bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Content Validity and Psychometric Properties of the Nomination Scale for Identifying Football Talent (NSIFT): Application to Coaches, Parents and Players
Authors: Prieto-Ayuso Alejandro , Pastor-Vicedo Juan , Contreras-Jordán Onofre
Published: January 2017

The identification of football talent is a critical issue both for clubs and the families of players. However, despite its importance in a sporting, economic and social sense, there appears to be a lack of instruments that can reliably measure talent performance. The aim of this study was to design and validate the Nomination Scale for Identifying Football Talent (NSIFT), with the aim of optimising the processes for identifying said talent. The scale was first validated through expert judgment, and then statistically, by means of an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal reliability and convergent validity. The results reveal the presence of three factors in the scale’s factor matrix, with these results being confirmed by the CFA. The scale revealed suitable internal reliability and homogeneity indices. Convergent validity showed that it is teammates who are best able to identify football talent, followed by coaches and parents. It can be concluded that the NSIFT is suitable for use in the football world. Future studies should seek to confirm these results in different contexts by means of further CFAs.
Effect of Number of Players and Maturity on Ball-Drills Training Load in Youth Basketball
Authors: Conte Daniele , Favero Terence , Niederhausen Meike , Capranica Laura , Tessitore Antonio
Published: January 2017

This study aimed to assess the basketball ball-drills workload analyzing: (1) the effect of varying the number of players involved on physiological and technical demands; (2) the temporal changes in players’ responses across bouts; and (3) the relationship of players’ workload with their maturation status and training age. Twelve young male basketball players (mean ± SD; age 13.9 ± 0.7 years; height 1.76 ± 0.06 m; body mass 65.7 ± 12.5 kg; HRmax 202 ± 8 beat·min−1) completed three bouts of 4 min interspersed by 2 min of passive recovery of two vs. two and four vs. four ball-drills. The mean percentage of HRmax (%HRmax) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected. Technical actions (TAs) (dribbles, passes, shots, interceptions, steals, rebounds, and turnovers) were calculated through notational analysis. Players’ genitalia development (GD) and pubic hair (PH) growth were assessed using Tanner scale. Results showed a higher %HRmax (p = 0.018), RPE (p = 0.042), dribbles (p = 0.007), shots (p = 0.003), and rebounds (p = 0.006) in two vs. two compared to four vs. four condition. Furthermore, a statistical difference was found for %HRmax (p = 0.005) and number of passes (p = 0.020) between bouts. In addition, no correlation between GD, PH, and training age with %HRmax, RPE, and TAs was found. These findings suggest that variations of the number of players involved affect ball-drills workload and that ball-drills training intensity varies across bouts. Finally, ball-drills elicit an adequate training stimulus, regardless of players’ maturation status and training age.
A Support Vector Machine for Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in Gangwon Province, Korea
Authors: Lee Saro , Hong Soo-Min , Jung Hyung-Sup
Published: January 2017

In this study, the support vector machine (SVM) was applied and validated by using the geographic information system (GIS) in order to map landslide susceptibility. In order to test the usefulness and effectiveness of the SVM, two study areas were carefully selected: the PyeongChang and Inje areas of Gangwon Province, Korea. This is because, not only did many landslides (2098 in PyeongChang and 2580 in Inje) occur in 2006 as a result of heavy rainfall, but the 2018 Winter Olympics will be held in these areas. A variety of spatial data, including landslides, geology, topography, forest, soil, and land cover, were identified and collected in the study areas. Following this, the spatial data were compiled in a GIS-based database through the use of aerial photographs. Using this database, 18 factors relating to topography, geology, soil, forest and land use, were extracted and applied to the SVM. Next, the detected landslide data were randomly divided into two sets; one for training and the other for validation of the model. Furthermore, a SVM, specifically a type of data-mining classification model, was applied by using radial basis function kernels. Finally, the estimated landslide susceptibility maps were validated. In order to validate the maps, sensitivity analyses were carried out through area-under-the-curve analysis. The achieved accuracies from the SVM were approximately 81.36% and 77.49% in the PyeongChang and Inje areas, respectively. Moreover, a sensitivity assessment of the factors was performed. It was found that all of the factors, except for soil topography, soil drainage, soil material, soil texture, timber diameter, timber age, and timber density for the PyeongChang area, and timber diameter, timber age, and timber density for the Inje area, had relatively positive effects on the landslide susceptibility maps. These results indicate that SVMs can be useful and effective for landslide susceptibility analysis.
Perspectives of Sustainable Development of Tourism in the North-East Region of Romania
Authors: Scutariu Adrian-Liviu , Nastase Carmen , Popescu Mihai
Published: January 2017

In this paper we propose to highlight the tourism evolution and its intensity in the North-East region of Romania, compared to two regions with similar touristic potential from the Eastern European Union: Subcarpathia from Poland and Central Slovakia. We analysed if the EU attachment of Romania, Poland, and Slovakia had some effects on tourism development in the three regions mentioned. Issues arising from the analysis of the current situation of tourism will allow us to draw some sustainable development directions of tourism in the North-East region based on conserving and capitalizing the uniqueness of the area. We will consider the experience of the other two regions, trying to adapt them to the situation of the North-East region. Based on the analysis we have made, we consider that other countries can inspire us by authorities’ initiatives in supporting tourism, good human resources training, entrepreneurship stimulation, and assistance in accessing financial resources, including EU ones.
Use and Perception of Podium Gardens in Residential Neighborhoods in Hong Kong
Authors: Lui Lai , Kim Youngchul
Published: January 2017

This paper examines how a residential podium garden design can enhance the use of a garden and the satisfaction of its users. Two public and private housing estates are selected to analyze and compare spatial use and the perception of space in podium gardens for public use. First, this paper explores the relationship between residential satisfaction and the physical conditions of podium gardens in public and private housing estates in Hong Kong. A total of 135 questionnaires are collected from two cohorts for each of these groups. People’s perceptions are compared with the physical conditions of the podium gardens. Second, this paper investigates how visibility and accessibility influence the quality and usability of podium gardens. The sense of community, safety and hygiene, and accessibility are examined and compared between public and private housing estate cohorts. In conclusion, opening a podium garden to public use can promote the degree of tolerance and enhance community cohesion. Regardless of whether a podium garden is open to the public or not, according to the responses, more people using the podium garden can increase its usability. Since public monitoring can enhance safety and hygiene, podium gardens should be highly visible from the surrounding buildings. A well-planned podium design thus can improve the social and physical qualities of living environments.
The Development of Reusable Luggage Tag with the Internet of Things for Mobile Tracking and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Wong Eugene , Wong W.
Published: January 2017

With more than two billion passengers worldwide travelling by air each year, vast amounts of lost luggage and disposable paper adhesive luggage tags are pushing the aviation industry to improve luggage tracking and reduce the one-off adhesive luggage paper tags. This paper reviews the current application of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in the luggage handling system and proposes the Internet of Things’ (IoT) development of the reusable luggage tag to facilitate aviation luggage handling, the tracking process and environmental conservation. A framework of IoT and its RFID components for the proposed reusable tag are presented. An integrated cyber-physical system, including a database management system and mobile app, for the reusable luggage tag is developed. Future studies will enhance the methodology of integrating the retail system, luggage tag, airport check-in counter, luggage handling system, aircraft, and the destination airport through the use of the tag, readers, antenna, and mobile devices.
Mass Releases of Genetically Modified Insects in Area-Wide Pest Control Programs and Their Impact on Organic Farmers
Authors: Reeves R. , Phillipson Martin
Published: January 2017

The mass release of irradiated insects to reduce the size of agricultural pest populations of the same species has a more than 50-year record of success. Using these techniques, insect pests can be suppressed without necessarily dispersing chemical insecticides into the environment. Ongoing release programs include the suppression of medfly at numerous locations around the globe (e.g., California, Chile and Israel) and the pink bollworm eradication program across the southern USA and northern Mexico. These, and other successful area-wide programs, encompass a large number of diverse organic farms without incident. More recently, mass release techniques have been proposed that involve the release of genetically modified insects. Given that the intentional use of genetically modified organisms by farmers will in many jurisdictions preclude organic certification, this prohibits the deliberate use of this technology by organic farmers. However, mass releases of flying insects are not generally conducted by individual farmers but are done on a regional basis, often without the explicit consent of all situated farms (frequently under the auspices of government agencies or growers’ collectives). Consequently, there exists the realistic prospect of organic farms becoming involved in genetically modified insect releases as part of area-wide programs or experiments. Herein, we describe genetically modified insects engineered for mass release and examine their potential impacts on organic farmers, both intended and unintended. This is done both generally and also focusing on a hypothetical organic farm located near an approved experimental release of genetically modified (GM) diamondback moths in New York State (USA).
Expounding the Value of Grain Legumes in the Semi- and Arid Tropics
Authors: Chibarabada Tendai , Modi Albert , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe
Published: January 2017

Approximately 70% of the population in the semi- and arid tropics reside in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Crop production is primarily focused on a few starchy staple crops. While this can ensure adequate calories, it inadvertently neglects the need for dietary diversity. Consequently, food and nutritional insecurity remains prevalent in the semi- and arid tropics. We reviewed the legume value chain with the aim to identify opportunities and challenges to unlocking their value and promoting them in the tropics. Several grain legumes are rich in proteins and micronutrients. They also possess adaptability to marginal environmental conditions such as drought and low input systems which typify rural landscapes. Adaptability to abiotic stresses such as drought makes them key to agriculture in areas that will receive less rainfall in the future. However, this potential was currently not being realized due to a range of challenges. Aspects related to their seed systems, production, post-harvest handling and marketing remain relatively under-researched. This was especially true for minor legumes. There is a need for trans-disciplinary research which will address the entire value chain, as has been done for major starchy crops. This could also unlock significant economic opportunities for marginalized groups such as women. This will unlock their value and allow them to contribute meaningfully to food and nutrition security as well as sustainable and resilient cropping systems.
Residents’ Attitudes towards Sustainable Tourism Development in a Historical-Cultural Village: Influence of Perceived Impacts, Sense of Place and Tourism Development Potential
Authors: Zhu He , Liu Jiaming , Wei Zongcai , Li Weiheng , Wang Lei
Published: January 2017

This study aims to assess the residents’ support for sustainable tourism development in a destination that is in the initial tourism development stage. Residents’ perception of sustainable tourism development potential, sense of place, perceived tourism impacts, and tourism development support were involved in this study. A total of 331 completed questionnaire surveys were collected in Luozhou, a historical-cultural village in China. The empirical data were analyzed using a structural equation modeling (SEM) technique, and the results revealed that perceived collective benefits had a significant positive effect on tourism development support, whereas the other three perceived impacts’ influence were not significant. The relationship between residents’ sense of place and perceived collective and personal benefits, perceived personal costs and tourism development support, were significant. Additionally, residents’ perceptions of tourism development potential had a significant influence on perceived impact and tourism development support except for perceived personal benefits. Some practical implications of those findings for tourism planning and development are also discussed.
Some Computational Aspects of Boron Triangular Nanotubes
Authors: Munir Mobeen , Nazeer Waqas , Rafique Shazia , Nizami Abdul , Kang Shin
Published: January 2017

The recent discovery of boron triangular nanotubes competes with carbon in many respects. The closed form of M‐polynomial of nanotubes produces closed forms of many degree‐based topological indices which are numerical parameters of the structure and, in combination, determine properties of the concerned nanotubes. In this report, we give M‐polynomials of boron triangular nanotubes and recover many important topological degree‐based indices of these nanotubes. We also plot surfaces associated with these nanotubes that show the dependence of each topological index on the parameters of the structure.
Deoxynivalenol (DON) Contamination of Feed and Grinding Fineness: Are There Interactive Implications on Stomach Integrity and Health of Piglets?
Authors: Dänicke Sven , Beineke Andreas , Berk Andreas , Kersten Susanne
Published: January 2017

The common feed contaminant deoxynivalenol (DON) was reported to influence the morphology of the pars nonglandularis (PN) of porcine stomach. Moreover, finely ground feed is known to trigger the development of ulcers and other pathologies of PN while coarsely ground feed protects from such lesions. The interactions between grinding fineness and DON contamination of feed were not examined so far. Therefore, both finely and coarsely ground feeds were tested either in the absence or presence of a DON contaminated wheat on growth performance and health of rearing piglets, including stomach integrity. DON contamination significantly reduced feed intake and serum albumin concentration with this effect being more pronounced after feeding the coarsely ground feed. Albeit at a higher level, albumin concentration was also reduced after feeding the finely ground and uncontaminated feed. Finely ground and DON-contaminated feed caused a significantly more pronounced lymphoplasmacytic infiltration both of PN and pars glandularis, partly paralleled by lymph follicle formation and detritus filled foveolae and tubes suggesting a local immune response probably triggered by epithelial lesions. It is concluded that DON contamination of feed exacerbates the adverse effects of finely ground feed on stomach mucosal integrity.
Degradation of Aflatoxins by Means of Laccases from Trametes versicolor: An In Silico Insight
Authors: Dellafiora Luca , Galaverna Gianni , Reverberi Massimo , Dall’Asta Chiara
Published: January 2017

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi that contaminate food and feed, and are involved in a series of foodborne illnesses and disorders in humans and animals. The mitigation of mycotoxin content via enzymatic degradation is a strategy to ensure safer food and feed, and to address the forthcoming issues in view of the global trade and sustainability. Nevertheless, the search for active enzymes is still challenging and time-consuming. The in silico analysis may strongly support the research by providing the evidence-based hierarchization of enzymes for a rational design of more effective experimental trials. The present work dealt with the degradation of aflatoxin B1 and M1 by laccase enzymes from Trametes versicolor. The enzymes–substrate interaction for various enzyme isoforms was investigated through 3D molecular modeling techniques. Structural differences among the isoforms have been pinpointed, which may cause different patterns of interaction between aflatoxin B1 and M1. The possible formation of different products of degradation can be argued accordingly. Moreover, the laccase gamma isoform was identified as the most suitable for protein engineering aimed at ameliorating the substrate specificity. Overall, 3D modeling proved to be an effective analytical tool to assess the enzyme–substrate interaction and provided a solid foothold for supporting the search of degrading enzyme at the early stage.
Quantum Correlations in de Sitter Space
Authors: Soda Jiro , Kanno Sugumi , Shock Jonathan
Published: January 2017

We study quantum correlation of a massive scalar field in a maximally entangled state in de Sitter space. We prepare two observers, one in a global chart and the other in an open chart of de Sitter space. We find that the state becomes less entangled as the curvature of the open chart gets larger. In particular, for the cases of a massless and a conformally coupled scalar field, the quantum entanglement vanishes in the limit of infinite curvature. However, we find that the quantum discord never disappears, even in the limit that entanglement disappears.
Monitoring of the Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of the Floods in the Guayas Watershed (Ecuadorian Pacific Coast) Using Global Monitoring ENVISAT ASAR Images and Rainfall Data
Authors: Frappart Frédéric , Bourrel Luc , Brodu Nicolas , Riofrío Salazar Ximena , Baup Frédéric , Darrozes José , Pombosa Rodrigo
Published: January 2017

The floods are an annual phenomenon on the Pacific Coast of Ecuador and can become devastating during El Niño years, especially in the Guayas watershed (32,300 km2), the largest drainage basin of the South American western side of the Andes. As limited information on flood extent in this basin is available, this study presents a monitoring of the spatio-temporal dynamics of floods in the Guayas Basin, between 2005 and 2008, using a change detection method applied to ENVISAT ASAR Global Monitoring SAR images acquired at a spatial resolution of 1 km. The method is composed of three steps. First, a supervised classification was performed to identify pixels of open water present in the Guayas Basin. Then, the separability of their radar signature from signatures of other classes was determined during the four dry seasons from 2005 to 2008. In the end, standardized anomalies of backscattering coefficient were computed during the four wet seasons of the study period to detect changes between dry and wet seasons. Different thresholds were tested to identify the flooded areas in the watershed using external information from the Dartmouth Flood Observatory. A value of −2.30 ± 0.05 was found suitable to estimate the number of inundated pixels and limit the number of false detection (below 10%). Using this threshold, monthly maps of inundation were estimated during the wet season (December to May) from 2004 to 2008. The most frequently inundated areas were found to be located along the Babahoyo River, a tributary in the east of the basin. Large interannual variability in the flood extent is observed at the flood peak (from 50 to 580 km2), consistent with the rainfall in the Guayas watershed during the study period.
Socio-Ecological Regionalization of the Urban Sub-Basins in Mexico
Authors: Cervantes-Jiménez Mónica , Mastachi-Loza Carlos , Díaz-Delgado Carlos , Gómez-Albores Miguel Ángel , González-Sosa Enrique
Published: January 2017

Mexico is a diverse country in terms of culture and natural environments. For this reason, the delimitation of homogeneous basins with similar environmental, social, and economic attributes is important in order to facilitate the elaboration of high-impact regional development strategies. However, this represents an ongoing challenge due to the complexity of the interactions that occur within socio-ecological systems at a regional scale. In the present study, the main objective was to identify the interrelationships among different aspects of the socio-ecological system located within basins, with the goal of utilizing this information to promote the region-specific sustainable development of an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). Therefore, in this study, environmental, social, economic, and institutional variables, relevant to water management and with the capacity to be expressed spatially, were utilized to identify regions with similar characteristics and to regionalize the urban sub-basins of Mexico based on a principal component analysis (PCA) and the k-medoids clustering algorithm. The identification of the most adequate number of regions at the national level was determined by the silhouette method. As a result, five distinct regions for Mexico were generated, which forms the first step in the design of integrated water resources management strategies for these regions.
Water Footprints and ‘Pozas’: Conversations about Practices and Knowledges of Water Efficiency
Authors: Domínguez Guzmán Carolina , Verzijl Andres , Zwarteveen Margreet
Published: January 2017

In this article we present two logics of water efficiency: that of the Water Footprint and that of mango smallholder farmers on the desert coast of Peru (in Motupe). We do so in order to explore how both can learn from each other and to discuss what happens when the two logics meet. Rather than treating the Water Footprint as scientific, in the sense that it is separate from traditions or politics, and Motupe poza irrigation as cultural and, therefore, thick with local beliefs and superstitions, we describe both as consisting of intricate entanglements of knowledge and culture. This produces a more or less level playing field for the two water logics to meet and for proponents of each to enter into a conversation with one another; allowing furthermore for the identification of what Water Footprint inventors and promotors can learn from poza irrigators, and vice versa. The article concludes that important water wisdom may get lost when the Water Footprint logic becomes dominant, as is currently about to happen in Peru.
Hydrological Modeling of the Upper Indus Basin: A Case Study from a High-Altitude Glacierized Catchment Hunza
Authors: Garee Khan , Chen Xi , Bao Anming , Wang Yu , Meng Fanhao
Published: January 2017

The Soil andWater Assessment Tool (SWAT) model combined with a temperature index and elevation band algorithm was applied to the Hunza watershed, where snow and glacier-melt are the major contributor to river flow. This study’s uniqueness is its use of a snow melt algorithm (temperature index with elevation bands) combined with the SWAT, applied to evaluate the performance of the SWAT model in the highly snow and glacier covered watershed of the Upper Indus Basin in response to climate change on future streamflow volume at the outlet of the Hunza watershed, and its contribution to the Indus River System in both space and time, despite its limitation; it is not designed to cover the watershed of heterogeneous mountains. The model was calibrated for the years 1998–2004 and validated for the years 2008–2010. The model performance is evaluated using the four recommended statistical coefficients with uncertainty analysis (p-factor and r-factor). Simulations generated good calibration and validation results for the daily flow gauge. The model efficiency was evaluated, and a strong relationship was observed between the simulated and observed flows. The model results give a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.82 and a Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency index (NS) of 0.80 for the daily flow with values of p-factor (79%) and r-factor (76%). The SWAT model was also used to evaluate climate change impact on hydrological regimes, the target watershed with three GCMs (General Circulation Model) of the IPCC fifth report for 2030–2059 and 2070–2099, using 1980–2010 as the control period. Overall, temperature (1.39 C to 6.58 C) and precipitation (31%) indicated increased variability at the end of the century with increasing river flow (5%–10%); in particular, the analysis showed smaller absolute changes in the hydrology of the study area towards the end of the century. The results revealed that the calibrated model was more sensitive towards temperature and precipitation, snow-melt parameters and Curve Number (CN2). The SWAT results also provided reliable information for the daily runoff from the sub-basin watersheds responding to changing climatic conditions. SWAT can thus be used to devise effective strategies for future sustainable water management in the region, while combating vulnerabilities against floods and water storage in downstream water reservoirs such as the Diamer-Basha dam.
Prospects for Improving Gravity-Fed Surface Irrigation Systems in Mediterranean European Contexts
Authors: Masseroni Daniele , Ricart Sandra , De Cartagena Francisco , Monserrat Joaquim , Gonçalves José , De Lima Isabel , Facchi Arianna , Sali Guido , Gandolfi Claudio
Published: January 2017

Traditionally, most irrigation practices in Southern Europe have been based on gravity-fed surface irrigation systems. Currently, these systems remain a relevant typology in the European Union (EU) member states of the Mediterranean areas, where it is often the only sustainable method for farmers due to the small size of agricultural holdings, their reduced capacity and readiness to invest and the low ratio between yield profits and irrigation costs. In the last several years, in response to European and national directives, surface irrigation has garnered increasing attention at the political and bureaucratic levels due to frequent criticisms of its postulated low efficiency and high water wastage. However, these systems commonly provide a number of ecosystem services and nature-based solutions that increase the positive externalities in different rural socio-ecological contexts and often have the potential to extend these services and provide solutions that are compatible with economical sustainability. This study aims to discuss the prospects for new practices and for the rehabilitation and modernization of the gravity-fed surface irrigation systems in EU Mediterranean areas to enhance water efficiency, thus gaining both economic advantages and environmental benefits. The difficulties, stimuli for improvements and peculiarities of the irrigation water management of four rural environments located in Italy, Spain and Portugal were analyzed and compared to the current state of the gravity-fed surface irrigation systems with hypothetical future improvements achievable by innovative technologies and practices. In these different case studies, the current gravity-fed surface irrigation systems have an obsolete regulatory structure; water-use efficiency is not a driving criterion for the management of the conveyance and distribution canal network, and farmers are not yet adequately encouraged to adopt more efficient gravity-fed irrigation practices. A continuous knowledge exchange is thus necessary for the interaction of all irrigation water managers and farmers to improve their eco-efficiency and to preserve and promote their cultural heritage across the entire water supply and delivery chains. We argue that the best way forward will require precisely targeted rehabilitation measures of gravity-fed surface irrigation systems based on the integrated use of decision support services, gate automation, remote and feedback controls and real-time flow optimization.
Streptavidin-coated gold nanoparticles: critical role of oligonucleotides on stability and fractal aggregation
Authors: D'Agata Roberta , Palladino Pasquale , Spoto Giuseppe
Published: January 2017

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibit unique properties that can be modulated through a tailored surface functionalization, enabling their targeted use in biochemical sensing and medical diagnostics. In particular, streptavidin-modified AuNPs are increasingly used for biosensing purposes. We report here a study of AuNPs surface-functionalized with streptavidin-biotinylated oligonucleotide, focussing on the role played by the oligonucleotide probes in the stabilization/destabilization of the functionalized nanoparticle dispersion. The behaviour of the modified AuNP dispersion as a consequence of the competitive displacement of the biotinylated oligonucleotide has been investigated and the critical role of displaced oligonucletides in triggering the quasi one-dimensional aggregation of nanoparticles is demonstrated for the first time. The thorough understanding of the fundamental properties of bioconjugated AuNPs is of great importance for the design of highly sensitive and reliable functionalized AuNP-based assays.
Supramolecular frameworks based on [60]fullerene hexakisadducts
Authors: Kraft Andreas , Stangl Johannes , Krause Ana-Maria , Müller-Buschbaum Klaus , Beuerle Florian
Published: January 2017

[60]Fullerene hexakisadducts possessing 12 carboxylic acid side chains form crystalline hydrogen-bonding frameworks in the solid state. Depending on the length of the linker between the reactive sites and the malonate units, the distance of the [60]fullerene nodes and thereby the spacing of the frameworks can be controlled and for the most elongated derivative, continuous channels are obtained within the structure. Stability, structural integrity and porosity of the material were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry and sorption measurements.
Development of an in vitro immunobiotic evaluation system against rotavirus infection in bovine intestinal epitheliocytes
Authors: Kobayashi H. , Kanmani P. , Ishizuka T. , Miyazaki A. , Soma J. , Albarracin L. , Suda Y. , Nochi T. , Aso H. , Iwabuchi N. , Xiao J.-Z. , Saito T. , Villena J. , Kitazawa H.
Published: January 2017

The bovine intestinal epithelial cell line (BIE cells) expresses the Toll-like receptor (TLR)3 and is able to mount an antiviral immune response after the stimulation with poly(I:C). In the present study, we aimed to further characterise the antiviral defence mechanisms in BIE cells by evaluating the innate immune response triggered by rotavirus (RV) infection. In addition, we attempted to determine whether immunobiotic bifidobacteria are able to confer protection of BIE cells against RV infection by beneficially modulating the antiviral immune response. RV OSU (porcine) and UK (bovine) effectively infected BIE cells, while a significant lower capacity to infect BIE cells was observed for human (Wa) and murine (EW) RV. We observed that viral infection in BIE cells triggered TLR3/RIG-I-mediated immune responses with activation of IRF3 and TRAF3, induction of interferon beta (IFN-β) and up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines. Our results also demonstrated that preventive treatments with Bifidobacterium infantis MCC12 or Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 significantly reduced RV titres in infected BIE cells and differentially modulated the innate immune response. Of note, both strains significantly improved the production of the antiviral factor IFN-β in RV-infected BIE cells. In conclusion, this work provides comprehensive information on the antiviral immune response of BIE cells against RV, that can be further studied for the development of strategies aimed to improve antiviral defences in bovine intestinal epithelial cells. Our results also demonstrate that BIE cells could be used as a newly immunobiotic evaluation system against RV infection for application in the bovine host.
A new species of the genus Stenodyneriellus from Sulawesi (Indonesia) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae, Eumeninae)
Authors: Selis Marco
Published: January 2017

Stenodyneriellus rufoflavus sp. n., a new species of the genus Stenodyneriellus Giordani Soika, 1962 from Sulawesi, is described. An updating of Giordani Soika’s key to Oriental Stenodyneriellus species is provided.
Flightless Disphaerona rediscovered in China: mtDNA phylogeography of the Yunnan clade and the sobering state of fungus weevil phylogenetics (Coleoptera: Anthribidae)
Authors: Grebennikov Vasily V.
Published: January 2017

This paper reports discovery of the genus Disphaerona Jordan, 1902 in two widely separated regions in China: in three isolated highlands in Yunnan (the Cang Shan Range, Mt. Jizu and Mt. Haba) and in the Dabie Mountains of Hubei, at the border with Anhui. Till present the genus was known from China only from four specimens of D. chinensis (including its holotype) described from Sichuan in 1995. Sixteen specimens from each of the three newly detected localities in Yunnan were DNA barcoded and the data were made publicly available at dx.doi.org/10.5883/DS-DISPHAE. Temporal phylogenetic analysis revealed a topology suggesting monophyly and recent (0.2–0.4 Ma) origin of the populations on both Mt. Jizu and Mt. Haba. The population on the Cang Shan Range harbours representatives of both clades forming the ingroup, mtDNA of which diverged some 7.9 Ma. The habitus of the holotype of the only nominative Chinese Disphaerona species, D. chinensis, is illustrated, together with habitus and male and female genitalia of specimens newly discovered in both Yunnan and Hubei. All specimens of Disphaerona from Yunnan are seemingly conspecific and are taxonomically assigned to D. chinensis. Two similar males and one sympatric but dissimilar, smaller female from the Dabie Mountains do not have associated DNA barcode data. It remains unknown whether the three Dabie Mountains specimens are conspecific or even congeneric; pending this uncertainty they are tentatively treated as Disphaerona without a Linnaean name. Disphaerona population in the Dabie Mountains, if indeed a member of this hypothesised clade, forms the easternmost record of the genus. Monophyly and sister group of Disphaerona are briefly discussed and both are shown as unknown and unverifiable. A brief overview of the state of phylogenetic knowledge of Anthribidae is given, which is practically non-existing and with neither the family, nor any of its tribes and the vast majority of genera tested as monophyletic.
Observations on the predatory potential of Lutzia fuscana on Aedes aegypti larvae: implications for biological control (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Pramanik Soujita , Banerjee Sampa , Banerjee Soumyajit , Saha Goutam K. , Aditya Gautam
Published: January 2017

Among the natural predators, larval stages of the mosquito Lutzia fuscana (Wiedemann, 1820) (Diptera: Culicidae) bear potential as a biological control agent of mosquitoes. An estimation of the predatory potential of the larva of L. fuscana against the larva of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) (Diptera: Culicidae) was made to highlight its use in vector management. Laboratory experiments revealed that the larva of L. fuscana consumes 19 to 24 A. aegypti larvae per day, during its tenure as IV instar larva. The consumption of A. aegypti larvae was proportionate to the body length (BL) and body weight (BW) of the predatory larva L. fuscana as depicted through the logistic regressions: y = 1 / (1 + exp(-(-2.09 + 0.35*BL))) and y = 1 / (1 + exp(-(0.4+ 0.06*BW))). While the prey consumption remained comparable among the days, the net weight gained by the L. fuscana larva showed a decreasing trend with the age. On the basis of the results, it is apparent that the larva of the mosquito L. fuscana can be used in the regulation of the mosquito A. aegypti through augmentative release, particularly, in the smaller mosquito larval habitats.
Revision of Diphaulacosoma Jacoby, an endemic flea beetle genus from Madagascar, with description of three new species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini)
Authors: Biondi Maurizio , D'Alessandro Paola
Published: January 2017

A taxonomic revision of the flea beetle genus Diphaulacosoma Jacoby, endemic to Madagascar, is provided. This genus includes seven species of which three are new to science: D. elegans sp. n., D. jenisi sp. n., and D. nigroscutis sp. n. An updated catalogue including new material, new faunistic records, distributions, chorotypes, and ecological notes is supplied. Lectotypes for Diphaulacosoma laevipenne Jacoby, D. bicolor (Weise) and D. scutellare (Weise) are designated. Additionally, the revision comprises a key for the identification of all seven species considered, habitus photos, and microscope and scanning electron micrographs of diagnostic characters, including aedeagus and spermatheca.
A review of geographical distribution of the stag beetles in Mediterranean countries (Coleoptera: Lucanidae)
Authors: Bartolozzi Luca , Norbiato Margherita , Cianferoni Fabio
Published: January 2017

A list of recent records of stag beetles (Coleoptera Lucanidae) species occurring in Mediterranean countries is given to improve the current knowledge on their geographic distribution. The saproxylic larvae of the stag beetles are very important for forest ecosystems, and some lucanid species are included in the IUCN Red List and in several national protection lists. However, the knowledge on their distribution is rather heterogeneous for several countries and taxa because the distribution records are scattered in poorly known papers or hidden in Museum or private collections. This paper is an attempt to better understanding the distribution of the stag beetle species across the Mediterranean region, to facilitate research and conservation efforts.
High-output suspended mega-sifter for sampling forest litter mesofauna
Authors: Grebennikov Vasily V.
Published: January 2017

A novel mega-sifter suspended from trees and designed to quickly process large amount of forest leaf litter in search of mesofana is illustrated and discussed.
Sitarobrachys thoracica (Kraatz, 1862): new genus and species for the blister beetle fauna of Turkey (Coleoptera: Meloidae)
Authors: Bologna Marco A.
Published: January 2017

Sitarobrachys thoracica, belonging to a monotypic Mediterranean-Macaronesian genus of Meloidae Nemognathinae, is recorded for the first time from southern Turkey. The genus results widely distributed around the Mediterranean Basin and in the eastern Canary Islands.
Italian account for Stephanopachys linearis (Kugelann, 1792), a species listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)
Authors: Nardi Gianluca , Audisio Paolo
Published: January 2017

Three old specimens of Stephanopachys linearis (Kugelann, 1792) from NE Italy, Udine Province (Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region) are recorded. This is the first certain record of this species for Italy since the only previous records, from South Tyrol, were doubtful. This new record is of high conservation value, since this species is protected by the Habitats Directive in the European Union. Distributional and biological data on S. linearis are summarized and it is documented that the previous, doubtful literature records from South Tyrol are erroneous.
Surgery for early stage endometrial carcinoma in the obese patient
Authors: Leblanc E. , Narducci F. , Bresson L. , Hudry N. , Sekhon R.
Published: January 2017

Obese patients have increased risk of developing endometrial cancer proportional to the excess in body mass index. In this review, we explored the latest information on surgical management and its adaptation to the obese condition. Mini-invasive treatments (laparoscopic, robotic, vaginal, or combinations) should be systematically considered. Prevention and active treatment of obesity seem an interesting approach to reduce incidence and severity of the disease.
Rationale, indications, techniques and applications of interstitial brachytherapy for carcinoma cervix
Authors: Bansal Indu , Panda Debashis , Rathi Arun , Anand Anil , Bansal Anil
Published: January 2017

With evolution of different newer radiotherapy techniques, still the role of brachytherapy in different gynecological malignancies has not sublimed. Most commonly used form of brachytherapy in carcinoma cervix patients is intracavitary brachytherapy. However, all the patients do not qualify for the treatment with intracavitary brachytherapy due to certain clinicopathological conditions. This warrants use of interstitial brachytherapy technique for treatment. For getting good results from interstitial brachytherapy, a good expertise and a proper infrastructure are needed. For perineal interstitial brachytherapy, different templates have been designed, used, and published by authors in different literature over the period. Among all these different templates, Martinez Universal Perineal Interstitial Template (MUPIT) has been used in gynecological, urological, and anorectal malignancies. In this literature review, we have discussed mainly MUPIT.
Keratinising Squamous cell carcinoma-A rarity
Authors: Mohammad Akheel , Wadhwania Ashmi
Published: January 2017

Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) is still a dilemma in the field of medical science because of its biological behavior and transformation of this benign odontogenic tumor to a carcinomatous type, which is called as odontogenic carcinoma. We are presenting here a case of squamous cell carcinoma occurring in recurrent KCOT of temporal region. The rarity of this article is the location of the lesion which is rarest at temporal region. Malignant transformation of these KCOT’s has been reported only in 15 cases in literature, the majority occurring in jaws but no case reported for lesion of temporal region. The pathogenesis of the tumor, the biologic progression, overall clinical, and histopathological features of this rare malignancy, and its management is reported and discussed.
Cytomorphological features of oncocytic variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymphocytic thyroiditis
Authors: Patnaik Nivedita , Diwaker Preeti , Varughese Alphy Sara , Arora Vinod K , Singh Bharat
Published: January 2017

Cytological diagnosis of hurthle cell lesions of thyroid is a diagnostic dilemma. Presence of hurthle cells on fine needle aspiration (FNA) leads to a wide range of differential diagnosis including benign and malignant entities. The oncocytic variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is one entity of the vast list of differentials of which very few cases have been reported to date. We report a case of oncocytic variant of PTC in a 28-year-old female diagnosed on cytomorphology. The findings of FNA smears of the first aspirate were not sufficient for a definitive diagnosis. Repeat FNA was done to rule out the possibility of autoimmune thyroiditis/thyroid neoplasm. The repeat FNA smears showed oncocytic cells present in papillary and loosely cohesive clusters. Many of the cells displayed nuclear features of PTC and the case was finally diagnosed as PTC; oncocytic variant. Thyroidectomy specimen revealed PTC; oncocytic variant with lymphocytic thyroiditis in the surrounding tissue. Thus, in cytology practice, concurrent autoimmune thyroiditis may pose a problem in diagnosis of PTC; oncocytic variant.
Reduction to Dimension Two of the Local Spectrum for anAHAlgebra with the Ideal Property
Authors: Jiang Chunlan
Published: January 2017

AC*-algebra Ahas the ideal property if any ideal I of Ais generated as a closed two-sided ideal by the projections inside the ideal. Suppose that the limitC*-algebraAof inductive limit of direct sums of matrix algebras over spaces with uniformly bounded dimension has the ideal property. In this paper we will prove thatAcan be written as an inductive limit of certain very special subhomogeneous algebras, namely, direct sum of dimension-drop interval algebras and matrix algebras over 2-dimensional spaces with torsionH2groups.
A missing source of aerosols in Antarctica – beyond long-range transport, phytoplankton, and photochemistry
Authors: Giordano Michael R. , Kalnajs Lars E. , Avery Anita , Goetz J. Douglas , Davis Sean M. , DeCarlo Peter F.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Understanding the sources and evolution of aerosols is crucial for constraining the impacts that aerosols have on a global scale. An unanswered question in atmospheric science is the source and evolution of the Antarctic aerosol population. Previous work over the continent has primarily utilized low temporal resolution aerosol filters to answer questions about the chemical composition of Antarctic aerosols. Bulk aerosol sampling has been useful in identifying seasonal cycles in the aerosol populations, especially in populations that have been attributed to Southern Ocean phytoplankton emissions. However, real-time, high-resolution chemical composition data are necessary to identify the mechanisms and exact timing of changes in the Antarctic aerosol. The recent 2ODIAC (2-Season Ozone Depletion and Interaction with Aerosols Campaign) field campaign saw the first ever deployment of a real-time, high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometer (SP-AMS – soot particle aerosol mass spectrometer – or AMS) to the continent. Data obtained from the AMS, and a suite of other aerosol, gas-phase, and meteorological instruments, are presented here. In particular, this paper focuses on the aerosol population over coastal Antarctica and the evolution of that population in austral spring. Results indicate that there exists a sulfate mode in Antarctica that is externally mixed with a mass mode vacuum aerodynamic diameter of 250 nm. Springtime increases in sulfate aerosol are observed and attributed to biogenic sources, in agreement with previous research identifying phytoplankton activity as the source of the aerosol. Furthermore, the total Antarctic aerosol population is shown to undergo three distinct phases during the winter to summer transition. The first phase is dominated by highly aged sulfate particles comprising the majority of the aerosol mass at low wind speed. The second phase, previously unidentified, is the generation of a sub-250 nm aerosol population of unknown composition. The second phase appears as a transitional phase during the extended polar sunrise. The third phase is marked by an increased importance of biogenically derived sulfate to the total aerosol population (photolysis of dimethyl sulfate and methanesulfonic acid (DMS and MSA)). The increased importance of MSA is identified both through the direct, real-time measurement of aerosol MSA and through the use of positive matrix factorization on the sulfur-containing ions in the high-resolution mass-spectral data. Given the importance of sub-250 nm particles, the aforementioned second phase suggests that early austral spring is the season where new particle formation mechanisms are likely to have the largest contribution to the aerosol population in Antarctica.