bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Relationship Between In Situ and In Vitro Rumen Protein Degradability of Extruded Full Fat Soybean
Authors: Erol Tunç Arzu , Cufadar Yusuf , Yaman Sema
Published: October 2017

The objectives of this study were to estimate the protein degradability of extruded full fat soybean (ESB) by in situ (nylon bag) and in vitro enzymatic method and to develop an equation in order predict in situ degradability from in vitro values. In the study enzymatic technique; hydrolysis after 1 h (INV1) and after 24 h (INV24) by a purified protease extracted from Streptomyces griseus in a borate-phosphate buffer at pH 8 was used as in vitro method. Relationship between in situ effective protein degradability (INSE) and in vitro degradability after 1 and 24 hours incubations (INV1 and INV24) were determined. In situ protein degradability was measured at 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 48 and at 72 h incubations in the rumen of 3 Holstein cows. In the study INSE, INV1 and INV24 were determined as 58.05, 20.24 and 41.46% respectively. Despite there were differences between in situ and in vitro protein degradability values, correlation coefficients between in situ and in vitro protein degradability of ESB were high and regression equations for estimation of in situ from in vitro were found significant. As conclusion in vitro enzymatic protein degradability (INV1 and INV24) can be used for estimation of in situ effective protein degradability of extruded full fat soybean.
Propolisin Genel Özellikleri ve Balıklarda Kullanımı
Authors: Yonar Muhammet Enis
Published: October 2017

Propolis, bitkilerin tomurcuk ve yaprak kısımlarından toplanan maddelerden bal arıları tarafından üretilen doğal reçineli bir karışımdır. Propolis antikanser, antiinflamator, antibiyotik, antioksidatif, antibakteriyel, antiviral, antifungal, anestetik, immunostimulan ve sitotoksik etkilere sahiptir. Bu derlemede doğal bir ürün olan propolisin fiziksel, kimyasal ve biyolojik özellikleri, bitkisel kaynakları ile balıklarda kullanımı ve uygulama şekiller hakkındaki bilgilerin bir araya getirilmesi amaçlanmıştır.
Ordu Kenti Çocuk Oyun Alanlarının Ulaşılabilirlik Açısından İncelenmesi
Authors: Yeşil Murat , Yeşil Pervin
Published: October 2017

Çocuk oyun alanları, hızlı kentleşme sonucunda, çocuğa oynayabileceği güvenli ve sessiz ortamların azaldığı kentlerimizde, büyük bir sorunun çözülmesi yönünden önem taşır. Çünkü yapılan çalışmalar, plansız ve çarpık gelişmiş kentsel mekânların çocukların davranışlarını, tutumlarını ve reaksiyonlarını kötü yönde etkilediğini ortaya koymaktadır.

Bu çalışmada; Ordu kent merkezini oluşturan 22 mahallede yer alan çocuk oyun alanlarının ulaşılabilirlik durumları incelenmiştir. Bu kapsamda ilk olarak çocuk oyun alanları mahalle ölçeğinde belirlenerek alansal hesaplamaları yapılmış ve yine her mahallede yer alan çocuk nüfus sayılarına oranlanarak 0-14 yaş arası çocuk başına düşen oyun alanı miktarı hesaplanmıştır. İkinci aşamada ise oyun alanlarının 200 m mesafede ulaşılabilirlik durumları tespit edilerek çocuk oyun alanlarına yönelik ulaşılabilirlik haritaları elde edilmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda; çocuk oyun alanlarının kent içerisinde dengeli dağılmadığı, bazı mahallelerde yoğunlaştığı, bazılarında ise ulaşılabilirlik sınırları içerisinde olmadığı ve ihtiyacı karşılamadığı tespit edilmiştir.
Armut Üretiminde Karşılaştırmalı Enerji Kullanım Etkinliği ve Ekonomik Analiz: Trakya Bölgesi Örneği
Authors: Aydın Başak , Aktürk Duygu , Özkan Erol , Hurma Harun , Kiracı Mehmet Ali
Published: October 2017

Bu çalışma, Trakya Bölgesinde iyi tarım uygulaması yapan ve yapmayan armut üreten tarım işletmelerini kapsamaktadır. Çalışmanın temel amacı, iyi tarım uygulaması yapan ve yapmayan işletmelerin girdi kullanım miktarlarının ve enerji kullanım etkinliğinin belirlenmesi ve ekonomik olarak karşılaştırılmasıdır. Kırklareli, Edirne ve Tekirdağ illerinde iyi tarım uygulaması yapan 16 armut üreticisinin tamamıyla, aynı sayıda iyi tarım uygulaması yapmayan armut üreticisi ile anket çalışması yapılmıştır. Değerlendirme sonuçlarına göre iyi tarım uygulayan işletmelerde toplam enerji girdisi 30.046,64 MJ, enerji çıktısı 36.000 MJ, enerji çıktı/girdi oranı 1,20, enerji verimliliği 0,50 kg/MJ, spesifik enerji 2,00 MJ/kg, enerji yoğunluğu 1,80 MJ/TL ve net enerji 5.953,36 MJ olarak hesaplanmıştır. İyi tarım uygulamayan işletmelerde toplam enerji girdisi 32.111,92 MJ, enerji çıktısı 33.600 MJ, enerji çıktı/girdi oranı 1,05, enerji verimliliği 0,44 kg/MJ, spesifik enerji 2,29 MJ/kg, enerji yoğunluğu 2,05 MJ/TL ve net enerji 1.488,08 MJ olarak hesaplanmıştır. Trakya Bölgesinde iyi tarım uygulaması yapan işletmelerde bir kg armut yetiştirmenin maliyeti 1,11 TL, iyi tarım uygulaması yapmayan işletmelerde 1,12 TL olarak belirlenmiştir. İyi tarım uygulaması yapan işletmelerde toplam masraflar 16.682,80 TL, gayri safi üretim değeri 24.250 TL, brüt kâr 14.938,10 TL, mutlak kâr 7.567,20 TL, nispi kâr 1,45 olarak hesaplanmıştır. İyi tarım uygulaması yapmayan işletmelerde toplam masraflar 15.652 TL, gayri safi üretim değeri 21.000 TL, brüt kâr 11.511,80 TL, mutlak kâr 5.348 TL, nispi kâr ise 1,34 olarak belirlenmiştir. Enerji kullanım etkinliği ve ekonomik analiz sonuçlarına göre iyi tarım uygulaması yapan işletmelerde armut yetiştiriciliğinin daha avantajlı olduğu belirlenmiştir.
İstanbul İli Adalar İlçesi‘nde Hobi Bahçeleri ve Peyzaj Alanlarında Yetiştirilen Süs Bitkilerinde Tospovirüslerin Saptanması
Authors: Şafak Fatma , Kamberoğlu Muharrem Arap
Published: October 2017

Bu çalışma, İstanbul ili Adalar İlçesinde (Büyükada, Heybeliada, Kınalıada, Burgazada) hobi bahçeleri ve peyzaj alanlarında yetiştirilen süs bitkilerinde Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) ve Impatients necrotic spot virus (INSV) varlığının saptanması amacıyla, 2015 ile 2016 yılları arasında yürütülmüştür. Bölgede yapılan survey çalışmalarında simptomolojik olarak şüpheli süs bitkileri ile simptom göstermeyen süs bitkilerinden doku örnekleri alınmıştır. Toplanan 150 adet süs bitkisi örneği öncelikle Double Antibody Sandwich (DAS) ELISA yöntemi ile testlenmiş ve örneklerin hiçbirinde TSWV ve INSV infeksiyonu saptanmamıştır. ELISA testlerinde IYSV ile bulaşık olduğu saptanan örnekler RT-PCR çalışmalarında kullanılmıştır. IYSV-465c; IYSV-239f primer çifti ile yapılan RT-PCR çalışmalarında Pittosporum tobira ve Hydrangea macrophylla için 240 bp büyüklüğe sahip band gözlenmiştir. Böylece, IYSV‘nin Adalar ilçesinde varlığı moleküler olarak da ortaya konulmuştur.
Imagens fílmicas infantes: espaços de incidência inventiva
Authors: Cardonetti Vivien Kelling , Oliveira Marilda Oliveira de
Published: October 2017

Este artigo é parte de uma pesquisa de doutorado em Educação e Artes na Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) e propõe produzir diferentes fluxos de pensamentos a partir de três encontros fílmicos em que a criança se faz presente. Intenciona dar atenção àquilo que tem a potência de afetar (SPINOZA, 2010) e inquietar, possibilitando a produção de diferentes arranjos e tessituras em relação à educação. As problematizações suscitadas a partir do cruzamento dos espaços de incidência inventiva com a potência infante (DELEUZE, 2006) nos filmes ‘Los colores de las flores’, A Invenção de Hugo Cabret’ e ‘O Balão Branco’, potencializou o esboço de outras possibilidades de atuar, simulando diferentes modos de ser e desenhando singulares formas de vivenciar a docência.
Mathematical modeling and discussions on knowledge for teaching: interactions towards the continuing education of mathematics teachers
Authors: Ribeiro Rogério Marques , Powell Arthur Belford , Caldeira Ademir Donizeti
Published: October 2017

In this article, we present our reflections on some of the interactions between Mathematical Modeling and the discussions concerning the professional knowledge of teachers. These interactions, as proposed through the continuing education of early years teachers, show that coordination between these two fields is beneficial to the training of educators, both facilitating the learning of mathematical content and contributing in various ways to the development of skills used to investigate and understand the role mathematics plays in society. Furthermore, the article highlights how these discussions have proved valuable in allowing teachers to understand the importance of possessing specialized content knowledge for teaching mathematics, as posited in the Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching model, developed by Ball, Thames and Phelps (2008).
The Effectiveness of English Teaching Module at Middle Schools in West Aceh
Authors: Erizar Erizar , Azmi Mohd Nazri Latiff
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of English Teaching Module at middle schools in West Aceh. The students of middle school studying in Government public school were the population of study. The control group, as well as the experimental group, was of equal size, each has 30 students of 8th class. The significance of the difference between the scores of groups at 0.05 levels was tested by applying t-test. The result of the study showed the difference between the mean scores of the experimental and control group was found to be highly significant. The p- value was found 0. 000 (P< 0.05). The study also proved that the material designed, which was useful for slow as well as of bright students, enabled the students to comprehend difficult concepts, and kept them on the track.
The Implication of A Divided or Unified Government for Public Policy Making: Indonesia During the Democracy Transition
Authors: Hutahaean Marlan
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this article is to delves the implications of a divided or unified government for public policy making in Indonesian democracy transition process. This article used qualitative methodology. Data which was collected during the early phases of the research process was analysed by using several descriptive analysis techniques.The authors found evidence that showed that the formation of a unified government during Gus Dur-Megawati, Megawati-Hamzah Haz, SBY-JK, and SBY-Boediono regimes did not translate into an easy public policy making process. The same is expected to apply to Jokowi-JK government. The existence of a divided government during Jokowi-JK regime continues hampering the policy making process. The existence of a divided or unified government does not have so much influence on the policy making process rather the substance of the policy, the level of support the government can garner in the national assembly.
Dokter Beriklan: Sebuah Tinjauan Menurut Kode Etik Kedokteran Indonesia (KODEKI) Tahun 2012
Authors: Prawiroharjo Pukovisa , Meilia Putri Dianita Ika
Published: October 2017

Kebutuhan masyarakat akan informasi kompetensi kedokteran di era di mana perkembangan pemasaran dapat dikemas secara eksplisit maupun implisit, baik di media cetak maupun elektronik, menjadi polemik tersendiri bagi dokter. Untuk menunjukkan kapabilitasnya di hadapan masyarakat, penampilan citra baik paling singkat dapat dilakukan melalui iklan. Penelusuran literatur dilakukan untuk menjawab pertanyaan etik terhadap dokter beriklan. Secara etik, baik iklan diri maupun produk dengan klaim kesehatan dan kecantikan yang melibatkan identitas dan gelar seorang dokter tidak dibenarkan kecuali dokter tersebut memiliki STR non-aktif dan/atau pada iklan produk non-kesehatan non-kecantikan yang tidak memunculkan gelar dan atribut dokter sama sekali pada kontennya. Lebih lanjut terkait pelaksanaannya, diharapkan Majelis Kehormatan Etik Kedokteran (MKEK) mampu mengembangkan regulasi baru untuk menindaklanjuti sejawat yang mengalami dilema etik terkait dokter beriklan ini.
HISTOPATHOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND DIAGNOSIS OF IMPORTANT PAINTING METHODS
Authors: GEZEN Mehmet Rıza
Published: October 2017

Both diseases can safely in experimental research need to the histopathological diagnosis many coloring method utilized. This application of Immunohistochemistry and İmmunfloresan coloring methods stands out in terms of definitive diagnosis. Our country and other countries in which research scientists or Diagnostics these methods and which use antibodies to investigate the research planned and many Assembly-style research. İmmunfloresan coloring method, especially of some diseases affecting the immune system, resulting in the tissues of immunoglobulin and complement in the display of the Immunohistochemical staining method used to diagnose cancerous tissues. Both the painting cut early diagnosis of cancer in particular methods for specific investigations and used as safe.
Distributional Impacts of Canada's Tax-Free Savings Accounts
Authors: Zaman Ashraf Al
Published: October 2017

Since 2009, Canadians have had the opportunity to contribute to tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs). This study provides insight into the attributes of TFSA participants. I use data from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for general participation trends and the 2012 Survey of Financial Security (SFS) to examine the socio-economic characteristics of participants and their contributions. Examining data from the CRA, I find that the majority of tax-filing Canadians did not participate in the TFSA program by 2013, with age and income level affecting participation and contribution decisions. Evidence from the SFS data corroborates that obtained from the CRA data. I find that households with children or households headed by individuals with less than postsecondary education are less likely to participate. In addition, I find that households with higher net worth are more likely to participate and contribute more. Consequently, I conclude that TFSAs are likely to have an economically significant distributional impact, making them less attractive on distributional grounds.
Efficient Synthesis of Dialkyl (2E)-2-(6H,12H-6,12-Epiminodibenzo[b,f][1,5] Dioxocin-13-yl)but-2-Enedioates via a Pseudo Four-Component Reaction
Authors: Wang Ting , Qian Siran , Qing Xushun , Wang Cunde
Published: October 2017

An efficient pseudo four-component reaction between substituted 2-hydroxybenzaldehydes, ammonium acetate and different dialkyl but-2-ynedioates for the preparation of (2 E)-2-(6 H,12 H-6,12-epiminodibenzo[ b,f][1,5]dioxocin-13-yl)but-2-enedioates in moderate to good yields (60–83%) was developed. This method uses a variety of cheap and readily available reactants and a wide range of substrates. The structure of a typical product was confirmed by X-ray crystallography.
Biotransformation of Ergostane Triterpenoid Antcin K from Antrodia cinnamomea by Soil-Isolated Psychrobacillus sp. AK 1817
Authors: Chiang Chien-Min , Wang Tzi-Yuan , Ke An-Ni , Chang Te-Sheng , Wu Jiumn-Yih
Published: October 2017

Antcin K is one of the major ergostane triterpenoids from the fruiting bodies of Antrodia cinnamomea, a parasitic fungus that grows only on the inner heartwood wall of the aromatic tree Cinnamomum kanehirai Hay (Lauraceae). To search for strains that have the ability to biotransform antcin K, a total of 4311 strains of soil bacteria were isolated, and their abilities to catalyze antcin K were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography analysis. One positive strain, AK 1817, was selected for functional studies. The strain was identified as Psychrobacillus sp., based on the DNA sequences of the 16S rRNA gene. The biotransformation metabolites were purified with the preparative high-performance liquid chromatography method and identified as antcamphin E and antcamphin F, respectively, based on the mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data. The present study is the first to report the biotransformation of triterpenoids from A. cinnamomea (Antrodia cinnamomea).
Possibilities and Challenges for Quantitative Optical Sensing of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Moßhammer Maria , Kühl Michael , Koren Klaus
Published: October 2017

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plays a key role in many biological processes spanning from coral bleaching, over cell signaling to aging. However, exact quantitative assessments of concentrations and dynamics of H2O2 remain challenging due to methodological limitations—especially at very low (sub μM) concentrations. Most published optical detection schemes for H2O2 suffer from irreversibility, cross sensitivity to other analytes such as other reactive oxygen species (ROS) or pH, instability, temperature dependency or limitation to a specific medium. We review optical detection schemes for H2O2, compare their specific advantages and disadvantages, and discuss current challenges and new approaches for quantitative optical H2O2 detection, with a special focus on luminescence-based measurements. We also review published concentration ranges for H2O2 in natural habitats, and physiological concentrations in different biological samples to provide guidelines for future experiments and sensor development in biomedical and environmental science.
Bowen Lemma in the Countable Symbolic Space
Authors: Li Mingtian , Ma Jihua
Published: October 2017

We consider the sets of quasi-regular points in the countable symbolic space. We measure the sizes of the sets by Billingsley-Hausdorff dimension defined by Gibbs measures. It is shown that the dimensions of those sets, always bounded from below by the convergence exponent of the Gibbs measure, are given by a variational principle, which generalizes Li and Ma’s result and Bowen’s result.
Contact Hamiltonian Dynamics: The Concept and Its Use
Authors: Bravetti Alessandro
Published: October 2017

We give a short survey on the concept of contact Hamiltonian dynamics and its use in several areas of physics, namely reversible and irreversible thermodynamics, statistical physics and classical mechanics. Some relevant examples are provided along the way. We conclude by giving insights into possible future directions.
Subsecond Tsunamis and Delays in Decentralized Electronic Systems
Authors: Manrique Pedro , Zheng Minzhang , Cao Zhenfeng , Johnson Restrepo David , Hui Pak , Johnson Neil
Published: October 2017

Driven by technological advances and economic gain, society’s electronic systems are becoming larger, faster, more decentralized and autonomous, and yet with increasing global reach. A prime example are the networks of financial markets which—in contrast to popular perception—are largely all-electronic and decentralized with no top-down real-time controller. This prototypical system generates complex subsecond dynamics that emerge from a decentralized network comprising heterogeneous hardware and software components, communications links, and a diverse ecology of trading algorithms that operate and compete within this all-electronics environment. Indeed, these same technological and economic drivers are likely to generate a similarly competitive all-electronic ecology in a variety of future cyberphysical domains such as e-commerce, defense and the transportation system, including the likely appearance of large numbers of autonomous vehicles on the streets of many cities. Hence there is an urgent need to deepen our understanding of stability, safety and security across a wide range of ultrafast, large, decentralized all-electronic systems—in short, society will eventually need to understand what extreme behaviors can occur, why, and what might be the impact of both intentional and unintentional system perturbations. Here we set out a framework for addressing this issue, using a generic model of heterogeneous, adaptive, autonomous components where each has a realistic limit on the amount of information and processing power available to it. We focus on the specific impact of delayed information, possibly through an accidental shift in the latency of information transmission, or an intentional attack from the outside. While much remains to be done in terms of developing formal mathematical results for this system, our preliminary results indicate the type of impact that can occur and the structure of a mathematical theory which may eventually describe it.
Optimization of Solar Water Heating System under Time and Spatial Partition Heating in Rural Dwellings
Authors: Liu Yanfeng , Li Tao , Chen Yaowen , Wang Dengjia
Published: October 2017

This paper proposes the application of time and spatial partition heating to a solar water heating system. The heating effect and system performance were analyzed under the continuous and whole space heating and time and spatial partition heating using TRNSYS. The results were validated by comparing with the test results of the demonstration building. Compared to continuous and whole space heating, the use of time and spatial partition heating increases the solar fraction by 16.5%, reduces the auxiliary heating by 7390 MJ, and reduces the annual operation cost by 2010 RMB. Under time and spatial partition heating, optimization analyses were conducted for the two system capacity parameters of the solar collector area and tank volume and the one operation parameter of auxiliary heater setting outlet temperature. The results showed that a reasonable choice of the solar collector area can reduce the dynamic annual cost, the increased tank volume is advantageous to heat storage, and the auxiliary heater setting outlet temperature have greater influence on the indoor heating effect. The advanced opening of solar water heating system and the normal opening of passive air vents are recommended. Based on the comparison of the two modes, the time and spatial partition heating technology is a better choice for rural dwellings.
Influence of Dynamic Efficiency in the DC Microgrid Power Balance
Authors: Wu Hongwei , Sechilariu Manuela , Locment Fabrice
Published: October 2017

This work aims to enhance the ability of a direct current (DC) microgrid to guarantee the power supply without interruptions by considering the dynamic efficiency of each power converter in the power balance. Previous works show that the converter efficiency varies according to the instant power. If the variable efficiency of the converters in the microgrid is not considered, some extra power must be considered to compensate the losses in the power balance. However, this leads to a waste of available energy and unnecessary load shedding. The work presented here includes the power converters’ dynamic efficiencies in the control of a DC microgrid to improve its performance. MATLAB/Simulink simulations were carried out and the results show that the dynamic efficiency can reduce the load shedding and improve the total DC microgrid efficiency.
Comparative Analysis and Optimization of Power Loss Based on the Isolated Series/Multi Resonant Three-Port Bidirectional DC-DC Converter
Authors: Chen Bo , Wang Ping , Wang Yifeng , Li Wei , Han Fuqiang , Zhang Shuhuai
Published: October 2017

Based on the loss distribution and efficiency analysis, a comparative study between a series resonant three-port bidirectional DC-DC converter (SR-TBC) and a multi-resonant three-port bi-directional DC-DC converter (MR-TBC) is reported here. By using the Fourier equivalent analysis method in hand, the resonant current, switching current expressions, zero voltage soft switching (ZVS) conditions of MR-TBC and SR-TBC are deduced. Besides, in consideration of efficiency and soft switching aspects, the loss models of main power components and resonant elements are integrated and optimized for both topologies. Their loss distributions are established, and the different effects derived from the adoption of SiC MOSFET and Si MOSFET on the converter efficiency are discussed. Finally, to verify the theoretical analyses, comparative experiments under diverse load states are conducted based on the prototypes of the MR-TBC and SR-TBC. The obtained results demonstrate that the MR-TBC successfully broadens the ZVS range and thus achieves higher efficiency along the entire load range.
Flexible Compensation of Voltage and Current Unbalance and Harmonics in Microgrids
Authors: Mousazadeh Mousavi Seyyed Yousef , Jalilian Alireza , Savaghebi Mehdi , Guerrero Josep
Published: October 2017

In recent years, the harmonics and unbalance problems endanger the voltage and current quality of power systems, due to increasing usage of nonlinear and unbalanced loads. Use of Distributed Generation (DG)-interfacing inverters is proposed for voltage or current compensation. In this paper, a flexible control method is proposed to compensate voltage and current unbalance and harmonics using the distributed generation (DG)-interfacing inverters. This method is applicable to both grid-connected and islanded Microgrids (MGs). In the proposed method, not only the proper control of active and reactive powers can be achieved, but also there is flexibility in compensating the voltage or current quality problems at DG terminals or Points of Common Coupling (PCCs). This control strategy consists of active and reactive power controllers and a voltage/current quality-improvement block. The controller is designed in a stationary (αβ) frame. An extensive simulation study has been performed and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. Depending on the compensation modes, the harmonics and unbalance compensation of DG output current, MG-injected current to the grid, as well as PCC and DG voltages, can be achieved in grid-connected operation of MG while in the islanded operation, and the PCC and DG voltages compensation can be obtained through the proposed control scheme.
A Stable and Fast-Transient Performance Switched-Mode Power Amplifier for a Power Hardware in the Loop (PHIL) System
Authors: Sun Jianjun , Yin Chenxu , Gong Jinwu , Chen Yewei , Liao Zhiqiang , Zha Xiaoming
Published: October 2017

Power Hardware in the Loop (PHIL) systems are used to test a power system with the help of combined software and hardware. Generally, to construct a PHIL system, a switched-mode power amplifier that has a stable performance is used, because of their large, linear signal control-to-output characteristics. However, the fundamental limitations of a switch-mode power amplifier (PA) are the dynamic performance and output bandwidth. In this paper, a compound controller has been used for the rectifier part of a PA, which can ensure the stability of a PA under transient or fault operating conditions. Moreover, a compound controller, which involves a feed-forward controller, a proportional controller and a repetitive controller, is proposed in the inverter part of a PA, and it can be used for PHIL applications. Experimental results are obtained under various operating conditions, such as transient responses under load step change, and output voltage bandwidth testing for a PHIL system, it is concluded that a proposed switched-mode power amplifier is useful for the PHIL system.
Assessing Forest Cover Dynamics and Forest Perception in the Atlantic Forest of Paraguay, Combining Remote Sensing and Household Level Data
Authors: Da Ponte Emmanuel , Mack Benjamin , Wohlfart Christian , Rodas Oscar , Fleckenstein Martina , Oppelt Natascha , Dech Stefan , Kuenzer Claudia
Published: October 2017

The Upper Parana Atlantic Forest (BAAPA) in Paraguay is one of the most threatened tropical forests in the world. The rapid growth of deforestation has resulted in the loss of 91% of its original cover. Numerous efforts have been made to halt deforestation activities, however farmers’ perception towards the forest and its benefits has not been considered either in studies conducted so far or by policy makers. This research provides the first multi-temporal analysis of the dynamics of the forest within the BAAPA region on the one hand, and assesses the way farmers perceive the forest and how this influences forest conservation at the farm level on the other. Remote sensing data acquired from Landsat images from 1999 to 2016 were used to measure the extent of the forest cover and deforestation rates over 17 years. Farmers’ influence on the dynamics of the forest was evaluated by combining earth observation data and household survey results conducted in the BAAPA region in 2016. Outcomes obtained in this study demonstrate a total loss in forest cover of 7500 km2. Deforestation rates in protected areas were determined by management regimes. The combination of household level and remote sensing data demonstrated that forest dynamics at the farm level is influenced by farm type, the level of dependency/use of forest benefits and the level of education of forest owners. An understanding of the social value awarded to the forest is a relevant contribution towards preserving natural resources.
Determination of Salmonella spp., E. coli VTEC, Vibrio spp., and Norovirus GI-GII in Bivalve Molluscs Collected from Growing Natural Beds in Sardinia (Italy)
Authors: Marceddu Marta , Lamon Sonia , Consolati Simonetta , Ciulli Sara , Mazza Roberta , Mureddu Anna , Meloni Domenico
Published: October 2017

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of Salmonella spp., verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC), Vibrio spp., and Norovirus GI-GII in bivalve molluscs, cockles, and European grooved carpet shells (Cerastoderma spp. and Ruditapes decussatus) collected from a class B growing natural bed in Sardinia (Italy). All of the samples were analysed for Salmonella spp. detection according to European Commission Regulation (EC) 2285/2015. Detection and enumeration of Vibrio spp. were performed according to previously published methods. Presumptive identification of Vibrio spp. isolates was performed by means of conventional biochemical tests. E. coli VTEC was isolated following a direct multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening test. Norovirus GI and GII were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). No Salmonella spp. were detected. The prevalence of Vibrio spp. was 90%, and the average contamination levels were 3.19 ± 1.07 and 2.84 ± 0.31 Log10 cfu/g in cockles and European grooved carpet shells, respectively. The prevalence of E. coli VTEC was 6.6%. All of the isolates showed a complete pathogenicity profile. The presence of Norovirus was highlighted in 25% of European grooved carpet shells samples. Results showed the typical microbiological profile of bivalve molluscs collected from backwaters and confirmed the capability of shellfish to accumulate E. coli VTEC, pathogenic vibrios, and Norovirus. The presence of such pathogens in shellfish is of major concern for the safety of consumers.
Molecular Cloning, Recombinant Expression and Antifungal Activity of BnCPI, a Cystatin in Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.)
Authors: Yu Yongting , Zhang Gang , Li Zhimin , Cheng Yi , Gao Chunsheng , Zeng Liangbin , Chen Jia , Yan Li , Sun Xiangping , Guo Litao , Yan Zhun
Published: October 2017

Phytocystatins play multiple roles in plant growth, development and resistance to pests and other environmental stresses. A ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.) phytocystatin gene, designated as BnCPI, was isolated from a ramie cDNA library and its full-length cDNA was obtained by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The full-length cDNA sequence (691 bp) consisted of a 303 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a protein of 100 amino acids with deduced molecular mass of 11.06 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point (pI) of 6.0. The alignment of genome DNA (accession no. MF153097) and cDNA sequences of BnCPI showed that an intron (~104 bp) exists in the coding region. The BnCPI protein contains most of the highly conserved blocks including Gly5-Gly6 at the N-terminal, the reactive site motif QxVxG (Q49V50V51S52G53), the L79-W80 block and the [LVI]-[AGT]-[RKE]-[FY]-[AS]-[VI]-x-[EDQV]-[HYFQ]-N (L22G23R24 F25A26V27 D28D29H30 N31) block that is common among plant cystatins. BLAST analysis indicated that BnCPI is similar to cystatins from Glycine max (77%), Glycine soja (76%), Hevea brasiliensis (75%) and Ricinus communis (75%). The BnCPI was subcloned into expression vector pSmart-I and then overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) as a His-tagged recombinant protein. The purified reBnCPI has a molecular mass of 11.4 kDa determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE). Purified reBnCPI can efficiently inhibit the protease activity of papain and ficin toward BANA (Nα-benzoyl-L-arginine-2-naphthyamide), as well as the mycelium growth of some important plant pathogenic fungi. The data further contribute to our understanding of the molecular functions of BnCPI.
Toxic Elements in Different Medicinal Plants and the Impact on Human Health
Authors: Brima Eid
Published: October 2017

Local medicinal plants from Madina, Saudi Arabia, are used to cure various diseases. However, some can cause adverse health effects. Five different medicinal plants were collected in the city of Madina: mahareeb (Cymbopogon), sheeh (Artemisia), harjal (Cynanchum argel delile), nabipoot (Equisetum), and kafmariam (Vitex agnus-castus). In total, four toxic elements including Al, Pb, As, and Cd were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The range of recoveries fell between 86.1% and 90.6% for all measured elements. Al levels were the highest of any of the studied elements in all plant samples, with Cymbopogon showing the highest levels. The range of concentrations of Al was 156–1609 mg/kg. Cd appeared at the lowest levels in all plants samples, with Vitex agnus-castus containing this element at the highest levels. Cd concentrations were in the range of 0.01–0.10 mg/kg. A washing process lowered the toxic elements in all plants; average % recoveries were Al (47.32%), As (59.1%), Cd (62.03%), and Pb (32.40%). The calculated human health risk assessment in one dose for toxic elements in all plants was as follows: Al (1.33 × 10−3–5.57 × 10−2 mg/kg.bw), Pb (0–8.86 × 10−5 mg/kg.bw), As (3.43 × 10−7–1.33 × 10−5 mg/kg.bw), and Cd (0–3.14 × 10−6 mg/kg.bw). Medicinal plants are a source of exposure to toxic elements. However, none of the plants in this study exceeded the daily guideline set by the WHO for any element based on conventional use by the local population. We may cautiously conclude that these medicinal plants pose no risk to users based on conventional use.
Landscapes and Human Health
Authors: Sullivan William , Chang Chun-Yen
Published: October 2017

As urbanization increases around the world and fewer and fewer people have easy access to completely natural places, there is a growing need to understand how the landscapes we design and inhabit impact our health and wellbeing.[...]
Trends and Comparisons of Utilization of Emergency Departments Due to Traumatic or Non-Traumatic Causes among the HIV-Positive Population in Taiwan, 2006–2011
Authors: Lin Ching-Heng , Lin Ting , Chou Pesus , Yang Nan-Ping
Published: October 2017

It is important that the utilization of emergency departments (EDs) among people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) be epidemiologically evaluated in order to assess and improve the HIV care continuum. All participants newly-diagnosed with HIV in Taiwan registered in the National Health Insurance Database from 2000 to 2005 were enrolled in this study and followed-up from 2006 to 2011. In total, 3500 participants newly-diagnosed with HIV in 2000–2005 were selected as a fixed-cohort population and followed-up from 2006 to 2011. Overall, 704, 645, 591, 573, 578, and 568 cases made 1322, 1275, 1050, 1061, 1136, and 992 ED visits in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, with an average number of ED visits ranging from 1.75 to 1.98 per person, accounting for 20.1–22.6% of the whole HIV-positive population. Fewer ED visits were due to traumatic reasons, accounting for 19.6–24.4% of all cases. The incidence of traumatic and non-traumatic ED visits among the HIV-positive participants ranged from 7.2–9.3 and 27.0–33.9 per 100 people, respectively. The average direct medical cost of traumatic and non-traumatic ED visits ranged from $89.3–112.0 and $96.6–120.0, respectively. In conclusion, a lower incidence of ED visits for all reasons and fewer ED visits owing to traumatic causes were observed in the population living with HIV in comparison with the general population; however, the direct medical cost of each ED visit owing to both traumatic and non-traumatic causes was greater among those living with HIV than in the general population.
Cardiotoxic Effects of Short-Term Doxorubicin Administration: Involvement of Connexin 43 in Calcium Impairment
Authors: Pecoraro Michela , Rodríguez-Sinovas Antonio , Marzocco Stefania , Ciccarelli Michele , Iaccarino Guido , Pinto Aldo , Popolo Ada
Published: October 2017

The use of Doxorubicin (DOXO), a potent antineoplastic agent, is limited by the development of cardiotoxicity. DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity is multifactorial, although alterations in calcium homeostasis, seem to be involved. Since even the Connexin43 (Cx43) plays a pivotal role in these two phenomena, in this study we have analyzed the effects of DOXO on Cx43 expression and localization. Damage caused by anthracyclines on cardiomyocytes is immediate after each injection, in the present study we used a short-term model of DOXO-induced cardiomyopathy. C57BL/6j female mice were randomly divided in groups and injected with DOXO (2 or 10 mg/kg i.p.) for 1–3 or 7 days once every other day. Cardiac function was assessed by Echocardiography. Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCAII) and phospholamban (PLB) expression were assessed by Western blot analysis, intracellular [Ca2+] were detected spectrofluorometrically by means of Fura-2 pentakis (acetoxymethyl) ester (FURA-2AM), and Cx43 and pCx43 expression and localization was analyzed by Western blot and confirmed by immunofluorescence analysis. DOXO induces impairment in Ca2+ homeostasis, already evident after a single administration, and affects Cx43 expression and localization. Our data suggest that DOXO-induced alterations in Ca2+ homeostasis causes in the cells the induction of compensatory mechanisms until a certain threshold, above which cardiac injury is triggered.
The Contribution of Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma to the Treatment of Chronic Equine Laminitis: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Angelone Mario , Conti Virna , Biacca Cristiano , Battaglia Beatrice , Pecorari Laura , Piana Francesco , Gnudi Giacomo , Leonardi Fabio , Ramoni Roberto , Basini Giuseppina , Dotti Silvia , Renzi Sabrina , Ferrari Maura , Grolli Stefano
Published: October 2017

Laminitis, a highly debilitating disease of the foot in ungulates, is characterized by pathological changes of the complex lamellar structures that maintain the appendicular skeleton within the hoof. Laminitis is a multifactorial disease that involves perturbation of the vascular, hematological, and inflammatory homeostasis of the foot. Interestingly, the pathogenesis of the disease resembles what is observed in metabolic syndromes and sepsis-induced organ failure in humans and animals. We hypothesized that local administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) might contribute to establishing an anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic environment, and could stimulate the injured tissue in order to restore its functional integrity. According to this assumption, an experimental protocol based on the local intravenous administration of adipose tissue-derived MSCs (aMSCs) in combination with PRP was developed for the treatment of horses affected by chronic laminitis. Nine horses with severely compromised venograms (showing grade III and IV laminitis) that had been unsuccessfully treated with conventional therapies were enrolled. aMSCs and PRP (15 × 106 cells resuspended in 15 mL of PRP) were injected into the lateral or medial digital vein three times, at one-month intervals. The first administration was performed with allogeneic aMSCs, while for the following administrations, autologous aMSCs were used. There was no adverse short-term reaction to the intravenous injection of aMSCs. In the long term, venograms outlined, in all subjects, a progressive amelioration of the vascularization of the foot. An improvement in the structure and function of the hoof was also observed. No adverse events were reported during the follow-up, and the horses returned to a comfortable quality of life. Although the number of animals enrolled in the study is limited, both clinical observations and venography demonstrated an enhancement in the condition of all horses, suggesting that the regenerative therapies in chronic laminitis could be useful, and are worthy of further investigation.
Review of Ecologically-Based Pest Management in California Vineyards
Authors: Wilson Houston , Daane Kent M.
Published: October 2017

Grape growers in California utilize a variety of biological, cultural, and chemical approaches for the management of insect and mite pests in vineyards. This combination of strategies falls within the integrated pest management (IPM) framework, which is considered to be the dominant pest management paradigm in vineyards. While the adoption of IPM has led to notable and significant reductions in the environmental impacts of grape production, some growers are becoming interested in the use of an explicitly non-pesticide approach to pest management that is broadly referred to as ecologically-based pest management (EBPM). Essentially a subset of IPM strategies, EBPM places strong emphasis on practices such as habitat management, natural enemy augmentation and conservation, and animal integration. Here, we summarize the range and known efficacy of EBPM practices utilized in California vineyards, followed by a discussion of research needs and future policy directions. EBPM should in no way be seen in opposition, or as an alternative to the IPM framework. Rather, the further development of more reliable EBPM practices could contribute to the robustness of IPM strategies available to grape growers.
The Effects of Acid Etching on the Nanomorphological Surface Characteristics and Activation Energy of Titanium Medical Materials
Authors: Hung Kuo-Yung , Lin Yi-Chih , Feng Hui-Ping
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study was to characterize the etching mechanism, namely, the etching rate and the activation energy, of a titanium dental implant in concentrated acid and to construct the relation between the activation energy and the nanoscale surface topographies. A commercially-pure titanium (CP Ti) and Ti-6Al-4V ELI surface were tested by shot blasting (pressure, grain size, blasting distance, blasting angle, and time) and acid etching to study its topographical, weight loss, surface roughness, and activation energy. An Arrhenius equation was applied to derive the activation energy for the dissolution of CP Ti/Ti-6Al-4V ELI in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) at different temperatures. In addition, white-light interferometry was applied to measure the surface nanomorphology of the implant to obtain 2D or 3D roughness parameters (Sa, Sq, and St). The nanopore size that formed after etching was approximately 100–500 nm. The surface roughness of CP Ti and Ti-6Al-4V ELI decreased as the activation energy decreased but weight loss increased. Ti-6Al-4V ELI has a higher level of activation energy than Ti in HCl, which results in lower surface roughness after acid etching. This study also indicates that etching using a concentrated hydrochloric acid provided superior surface modification effects in titanium compared with H2SO4.
Optimization and Characterization of the Friction Stir Welded Sheets of AA 5754-H111: Monitoring of the Quality of Joints with Thermographic Techniques
Authors: De Filippis Luigi , Serio Livia , Palumbo Davide , De Finis Rosa , Galietti Umberto
Published: October 2017

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid-state welding process, based on frictional and stirring phenomena, that offers many advantages with respect to the traditional welding methods. However, several parameters can affect the quality of the produced joints. In this work, an experimental approach has been used for studying and optimizing the FSW process, applied on 5754-H111 aluminum plates. In particular, the thermal behavior of the material during the process has been investigated and two thermal indexes, the maximum temperature and the heating rate of the material, correlated to the frictional power input, were investigated for different process parameters (the travel and rotation tool speeds) configurations. Moreover, other techniques (micrographs, macrographs and destructive tensile tests) were carried out for supporting in a quantitative way the analysis of the quality of welded joints. The potential of thermographic technique has been demonstrated both for monitoring the FSW process and for predicting the quality of joints in terms of tensile strength.
The Abundance of Toxic Genotypes Is a Key Contributor to Anatoxin Variability in Phormidium-Dominated Benthic Mats
Authors: Wood Susanna , Puddick Jonathan
Published: October 2017

The prevalence of benthic proliferations of the anatoxin-producing cyanobacterium Phormidium are increasing in cobble-bed rivers worldwide. Studies to date have shown high spatial and temporal variability in anatoxin concentrations among mats. In this study we determined anatoxin quotas (toxins per cell) in field samples and compared these results to the conventionally-used concentrations (assessed per dry weight of mat). Three mats were selected at sites in two rivers and were sampled every 2–3 h for 24–26 h. The samples were lyophilized and ground to a fine homogenous powder. Two aliquots of known weights were analyzed for anatoxin congeners using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, or digital droplet PCR with Phormidium-specific anaC primers to measure absolute quantities of gene copies. Anatoxin concentrations in the mats varied 59- and 303-fold in the two rivers over the study periods. A similar pattern was observed among gene copies (53- and 2828-fold). When converted to anatoxin quotas there was markedly less variability (42- and 16-fold), but significantly higher anatoxin quotas were observed in mats from the second river (p < 0.001, Student’s t-test). There were no obvious temporal patterns with high and low anatoxin concentrations or quotas measured at each sampling time and across the study period. These results demonstrate that variability in anatoxin concentrations among mats is primarily due to the abundance of toxic genotypes. No consistent modulation in anatoxin production was observed during the study, although significant differences in anatoxin quotas among rivers suggest that site-specific physiochemical or biological factors may influence anatoxin production.