bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porous Bodies
Authors: Sear Cynthia
Published: November 2020

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the way we imagine and experience our bodily boundaries. While previously we may have believed our body to be discrete and bounded by our skin, the latest medical advice has awakened us to the porous nature of our bodies. The virus, we have learnt, may enter our body through our mouths, nose and eyeballs via the surfaces that we touch and through the air that we breathe. In this article, I employ auto-ethnographic reflections and recent media coverage to argue that this new corporeal intimacy has both produced and revealed new and latent experiences of disgust and violence.
ETIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF MICROBIOTA IN ODONTOGENIC INFECTIOUS INFLAMMATORY DISEASES OF MAXILLOFACIAL AREA
Authors: Faustova M.O.
Published: November 2020

In recent decades, the etiological structure of infectious complications in surgery has remained almost unchanged. The aim of this study is to identify the leading pathogens of odontogenic infectious and inflammatory diseases of the maxillofacial area in patients. Materials and methods. The study involved 137 patients with odontogenic infectious and inflammatory diseases of the maxillofacial area. The final species identification of microorganisms was performed according to the generally accepted method. Results. 117 clinical strains of microorganisms were isolated from patients and identified. It was found the most common causative agents of odontogenic infectious and inflammatory diseases of the maxillofacial area in patients were gram-positive cocci. It should be noted that the vast majority of isolates were members of the genus Staphylococcus. Gram-negative microorganisms were detected in patients much less frequently (31.6%) compared with gram-positive. In 5.1% of case, C. albicans acted as the dominant pathogen in the material taken from patients with purulent diseases. It was found out that during the development of the abscess, the microbiota were more diverse, but the percentage of pathogens differed significantly with the selection of S. aureus, A. baumannii and E. faecalis as the main ones. In turn, with the aggravation of the infectious process and the development of phlegmon and mediastinitis in patients, a decrease in the spectrum of microorganisms in the studied materials was observed, along with an increase in their percentages. Conclusions. The etiological structure of microbiota of odontogenic infectious-inflammatory diseases of the maxillofacial area is predominantly represented by opportunistic microorganisms of the genera Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas. In general, gram-positive cocci and non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria are the dominant causative agents of odontogenic infectious-inflammatory diseases of the maxillofacial area in most surgical patients.
Syndrom Piotrusia Pana jako przyczyna psychiczna niezdolności do małżeństwa w praktyce Sądu Metropolitalnego w Lublinie
Authors: Bzdyrak Ks. Grzegorz
Published: November 2020

Osoba dotknięta syndromem Piotrusia Pana może bardzo dobrze radzić sobie na polu zawodowym, piąć się po szczeblach kariery, być osobą towarzyską i lubianą, a więc z pozoru być dobrym mężem lub żoną, ale realizując tylko nieistotne z prawnego punktu widzenia obowiązki małżeńskie, nadal będzie niezdolna do ważnego zawarcia małżeństwa. Do istotnych obowiązków małżeńskich należy zaś zaliczyć te, które warunkują realizację bonum prolis i bonum coniugum. Piotruś Pan nie jest zdolny do budowania wspólnoty małżeńskiej, dążenia do dobra potomstwa, poświęceń, wzięcia odpowiedzialności materialnej za założoną rodzinę, nie traktuje małżeństwa jako trwałego i dozgonnego przymierza. Osoba taka nie jest zdolna do podjęcia i wypełnienia istotnych obowiązków małżeńskich, ponieważ stopień jej dojrzałości okazuje się niewystarczający, nawet pomimo osiągnięcia odpowiedniego wieku. Żyjąc beztrosko, Piotruś Pan potrzebuje opieki i pełnej akceptacji innej osoby, ale bez stawiania mu wymagań.
Wykaz drukowanych prac ks. prof. hab. Wincentego Myszora
Authors: Lach-Bartlik Ludmiła
Published: November 2020

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Tatlı su midyesinin (Unio terminalis) farklı iki bölgesine yapılan greft naklinin karşılaştırılması
Authors: ŞEREFLİŞAN Hülya
Published: November 2020

Bu çalışmada, tatlı su midyesinin (Unio terminalis) iki farklı implantasyon bölgesinde, iki farklı greft malzemesi kullanılarak en iyi inci kesesi oluşumu incelenmiştir. Araştırmada ortalama dorso-ventral uzunluğu 7.80±0.22 cm, yüksekliği 4.12±0.21 cm, genişliği 3.14±0.19 cm ve ağırlığı 45.74±0.23 g olan Unio terminalis midye türü kullanılmıştır. İnci kese oluşumu için implantasyon bölgesi olarak manto boşluğu ve gonad içi bölgesi belirlenmiş ve her bir bölgeye 2’şer adet greft uygulanmıştır. Greft malzemesi olarak manto dokusunun pallial bölümünden 3×3 mm büyüklüğünde elde edilen manto doku dilimleri ile 3 mm çapında sedefli midye kabuğu kullanılmıştır. Her bir uygulama için 50’şer adet olmak üzere, üç tekerrürlü toplamda 300 adet midye kullanılmıştır. 3 aylık inci kültürü sonunda, manto boşluğu ve gonad içi bölgesinde inci kesesi oluşumu karşılaştırıldığında; nitelikli inci kesesi oluşum oranı (% 60) ve sayısının (35) en iyi olduğu bölgenin manto boşluğu bölgesi olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ancak, midye tarafından greft ve nükleus atımı bakımından gonad içi uygulaması daha başarılı sonuç vermiştir (%20). Bu araştırma, kültür inci üretiminde önemli görülen sedef oluşum süresi ve en uygun greft implantasyon bölgesi konusunda, ticari inci üretim çalışmaları için önem taşımaktadır.
Runaykachay de ser pastuso: hacia el fortalecimiento de la identidad cultural
Authors: Adriana Janeth Maigual Meneses  , María Camila Bucheli Zambrano  , María Victoria Villacrez Oliva
Published: November 2020

Sin lugar a dudas, la identidad de todo individuo es una construcciónque solo es posible cuando éste reconoce su cultura y el contexto quelo hacen parte de la sociedad, así como también, cuando conoce lascostumbres, tradiciones, creencias y demás aspectos culturales del lugar donde pertenece. En este sentido, este proceso investigativopretendió, en primer lugar, identificar el nivel de apropiación de laidentidad cultural que tienen los estudiantes, diseñar una propuestapedagógica con el fin de fortalecer la identidad y, por último, evaluarlos alcances obtenidos en la implementación de la propuesta. Porotro lado, en cuanto al diseño metodológico, se tomó como base elparadigma cualitativo para lograr un análisis de conductas observables;el enfoque crítico social y la Investigación-Acción, para comprender lasprácticas pedagógicas, lograr un cambio e intervenir acertadamente.Se estableció técnicas e instrumentos de recolección de informacióncomo el taller diagnóstico y el diario de campo, con el propósito deanalizar cualitativamente el problema de investigación.
D. Trump's Policy in Latin America: Outcomes and Prospects
Authors: YAKOVLEV Petr
Published: November 2020

The Trump administration's policy south of the Rio Grande has revived the use of force in the spirit of infamous Monroe Doctrine and big stick diplomacy. As a result, an atmosphere of unpredictability has arisen between the United States and Latin America, and current trends in inter-American relations could be analyzed from the perspective of “controlled chaos” theory. In particular, D. Trump's aggressive political and diplomatic actions have significantly complicated the geopolitical situation in the strategically important Caribbean region. American-Cuban relations, normalized by Barack Obama, sharply deteriorated, and the regime of trade and financial sanctions against Venezuela, against which a real political and propaganda war was launched, was tightened to the utmost extent. The U.S. interaction with the largest countries in the region - Mexico and Brazil - has become more complex and ambiguous.
Проблемні питання протидії гібридному впливу противника на морі та шляхи їх вирішення
Authors: Яким’як С. В.
Published: November 2020

У статті проведено аналіз досвіду гібридних дій в Азовському та Чорному морях в умовах триваючої збройної агресії РФ проти України. Окреслено основні висновки та уроки з проаналізованого досвіду. Зокрема, зроблено висновок про те, що веденням гібридних дій на морі РФ намагається негативно вплинути на соціально-економічну ситуацію в приморських регіонах України та загальну соціально-політичну обстановку в державі. Запропоновано рекомендації щодо протидії гібридним діям противника на морі, зокрема проведення сучасних міжвідомчих (міжвидових, коаліційних) операцій на морі (морських операцій), які мають плануватись і постійно проводитись уже сьогодні, в умовах триваючих гібридних дій противника. На думку автора, реалізація запропонованих рекомендацій дасть змогу забезпечити захист національних інтересів України на морі та підвищити рівень міжнародної безпеки в Азовсько-Чорноморському регіоні завдяки спільним діям з країнами – членами НАТО й іншими партнерами України.
PENERAPAN SISTEM FULL DAY SCHOOL DI MI KOTA MALANG
Authors: Ainiah Binti Masrurotul
Published: November 2020

The formation and development of characters from an early age is very necessary, hence the importance of education to direct student to develope positive character in both the scope of religion and nasionalism by practicing character values in daily life. One alternative for the development of students character is by implementing a full day school system which means students are involved in school activities for one full day starting at 06.45 a.m. until 3.00 p.m as has been applied at MI Khadijah Malang. This study used a method with 3 instruments, namely: interview, observation and documentation. This study also aims to discribe: 1). Character of MI Khadijah Malang students, 2). The process of carrying out a full day school in developing character at MI Khadijah, 3). Supporting and inhibiting factors in the process of implementing full day school at MI Khadijah Malang. And the result of this study showed that broadly the character of students in MI Khadijah classified as students who where easily directed and conditioned by the application of full day school, teacher will be ease to supervise and guide students in character development through habituation of activities carried out school regularly.
Dispute Settlement under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement: A Preliminary Assessment
Authors: Akinkugbe Olabisi D.
Published: November 2020

The African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) will add a new dispute settlement system to the plethora of judicial mechanisms designed to resolve trade disputes in Africa. Given the discontent of member states and the limited impact that the existing highly legalised trade dispute settlement mechanisms have had on regional economic integration in Africa, this article undertakes a preliminary critical assessment of the AfCFTA Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM). The article situates the AfCFTA-DSM in the overall discontent and unsupportive practices of African states with highly legalised dispute settlement systems and similar WTO-styled DSMs among other shortcomings. Notwithstanding the transplantation of the WTO-styled DSM and the ineffectiveness of previous similar attempts in Africa, the article argues that the Consultation Phase offers the AfCFTA member states a realistic chance of engaging with the DSM. In conclusion, the article highlights other factors such as private sector involvement, the strategic operationalisation of the DSM, and geopolitical and power dynamics as critical to the success of the dispute settlement system.
INCARCERATED WOMEN: FROM THE ADVERSITIES OF PRENATAL TO CHILDBIRTH.
Authors: da Silva Fernandes Aquila , Silva e Silva Ananda Cristiny , Neves Xavier Beatriz , Lima de Oliveira Bruno , Nogueira Pinto Karen Bianca , Carvalho Pessoa Silvia , Nunes Figueiredo Silvana
Published: November 2020

Objective: Investigate the profiles of incarcerated pregnant women and the main problematic factors they face while pregnant, such as prenatal consultations to problems related to the time of delivery. Method: This is an exploratory descriptive study of the type (RIL) where we used the search for data in the SciELO, BVS and LILACS databases listing only studies that met the eligibility criteria in the period from 2009 to 2020. Results: The study shows that pregnant women deprived of their liberty suffer from not having the appropriate number of prenatal consultations, as recommended by the Health Ministry, and claim that their rights are not respected at the time of parturition.
Identification and certification of forage grasses (meadow clover, alfalfa, sowing and hop) based on DNA markers
Authors: Klimenko Irina , Kozlov Nikolay , Kostenko Sergey , Shamustakimova Anastasia , Mavlyutov Yulian
Published: November 2020

A technology has been developed for DNA identification and certification of varieties of meadow clover (Trifolium pratense L.), alfalfa (Medicago varia Mart.), Sowing (M. sativa L.) and hop (M. lupuli-na L.) based on molecular analysis with using SSR and SRAP markers. The recommendations contain a description of the sequence of experiments and protocols for DNA typing procedures. The presented methods were developed by the authors on the basis of their own experimental research and using the data available in the literature. A characteristic of informative primers for each marking system is given, a set of DNA identification markers is proposed, and unique molecular genetic formulas of varieties are drawn up as the basis for a reference genetic passport. Methodological recommendations were prepared with the aim of mastering the technology of DNA certification of forage grasses in practice. Designed for managers and specialists of research and control laboratories, can serve as a textbook for students and postgraduates in specialized specialties.
A Miniaturized Dual-Slider Linear Actuator Using Electrostatic Adhesion and Inertia Drive
Authors: Song Xian , Wang Hongqiang , Zhang Yangkun , Liu Wenming , Liu Li , Peng Yuxin
Published: November 2020

Dual-slider positioning in a miniaturized system is crucial in many industrial applications. This paper presents a miniaturized dual-slider linear actuator by employing one piezoelectric element (PZT) and integrating the methods of electrostatic adhesion and inertia drive. Two inertia drive methods can be converted by clamping and releasing one of the sliders on a base. Two thin-film electrodes are mounted on the base for clamping and releasing the slider by electrostatic adhesion. The actuator can thus drive dual sliders independently by converting the two inertia drive methods. A prototype is developed with a compact size of 30 mm (L) × 11 mm (W) × 11 mm (H) to evaluate the basic performance of the actuator. The maximum driving speeds of the two sliders are 31.7 mm/s and 16 mm/s, respectively, while the resolution of them is 60 nm and 13 nm, respectively. Additionally, the actuator can drive both the two sliders for long motion ranges of 14 mm. With a compact size and excellent physical performance, the proposed device has the potential for multi-slider positioning in miniaturized equipment.
Method of Silicon Application Affects Quality of Strawberry Daughter Plants during Cutting Propagation in Hydroponic Substrate System
Authors: Li Yali , Xiao Jie , Hu Jiangtao , Jeong Byoung Ryong
Published: November 2020

The beneficial effects that silicon (Si) has on plant growth as well as resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses have been well documented for many crops in recent years. However, few studies focus on the effects of Si on plant growth during the propagation stage of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa, Duchesne). This study was conducted to investigate the optimal method for Si application during the cutting propagation of strawberry in soilless cultivation. Strawberry mother plants were supplied with Si through foliar spray, runner spray, or root drench before the cutting propagation, then half of the daughter plants in each treatment received continued Si supply through foliar spray or through root drench after the cutting propagation. The results showed that the plant height, petiole length and diameter, leaf length and width, shoot fresh and dry weights, and root fresh and dry weights were significantly increased by Si root drench both before and after the cutting propagation. Moreover, plants absorbed more Si by drench than by spray, and the absorbed Si was only able to be transported from the root to the shoot, and from the mother plant to the daughter plant. Further research found that the chlorophyll fluorescence parameter of the maximum quantum efficiency of the photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and the activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase were also enhanced while catalase did not change under a high temperature stress in strawberry treated with Si before and after cutting propagation by root drench. Thus, Si application by drenching the roots during the whole propagation period is recommended to increase the quality of the strawberry daughter plants in soilless cultivation.
Water-Use Efficiency and Productivity Improvements in Surface Irrigation Systems
Authors: Chávez Carlos , Limón-Jiménez Isaías , Espinoza-Alcántara Baldemar , López-Hernández Jacobo Alejandro , Bárcenas-Ferruzca Emilio , Trejo-Alonso Josué
Published: November 2020

In Mexico, agriculture has an allowance of 76% of the available water (surface and underground), although the average application efficiencies are below 50%. Despite the fact that in recent years modern pressurized irrigation systems have been the best option to increase the water-use efficiency (WUE), the gravity irrigation system continues to be the most used method to provide water to crops. This work was carried out during the 2014–2019 period in three crops, namely, barley, corn, and sorghum, in an irrigation district, showing the results of a methodology applied to gravity irrigation systems to increase the WUE. The results show that, with an efficient design, by means of irrigation tests, characterization of the plot, and the calculation of the optimal flow through an analytical formula, it was possible to reduce the irrigation times per hectare and the irrigation depth applied. Application efficiencies increased from 43% to 95%, while the WUE increased by 27, 38, and 47% for sorghum, barley, and corn, respectively. With this methodology, farmers are more attentive in irrigation because the optimal flow in each furrow or border is, in general, higher than that applied in the traditional way and they take less time to irrigate their plots. For farmers to adopt this methodology, the following actions are required: (a) be aware that the water that comes from dams is as valuable as the water from wells; (b) increase the irrigation quota; (c) seek government support to increase the WUE; and (d) show them that with less water they can have better yields.
The Correct Cover Crop Species Integrated with Slurry Can Increase Biomass, Quality and Nitrogen Cycling to Positively Affect Yields in a Subsequent Spring Barley Rotation
Authors: Cottney Paul , Black Lisa , White Ethel , N. Williams Paul
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study is to identify species of cover crops that cause an increase in biomass and total nutrient accumulation in response to manure/slurry. This could improve nutrient efficiency and intensify the benefits from over-winter cover crops in arable rotations and improve following commercial crop yields. In a pot experiment, sixteen cover crops were grown for 100 days in response to slurry. Growth and nutrient (N, P, K, Mg and S) accumulation were measured, and then residue was reincorporated into the soil with spring barley (Hodeum vulgare L.) sown and harvested for yield. In response to slurry, tillage radish (Raphanus sativus L.) increased N accumulation by 101% due to a significant increase in biomass and % N (p < 0.05) over its relative control plots. Significant interactions between species and the application of slurry were found in cover crop biomass, cover crop and spring barley nutrient uptake, as well as cover crop carbon accumulation, particularly in the brassica species used. Slurry integrated with cover crops both reduced the cover crop C:N ratio and enhanced nutrient cycling compared to the control when soil mineral nitrogen (SMN) and spring barley crop N offtake were pooled. However, this was not observed in the legumes. This study shows that slurry integration with cover crops is a promising sustainable farming practice to sequester N and other macro-nutrients whilst providing a range of synergistic benefits to spring barley production when compared to unplanted/fallow land rotations. However, this advantage is subject to use of responsive cover crop species identified in this study.
Interactive Effects of Light and Nitrogen on Pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) Growth and Soil Enzyme Activity in an Underground Environment
Authors: Li Songsong , Liu Chao , Tan Xiao , Tan Bo , He Yuxin , Li Naiwen
Published: November 2020

Light conditions and nitrogen fertilizer are crucial for plant growth, especially in the underground situations without sunlight and nitrogen deposition. In this paper, the effects of photoperiod (12 h and 16 h lighting time per day), light intensity (200, 300 and 400 μmol m−2 s−1) and nitrogen addition (0, 0.15, 0.3 and 0.45 g N kg−1 soil) on pakchoi growth and specific soil enzyme activity were investigated. The results demonstrated that there were strong interactive effects of light intensity and nitrogen addition on plant yield. The plant yield changed parabolically with increasing nitrogen addition when a light intensity was given between 200 and 300 μmol m−2 s−1, while the yield decreased linearly with increasing nitrogen application under the light intensity of 400 μmol m−2 s−1. The combination of 16 h photoperiod, 300 μmol m−2 s−1 light intensity and 0.3 g N kg−1 soil nitrogen addition was the best for pakchoi growth. The investigation of soil enzyme showed that the activity of urease responded negatively to nitrogen addition, whereas the activity of phosphatase had positive correlation with light intensity but was not affected by nitrogen addition. Our results suggested that the toxic effect of excessive nitrogen was a better explanation for the interactive effects of light and nitrogen than the plant-microbe interaction framework. The critical toxicity level of nitrogen for pakchoi was determined and showed negative correlation with light intensity.
The Effect of Combined Training and Racing High-Speed Exercise History on Musculoskeletal Injuries in Thoroughbred Racehorses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Current Literature
Authors: Crawford Kylie L. , Ahern Benjamin J. , Perkins Nigel R. , Phillips Clive J. C. , Finnane Anna
Published: November 2020

Despite over three decades of active research, musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) remain a global problem for the Thoroughbred (TB) racing industry. High-speed exercise history (HSEH) has been identified as an important risk factor for MSI. However, the nature of this relationship remains unclear, with an apparent protective effect of HSE against injury, before it becomes potentially harmful. Many MSI cases and fatalities occur during training rather than during racing, resulting in an underestimation of injury from studies focused on race day. The objective of this study was to examine the current evidence of the effect of combined training and racing HSEH on MSI in TB flat racehorses, through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic search of the relevant literature was performed using PubMed®, Scopus®, Web of Science®, and Embase® online databases and the gray literature using sites containing “.edu” or “.edu.au”. Studies included in the review had explored seven different measures of HSE, including total career HSE distance, cumulative HSE distance in the 30 and 60 days before MSI, average HSE distance per day, per event and per 30 days, and the total number of HSE events. The total cumulative career HSE distance significantly affected the odds of MSI, with every 5-furlong increase, the odds of MSI increased by 2% (OR = 1.02; 95% CI 1.01, 1.03; p = 0.004). The average HSE distance per day also affected the odds of MSI, with every additional furlong increasing the odds of MSI by 73% (OR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.29, 2.31; p < 0.001). Other measures of HSE were not found to be consistently associated with risk of MSI, but these results should be interpreted with caution. Significant methodological limitations were identified and influence the comparability of studies. Standardizing the measures of HSE in studies of MSI, and describing training conditions in more detail, would support a more thorough investigation of the relationship between HSE and MSI. An improved understanding of this relationship is critical to mitigating the impact of MSI in the Thoroughbred racehorse.
The Effect of Stress on Reproduction and Reproductive Technologies in Beef Cattle—A Review
Authors: Fernandez-Novo Aitor , Pérez-Garnelo Sonia S. , Villagrá Arantxa , Pérez-Villalobos Natividad , Astiz Susana
Published: November 2020

Researchers have contributed by increasing our understanding of the factors affecting reproduction in beef, mainly physical health and nutrition aspects, which have been main concerns during decades. Animal welfare is of outmost relevance in all animal production systems and it is strongly associated to stress. Stress responses involve endocrine, paracrine and neural systems and the consequences of this stress on the reproductive efficiency of specifically, beef cattle and bulls, need to be highlighted. We, therefore, describe the fundamentals of stress and its quantification, focusing in beef herds, reviewing the highly valuable pieces of research, already implemented in this field. We examine major factors (stressors) contributing to stress in beef cattle and their effects on the animals, their reproductive performance and the success of reproductive biotechnologies. We include terms such as acclimatization, acclimation or temperament, very relevant in beef systems. We examine specifically the management stress due to handling, social environment and hierarchy or weaning effects; nutritional stress; and thermal stress (not only heat stress) and also review the influence of these stressors on reproductive performance and effectiveness of reproductive biotechnologies in beef herds. A final message on the attention that should be devoted to these factors is highlighted.
Bird Health, Housing and Management Routines on Swedish Organic Broiler Chicken Farms
Authors: Göransson Lina , Yngvesson Jenny , Gunnarsson Stefan
Published: November 2020

Slower-growing broilers on organic farms have replaced fast-growing hybrids to increase bird welfare. Due to limited knowledge of broiler welfare and management on organic farms in Sweden, the study aim was to gather information regarding health, housing and management routines, in order to describe the current situation on these. Farm visits performed in 2018 included 8 out of 12 established organic farms, on which either Rowan Ranger or HubbardJA57/HubbardJA87 were reared. Chickens in the observed flocks were 55 ± 6 (44–62) days of age. Observations included farmer interviews, indoor environment assessments, clinical examinations and gait scoring. Clinical examinations revealed no severe remarks, however minor to moderate plumage dirtiness, food pad dermatitis and hock burns were found in 47%, 21% and 13% of the birds, respectively. Although no severe walking impairments were observed, minor to moderate gait abnormalities were seen in two-thirds of the birds. Gait in birds assessed outdoors was significantly better than in birds observed indoors. Body weight uniformity was low in all flocks. This study provides increased knowledge of certain chicken health and welfare aspects, housing and management on Swedish organic farms. Future research should further investigate important aspects related to bird welfare, such as the high mortality rates observed.
Comparison of In Vivo and In Vitro Digestibility in Donkeys
Authors: Tassone Sonia , Fortina Riccardo , Valle Emanuela , Cavallarin Laura , Raspa Federica , Boggero Silvia , Bergero Domenico , Giammarino Mauro , Renna Manuela
Published: November 2020

We compared in vivo and in vitro dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility in donkeys using feces as microbial inoculum. Four donkeys were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The animals were fed two types of hay, with or without flaked barley. For the in vivo procedure, total feces were collected for 6 days from each donkey; digestibility was calculated as the difference between ingested and excreted DM and NDF. For the in vitro procedure, donkey feces were buffered and used as microbial inoculum in an Ankom DaisyII Incubator; digestibility was estimated after 60 h of incubation. In vivo results showed that the addition of barley to hays did not change the digestibility values. In vivo estimates were higher than in vitro ones. The equations used to predict in vivo estimates from in vitro data were not reliable (R2 = 0.47 and 0.21; P = 0.003 and 0.078 for NDF and DM digestibility, respectively). Further studies need to evaluate different sample size and digestion times.
Husbandry Conditions and Welfare Outcomes in Organic Egg Production in Eight European Countries
Authors: Jung Lisa , Brenninkmeyer Christine , Niebuhr Knut , Bestman Monique , Tuyttens Frank A. M. , Gunnarsson Stefan , Sørensen Jan Tind , Ferrari Paolo , Knierim Ute
Published: November 2020

In the European research project HealthyHens, welfare indicators as well as husbandry and management conditions were recorded in 107 organic laying hen farms in eight countries. Farms were visited at peak and end of lay. Egg production was on average comparable to breeder specifications. A mean mortality of 5.7% and mean prevalences of footpad lesions of 30.5%, keel bone damage of 44.5%, 57.3% of flocks with on average >200 Ascarid eggs per gram faeces and 28.2% of flocks with >100 mites/trap were recorded. A large variation between flocks indicated options for improvement. Based on the results, the following measures can be recommended: (i) decreasing mite and worm infestation and (ii) providing an attractive covered veranda, because of their association with decreased mortality; (iii) maximising access to the free range, because of its relation to decreased A. galli infection and less injurious pecking; (iv) feeding sufficient protein levels and (v) providing adequate litter as preventive measure against feather pecking and cannibalism; (vi) ensuring that the birds have sufficient weight and (vii) preventing accidents by adequate hen house facilities and light conditions to reduce keel bone damage. These primarily management-based measures have the potential to improve bird welfare both in terms of behavioural and health aspects.
Effect of pH and Heat Treatment on the Antioxidant Activity of Egg White Protein-Derived Peptides after Simulated In-Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion
Authors: Rao Priyanka Singh , Nolasco Emerson , Handa Akihiro , Naldrett Michael J. , Alvarez Sophie , Majumder Kaustav
Published: November 2020

The study aimed to analyze pH and heat treatment’s effect in modulating the release of peptides with antioxidant activity after simulated gastrointestinal (GI) digestion of Egg white powder (EWP). EWP samples with neutral (EWPN) and alkaline (EWPA) pH were heat-treated at 20, 60, and 90 °C and analyzed for protein aggregation, solubility, and GI digestibility. Heat treatment decreased solubility and induced protein aggregation, which was higher for EWPN as compared to EWPA. The unfolding of EWPA proteins at 60 °C exhibited a higher GI digestibility and antioxidant activity via Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay as compared to EWPN. Interestingly, a reverse trend was observed in the cellular antioxidant assay, and the GI-digest of EWPN exhibited a higher antioxidant activity. The LC-MS/MS analysis are in concordance with cellular antioxidant activity assay and showed a higher intensity for peptides with potential antioxidant activity in the GI-digest of EWPN. The results indicate that heat treatment but not the pH is a critical factor in improving the protein digestibility and releasing peptides with antioxidant activity after GI digestion.
Hybridization of the Stockwell Transform and Wigner Distribution Function to Design a Transmission Line Protection Scheme
Authors: Kulshrestha Atul , Prakash Mahela Om , Gupta Mukesh Kumar , Khan Baseem , Haes Alhelou Hassan , Siano Pierluigi
Published: November 2020

The complexity of power system networks is increasing continuously due to the addition of high capacity transmission lines. Faults on these lines may deteriorate the power flow pattern in the network. This can be avoided by the use of effective protection schemes. This paper presents an algorithm for detecting and classifying faults on the transmission network. Fault detection is achieved by utilizing the fault index, which depends on a combination of characteristics extracted from the current signal by the application of the Stockwell transform and Wigner distribution function (WDF). Various faults are categorized using the quantity of phases with a faulty nature. The fault events like phase to-ground (L-G), two phases (LL), two phases to-ground (LL-G), and three phases to-ground (LLL-G) are investigated in this study. The performance of the algorithm designed for the protection scheme is tested for the variations in the impedance during the fault event, variations in the angle of the fault incidence, different fault locations, the condition of the power flow in the reverse direction, the availability of noise, and the fault on the hybrid line consisting of two sections of underground cable and the overhead line. The algorithm is also analyzed for discriminating switching incidents from fault cases. A comparative study is used to establish the superiority of the proposed technique as compared to the Wavelet transform (WT) based protection scheme. The performance of the protection technique is established in MATLAB/Simulink software using a test network of the transmission line with two terminals.
Hydrotalcites in Construction Materials
Authors: Lauermannová Anna-Marie , Paterová Iva , Patera Jan , Skrbek Kryštof , Jankovský Ondřej , Bartůněk Vilém
Published: November 2020

Hydrotalcites are layered double hydroxides displaying a variety of stoichiometry caused by the different arrangement of the stacking of the layers, ordering of the metal cations, as well as the arrangement of anions and water molecules, in the interlayer galleries. The compounds of the hydrotalcite group show a wide range of the possible applications due to their specific properties, such as their large surface area, ion exchange ability, the insolubility in water and most of the organic sorbents, and others. Affordability, wide possibilities of manufacturing, and presence of sufficient natural deposits make hydrotalcites potentially very useful for the construction industry, as either a building material itself or an additive in mortars, concrete or in polymers composites used in constructions. Similar possible application of such material is in leakage control in a radioactive waste repository. The effect of use of these materials for ion exchange, anti-corrosion protection, radioactive ions containment, and similar purposes in building materials is examined in this review.
Rheological Behaviour of Highly Filled Materials for Injection Moulding and Additive Manufacturing: Effect of Particle Material and Loading
Authors: Bek Marko , Gonzalez-Gutierrez Joamin , Kukla Christian , Pušnik Črešnar Klementina , Maroh Boris , Slemenik Perše Lidija
Published: November 2020

Within this paper, we are dealing with a mixture of thermoplastic polymer that is filled with inorganic fillers at high concentrations up to 60 vol.%. A high number of particles in the compound can substantially change the rheological behaviour of the composite and can lead to problems during processing in the molten state. The rheological behaviour of highly filled materials is complex and influenced by many interrelated factors. In the present investigation, we considered four different spherical materials: steel, aluminium alloy, titanium alloy and glass. Particles with similar particle size distribution were mixed with a binder system at different filling grades (30–60 vol.%). We showed that the rheological behaviour of highly filled materials is significantly dependent on the chemical interactions between the filler and matrix material. Moreover, it was shown that the changes of the particle shape and size during processing lead to unexpected rheological behaviour of composite materials as it was observed in the composites filled with glass beads that broke at high contents during processing.
Flexural Behavior of Post-Tensioned Concrete Beams with Multiple Internal Corroded Strands
Authors: Jeon Chi-Ho , Shim Chang-Su
Published: November 2020

The corrosion of prestressing steel in prestressed concrete bridges is a critical safety issue. To evaluate the strength of a prestressed concrete beam with corroded strands, it is necessary to know the mechanical properties of the corroded strands in terms of their tensile strength and ductility. In this study, material models were suggested using tensile tests of corroded strands which had been taken from existing bridges. Five prestressed concrete beams with multiple internal corroded strands of different corrosion levels and locations were fabricated and tested using the three-point bending test. The beams with corroded strands near the support did not show meaningful flexural behavior changes, while the beams with corrosion in the mid-span showed significant strength reduction. In order to suggest the appropriate evaluation of the flexural strength of a prestressed concrete beam with corroded strands, material models of the corroded strands were divided into two model categories: a bi-linear material model and a brittle material model. Strength evaluations of the corroded prestressed concrete beams according to fps approximation and strain-compatibility using OpenSEES were conducted. Results suggested the use of the strain compatibility method only when the section loss was greater than 5%.
Convolutional Neural Networks for Off-Line Writer Identification Based on Simple Graphemes
Authors: Mora Marco , Naranjo-Torres José , Aubin Verónica
Published: November 2020

The writer’s identification/verification problem has traditionally been solved by analyzing complex biometric sources (text pages, paragraphs, words, signatures, etc.). This implies the need for pre-processing techniques, feature computation and construction of also complex classifiers. A group of simple graphemes (“ S ”, “ ∩ ”, “ C ”, “ ∼ ” and “ U ”) has been recently introduced in order to reduce the structural complexity of biometric sources. This paper proposes to analyze the images of simple graphemes by means of Convolutional Neural Networks. In particular, the AlexNet, VGG-16, VGG-19 and ResNet-18 models are considered in the learning transfer mode. The proposed approach has the advantage of directly processing the original images, without using an intermediate representation, and without computing specific descriptors. This allows to dramatically reduce the complexity of the simple grapheme processing chain and having a high hit-rate of writer identification performance.
Photosynthetic Active Radiation, Solar Irradiance and the CIE Standard Sky Classification
Authors: García-Rodríguez Ana , García-Rodríguez Sol , Díez-Mediavilla Montserrat , Alonso-Tristán Cristina
Published: November 2020

Plant growth is directly related to levels of photosynthetic photon flux density, Qp. The improvement of plant-growth models therefore requires accurate estimations of the Qp parameter that is often indirectly calculated on the basis of its relationship with solar irradiation, RS, due to the scarcity of ground measurements of photosynthetic photon flux density. In this experimental campaign in Burgos, Spain, between April 2019 and January 2020, an average value of the Qp/Rs ratio is determined on the basis of measurements at ten-minute intervals. The most influential factor in the Qp/Rs ratio, over and above any daily or seasonal pattern, is the existence of overcast sky conditions. The CIE standard sky classification can be used to establish an unequivocal characterization of the cloudiness conditions of homogeneous skies. In this study, the relation between the CIE standard sky type and Qp/Rs is investigated. Its conclusions were that the Qp/Rs values, the average of which was 1.93±0.15 μmol·J−1, presented statistically significant differences for each CIE standard sky type. The overcast sky types presented the highest values of the ratio, while the clear sky categories presented the lowest and most dispersed values. During the experimental campaign, only two exceptions were noted for covered and partial covered sky-type categories, respectively, sky types 5 and 9. Their values were closer to those of categories classified as clear sky according to the CIE standard. Both categories presented high uniformity in terms of illumination.
An Efficient Lightweight CNN and Ensemble Machine Learning Classification of Prostate Tissue Using Multilevel Feature Analysis
Authors: Bhattacharjee Subrata , Kim Cho-Hee , Prakash Deekshitha , Park Hyeon-Gyun , Cho Nam-Hoon , Choi Heung-Kook
Published: November 2020

Prostate carcinoma is caused when cells and glands in the prostate change their shape and size from normal to abnormal. Typically, the pathologist’s goal is to classify the staining slides and differentiate normal from abnormal tissue. In the present study, we used a computational approach to classify images and features of benign and malignant tissues using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. Here, we introduce two lightweight convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures and an ensemble machine learning (EML) method for image and feature classification, respectively. Moreover, the classification using pre-trained models and handcrafted features was carried out for comparative analysis. The binary classification was performed to classify between the two grade groups (benign vs. malignant) and quantile-quantile plots were used to show their predicted outcomes. Our proposed models for deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) classification achieved promising accuracies of 94.0% and 92.0%, respectively, based on non-handcrafted features extracted from CNN layers. Therefore, these models were able to predict nearly perfectly accurately using few trainable parameters or CNN layers, highlighting the importance of DL and ML techniques and suggesting that the computational analysis of microscopic anatomy will be essential to the future practice of pathology.
Correlations Between Phenolic Composition and Perceived Astringency of Wines
Authors: Choi Kyeong-Ok , Lee Dong Hoon , Park Seo Jun , Im Dongjun , Hur Youn Young
Published: November 2020

The astringent sensation of wines is attributable to the composition and concentration of phenolic compounds. However, in many cases, experimental results have shown a gap in relation to sensory astringency. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationships between the experimental evidence of astringent attributes and perceived astringency. To this end, the concentrations of phenolic compounds, namely, the total phenolic content (TPC), the polymeric tannin content (PTC), the proanthocyanidin content (PAC) and the total anthocyanin content (TAC), in wines made from a variety of grape breeding lines were estimated and their relationships to perceived astringency were evaluated. The TPC and the PTC showed strong positive correlations with perceived astringency. In contrast, the PAC showed a moderate correlation with perceived astringency, which was lower than that shown by the PTC despite their similar phenolic compositions. Unlike the other attributes, the TAC showed a weak correlation with perceived astringency. We concluded that the TPC and the PTC showed good correlations with perceived astringency and could be used as an index for predicting the astringency of wines.
Photoconversion Fluoropolymer Films for the Cultivation of Agricultural Plants Under Conditions of Insufficient Insolation
Authors: Simakin Alexander V. , Ivanyuk Veronika V. , Dorokhov Alexey S. , Gudkov Sergey V.
Published: November 2020

Plants are capable of using mainly the quanta of the red and blue parts of a spectrum for the reception of energy during photosynthesis. However, for many crops grown indoors in high latitudes or under conditions of insufficient insolation, the average daily intensity of the red and blue parts of the spectrum is usually sufficient only on clear summer days. A technology has been proposed to produce a photoconversion fluoropolymer film for greenhouses, which is based on the modification of fluoropolymer by nanoparticles with fluorescence in the blue or red part of the spectrum (quantum dots). The films are capable of converting UV and violet radiation into the blue and red region of the visible spectrum, the most important for plants. It has been shown that the use of photoconversion fluoropolymer films promotes biomass growth. The area of cucumber leaves grown under photoconversion films increases by 20%, pumpkins by 25%, pepper by 30%, and tomatoes by 55%. The use of photoconversion fluoropolymer films for greenhouses also allows obtaining 15% more fruit biomass from one bush. In general, the use of photoconversion fluoropolymer films may be in great demand for greenhouses lying in high latitudes and located in areas with insufficient insolation.
Eco-Efficient Cement-Based Materials Using Biomass Bottom Ash: A Review
Authors: Cabrera Manuel , Díaz-López José Luis , Agrela Francisco , Rosales Julia
Published: November 2020

In recent years the use of biomass for electricity generation in thermal and cogeneration plants has increased worldwide because it is an environmentally clean fuel whose impact measured in greenhouse gas emissions is practically zero. However, biomass bottom ash, a waste produced during combustion, has also increased considerably, which has both a negative economic and environmental impact, due to landfill transport and management of this by-product. Although biomass bottom ash has potential characteristics for application in the manufacture of construction materials, its full-scale application is difficult because of the wide range in physicochemical properties, depending on the type of biomass burned, such as wood residue, olive waste, waste paper sludge, cocoa shell, etc., and the type of combustion process in the plant. This study reviews the influence on the physicochemical properties, mechanical behavior, and durability of different cement-based materials, such as mortars, concrete, and cement-treated granular material, manufactured from biomass bottom ash. The previous studies demonstrate the feasibility of substituting natural materials for biomass bottom ash in cement-based materials, presenting adequate mechanical behavior and durability properties to comply with the required technical specifications in different building materials.