element of a biosynthetic pathway. In the present study, an attempt was made to analyze the metabolic flux of the (+)-catechin biosynthesis pathway in order to decipher the regulatory element of this pathway. Firstly, a genetically encoded fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based nanosensor (FLIP-Cat, fluorescence indicator protein for (+)-catechin) was developed for real-time monitoring of (+)-catechin flux. In vitro characterization of the purified protein of the nanosensor showed that the nanosensor was pH stable and (+)-catechin specific. Its calculated Kd was 139 µM. The nanosensor also performed real-time monitoring of (+)-catechin in bacterial cells. In the second step of this study, an entire (+)-catechin biosynthesis pathway was constructed and expressed in E. coli in two sets of plasmid constructs: pET26b-PT7-rbs-PAL-PT7-rbs-4CL-PT7-rbs-CHS-PT7-rbs-CHI and pET26b-T7-rbs-F3H-PT7-rbs- DFR-PT7-rbs-LCR. The E. coli harboring the FLIP-Cat was transformed with these plasmid constructs. The metabolic flux analysis of (+)-catechin was carried out using the FLIP-Cat. The FLIP-Cat successfully monitored the flux of catechin after adding tyrosine, 4-coumaric acid, 4-coumaroyl CoA, naringenin chalcone, naringenin, dihydroquercetin, and leucocyanidin, individually, with the bacterial cells expressing the nanosensor as well as the genes of the (+)-catechin biosynthesis pathway. Dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR) was identified as the main regulatory element of the (+)-catechin biosynthesis pathway. Information about this regulatory element of the (+)-catechin biosynthesis pathway can be used for manipulating the (+)-catechin biosynthesis pathway using a metabolic engineering approach to enhance production of (+)-catechin.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation as Targets for Novel Preventive and Therapeutic Approches in Non Communicable Diseases
Authors: Nediani Chiara , Giovannelli Lisa
Published: March 2020

As recently reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) has been rising over the last century representing the main cause of death and disability for the general population regardless of age, region, or gender [...]
Sol–Gel Treatment of Textiles for the Entrapping of an Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory Molecule: Functional Coating Morphological Characterization and Drug Release Evaluation
Authors: Puoci Francesco , Saturnino Carmela , Trovato Valentina , Iacopetta Domenico , Piperopoulos Elpida , Triolo Claudia , Bonomo Maria Grazia , Drommi Dario , Parisi Ortensia Ilaria , Milone Candida , Sinicropi Maria Stefania , Rosace Giuseppe , Plutino Maria Rosaria
Published: March 2020

The growing interest towards textile-based drug delivery systems is due to their potential innovative medical and well-being applications. In recent years, the technique of encapsulation or inclusion of the medicine/active principle into a polymer functional matrix has been employed in order to obtain textile materials with controlled drug release. In this study, a sol–gel-based coating was developed and used as an entrapping polymeric cross-linked network for a N-Palmitoyl-ethanolamine (PEA) derivative, 2-methyl-pentadecanoic acid (4-nitro-phenyl)-amide or N-Palmitoyl-(4-nitro-phenyl)-amine (PNPA), whose anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have already been shown. A wide series of chemical-physical methods have been used to characterize the silica-based functional sol and to ascertain the efficient and temporary deposit of PNPA on the sol–gel coated cotton fabrics. The medicine release system achieved was shown to ensure biocompatibility, PNPA reservoir and its subsequent releasing under the action of cutaneous stimuli, thus providing useful insights in the design of medical textiles.
Electricity Usage Efficiency and Electricity Demand Modeling in the Case of Germany and the UK
Authors: Dudic Branislav , Smolen Jan , Kovac Pavel , Savkovic Borislav , Dudic Zdenka
Published: March 2020

In this article, monthly and yearly electricity consumption predictions for the German power market were calculated using the multiple variable regression model. This model accounts for several factors that are often neglected when forecasting electricity demand in practice, in particular the role of the higher efficiency of electricity usage from year to year. The analysis performed in this paper helps to explain why no growth in power consumption has been observed in Germany during the last decade. It shows that the electricity efficiency usage dataset is a relevant input for the model, which mitigates the combined impact of other factors on the final electricity consumption. The electricity demand forecasting model presented in this article was built in the year 2013 with forecasts for the future years’ electricity demand in Germany provided until 2020. These forecasts and related findings are also evaluated in this article.
A Novel Hybrid Harmony Search Approach for the Analysis of Plane Stress Systems via Total Potential Optimization
Authors: Kayabekir Aylin Ece , Toklu Yusuf Cengiz , Bekdaş Gebrail , Nigdeli Sinan Melih , Yücel Melda , Geem Zong Woo
Published: March 2020

By finding the minimum total potential energy of a structural system with a defined degree of freedoms assigned as design variables, it is possible to find the equilibrium condition of the deformed system. This method, called total potential optimization using metaheuristic algorithms (TPO/MA), has been verified on truss and truss-like structures, such as cable systems and tensegric structures. Harmony Search (HS) algorithm methods perfectly found the analysis results of the previous structure types. In this study, TPO/MA is presented for analysis of plates for plane stress members to solve general types of problems. Due to the complex nature of the system, a novel hybrid Harmony Search (HHS) approach was proposed. HHS is the hybridization of local search phases of HS and the global search phase of the Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA). The results found via HHS were verified with the finite element method (FEM). When compared with classical HS, HHS provides smaller total potential energy values, and needs less iterations than other new generation metaheuristic algorithms.
A Study on the Heat Transfer of Surrounding Rock-Supporting Structures in High-Geothermal Tunnels
Authors: Wang Mingnian , Hu Yunpeng , Liu Dagang , Jiang Cheng , Wang Qiling , Wang Yicheng
Published: March 2020

The temperature distribution is one of the most vital parameters which should be fully considered in high geothermal tunnel design. For the purpose of studying the impact of temperature disturbance caused by construction on temperature distribution of surrounding rock and lining structure in a high geothermal tunnel, a new finite difference model for temperature prediction was proposed. Based on the abundant field test results, forecast analysis for the research of a high geothermal tunnel in this paper is made. The results indicate that the temperature of the surrounding rock near the tunnel sidewall decreases obviously in the first 14 days while that of the surrounding rock far away is stable after tunnel excavation, and the rock temperature showed three ways of change: undulate type (<2 m), decline type (2–5 m) and stable type (>5 m). There is a linear relationship between the initial rock temperature and the released heat of the surrounding rock. The radius of the heat-adjusting layer and the initial rock temperature presents a quadratic function relation. The lining concrete actually cures under the variable high-temperature environment and the real curing temperature decreases with time and becomes stable seven days later. The results would contribute to providing support for high geothermal tunnel research and design.
Analysis of Assembly Error Effect on Stability Accuracy of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Photoelectric Detection System
Authors: He Keyan , Hong Huajie , Jiang Guilin , Gu Haipeng
Published: March 2020

A photoelectric detection system is a typical type of device widely used for detecting purposes based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Stability accuracy is the key performance index. Compared to traditional analysis methods aimed at unpredictable error-causing sources, assembly errors can be easily controlled during the manufacturing processes. In this research, an analysis method of assembly error effect on stability accuracy is proposed. First, by using kinematics analysis of homogeneous coordinate transformation, stability accuracy is comprehensively modeled and simulated. Then, by analyzing the manufacturing process, assembly errors of axis perpendicularities, run-outs and gyroscopes are defined and modeled. By simulating different carrier movements, the effects caused by assembly errors under various environments are studied. Finally, error sensitivity is proposed by using standard deviation analysis. Results show that the most sensitive assembly errors are identified, and ranked in order of sensitivity as follows: x-component of pitch axis perpendicularity, y-component of the azimuth gyroscope assembly, and z-component of the pitch gyroscope assembly. In conclusion, the results can be used as standards of manufacturing process improvements, and the proposed methods can be used to provide valuable references for real application scenarios.
Performance and Usability of Smartglasses for Augmented Reality in Precision Livestock Farming Operations
Authors: Caria Maria , Todde Giuseppe , Sara Gabriele , Piras Marco , Pazzona Antonio
Published: March 2020

In recent years, smartglasses for augmented reality are becoming increasingly popular in professional contexts. However, no commercial solutions are available for the agricultural field, despite the potential of this technology to help farmers. Many head-wearable devices in development possess a variety of features that may affect the smartglasses wearing experience. Over the last decades, dairy farms have adopted new technologies to improve their productivity and profit. However, there remains a gap in the literature as regards the application of augmented reality in livestock farms. Head-wearable devices may offer invaluable benefits to farmers, allowing real-time information monitoring of each animal during on-farm activities. The aim of this study was to expand the knowledge base on how augmented reality devices (smartglasses) interact with farming environments, focusing primarily on human perception and usability. Research has been conducted examining the GlassUp F4 smartglasses during animal selection process. Sixteen participants performed the identification and grouping trials in the milking parlor, reading different types of contents on the augmented reality device optical display. Two questionnaires were used to evaluate the perceived workload and usability of the device. Results showed that the information type could influence the perceived workload and the animal identification process. Smart glasses for augmented reality were a useful tool in the animal genetic improvement program offering promising opportunities for adoption in livestock operations in terms of assessing data consultation and information about animals.
Formaldehyde Exposure and Epigenetic Effects: A Systematic Review
Authors: Leso Veruscka , Macrini Maria Carmela , Russo Francesco , Iavicoli Ivo
Published: March 2020

Formaldehyde (FA) is a general living and occupational pollutant, classified as carcinogenic for humans. Although genotoxicity is recognized as a FA mechanism of action, a potential contribution of epigenetic effects cannot be excluded. Therefore, aim of this review is to comprehensively assess possible epigenetic alterations induced by FA exposure in humans, animals, and cellular models. A systematic review of Pubmed, Scopus, and Isi Web of Science databases was performed. DNA global methylation changes were demonstrated in workers exposed to FA, and also in human bronchial cells. Histone alterations, i.e., the reduction in acetylation of histone lysine residues, in human lung cells were induced by FA. Moreover, a dysregulation of microRNA expression in human lung adenocarcinoma cells as well as in the nose, olfactory bulb and white blood cells of rodents and nonhuman primates was reported. Although preliminary, these findings suggest the role of epigenetic modifications as possible FA mechanisms of action that need deeper qualitative and quantitative investigation. This may allow to define the role of such alterations as indicators of early biological effect and the opportunity to include such information in future risk assessment and management strategies for public and occupationally FA-exposed populations.
The Effect of Unsupported Sleepers/Bearers on Dynamic Phenomena of a Railway Turnout System under Impact Loads
Authors: Hamarat Mehmet , Papaelias Mayorkinos , Silvast Mika , Kaewunruen Sakdirat
Published: March 2020

Track settlement is a common problem observed in ballasted railway tracks. The ballast bed and the material layers underneath it, deform under repeated trainloads and create uneven support conditions along the track. In some cases, the ballast settlement could be detrimental and the sleepers lose contact with the ballast bed partially or completely, resulting in higher contact forces and load distributions over the supported sleepers. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the phenomenon for normal tracks. Nevertheless, railway turnouts are somehow neglected. As a consequence, this study focuses on the relation between unsupported sleepers/bearers (particular name for turnouts) and a railway turnout system to develop the understanding of the response of turnout system under dynamic loadings. A 3D Finite Element Method (FEM) model is inherited from previous study and adopted to reflect the cases with unsupported bearer configurations. It is noteworthy that inherited model is capable of reflecting the impact forces, which is an inherent and fundamental characteristic of a railway turnout. Model verification is done with the parent model that was verified by field measurements. Three different support conditions (i.e., one, two, three unsupported bearers), five different velocities and six different positions of unsupported bearers are simulated. The results show that the performance of ‘fibre-reinforced foamed urethane’ (FFU) bearers are promising and more, unsupported bearers carry significant loads at particular locations, which is contrary to the sleepers on normal track that are subjected to insignificant loads.
Machine Learning Approaches for Ship Speed Prediction towards Energy Efficient Shipping
Authors: Abebe Misganaw , Shin Yongwoo , Noh Yoojeong , Lee Sangbong , Lee Inwon
Published: March 2020

As oil prices continue to rise internationally, shipping costs are also increasing rapidly. In order to reduce fuel costs, an economical shipping route must be determined by accurately predicting the estimated arrival time of ships. A common method in the evaluation of ship speed involves computing the total resistance of a ship using theoretical analysis; however, using theoretical equations cannot be applied for most ships under various operating conditions. In this study, a machine learning approach was proposed to predict ship speed over the ground using the automatic identification system (AIS) and noon-report maritime weather data. To train and validate the developed model, the AIS and marine weather data of the seventy-six vessels for a period one year were used. The model accuracy result shows that the proposed data-driven model has a satisfactory capability to predict the ship speed based on the chosen features.
An Investigation into Bolt Anchoring Performance during Tunnel Construction in Bedded Rock Mass
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Liu Yin , Teng Junyang , Zhang Heng , Chen Xin
Published: March 2020

The anchor bolt is a key point of tunnel design in bedded rock mass. The previous theory of anchorage support falls does not fulfil engineering requirements, and the stability of bedded rock must be addressed by empirical methods. To investigate the bolt anchoring performance for bedded rock mass under different anchoring methods, the rock failure mode under shear and tensile stresses in bedded rock was examined in this paper. The results showed that bolt anchoring for rock is achieved mainly through the bonded restoration of surrounding rock near the drill holes by means of an anchoring agent and the supporting resistance provided by the bolt body. It was observed that the strength parameters of bedded rock were increased under the anchoring effect. Full anchoring bolts were especially effective. In addition, it was observed that, in the absence of bolts, the failure form changed from shear to split. In the case of bolting, the failure plane occurred parallel to the bolt’s axis. The shearing began along the interface between the hard and soft rock bedding. Compared to end bolt anchoring, full-length bolt anchoring was more capable of offering an anchoring effect. The latter offered a greater increase in the strength and greater shear-bearing capacity of the rock, which ultimately enabled the rock to bear more load.