bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection and semi-quantification of antibodies to the feline infectious peritonitis virus in cats from the Ilhéus-Itabuna microregion, Bahia, Brazil
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia, Veloso Jéssica Fontes , Sauer Leonardo ,   Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Silva Lohana Mehnati Costa e ,   Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Pellizzoni Samantha Gusmão ,   Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Guedes Paula Elisa Brandão ,   Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Carlos Renata Santiago Alberto ,   Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz
Published: April 2021

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is an important virus that can be differentiated into two serotypes: feline enteric coronavirus (FECoV) and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus (FIPV). Researchers have suggested that a mutation of FECoV to FIPV leads to the emergence of FIP, a disease with worldwide distribution and a high mortality rate. Furthermore, in December 2019, a human infectious disease, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), which is also caused by a coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]) emerged, and clarity regarding its relationship with FCoV remains lacking. Studies have shown that cats are susceptible to infection with this novel coronavirus (i.e., SARS-CoV-2). The aim of the present study was to detect and semi-quantify the presence of feline antibodies to FIPV in cats examined at the Veterinary Hospital of Santa Cruz State University, microregion of Ilhéus and Itabuna, Bahia, Brazil, between January and April 2018. Blood samples were collected from 68 domestic cats to perform complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical tests, and an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used to detect FCoV infection. Of the 68 samples evaluated, seropositivity was observed in 4.4% (3/68) at titers of 1:20; only one sample remained seropositive at titers of 1:40 and 1:80. Two positive animals exhibited CBC and biochemical values within the normal range, while the other positive animals exhibited a mild decrease in platelet count (173,000 uL-1), mild lymphocytosis (7395 uL-1), and mildly increased alkaline phosphatase level (134 uL-1). Twelve months after the tests, none of the positive animals exhibited clinical signs consistent with FIP. Although the IFAT can facilitate diagnosis of FPIV, it cannot be used to differentiate antibodies for the FECoV and FIPV serotypes. Results of the present study demonstrated that FCoV was present in the population studied, and is an important risk factor for the development of FIP. In addition, the new COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of studies investigating FCoV because it was not possible to rule out, until now, the possibility of FCoV mutations in infected cats if it encounters SARS-CoV-2.
Are the effects of dietary lipid content in grazing beef cattle independent of the amount of concentrate supplement?
Authors:   Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Damasceno Matheus Leonardi , Valente Eriton Egidio Lisboa ,   Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Barbizan Mariana ,   Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Lopes Sidnei Antônio ,   Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Carvalho Silvana Teixeira ,   Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of levels of concentrate supplement and dietary lipids on the nutritional characteristics, metabolic parameters, and performance of Nellore bulls grazing tropical pasture. Twenty-seven Nellore bulls were allotted to 2 × 2 completely randomized factorial design with two levels of supplementation and two levels of dietary lipids. The concentrate supplement was fed at 4 g kg-1 BW (low supplementation) and 8 g kg-1 BW (high supplementation), whereas the dietary lipid content was 28 g of ether extract (EE) g-1 on a dry matter basis (DM) (low-lipid diet) and 42 g EE kg-1 DM (high-lipid diet). There was no interaction between the level of concentrate supplement and dietary lipid content on all studied variables. High levels of supplementation led to shorter grazing time and reduced forage dry matter intake (DMF). On the other hand, the DM intake increased with increasing levels of concentrate supplement, with no significant effects on DM digestibility. The dietary lipid content did not affect forage and DM intakes. However, the digestibility of DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were lowest in high-lipid diets. Bulls receiving high levels of supplementation had higher average daily gains than low-supplemented animals. Neither the amount of concentrate supplement nor the dietary lipid content affected the hot carcass yield and carcass weight. Carcass fat deposition was greater in bulls fed high-lipid diets than in animals receiving low-lipid diets. The effects of the level of concentrate supplement and dietary lipid content on the nutritional characteristics and performance of grazing beef cattle are independent. Concentrate supplementation at 8 g kg-1 BW increases cattle performance but decreases forage utilization. Diets containing 42 g EE kg-1 DM reduces the digestibility of dry matter and fiber fractions, but increases backfat thickness.
Optimization of dietary lemon seed essential oil to enhance alfalfa silage chemical composition and in vitro degradability
Authors:   University of Tabriz, Besharati Maghsoud , Palangi Valiollah ,   Agricultural Faculty, Ataturk University, Niazifar Masomeh ,   University of Tabriz, Nemati Zabihollah ,   University of Tabriz
Published: April 2021

Purpose of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of lemon-seed essential oils on chemical composition and in vitro degradability of alfalfa silage. Treatments were alfalfa silage with no additive (control) or treated with 60 ml/kg DM of lemon-seed (C60), of lemon-seed (C120) essential oils and equal mixed of them (M60). Whole plant alfalfa silage was ensiled for 60 d in triplicate laboratory scale tubes. Dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, insoluble fiber in acidic and neutral detergent, water soluble carbohydrate, pH, were measured with 3 replicates by in vitro gas production method. Dry matter (DM) content was greater for leo60 than control. Compared with control, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration was decreased in leo120. Addition of essential oils and their combination to the silage significantly decreased (p<.0001) silage pH compared with untreated silage interestingly increased for all the silages containing essential oil compared with untreated silage. Addition of lemon-seed essential to alfalfa silage decreased the rate of disappearance of organic matter and dry matter in all treatments compared to the control treatment. The degradability potential of alfalfa silage has increased in treatments containing lemon-seed essential oil (60 ml / kg DM) which is significantly different from the control. In general, the obtained data show the positive effect of lemon-seed essential oil on the quality of alfalfa silage and its fermentation properties.
Estimation of chemical composition, in vitro gas production, metabolizable energy, net energy lactation values of different peanut varieties and line by Hohenheim in vitro gas production technique
Authors:   Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, Ayasan Tugay , Ulger Ismail ,   Erciyes University Seyrani Agricultural Faculty, Cil Ayse Nuran ,   East Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute, Tufarelli Vincenzo ,   University of Bari, Laudadio Vito ,   University of Bari, Palangi Valiollah ,   Agricultural Faculty, Ataturk University
Published: April 2021

This study was carried out to determine the nutritional value of some selected peanut varieties and line in the Eastern Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute of Adana, Turkey. The peanut varieties used were Gazipasa, Sultan, NC7, Cihangir, and Halisbey; while the peanut line was DA335/2011. The chemical composition, metabolizable energy (ME), net energy lactation (NEL) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) of the selected peanut varieties and line were determined through Hohenheim in vitro gas production technique. Incubation times for Hohenheim gas production technique were 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. The analysis of variance (General Linear Model) was carried out using the SPSS package program. The differences among groups in terms of nutrient contents were found to be significant (P<ou=0.05), except for dry matter (DM) and hemicellulose (HC). The highest crude protein (CP) (40.13%) was found in Sultan variety, while the crude oil (CO) content was found to be between 21.32 and 31.01%. The ADF, NDF, and ADL content of the peanut varieties and line were within the ranges of 2.32-7.91%, 4.85-9.88%, and 0.43-2.62%, respectively. Conversely, the Sultan variety had the highest crude cellulose (CC) value, Cihangir variety was determined to contain the highest hemicellulose (HC) value. The differences in 24 hour gas and methane production among different peanut varieties and line were found to be not-significant. (P > 0.05).
Salinomycin intoxication in pigs associated with the use of tiamulin in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors:   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Carvalho Amanda Queiroz de , Wisser Claudia Salete ,   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Laskoski Fernanda ,   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Maturana Mateus Casalini ,   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Cristani José ,   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Traverso Sandra Davi ,   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina
Published: April 2021

This paper describes a spontaneous outbreak of toxic myopathy in finishing pigs due to the ingestion of feed with salinomycin associated with tiamulin and addresses the control methods performed during the outbreak to minimize economic losses resulting from the intoxication. A lot of 940 pigs fed feed containing 30 ppm salinomycin received 100 ppm tiamulin (via water) to control recurrent respiratory diseases on the farm. After ingesting tiamulin, some animals manifested clinical signs of motor incoordination, stiff gait, reluctance to move, muscle weakness and tremors, dyspnea, depression, and decubitus, remaining in “sitting-dog position” or with the abduction of the pelvic limbs, and rested on tip-toes when in a standing position. Two animals were euthanized for macro-and microscopic evaluation. The other sick animals received supportive anti-inflammatory treatment. The most relevant macroscopic finding observed during necropsy was the slight pallor of the pelvic limb muscles. The main histopathological findings consisted of multifocal areas of hyaline degeneration and marked necrosis of skeletal myofibers, with macrophage infiltrate associated with cell regeneration and skeletal fiber phagocytosis. These lesions were more intense in the longissimus dorsi, diaphragm, and masseter muscles. The definitive diagnosis was based on epidemiological aspects and clinical lesional conditions compatible with toxic myopathy secondary to ionophore intoxication.
Characterization of physiological maturity of Physalis peruviana L. fruits
Authors:   Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Rodrigues Marilia Hortência Batista Silva , Lopes Kilson Pinheiro ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Bomfim Marinês Pereira ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Pereira Natali Almeida Evangelista ,   Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Silva Joseano Graciliano da ,   Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Paiva Francisco Jean da Silva ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Santos Adriana da Silva ,   Universidade Federal da Paraíba
Published: April 2021

Physalis peruviana L. has great nutritional value and economic viability, representing an innovation for Brazilian horticulture. However, knowing the ideal point of harvesting fruits of this species is a key factor in this process that allows maximum post-harvest utilization, providing better quality and minimal losses when the fruit is harvested at physiological maturity. Therefore, this study was conducted to characterize the physiological maturity of Physalis peruviana L. fruits. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design in which the treatmentscorresponded to different stages of fruit and seed maturation (20, 27, 34, and 41 days after anthesis [DAA]), with four replicates. The analyzed variables consisted of colorimetry (lightness, chroma and hue angle) of calyx and fruit; fresh weight, diameter (transverse and longitudinal), firmness, pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total soluble solids:titratable acidity ratio, vitamin C and phenolic compounds of fruits; and carotenoids and chlorophyll (a and b) of calyx. The obtained data were subjected to analysis of variance and polynomial regression. Fruits intended for consumption must be harvested after 35 DAA, at which time yellow color and excellent organoleptic and nutritional qualities were observed.
Agronomic performance of ‘BRS Princesa’ banana under fertigation and mulching
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Souza Elves Almeida , Coelho Eugênio Ferreira ,   Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Embrapa Mandioca e Frutas, Santos Marcelo Rocha ,   Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia da Bahia, Melo Diego Magalhães ,   Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia
Published: April 2021

Banana is one of the most produced fruit crops in Brazil and has great economic, social and nutritional importance. Factors such as water availability and well-managed fertilization are fundamental to achieving profitable yields. The aim of this study was to examine the agronomic performance and water use efficiency of ‘BRS Princesa’ banana under combinations of irrigation systems, fertilization methods and mulching, during three production cycles. The experiment was laid out in a randomized-block design with four replicates. Treatments consisted of a combination of the localized irrigation system, fertilization strategy and mulching, as follows: Drip irrigation with manual fertilization; Micro-sprinkler irrigation with manual fertilization; Drip fertigation with mulch; Drip fertigation without mulch; Micro-sprinkler fertigation with mulch; and Micro-sprinkler fertigation without mulch. The plants were irrigated every three days, using three 4-L h-1 drippers per plant or a 64-L h-1 micro-sprinkler for every four plants. The following variables were analyzed: number of leaves, plant height, pseudostem circumference, number of hands, hand yield, water and nutrient (nitrogen and potassium) use efficiency and earliness. The micro-sprinkler system provided a greater pseudostem circumference without the presence of mulch. Plants under micro-sprinkler fertigation with mulching grew taller. The banana yield was higher when fertigation was used than with manual fertilization, regardless of the irrigation system. Plants grown in mulched soil were more productive than those grown in bare soil. The use of mulch increased water, nitrogen and potassium use efficiency when compared with cultivation in bare soil. Drip-irrigated plants showed earlier production than those irrigated with micro-sprinklers.
Cell damage, gas exchange, and growth of Annona squamosa L. under saline water irrigation and potassium fertilization
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Fernandes Eliene Araújo , Soares Lauriane Almeida dos Anjos ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Lima Geovani Soares de ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Silva Neta Alzira Maria de Sousa ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Roque Iara Almeida ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Silva Francisco Alves da ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Fernandes Pedro Dantas ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Lacerda Cassiano Nogueira de ,   Universidade Federal de Campina Grande
Published: April 2021

The semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil has water limitations in terms of both quantity and quality, with salt stress as a limiting factor for increasing yield in most crops. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate cell damage, gas exchange, and growth of custard apple under salt stress and potassium fertilization. The research was carried out at the Experimental Farm of CCTA/UFCG, in São Domingos-PB, Brazil. A randomized block design was arranged in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme, with two levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (ECw; 1.3 and 4.0 dS m-1) and five potassium doses (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 g of K2O per plant per year). Water salinity of 4.0 dS m-1 negatively affected the stem diameter and number of leaves in custard apple at 179 and 210 days after transplanting (DAT). The highest relative growth in stem diameter in the period of 179-245 DAT was obtained in plants irrigated with 4.0 dS m-1 water and fertilized with 20 g of K2O per plant. Potassium doses of up to 30 g of K2O resulted in a higher percentage of cell damage and relative water content in custard apple leaf tissue. Water saturation deficit decreased with the increase in K2O doses in plants irrigated with water of 1.3 dS m-1. Irrigation with 1.3 dS m-1 water and estimated K2O doses ranging from 16 to 22 g per plant resulted in an increase in stomatal conductance, transpiration, CO2 assimilation rate, and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency in custard apple plants at 210 DAT.
Formulation and Solution of an Inverse Reliability Problem to Simulate the Dynamic Behavior of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lobato F. S. , Platt G. M. , Libotte G. B. , Silva Neto A. J.
Published: April 2021

Different types of mathematical models have been used to predict the dynamic behavior of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Many of them involve the formulation and solution of inverse problems. This kind of problem is generally carried out by considering the model, the vector of design variables, and system parameters as deterministic values. In this contribution, a methodology based on a double loop iteration process and devoted to evaluate the influence of uncertainties on inverse problem is evaluated. The inner optimization loop is used to find the solution associated with the highest probability value, and the outer loop is the regular optimization loop used to determine the vector of design variables. For this task, we use an inverse reliability approach and Differential Evolution algorithm. For illustration purposes, the proposed methodology is applied to estimate the parameters of SIRD (Susceptible-Infectious-Recovery-Dead) model associated with dynamic behavior of COVID-19 pandemic considering real data from China's epidemic and uncertainties in the basic reproduction number (R0). The obtained results demonstrate, as expected, that the increase of reliability implies the increase of the objective function value.
Evaluation of balance and fall risk in geriatric ward patients.
Authors: Kaczorowska Antonina
Published: April 2021

Background. The physical changes inherent to aging can reduce autonomy and functional independence,
which may directly or indirectly lead to falls.
Aim of the study. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of falls in patients over 75 years of age.
Materials and methods. Fifty elderly patients were examined. The subjects were divided into the three age
groups: 75–79, 80–84 and 85–90 years old. The Berg Balance Scale was used to assess the risk of falls related
to the balance skills.
Results. The average Berg Balance Scale score in the 75–79 age group was 37.6 points; for 80–84, 33.53 points;
and for 85–90, 27.81 points. The difference between the youngest and oldest age group was statistically
significant (p=0.01). The highest risk of falls was reported in the oldest age group (p<0.05).
Conclusions. People over 75 years of age have a high risk of falling. With age, the number of independent
people decreases and the number of people who should be walking with assistance or use a wheelchair increases.
It appears important to implement actions that prevent falls in older people.
Parental knowledge and attitudes towards vaccination of children under 18 years of age
Authors: Sochocka Lucyna
Published: April 2021

Background: Preventive vaccinations are the essence for the protection of humanity against the consequences
of infectious diseases. They shape “herd” immunity if the entire population prevent disease incidence,
morbidity. This ultimately reduces the number and severity of complications and death in the human
population. Effective and active immunization of children and young people depends strongly on society’s
level of knowledge about preventive vaccinations.
Objectives: The study’s main objective was to evaluate the level of parental knowledge and attitudes towards
preventive vaccinations in children and teens as well as the identification of factors determining the attitudes of
parents towards the obligation to conduct preventive vaccinations in children and teens under 18 years of age.
Material and methods: The research group consisted of 170 parents. A diagnostic survey and questionnaire
technique was used with the use of the author’s original questionnaire. The survey questionnaire consisted
of 27 questions.
Results: Most parents had an average level of knowledge (n=136; 79.5%) about preventive vaccinations. It
was noticed that the higher the level of parental knowledge about preventive vaccinations, the more often
they deemed vaccinations necessary. The level of parental knowledge about preventive vaccinations does not
depend on their age or education but rather their domicile location. Parental education, as well as domicile,
did not significantly influence their attitudes towards the obligation of preventive vaccinations.
Conclusions: Parental knowledge about preventive vaccinations is on an average level. The relation between
the parents’ opinions about mandatory immunization in Poland and their knowledge in this field was not
noticed. The level of parental knowledge about mandatory immunization was not statistically significant or
dependent on age and education. More often than men, women claimed that the vaccination schedule effectively
stabilizes and positively influences the epidemiological situation in Poland.
PERCEPÇÃO DE SERVIDORES PÚBLICOS QUANTO À IMPLANTAÇÃO DA GESTÃO DE RISCOS EM UMA SECRETARIA DO GOVERNO FEDERAL DO BRASIL
Authors: Montezano Lana , Costa Júnior Rogério Leal da , Ramos Karoll Haussler Carneiro , Melchiades Anderson Trindade
Published: April 2021

Este artigo descreve a percepção de servidores quanto ao processo de implantação da gestão de riscos em uma organização pública federal do Brasil, no que tange ao entendimento a respeito deste modelo de gestão, bem como as dificuldades e possíveis ganhos relacionados à sua implantação. Para isso, realizou-se pesquisa de campo qualitativa, com recorte transversal, com uso de análise de conteúdo para consolidar as informações obtidas por meio de questionário com perguntas abertas sobre a gestão de riscos, aplicado a uma amostra não probabilística por conveniência de servidores de uma Organização Pública Federal do Poder Executivo. Pode-se constatar que, apesar do estágio inicial da implantação da gestão de riscos, os servidores percebem mais possíveis ganhos do que dificuldades quanto à adoção do modelo. Os possíveis ganhos referem-se ao foco na melhoria de processos e alcance de resultados, atuação preventiva aos eventos, aumento do engajamento dos envolvidos, fortalecimento institucional, e cumprimento de recomendações de órgãos de controle. Foram identificadas quatro dificuldades a serem enfrentadas: limitações da política de gestão de riscos, falta de engajamento dos servidores, limitações estruturais para a gestão de riscos e falta de apoio da alta administração. Ao final são apresentadas recomendações de futuras pesquisas relacionadas à adoção da gestão de riscos.
Doing Jazz
Authors: Müller Christian
Published: April 2021

Mehr als für andere musikalische Genres gilt für den Jazz, dass schon die Frage, was Jazz ist, nicht eindeutig zu beantworten ist. Weitgehende Einigkeit lässt sich noch darüber erzielen, dass die Praxis der Improvisation ein wesentliches Element von Jazzmusik darstellt. Wie lässt sich eine solche Praxis meist kollektiven musikalischen Improvisierens in soziologischer Perspektive analysieren?

Im Unterschied zu anderen Untersuchungen, die sich auf die Mikroanalyse der musikalischen Interaktion bei der Performanz einzelner Stücke oder auf den Prozess der individuellen Aneignung der für die Jazzimprovisation erforderlichen tacit knowledge konzentrieren, hat der Autor sich für einen Zugang entschieden, der sich auf Interviews, Gruppendiskussionen sowie ergänzend auf videographisch dokumentierte nicht teilnehmende Beobachtungen stützt.

Im Zentrum der vorliegenden Arbeit steht die Analyse sprachlicher Äußerungen von Jazzmusikerinnen und -musikern über ihre musikalische Praxis. In einer Verschränkung von mikrosprachlich fundierter Texthermeneutik und verschiedenen kulturtheoretischen Perspektiven verschließt der Autor den praxeologischen Erfahrungsraum der Musiker. Die Schwerpunkte liegen dabei auf der Interaktion mit den gespielten Instrumenten, der Handlungskoordination untereinander während des Zusammenspiels sowie dem Erleben der Konzertsituation vor Publikum. Die kulturelle Praxis der Jazzimprovisation erweist sich dabei als Forschungsgegenstand, an dem Phänomene besonders pointiert sichtbar werden, die auch jenseits der Musik zu einem umfassenderen Verständnis von sozialen Interaktionen beitragen können.
From Food Waste to Volatile Fatty Acids towards a Circular Economy
Authors: Carvalheira Mónica , F. Duque Anouk
Published: April 2021

The food industrial sector generates large amounts of waste, which are often used for animal feed, for agriculture or landfilled. However, these wastes have a very reach composition in carbon and other compounds, which make them very attractive for valorization through biotechnological processes. Added value compounds, such as volatile fatty acids (VFAs), can be produced by anaerobic fermentation using pure cultures or mixed microbial cultures and food waste as carbon source. Research on valuable applications for VFAs, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates, bioenergy or biological nutrient removal, towards a circular economy is emerging. This enhances the sustainability and the economic value of food waste. This chapter reviews the various types of food waste used for VFAs production using mixed microbial cultures, the anaerobic processes, involved and the main applications for the produced VFAs. The main parameters affecting VFAs production are also discussed.
Sandstone Petrology and Provenance in Fold Thrust Belt and Foreland Basin System
Authors: Critelli Salvatore , Criniti Sara
Published: April 2021

The sandstone composition of foreland basin has a wide range of provenance signatures, reflecting the interplay between flexed underplate region and abrupt growth of the accreted upper plate region. The combination of contrasting detrital signatures reflects these dual plate interactions; indeed, several cases figure out that the earliest history of older foreland basin infilling is marked by quartz-rich sandstones, with cratonal or continental-block provenance of the flexed underplate flanks. As upper plate margin grows over the underplate, the nascent fold-and-thrust belt starts to be the main producer of grain particles, reflecting the space/time dependent progressive unroofing of the subjacent orogenic source terranes. The latter geodynamic processes are mainly reflected in the nature of sandstone compositions that become more lithic fragment-rich and feldspar-rich as the fold-thrust belt involves the progressive deepest portions of upper plate crustal terranes. In this context sandstone signatures reflect quartzolithic to quartzofeldspathic compositions.
Predictive Models for Reforestation and Agricultural Reclamation: A Clearfield County, Pennsylvania Case Study
Authors: Yue Zhi , Bryan Burley Jon
Published: April 2021

Natural resource scientists, concerned citizens, and government officials are interested in reconstructing disturbed environments for reforestation and agricultural productivity. We examined Clearfield County in Pennsylvania, USA, to develop a predictive model to reconstruct the landscape for seven agronomic crops (corn, corn silage, oats, alfalfa hay, red clover, bluegrass, and soybeans) and thirteen woody plants (white cedar, lilac, highbush cranberry, Amur maple, gray dogwood, peashrub, white spruce, white pine, red maple, red pine, jack pine, nannyberry, and white ash). A significant predictive model (p ≤ 0.001) was generated explaining 96.94% of the variance, with percent clay, bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, available water capacity, pH, percent organic matter, percent rock fragments, slope, topographic position, and electrical conductivity explored as main effect terms, plus squared terms, and first order interaction terms. The model is not over-specified and each predictor is significant (p ≤ 0.05). The modeling effort suggests that there are at least several clusters of vegetation preference dimensions based upon the terrain of the landscape. The model provides insight into how to reconstruct the disturbed environment for vegetation in the study area.
Attitude and Knowledge of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) About COVID-19 as Provided by Physicians
Authors: Ghajarzadeh Mahsa , Naser Moghadasi Abdorreza , Navardi Samira , Mohammadi Aida , Hamtaee Sara , Sahraian Mohammad Ali , Ramagopalan Sreeram V
Published: April 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic, and patients receiving immunosuppressive agents could be at a higher risk of the infection. Patients’ knowledge and behavior play a major role in their health. Physicians should provide patients with enough information regarding medication use, prevention strategies, and treatment choices in case of infection. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the attitude and knowledge of Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) about COVID-19, as provided by physicians. Methods: A google form was designed, and the patients consented to fill out the survey. The participants’ basic characteristics were collected. Moreover, they were asked about COVID-19 transmission routes and prevention strategies, their concerns regarding MS-related checkups during the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 infection tests, COVID-19 symptoms, and information they received from their physicians about what to do in case of COVID-19 infection. Results: Four hundred and ten forms were collected. The mean age of the patients and the mean duration of the disease were 34.5 ± 8 and 7.2 ± 5.7 years, respectively. Nearly 80% of the respondents believed that patients with MS were at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection, and 75% of them thought that wearing a face mask could prevent the infection transmission. Moreover, only 21% of 410 the physicians informed their patients of when to stop their medication if they were suspected to have COVID-19, and 22% of them informed their patients of where to refer in case of COVID-19 suspicion. Nearly half of all physicians prescribed immune-boosting supplements, such as selenium, zinc, and vitamin D. Conclusions: The results showed that Iranian MS patients had good knowledge regarding COVID-19 prevention strategies and transmission routes. However, they received less information from their physicians regarding medication use control, centers for admission, and physician consultation in case of COVID-19 infection.
Effects of Silymarin and Baicalein on Glycogen Storage in the Hepatocytes of Rat Models of Hepatic Injury
Authors: Yang Hongfei , Mehrabi Nasab Didar , Athari Seyyed Shamsadin
Published: April 2021

Background: An association has been reported between hepatitis and glycogen storage problems. Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type I is induced by G6PD deficiency. Silymarin and baicalein, as herbal agents, have hepatoprotective and antioxidant potentials. Objectives: In this study, we assessed the effects of these herbs on liver glycogen storage problems and hepatitis. Methods: Twenty male rats kept under standard laboratory conditions were divided into four groups, including healthy (control) and hepatotoxicity treated with silymarin, baicalein, or none. The levels of ALT, AST, ALP, LDL, HDL, VLDL, TG, Cho, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured, and the expression levels of G6PD, CTGF, HMGB1, and P53 were determined. Also, liver histopathology was examined. Results: Treatment with silymarin and baicalein reduced the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, LDL, VLDL, TG, Cho, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Silymarin increased G6PD gene expression, and both silymarin and baicalein reduced CTGF, P53, and HMGB1 gene expressions, but silymarin and baicalein had no effects on glycogen storage of hepatocytes. Conclusions: Baicalein and silymarin showed anti-inflammatory effects and could control inflammation and necrotic factors, but they did not affect hepatic glycogen storage.
Combination Drug Therapy in COVID-19: Are We Using Sound Science in the Management of These Patients?
Authors: Mathew Joscilin , Antony Suresh J.
Published: April 2021

Background: Multiple case reports have shown promising results with remdesivir, tocilizumab and convalescent plasma. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with remdesivir, tocilizumab, steroids, antibiotics and convalescent plasma in COVID-19 patients. Objectives: To assess whether a multi-pronged approach to tackling SARS-CoV-2 had an impact on our primary end goal of decreasing the need for mechanical ventilation and identify some of the complexities involved with combination treatment regimens. Methods: In this retrospective, single center study, six confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patients with similar demographics and comorbidities treated with a combination of remdesivir, tocilizumab, antibiotics, steroids and convalescent plasma were followed. Results: At the time of initiation of treatment, all six patients were requiring at least 3 liters of supplemental oxygenation via nasal cannula. All patients received remdesivir for 5 - 10 days, tocilizumab for a total of 4 doses each across 2 days, methylprednisone and antibiotics. Commonly used antibiotics were cefepime, azithromycin, ceftriaxone and piperacillin/tazobactam. Convalescent plasma was given to three out of the six patients. Despite combination therapy with remdesivir, tocilizumab, steroids, antibiotics and convalescent plasma, four out of the six patients (66.67%) deteriorated and required invasive mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: There are currently no set treatment guidelines for COVID 19. Most institutions appear to be utilizing some form of combination therapy against COVID-19. In this study, invasive mechanical ventilation was avoided in only two of six patients despite robust use of combination therapy in all patients. Our study suggests that multiple medications may not be the answer. Instead, a clearer understanding of the pathophysiology along with timing at which medications are introduced might play a more important role. We propose judicious use of combination therapy in a methodical and sequential use in patients requiring three or more liters of supplemental oxygen. Use of any of these medications, either by itself or in combination, after mechanical ventilation has minimal if any benefits and should be used as a last resort. Currently, a few clinical trials in the recruiting stage are underway that look at various combination therapies that could provide a more comprehensive understanding regarding the efficacy of combination therapy against SARS-CoV-2.
The Effect of Eight Weeks of Endurance Training with Saffron on miR133bFC, miR29aFC in the Hippocampus Tissue and Depression in Rats with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Negarandeh Zahra , Mohamadzadeh Salamat Khalid , Hosseini Seyed Ali
Published: April 2021

Background: Recent studies indicate that deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) expression is associated with neurological and cognitive disorders, but physical activity and medicinal plants have favorable effects on physiological and psychological factors in these patients. Objectives: Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of endurance training (ET) with saffron (S) on miR133bFC, miR29aFC in the hippocampus tissue and depression of rats with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Forty AD rats with the mean age of eight weeks and mean weight of 250 ± 30.65 g were randomly divided into five groups of eight rats including: (1) control (C), (2) ET, (3) ET + S, (4) S, and (5) sham (normal saline) (Sh). During eight weeks, groups 2 and 3 ran on a treadmill for three sessions per week, each session lasting for 15 - 30 minutes, at a speed of 20 - 15 m/min, and groups 3 and 4 received 25 mg/kg daily aqueous extract of S peritoneally. Depression was evaluated by the forced swim test. Results: The levels of miR29aFC were higher in the ET + S group than in the C (P = 0.002), Sh (P = 0.003), ET (P = 0.003), and S (P = 0.001) groups. The levels of miR133bFC in the S (P = 0.02) and ET (P = 0.005) groups were lower than the C group. The mobility time in the ET (P = 0.001), S (P = 0.001), and ET + S (P = 0.001) groups was higher than the C group; in the ET + S group, the mobility time was higher than in the ET (P = 0.001) and S (P = 0.001) groups, and in the S group the mobility time was higher than in the ET group (P = 0.001). Conclusions: It seems that ET and S administration alone do not have favorable effects on miR29aFC and miR133bFC expression levels, but both can decrease depression; however, the simultaneous administration S and ET has interactive effects on improving miR29aFC expression and reducing depression.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Qualitative Immunoglobulin G Assays: The Value of Numeric Reporting
Authors: Forest Stefanie K. , Orner Erika P. , Goldstein D. Yitzchak , Wirchnianski Ariel S. , Bortz Robert H. , Laudermilch Ethan , Florez Catalina , Malonis Ryan J. , Georgiev George I. , Vergnolle Olivia , Lo Yungtai , Campbell Sean T. , Barnhill Jason , Cadoff Evan M. , Lai Jonathan R. , Chandran Kartik , Weiss Louis M. , Fox Amy S. , Prystowsky Michael B. , Wolgast Lucia R.
Published: April 2021

Context.—

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) testing is used for serosurveillance and will be important to evaluate vaccination status. Given the urgency to release coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) serology tests, most manufacturers have developed qualitative tests.

Objective.—

To evaluate clinical performance of 6 different SARS-CoV-2 IgG assays and their quantitative results to better elucidate the clinical role of serology testing in COVID-19.

Design.—

Six SARS-CoV-2 IgG assays were tested using remnant specimens from 190 patients. Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated for each assay with the current manufacturer's cutoff and a lower cutoff. A numeric result analysis and discrepancy analysis were performed.

Results.—

Specificity was higher than 93% for all assays, and sensitivity was higher than 80% for all assays (≥7 days post–polymerase chain reaction testing). Inpatients with more severe disease had higher numeric values compared with health care workers with mild or moderate disease. Several discrepant serology results were those just below the manufacturers' cutoff.

Conclusions.—

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 IgG antibody testing can aid in the diagnosis of COVID-19, especially with negative polymerase chain reaction. Quantitative COVID-19 IgG results are important to better understand the immunologic response and disease course of this novel virus and to assess immunity as part of future vaccination programs.
Editor's Corner
Authors: Sare Laura
Published: April 2021

To make democracy representative, our electoral process contains two related concepts: “electoral equality”—an individual’s vote should count the same as every other individual’s vote, and “representational equality”—elected representatives should represent approximately the same number of people.
Get to Know . . . Laura Baker
Authors: Graewingholt Megan
Published: April 2021

Change, often said, is inevitable, while growth is optional. Originating in Government Documents, Laura Baker, User Experience and Assessment Librarian, has witnessed considerable change in her career and in the library profession. After more than twenty years at Abilene Christian University (ACU) Library, her position has grown to embrace assessment, promote library technology, and support accessibility of government documents through digitization.
Small-Scale Digitization Projects For State and Local Publications
Authors: Lopez Andrew
Published: April 2021

There is no question that libraries of all sizes, no matter how small, have an important role to play in preserving and facilitating the discovery of government publications. This is especially true for documents issued at the state and local level, precisely because they are less-well known nationally and therefore less likely to be included in larger national digitization projects. By focusing on what might as well be called small government publications, little libraries and small selective depository libraries can enter the digitization arena by undertaking small-scale digitization projects that, despite their diminutive scale, can achieve digital preservation successes in the range of minor to major. For inspiration, we should recall the hero of Robert Walser’s now celebrated novel from 1909, Jakob von Gunten, who adopts the motto “To be small and to stay small.”
Overview, analysis and research of the possibilities of application of new technologies in the process of demilitarization of the explosive ordnance
Authors: Đurić Stefan , Nedić Bogdan , Bajić Zoran , Bogdanov Jovica , Živković Bogdan
Published: April 2021

The classic methods of demilitarization of ordnance are high-risk operations, primarily for working personnel and operators, and then for the entire pyrotechnic security system. In addition to the security factors, high level of adverse effects of conventional demilitarization practices emits on the environment. Classical demilitarization procedures greatly limit the disassembly of ordnance due to outdated technology, so a large number of items are removed by the destruction process. The methods of destroying ordnance from the aspect of eco-system protection are completely unacceptable. The development and deployment of new technologies that are widespread in other fields today is an opportunity to solve key problems. In the field of unconventional processing procedures, water jet based technologies, which represent non-thermal methods, do not lead to thermal changes of the material during the process. An important factor in these technologies is that they are, as such, fully developed and known, with all the influencing factors that can be varied. For the application of this technology for the purposes of deliberation, existing systems need to be modified and aligned with the requirements of the deliberation process. Analyzing and reviewing existing research in the world, there is a trend towards the adoption of new and environmentally friendly technologies. With the development of new technologies, the assortment of ordnance has been expanded, reducing the need for destruction of these assets significantly. The main goal of this paper is to look at all influential factors that are critical in the process of disassembly using classical methods. Based on the identified critical factors in the area of classic deliberation processes, it is necessary to consider the possibility of applying new technologies in order to modernize the deliberation process and, above all, to make it safe and environmentally friendly.
Characterizing LTE user equipment emissions under closed-loop power control
Authors: Coder Jason , Sanders Aric , Frey Michael , Wunderlich Adam , Kord Azizollah , Splett Jolene , Koepke Lucas , Kuester Daniel , McGillivray Duncan , Ladbury John
Published: April 2021

This report presents a laboratory-based characterization of Long Term Evolution (LTE) User Equipment (UE) emissions under closed-loop power control, building on our prior work (NIST TN 2069), which assessed the impact of a large number of factors affecting UE emissions. Specifically, this investigation aims to shed light on real-world UE behavior through rigorous measurements of uplink power per physical resource block under a variety of realistic conditions and settings. In addition, this work provides insight into the relationship between the UE-reported uplink power and the actual power radiated by the UE. Although the results presented here pertain to LTE equipment operating in a specific frequency band, LTE Band 66 (1710 MHz - 1780 MHz), the measurement method is presented in enough detail that additional investigations can be performed in other bands of interest. The report concludes with a summary of contributions on a variety of uplink emissions topics of common interest to those developing interference models and coexistence strategies.
(SE) FIGURER1 L’IMAGE DE SOI DE LA BELLE-MÈRE SANS ENFANT DANS UN MODÈLE FAMILIAL RECOMPOSÉ
Authors: Larrue2 Stéphanie , Bellehumeur Christian R.
Published: April 2021

Comment la belle-mère sans enfant arrive-t-elle à se figurer ses images de soi dans le contexte d’une reconfiguration familiale d’une famille dite recomposée? Quelles sont les implications de cette reconfiguration? Cet article propose un tour d’horizon des éléments clés permettant de mieux comprendre la famille recomposée, en mettant l’accent sur le besoin de faire sens du rôle ambigu de cette belle-mère s’assimilant dans une famille ayant déjà des enfants. En guise de cadre conceptuel intégratif, la théorie de l’imaginaire de Gilbert Durand est présentée pour permettre la réconciliation d’univers et de modèles opposés dans la restructuration de l’identité des membres de ces familles.
RESTAURATION COGNITIVE PAR LA NATURE : VERS UNE INTÉGRATION DANS LES MILIEUX PROFESSIONNELS ET SCOLAIRES
Authors: Marois1 Alexandre
Published: April 2021

Plusieurs études montrent que le stress vécu par les travailleurs et étudiants est de plus en plus présent au point de devenir une préoccupation de santé publique. Cette problématique serait notamment causée par l’augmentation des demandes sur le système cognitif. L’exposition à la nature est reconnue pour diminuer les symptômes d’anxiété, mais également pour restaurer les ressources cognitives. Cet article a donc pour objectif de présenter la façon dont le système cognitif peut bénéficier d’une exposition à la nature et de soulever les principales études qui appuient son intégration dans les milieux de travail ou scolaires.
CONVERGENCE ENTRE CLINIQUE ET NEUROSCIENCES CHEZ LE TROUBLE RÉACTIONNEL DE L’ATTACHEMENT : ILLUSTRATIONS CLINIQUES
Authors: Neuville1 Véronique , Terradas Miguel M. , Puentes-Neuman Guadalupe , Guillemette Rosalie , Grenier Claude
Published: April 2021

Cette étude vise à décrire le fonctionnement psychologique de trois enfants portant le diagnostic de trouble réactionnel de l’attachement et tenter un rapprochement entre ce diagnostic, leur fonctionnement et les atteintes neurocognitives pouvant être liées. Les difficultés émotionnelles et comportementales, les représentations d’attachement et les données des dossiers pédopsychiatriques seront examinées, puis des facteurs communs mis en évidence. Une intégration des difficultés de ces enfants, de leurs atteintes neurobiologiques, et des connaissances issues des neurosciences concernant les troubles d’attachement est amorcée. Enfin, les limites de cette étude de cas sont discutées afin de mettre en perspective de futures avenues de recherche.