bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Climate Change on the Energy and Comfort Performance of nZEB: A Case Study in Italy
Authors: Summa Serena , Tarabelli Luca , Ulpiani Giulia , Di Perna Costanzo
Published: November 2020

Climate change is posing a variety of challenges in the built realm. Among them is the change in future energy consumption and the potential decay of current energy efficient paradigms. Indeed, today’s near-zero Energy buildings (nZEBs) may lose their virtuosity in the near future. The objective of this study is to propose a methodology to evaluate the change in yearly performance between the present situation and future scenarios. Hourly dynamic simulations are performed on a residential nZEB located in Rome, built in compliance with the Italian legislation. We compare the current energy consumption with that expected in 2050, according to the two future projections described in the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Implications for thermal comfort are further investigated by assuming no heating and cooling system, and by tracking the free-floating operative temperature. Compared to the current weather conditions, the results reveal an average temperature increase of 3.4 °C and 3.9 °C under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, estimated through ERA-Interim/UrbClim. This comes at the expense of a 47.8% and 50.3% increase in terms of cooling energy needs, and a 129.5% and 185.8% decrease in terms of heating needs. The annual power consumption experiences an 18% increase under both scenarios due to (i) protracted activation of the air conditioning system and (ii) enhanced peak power requirements. A 6.2% and 5.1% decrease in the hours of adaptive comfort is determined under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5′s 2050 scenarios out of the concerted action of temperature and solar gains. The results for a newly proposed combined index for long-term comfort assessments reveal a milder future penalty, owing to less pronounced excursions and milder daily temperature swings.
Univariate Analysis of Short-Chain Fatty Acids Related to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Authors: Galván-Tejada Carlos E. , Villagrana-Bañuelos Karen E. , Zanella-Calzada Laura A. , Moreno-Báez Arturo , Luna-García Huizilopoztli , Celaya-Padilla Jose M. , Galván-Tejada Jorge I. , Gamboa-Rosales Hamurabi
Published: November 2020

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the death of a child under one year of age, during sleep, without apparent cause, after exhaustive investigation, so it is a diagnosis of exclusion. SIDS is the principal cause of death in industrialized countries. Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) have been related to SIDS. These errors are a group of conditions characterized by the accumulation of toxic substances usually produced by an enzyme defect and there are thousands of them and included are the disorders of the β-oxidation cycle, similarly to what can affect the metabolism of different types of fatty acid chain (within these, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs)). In this work, an analysis of postmortem SCFAs profiles of children who died due to SIDS is proposed. Initially, a set of features containing SCFAs information, obtained from the NIH Common Fund’s National Metabolomics Data Repository (NMDR) is submitted to an univariate analysis, developing a model based on the relationship between each feature and the binary output (death due to SIDS or not), obtaining 11 univariate models. Then, each model is validated, calculating their receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) and area under the ROC curve (AUC) value. For those features whose models presented an AUC value higher than 0.650, a new multivariate model is constructed, in order to validate its behavior in comparison to the univariate models. In addition, a comparison between this multivariate model and a model developed based on the whole set of features is finally performed. From the results, it can be observed that each SCFA which comprises of the SFCAs profile, has a relationship with SIDS and could help in risk identification.
Competitive Factors of Fashion Retail Sector with Special Focus on SMEs
Authors: Gonda Gyorgy , Gorgenyi-Hegyes Eva , Nathan Robert Jeyakumar , Fekete-Farkas Maria
Published: November 2020

Nowadays small and medium sized enterprises have become increasingly important in contribution to job creation and economic growth both in national and European level. Considering the rapidly and continuously changing business environment, due to the impacts of globalization and concentration, staying competitive is a great challenge for companies in the 21st century, especially in fashion retail sector. The current paper is intended to map the current situation of the sector—focusing primarily on SMEs—through the extensive literature review; and provide a better understanding of sector-specific competitive factors in fashion industry. The research methods are the analysis of different related articles, reports and other scientific literature sources, in-depth interviews and questionnaire survey. The survey was validated by confirmatory factor analysis, data were analyzed and evaluated through PLS-SEM model. The main findings of the study show that the most important competitive factor is the compliance with consumer needs. Furthermore, the research also points out that SME sector lag behind chains, thus, they need to focus more on better understanding and meeting consumer expectations. In this activity, it would be useful if they received EU and domestic support for educational assistance.
Optimal Location and Sizing of Distributed Generators in DC Networks Using a Hybrid Method Based on Parallel PBIL and PSO
Authors: Grisales-Noreña Luis Fernando , Montoya Oscar Danilo , Ramos-Paja Carlos Andrés , Hernandez-Escobedo Quetzalcoatl , Perea-Moreno Alberto-Jesus
Published: November 2020

This paper addresses the problem of the locating and sizing of distributed generators (DGs) in direct current (DC) grids and proposes a hybrid methodology based on a parallel version of the Population-Based Incremental Learning (PPBIL) algorithm and the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method. The objective function of the method is based on the reduction of the power loss by using a master-slave structure and the consideration of the set of restrictions associated with DC grids in a distributed generation environment. In such a structure, the master stage (PPBIL) finds the location of the generators and the slave stage (PSO) finds the corresponding sizes. For the purpose of comparison, eight additional hybrid methods were formed by using two additional location methods and two additional sizing methods, and this helped in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed solution. Such an evaluation is illustrated with the electrical test systems composed of 10, 21 and 69 buses and simulated on the software, MATLAB. Finally, the results of the simulation demonstrated that the PPBIL–PSO method obtains the best balance between the reduction of power loss and the processing time.
Energy and Performance Trade-Off Optimization in Heterogeneous Computing via Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Yu Zheqi , Machado Pedro , Zahid Adnan , Abdulghani Amir M. , Dashtipour Kia , Heidari Hadi , Imran Muhammad A. , Abbasi Qammer H.
Published: November 2020

This paper suggests an optimisation approach in heterogeneous computing systems to balance energy power consumption and efficiency. The work proposes a power measurement utility for a reinforcement learning (PMU-RL) algorithm to dynamically adjust the resource utilisation of heterogeneous platforms in order to minimise power consumption. A reinforcement learning (RL) technique is applied to analyse and optimise the resource utilisation of field programmable gate array (FPGA) control state capabilities, which is built for a simulation environment with a Xilinx ZYNQ multi-processor systems-on-chip (MPSoC) board. In this study, the balance operation mode for improving power consumption and performance is established to dynamically change the programmable logic (PL) end work state. It is based on an RL algorithm that can quickly discover the optimization effect of PL on different workloads to improve energy efficiency. The results demonstrate a substantial reduction of 18% in energy consumption without affecting the application’s performance. Thus, the proposed PMU-RL technique has the potential to be considered for other heterogeneous computing platforms.
A Multiplicatively Weighted Voronoi-Based Workspace Partition for Heterogeneous Seeding Robots
Authors: Kim Jeongeun , Ju Chanyoung , Son Hyoung Il
Published: November 2020

Multi-robot systems (MRSs) are currently being used to perform agricultural tasks. In this regard, the deployment of heterogeneous MRSs will be essential for achieving more efficient and innovative farming in the future. In this paper, we propose a multiplicatively weighted (MW) Voronoi-based task-allocation scheme for heterogeneous agricultural robots. The seed points for area partitioning using a Voronoi diagram are obtained by performing node clustering using a k-means clustering algorithm. Heterogeneous robots have different specifications for performing various tasks. Thus, the proposed MW Voronoi-based area partitioning for heterogeneous robots is applied by considering various weighting factors. The path for each robot is computed such that the robot follows the nodes, and the computed paths serve as inputs for the workload distribution strategy that assigns paths to the robots. Simulations and field experiments were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Comparing VR- and AR-Based Try-On Systems Using Personalized Avatars
Authors: Liu Yuzhao , Liu Yuhan , Xu Shihui , Cheng Kelvin , Masuko Soh , Tanaka Jiro
Published: November 2020

Despite the convenience offered by e-commerce, online apparel shopping presents various product-related risks, as consumers can neither physically see nor try products on themselves. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies have been used to improve the shopping online experience. Therefore, we propose an AR- and VR-based try-on system that provides users a novel shopping experience where they can view garments fitted onto their personalized virtual body. Recorded personalized motions are used to allow users to dynamically interact with their dressed virtual body in AR. We conducted two user studies to compare the different roles of VR- and AR-based try-ons and validate the impact of personalized motions on the virtual try-on experience. In the first user study, the mobile application with the AR- and VR-based try-on is compared to a traditional e-commerce interface. In the second user study, personalized avatars with pre-defined motion and personalized motion is compared to a personalized no-motion avatar with AR-based try-on. The result shows that AR- and VR-based try-ons can positively influence the shopping experience, compared with the traditional e-commerce interface. Overall, AR-based try-on provides a better and more realistic garment visualization than VR-based try-on. In addition, we found that personalized motions do not directly affect the user’s shopping experience.
A Path Planning Strategy with Ant Colony Algorithm for Series Connected Batteries
Authors: Chen Yang , Shen Teng , Yang Shiyan , Liu Xiaofang , Yang Ru , Cheng Lefeng
Published: November 2020

This article presents a path planning strategy with ant colony algorithm for series connected batteries. The motive of this paper is the increasing need for efficient and fast equalization for Lithium-ion batteries. There are many great papers on the design of the equalization circuits. However, they lack the part of path planning strategy for the balancing circuits. To solve this issue, we adopt the graph model to represent the balancing paths among different battery cells and then construct two optimal models based on the best efficiency and speed, respectively. Finally, ant colony algorithm is used to solve these two models. This makes it possible to achieve different goals according to the practical operating conditions. We validate the function of the proposed path planning strategy through an example of 13 series connected battery balancing system.
Modeling and Optimal Controller Based on Disturbance Detector for the Stabilization of a Three-link Inverted Pendulum Mobile Robot
Authors: Jordán-Martínez Luis Alfonso , Figueroa-García Maricela Guadalupe , Pérez-Cruz José Humberto
Published: November 2020

This work presents the realization of a complicated stabilization problem for a three inverted pendulum links-based mobile robot. The actuators of the mobile robot are direct current motors that have tachometer couplings to measure both the position and speed of the wheels and links. Using direct measurements under load and analyzing the deceleration curve, the motor parameters are determined experimentally. A mathematical model of the robot is obtained via the Euler–Lagrange equations. Next, the nonlinear model is linearized and discretized. Based on this discrete LTI model, an optimal controller is designed. The states and disturbances are estimated using a robust detector. Both the controller and detector are implemented in the robot processor. Numerical simulations and experimental tests show a good performance of the controller despite the presence of disturbances.
Resource-Aware Device Allocation of Data-Parallel Applications on Heterogeneous Systems
Authors: Kim Donghyeon , Kang Seokwon , Lim Junsu , Jung Sunwook , Kim Woosung , Park Yongjun
Published: November 2020

As recent heterogeneous systems comprise multi-core CPUs and multiple GPUs, efficient allocation of multiple data-parallel applications has become a primary goal to achieve both maximum total performance and efficiency. However, the efficient orchestration of multiple applications is highly challenging because a detailed runtime status such as expected remaining time and available memory size of each computing device is hidden. To solve these problems, we propose a dynamic data-parallel application allocation framework called ADAMS. Evaluations show that our framework improves the average total execution device time by 1.85× over the round-robin policy in the non-shared-memory system with small data set.
Cake Perception, Texture and Aroma Profile as Affected by Wheat Flour and Cocoa Replacement with Carob Flour
Authors: Papageorgiou Maria , Paraskevopoulou Adamantini , Pantazi Foteini , Skendi Adriana
Published: November 2020

Carob flour has been used in the production of a wide range of functional food formulations such as bakery goods either as a natural sweetener or food ingredient that, when roasted, exerts a chocolate/cocoa-reminiscent flavor and color. The aim of the present study was twofold; firstly to study the effect of an increasing incorporation of roasted carob flour (0–70% flour basis) on the quality and sensory attributes of a conventional cocoa cake recipe and secondly to investigate the obtained volatile fraction responsible for the aroma by means of headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) technique coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) while comparing it with the control, cocoa-containing cake recipe. Thirty and fifty percent carob flour incorporation rendered cakes with acceptable texture and sensory attributes, comparable to the control cake recipe containing 20% cocoa. Similarity to cocoa aroma was attributed to a great number of odor active compounds mainly belonging to aldehydes, lactones, furan/pyran derivatives, and pyrrole derivatives.
Addressing Healthcare Gaps in Sweden during the COVID-19 Outbreak: On Community Outreach and Empowering Ethnic Minority Groups in a Digitalized Context
Authors: Valeriani Giuseppe , Sarajlic Vukovic Iris , Lindegaard Tomas , Felizia Roberto , Mollica Richard , Andersson Gerhard
Published: November 2020

Since its early stages, the COVID-19 pandemic has interacted with existing divides by ethnicity and socioeconomic statuses, exacerbating further inequalities in high-income countries. The Swedish public health strategy, built on mutual trust between the government and the society and giving the responsibility to the individual, has been criticized for not applying a dedicated and more diverse strategy for most disadvantaged migrants in dealing with the pandemic. In order to mitigate the unequal burden on the marginalized members of society, increasing efforts have been addressed to digital health technologies. Despite the strong potential of providing collective public health benefits, especially in a highly digitalized context as Sweden, need for a stronger cooperation between the public health authorities and migrant community leaders, representatives of migrant associations, religious leaders and other influencers of disadvantaged groups has emerged. Suggestions are presented on more culturally congruent, patient-centered health care services aimed to empower people to participate in a more effective public health response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Significance and Causality in Continuous Wavelet and Wavelet Coherence Spectra Applied to Hydrological Time Series
Authors: Rodríguez-Murillo Juan , Filella Montserrat
Published: November 2020

Wavelet transform, wavelet spectra, and coherence are popular tools for studying fluctuations in time series in the form of a bidimensional time and scale representation. We discuss two aspects of wavelet analysis—namely the significance and stochastic/deterministic character of the wavelet spectra. Real-time series of discharge, sodium, and sulfate concentrations in the alpine Rhône River, Switzerland, are used to illustrate these issues. First, the consequences of using an arbitrary stochastic process (usually, AR (1)) instead of the best-fitted general ARMA process in the evaluation of the significance of wavelet spectra are analyzed. Using a general ARMA instead of AR (1) decreases the significance level of the differences in wavelet power spectra (WPS) of ARMA and AR (1) compared to the WPS of the time series in all cases studied and points to a possible systematic overestimation of significance in many published studies. Besides, the significance of particular patches in the spectra is affected by multiple testing. A (conservative) way to circumvent this problem, using global wavelet spectra and global coherence spectra, is evaluated. Finally, we discuss the issue of causality and investigated it in the three measured time series mentioned above. Even if the use of the best fitted ARMA pointed to no deterministic features being present in the corrected series studied (i.e., stochastic processes are dominant in the three data series), coherence spectra between variables allowed to reveal cause-effect relationships between two “coherent” variables and/or the existence of a common effect on both variables. Therefore, such type of analysis provides a useful tool to better understand data causal relationships.
Pancreatic Diseases and Microbiota: A Literature Review and Future Perspectives
Authors: Gesualdo Marcantonio , Rizzi Felice , Bonetto Silvia , Rizza Stefano , Cravero Federico , Saracco Giorgio Maria , De Angelis Claudio Giovanni
Published: November 2020

Gut microbiota represent an interesting worldwide research area. Several studies confirm that microbiota has a key role in human diseases, both intestinal (such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, intestinal infectious diseases, irritable bowel syndrome) and extra intestinal disorders (such as autism, multiple sclerosis, rheumatologic diseases). Nowadays, it is possible to manipulate microbiota by administering prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics, through fecal microbiota transplantation in selected cases. In this scenario, pancreatic disorders might be influenced by gut microbiota and this relationship could be an innovative and inspiring field of research. However, data are still scarce and controversial. Microbiota manipulation could represent an important therapeutic strategy in the pancreatic diseases, in addition to standard therapies. In this review, we analyze current knowledge about correlation between gut microbiota and pancreatic diseases, by discussing on the one hand existing data and on the other hand future possible perspectives.
Microbial Colorants Production in Stirred-Tank Bioreactor and Their Incorporation in an Alternative Food Packaging Biomaterial
Authors: de Oliveira Fernanda , Lima Caio de Azevedo , Lopes André Moreni , Marques Daniela de Araújo Viana , Druzian Janice Izabel , Pessoa Júnior Adalberto , Santos-Ebinuma Valéria Carvalho
Published: November 2020

Natural colorants from microbial fermentation have gained significant attention in the market to replace the synthetic ones. Talaromyces spp. produce yellow-orange-red colorants, appearing as a potential microorganism to be used for this purpose. In this work, the production of natural colorants by T. amestolkiae in a stirred-tank bioreactor is studied, followed by its application as additives in bio-based films. The effect of the pH-shift control strategy from 4.5 to 8.0 after 96 h of cultivation is evaluated at 500 rpm, resulting in an improvement of natural colorant production, with this increase being more significant for the orange and red ones, both close to 4-fold. Next, the fermented broth containing the colorants is applied to the preparation of cassava starch-based films in order to incorporate functional activity in biodegradable films for food packaging. The presence of fermented broth did not affect the water activity and total solids of biodegradable films as compared with the standard one. In the end, the films are used to pack butter samples (for 45 days) showing excellent results regarding antioxidant activity. It is demonstrated that the presence of natural colorants is obtained by a biotechnology process, which can provide protection against oxidative action, as well as be a functional food additive in food packing biomaterials.
Role of Inositols and Inositol Phosphates in Energy Metabolism
Authors: Chatree Saimai , Thongmaen Nanthaphop , Tantivejkul Kwanchanit , Sitticharoon Chantacha , Vucenik Ivana
Published: November 2020

Recently, inositols, especially myo-inositol and inositol hexakisphosphate, also known as phytic acid or IP6, with their biological activities received much attention for their role in multiple health beneficial effects. Although their roles in cancer treatment and prevention have been extensively reported, interestingly, they may also have distinctive properties in energy metabolism and metabolic disorders. We review inositols and inositol phosphate metabolism in mammalian cells to establish their biological activities and highlight their potential roles in energy metabolism. These molecules are known to decrease insulin resistance, increase insulin sensitivity, and have diverse properties with importance from cell signaling to metabolism. Evidence showed that inositol phosphates might enhance the browning of white adipocytes and directly improve insulin sensitivity through adipocytes. In addition, inositol pyrophosphates containing high-energy phosphate bonds are considered in increasing cellular energetics. Despite all recent advances, many aspects of the bioactivity of inositol phosphates are still not clear, especially their effects on insulin resistance and alteration of metabolism, so more research is needed.
A Numerical Study on the Pilot Injection Conditions of a Marine 2-Stroke Lean-Burn Dual Fuel Engine
Authors: Guo Hao , Zhou Song , Zou Jiaxuan , Shreka Majed
Published: November 2020

The global demand for clean fuels is increasing in order to meet the requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) of 0.5% global Sulphur cap and Tier III emission limits. Natural gas has begun to be popularized on liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships because of its low cost and environment friendly. In large-bore marine engines, ignition with pilot fuel in the prechamber is a good way to reduce combustion variability and extend the lean-burn limit. However, the occurrence of knock limits the increase in power. Therefore, this paper investigates the effect of pilot fuel injection conditions on performance and knocking of a marine 2-stroke low-pressure dual-fuel (LP-DF) engine. The engine simulations were performed under different pilot fuel parameters. The results showed that the average in-cylinder temperature, the average in-cylinder pressure, and the NOx emissions gradually decreased with the delay of the pilot injection timing. Furthermore, the combustion situation gradually deteriorated as the pilot injection duration increased. A shorter pilot injection duration was beneficial to reduce NOx pollutant emissions. Moreover, the number of pilot injector orifices affected the ignition of pilot fuel and the flame propagation speed inside the combustion chamber.
Conjugation of Human β-Defensin 2 to Spike Protein Receptor-Binding Domain Induces Antigen-Specific Protective Immunity against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection in Human Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Kim Ju , Yang Ye Lin , Jeong Yongsu , Jang Yong-Suk
Published: November 2020

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe acute respiratory symptoms. Due to the lack of medical countermeasures, effective and safe vaccines against MERS-CoV infection are urgently required. Although different types of candidate vaccines have been developed, their immunogenicity is limited, and the dose and administration route need optimization to achieve optimal protection. We here investigated the potential use of human β-defensin 2 (HBD 2) as an adjuvant to enhance the protection provided by MERS-CoV vaccination. We found that immunization of human dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (hDPP4)-transgenic (hDPP4-Tg) mice with spike protein receptor-binding domain (S RBD) conjugated with HBD 2 (S RBD-HBD 2) induced potent antigen (Ag)-specific adaptive immune responses and protected against MERS-CoV infection. In addition, immunization with S RBD-HBD 2 alleviated progressive pulmonary fibrosis in the lungs of MERS-CoV-infected hDPP4-Tg mice and suppressed endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling activation upon viral infection. Compared to intramuscular administration, intranasal administration of S RBD-HBD 2 induced more potent mucosal IgA responses and was more effective for protecting against intranasal MERS-CoV infection. In conclusion, our findings suggest that HBD 2 potentiates Ag-specific immune responses against viral Ag and can be used as an adjuvant enhancing the immunogenicity of subunit vaccine candidates against MERS-CoV.
Multifunctional Monoclonal Antibody Targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keratitis in Mice
Authors: Hebert Wesley , DiGiandomenico Antonio , Zegans Michael
Published: November 2020

A worrisome trend in the study and treatment of infectious disease noted in recent years is the increase in multidrug resistant strains of bacteria concurrent with a scarcity of new antimicrobial agents to counteract this rise. This is particularly true amongst bacteria within the Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species (ESKAPE) designation. P. aeruginosa is one of the most common causes of bacterial keratitis. Therefore, it is of vital importance to characterize new antimicrobial agents with anti-Pseudomonal activity for use with the ocular surface. MEDI3902 is a multifunctional antibody that targets the P. aeruginosa persistence factor Psl exopolysaccharide, and the type 3 secretion protein PcrV. We initially assessed this antibody for ocular surface toxicity. The antimicrobial activity of the antibody was then tested by treating mice with established P. aeruginosa keratitis with both topical and intravenous treatment modalities. MEDI3902, was shown to be non-toxic to the ocular surface of mice when given topically. It was also effective compared to the control antibody at preventing P. aeruginosa keratitis with a one-time treatment at the time of infection. Both topical and intravenous administration of MEDI3902 has been proved significant in treating established keratitis infections as well, speeding the resolution of infection significantly more than that of the control IgG. We report the first use of a topical immunotherapeutic multifunctional agent targeting Psl and type 3 secretion on the ocular surface as an antimicrobial agent. While MEDI3902 has been shown to prevent Pseudomonas biofilm formation in keratitis models when given prophylactically intravitally, we show that MEDI3902 has the capability to also treat an active infection when given intravenously to mice with Pseudomonas keratitis. Our data indicate antibodies are well tolerated and nontoxic on the ocular surface. They reduce infection in mice treated concurrently at inoculation and reduced the signs of cornea pathology in mice with established infection. Taken together, these data indicate treatment with monoclonal antibodies directed against Psl and PcrV may be clinically effective in the treatment of P. aeruginosa keratitis and suggest that the design of further antibodies to be an additional tool in the treatment of bacterial keratitis.
Toll-Like Receptor 21 of Chicken and Duck Recognize a Broad Array of Immunostimulatory CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide Sequences
Authors: Chuang Yu-Chen , Tseng Jen-Chih , Yang Jing-Xing , Liu Yi-Ling , Yeh Da-Wei , Lai Chao-Yang , Yu Guann-Yi , Hsu Li-Chung , Huang Chun-Ming , Chuang Tsung-Hsien
Published: November 2020

CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) mimicking the function of microbial CpG-dideoxynucleotides containing DNA (CpG-DNA) are potent immune stimuli. The immunostimulatory activity and the species-specific activities of a CpG-ODN depend on its nucleotide sequence properties, including CpG-hexamer motif types, spacing between motifs, nucleotide sequence, and length. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 is the cellular receptor for CpG-ODNs in mammalian species, while TLR21 is the receptor in avian species. Mammalian cells lack TLR21, and avian cells lack TLR9; however, both TLRs are expressed in fish cells. While nucleotide sequence properties required for a CpG-ODN to strongly activate mammalian TLR9 and its species-specific activities to different mammalian TLR9s are better studied, CpG-ODN activation of TLR21 is not yet well investigated. Here we characterized chicken and duck TLR21s and investigated their activation by CpG-ODNs. Chicken and duck TLR21s contain 972 and 976 amino acid residues, respectively, and differ from TLR9s as they do not have an undefined region in their ectodomain. Cell-based TLR21 activation assays were established to investigate TLR21 activation by different CpG-ODNs. Unlike grouper TLR21, which was preferentially activated by CpG-ODN with a GTCGTT hexamer motif, chicken and duck TLR21s do not distinguish among different CpG-hexamer motifs. Additionally, these two poultry TLR21s were activated by CpG-ODNs with lengths ranging from 15 to 31 nucleotides and with different spacing between CpG-hexamer motifs. These suggested that compared to mammalian TLR9 and grouper TLR21, chicken and duck TLR21s have a broad CpG-ODN sequence recognition profile. Thus, they could also recognize a wide array of DNA-associated molecular patterns from microbes. Moreover, CpG-ODNs are being investigated as antimicrobial agents and as vaccine adjuvants for different species. This study revealed that there are more optimized CpG-ODNs that can be used in poultry farming as anti-infection agents compared to CpG-ODN choices available for other species.
Immunogenicity and Safety of the Quadrivalent Adjuvant Subunit Influenza Vaccine in Seropositive and Seronegative Healthy People and Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Authors: Kostinov Mikhail P. , Latysheva Elena A. , Kostinova Aristitsa M. , Akhmatova Nelly K. , Latysheva Tatyana V. , Vlasenko Anna E. , Dagil Yulia A. , Khromova Ekaterina A. , Polichshuk Valentina B.
Published: November 2020

Background. Influenza prophylaxis with the use of quadrivalent vaccines (QIV) is increasingly being introduced into healthcare practice. Methods. In total, 32 healthy adults and 6 patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) received adjuvant QIV during 2018–2019 influenza season. Depending on initial antibody titers, healthy volunteers were divided into seronegative (≤1:20) and seropositive (≥1:40). To evaluate immunogenicity hemagglutination inhibition assay was used. Results. All participants completed the study without developing serious post-vaccination reactions. Analysis of antibody titer 3 weeks after immunization in healthy participants showed that seroprotection, seroconversion levels, GMR and GMT for strains A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and B/Colorado, B/Phuket among initially seronegative and seropositive participants meet the criterion of CHMP effectiveness. CVID patients showed increase in post-vaccination antibody titer without reaching conditionally protective antibody levels. Conclusion. Adjuvant QIV promotes formation of specific immunity to vaccine strains, regardless of antibodies’ presence or absence before. In CVID patients search of new regimens should be continued.
BREEDING VALUE ESTIMATION OF SIRES ON THEIR DAUGHTER’S MILK PRODUCTION IN VARIOUS LEVELS OF MANAGEMENT WITH SIMMENTAL CATTLE
Authors: ХАРИТОНОВ С.Н. , АЛТУХОВА Н.С. , МЕЛЬНИКОВА Е.Е. , ОСАДЧАЯ О.Ю. , СЕРМЯГИН А.А.
Published: November 2020

Проведены исследования, направленные на сравнение эффективности оценки быков по отдельным признакам молочной продуктивности их дочерей на базе построения и решения уравнения смешанной модели, оптимизированного для популяции симментальского скота на разных уровнях управления породой. В анализе были использованы региональные базы данных «СЕЛЭКС» 5 регионов. Доказано, что точность оценки генотипов на популяционном уровне управления была существенно выше (на 9,6% в среднем), чем на региональных. При этом методология BLUP-оценки значительно более эффективна по сравнению с использованием официальной инструкции [5, 6] оценки быков, основанной на прямом сравнении продуктивности дочерей со сверстницами. Рассчитанные величины генетических и фенотипических корреляций между отдельными признаками молочной продуктивности в породе существенно различались как по значениям, так и по направлению взаимосвязей. Эти результаты определили существенную вариабельность значений ранговой корреляции между быками, oцененными на породном и региональных уровнях управления. В результате организация оценки быков-производителей на породном уровне управления имеет существенные преимущества в сравнении с ее проведением на региональных уровнях.

From theoretical and practical points of view the breeding value evaluation is a base for all other breeding activities with animals in the population. In this regard studies on comparative effectiveness of sire’s breeding value estimation on different levels of Simmental breed management have been conducted. The analysis was used the data base of breeding records of five regions. The assessment procedure was carried out at regional subpopulation management levels and at the breed level. It was proved that the accuracy of evaluating genotypes at the population management level is significantly higher (by 9,6 percent) than it’s at regional levels. At the same time, the BLUP methodology turn out to be more effective in comparison with a direct comparison of the productivity of daughters and their herd mates. The calculated phenotypical and genetic correlations between single traits of dairy production significantly differed both in magnitude and in their direction. These results determined a significant variability in the values of rank correlations between sires assessed at the breed and regional levels of management. As a result, organization of sire’s breeding value evaluation at breed level of management with Simmental breed has much more advantages with its conduct at the regional levels.
USING THE KAZAKH WHITE-HEADED BREED TO INCREASE BEEF IN THE FLAT PROVINCE OF DAGESTAN
Authors: САДЫКОВ М.М. , АЛИХАНОВ М.П. , СИМОНОВ А.Г. , СИМОНОВ Г.А.
Published: November 2020

Изучены рост и развитие бычков — помесей красной степной с казахской белоголовой породой в равнинной провинции Дагестана. Установлено, что помесный молодняк, по сравнению с чистопородным скотом красной степной породы, имеет более высокую живую массу при рождении на 1,8 кг, или 7,3%. При отъеме в 8-месячном возрасте помеси имели живую массу 210 кг против 187,6 кг у красного степного молодняка, что на 22,4 кг, или 11,9% выше. В 12-, 15- и 18-месячном возрасте живая масса помесных бычков равнялась 291,8 кг, 359,7 и 436,6 кг, соответственно, или на 28 кг, 36 и 45,8 кг больше по сравнению с красным степным скотом. Среднесуточные приросты помесных бычков за период выращивания и откорма составили 760 г, что выше на 12,1% по сравнению с чистопородным красным степным молодняком. После заключительного откорма и убоя помесные бычки дали тяжеловесные туши с хорошим поливом. По массе парной туши они превосходили чистопородных аналогов на 31,3 кг, или 15,6% с преимуществом выхода туши на 2,4%. Убойный выход у бычков опытной группы составил 58,7%, контрольной — 55,8%. От помесных бычков были получены тяжеловесные шкуры массой 27,1 кг, от чистопородных — 21,6 кг, преимущество по этому показателю имели помесные животные 5,5 кг, или 25,4%. Для увеличения производства говядины в равнинной провинции Дагестана рекомендуем скрещивание коров красной степной породы с быками казахской белоголовой породы.

The growth and development of bulls of red steppe crossbreeds with the Kazakh white-headed breed in the flat province of Dagestan were studied. It was found that young crossbreed animals in comparison with purebred red steppe cattle have a higher live weight at birth by 1,8 kg or 7,3%. When weaning at 8 months of age, cross-bred bulls had a live weight of 210 kg against 187,6 kg in red steppe young, which is 22,4 kg, or 11,9% higher. At 12, 15 and 18 months of age, the live weight of crossbred bulls was 291,8 kg, 359,7 and 436,6 kg, respectively, or 28 kg, 36 and 45,8 kg more than the red steppe cattle. The average daily growth of cross-bred bulls during the growing and fattening period was 760 g compared to 678 g, that is, they were 12,1% higher compared to purebred red steppe young. After the final fattening and slaughter, the cross-bred bulls gave heavy carcasses with good watering. By weight of the paired carcass, they were superior to purebred counterparts by 31,3 kg or 15,6% with an advantage of 2,4% carcass yield. The slaughter yield of bulls in the experimental group was 58,7%, 55,8% in the control group, respectively, with an advantage in favor of crossbreeds of 2,9%. Heavy skins weighing 27,1 kg were obtained from crossbreed bulls, 21,6 kg from purebred ones, and crossbreed animals of 5,5 kg or 25,4% had an advantage in this indicator. Studies have shown that in order to increase beef production in the lowland province of Dagestan, it is necessary to use crossbreeding of the breeding stock of the red steppe breed with bulls of the Kazakh white-headed breed.
Construyendo el ‘desarrollo’ en la Provincia de Corrientes (Argentina): disputas políticas en torno a definiciones técnicas
Authors: Ferragut Javier Ramón Antonio
Published: November 2020

Cuando en 1978 fue lanzado el Proyecto de Desarrollo del Área Tabacalera Correntina (PDAT), parecía no caber duda respecto al carácter ‘técnico’ de los ‘problemas’ y ‘soluciones’ que afectaban a la actividad tabacalera en la provincia. Sin embargo, la construcción de los mismos había sido constantemente disputada unos años atrás, a partir del surgimiento de las Ligas Agrarias Correntinas, en 1972. De hecho, no sólo la definición de los ‘problemas’ había estado siendo puesta en discusión, sino también la legitimidad de aquellos autorizados para hablar de los mismos y proponer ‘soluciones’: de un lado, los productores tabacaleros afectados por las condiciones estructurales y coyunturales en las que se venía desenvolviendo la actividad y, del otro, los gobiernos provinciales, nacionales y el sector de técnicos encargados por aquellos. El presente trabajo busca abordar sucintamente estas cuestiones, dando cuenta de la particularidad agonística que adquirió la construcción del ‘desarrollo’ en Corrientes.
Niños “conectados”: una aproximación etnográfica a las experiencias de niños, familias y escuela a través del uso de tablets. (Bogotá, Colombia)
Authors: Aristizábal García Diana Marcela Aristizábal
Published: November 2020

El artículo tiene como objetivo analizar de qué modo la introducción de las tablets en el ámbito escolar y familiar adquiere significados diferentes para algunos niños de clase media bogotana y representa cambios en las formas de relación cultural entre estos, con los adultos que les rodean (padres, maestros). Igualmente, el encuentro de los niños con este artefacto traza desafíos importantes en los roles sociales de instituciones como la familia y la escuela que van más allá de las preocupaciones de la política pública sobre el acceso y el consumo material. El problema de investigación se abordó a través del estudio etnográfico (2015 - 2018) y del análisis teórico a partir de los Estudios Sociales sobre el Consumo Cultural. Así, las tablets lejos de ser un artefacto tecnológico neutro, plantea preguntas de corte político - cultural en relación a la concepción de la infancia contemporánea y las mejores maneras de educar y criar a los niños
Llegar a ser alferez
Authors: Remorini Carolina , Jacob Analía , Morgante María Gabriela , Teves Laura
Published: November 2020

Etnográficamente caracterizamos los procesos de aprendizaje de niños, niñas y jóvenes por medio de su participación en la celebración de la Fiestas Patronales de un pueblo de los Valles Calchaquíes (Salta). Nos focalizamos en el desarrollo de las habilidades necesarias que les permiten intervenir en actividades y relaciones de cooperación en el marco de una institución -los grupos de alfereces-. Mediante entrevistas a alfereces de distinto género y edad; y la observación etnográfica y registro audiovisual de la celebración, identificamos aspectos relevantes a este rol: cómo se inician en la práctica, qué habilidades deben desarrollar, qué actividades realizan, qué condiciones favorecen y restringen la continuidad de esta institución. Esta celebración requiere del esfuerzo coordinado de distintos grupos de alfereces, instituciones y vecinos; y constituye la única instancia de aprendizaje y puesta en práctica de habilidades necesarias para devenir alferez, en un contexto donde el intercambio generacional y la reciprocidad son centrales.
Significados plurales del dinero estatal: una aproximación etnográfica a los programas sociales de transferencias monetarias.
Authors: Hornes Martín
Published: November 2020

Este artículo se propone abordar los múltiples significados que posee el dinero transferido a partir de los programas sociales de transferencias monetarias. Para tal fin, abordaremos a los diferentes actores sociales involucrados en los circuitos de las políticas de entrega de dinero: a) analizaremos los conocimientos que movilizan los saberes expertos en el diseño de las políticas públicas para otorgar cierto significado al dinero transferido y, b) nos aproximaremos a una experiencia de abordaje etnográfico en torno a la aplicación de un programa social en la escala local, para analizar las contiendas de significados existentes entre los actores locales estatales involucrados en su implementación y los hogares titulares de derechos.

Dicho recorrido nos permitirá observar aquello que hemos denominado como la producción social del dinero de las transferencias monetarias: significados del dinero producidos a partir de la relación entre los múltiples actores involucrados, sus saberes y prácticas diversas.
La labor etnográfica en dos organismos estatales de administración de conflictos
Authors: Larrea Natalia , Pizarro Matías Rafael
Published: November 2020

El objetivo de este artículo es reflexionar acerca de la producción documental y el estudio de casos a partir de la labor etnográfica desarrollada en dos organismos estatales de administración de conflictos en la ciudad de Olavarría, Provincia de Buenos Aires, durante el año 2018. Por un lado, destacamos la importancia que los documentos comprenden como pistas, y también prácticas, para explorar la niñez y la vecindad como formas sociales objeto de regulación estatal. En este sentido se describe y analiza el modo en que las formas de documentar del Estado impactan en la tramitación de conflictos vecinales y en la administración de situaciones asociadas a la niñez “con derechos vulnerados”. Por otro lado, nos ocupamos de señalar las potencialidades y límites que implica para el desarrollo y continuidad de nuestras investigaciones un abordaje metodológico centrado en casos.
Presencias estatales, relaciones sociales y accionar colectivo
Authors: Girado Agustina
Published: November 2020

Con este trabajo se busca reflexionar respecto del accionar de una agrupación social abocada a la generación de proyectos habitacionales en una ciudad media bonaerense de Argentina a partir de considerar las ideas de Estado que se encarnan en discursos, prácticas, relaciones y conceptos de los actores sociales con los cuales se realizó la investigación etnográfica. En este sentido, pensar el Estado en sus múltiples presencias resulta una clave analítica central para dar cuenta de la generación de relaciones sociales y de bienes que no solo permitieron desbordar el nivel local, sino que también habilitaron mayores grados de proximidad y vinculación con diversos funcionarios y dependencias estatales. Pero además, estos aspectos resultaron productivos en términos políticos para proyectar acciones en materia habitacional, al tiempo que operaron en la legitimación y reconocimiento de la agrupación en lo que hace a los procesos de producción social y política del hábitat.
YESUS SEBAGAI GURU DITINJAU DARI PENDEKATAN MENGAJAR DAN RELEVANSINYA BAGI GURU AGAMA KATOLIK
Authors: Permana Natalis Sukma
Published: November 2020

The figure of Jesus as a teacher is clearly different from the average teacher. Jesus was recognized as a teacher not only by His disciples, but by many who heard His teachings. Jesus is called the Teacher because Jesus' teacher training is based on "teaching" activities. The uniqueness of his teaching was different from that of the Rabbis of his day. Jesus is truly a teacher who has the competence to teach from the side of His personality. In His teaching Jesus had clear goals and directions, to achieve His learning goals Jesus used strategies such as learning and was supported by the use of approaches that were easy for his students to understand. This paper aims to (1) show Jesus as a teacher, (2) the uniqueness of Jesus' teaching (3) the teaching techniques practiced by Jesus (4) and its relevance for Catholic religious teachers. The important point of the results of this study is that Catholic religion teachers must have Jesus-like character and skills to teach well according to Jesus' example. These teaching skills have a big influence on students' attention to learning. This research will use descriptive quantitative and qualitative approaches