bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF FINANCING OF EXPENDITURES ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND SOCIAL PROTECTION OF CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Toxeitova A.S. , Yessenova G.Zh.
Published: April 2020

The actualization of social protection of the population consists in the fact that the concept of “social protection” is associated with the concept of “social care” of the state, when individual assistance to a person, groups of people organized by professionally trained people and expressed by the concept of “social work” will have the support of confidence as its ultimate goal man in his strength, his capabilities. That is why in recent years, most specialists of social protection of the population refuse from such a broad, but non-specific concept as "state regulation of the social sphere", and use the term "social support of the population by the state" more and more.
The social policy of any state is the most important part of its domestic policy. In the context of Kazakhstan's transition to sustainable development, the problem of improving the social security system of the population becomes especially acute and relevant. The right to social security of citizens is exercised in practice using a specific organized financial mechanism, which includes a set of interrelated organizational, economic, legislative and other measures.
MECHANISM OF EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES
Authors: Sarsenova A.E. , Alpysbaeva A.K. , Kadyrbai S.B.
Published: April 2020

An important condition for sustainable development of industrial enterprises is the attention to the issues of management efficiency, what implies a change of management methods and necessitates the revision and updating of management tools for the development of industrial enterprises that are appropriate to the market situation and allow taking into account the variety of challenges faced by industry enterprises. These methods and tools can be considered as elements of the industrial business system, which are essentially engines of development of enterprises in the industry.
Increasing the contribution of the qualitative component of economic growth through the introduction of effective management tools in the practice of industrial enterprises becomes an urgent task, since the use of modern management tools is currently an important factor in the development of any enterprise.
In the current economic conditions, in order to develop approaches to create methodological tools for innovative development, it is necessary to identify effective economic and administrative mechanisms that could accelerate the implementation of structural adjustment of the country's economy, increase the level of competitiveness and economic efficiency of production in high-tech industries, facilitate import substitution of the electronic component base and individual means of production purchased abroad in all sectors of the economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The relevance of the study is determined by the need for a theoretical and conceptual justification for changing attitudes to the formation of effective tools for managing the development of industrial enterprises, focused on the continuous use of organizational transformation opportunities that ensure a balance of interests of business participants and contribute to the sustainable maximization of business value.
The article presents review of a conceptual approach to the formation of an integrated efficiency management mechanism, formulated on the basis of a systematic study of the essential properties and methodological principles that define the category "efficiency of the enterprise management system". The task of maximizing the economic result on the basis of balanced management in all interrelated areas of efficiency growth has been formulated. The features that are associated with the identification of effective management tools for industrial enterprises have been examined. The properties of general features of management tools have been highlighted, the main characteristics of enterprise management tools have been formed, and the mechanism of effective enterprise management has been presented.
Efficient analysis of coated object using fast algorithm with surface impedance boundary condition
Authors: Jiang Zhaoneng , Huang Shichun , Wang Zhixin , Ji Fangzheng
Published: April 2020

An effective solution method is proposed to analyze the electromagnetic scattering problem of coated targets, which is based on a novel form of multilevel matrix decomposition algorithm (NFMLMDA). It uses an efficient directional grouping scheme to subdivide the far-field domain, and then a novel distribution form of equivalent source is applied to reduce the matrix filling time and memory requirement. By using the grouping scheme, the far-field interaction domain can be divided into many cone structures. The matrix between the observation group and far-field group in the cone structure is low-rank, which meets the directional far-field requirement. Meanwhile, the impedance boundary condition (IBC) is applied to simplify the solution process and improve the accuracy of the approximate solution. The method of this paper is very suitable for the needs of various kinds of complex problems.
Fault section location for distribution network containing DG based on IBQPSO
Authors: Zhao Min , Zhang Yan-Fang
Published: April 2020

To meet the requirement of the efficiency and accuracy for fault section location introduced by the construction and development of smart distribution network containing DG, a switching function model which can adapt itself to the change caused by switching of multiple DG is built and a network regional processing solution is raised. A fault section location for distribution network containing DG based on improved binary quantum particle swarm optimization (IBQPSO), which can effectively overcome the problem of global and local search capability imbalance in binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO), is proposed. The fault tolerance, rapidity and accuracy of this method are verified by simulation analysis of IEEE33 node system containing DG.
Design and implementation of intelligent creation platform based on artificial intelligence technology
Authors: Chen Keliang , Zu Yunxiao , Wang Danzhi
Published: April 2020

In this article, we have designed a fusion media platform that integrates intelligent creation and editing based on Artificial Intelligence Technology. The system includes a content acquisition and intelligent creation module, a multimedia editing module, and a multi-channel integrated publishing and operation module. The content collection and intelligent creation module utilizes the audio and video capture technology of the mobile computer and natural language processing technology to achieve rich media content acquisition and smart embellishment. The multimedia editing module can realize text matching and modification trace preservation, associated content intelligent extraction, and audio and video processing. The multi-channel integrated publishing module utilizes crawling technology and auth2.0 authentication technology to realize seamless interfacing of new media channels such as WeChat, Weibo, headline, Sohu, TV production system, radio production system, newspaper typesetting system, etc. At the same time, the platform can also capture operational data through crawler technology to meet the needs of intelligent operations. The platform has been piloted in a number of press and publication media organizations. Through the results of the operation and the user feedback, the platform can provide a good service for news media workers from content creation, editorial review to channel release. This research will provide a comprehensive working platform for the news publishing media industry, which is of great value for promoting the comprehensive fusion of the media.
Dynamic performance simulation research of dual overhead synchronous belt drive system
Authors: Fan Rui , Li Ming , Guo Jianhua , Hu Qingming , Cao Zhongliang , Blum Michele M.
Published: April 2020

In order to study the dynamic performance of dual overhead synchronous belt transmission system, the load distribution model of the transmission system was established by Recurdyn, the multibody dynamics software, and the kinematics and dynamics simulation of the transmission system was carried out. At the same time, the simulation results are analyzed, and three important initial conditions are analyzed: system load, initial tension of synchronous belt, rotation speed of crankshaft pulley, which affect the load distribution of synchronous belt transmission system, and the load distribution rule under each initial condition is obtained.
Experimental study on CNC engraving parameters of Afghan white jade
Authors: Fu Chengguo , Xue Dangqin , Li Yongfeng , Zhao Hongyuan , Liang Mingchao , Zhang Linhai , Ma Lijie
Published: April 2020

The CNC machining of nephrite is increasingly used in the jade engraving industry. As the most important standard for quality evaluation, surface roughness is influenced by cutting parameters. In this paper, taking the Buddha head as the machining object, the influence of cutting parameters on the surface quality of was studied by SYIL S7 CNC milling machine. The grooving experiment was carried out at spindle speed of 24,000 rpm, then the CAXA manufacturing engineer and JDpiant software were comparatively applied in machining. Furtherly, the influence of the spindle speed on the roughness was investigated. The research results were summarized as follows: (1) No edge breakage appeared when feed speed lower than 300 mm/min with the maximum depth of cut of 0.1 mm. In this case, when the jade is machined with the spindle speed range of 16,000–24,000 rpm, the mean roughness Ra was in the range of 1,496.111–891.842 nm. (2) JDpiant software is more suitable for CNC jade engraving than CAXA manufacturing engineer. (3) In roughing stage, only the high-speed grinding contdition is satisfied, the integrity of side profile could be guaranteed. The higher spindle speed was conducive to achieve the fine surface quality. (4) The tungsten steel cutter in finish machining stage shows better grinding ability than diamond cutter used in rough machining stage. In order to formulate an economic spindle speed, the finishing surface roughness should be considered in conjunction with the requirement of polishing.
Fuzzy-PID controller with variable universe for tillage depth control on tractor-implement
Authors: Gao Qiang , Lu Zhixiong , Xue Jinlin , Gao Huisong , Sar Dymang
Published: April 2020

A control algorithm of fuzzy-PID controller with variable universe (VUFPID) was proposed to realize fast and accurate adjustment of tillage depth control on tractor-implement and adapt to the complex and changeable agricultural environments. The electro-hydraulic hitch system was modeled through transfer functions of the electrically operated hydraulic valve and the hydraulic cylinder. And the VUFPID controller was designed in accordance with the error of tillage depth and the error rate of tillage depth. Then, the designed controller was simulated by comparing with PID controller and fuzzy PID controller. Also, field experiments were conducted to assess stability of the proposed controller. According to the simulation results, the proposed controller can adjust the hitch system to the set depth more quickly and steadily than the other controllers, with the minimum tracking error of 1.13 mm for the simulation with sine signal, and the shortest response time of 0.261 s and lowest overshoot of 12.4% for the simulation with step signal. As for the field experiments, the results are in good agreement with the simulation results, and the proposed controller shows good stability with the maximum error of tillage depth of 7.8% at the set depth of 10–20 cm. The proposed controller has good adaptability and anti-interference in tillage depth control.
Acceleration slip regulation control for four-wheel independently drive electric vehicle based on fuzzy control
Authors: Zha Yunfei , Liu Guoqing , Ma Fangwu , Guo Ronghui
Published: April 2020

To improve the acceleration performance and stability of the four-wheel independent drive (4WID) electric vehicle on low-adhesion road, a fuzzy control that doesn’t depend on accurate vehicle models is proposed. Taking the driving torque of one side wheel as a reference the slip rate is controlled by controlling the torque errors between the left and right wheels to a certain range. Carsim-Simulink co-simulation is used to analyze the acceleration stability of 4WID electric vehicle on low-adhesion road and μ-split road. The simulation results show that the wheel slip rate can be controlled within a reasonable range through proposed method, and the stability and safety of the vehicle can be effectively improved on the basis of ensuring the power performance of the vehicle.
Design calculation model of oil fluid property parameter knowledge database for production logging
Authors: Song Wenguang , Jiang Qiongqin
Published: April 2020

The fluid property parameter calculation affects the accuracy of the interpretation the accuracy, in the interpretation of the liquid production profile. Therefore, it is particularly important to accurately calculate the physical property parameter values, in the establishment of the fluid property parameter expert knowledge base system. The main physical parameters include the following calculation methods of the oil. The oil property parameter conversion formula mainly studies the formulas such as bubble point pressure, dissolved gas-oil ratio, crude oil volume coefficient, crude oil density, crude oil viscosity, and crude oil compression coefficient. Design expert knowledge base system, it is based on the calculation methods of these physical parameters. A computational fluid property parameter model is constructed by training production log sample data. Finally, the interactive and friendly product interpretation software model was developed in 9 wells’ data. The design calculation model can increase the accuracy to achieve 95% of oil fluid property parameter. Accurately calculate fluid property parameter values.
Peculiarities of a helium interaction with hydrogen and free electrons from the point of view of the exchange perturbation theory solutions
Authors: Orlenko Elena V. , Barilov Andrey K. , Evstafev Alexandr V. , Orlenko Fedor E.
Published: April 2020

We consider an adiabatic potential of a Hydrogen-Helium interaction by using a new approach based on the exchange perturbation theory (EPT). This method allows to present results analytically. We find the solution as an expansion in an antisymmetric basis thanks to the proved completeness property for a nonorthogonal set of antisymmetric wave functions. We use the developed invariant form with respect to interatomic electron permutations for both the Hamiltonian describing an unperturbed system and the perturbation operator. The invariant form for both operators allows one to obtain properly antisymmetric corrections to the antisymmetric wave function of the zero approximation. The probability of electron scattering with electron capture by the helium atom is discussed. We use an EPT formalism developed for the time-dependent perturbations. A formalism of the Time-dependent EPT has a form of an invariant perturbation theory that accounts for intercentre electron permutations among the overlapping states. The expressions for the matrix elements of an S-matrix and a T-matrix account for interatomic electron permutations. We use the obtained differential cross section formulas for the description of the electron capture during the scattering processes. The differential cross section of the electron capture by Helium atom has a complex shape of peak for the scattering energy around 0.7 atomic units, associated with the adiabatic creation of the negative ion He(-1).
A centroid-based modelling approach to lens inversion for gravitationally lensed systems
Authors: Smith Benjamen , Dlugan Emery
Published: April 2020

In this research, we propose a novel method for determining the coordinate of a gravitational lens in systems where the lens has not yet been directly observed. Our technique uses image processing software to locate the optical centroid of strongly lensed systems and then applies a geometric analysis to derive the coordinates of the lens from the coordinates of the centroid and the arrangement of the lensed images. We demonstrate this method on gravitationally lensed quasar systems in which the lens has been observed to empirically validate our model, and then apply it to the GraL group's list of lensing candidates derived from Gaia DR2 to propose lens coordinates in these candidate systems.
“I Say, Can You Hear Me?”
Authors: McLean Ava
Published: April 2020

Harold Pinter’s 1959 radio play A Slight Ache serves to illuminate how the constraints of radio drama provided Pinter with the opportunity to examine themes such as passive aggression and competition within outwardly bland social interactions, in an entirely new form. Pinter’s approach to radio drama goes against the principles of clarity and unambiguousness that the BBC attempted to push its writers towards at the time, instead favouring the unease and uncertainty that a total lack of visual information allows him to visit upon his audience. In particular, Pinter’s decision to render the character of the Matchseller entirely mute allows his presence to constantly challenge the listening audience, forcing them to constantly revaluate the validity of everything they hear. Through Flora and Edward’s contradictory assessments of the Matchseller, their respective goals, desires and insecurities are exposed, shining increasing light on their divergent views of the world around them. The combination of the Matchseller’s silence and the total lack of visual information given about him allow The Matchseller to become an increasingly obscure, changeable presence in the play. A Slight Ache emerges as a play so well suited to the constraints of radio that later stage and television productions only serve to expose how added visuals actually render the play far less effective, closing off the opportunity for multiple interpretations of the Matchseller to coexist, as they do in the original radio format.
Reduction of the toxicity of tobacco smoke with catalytic materials: Study of the influence of SBA-15 synthesis variables, time and temperatura of the hydrothermal treatment.
Authors: Juárez-Serrano Nerea , Marcilla Antonio
Published: April 2020

This article is associated with the MDPI "Catalysts" journal, which belongs to a Special Issue "SBA-15 and Catalysis", "The Effect of Temperature and Time of the Hydrothermal Treatment in the SBA-15 Synthesis Process on the Structure and Textural Properties and the Ability to Reduce the Evolution of Tars in Tobacco Smoking" and the authors Juárez-Serrano, N.a; Asensio, J.ª; Martínez-Castellanos, I.ª; Beltrán, M.I.ª; and Marcilla A.*a
aChemical Engineering Department. University of Alicante. Apartado 99, 03690, Alicante, Spain.
*Corresponding author: antonio.marcilla@ua.es
 
   SBA-15 synthetized at different values of time and temperature of the hydrothermal treatment were mixture with tobacco in order to determine the capacity of reduction of toxic and carcirogenic compounds on tobacco smoke. The effect of temperature is not significative but time presents a remarked effect. And a parameter not frequently studied, the aparent density, has been shown the most relevant relation with the results on smoking experimentos. Finally, the effect of reduce the supernatant liquor also has been studied and the results have shown that the material properties remain practically unchanged.
Toxic heavy metal biosorption by some marine bacteria isolated from the sediments of industrial effluents of Iligan Bay
Authors: Balala Arvin , Oclarit Jose
Published: April 2020

Heavy metal-resistant marine bacteria were isolated from the sediments of Iligan Bay near the effluents outlets of certain factories. Isolation was done using marine agar fortified with corresponding different heavy metal concentrations. Isolates were grouped using their morphological and colonial growth characteristics. Among the purified isolates(61), 19 were cadmium-resistant, 29 were lead-resistant and 13 were mercury-resistant. These isolates were tested for their absorptive capability using marine broth added with metal ions: 23.20 µg of Cd, 250.24 µg of Pb and 495.66 µg of Hg, and consequently analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric(AAS) method. From these isolates, 10 heavy metal-resistant species with relatively high absorptive efficiency were identified using conventional method and API 20E Test Kit. Out of ten isolates, 3 were Gram-positive and 7 were Gram-negative rods. All Gram-positive bacteria belong to the genus Bacillus and were found to absorb lead metals at 94% absorptive efficiency. However, Enterobacter sp. 2 had the highest absorptive efficiency for Cd at 99% among Gram negative bacteria followed by Chryseomonas sp. 2 with 96% biosorption. Furthermore, among the mercury resistant isolates, Pseudomonas sp. had the highest absorptive efficiency at 79%. Only those heavy metal-resistant isolates which exhibited the highest absorptive efficiency were able to form a zone of growth promotion around a heavy metal-containing filter paper disk which suggests that these bacteria have accumulated heavy metals in their cells. The presence of heavy metal-resistant bacteria is helpful in cleaning up or remediating metal contaminated environments released from industrial effluents.
Comparative suitability of two culture media to the in vitro growth of embryos of three coconut types
Authors: Nuñez Tessie
Published: April 2020

Using a suitable medium for specific plant genotype greatly improves the efficiency of the in vitro culture method. The Visayas State University (VSU)-based National Coconut Research Center -Visayas (NCRC-V) evaluated the comparative suitability of the COGENT medium and VSU-modified Y3 (mY3) as in vitro culture media for coconut embryos using Albuera Dwarf (ALD), Baybay Tall (BAYT),and the VSU-developed Coconiño x Makapuno (VMAC1) hybrid. These two media differ in vitamin components, iron concentration and state during the first two stages of culture, namely germination and first subculture.
Results showed that mY3 was more suitable for the in vitro germination and development of the coconut embryos than the COGENT medium. Significantly higher germination rates were observed in BAYT, ALD, and VMAC1 cultured in the semi-solid mY3 than those in the liquid COGENT medium from the first week until the fourth week of initial culture. Germination rates of 100%, 85.8% and 84.5% were obtained from CÑO x MAC, ALD, and BAYT, respectively. Furthermore, significantly higher percentages of germinating embryos with developing shoot and root were observed in the semi-solid mY3 than in the liquid COGENT. Likewise, better growth of plantlets in liquid mY3 was noted during the fourth and fifth months of culture.
Among coconut types, VMAC1 had the highest germination rates in the two media and the best growth in mY3. BAYT had better growth in the COGENT medium while ALD had better shoot development in mY3.
Research Note: Effect of tidal inundation on some chemical properties of soil of the Sundarbans (India)
Authors: Kumar Tanumi , Ghose Monoranian
Published: April 2020

Soil samples from twenty seven sites of Indian Sundarbans were analysed for some chemical parameters, These sites were divided into three inundation types namely, diurnal, usual springtide and summer springtide. The study demonstrated that most of the soil properties significantly varied with inundation type. Sites inundated by usual springtides exhibited lowest concentrations of pH, salinity (Sal), available phosphorus (I)), and exchangeable potassium (K), sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg), whereas summer springtide inundated sites had the highest concentrations of Sal, organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (N), Na, K and Mg. Highest level of P and lowest N in the diurnally inundated sites could be attributed to increased mobility of phosphates and denitrification or volatilization losses of inorganic nitrogen in the soils respectively, Highest concentration of in summer springtide inundated sites could be attributed to increased ammonium ion mobility in the soils.
Questionnaire to evaluate COVID-19 suspected patient before the dental procedure
Authors: Iqbal Md Ashif
Published: April 2020

Abstract Not Available

Update Dent. Coll. j: 2020; 10 (1): 1-2
Significant of Antibiotic prophylaxis for diabetic patients with periodontal disease, 1 hour before phase 1 periodontal therapy
Authors: Shrestha Puja , Iqbal Md Ashif , Bristy Orin Chowdhury , Sherestha Nimesh
Published: April 2020

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal diseases than people without diabetes. Periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes. On the other hand, severe periodontal disease can increase blood glucose levels. Special care and management protocol need to be addressed to patients with diabetes during periodontal therapy. Systemic antibiotics in conjunction with scaling and root planning can offer an additional benefit over SRP alone in the treatment of periodontitis. This review aims to evaluate the significance of antibiotic prophylaxis for diabetic patients with the periodontal disease before 1 hour/ 1-2 days of phase 1 periodontal therapy. The goal of antibiotic prophylaxis is to prevent the onset of injections through the entranceway provided by the therapeutic action. But currently, no established guidelines are in place for antibiotic prophylaxis before periodontal therapy.

Update Dent. Coll. j: 2020; 10 (1): 28-30
The Steroid Metabolome in Men With Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: DUŠKOVÁ M. , HILL M. , BIČÍKOVÁ M. , ŠRÁMKOVÁ M. , ŘÍPOVÁ D. , MOHR P. , STÁRKA L.
Published: April 2020

The mood and behavior of individuals result from an orchestra of many factors. Among them steroids play an important role; however, only several common hormones have been investigated in this respect. It has been demonstrated that some steroid metabolites long considered merely the products of steroid hormone metabolism in fact possess considerable activity in the CNS. For this reason we studied the steroid metabolome including 50 analytes in 20 men with depression, 20 men with anxiety and 30 healthy controls. Significant differences were found not only between controls and men with either depression or anxiety, but also between men with depression and anxiety. Particularly striking were those steroids until now not generally associated with depression or anxiety, namely conjugated steroid forms, especially sulfates.
Metabolic and Hormonal Consequencies of the „Obesity Risk“ MC4R Variant (rs12970134) in Czech Women
Authors: BRADNOVÁ O. , VEJRAŽKOVÁ D. , VAŇKOVÁ M. , LUKÁŠOVÁ P. , VČELÁK J. , STANICKÁ S. , DVOŘÁKOVÁ K. , BENDLOVÁ B.
Published: April 2020

Although the mutations in MC4R gene became known as the most common genetic cause of human obesity, the effect of rs12970134 A/G near MC4R gene on insulin resistance has been described. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of rs12970134 on obesity, hormone levels, and glucose metabolism in a cohort of women varying in glucose tolerance: 850 normoglycemic women, 423 diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 402 gestational diabetics (GDM), and 250 type 2 diabetic (T2D) women. We did not confirm the explicit effect of rs12970134 on obesity. However, the influence of the A-allele on body adiposity index was observed in a cohort of women diagnosed with PCOS. In normoglycemic women, the A-allele carriership was associated with lower fasting levels of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and index of insulin resistance. Furthermore, higher levels of growth hormone, leptin and SHBG, and lower levels of fT3, testosterone, and androstenedione were recorded in normoglycemic A-allele carriers. In conclusion, the study presents the evidence of the impact of rs12970134 on complex hypothalamic regulations.
Obesity and Infection: Reciprocal Causality
Authors: HAINER V. , ZAMRAZILOVÁ H. , KUNEŠOVÁ M. , BENDLOVÁ B. , ALDHOON-HAINEROVÁ I.
Published: April 2020

Associations between different infectious agents and obesity have been reported in humans for over thirty years. In many cases, as in nosocomial infections, this relationship reflects the greater susceptibility of obese individuals to infection due to impaired immunity. In such cases, the infection is not related to obesity as a causal factor but represents a complication of obesity. In contrast, several infections have been suggested as potential causal factors in human obesity. However, evidence of a causal linkage to human obesity has only been provided for adenovirus 36 (Adv36). This virus activates lipogenic and proinflammatory pathways in adipose tissue, improves insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and hepatic steatosis. The E4orf1 gene of Adv36 exerts insulin senzitizing effects, but is devoid of its pro-inflammatory modalities. The development of a vaccine to prevent Adv36-induced obesity or the use of E4orf1 as a ligand for novel antidiabetic drugs could open new horizons in the prophylaxis and treatment of obesity and diabetes. More experimental and clinical studies are needed to elucidate the mutual relations between infection and obesity, identify additional infectious agents causing human obesity, as well as define the conditions that predispose obese individuals to specific infections.
Response of Cortisol Metabolites in the Insulin Tolerance Test and Synacthen Tests
Authors: SIMUNKOVA K. , DUSKOVA M. , KOSAK M. , KRSEK M. , HANA V. , HILL M. , JANDIKOVA H. , POSPISILOVA H. , SRAMKOVA M. , BIFULCO E. , STARKA L.
Published: April 2020

Determination of response of cortisol and its metabolites to different stimuli may be important for adrenal gland disorders. To date, only one metabolite, cortisone, has been followed in stimulation tests of the adrenal gland. We aimed to describe a response of cortisol metabolites to the standard short Synacthen test (HDST), insulin tolerance test (ITT), low dose Synacthen test (LDST) and medium dose Synacthen test (MDST). Sixty healthy subjects were investigated: 30 men and 30 women. Plasma for measurements of cortisol and its metabolites was obtained before and 30th and 60th min after Synacthen and insulin administration. The cut-off 500 nmol/l of cortisol was reached after stimulation in all of tests, the maximal stimulation level was reached in 60th min in all of the tests except for LDST. The response of cortisol and its metabolites at 30th and 60th min strongly correlated in all of the tests except for LDST. Cortisol and its metabolites increased after stimulation; in contrast, cortisone and its metabolites decreased. We showed that the response of the cortisol metabolites during the Synacthen tests and ITT well correlated, and the MDST showed similar response compared to HDST. The decrease in cortisone metabolites may correspond to the regeneration of cortisol from cortisone in response to stimulation test.
Association of Plasma Lipids Fatty Acid Composition With Metabolic Profile of Czech Adolescents
Authors: HLAVATY P. , TVRZICKA E. , STANKOVA B. , ZAMRAZILOVA H. , SEDLACKOVA B. , DUSATKOVA L. , HAINER V. , KUNESOVA M.
Published: April 2020

Obesity in childhood increases the risk of obesity in adulthood and is predictive for the development of metabolic disorders. The fatty acid composition is associated with obesity and obesity-associated disorders. We investigated the relationship between serum fatty acids composition, adiposity, lipids profile, parameters of glucose metabolism and leptin. The study subjects were 380 adolescents aged 15.0-17.9 years. The study's variables included anthropometric measurements, levels of serum lipids and hormonal parameters. Individual fatty acids were determined in plasma by gas-liquid chromatography. Palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7, PA) significantly positively correlated with percentage of body fat. Saturated fatty acids in phospholipids (PL) positively correlated with BMI and percentage of body fat. PA content in all lipids classes positively correlated with total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) levels. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) activity positively correlated with percentage of body fat and positive correlations of SCD and PA level with leptin were found. Plasma PA content and SCD are associated with adiposity and leptin in obese adolescents. No significant correlation between PA level and insulin resistance was found. Palmitoleate positively correlated with TC, HDL cholesterol, TG and LDL cholesterol levels.
Developing an Animal Welfare Assessment Protocol for Livestock Transported by Sea
Authors: Dunston-Clarke Emma , Willis Renee S. , Fleming Patricia A. , Barnes Anne L. , Miller David W. , Collins Teresa
Published: April 2020

Australian livestock industries face increased scrutiny from animal welfare groups and society, and the long-distance transport of livestock by sea has recently gained particular attention. Other than non-compliance with broad regulatory standards and voyage mortality rates, there is minimal information to ascertain the welfare of exported livestock. There is currently no standardised, validated animal welfare assessment protocol for livestock on-farm prior to live export or when undergoing transport. This study describes a novel assessment protocol suitable for use on live feeder and slaughter animals exported by sea from Australia. Health and welfare indicators for use in the livestock export supply chain were identified by reviewing three internationally recognised animal welfare assessment protocols for livestock; Welfare Quality®, AWIN and AssureWel, as well as consulting with industry compliance standards and guidelines. This paper proposes a welfare protocol designed to assess sheep and beef cattle exported by sea from Australia, and incorporates environmental-, resource-, management- and animal-based measures. In collaboration with industry, this welfare protocol can be tested on commercial livestock consignments, and be used for ongoing management, for increased transparency and to provide feedback to operators for continuous improvement.
Body Size and Bite Force of Stray and Feral Cats—Are Bigger or Older Cats Taking the Largest or More Difficult-to-Handle Prey?
Authors: Fleming Patricia A. , Crawford Heather M. , Auckland Clare H. , Calver Michael C.
Published: April 2020

As carnivorans rely heavily on their head and jaws for prey capture and handling, skull morphology and bite force can therefore reflect their ability to take larger or more difficult-to-handle prey. For 568 feral and stray cats (Felis catus), we recorded their demographics (sex and age), source location (feral or stray) and morphological measures (body mass, body condition); we estimated potential bite force from skull measurements for n = 268 of these cats, and quantified diet composition from stomach contents for n = 358. We compared skull measurements to estimate their bite force and determine how it varied with sex, age, body mass, body condition. Body mass had the strongest influence of bite force. In our sample, males were 36.2% heavier and had 20.0% greater estimated bite force (206.2 ± 44.7 Newtons, n = 168) than females (171.9 ± 29.3 Newtons, n = 120). However, cat age was the strongest predictor of the size of prey that they had taken, with older cats taking larger prey. The predictive power of this relationship was poor though (r2 < 0.038, p < 0.003), because even small cats ate large prey and some of the largest cats ate small prey, such as invertebrates. Cats are opportunistic, generalist carnivores taking a broad range of prey. Their ability to handle larger prey increases as the cats grow, increasing their jaw strength, and improving their hunting skills, but even the smallest cats in our sample had tackled and consumed large and potentially ‘dangerous’ prey that would likely have put up a defence.
Acceptance and Feasibility of a Guideline for the Animal Welfare Assessment of Fattening Pigs from Farmers’ Point of View
Authors: Pfeifer Mareike , Koch Alexandra , Lensches Clara , Schmitt Armin O. , Hessel Engel F.
Published: April 2020

The welfare of farm animals is being increasingly discussed in society and politics. To evaluate animal welfare, indicator systems are often used. Such a system has been developed by the German Association for Technology and Structures in Agriculture and suggested in the publication “Animal Welfare Indicators: Practical Guide—Pigs”. The association’s aim is to provide farmers with a useful method for recording the welfare of pigs. Crucial for the acceptance of the guide by farmers is a high degree of feasibility of the recommended indicators as well as the proposed methods for their recording. To evaluate this, 40 farmers keeping fattening pigs were interviewed. The guided semi-structured interview was conducted on the farms after the farmers evaluated the welfare of their fattening pigs according to the guide. The results are: Apart from the indicators faecal soiling and tail length, all the other eleven indicators are accepted for the assessment of fattening pig welfare by a majority of the interviewed farmers (between 57.5% and 90% acceptance per indicator). Furthermore, the feasibility of the individual indicators was assessed as being positive. The relationship between time expenditure and benefit was rated on a five-point scale at an average of 3.1 (medium), which clearly shows that there is a need for further development of this guide. Some possible changes with a potential for improvement could be identified; for example, the aggregation of the results after the collection of the individual indicators to an overall result that can be compared and interpreted.
The Potential for New Donkey Farming Systems to Supply the Growing Demand for Hides
Authors: Bennett Richard , Pfuderer Simone
Published: April 2020

The demand for donkey hides for ejiao, a Traditional Chinese Medicine, has resulted in rapidly increasing prices for donkey hides and donkeys. This has put pressure on donkey populations globally and has implications for donkey welfare and the livelihoods of those who rely on donkeys as working animals. The aim of the research was to explore the feasibility of setting up new donkey farming systems to supply the rising demand for ejiao using a system dynamics model of donkey production. Results show that the size of the initial female breeding herd, reproductive performance, age of reproduction, percentage of female births and average breeding life of donkeys are key variables affecting the time to build up the donkey population to supply the demand for hides, which will be at least ten to fifteen years. The implications of this are: (i) prices for donkey hides will continue to increase, (ii) companies producing ejiao will use other ingredients, (iii) China will continue to source donkey hides from around the world, and (iv) there will be continued theft and illegal trade of donkeys and concerns for rural households reliant on donkeys for their livelihoods and adverse impacts on donkey welfare.
Climate Change Impacts on Sugarcane Production in Thailand
Authors: Pipitpukdee Siwabhorn , Attavanich Witsanu , Bejranonda Somskaow
Published: April 2020

This study investigated the impact of climate change on yield, harvested area, and production of sugarcane in Thailand using spatial regression together with an instrumental variable approach to address the possible selection bias. The data were comprised of new fine-scale weather outcomes merged together with a provincial-level panel of crops that spanned all provinces in Thailand from 1989–2016. We found that in general climate variables, both mean and variability, statistically determined the yield and harvested area of sugarcane. Increased population density reduced the harvested area for non-agricultural use. Considering simultaneous changes in climate and demand of land for non-agricultural development, we reveal that the future sugarcane yield, harvested area, and production are projected to decrease by 23.95–33.26%, 1.29–2.49%, and 24.94–34.93% during 2046–2055 from the baseline, respectively. Sugarcane production is projected to have the largest drop in the eastern and lower section of the central regions. Given the role of Thailand as a global exporter of sugar and the importance of sugarcane production in Thai agriculture, the projected declines in the production could adversely affect the well-being of one million sugarcane growers and the stability of sugar price in the world market.
Turbulence in a Coronal Loop Excited by Photospheric Motions
Authors: Nigro Giuseppina , Malara Francesco , Vecchio Antonio , Primavera Leonardo , Di Mare Francesca , Carbone Vincenzo , Veltri Pierluigi
Published: April 2020

Photospheric motions are believed to be the source of coronal heating and of velocity fluctuations detected in the solar corona. A numerical model, based on the shell technique applied on reduced magnetohydrodynamics equations, is used to represent energy injection due to footpoint motions, storage and dissipation of energy in a coronal loop. Motions at the loop bases are simulated by random signals whose frequency-wavenumber spectrum reproduces features of photospheric motions: the p-mode peak and the low-frequency continuum. Results indicate that a turbulent state develops, dominated by magnetic energy, where dissipation takes place in an intermittent fashion. The nonlinear cascade is mainly controlled by velocity fluctuations, where resonant modes are dominant at high frequencies. Low frequency fluctuations present a power-law spectra and a bump at p-mode frequency; similar features are observed in velocity spectra detected in the corona. For typical loop parameters the energy input flux is comparable with that necessary to heat the quiet-Sun corona.
Mobility Infrastructures in Cities and Climate Change: An Analysis Through the Superblocks in Barcelona
Authors: López Iván , Ortega Jordi , Pardo Mercedes
Published: April 2020

Cities are key actors in the fight against climate change since they are major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while at the same time they experience the negative impact of this phenomenon. Mitigating and adapting to climate change requires fundamental changes in urbanism and city automobile traffic. Superblocks, a grid of blocks and basic roads forming a polygon, approximately 400 by 400 m, are one of the instruments for such changes. These type of city Superblocks represent a new model of mobility that restructures the typical urban road network, thereby substantially reducing automobile traffic, and accordingly GHG emissions, while increasing green space in the city and improving the health and quality of life of its inhabitants. Furthermore, the Superblocks do not require investment in hard infrastructures, nor do they involve demolishing buildings or undertaking massive development; they are in fact very low-tech urbanism. The city of Barcelona has been implementing Superblocks as one of the measures to combat climate change with very positive results. The paper analyzes the concept of the Superblock and its relation with climate change in cities. Along these lines, it analyzes the pioneer experience of Barcelona in the development and implementation of the Superblocks, as a radical plan aimed at taking back the streets from cars. The role of political power and institutional leadership has been key in societal acceptance and the achievement of tangible results. But there are also obstacles and drawbacks in the development of these types of Superblocks, such as the necessity to redesign the collective transport network so that car traffic can truly be reduced in cities, the possible negative influence on traffic going in and out of the city, the lack of visible advantages if they are not implemented in the entire city, the risk of gentrification in the areas with Superblocks, public opposition, and opposition from certain sectors of the business community.
The State of Automated Facial Expression Analysis (AFEA) in Evaluating Consumer Packaged Beverages
Authors: Kessler Samuel J. , Jiang Funan , Hurley R. Andrew
Published: April 2020

In the late 1970s, analysis of facial expressions to unveil emotional states began to grow and flourish along with new technologies and software advances. Researchers have always been able to document what consumers do, but understanding how consumers feel at a specific moment in time is an important part of the product development puzzle. Because of this, biometric testing methods have been used in numerous studies, as researchers have worked to develop a more comprehensive understanding of consumers. Despite the many articles on automated facial expression analysis (AFEA), literature is limited in regard to food and beverage studies. There are no standards to guide researchers in setting up materials, processing data, or conducting a study, and there are few, if any, compilations of the studies that have been performed to determine whether any methodologies work better than others or what trends have been found. Through a systematic Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) review, 38 articles were found that were relevant to the research goals. The authors identified AFEA study methods that have worked and those that have not been as successful and noted any trends of particular importance. Key takeaways include a listing of commercial AFEA software, experimental methods used within the PRISMA analysis, and a comprehensive explanation of the critical methods and practices of the studies analyzed. Key information was analyzed and compared to determine effects on the study outcomes. Through analyzing the various studies, suggestions and guidance for conducting and analyzing data from AFEA experiments are discussed.
Can Gut Microbiota Be a Good Predictor for Parkinson’s Disease? A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Pietrucci Daniele , Teofani Adelaide , Unida Valeria , Cerroni Rocco , Biocca Silvia , Stefani Alessandro , Desideri Alessandro
Published: April 2020

The involvement of the gut microbiota in Parkinson’s disease (PD), investigated in several studies, identified some common alterations of the microbial community, such as a decrease in Lachnospiraceae and an increase in Verrucomicrobiaceae families in PD patients. However, the results of other bacterial families are often contradictory. Machine learning is a promising tool for building predictive models for the classification of biological data, such as those produced in metagenomic studies. We tested three different machine learning algorithms (random forest, neural networks and support vector machines), analyzing 846 metagenomic samples (472 from PD patients and 374 from healthy controls), including our published data and those downloaded from public databases. Prediction performance was evaluated by the area under curve, accuracy, precision, recall and F-score metrics. The random forest algorithm provided the best results. Bacterial families were sorted according to their importance in the classification, and a subset of 22 families has been identified for the prediction of patient status. Although the results are promising, it is necessary to train the algorithm with a larger number of samples in order to increase the accuracy of the procedure.