bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug Repositioning for Alzheimer’s Disease: Finding Hidden Clues in Old Drugs
Authors: Ihara Masafumi , Saito Satoshi
Published: March 2020

Although more than 100 years have passed since Alois Alzheimer reported a case of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a definitive answer to the causes of cognitive impairment in the disease remains elusive. Despite significant enthusiasm and investment from the pharmaceutical industry, clinical trials of many disease-modifying drugs for AD have been largely unsuccessful. Drug repositioning (DR) or repurposing approaches are relatively inexpensive and more reliable compared to de novo drug development in AD. About 30% of clinical trials for AD in progress around the world use the DR method and hold potential in halting the current deadlock in treatment options. By using drugs approved for other indications, these clinical trials target dysregulated pathways in AD with different or a combination of modes of action, including anti-amyloid, cardiovascular, anti-tau, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, metabolic, neuroprotective, and neurotransmission-based approaches. For instance, anti-diabetic drugs, such as insulin, metformin, liraglutide, and dapagliflozin, and cardiovascular drugs, such as cilostazol, candesartan, telmisartan, prazosin, and dabigatran, could serendipitously provide previously unearthed benefits in AD. This is in line with recent thinking, which views AD as a complex multifactorial disorder, not dominated by one dominant biological factor, such as amyloid-β, and likely a confluence of many pathobiological mechanisms, including vascular dysregulation. Such increasingly available knowledge of phenotyping may be used to design ‘tailor-made’ DR and relatively homogeneous AD subpopulations specifically targeted with existing drugs based on known modes of action. It is thus expected that DR approaches will create a major paradigm shift in AD research and development.
THE INFLUENCE OF COMPETENCE, MOTIVATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF WORK UNIT GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT IN MINAHASA REGENCY
Authors: Kaunang Yudith Pius Stevan
Published: March 2020

Government Regulation (or Peraturan Pemerintah-PP) Number 58 of year 2005 concerns Regional Financial Management and Regulation of the Minister of Home Affairs (or Permendagri) Number 13 of 2006 concerning Regional Financial Management Guidelines as amended several times, most recently by Permendagri Number 21 of 2011 it is stated that regional finance is managed in an orderly manner, obeying the laws and regulations, efficiently, economically, effectively, transparently, and responsibly by paying attention to the principles of justice, propriety, and benefits to society.Financial management in the regions requires a reliable application, which is an application that can process data (input) and produce information (output) to assist management in making decisions, and can produce financial reports and other financial information more comprehensively, includes information about the regional financial position, financial performance conditions, and accountability of local governments.In term to optimize the performance of regional financial management,the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (or Badan Pengawasan Keuangan dan Pembangunan) has responded positively through the development of a financial SIMDA application program. This SIMDA financial application has been integrated starting from the budgeting function, regional financial administration functions, to the accounting and reporting functions.The type of data used in this study is, Qualitative Data is data obtained from the technique of gathering through a Questionnaire.This data collection was carried out on 48 Regional Work Units in the Minahasa Regency. The results of this study indicate that competency, motivation and organizational commitment have a significantly positive and partially significant impact on performance of financial management.
La teoría democrática deliberativa y el vínculo entre derechos humanos y soberanía popular
Authors: Martínez David Eduardo
Published: March 2020

El artículo discute el componente kantiano en la teoría democrática deliberativa. Parte sosteniendo que Kant no solo incorpora derechos individuales sino que también la idea de soberanía popular. Este pensador considera la democracia, pero un sistema de principios tiene prioridad normativa respecto de la práctica de autolegislación colectiva. Después, el escrito muestra que la teoría democrática habermasiana elabora un argumento similar al kantiano. Por tanto, no reconstruye el balance entre derechos y democracia como pretende sino de forma similar a como lo hace Kant.
Desacoplamiento en la argumentación: El bucle intuitivo de Toulmin
Authors: Santibáñez Cristián
Published: March 2020

En este trabajo propongo entender el desacoplamiento argumentativo, esto es, el hecho estructural de la argumentación de presentar algo como dato y luego la misma información como conclusión en otro argumento, como desacoplamiento de representaciones. Para lograr tal aproximación, discuto perspectivas provenientes de teorías cognitivas y evolutivas que describen este fenómeno tanto en comunicación intencional en otras especies como en infantes humanos. Se concluye discutiendo la relación existente entre esta capacidad cognitiva humana y el problema de reflexividad.
Legal support of the cultural heritage protection in the Ukrainian SSR (second half of the 1950s – end of the 1980s)
Authors: Mazur T. V.
Published: March 2020

The research covers the development of the legislation of the Ukrainian SSR cultural heritage protection problems. The rapid development of sectoral legislation in the second half of the twentieth century was driven by the need of preservation of cultural heritage sites, damaged during the Second World War, or affected by the improper use by various institutions and organizations.The purpose of the article is to analyze the specifics of legal regulation of cultural heritage protection in the Ukrainian SSR in the second half of the 1950 s – the end of the 1980 s.Scientific novelty. The analysis of the legislative acts of the Verkhovna Rada of the USSR and the Council of Ministers of the USSR, as well as by-laws of the Ministry of Culture of the USSR revealed the specifics of the legal regulation of cultural heritage protection in the Ukrainian SSR in the second half of the 1950 s – late 1980s, which consisted of application of separate national legal terminology. The main directions of legal regulation of cultural heritage protection during the period under review are singled out.Conclusions. Soviet legislation on the protection of cultural heritage, as any sectoral legislation, was unified, and the republican special-purpose laws duplicated Union norms. The legislation of the Ukrainian SSR of the 1950s – 1980s concerning the cultural heritage protection was developed in accordance with the Union legislation, as well as the decrees and orders of the USSR Government. At the same time, both federal and republican legislation had basic international rules, including the provisions of the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, signed by the Soviet Union. The special aspect of the the Ukrainian SSR legislation was the consideration of some national traditions, including terminological ones. This could be noticed in the name of the Law of the Ukrainian SSR from July 13, 1978 «On the Protection and Use of Monuments of History and Culture», in which instead of the term «памятник» (monument) in the Russian language and the law, the term «monument» was introduced more wide term «пямятка» (site). In general, due to the consistent policy on conservation and extensive legislation, we have been able to preserve the destruction of monuments that remind the thousand-year history and culture of Ukraine.
Забезпечення прав людини (свободи слова) у процесі вдосконалення комунікації органів влади та інформаційного суспільства
Authors: Ivanchenko D. V.
Published: March 2020

Метою статті є дослідження актуальних питань із забезпечення основоположних прав людини, зокрема права на свободу слова, у процесі налагодження ефективних комунікацій органів влади та громади в умовах розвитку інформаційного суспільства.
Наукова новизна полягає в тому, що вперше на основі історико-компаративного аналізу досліджується еволюційний розвиток права громадян на свободу слова на європейському континенті у період формування комунікаційних відносин органів влади та громади. Особлива увага у цьому процесі приділяється інституту засобів масової комунікації, які постають інструментарієм формування громадської думки. В умовах стрімкого розвитку інформаційного суспільства принципи забезпечення свободи слова потребують постійного правового «віддзеркалювання» у законодавчій базі держави.
Висновки.
По-перше. У владно-громадській комунікації процес безпосередньої взаємодії виступає механізмом, який повинен збалансувати різні за суттю владні та громадські інтереси, засобом пошуку ефективних інструментів побудови інформаційного суспільства в Україні. Водночас у соціальному організмі суспільства і влади поєднані два складних та суперечливих інститути, які на конкурентній основі змагаються за первинне право на врегулювання соціально-правових проблем, що становлять основу необхідної взаємодії, а саме: принципи свободи слова та засади здійснення державної інформаційної політики.
По-друге. Прагнення до комунікаційного балансу, взаємної відповідальності та рівноправності виступає методологічною основою в оцінці механізмів взаємодії влади і громади, що впливає на перспективне розв’язання невідкладних завдань забезпечення в Україні розвитку інформаційного суспільства, метою яких є гарантоване державою забезпечення прав і свобод громадян, і, у першу чергу, – права на свободу слова.
По-трете. Новітнє методологіювання проростає на ґрунті права як комунікації та інформаційно­правової сфери комунікації, покладеної в основу суб’єкт­об’єктної взаємодії влади і громади. Комунікаційна практика та застосовувані нею різновиди інструментарію формуються крізь призму дії філософських законів: єдності і боротьби протилежностей; переходу кількісних змін у якісні; заперечення, які і віддзеркалюють рівень правового забезпечення взаємодії влади та громади на засадах гуманізації, рівності, справедливості і свободи слова. Це, власне, і забезпечує системність, єдиноспрямованість й уніфікованість підходів до вибору механізмів взаємодії влади та громади.
Production of agricultural biogas from waste – an element of socially responsible actions in the food sector
Authors: Iwaszczuk Natalia , Szyba Marta , Iwaszczuk Aleksander , Yakubiv Valentyna
Published: March 2020

The agricultural and food sector accounts for substantial volumes of organic waste (such as livestock excreta, meat offals) considered as onerous on the environment. The above decomposes formulating methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide in anaerobic conditions. Methane produced in digester chambers of a biomass plant (called biogas) may be applied for the production of electricity and heat, powering of vehicles as well as injections into gas networks. Biogas is one of the renewable sources of energy. In the light of the EU's sustainable development and climate neutrality policies, increasing the share of renewable sources in overall energy consumption is a priority for the Member States. For this reason, the article examines one of the renewable energy sectors in Poland, which is agricultural biogas production. The main attention was focused on agricultural biogas plants. Most often used substrates for biogas production, the dependence of biogas plant location on the population living in particular regions (voivodships) and the development of agriculture in their territories were analysed. The main purpose of the article was to indicate the reasons for the failure of the agricultural biogas plant construction program in Poland. Literature and document analysis were performed, interviews with waste producers as well as owners of agricultural biogas plants were carried out, and SWOT analysis was prepared.
Hubungan Pengetahuan, Sikap dan Tindakan Gizi Seimbang Keluarga dengan Status Gizi Anak Balita Usia 2-5 Tahun
Authors: Fajriani Fajriani , Aritonang Evawany Yunita , Nasution Zuraidah
Published: March 2020

Masalah gizi memiliki dimensi yang luas apabila konsumsi gizi pada balita tidak seimbang maka akan berakibat terjadinya permasalahan status gizi. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan perilaku gizi seimbang pada keluarga dengan status gizi pada anak balita usia 2-5 tahun. Desain penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah mixed method, dimana kualitatif dengan model sequential explanatory, dan kuantitatif dengan rancangan cross sectional. Metode analisis menggunakan Chi-Square yang digunakan untuk menganalisis model pengujian Univariat dan Bivariat. Populasi yaitu seluruh balita yang berada di Wilayah Kerja UPT Puskesmas Idi Rayeuk sebanyak 2209 orang balita dan jumlah sampel sebanyak 96 responden.Wawancara dilakukan terhadap 5 informan dengan menggunakan instrumen indep interview. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa status gizi balita mayoritas normal (61,4%). Hasil analisis bivariat menunjukkan adanya hubungan yang signifikan antara perilaku gizi seimbang yang meliputi pengetahuan (Pv= 0,000), sikap (Pv=0,033) dan tindakan gizi seimbang (Pv=0,000) dengan status gizi balita usia 2-5 tahun. Berdasarkan penelitian kualitatif diperoleh informasi bahwa masalah gizi pada balita juga dipengaruhi oleh sosial ekonomi keluarga, pola asuh yang salah serta kebiasaan (budaya) masyarakat.
Hugo Chávez dan Kebangkitan Populisme-Kiri Amerika Latin: Venezuela Era Hugo Chávez (1998-2006)
Authors: Daniel Hutagalung
Published: March 2020

Hugo Chávez appeared and emerged in Venezuela under political-economic crisis. This article argues that his power struggle supported by the people because Chavez vision and mission are to favour the people inrerest, and he takes care about people. . Chave political project, as stated Ellner as non- revolutionary path of radical populism, expressed through various political program missions, namely to encourage social revolutionary program, but not in the political project of the revolution, at least during the Chávez powers throughout 1998-2006. However, Ellner mentioned that non- revolutionary path of radical populism can also lead to revolutionary-path, meaning that political poryek Chávez is still unfinished and still possible to reach a variety of changes, whether the "Bolivarian Revolution" will take the form of non-revolutionary transformation, or even revolutionary- path.
A Philosophical Reflection in Controlling the Property and Self-ownership
Authors: Firdaus Qusthan
Published: March 2020

This study aims to describe the philosophical reflection in controlling property and self-ownership. A crucial point about the concept is whether or not the non-separation between the owner and what is owned is plausible. There are differences between the way we exercise our rights to property in things and to property in persons. For instance, if we have rights to do anything with our property in things, therefore we also have rights to do anything with our property in persons, provided that there is no violation on others' rights. The results shows that in contrast, we can morally destroy our property in things if we could achieve our ends by doing it. In short, although we have rights either to destroy property in things and property in persons, we are not prone to exercise such rights on our property in persons.
Simulation model of the communication repair process in the mechanized brigade repair unit
Authors: Ishchenko Alexander
Published: March 2020

The article analyzes the current state of information exchange in the control system of a mechanized brigade during its combat operations in the anti-terrorist operation, the operation of the combined forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the east of the country. It is determined that the mechanized crew communication system has a low level of survivability. The cause is a large amount of communication damage due to enemy fire damage and limited technical reliability. Maintaining a given level of survivability of the communication system is possible primarily through the timely restoration of damaged communications.Existing models that can be used to determine the estimated number of recovered communications tools are analyzed. Strengths and weaknesses are identified and directions of improvement are formulated.A simulation model developed on a personal computer in the AnyLogic 7.0.2 Professional software environment, the process of repairing communications in the repair unit of a mechanized team, which, unlike existing ones, takes into account the intensity of communication failure due to enemy fire damage combat periods, as well as communication tools that fail due to limited technical reliability.The type of queuing system used to describe the recovery process of communications in the mechanized repair unit is justified. The algorithm of work of simulation model of process of communication means restoration in repair unit of mechanized crew is given.Let's calculate the number of recovered communications using a simulation model of the communication recovery process in a mechanized brigade repair unit using a hypothetical example. The dependence of the likelihood of communication services on the number of communication repair masters has been determined.
Echinostoma aegyptica (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) Infection in Five Riparian People in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR
Authors: Chai Jong-Yil , Jung Bong-Kwang , Chang Taehee , Shin Hyejoo , Sohn Woon-Mok , Eom Keeseon S. , Yong Tai-Soon , Min Duk-Young , Phammasack Bounlay , Insisiengmay Bounnaloth , Rim Han-Jong
Published: March 2020

Human infection with Echinostoma aegyptica Khalil and Abaza, 1924 (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) is extremely rare. In this study, we confirmed E. aegyptica infection in 5 riparian residents living along the Mekong River in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR. The patients revealed eggs of Opisthorchis viverrini/minute intestinal flukes, echinostomes, and other parasites in fecal examinations using the Kato-Katz technique. Following treatment with praziquantel 30-40 mg/kg and pyrantel pamoate 10-15 mg/kg in a single dose and purging with magnesium salts, adult specimens of various helminth species were collected. Among the trematodes, echinostome flukes of 4.5-7.6 mm in length (n = 134; av. 22.3 specimens per case) were of taxonomic interest and subjected in this study. The flukes were morphologically characterized by having total 43-45 collar spines arranged in 2 alternating rows (corner spines usually 5 on each side) and compatible with previous descriptions of E. aegyptica. The patients were mixed-infected with other helminths, so specific clinical manifestations due to this echinostome fluke were difficult to determine. The present paper describes for the first time human E. aegyptica infections in Lao PDR. This is the second report of human infection (2nd-6th cases) with E. aegyptica in the world following the first one from China.
Analisis Pengaruh Variabel Ekonomi Makro terhadap Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia (ISSI) periode 2016 - 2019
Authors: Chotib Emet , Huda Nurul
Published: March 2020

Penelitian bertujuan  untuk mengetahui  pengaruh Nilai Tukar terhadap Pergerakan Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia (ISSI); pengaruh Sertifikat Bank Indonesia Syariah (SBIS) terhadap Pergerakan Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia (ISSI); pengaruh Sertifikat Bank Indonesia (SBI) terhadap Pergerakan Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia (ISSI), dan pengaruh Penawaran Uang (M2) terhadap Pergerakan Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia (ISSI). Metode analisa data yang digunakan adalah Analisa VAR dengan menggunakan software Eviews 5.0. Data diperoleh selama periode Januari 2016 sampai Januari 2019. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Nilai Tukar berpengaruh terhadap pergerakan Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia (ISSI) dan mendorong menurunnya Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia (ISSI). Sertifikat Bank Indonesia Syariah (SBIS) berpengaruh terhadap pergerakan Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia (ISSI) dan mendorong menurunnya Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia (ISSI). Bank Indonesia Rate (BI) berpengaruh terhadap pergerakan Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia (ISSI) dan mendorong meningkatnya Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia (ISSI). Penawaran Uang (M2)/Jumlah Uang Beredar (JUB) berpengaruh terhadap pergerakan Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia (ISSI) dan mendorong meningkatnya Indeks Saham Syariah Indonesia (ISSI).
Reproductive and energetic costs of injury in the mangrove tree crab
Authors: Griffen BD , Cannizzo ZJ , Carver J , Meidell M
Published: March 2020

Nonlethal injury is a common and ubiquitous feature of marine systems and can result in altered growth and survival rates. Ecological theory predicts that injured animals should face an energetic tradeoff between investing in recovery vs. investing in reproduction. Possible impacts on reproduction may range in magnitude from very strong (elimination of reproduction), to intermediate (reduced number of offspring), to weak (reduced investment in each offspring). While this tradeoff is well established in terrestrial systems, it has received little attention in the marine environment, particularly in a way that quantitatively relates the degree of injury to the degree of reproductive impact. We examined injury via limb loss across 4 sites in the mangrove tree crab Aratus pisonii. We found that limb loss was highest at the site that was closest to roads and had the highest level of human presence, and conversely, injury was lowest at the site furthest from the road and with the lowest level of human presence. We found evidence that the quality of consumed food likely decreases with the number of limbs lost, but found no influence of limb loss on amount of food consumed or on energy storage. We show that limb loss reduced the number of eggs produced and that the mass of the ovary declined with the number of regenerating limbs, providing direct evidence for a tradeoff between reproduction and injury recovery. Further, our study therefore suggests that these impacts may increase with the level of human disturbance.
‘The very sky and sea-line of her soul’: Nature, Destruction, and Desire in Dante Gabriel Rossetti's Poems
Authors: Trowbridge Serena
Published: March 2020

When critics write of ‘truth to nature’ in Pre-Raphaelite poetry and painting, they rarely refer specifically to Rossetti. While his paintings situate women in medievalised environments saturated with floral imagery, nature itself seems relegated to an aesthetic function. This trope seems to be continued in his ballads in Poems, where the natural world is allied to the female figure and can be read as directly relating to the beauty of the woman. This essay will argue for a more complex and nuanced relationship between the poet and his poetic figures.

Rossetti wrote of his concern that his poems should be free of ‘painter's tendencies’ (Fredeman IV: 413), and though the parallels between his paintings and his poems have been explored thoroughly, I shall argue that there is a disjunction when it comes to the depiction of the natural world, which serves a different, less aesthetic, and more intricate function in many of the poems. This approach is best traced in ‘The House of Life’ sonnets, where the relationship between the speaker's emotions, depicted through a series of environmental metaphors, and the concepts with which he struggles is one which can be unpicked by exploring his changing approach to nature.
Responses of Yield and Protein Composition of Wheat to Climate Change
Authors: Nsafon Benyoh Emmanuel Kigha , Lee Sang-Chul , Huh Jeung-Soo
Published: March 2020

Global wheat demand is expected to continue to increase due to the projected increase in the World’s population but regrettably, wheat yield is expected to decrease due to the progressively changing climate. Although the effects of temperature, soil moisture and nutrient absorption on the yield of wheat have been studied extensively to address the threats posed by climate change on food security, the combined effects of these factors have been studied to a lesser extent. This study thus aims to investigate the interactive effects of different regimes of fertilizer and soil moisture on the yield and amino acid composition of wheat. Twelve treatments under different regimens of soil moisture and fertilizer, replicated ten times in a randomized block design were considered in the greenhouse and in the field. The study reveals that variation in each factor had a significant effect on wheat but soil moisture was the principal factor controlling yield and protein accumulation. Application of organic fertilizer to wheat increased amino acid accumulation when the average temperature was at 18 °C, with minimum temperature (Tmin) and maximum temperature (Tmax) of −6 °C and 42 °C respectively. However, application of inorganic fertilizer to wheat enhanced amino acid accumulation when the average daily temperature was at 8 °C, with Tmin and Tmax of −10 °C and 26 °C respectively. Our results also show that a decrease in soil moisture from 100% to 30% in the greenhouse improved the quantity of amino acid in the grain by 26.4% and 56.8% for organic and inorganic treatments respectively. Also, grain amino acid concentration increased by 16.6% and 4.76% when soil moisture dropped from 100% to 30% for the organic and inorganic treatments in the field respectively.
Modelling Climate Change Impact on Irrigation Water Requirement and Yield of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), and Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.) in the Semi-Arid Qazvin Plateau, Iran
Authors: Mirgol Behnam , Nazari Meisam , Eteghadipour Mohammad
Published: March 2020

It is very important to determine the irrigation water requirement (IR) of crops for optimal irrigation scheduling under the changing climate. This study aimed to investigate the impact of climate change on the future IR and yield of three strategic crops (winter wheat, barley, fodder maize) in the semi-arid Qazvin Plateau, Iran, for the periods 2016–2040, 2041–2065, and 2066–2090. The Canadian Earth System Model (CanESM2), applying IPCC scenarios rcp2.6, rcp4.5, and rcp8.5, was used to project the monthly maximum and minimum temperatures and monthly precipitation of the region. The results indicated that the maximum and minimum temperatures will increase by 1.7 °C and 1.2 °C, respectively, under scenario rcp8.5 in the period 2066–2090. The precipitation will decrease (1%–13%) under all scenarios in all months of the future periods, except in August, September, and October. The IR of winter wheat and barley will increase by 38%–79% under scenarios rcp2.6 and rcp8.5 in the future periods. The increase in the IR of fodder maize will be very slight (0.7%–4.1%). The yield of winter wheat and barley will decrease by ~50%–100% under scenarios rcp2.6 and rcp8.5 in the future periods. The reduction in the yield of maize will be ~4%. Serious attention has to be paid to the water resources management of the region. The use of drought-tolerant cultivars in the region can be a good strategy to deal with the predicted future climatic conditions.
Effect of Magnesium Supply and Storage Time on Anti-Nutritive Compounds in Potato Tubers
Authors: Wszelaczyńska Elżbieta , Pobereżny Jarosław , Kozera Wojciech , Knapowski Tomasz , Pawelzik Elke , Spychaj-Fabisiak Ewa
Published: March 2020

The nutritional quality of potato tubers is cultivar-specific and depends on climate-soil conditions and agrotechnical practices, as well as the conditions during long-term storage. Studies were performed from 2009–2011 to determine the effects of magnesium fertilisation and storage duration on the contents of the anti-nutritive compound nitrates, nitrites and total glycoalkaloids (TGA) in potato tubers of mid-early cultivar “Bila” (Solanum tuberosum L.). Magnesium (Mg) was applied in doses of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 kg MgO ha−1, respectively, in the form of kieserite–magnesium sulphate (26% MgO). Potato quality after harvest and after three and six months of storage was determined. The content of nitrates in tubers after harvest ranged from 303 to 356 mg kg−1 FW and nitrites from 1.59 to 1.67 mg kg−1 FW. Increasing magnesium fertilisation reduced the nitrate and nitrite content of tubers but increased TGA content. Possible explanations for the TGA increase after Mg supply are discussed. Tubers that contained less TGA after harvest also had less glycoalkaloids after storage. However, physical damage during harvest or transportation, exposure to light and bad storage conditions increase the concentrations of glycoalkaloids in tubers. The consumption of cultivar “Bila” would not exceed the acceptable daily intake of harmful substances.
Nucleotide Diversity and Association Analysis of ZmMADS60 with Root Length in the Maize Seedling Stage
Authors: Li Pengcheng , Ge Zhenzhen , Wang Houmiao , Wei Jie , Wang Yunyun , Xu Yang , Yang Zefeng , Xu Chenwu
Published: March 2020

Root length is a determining factor of the root system architecture, which is essential for the uptake of water, nutrients and plant anchorage. In this study, ZmMADS60 was resequenced in 285 inbred lines, 68 landraces and 32 teosintes to detect the nucleotide diversity and natural variations associated with root length. Nucleotide diversity and neutral tests revealed that ZmMADS60 might be selected in domestication and improvement processes. ZmMADS60 in maize retained only 40.1% and 66.9% of the nucleotide diversity found in teosinte and landrace, respectively. Gene-based association analysis of inbred lines identified nine variants that were significantly associated with primary root length (PRL), lateral root length (LRL), root length between 0 mm and 0.5 mm in diameter (RL005) and total root length (TRL). One single-nucleotide polymorphism SNP1357 with pleiotropic effects was significantly associated with LRL, RL005 and TRL. The frequency of the increased allele T decreased from 68.8% in teosintes to 52.9% and 38.9% in the landrace and inbred lines, respectively. The frequency of the increased allele of another significant SNP723 associated with PRL also decreased during the maize domestication and improvement processes. The results of this study reveal that ZmMADS60 may be involved in the elongation of primary and lateral roots in the seedling stage and that significant variants can be used to develop functional markers to improve root length in maize.
Phenotypic Variation and Relationships between Fatty Acid Concentrations and Feed Value of Perennial Ryegrass Genotypes from a Breeding Population
Authors: Morgan Sarah A. , Huws Sharon A. , Lister Sue J. , Sanderson Ruth , Scollan Nigel D.
Published: March 2020

Fatty acid (FA) concentration and composition of forage has recently gained interest due to potential opportunities for improving FA profile of ruminant products (meat and milk). Twenty perennial ryegrass genotypes from an experimental breeding population and four genotypes from an experimental mapping population were used to assess (1) genotypic variation, and (2) associations between FAs and other important chemical constituents (i.e., protein, carbohydrate and fibre). Mean total FA (TFA) concentration was 23.8 g kg−1 DM, ranging from 14.5 to 33.8 g kg−1 DM; 89% to 95% of which was comprised of six individual FAs, namely, palmitic acid (C16:0), trans-3-hexadecenoic acid (C16:1Δt3), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1Δc9), linoleic acid (C18:2Δc9,12) and α-linolenic acid (C18:3Δc9,12,15). Mean crude protein (CP), water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) concentrations were: 133, 188, 447 and 240 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Genotypes from the mapping population differed for: WSC (p = 0.015), C16:0 (p = 0.034), C18:0 (p < 0.001), C18:3Δc9,12,15 (p = 0.012) and TFA (p = 0.025). Genotypes from the breeding population differed (p < 0.001) for all measured components except CP (p = 0.078). Higher FA concentration was generally associated with higher CP concentration and lower WSC, NDF and ADF. Selectively breeding for higher FA concentrations may alter the overall feed value of perennial ryegrass, however further investigation is needed to fully understand the relationship between FA concentration and feed value and the possible implications for ruminant nutrition.
Application of Anti-Transpirant to Control Sugar Accumulation in Grape Berries and Alcohol Degree in Wines Obtained from Thinned and Unthinned Vines of cv. Falanghina (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Di Vaio Claudio , Villano Clizia , Lisanti Maria Tiziana , Marallo Nadia , Cirillo Aurora , Di Lorenzo Rosario , Pisciotta Antonino
Published: March 2020

In the last few decades, the accumulation of sugar in grape berries and hence the alcohol degree of wines has been affected by increasing global temperatures. In order to limit plant photosynthetic activity, it is possible to apply anti-transpirant on field, reducing sugar accumulation in berries. In this contest, our aim was to evaluate the efficiency of the application of a di-1-p-menthene-based natural anti-transpirant (Vapor Gard®, VG) on Falanghina vines during 2013 and 2014. Plants were treated at veraison stage with VG and compared with water-sprayed ones for control. The experimental design included also bunch thinned (BT) plants treated with VG or water. The effect of VG and/or BT on grapes was evaluated through physiological measurements on vines and chemical analyses on berries and wines. Moreover, wine sensory profiles were produced. The results we obtained show that by applying anti-transpirant it is possible to induce a significant reduction of net photosynthesis rate (25%–40%) and stomatal conductance (40%–60%) on leaves, a lower sugar accumulation in berries (2 °Brix) and a consequent reduction of alcohol in the obtained wine (0.9%–1.6% vol.). These results suggest that anti-transpirant sprays could be a useful tool in reducing cost of yield manipulation, improving ripeness and reducing wine alcohol, without affecting the wine sensory profile.
Changes in Soil Physicochemical Properties and Maize Production Following Improvement of Salt-Affected Soils Using Coal Bio-Briquette Ash in Northeast China
Authors: Sakai Yuji , Shimizu Chie , Murata Hironori , Seto Hitomi , Fukushima Ryosuke , Koga Takashi , Wang Chang
Published: March 2020

Soil degradation due to salinity and sodicity is one of the most important impediments to agricultural production. Coal bio-briquettes (CBB) made from coal, biomass, and desulfurizers have been proposed for use in desulfurization and usage of sustainable energy for coal and biomass in China. CBB ash contains calcium compounds such as calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, and fly ash. The potential improvement of salt-affected soils using ashes from CBB made from two low-quality coals and/or organic manure (OM) was investigated in northeast China. The CBB ash application rates were 0 kg/m2 (control), 1.16 kg/m2, 2.32 kg/m2, 4.64 kg/m2, and 6.96 kg/m2. Following the application of CBB ash and/or co-application of OM, maize production increased significantly, compared to control plots. Moreover, co-application with OM resulted in higher maize production than application of CBB ash only. Soil pH, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and Na+, HCO3−, and CO32− concentrations decreased, and Ca2+, Mg2+, and SO42− concentrations increased from the start of the experiment to harvesting time. Maize production showed a tendency to increase with increasing CBB ash/OM application rates. The decrease in pH, ESP, and HCO3−, and increase in Ca2+ in the application plots over time was particularly remarkable. Moreover, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) after CBB ash application in the slightly and moderately salt-affected soils increased with increasing application rates. In case of the highest application rate (6.96 kg/m2), using ash from CBB made from lower quality coal, pH and ESP decreased from 9.47 to 7.61, and from 7.0% to 0.98%, respectively, and Ks increased drastically by three orders of magnitude. Therefore, not only soil chemical properties, but also Ks, were improved in salt-affected soils using CBB ash. In addition, the heavy metal content in CBB ashes was below the standard values according to Chinese guidelines. Taken together, these results demonstrate the feasibility of sustainable methods for energy usage and environmental application in China.
Dropping the Ball? The Welfare of Ball Pythons Traded in the EU and North America
Authors: D’Cruze Neil , Paterson Suzi , Green Jennah , Megson David , Warwick Clifford , Coulthard Emma , Norrey John , Auliya Mark , Carder Gemma
Published: March 2020

Ball pythons (family Pythonidae) remain a commonly exploited species, readily available for purchase in North America and Europe. We assessed the housing conditions of more than 5000 Ball pythons across six exotic pet expositions and 113 YouTube videos. We scored provisions for hygiene, mobility, shelter, substrate and water provision, based on the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals (RSPCA) minimum guidelines. We found most entities involved in this commercial enterprise are not providing housing conditions that meet the minimum welfare recommendations for Ball pythons, either publicly or privately. We found that breeders and vendors typically utilised small and highly restrictive enclosures, with dimensions that prevented occupants from extending their bodies to full and unrestricted natural length. Our study also highlights that most vendors are not providing adequate written husbandry guidance to potential consumers, either at exotic pet expositions, on their commercial website, or on associated social media pages. Furthermore, our study also indicates that most potential consumers may themselves be unable to recognise unsuitable housing conditions that do not meet minimum animal welfare standards for Ball pythons. We suggest that more consistent guidance, adherence to agree principles and more potent operating models that are formally incorporated into relevant legislation would greatly aid existing and future efforts to safeguard animal welfare in this regard.
Reported Behavioural Differences between Geldings and Mares Challenge Sex-Driven Stereotypes in Ridden Equine Behaviour
Authors: Aune Anna , Fenner Kate , Wilson Bethany , Cameron Elissa , McLean Andrew , McGreevy Paul
Published: March 2020

Horse trainers and riders may have preconceived ideas of horse temperament based solely on the sex of the horse. A study (n = 1233) of horse enthusiasts (75% of whom had more than 8 years of riding experience) revealed that riders prefer geldings over mares and stallions. While these data may reflect different sex preferences in horses used for sport, they may also reduce the chances of some horses reaching their performance potential. Further, an unfounded sex prejudice is likely to contribute to unconscious bias when perceiving unwanted behaviours, simplistically attributing them to demographic characteristics rather than more complex legacies of training and prior learning. The current study analysed reported sex-related behavioural differences in ridden and non-ridden horses using data from responses to the pilot study of the Equine Behaviour Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ) survey. Respondents (n = 1233) reported on the behaviour of their horse using a 151-item questionnaire. Data were searched for responses relating to mares and geldings, and 110 traits with the greatest percentage difference scores between mares and geldings were selected were tested for univariate significance at p < 0.2. Multivariable modelling of the effect of sex (mare or gelding) on remaining traits was assessed by ordinal logistic regression, using a cumulative proportional log odds model. Results revealed mares were significantly more likely to move away when being caught compared to geldings (p = 0.003). Geldings were significantly more likely to chew on lead ropes when tied (p = 0.003) and to chew on rugs (p = 0.024). However, despite sex-related differences in these non-ridden behaviours, there was no evidence of any significant sex-related differences in the behaviours of the horses when ridden. This finding suggests that ridden horse behaviour is not sexually dimorphic or that particular horse sports variously favour one sex over another.
ACTH Stimulation Induced Self-Mutilation Behavior in the Golden Conure (Guaruba guarouba)
Authors: Sinhorini Juliana Anaya , Pizzutto Cristiane Schilbach , Palme Rupert
Published: March 2020

Psittacidae are very susceptible to chronic stress and behavioral disorders. Information regarding the endocrinology of the golden conure is scarce, especially about adrenocortical activity. Endocrine studies using non-invasive methods are useful, because they allow longitudinal analysis with high numbers of samples without causing additional stress and are viable in the psittacidae management. The objective was to physiologically validate an enzyme immunoassay for measuring glucocorticoid metabolites (GCMs) in this species. Serial droppings were collected from 16 animals. First, one subgroup received adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; Synacthen Depót®) and the other group served as controls. This procedure was reversed afterwards. All birds presented self-mutilation approximately 6 h after the ACTH injection. This behavior disappeared after two days. Peak concentrations (on average nine times higher than baseline values) of GCMs were found 6 (4–8) h after ACTH administration; in all (but one) animals also a second peak was found 14 (10–20) h post injection. GCM levels returned to the baseline after 24 h. We physiologically validated a cortisone enzyme immunoassays to measure adrenocortical activity in the golden conure. Such non-invasive methods are important for studies, which are related to welfare, reproductive, and conservation programs. In addition, we could demonstrate a link between increased glucocorticoid levels and behavioral disorders.
Integrated Analysis of miRNA-mRNA Network Reveals Different Regulatory Patterns in the Endometrium of Meishan and Duroc Sows during Mid-Late Gestation
Authors: Yang Kaijie , Wang Jue , Wang Kejun , Luo Yabiao , Tang Qiguo , Liu Ximing , Fang Meiying
Published: March 2020

Embryo loss is a major factor affecting profitability in the pig industry. Embryonic mortality occurs during peri-implantation and mid-late gestation in pigs. Previous investigations have shown that the embryo loss rate in Meishan pigs is significantly lower than in commercial breeds. Most studies have focused on embryonic mortality during early gestation, but little is known about losses during mid-late gestation. In this study, we performed a transcriptome analysis of endometrial tissue in mid-late gestation sows (gestation days 49 and 72) sampled from two breeds (Meishan (MS) and Duroc (DU)) that have different embryo loss rates. We identified 411, 1113, 697, and 327 differentially expressed genes, and 14, 36, 57, and 43 differentially expressed miRNAs in four comparisons (DU49 vs. DU72, DU49 vs. MS49, DU72 vs. MS72, and MS49 vs. MS72), respectively. Subsequently; seven differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs were validated using qPCR. Functional analysis suggested the differentially expressed genes and miRNAs target genes mainly involved in regulation of hormone levels, blood vessel development, developmental process involved in reproduction, embryonic placenta development, and the immune system. A network analysis of potential miRNA-gene interactions revealed that differentially expressed miRNAs in Meishan pigs are involved in the response to estradiol and oxygen levels, and affect angiogenesis and blood vessel development. The binding site on ssc-miR-503 for epidermal growth factor (EGF) and the binding site on ssc-miR-671-5p for estrogen receptor α (ESR1) were identified using a dual luciferase assay. The results of this study will enable further exploration of miRNA-mRNA interactions important in pig pregnancy and will help to uncover molecular mechanisms affecting embryonic mortality in pigs during mid-late gestation.
Challenging a Myth and Misconception: Red-Light Vision in Rats
Authors: Niklaus Stephanie , Albertini Silvio , Schnitzer Tobias K. , Denk Nora
Published: March 2020

Due to the lack of L-cones in the rodent retina, it is generally assumed that red light is invisible to rodents. Thus, red lights and red filter foils are widely used in rodent husbandry and experimentation allowing researchers to observe animals in an environment that is thought to appear dark to the animals. To better understand red-light vision in rodents, we assessed retinal sensitivity of pigmented and albino rats to far-red light by electroretinogram. We examined the sensitivity to red light not only on the light- but also dark-adapted retina, as red observation lights in husbandry are used during the dark phase of the light cycle. Intriguingly, both rods and cones of pigmented as well as albino rats show a retinal response to red light, with a high sensitivity of the dark-adapted retina and large electroretinogram responses in the mesopic range. Our results challenge the misconception of rodents being red-light blind. Researchers and housing facilities should rethink the use of red observation lights at night.
Developing Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms for Identification of Cod Products by RAD-Seq
Authors: Jiang Shoujia , Ma Xingyu , Li Tao , Zhu Changqing , You Xinxin
Published: March 2020

The increase in the rate of seafood fraud, particularly in the expensive fishes, forces us to verify the identity of marine products. Meanwhile, the definition of cod lacks consistency at the international level, as few standards and effective application methods are capable of accurately detecting cod species. Genetic fingerprinting is important for both certifying authenticity and traceability of fish species. In this study, we developed a method that combines DNA barcoding and the restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq) approach for the identification of cod products. We first obtained 6941 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)s from 65.6 gigabases (Gb) of RAD-Seq raw data, and two sequences that contain SNPs were finally used to successfully identify three different cod product species, which are Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), Greenland turbot (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides), and Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides). This SNP-based method will help us to identify the products, which are sold under the name of “Xue Yu” (Cod) in China, and works in parallel with existing fish identification techniques to establish an efficient framework to detect and prevent fraud at all points of the seafood supply chain.
The Use of a Non-Absorbable Membrane as an Occlusive Barrier for Alveolar Ridge Preservation: A One Year Follow-Up Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Papi Piero , Di Murro Bianca , Tromba Marco , Passarelli Pier Carmine , D’Addona Antonio , Pompa Giorgio
Published: March 2020

The aims of this study were to obtain preliminary data and test the clinical efficacy of a novel nonporous dense-polytetrafluoroethylene (d-PTFE) membrane (permamem®, botiss) in alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) procedures with a flapless approach. A traumatic extraction was performed in the premolar maxillary area, and a d-PTFE membrane was used to seal the alveolar cavity: no biomaterial was used to graft the socket and the membrane was left intentionally exposed and stabilized with sutures. The membrane was removed after four weeks and dental implants were placed four months after the procedure. The primary outcome variables were defined as the dimensional changes in the ridge width and height after four months. A total of 15 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean width of the alveolar cavity was 8.9 ± 1.1 mm immediately after tooth extraction, while four months later a mean reduction of 1.75 mm was experienced. A mean vertical reduction of 0.9 ± 0.42 mm on the buccal aspect and 0.6 ± 0.23 mm on the palatal aspect were recorded at implant placement. Within the limitations of this study, the d-PTFE membrane proved to be effective in alveolar ridge preservation, with the outcomes of the regeneration not affected by the complete exposure of this biomaterial.